Latest on the Leafs, Kings, Bruins and more in your NHL rumor mill.
What next for the Maple Leafs?
Could Tyler Bozak be the next Leaf shipped out of Toronto before the trade deadline?
THE GLOBE AND MAIL: In the aftermath of the Dion Phaneuf trade, James Mirtle examined other possible trade deadline moves for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He believes pending free agents like goaltender James Reimer and winger P-A Parenteau could be easy to move for something of value based on their performances this season, perhaps second-round picks or solid prospects. Mirtle suggests Reimer could interest a playoff bubble club having issues in goal, like the Nashville Predators.
He also speculates defenseman Roman Polak could fetch a third-round pick, but doesn’t expect their other UFAs (Michael Grabner, Shawn Matthias, Nick Spaling, Mark Arcobello, Brad Boyes, Rich Clune) will fetch much for returns. As for players with term remaining on their contracts,
Mirtle doubts the Leafs will find any takers for oft-injured winger Joffrey Lupul, but feels center Tyler Bozak and goalie Jonathan Bernier could have some value, possibly bringing in second- or third-round picks simply to shed salary. Winger Daniel Winnik might fetch a mid-round pick.
Mirtle considers it unlikely the Leafs move young players like James van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri, Morgan Rielly or Jake Gardiner.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m sure there will be some Leafs fans who’ll disagree with Mirtle’s assessment of the trade value of those players, but I believe his evaluations are spot on. Picks and prospects are the best they’ll get for most of these guys. If they want more, they’ll have to move van Riemsdyk, Kadri, Rielly or Gardiner.
Examining the trade market following the Phaneuf trade.
TSN: In the wake of the Dion Phaneuf trade, Bob McKenzie attempted to “size up some of the situations/players we’ll be watching and talking about” between now and the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Regarding the New York Islanders, McKenzie gets the sense from teams interested in defenseman Travis Hamonic that Isles GM Garth Snow would prefer waiting until this summer to address the blueliner’s trade request to a Western-Canadian team. There’s “no real sense” the Isles could move pending UFA forwards Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen.
Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning wants to see how his club performs over the next week or two before reaching pre-deadline decisions. Canucks defenseman and pending UFA Dan Hamhuis could be a trade candidate, provided he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. He’d like to re-sign with the Canucks, who haven’t ruled out the possibility though there’s been no contract discussions.
The Calgary Flames would like to re-sign pending UFA blueliner Kris Russell and he’d like to stay, but how much of a hometown discount is he willing to accept? McKenzie speculates he could get a five-year deal between $5-$5.5 million annually, maybe more, on the open market.
Frank Seravalli also weighed in, echoing McKenzie’s claim that the Islanders don’t appear to be in a hurry to move Travis Hamonic. He suggests Hamhuis, Russell and Justin Schultz of the Edmonton Oilers could be the next echelon of available defensemen on the trade market. Seravalli reports of talk the Flames wanted to move Dennis Wideman, but it remains to be seen how his recent 20-game suspension affects his trade value.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles are jockeying for a playoff berth, so they’re not moving three of their best players now. If Hamhuis is willing to accept a one- or two-year extension for a lower annual salary than his current $4.5 million, maybe he stays in Vancouver. Otherwise, if they ask him to waive his clause, he could see the writing on the wall and accept. I still think the Flames will re-sign Russell. I believe it’s only a matter of time until the Oilers part ways with Schultz.
Latest on the Kings and Bruins.
NBC SPORTS: Mike Halford cites reports suggesting the Los Angeles Kings might set their sights on Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings were thought to be interested in Dustin Byfuglien before he re-signed with the Jets, suggesting their interest is more in adding a top-four defenseman than another left wing. Still, if that’s not possible, perhaps loading up on scoring depth is the next best thing.
CSNNE.COM: In the wake of the Boston Bruins’ humiliating 9-2 defeat at the hand of the Kings, Joe Haggerty suggests it’s time for management to keep building for the future while attempting to remain competitive for a playoff spot. He recommends shopping pending UFA Loui Eriksson if the winger is unwilling to sign a team-friendly deal, consider trading defensemen Zdeno Chara (if the big blueliner is willing to accept a trade) and Dennis Seidenberg, and look into takers for Brett Connolly and Kevan Miller.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out in the next couple of weeks if Bruins GM Don Sweeney will heed Haggerty’s advice.
Mirtle is right about some of what he says, but historically he’s very negative on the Leafs and undervalued the players at the last deadline.
In particular, he says the Leafs could move Bozak to shed salary. Why would they move a 2C/3C with term on a reasonable dollar from a position where they can’t replace him for a 2nd or 3rd round pick? That’s nonsensical.
The Leafs haul last year was 5 picks – a 1st, a 2nd, a former early third prospect, a 4th, 5th, 6th. I think they could net 4 or 5 picks/prospects this year, including possibly a 1st depending on who they move, who gets hot and what the market is.
I dont think they are particularly worried who replaces a 2 C next year, With Nylander Marner (who for the life of me I csnt see going back to London next year) Kadri Bozak plus some others. If the plan is to develop a top C it makes no sense to give Nylander or Marner 3rd and4th line minutes with their skill sets and no pp time. 1 of Kadri or Bozak I believe has to be moved, esespecially if they were to win the lottery or god forbid go after Stamkos. I thought Bozak but with the way the whole Phaneuf thing went down I wouldnt be shocked if it was Kadri if not both.
Shticky, regarding Kadri, the problem with his attitude is that there are no veterans to lead him by example anymore. I’m sure management has sat him down, maybe they’ll be patient and this is part of his development. Tbh I don’t know who’s a lock to be on this team next year outside of Reilly and Nylander.
Re Marner, he’s been playing RW for the last two seasons with Dvorak (same point production, has spent two years in the ohl after Phoenix drafted him btw) I honestly think he stays in London next year, and if I’m wrong and he does make the jump, he’ll stay as a winger.
Agree. If he does play with Leafs next year it has to be at wing. Way too small and not strong enough for centre ice duties
Leave him in the O.
I use to agree with that assessment of giving guys with skilled second line minutes; but if you look at Ryan Spooner in Boston he is thriving this year as a 3rd line center is Boston, granted he is also on the first PP. Plus playing on the third line generally means your playing against the other teams 3rd line, so really if their skilled shouldn’t they generate chances against the other 3rd line, as long as their getting minutes to play?
I could almost see third line minutes if as you poimtwd out they were getting pp time and a fair number of minutes but with the situation the Leafs would be in with all thes tweeners I think it would likely result in putting a developing pllayer on wing which is no way to develop a center, and if they were to get lucky and get Mathews or Stamkos (Ihope its not thos one) thats even less ice time. At anyrate Id take Kadri Nylander Marner Mathews Stamkos all ahead of bozak
most young centers come up and start on the wing defensively they cant keep up to the nhl pace
Your condoning the Edmonton model. Throw the prospects to the wolfs with out the top line roster support to cushion the blows & responsibility!
I support the development model. Maximize their junior eligibility witch means Marner goes back to London just like Domi did in Arizona. If he’s ready after that he gets his shot if not he spends time in the AHL.
Toronto is going to be bad for several years, there is absolutely no rush to move these prospects in quickly. It doesn’t help them or the team. I don’t want any of my players to potentially be UFA’s at 26 & I want to be able to control the advancement of their salaries accordingly.
I think Leaf management agrees with you – sensible, long lasting.
Shticky seems like praise from this management group is like the kiss of death nowadays haha
I like the idea of developing Kadri, he’s a local kid, talented, could be a very good second/third line centre for us down the road depending on his salary demands. Im just not sure I want him as a veteran leader right now, Babcock and Shanny have to develope his attitude as much as his skill set.
Marner will not be an option for centre next year, he’s been playing RW for years with Dvorak. It’s also worth noting that Dvorak spent two years in London after Pheonix drafted him, even though him and Marner are always close in points. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised at all if Marner stays in London next year. He needs to get bigger before making the jump.
Shticky, if you’re saying Nylander or Marner step into the NHL and play Bozak/Kadri’s current role, you’re talking about putting them in way over their head. That’s not development, that’s killing a player who can’t possibly succeed.
What I am getting at is the Leafs wont be very competitive next year either and could possibly take a run at a 10 million dollar guy who plays center or draft a guy who is 6’2 200 lbs and would still probably have 1 of aKadri or Bozak along with Holland possibly and others this is not the Edmonton model of throwing out a top 6 that hasnt begun to shave yet you cant keep all these centers and plus possibly go out and get more if they draft one or UFA and expect to develop one by playing him on the wing ala Galchenyuk or by giving him 4th line minutes. The Kings did not play Kopitar on wing the Bruins did not play Bergeron on wing Giroux did not play wing Toews did not play wing you need guys to develop in their position and not giving them minutes hirts more than helps. Too many guys that play too many minutes at center.
nylander and marner aren’t close to what those guys were at the same age go look up guys that aren’t elite centerman!!lol
nylander marner aren’t near the level those guys were coming in! try looking up guys that aren’t elite centerman! lol
Shticky, I agree you don’t want to do the EDM model – that’s why I think you need to ice an NHL team for kids to slot in in the right spots and learn without getting thrown to the wolves.
Holland is playing on the 4th line right now – I think he has shown to be in over his head at 3C, let alone 2C. Kadri is in over his head at 1C. If you get Stamkos, fine. Otherwise, I think you need Bozak.
If someone offers up a 1st for him, maybe a 1st plus, then I guess you have to move him and try your lucky getting a UFA 3C you hope can play up – otherwise I think you keep Bozak.
@bigbear, How much Nylander have you seen? The kid is an absolute stud C. If you redid the 14 draft, I’d take him 3rd overall. Absolute stud, killing it in the AHL and he’s nearly a year younger than the rest of his draft class.
Oh gawd here we go…hasnt seen him play and dosent believe stats good luck with that Dan lol
Missed almost a month with WJC and injury uear younger and still in top 5 or 6 but no not elite….
in the ahl gawd…its like whoever the leafs have is a stud with you 2! what have they done in the past decade? yet these ufas r gonna land all these great draft picks! the ahl is a beer league compared to the nhl to compare nylander to Bergeron,kopitar,Giroux and toews is just absurd I think he will be good but lets wait and see him in the big show too many players play great in the ahl than cant do anything in the nhl! and Ive saw nylander play in 15-20 games this yr
dan39… so you would take nylander over draisitl and Bennett? your bias is showing
@Bigbear, you’re confusing me with someone else. I don’t even like Marner… Listen to any scout on Nylander, anyone talk about Nylander and it’s the same thing – the kid is a complete stud. If you’ve seen him play and you don’t see it, well, you’re entitled to your opinion.
Nylander has all the essential skills to contribute offensively at the NHL level, but his imagination, creativity and tremendous poise separates him and puts him in an elite class of talent. That mix of skills puts him on top of TSN Hockey’s Top 50 NHL-affiliated Prospects list.
The guy you think os “Bang on” all the time Big Bear released his top 50 prospects todaay…
@bigbear, Based on the NHL experience yeah you got to put those two ahead so make that 4th. Still, Leon is nearly a year older. I think you’re going to be surprised with Nylander. Marner I’m not at all sold on. I wanted Strome or one of the D.
Corey Locke – 4 AHL season results
Hamilton 30 42 72
Houston 25 54 79
Hartford 31 54 85
Binghamton 21 65 86
Flopped every time he was given a shot in the NHL. AHL stats don’t always translate into NHL success. Nylander MIGHT do well – but the acid test will be regular shifts over the better part of a season.
exactly George…
Lol here we go with BBs exactlys again do you even know who Corey Locke is BB? He was almost 21 in his firs season in the AHL he put up 43 points in 72 games, Nylander is only 19 wont be 20 till the summer been in the AHL for parts of 2 seasons totaling around 60 games and has over 70 points he is 19 uear old and played vs men since he was 17….its not even cllose lol exactly what?
do you even know who corey locke is?lol here we go with shitckys selective stats again! lmao
1 guy was almpst 21 big near the other guu just turned 18 and jas mnearly double the points im 10 less games its not selective stats fool. There are mearly 3 years difference in therir age and the the younger is oit producing the guy 2 to 1. He is close to the top 50 guus all time for ppg in the AHL all time for that many games and he is one of the 10 youngest he os close to Carbnoneayu Forsenerg Leclaire StLouis Demetra Owen Nolan Hall Oates Spezza amd younger than almost all of em so to say ua but lots of guys do it ismt true, very few have actually considering the majority of them were very very good NHLers and at his age there are maybe 10 12 other guys who have scored at thst pace. The only joke here again is you not knowing what you are talking about. At the pace he is going he would be the youngest player
Right again
Please be Blozak
And no typo
unreal when phanuef was in tor all we heard on the ottawa radio and fans was suck it up phanuef no he is the next bourque give it a rest whiners
The only whiner in here is you John. Sure there were elements in Ottawa deriding Phaneuf – just as there were elements in TO deriding Alfredsson – neither group had the brains God gave a goose. which camp are you in?
I wasn’t talking to you goof and every day on the radio they said suck it up Phaneuf and ridiculed the leafs about the insane contract that the leafs gave to Phaneuf and who took it
Kadri’s been sat out for tonite supposedly a lower body injure. My opinion benched and we’ve heard rumours linking Kadri to the wild
I hope we get rid of him with his attitude you just know him and babcock are gonna butt heads
Its too many picks for 1 draft, imo with the 11 they currently have, netter to package some things up and try and snag a few more prospects and younger players Reimer Polak Bozak Parenteau and Bernier could result in 16 picks in a mediocre draft, not to mention the number of contracts that would need to be jettisoned all at once to make room. Other than that ya I kinda agree with his evaluations.
Yeah, get as many draft picks as possible, and use a lot of them in a package to try and either acquire solid prospects, or a very decent/good NHL roster player. This is just for an example (spitball), but try:
To Toronto: Shattenkirk
To St. Louis: Cowan + 2016 2nd (via PITT) 2017 2nd (via OTT) + Lindberg
St.Louis is in win now mode, and is priming up for a deep playoff run. How does this trade help them in any way?
I can say with 100% certainty, that this trade will not go down.
The only ’67 expansion team without a Stanley Cup
I think bozak would be a 4th liner on st Louis I think
LeafAdvocate was simply spitballing his idea and using Shatt as an example. If you don’t think that offer will garner a Shatt return then fine but LeafAdvocate does have a point. Toronto could package in a bunch of draft picks and overpay for a solid player.
Ouch. Bozak isn’t a #4 on any NHL team. Even in St.Louis he would slot in as a possibly a #2 certainly the #3. Stastny’s #1, Backes; A UFA with no hope of resigning for cap reasons, is in theory the #2 but they just tried moving him back to RW with Steen at C. Bozak would play ahead of Lehtera.
Just be happy with Bozak. He’s got a very cap friendly contract for a mid tier to lower end #2 C. He’s solid in the faceoff circle & is showing with out having the carry Kessel’s defensive liabilities he’s not a total train wreck defensively. He & JVR make a great pair & will be Toronto’s #1 line with Komorov for a few seasons until the kids are ready.
That’s if he & Komorov aren’t moved in deals simply to good to refuse.
I could see StLouis taking a run at Bozak as they potentially need to replace Backes next season although Berglund could slide back to C as well.
Backes to the Leafs July 1?
striker… statsny backes and lehtera would all be ahead of bozak
And I didn’t say with any certainty that this would be a trade that would go down.
Backes is a goner may well end up in Toronto as a UFA for more money than he’s worth & I play Bozak ahead of Lehtera.
It’s a pointless discussion as it’s not happening.
The Blues are not technically the only 1967 expansion team to never win a cup. Certainly the only original expansion team to still come up short, but the California Seals/Golden Seals failed to win in their existence (1967 to 1976) as the Golden Seals, then as the Cleveland Barons (1976-1978) and then after merging with the Minnesota North Stars who also failed to win a cup from 1967 to 1993. They won in Dallas after moving there of course, but Minnesota has gone cupless even after the arrival of the Wild.
exactly George… and numerous others to go with locke you can hope all you want but until they show it in the nhl all they are is prospects. and dan39 if nylander is that good why hasn’t he played at all in the nhl? ekblad reinhart ehlers drasitil Virtanen Ritchie have all played in the nhl why hasn’t nylander? if he is good enough to play in the nhl is playing at a lesser league really helping his progress?
sorry should have been posted above
So have other guys on that list who have all played more games in the NHL than Ritchie….why isnt he on the list? Lol Maybe he isnt that good?
Anaheim or Toronto I wonder what team prospects have a better chance of coming up? lol what a joke maybe Ritchie is better than nylander? lol
Can you read? there are Ducks prospects on the list…and their name isnt Ritchie good luck big bear…lol
No way St. Louis does that, they’ll want a first +.
Hopeless romantic
Or player that helps them now like King said. They need a centre.
Far more than even just a 1st. The cost to buy Shattenkirk will be significant even with only 1 year left to UFA status. He is 1 of the best offensive Dman in the NHL & not a total liability defensively.
If moved in the off season he would garner very similar value to what NYR paid to acquire Yandle.
Lol…. This is what I touched on yesterday….. Cowen in not even coming close to landing to landing you Shattenkirk! Stop this insanity right now. Sorry. Toronto fans have lost their minds in the last 48 hours…Stamkos, Tavares, every draft pick becoming the next Giroux, etc. ….. STOP!!!???
I assume that Toronto will package picks to move up in the draft, 2 2nd’s for a late 1st, a late 2nd & a 3rd for a higher mid round 2nd that kind of stuff. Nominal upgrades.
I also think they may buy a player or 2 from teams with serous cap issues similar to what Snow did 2 years ago when he acquired Leddy & Boychuk significantly under value. Moving out picks not players to do so.
I see Toronto icing a roster next season constructed almost identical to the 1 they iced this year give or take 1 or 2 players acquired from cash strapped teams as suggested above & Nylander starting to get a cup of coffee in sheltered minutes, possibly even a 2nd player in the New Year. Filling out the roster with players on 1 year deals that will be flipped again next year.
Toronto isn’t turning this team over to kids like Edmonton. It will be a slow methodical process. just like Babcock & Holland orchestrated in Detroit.
Perhaps they’ll package picks to move up in draft. Last year they did the opposite, trading the 24th for the 34th, 61st and 68th.
This kinda goes to my point of not being able to keep some guys like Komarov and Bozak not that you dont need some vets but the number of contracts and where all these guys play becomes an issue unless you trim the fat, guys in europe and the ohl will need spots next year in the AHL the marlies are currently tearing apart the AHL and some 8f these guys are not going to develop anymore at tht level next year. in order for the Leafs touse all these picks wisely which could include trading back and aquiring even more there has to be more than 3 or 4 moves I believe they currently have 48 comtracts… (Striker will check for me Im sure) with 11 more picks coming at least, the limit is 50 contracts now not sayimg everyone gets an ELC but thats not much wiggle room, and its even less ice time.
And ues Striker I realize that includes the UfAs that are curently there, but they will also be signing more of these 1 uear type deals next year aswell to continue flipping for picks at the deadline. I am not saying the Leafs next year are goi g to be the marlies this uear I think maybe a few but it still is a numbers issue. As it trickles down.
Bruins need to trade chara and seidenberg for younger faster d men. Not only would that benefit cap but also would help overall play. despite great careers from both, they are both liabilities every minute they are out there. Also Eriksson needs to get traded. Doesn’t fit (although has done well for the bruins in a contract season) but is in no way worth what jp barry is going to try to get him from Boston. Trading a 2nd and him for dumba would not only help both teams but would give Boston a young talented d man with a bruins edge to him.
Boston doesn’t play well against heavy teams. Some people still think Chara is an asset and #1 dman; If so his value should be good; I’ve mentioned before I like to see the bruins package him with Ericksson and go get Dumba, Brodin, Fowler or Lindholm. I think Anaheim would greatly enhance a run at the cup with the addition of Ericksson and Chara.
I mentioned last season in a Twitter discussion that I felt Chara was basically a top 4 defenseman now, and at times he’s struggled to be even that but that’s basically because of age… and the Twitter Universe imploded on me as basically I was speaking blasphemy. Chara on a Stanley Cup Contender right now would be a 2nd pairing, teams that have strong young defenseman who can move around in the defensive zone would be paired ahead of him. It’s not discrediting the player, the player has put in his time and delivered many seasons ago but he’s simply too old at this point to keep up in his own zone and his awareness of the puck and opponents rushes have suffered greatly. On a side note though, Chara has put up solid numbers this year and is still a +7 so maybe Sweeney can make some magic happen.
I can’t see trading Chara. IMO he deserves to retire a BRUIN, however, I would like to see us get a 1st pairing left-shooting d-man so Chara could be moved to the 2nd pairing. I think he would be outstanding there. As for Seidenberg, I’d make him my #7. Both can still be effective if placed in the right roles. I’d contact Edmonton about: #1 Griffin Reinhart, #2 David Musil. I know they have Nurse and Klefbom but they appear to want to keep them. Maybe one of our 1st this year plus ? would do it.
I disagree with all of you that pine for Chara to be moved. Chara is Boston’s best Dman. All the stats support it. They also have him as #1 of the best Dman in the entire NHL as I write this. Sweeney isn’t moving Chara anytime soon if ever but you can keep dreaming. He takes all the heavy lifting against every other teams best players yet still leads Bruins Dman in plus minus. Did I mention he sits tied for 23rd in points, tied for 20th in goals & sits 22nd for minutes played for all Dman in the NHL & he’s putting up those points starting the majority of his shifts in the D zone only seeing 2nd line PP time.
Be careful what you wish for, as if you remove Chara from this roster it’s going to get bad very quickly we don’t have anyone to take on these minutes or take all the hard minutes.
Those of you that pine for this move will be disappointed as Sweeney has no intentions of trading Chara as he knows exactly what he is. Now as Chara approaches UFA status in the 2017-18 season I can see Sweeney approaching Chara to see if he’s interested in moving. If not, he won’t be moved. Boston is a very loyal association to those that bleed black, yellow & white. Chara will retire a Bruin & move into management in player development.
Thank god his input helping to mold future NHL Damn will be a huge asset.
Striker,
Obviously I don’t agree with you here and the most glaring reason why is below you stated the team is in a full scale rebuild… why would a team opt to keep a $7mil per year 39 year old defenseman, who still has remaining years while the team is rebuilding and will not be a cup contender for those remaining contractual years. Also, his +/- is 7, and Kevan Miller’s is 6… not much to praise there. The player has visually lost plenty of steps, maybe it’s because of the heavy workload as you put it but then again I’m not entirely sure it’s fair to the player to tag him along through a rebuild… Chara IMO deserves another legitimate shot at a cup and that will not be with the Bruins in the coming seasons, how do you tell a player that and have someone as competitive as Chara be okay with that plan? Look at Toronto, they just moved out their Captain Phaneuf who was 30 years old and making $7mil of the course of the next 5 season after 2015-2016. You can’t compare Chara to Phaneuf but Toronto knows they’re in a full scale rebuild and decided it was the best choice. If Boston is going to go full scale rebuild then go full scale rebuild, if they’re going to do a partial and piece it along so that they may be able to compete for a cup in another season or two then keep Chara… but don’t be in-between. Move Eriksson, Seidenberg, Chara, K. Miller, don’t resign Connolly, figure out what you’re going to do with Krejci, Bergeron, and Spooner. Spooner is close to making a jump as a top 6 center. Maybe you start getting some feelers on Krejci as well, love the player, I have nothing bad to say about his point production and creativity but there is going to be a log jam at center and Spooner will deserve to be a top 6 center by next season.
Because some one needs to lead & mentor the young players & teach them to be NHLer’s. You can’t just throw kids to the wolves & hope for the best. Edmonton tried that. It’s been & still is an unmitigated disaster.
Chara will allow for the integration of Trotman, C. Miller, Morrow & the other D prospects coming so as they can be integrated & sheltered as they learn to be NHL Dman.
That may be true but a lot of the transition to becoming NHL level players is on the development staff and coaches. I’m sure Chara is a great mentor but in no way should a team be content in paying a 39 year old $7mil a year to mentor its up and coming core of defenseman. Also, as I mentioned and everything is pure opinion on my part but why should Chara be okay with this plan of bringing along the youth and playing out the remainder of his contract as the team is in full rebuild… not entirely fair to the player. Chara should want to win another cup before his career is over. Players like Bergeron and Rask are still young enough (30) where they can afford to wait possibly another 3-4 years before winning another cup.
I’m on Chads side.
I’m a Bruins fan who has watched every game since the 70s. Chara is drastically declining.
He is very slow and doesn’t hit anyone anymore.
Bruins are in a rebuild. If they weren’t they wouldn’t have moved Boychuk,Hamilton and Lucic for basically picks. I think they won’t make the playoffs this season and it’s time to move some of the aging veterans to teams that have cup possibilities.
I wouldnt move Chara. If Boston is in a full rebuild they need solid vets to teach the kids the right way to do things.
Edmonton doesnt have the vets Boston does and look at them. Arguably more talented then Boston but no one like Chara, Bergeron , etc. to guide them. ( I know a great goalie helps but thats another point )
Teams need solid leaders.
If the Bruins can rid themselves of Chara,Seidenberg,Connolly & K Miller that would clear cap space for them (depending what they got back in trades)…..
if they just got draft picks for them that would give them around $36 mil to play with this coming offseason
Agree add Eriksson and Kelly.
I’m presently 0-13 (different cities) when watching my Bruins play live! Tonight is game 14. $498 for two seats (6 rows from the glass, still that’s a lot of money.) So if you play pro-line, maybe my day is due, or bet on the Jets.
first game of season against the jets was a sign of how this season was going to go little soft and no D, getting blown out at home and nobody went within 10′ of Big Buff
The Bruins are in a full scale rebuild. 1/2 the starting roster is rookies, sophomores & 3rd year players yet Boston is still holding down a playoff spot. What Boston has managed to do this season since virtually no 1 even had them in the playoff race is quite impressive.
I had them fighting for a spot but coming up short as with youth comes mistakes & that lack of experience doesn’t transfer well in the win loss column.
Spooner, Pastrnak, Connolly, Hayes, Ferraro, Vatrano; 30 games in injury relief, Morrow, C. Miller, Trotman & Krug. These are just kids who are years from being fully developed & with the exception of Chara & Sedenberg who will be returning next season the remainder of this core is all in their mid to late 20’s.
What are your expectations for a team entering the 1st year of a rebuild? Mine was to be competitive & fight for a playoff spot. Boston almost looks to be a lock to make the playoffs & the D is effecting Rask’s ability to be the Rask we have seen in the past it isn’t Chara & Sedenberg causing the break downs consistently it’s those 10 kid’s I mentioned. Rask hasn’t been great either. He’s been on & off & could be better.
I was in Boston when Vancouver came thru & Trotman was a disaster in that game. He scrambled after the puck all over the D zone hanging Chara out to dry numerous times. Is that Chara’s fault he’s having to carry a kid with less than 60 games of NHL experience at that time that hasn’t learned his responsibility?
Well said Striker.
Chara (and Bergeron)is exactly the type of veteran you keep around for a rebuild, and they are rebuilding. 6 picks in the first 2 rounds last year and 2 firsts this year. Likely another after Eriksson is traded if they go that route.
The only way Chara moves is if he asks to be moved to a contender, like they did for Bourque, and then he will come back and live in Boston, just like Bourque. My guess is that he stays. Loyalty matters in that organization and they value character, not just skill.
In 2017/18 you will have Zboril, Carlo and maybe even Lauzon on the roster. Having Chara showing the way is extremely valuable. Sweeney comes from player development, methinks he gets that.
Yes Lyle I agree on your assessment of Ladd and the Kings. With Lucic, King, Pearson and Clifford already at LW, and both Brown and Gaborik able to move over from RW, they are set at that position. No need to bring in Ladd, not that I don’t think he is an upgrade to a few of those guys or that he wouldn’t fit LA’s style, cause obviously he would/is but more so the Kings need to focus their efforts (assets) on acquiring a bottom pairing, preferably puck moving, d man.
The Kings third pairing has been the ire of my criticism of this team all year. The acquisition of Schenn has helped a lot but with the recent waiving of Ehrhoff, it shows there is still weakness there. That’s where Lombardi will focus his attention at the deadline, not Ladd.
I agree. I think Roman Polak would be a good fit as their sixth. Love him as a Leaf, but he deserves a chance to win, has experience in the Western Conference and is off the books in July. Would add another tough beast to the stable.
Didnt Mirtle just copy what was said a few days ago of Leafs rumors what reporting copy cat.
With the 300 reporters that seem to follow this team sometimes things get repeatitive lol
I agree scott copy cat is exactly what myrtle is! as soon as one of the big hockey guys say anything myrtle repeats it lol
A 2nd rounder for Bozak? Why even trade him if that’s the case. He’s put up back to back 50 point seasons (ok 49 each ;)) and is always a positive faceoff guy, defends well and plays a good 200 foot game. I think a team looking for a a 2nd line C wouldn’t think twice about a 2nd for Bozak but I can’t see the leafs letting him go.
I think realistically his value is a late 1st or 2nd plus a grade b+ prospect and a late round 4th or 5th pick.
Defends well? Good 200 ft game?? Ehh not so sure bout that, he is ok I guess but thats about it. I kinda got a kick out of the one thing Cpaer said the other day that a good face off guy has good possession numbers this is the first guy Id use to disprove that point. Excellent face off guy who is so so defensively and better than expected without Kessel offensively.
Right as usual
Sorry Noel, on a cup contending team, Bozak is more of a 3 c, and I wouldn’t give up a 1st rounder for a 3 c.
Just look at some of the true cup contenders this year, and where Bozak would slot in.
Chi- Toews, Anisimov
LA- Kopitar, Carter
Wash- Backstrom, Kuznestov
Ana- Getzlaf, Kesler
Dal-Seguin, Spezza
As you can see there is no way Bozak is a 2 c on any of those teams, I could add more teams but you get my point.
In an ideal world, Bozak would slot in as a good 3c option making around $3-3.5 million per, imo.
Bozak is a 50 point guy and wins faceoffs, I’ll admit he’s maybe just ok on D but still.
Anisimov is a perennial 30 point guy who is oft injured. The other lines ok, point taken but on most teams he would be a decent number two C.
He’s going to come close to 50 again, maybe mid 40’s in points this year on an absolute train wreck of a leafs team without Kessel when everyone expected Bozak’s “true colours” to show.
All I’m saying is most teams save for Dallas, Anaheim and a few others would take him all day. List a 2C making 4.2mill and racking in 50 points a year not named Bozak.
I thing is noel what team would give up a first for bozak? he is a 3rd line center on most teams
I’ll answer your question by using Jarret Stoll as an example. Before the Mike Richards/Carter trades, LA was using Stoll as a 2c, when he was more suited for the 3c position, prior to the trade he was a 50 pt guy (well 47 to be exact). His point totals went down inevitably with his minutes after the trade, but LA was a better team for it because Stoll was better suited as a 3c and they were giving those precious top 6 minutes to a better player.
So what I am saying is even though Bozak is a 50 pt guy doesn’t mean that those limited top 6 forward minutes aren’t better going to someone more deserving, who will do more with those minutes.
The Stoll example in LA proves this theory. The reason why the Leafs have been so bad is because they’ve been forced to play guys like Bozak in the top six, so just because he is a top six forward on a very bad team, doesn’t mean he is a top six forward.
exactly king
I don’t think Anisomov is better than Bozak. 1 more point in 9 more games played this season with arguably the best player in the NHL currently in Kane almost exclusively even on the pp. Anisimov is winning 44% of his face offs Bozak 57%.
Kesler hasn’t been better this season either nor was he last season & he gets to play with Getzlaf & Perry on Anaheim’s #1 PP.
There are 25 other teams in the NHL. That means there are 30 #1’s & 30 #2’s. Bozak makes the top 45 for points, top 15 in face offs, top 50 by minutes played & Babcock rolls 4 lines consistently. All part of the plan to help set structure but it doesn’t help reducing your top 6’s point totals when Spalling sees almost the same ice time but couldn’t produce offensively if his life depended upon it with the wingers he’s carrying. He struggles even to produce with scorers but this is all part of the Austin Matthew’s plan.
You Leafs fans are tough. Be happy with what you have. No it’s not Seguin, Stamkos, McDavid, Backstrom etc but these players you keep slagging & want moved so some worse player or kid can play ahead of them makes no sense. Bozak is the best you have, you have no 1 in the system ready to replace him currently nor are any of the prospects ready to take his minutes.
The UFA market may help address this in the summer but any C’s available should they still be available come July 1st if Toronto doesn’t acquire their rights earlier are going to be expense. Backes is a target but it will cost Kesler money & term to sign him! Do you want that?
I’m not even touching on Stamkos as that to me is a pipe dream. Not an impossibility but why would Stamkos want to go to a team that hasn’t got a hope of even making the playoffs for at least 3 years & won’t be a cup contender for 5 to 7 years if even in that time frame. What if these prospects don’t become what is hoped?
I look at goalie situation & d situation look at what’s coming & it doesn’t instill confidence. The cupboard is bare.
Why does NY get constantly disrespected on this list of contenders…under Dallas, Anaheim and Washington? LOL!!! Ny has been RIGHT there….every year….. Dallas? Washington? Anaheim?? Not so much!!!
Would it KILL anyone here to give them ANY credit……? Or have they just been blindly lucky for the last 4-5 years? JAYSUS!!! Dallas has a good year….and a putrid decade….and they are contenders? LOL!
Please trade Blozak
He is a filler player
No creativity
Bounced off puck every other time minimum
He ruined Kessel
Kessel figured he had to do everything himself
I challenge you to watch his play other than the faceoff circle
Bozak is a 3rd liner at best. Lacks complete game and gets paid way too much for what he brings to the table. Leafs would be lucky alone to get him off the books and adding a 2nd round pick would be a great play for a team that won’t compete in the next 5 years.
Agreed – Bozak is a good third liner, would have already been moved for good return if he was not so overpaid.
I can’t believe I have to continue to defend a guy I don’t even really like but he’s definitely not a 3C. He scores at a good pace, and posted back to back 49 point seasons, on most teams he’s a solid 2C.
If you hate the leafs I get it but be realistic! There’s no 3C in the league, or has ever been who’s tallying 50 points a year, guys who can score and set up are on the offensive side i.e. top 6 roles, not bottom 6.
lol ok what buyer is gonna pay a first for a 3c?
Everybody does not hate the Leafs, I happen to like the club and the player. But he is a 3rd line center on a really good playoff team.
And, I think the Leafs should KEEP him, not trade him. Get a grip.
See my reply above, Stoll used to get close to 50 pts and he was never slated as a proper 2c.
I am a 30 year fan see most games
Read about hockey all the time
Can’t stand Blozak
3c only
Trade him immediately
He reminds me of two others I couldn’t stand
Todd gill and Alan bester man those three tick me off
Bozak is a 2/3C. If you’re saying he’s a 4C, you’re just trolling.
Now, can a 2/3 line forward be traded for a 1st at the deadline? Yes, look at the Perron trade for example – a 40/50 pt player. You think Perron is better than Bozak? I don’t think so…
Bozak is in every sense of the world 1 3rd line C. Sure he’s scored points – somebody had to register points for a Leafs team that has been mostly bad for a decade. Hell, in Ottawa’s first year someone named Baker got close to 50 points as a C. He was their No. 1 – but that was a bad team and when he went elsewhere later it sure wasn’t as a # 2 C.
Really? a 50 point player, 50%+ on face offs and is at decent both ends of the ice is only a third liner at best?
I wish there was an ignore button on these discussions would make things a lot better.
Hey Lyle, any rumors on sellers other than Tronna and Winnipeg? There are a few other sellers, wondering if you had details on the others. thanks
I don’t see how Reimer helps Nashville in anyway. The problem in Nashville is Rinne has been terrible. How is Reimer going to change that. Hutton when given starts has done his job perfectly. 8 starts, 5-2-0-1 2.38 GAA & .916 SV% with 1 shut out.
Unless Nashville is going to sit Rinne & start Reimer this makes zero sense & I just don’t see Nashville reducing Rinne’s starts. Mirtle should look at the problem as his suggestion doesn’t make sense.
Yeah Rinne has barely been average, has to scare the heck out of Nashville management. They have alotta dough and term locked up in this guy.
Couldn’t agree more, Nashville is going to live and die by Rinne, no way are they going to sit a $7 million goalie.
Injuries have had an impact on his game
How is LA going to get the remainder of Ladd’s cap hit for this season in under the cap? I’ve tried running the math from various sites unless some money is moved out Ladd puts them over, Has anyone else tried running the math to see if they can make him fit without moving out a current roster player?
Ehrhoff’s 950K amortized out for the remainder of the year still brings them up short according to my math.
Yes your math is correct, currently they are slated to have around $2.8 million cap space at the deadline, plus whatever happens with Ehrhoff later today. The only way Ladd fits mathematically is if the Jets retain a portion of his salary.
In saying that, like I was saying earlier, I don’t see LA being overly interested. They need a bottom pairing puck moving d man first and foremost.
Yandle would be perfect, as he is a LD that would fit perfectly with Schenn, but with the injury to McDonagh, his availability could be in jeopardy.
Which is a bigger problem in itself…people throwing stupid contracts at goalies.
goalies?? lol
Commentyes big bear incase you ha ent been paying attention goalies are kinda erratic and paying goalies huge money like 7 mill makes a position that typically doesnt get much in a trade even harder to move like Cam Ward. Pavlec Lehtonen Luongo Howard Lockimg goalies up in contracts like Renne is not a good idea imo.
Thought I was replying to Kings above statement
You referring to Lundquist and his $8.5 million contract? which is contributing to them not being able to keep Yandle.
Cause if you are I agree, that is way too much of a cap hit for a goalie, especially one that is 33 years old and signed until 2021.
I’m never paying a goalie more than 4.5 on a 3 year deal ideally. In today’s NHL with only 30 teams you should be able to secure the services of a decent goalie for that money. The Halak’s, Dubnyk’s, Talbot’s of the world. I would pay a superstar something in or around 6 for up to 5 years max. The Lundqvist’s of the world. That’s my maximum & if I can’t get them signed I get them moved well they have at least 1 year remaining on their contracts to maximize the return.
As I constantly state, agents & players would hate dealing with me as a GM as I’m doing very little negotiating & only with players that have UFA status coming fast.
I like how Garth Snow addressees player contracts. You due as we say or you sit. Unsigned by opening night, enjoy Europe, Russia or other. We will revisit next season.
I would make fair offers based on years of service, coming out of their ELC’s, arbitration rights, waver eligibility & UFA status. I bridge everyone ideally for 3 years but 2 with the right players & I stand my ground & don’t capitulate. If I give more money than I want, I get something significant in return like no no trade clauses, longer term, etc.
This is a business.
and striker acting like that as a gm players would hate playing for you and you would lose good young players because of you stubborn attitude
I think if you treat them with respect, pay them fairly once earned you can be hard & firm. You own them until at least their 27th season so they can hate me all they want.
No 1’s being paid until they truly earn it.
We need not worry Bigbear. My phone has never rung with a team owner or president on the other line offering me a GM’s job & I doubt it’s happening now. Ha-ha!
I support Yzerman forcing Drouin to sit until such time as he returns & full fills his contractual obligation to TB & helps increase his value.
LOL. A bad contract is a bad contract. I don’t like Lundqvist contract….at all….. But is Browns, Richards (nice out) , Carters, Gaboriks, etc any better?
And if ANYONE thinks Yandle is more likely to helping NY win a cup than Lundqvist (again, I hate his contract) you just need to put down that crack pipe. That is straight up crazy talk!!!!
don’t say that nyr4life shticky says its a complete waste of time to sign a goalie long term?? lol cmon on yandle is way more important to a team! lol
Lets talk in a uear or 2 when that window completely closes and there is an 8.5 million dollar goalie who camt be traded with out picking up half his comtract….wonder how mich the owner of the Canucks is lovimg payimg Luomgo to win a Vezna amd take the Panthers to the playoffs…
Why is his window closing in a year or two? Hasek, Brodeur, Roy didn’t play at a high level or win at the later stages of their careers? I know, I know…..He is a Ranger. Even though he is very comparable to these elite guys….He’s not ….because …..?
Again, I hate his contract, But he’ll be 37 when it’s over. Not 40-42.
Is Kris Russell worth $5-$5.5 million? Maybe I was too hard on Phaneuf.
The Leafs should keep Bernier over Reimer. Though the latter would rank higher in terms of commitment, character and personality they have similar career stats. Neither appears to be the long term solution for the Leafs and having both would be costly/redundant. The one year remaining on Bernier’s deal would be the clincher.
That being said, I doubt the Leafs will be able to trade Reimer for anything substantial at the deadline. I can’t think of many recent examples of teams bolstering their goaltending in preparation for a playoff run. Typically if you consider yourself a contender your goaltending position is locked up. Not to mention, the idea of bringing another goalie into the mix this late in the season could affect the psychology of the your starting goalie. Reimer’s injury history also makes him a bit of ticking time bomb.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that you don’t know what it will cost to re-sign him. His statistics this year are well above career averages. It’s difficult to project what the goalie market will be this off-season, which will depend upon how players perform in the playoffs. Depending upon how the post-season transpires, if he hits the open market he may have multiple offers or he could have to settle for a back-up role somewhere. All this considered, I don’t see a team gambling on him. Hope I’m wrong but I don’t see it.
I don’t believe the Leafs will deal any of their centres without knowing their draft position. If you get the 1st overall, then one of Kadri or Bozak becomes expendable, but if you don’t, it would be best to have those 2 with Nylander next year.
Locking up a goalie long term is not ridiculous.. Henrik is worth every penny he is paid. Even a guy like Ward.. has a cup.. was one of the most dominant goalies in the league some years back.. but, then injuries happened. Rinne is still a fantastic goalie but is struggling this year. Is anyone out there telling me they wouldnt rather have him than 90% of the goalies on current rosters today? Some injuries are difficult to come back from. If price sits the rest of the year.. and stinks it up next year.. is his contract a “bad deal”?
For me.. the silly deals are locking up unproven guys to3-5 year contracts. Cam Talbot has been top 5 in save % since beginning of December, but that puts his total games played around what.. 100? and he gets over 4 million for 3 years? why?
Stud goalies only come around so often. unfortunately, like players.. they can get derailed by injuries.
All plauers are good until they are not and a goalie is aboit the most difficult position to move, heaping a giant contract is ludicrous imo not just Lundqvist I am sure the Canucks are lovimg paying Lou to win a Vezna in Florida…Whole bunch of em out there, not to mention the fact tieing up that kinda money at a position essentially means he os the only one playing it what happens if he gets hurt? No thanks Im with Striker on this one.
No point in trading Chara or Siedenberg now, but please trade Rask,he will never emerge from Thomas’ shadow.He sucks at home and cannot beat the Canadiens’ unless Price is on the injured list.Waive Connolly and please play Rinaldo or Randell every night at least one of them belongs in the line up with the likes of Pastrnak,Hayes,Spooner,Connolly(ugh),Ericsson,Marchand and Bergeron out there getting HAMMERED on every shift,especially against the likes of the Ducks and Kings.Trade Krug,Morrow,Trotman,Talbot make a statement Sweeney,you need to put a stamp on this team.I really like Roman Jossi and Pekka Rinne,Jordan Nolan,Kris Russell,Johnson in Colorado on defense.Keep the Miller boys and McQuaid some one has got to bang back there.Please trade Subban broken larynx and all he will never be a number one in this town and what’s with the heart attack victim as the present back up??Get real,this squad is on life support.
I see today that the Murray-Lamoriello connection engineered another club-to-club favor with Ottawa “loaning” Frattin to the Marlies. I also see where the Leafs have culled up Greening.
Habs should go after RNH and Drouin and sign a D Backes , K Okposo or A Ladd in summer.
L Eller , N Scherback, DSP, S Andrighetto and N Juulsen for RNH
1st round and 2nd round pick 2016 for J Drouin
How much are the Leafs worth? (walk year only).Here’s my take for what it is worth:
James Reimer: Pick between 20-40 (not altogether sure he gets dealt)
Roman Polak: Pick between 20-40 (Right handed, defensively solid and physical – only one of those still on the market)
P-A Parenteau: Pick between 30-90 (There are a few better options ahead of him)
Michael Grabner: Pick between 90-150
Shawm Matthias: Pick between 120-180
Brad Boyes: Pick between 150-210
If the Sharks don’t add in scoring, they have to add a D-man. I’ve been looking at the numbers, it sort of makes sense.
Roman Polak and Jonathan Bernier to SJ
Alex Stalock, Mike Brown, Matt Tennyson and Sj’s 2nd & 4th rounder to Tor
This clears the cap space for Sj, swaps goalies and a 2nd, and Swaps D-man and a 4th.
For Toronto it could be fun to watch Winik, Greening and Brown on a 4th line.
Hamhuis fetches a mid 1st to later 1st at worst as a rental. If he waives n signs with his new team a 2/3yr deal at 3.5-4m he fetches a 1st & a prospect.
He’s a great fit in Dallas, Colorado, Washington, Pittsburgh, Florida. Feel free to add other teams.
To all those saying the Bruins deal Chara. If they did, could you name one player on their roster that would fill his minutes? The answer to that question is no. And they are in a playoff spot right now, so why would the Bruins tank to miss the playoffs
Chara is going nowhere he is there Captain there leader and he will retire a Bruin in a few years. Boston needs to sign Marchand now as this guy is playing great hockey. Team Canada will have him on there team also. Offer Loui a 5 year 5 million dollar contract if not good enough say goodbye. Let the kids develop and trade one of your first,s with Loui for a good young D- man. Will be able to sign one good UFA in July also.