Latest on Andrew Ladd, Loui Eriksson and Jared Cowen, plus another look at possible Maple Leafs trade candidates in your NHL rumor mill.
Jets to part ways with Andrew Ladd?
Growing speculation suggests Jets winger Andrew Ladd could be shopped before the trade deadline.
SPORTSNET: Rory Boylen says recent reports claiming the Winnipeg Jets could put their focus on re-signing defenseman Dustin Byfuglien casts into doubt the long-term future of left wing and team captain Andrew Ladd’s future. Trade speculation began swirling yesterday when a report emerged claiming contract talks between Ladd and the Jets had broken off.
TSN.CA: Gary Lawless believes it’s time for the Jets to part ways with Ladd, suggesting the distraction over the latter’s contract status is contributing to the club’s malaise. Lawless believes the Jets have chosen Byfuglien over Ladd and it’s time to trade the veteran winger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Jets should part ways with both players, as the club hasn’t made any significant improvement under their leadership. However, if they’re going to pick one over the other, it’s a mistake to retain Byfuglien and dump Ladd. Byfuglien is turning 31 ,frequently injured and is seeking considerably more money. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Bruins appear likely to trade Loui Eriksson.
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty believes Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney is very hesitant to re-sign right wing Loui Eriksson to a five- or six-year deal worth $6 million annually, which Eriksson will easily get via free agency. Haggerty also notes Eriksson’s agent is J.P. Barry, pointing out that Sweeney recently traded away two Barry clients in Carl Soderberg and Dougie Hamilton. He feels Sweeney will do the same with Eriksson if he’s unsigned before the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
While Eriksson could fetch a first-round pick and a prospect as a rental player, Haggety believes the Bruins will seek a more substantial return to help them right now. Citing the Bruins need for blueline depth, Haggerty speculates they could be interested in Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella or Matthew Dumba, Anaheim’s Sami Vatanen, Winnipeg’s Jacob Trouba, He wonders if those clubs would be interested in a package of Eriksson, a first-round pick and goalie prospect Malcolm Subban.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Ducks and Jets have sufficient goalie depth so I doubt they’ll have interest in Subban, and the Jets won’t pursue Eriksson unless he’s guaranteed to re-sign with them. The Ducks and Wild have plenty of blueline depth and need a scoring forward, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they had interest in Eriksson.
Latest Maple Leafs speculation.
THE GLOBE & MAIL: James Mirtle weighed in with his take in everyone’s favorite guessing in Toronto: “Which players will the Leafs shop at the trade deadline?” Among the usual trade candidates like Roman Polak and Shawn Matthias, Mirtle claims players with term on the contract like forward Daniel Winnik and goalie Jonathan Bernier are also available. Mirtle also touches on the reasons why it’s difficult to swing a trade right now, including the high number of playoff contenders and teams with limited salary-cap space. He also suggests the Leafs will be working on moving players in the shadow of some bigger deals that could happen including notables like Eric Staal, perhaps Steven Stamkos, Andrew Ladd and others.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs have several pending UFAs on affordable contracts who will attract interest among playoff contenders seeking short-term depth. Moving out players with term who’ve had bad seasons, like Winnik and Bernier, is a tough sell at this time of year. There will be more interest in a guy like Leo Komarov, but he’s the type of player the Leafs probably prefer to retain.
Update on Jared Cowen.
TSN: Frank Seravalli suggests a buyout cap credit could actually enhance the trade value of struggling Ottawa Senators blueliner Jared Cowen, who’s under contract through next season at a cap hit of $3.1 million, though he’s slated to earn $4.5 million in actual salary. “If Cowen is bought out of the final year of his deal in June, the net result will be a rare $650,000 salary-cap credit for next season, which could help a team cover potential overage penalties paid out from this season,” writes Seravalli. For teams that face carrying an overage into next season, this could help them get back on the happy side of the ledger.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s an intriguing suggestion by Seravalli, but will one of those NHL clubs facing a potential overage next season actually consider it? The Senators are interested in moving Cowen, but as Seravalli notes, they’re not about to just give him away.
Heres the thing with Komorov, if he doesent have a year like he has does anyone say the Leafs should keep him? Lets do a role reversal here Dan Winnik could move him but difficult because he doesnt produce. Leo komorov should keep him, They are exactly the same type of guy 3rd line penalty killer, thats good in the room, may aswell move Komorov and get something for him at a high point and keep Winnik for vet presence. I think people lose sight of what Komorov is because he is loveable uncle Leo, and I am not sure if he wasnt putting up unsustainable career type numbers there would be any of the we should keep Komorov talk, very similar to you dont hear any hesitation in the idea of moving Winnik, or Polak. A bottom 5 team thst has repeatedly said rebuilding should have very few “should keep
him” type guys and 3rd or 4th line penalty killers should be about the last of em.
Agree.
When a guy is producing everyone jumps on the band wagon of oh he’s so good his contrac is reasonable let’s keep him.
Fact is komarov is producing above a sustainable pace. He is a third line player not a first line guy like the minutes he is getting. If you can get something for him you do it. For the first time in a couple years I have faith in this leaf management group that they see this thought process and will stick with building with picks and prospects.
Komarov might be a late bloomer or someone who thrives where he is one of the go to guys. Unless the return is substantial there is no need to move him.
Other teams might not view him too high but the Leafs should.
He is not a late bloomer come on now…he is scoring goals nearly 1 in every 5 shots he takes. Normally shoots between 7 and 9% shooting almost 20% I like him too but playing all those minutes getting bounces like that. Is clouding rationale. Again an example would Winnik last year when it was the same debate great room guy need leaders this and that.now this year no one bats an eye when
he is mentioned and the story is he might not be easy to move. The league has many third line guys that kill penalties that are good team guys and with the cap being close to stagnant a guy like Komorov will easily replaced. If someone wants to over pay for a thirdline guy with what the Leafs would be looking for let it be their mistake.
I agree to some extent. It’s obvious he is a Babcock favorite. Abdelkader in Detroit was as well. Players of average abilities who work their asses off & at least strive to do all the little things even if their abilities may not warrant their opportunities.
Komorov is older, he turned 29 in January but by NHL experience he is very young. He only has 150 games of NHL experience. The break thru point for forwards of his size is 200 NHL games!
I don’t think his shooting % is sustainable but if he continues to receive 1st line ice time & 2nd unit power play time it’s obvious he can produce.
I say keep him & as the kids come he gets worked down the line up. If the kids arrive fast enough then you look at moving him next season potentially depending upon his salary demands.
Toronto has enough other players that are UFA’s next year or the year following & are sitting on a ton of picks now. No need to move Komorov at this time unless the offer is to good to refuse.
For those of us who know what Komarov brings to a team and were excited when he resigned with the Leafs, even at $2.9 x 4 (yes we were a persecuted minority) comparing him to Winnik is ridiculous. As the Russian and European kids begin to filter up to the Leafs, his importance will continue to grow. Look at all Babcocks teams, they all have a Komarov type player leading the way on the ice and in the room.
Unless another team is willing to grossly overpay, I doubt the Leafs trade him.
I get you Shticky. After all isn’t what is happening to Leo exactly what the leafs would want to happen to everyone of their players. His value has increased this year. Is it sustainable? That is the question. The leafs are building through the draft so sell your guys who have value and build.
Yet if he is a Babcock favorite it may be wise not to part with him as he is a great player to help introduce the drafted guys to Babcock’s ways.
I do agree his production is likely not sustainable. Heck his position in the line up will reduce once better players are acquired.
i seen komorav 1st game as a leaf and I said keep him &trade everyone else.
i still hold firm on that belief
i said the same thing kinda about reimer , not bad goalie this year or overall
ask yourself this. Points or no points, have you ever heard anyone say anything bad about leo ever
he should be captain and life time leaf, even with 0 goals
Right or wrong, history has proven that Cheveldayoff does not like to trade NHL players out of Winnipeg. He shuffled his feet for 3 years until there was a crescendo of a shit storm that forced him to move Kane (w/Bogosian). Other than that, Oduya was a UFA and shipped out. However this is different because Ladd and Byfuglien have been part of his core for 4 years. So yes, it will be interested to see what happens here. Either way, Winnipeg doesn’t have much of a chance of competing for a cup ever in my mind. With their location and budget how can you?
Jeff Marek on PTS yesterday made a very sound case for the leafs to sign Stamkos if he becomes a UFA. The need to have veteran leadership in his prime to nurture the young talent. He cites the lack of leadership with the OIlers young team. THe oilers tries to fill the gap with washed out ryan Smyth and Ferrance, and their impact was non existent
They’d be crazy to not want to sign him. Everyone thinks you have to fail to win, that’s not true. You have to draft well to win. Otherwise Detroit would not have made the playoffs 24 years in a row. I also don’t believe his cap hit would be that big an issue. The cap will be a struggle no matter what you do. As for him getting too old to contribute, nonsense. He’ll have plenty of value in 5 years. Also, no move clauses are worked around almost every year. Doesn’t matter though, he’s staying in Tampa!
If you look into championship teams, it’s a sort of a combination of trades, draft, development and luck. It’s a sort of the perfect storm of it all coming together.
I think when Stamkos to the leafs is concerned it all depends if Stamkos wants to go their. Would he prefer a team more poised to win the cup now than a rebuilding one that can park a truck full of money in his yard? AFter all the team closer to winning will park a similar truck, only a slightly smaller.
Yeah. Unless Stamkos wants over $10M AAV I think Leafs should go for him if available. A guy like that doesn’t get available that often. He’s not detrimental to their current plan if they stay consistent building the thing up. Leafs could use what he brings in all aspects.
Compared to what he’ll have to fork over in taxes after Wynne gets through with him – not to mention Trudeau who’s determined to tax the living hell out of the “Top 1 %” income earners, and add in municipal taxes – one of the highest in the country for the GTA, and the difference between $8.5 in Tampa and $10.5 in TO won’t be all that much.
But it’s all worth it to play for the Leafs isn’t it ?
Insta buying a Stamkos jersey when that happens. Imagine what Stammer makes off sponsorship when he moves to Toronto.
Not sure why that gets overlooked, no body is making an offer to him richer than the CITY of Toronto
IF stammer leaves he will get the money regardless of where he ends up! it wont come down to money he will go to the best chance for a cup cant see him coming to Toronto only because who knows if marner nylander and the others turn into what everyone thinks
think you missed my point. He will probably make 10x the sponsorship money he makes if he signs in Toronto. None of that is gonna come from the Leafs or count to the cap.
Thats just financial
Every kid is gonna wear his jersey and that too if instant gratification.
I’m sure he aspires to win a cup but he may also aspire to inspire millions of kids in his hometown.
Since all of that is speculation and we talk only money, he’ll make more in Toronto (from a collection of different sources) than anywhere else
Taz. Shticky & I have been debating that very issue for months. I travel extensively. I work in the petroleum industry in a consulting capacity & I spend a ton of time in airports, taxi’s, executive car services travelling all over North America & Stamkos is every where. Bus stops, taxi’s, billboards, TV & radio all over North America. I see him more than any other hockey personality which I find odd. Not sure how much more money would be available in Toronto. Playing in Canada as opposed to the US would greatly reduce his US sponsorship which is vast.
I’ve worked hard to find data about sponsorship monies for sports personalities & there is little reputable or verifiable data available.
Sidney Crosby
Total income: $12.7 million
Average salary: $8.7 million
Endorsements: $4 million (Tim Hortons, Reebok, Gatorade)
2. Alex Ovechkin
Total income: $12 million
Average salary: $9.5 million
Endorsements: $2.5 million (Nike, Gatorade, Bauer)
3. Evgeni Malkin
Total income: $9.1 million
Average salary: $8.7 million
Endorsements: $400,000
4. Eric Staal
Total income: $8.5 million
Average salary: $8.25 million
Endorsements: $250,000
5. Steven Stamkos
Total income: $8.3 million
Average salary: $7.5 million
Endorsements: $800,000 (Nike, Bauer, Tissot watches, EA Sports NHL 12)
This is a
List prior to the spots drink…Stamkos isnt rolling in vash from endorsement deals according to Forbes
Nice work Schticky. I can’t find Stamkos any where. Only the top 10.
That shocks me as I see his mug more than any other hockey star.
Nice work.
That number (750k) goes way way up if he signs in Toronto. Not saying that he will just that its ludicrous to think it wouldnt with Bell Rogers and a number of others that would jump on that gravy train.
Agreed. The # seems shockingly low but if Forbes is accurate on the others & I can only find the top 10 income earners of which Stamkos isn’t currently 1 it helps to set a scale. As endorsement revenue is shown for them, it seems logical.
You are correct & as much as I hate it I am wrong. Ha-ha! I would have assumed he was making 2.5 plus.
Stammer also has powerade I think. Not sure TV commercial.
Sorry missed the last comment. Good work Shticky.
Too much made of the Tax thing, 1 not sure but I believe bonus money is taced at a lower rate so depending on contract structure the % difference isn as great as some let on and 2 I cant see any agent ever agreeing to take less money on the basis of 1 states tax laws, think about it for a second, what if down the road for whstever reason Stamkps didnt want to be a Bolt anymore? Wouldnt be the first guy with a ntc to request a trade. Not sure starting a negotiation at 8.5 Yzerman is willing to give up a Max contract, someone else probably will so looking at the differences in tax might not be as important as some think.
The only thing taxed at a lower rate in Canada is dividend revenue, not bonus monies. Bonus monies are taxed as income.
I fully agree with you on the tax issue. The benefit of tax savings in any market is to the benefit of the player & although it may come up in discussions & help close a deal the player is still getting market value for the very reason you state. He could be playing anywhere down the road & if it’s Canada the taxes are going to be significantly higher even more so if you end up in Montreal or Quebec city should it get an expansion franchise.
Bingo!
If you throw on an extra 3 4 million nucks in endorsements on a max contract amd if Yzerman isnt willing to give him 10 mill (which kinfa looks like a cut off line when you start negotiation at 8.5) the state tax rate wont matter is all I am saying
From what I remember of the tax thing in Canada – to avoid income tax rate, you’d have to defer money to a fund, to pay significantly less tax percentage and collect after the career is over. In the US you could tax plan the payouts to be part salary income, part bonus payment. No contract gets ok’d by the NHL that has more than 1/3 of the full contract in bonus payments. That’s about the extent you can tax plan. Everybody pays income tax between 40-50%. The span is not very wide. So, since you can’t save much, there’s no ceiling for adding revenue. Business opportunities in a city like Toronto could be a factor that could sway Stamkos over.
he is gonna make a lot of money no matter where he goes its just gonna depend on if he wants to win a cup lets face it we are probably 4 or 5 yrs from contending if the rebuild actually goes the right way!
Shticky-let me guess you are not an Accountant LOL-but give you credit you do know your hockey facts….although sometimes your opinions are debatable LOL
Stamkos – we cannot forget that Stamkos was ineffective during the playoffs last season, while other players took over the limelight. Stammer has been forced to wing at time – bad management decision, or the correct assessment that he can be more effective on the wing?
You don’t pay $10M/year for a winger; that kinda dough better get you a bonafide #1 center. If the Leafs are gonna give him $80M – and that much of their cap, then they better be sure he can perform at a very high level as their top pivot.
Stamkos is a good player. He has put up good regular season scoring numbers. He works hard at being a complete player. He wears the C and works hard at that. He says all the right things in public. He put in a heroic effort recovering from an awful injury. As a Lightning season ticket holder, I have enjoyed watching him play. I would love to have him stay. But he is not the best player in the game — probably in the second five of the top ten. He is one of the top three scorers, with the caveat that he is not great at getting his own shot and does better with linemates who can get him the puck. He has a good shot off the rush, and I believe the experiment at wing is to reduce his responsibility defensively and free him a little more for offence. Lately he has been playing on the PK; quick, good stick, and a shorthanded threat. 8.5 was an opening — 9.5 probably the max the Bolts can pay. Its barely possible to see signing the triplets, Hedman, and a A grade goalie and still filling out the roster — IF the pipline can provide three or four functional players still on their entry contracts. A team paying north of ten for Stamkos is getting an elite scorer and a good citizen who will be a fan favorite, but he’s not my key to a cup.
The simple fact is he can go anywhere he wants: complete no-movement and free agency. Does he want maximum money? To Play at “Home”? To win a cup? To stay in a comfortable environment. He doesn’t love his life in the papers (a benefit of Tampa) so we’ll find out when he decides.
Its not inconceivable that he will wait out the season, which would be his choice. He is unlikely to go anywhere this year with a better shot than the Lightning unless you think he’ll join Vinnie as a rental for the Kings.
If he drives the playoff run, however long it lasts, he is in a different position that if last years effort is repeated. It’s even possible that he himself doesn’t know exactly who he is — to my eye, with limitations on faceoffs and defence he is more an elite wing than an elite center.
I would point out that the Lightning offer was an opening, not an ultimatum.
I work in venture management different types of properties mostly for invesment opertunities its not the NHL so I cant say for sure but from some experience in negotiations when an opening bid is around 8.5 mill the final bid is not going to over 10 in most cases. Think of buying a house, seller wants 1.5 mill and the offer is 850k what do you think the chances are of the buyer coming up to the asking price are? Not saying Stamk8s is worth it or isnt but chances of the bid going up another 15-20% isnt likely i think Yzerman has no interest in paying Stamkos 10 million bucks.
Nice post – he also gets some nice tax breaks in FLA
what young talent?
KeoKoek, DeAngelis, Braydon Pointe, Gudlkevskis Backup G, Gusev (currently KHL)
Well maybe the Bruins can package Eriksson, Prospect (such as Koko, or another forward) and a 1st round pick in this years draft for one of those players mentioned by Haggerty. Dumba, Vatanen, and Trouba are all set to be restricted free agents… not sure how that would affect the negotiating between the Bruins and the other team. Not sure if they can add in some type of signing incentive, such as an additional pick if the team signs Eriksson or visa versa. Swap of picks. Not really sure, just throwing stuff against the wall here.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Jets should part ways with both players, as the club hasn’t made any significant improvement under their leadership. However, if they’re going to pick one over the other, it’s a mistake to retain Byfuglien and dump Ladd. Byfuglien is turning 31 ,frequently injured and is seeking considerably more money. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.
With all due respect I think you have it backwards it would be a massive mistake to retain ladd and dump buff. Buff at 7.5 is a way way better deal considering all that he brings to the table versus Ladd at 6.5 and the very replaceable parts of the game that he brings ( likely brendan lemieux in a couple years ). Ladds sports hernia injury has caused him to loose a step that he could not afford to loose and during this latest slump he has pretty much been silent and is definitely not the leader that everyone thinks he is. He has to go and should definitely be going before Byfuglien.
I agree. While I think both potential contracts would be toxic to their cap, I believe Byfuglien at $1M more annually would be better value than Ladd. I have changed my mind on this issue over the last months.
I agree with Lyle. The Jets depth on D makes move big buff a more wise decision. They can move buff and bring in a replacement for Ladd. Which would allow them to move Ladd or improve their depth at forward.
Ladd won’t garner as high a return. However since the team is struggling and money is a concern moving them both makes sense.
But it makes much more sense to me to retain ladd and Move Buff.
Did anyone ever really think that Andrew Ladd was going to be a great leader? Based on what?
id move both players just because of the position the jets are in. I think ladd is a good leader just from what teammates and the coach say. what are you basing it on that hes not?
me too.
It’s not what the players say about the captain, its what they do for the captain. I have just never seen the leader in Ladd to make me believe he is the best man for the job. He has been captain since ATL – trust me, ATL management never did anything that made sense.
I always thought and still think Ladd is a good leader.
His being traded comes down to simple economics.
Unless they land Brent Burns they aren’t replacing what Buff brings to the table. He is a unique player and at times can be so dominant. Generally when I watch games where the jets are down a goal late, every play is pivoted and even executed by Buff. No way should they retain Ladd over Buff.
Lyle is more knowledgeable than me though so I might be wrong here
Personally I take Byfuglien all day long over Ladd; There is nobody in the league that can bring to the table what Buff brings that include Burns, whom isn’t a good defensive defenceman. Its always been believed in Winnipeg that Buff would be the odd man out because Myers and Trouba also play right side d, and that would be just too much money tied up for a 3rd pairing dman. Trouba will be an rfa in the offseason. You would think one could switch to the other side, but not sure how easy that is. So it leaves me with this question if the Jets resign Byfuglien, would they be willing to trade Trouba who by all accounts doesn’t want a bridge deal but a 7yrs at about 7m? Winnipeg goalie prospects are better then what Boston has, also the jets would have no interest in a rental, so the Bruins would have to be more creative if there trying their hands at Trouba.
hopefully Trouba doesnt expect $7M per. they have to resign him though. such high potential even though he’s been very average this year. what if the jets trade Ladd and something else for a dman with term and resign Buff? Maybe move Ladd and 1 of Roslovic or Petan to Anaheim for Vatanen. With a guy like Vatanen joining and Buff staying Trouba could be trade bait for a very good young winger to replace Ladd long term. Not sure who but teams would have to want Trouba.
Edmonton could trade Eberle+
Arizona could trade Boedker & Perlini just a couple examples
I trade both players, Ladd & Buffy for the best offers available.
Agree. Winnipeg is a small-market team, affected a lot by the Canadian dollar, and their best way to compete is to build through the draft. Their prime trade assets at the moment are Ladd and Bufyuglien, and they could bring back picks and prospects. Move them both.
The fans in Winnipeg were expecting more. The most expensive tickets are up for 5 year renewals. Moving Ladd and Buf for picks and prospects might not be the best business decision the jets can make.
I think they will try and bring players back. Is it crazy to think Druoin could go to the Jets. I think the Jets would be to afraid he’d bolt at the first chance.
Agreed. I’d be looking for a solid veteran with some term left and the usual picks and prospects if I cant resign these guys.
me too.
Of the players mentioned for Eriksson there are 2 that interest me. #1 is Scandella, #2 is Trouba. Since Anaheim was mentioned, I would also consider Theodore and put him above Trouba. Not to muddy things up but I would rather trade Marchand than Eriksson.
The Marchand speculation won’t begin until next season, but I’m sure his trade rumors are going to start coming as well. He’s going to command a large raise whether it be with the Bruins or someone else. Bruins have time to figure that out though. Right now they need to start stirring up the bidding war on Eriksson. If we’re going to move him i hope it’s for a defensive prospect. Otherwise the Seguin deal just gets worse and worse
How many defensive prospects does 1 team need. Were breaking 3 in as we speak in C. Miller, Trotman & Morrow. Krug is just a kid as well at 24 with 207 games of NHL experience. Almost 200 games from his break out point for Dman. We just drafted Zboril, Carlo & Lauzon in the 1st 2 rounds last year & still have Arnesson; 2nd round pick in 2013 playing in Providence, Benning; 6th round in 2012 playing well at Northeastern, & Grzelcyk; 3rd round 2012 playing really well for Boston U, all being seasoned in the minors & college.
In case you missed the memo. The Bruins are in a full scale youth movement. 1/2 the current roster is rookies, sophomores or 3rd year players.
Prospect – as in one of the players mentioned above by Haggerty… maybe a better choice of words is rookie since some of those players are set be RFA and the others are on their first real NHL contracts besides their ELC. I’m just trying to be realistic with Eriksson. Bruins are not going to sign him for 5 or 6 years at $6m per… especially with Marchand set to get his new contract after next season as well and will need all of $5.5/$6m per to keep him here. We can’t keep giving all of our top 6 players $5-6m per year once they’re up for contracts. We have to continue to move in pieces from our prospect pools and balance out the salary so we can use that money in other places like the blueline. Moving Eriksson makes the most sense at this point in their so called youth movement as you put it… it’s more of a reshaping and not a full rebuild.
I still say Boston gets Eriksson signed at or near 5.5 for 5 years.
I think Boston needs Eriksson more than a Dman. Chara & Sedenberg both have 2 years left after this season. McQuaid 3 more. Krug is an RFA this summer & his current production will limit his raise. Had he really stepped up this season it would have cost 5 plus to resign him. He’s playing very well just not getting points but that probably gets him 4.5 on a 2 or 3 year deal more on a longer term. With the 3 kids earning their spots, C. Miller, Trotman & Morrow that doesn’t leave much space for a Dman. I know you don’t like Chara or Sedenberg but Sweeney does. Someone has to tutor the young Dman. Both may be moved when they are approaching UFA status at the trade deadline in 2 years.
I also think Boston will resign K. Miller for peanuts.
Striker,
You’re right at this point in their careers I’m not found of Chara or Seidenberg… they have gone through a lot with injuries but their contracts have really made it difficult on management. Chara’s is just so much for what he is at this point, I know that was Chiarelli’s doing so I can’t fault Sweeney but that length of contract was just a lot for what age he was at the time. I think there is a log jam with the younger defenseman… I’d like to see Sweeney move one out or not resign Miller, but I agree with you that they’ll probably sign Miller for pennies on the dollar. You’re definitely right about Krug, $4.5m per for a couple of years makes a lot of sense and he’s an RFA so there’s not a lot of pull on his end. I guess we’ll see what the off season brings, with Kelly off the books, Lucic off the books, and potentially Connelly who has been a disappointment to this point (unless they get him for minimal $$$). Might be a difficult couple of years until Chara and Seidenberg come off the books but on the bright side of that the younger dman as you mentioned Trotman, Morrow, C. Miller will be able to develop and should be A LOT better than what they are today.
Connolly won’t be seeing a very significant raise. Boston gave up 2 2nd’s to get him & will retain his rights by qualifying him. If he declines his qualifying offer he can choose arbitration but even in arbitration his raise would be nominal.
Could always move Connelly but not sure you get much for him at this point since he hasn’t shown much of anything. Vatrano has more value than Connelly lol
Agree the B’s have plenty of D Men, but other than Chara and Krug (and Maybe McQuaid) they are all 3rd pairing guys. Miller has potential to be a power play QB but needs more time at the NHL level. I like the 3 they drafted but they are 3 years away from being good players on a playoff team. Minimum. It takes D a while to develop. Only Carlo has an outside shot at making the NHL next year.
I think Sweeney is trying to rebuild on the fly and wants to give a go with the old core, mainly Chara who only has a year or 2 left in him. Although not a popular opionion he is still a force defensively and plays all the tough minutes. If they actually want to give it a go this year and next they need help on the blue line that can play in the top 4 now.
We will see what he does.
Love Eriksson by the way.
Lol Marchand is there heart and soul and spark plug they trade him there nuts. Bergeron is God and Marchy is almost.
But Marcis getting tired of it.hand also causes to many short handed situations with his cheap shots. I think the brass
Komarov: If the Leafs are truly building you need to move assets at their highest value. Komarov is 29. It will take the Leafs at least 5 years to get in contention and Komarov is unlikely to be as productive as he is now and a key component. The only argument is how much you value intangibles like leadership… remember Clarkson had “intangibles.”
Ladd: I think the Jets should move him. Ehlers is the heir apparent for top line LW minutes. If the Jets resign Ladd it is in a future 2nd/3rd line, 2nd PP role, maybe PK. Chances are he wants more than what you budget for that role.
Byfuglien: I love him in my fantasy pool, but I get the impression he is a bit of difficult guy, and I just can’t imagine him aging gracefully. Also the Jets have depth at D, or at least guys that have their roles increased like Myers and Trouba.
Get assets for all 3 players.
I’m actually agreeing with your analysis. Especially on Byfuglien. BUT imagine being Chevy and selling to your paying audience that both your captain PLUS fans most beloved player are leaving simultaneously. It’s a hard sell in a market where the temperature is cooling down. Tickets are not that hot anymore.
Also, Leafs must keep some players for the paying audience. Komarov is probably the most popular player there. While I recognize it’s the smart thing to sell while his stock is high – it might be a tough sell to the paying customer. Temperature is cooling down in Toronto as well. While having capacity crowds, there have been tickets available there for original purchase price on the 2nd hand market for a while now. Perhaps a guy like Stamkos would reheat that market if he signs there. That might patch over most things connected to Toronto being a rebuilding team the coming 5 years.
You are right about the Leafs being less popular but MLSE doesn’t care about the ticket resale market and all the seats sell regardless, most of them through season seats where the license just for the right to buy seats is $35k-$120k.
I would move Komarozz simply because his SH% is multiple-times unsustainably higher than his career average or any player’s career average. He’s never going to be considered as much of a leader and whatever else again as he is this year.
Stamkos, Komarov, Ladd, Buff, Drouin all the same speculation. With teams like Calgary and Philly falling behind I wonder if there are more names to add to the rumor mill?
Wideman maybe? B. Shenn? As fans of each team, who do you think could be moved from your team?
Big deal and lots of parts moving but why not:
JETS GET: Hamonic
SHARKS GET: Tanguay, Greiss, Avs 3rd round pick
ISLE GTE: Marleau, Barrie, Hutchinson
AVS GET: Byfuglien
Sharks get nice upgrade over Stalock and a real challenger to Jones and they unload a big contact of a player reportedly a negative influence.
Ilse get the legit LW scorer they need for Taveras and a young talent in the puck moving Barrie and a long term option solution in net with Halak old and injury prone.
Avs get a scoring boost they need and some more toughness.
Jets solidify their D longer term and for less money so they can re-sign Ladd.
It’s a rarity to see a 3 way trade, let alone a 4 way. It would be easier for all of those teams to make 1 on 1 trades.
Why would the AVS give all that up for a rental in Byfuglien.