Latest on Steven Stamkos, plus updates on the Jets and Blackhawks in your NHL rumor mill.
Projected suitors for Stamkos.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE: If the Tampa Bay Lightning decide to shop pending UFA center Steven Stamkos at the Feb. 29 trade deadline (and if Stamkos is willing to waive his no-movement clause), Erik Erlendsson lists seven clubs – St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild – as possible suitors. Erlendssen also speculates the Lightning could retain Stamkos for the remainder of the season, even at the risk of losing him for nothing to free agency, as he’ll help their chances for another lengthy playoff run this spring.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll leave it to my readers to discuss/debate the possibility of Stamkos being dealt at the trade deadline and where he could go. I don’t believe Stamkos will be traded. Even if the Lightning asked him to waive his no-movement clause, I think he’s determined to finish this season with the Bolts and see how contract talks play out in the offseason. But hey, if you disagree, feel free to indulge yourselves in the comments section below.
Latest on the Jets.
Could the Jets shop goalie Ondrej Pavelec?
SPORTSNET 960 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Elliotte Friedman believes whatever decisions the Winnipeg Jets make with pending UFAs Dustin Byfgulien and Andrew Ladd will impact this year’s trade market the most. He believes they’re making a real effort to re-sign Byfuglien, but the cost of doing so could lead to Jacob Trouba or Tyler Myers being moved to free up cap space. Trouba’s asking price was rumored to be eight years at $7 million per season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Jets re-sign Byfuglien and trade Trouba, it’ll likely be spurred by the latter’s salary demands.
WINNIPEG SUN: Ken Wiebe wonders if the writing’s on the wall for veteran Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec. With Connor Hellebuyck shining as their starting goalie, Pavelec doesn’t want to be a backup, plus the Jets are paying him as a starter ($3.9 million cap hit, but his salary is $4.25 this season and $4.75 million in 2016-17). If Hellebuyck maintains his current level of play, Wiebe wonders if the Jets might trade Pavelec. He suggests the Calgary Flames as an option, as both their current goalies (Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo) are UFAs this summer. If the Jets were to take back Hiller and a draft pick for Pavelec, it would free up $4 million in cap space, which could be put toward re-signing Dustin Byfuglien or Andrew Ladd.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames could move Hiller or Ramo before the trade deadline if they fall further out of playoff contention, but I doubt they’ll go after a replacement for either guy right away. I don’t think they’ll be interested in Pavelec, as he won’t be much of an upgrade over Hiller or Ramo. Yes, he has starter experience, but his inconsistency remains an issue. The Flames could consider a more affordable option like Anaheim’s Frederik Andersen, who’s been mentioned in trade rumors in recent weeks.
Could the Blackhawks bring back Versteeg?
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Responding to a reader’s question about what the Blackhawks must do to stay alive in this year’s playoffs, Mark Lazerus suggest they consider bringing back winger Kris Versteeg, who’s currently toiling with the Carolina Hurricanes.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: An interesting suggestion. Versteeg, of course, won two championships with the Blackhawks and he’s eligible for UFA status this summer. He’s on pace for a 50-point season with the Hurricanes and would seamlessly fit back into the ‘Hawks lineup. However, the Hurricanes surged into playoff contention in January, currently sitting just a couple of points out of a wild-card berth. Versteeg’s one of their leading scorers. If the ‘Canes stay in the postseason race by the end of this month, they could retain Versteeg for the rest of the season.
I don’t think Stamkos will be moved by the deadline either, and it’s not because of contract talks but because of what the trade would have to entail. He’s such an impact player and towards the top of the list in regards to elite players in the NHL. A team would have to mortgage a lot of assets for the Lightning to consider that move, Yzerman knows this and he’ll likely keep the asking price very high. People have speculated around the returns for Loui Eriksson, and I’ve been a big supporter of moving the player to help improve the longterm success of the blueline. Eriksson IMO is worth at the very least a 1st round pick 2016 and a good prospect, possibly more at this point in the season with the way he’s performed all around… and to think some people (fans) think that teams won’t give up big assets for Eriksson, which will happen come the deadline if the Bruins decide to move him… I couldn’t begin to imagine what a Stamkos trade would look like. I just don’t see that happening between now and the deadline. It’s not a player you should simply come off of the asking price on, any trade for Stamkos should be for good value… and I just don’t see a team who’s contending giving up multiple impact type assets for Stamkos at the risk of not being able to sign him in the off season.
100% correct also the fact as Lyle pointed out Stamkos is very unlikely to waive f8r just about anywhere so good luck tryimg to get him to move even if a team was interested. I dont think any of those 7 teams drastically improves his chances for a cup more than the team he currently plays on.
As far as him being traded, I think if there is a 0% chance TB can resign him, I say there is a 75% chance he is asked to waive no movement clause (have a trade in place, waiting his approval). Reason being, they know they cannot lose him for nothing.
But if they still think he could resign, no way they trade him.
As far as him waiving it, the team would a NYR, LA, or something like that, so he might do it, if he feels that team is better suited to winning and if he plans on UFA. If he wants to resign, he would just stay, I mean, why make your life crazy like that, when your team is a cup contender.
TB has to blame themselves totally for mishandling Stamkos. When did they decide they weren’t gonna pay him? If it was October 1, then they should have traded at that point and received some kind of value. Reminds me of Kovalchuk and the ATL Thrashers.
The current Stamkos situation will make July 1 very, very interesting.
I agree hanson… if they have any inkling they cant get him resigned they should move him at the deadline
I remember the impact Kovalchuk had on the Thrashers – what a distraction for the entire team. I am sure the Stamkos situation has had the same impact in Tampa.
I don’t see Yzerman fretting about the Stamkos contract. Both TB & Stamkos are all saying the right things. Stamkos will get his money, Yzerman knows this as well as anyone. He will pay him in or around 10 million per season for 8 years or Yzerman will move him before July 1st for something but I agree with Lyle he will be retained for a playoff run & that run could seriously impact what Stamkos decides to do following.
The Bolts *never* “decided they weren’t going to pay him”. Vinik ain’t Eugene Melnyk – He’s greenlighted Yzerman to spend to the limit (8 years, $14.646 mil AAV) $117.2 mil total to GitErDone. If Stamkos finds himself as a UFA on July 1, and entertains competing offers, it will NOT be for that reason.
If both parties agree, then get ink on paper and get it done with. turn your attention to trading the little whiner.
I actually think this may work out for Tampa. Tampa wants to win a cup. Stamkos wants a big contract. Tampa holds on on signing Stamkos. Stamkos enters the playoffs with no contract. His motivation to produce in said playoffs is high as he is looking for that contract. Tampa Bay’s motivation for Stamkos to excel is high as they want another cup.
Seems like a good formula to increase Stamkos’ production from last year in regards to the playoffs and if Tampa can get him hot they will be a tough team to beat.
If Stamkos doesn’t produce come playoff time suddenly the money he is after might just not be offered and he may be looking at offers from teams below the 10 mil mark.
Who knows. Holding out till after the playoffs may work in Tampa’s favour.
Ummm something is unbelievable here sonny if what you sate is true and the owner greenlights up to 114 mill and this is common knowledge, would it not be a little insulting that the first contract offer from Yzerman is 68 million?….its 40 million dollars less! I cant see that bring the case, if the typical fan knows what the owner is willing to accept turn out the lights negotiations are over
my best guess is Stamkos resigns with TB for 8 years $9.25M per. He takes a little bit less than he can get on the open market and Yzerman pays more than his original offer. I wouldn’t mind seeing a blockbuster. always interesting. why can’t TB and StL hook up on a deal? would this be fair and/or possible and assuming Stamkos agrees to extend with StL:
Stamkos/Drouin/Garrison for Steen/Shattenkirk/Rattie.
Replace Steen with Backes for that one. Tampa will want a centerman in return that hasn’t played wing since leaving Toronto (Steen). Also, St. Louis wouldn’t want a log jam at center with Stamkos, Backes, Lehtera, Stastny, Berglund..
Backes is a UFA & most likely tests the UFA market & signs for a combination of the best money & opportunity. That’s neither TB or StL.
TB doesn’t necessarily need a C back. They have Johnson, Filppula, Nemestnikov & Boyle. Stamkos isn’t even playing C currently & didn’t for large portions of last season either.
Good luck Jacob Trouba on your quest for a 56 million dollar contract, coming off an ELC with no arbitration rights. Let us know if you spot any unicorns along the way.
As crazy as it sounds I’m with you Shiticky. What possible justification could Trouba’s agent give for such a contract. Who would he use as a comparable? Giordano who was in serous consideration for the Norris when he got injured last season signed a 6 year deal at 6.75 & he’s 1 of the best 2 way Dman in the NHL. He’s not really comparable as he’s 32 & had a year to UFA status. The closest possible comparison might be Hamilton’s 6 year deal at 5.75 but the norm in the NHL is point producers get paid more than checkers right or wrong. Trouba has put up 61 points in 179 games to date. Hamilton in his 1st 3 years put up 83 points in 178 games.
Trouba should get some where between 4 at the low end to Hamilton’s deal 5.75 as the max.
If Trouba is truly seeking $56M he’s not being realistic. And it could be a ploy if he’s not happy in Winnipeg to seek a trade at best Trouba might get 5 years $25M and that’s most likely overpayment right now.
I was thinking this as well
Trouba supposed demands sound similar to Johansen’s expectations when he was in Columbus. I would keep Trouba and trade Buf, but not at such a high cost especially for a budget team.
I’m not sure that comparing Trouba a stud young Dman who hasn’t developed an offensive game yet due to opportunity more than anything else can be compared to Johansen. Johansen scored 33 goals; 11th overall, & 63 points; 34th overall, coming out of his ELC contract in 2013-14. Pretty impressive offensive production for a 3rd year 21 year old center at the time.
Pretty hard to demand big money when you have 4 goals & 10 points in 49 games. I know it’s not all about offense but offense pays. To be paid really well for defensive acumen takes a very long time. It took Orpik 8 years & facing UFA status to get a contract over 4 million per.
Striker – I am comparing the situations related to dollars at the same stage in their careers. Most people felt Johnasen wasn’t worth it when he asked for the big deal coming off his 1st contract, like folks don’t believe Trouba is worth it yet.
I believed Johansen was done in Columbus after the public spat with Jackets’ management. Let’s hope the Jets handle Trouba better.
I’m a bridge guy so I don’t disagree with you. Barkov just got significantly better money on twice the term as Johansen. I don’t like young players being paid like this so quickly but in 4 years those last 2 years of Barkov’s contract may look like incredible value at that cap hit but it puts Barkov as a UFA like Stamkos at 26. I think that’s terrible asset management.
Following a players ELC contract I use my leverage to bridge the player for 3 years at fair money, increasing the monies in the final year but keeping the cap hit down just like Columbus did with Johansen. Cap hit is 4 million paid out 3, 3 & 6. It will cost Nashville 6 million to qualify Johansen after next season but now you can see what you truly have & decide properly if you want to pay this player big money for 8 more years retaining them until some where into their 30th to 32nd year, depending upon how old they were entering the NHL.
This seems like way smarter asset management to me. I don’t want to be confronted with losing this quality of player at 26 & bridging them doesn’t allow them any leverage until the completion of their 1st 6 years at which point they are RFA’s with arbitration rights. If that ends up costing me more after 6 years I’m happy as I’m not confronted with losing them at 26 for nothing.
Subban played out is ELC was bridged for 2 & then signed for 8. This seems like smart asset management to me & I don’t think it ended up costing Montreal any more money. You could have signed him for 8 years at slightly less money 2 years sooner but for how much less? 2 million less a season? Do the math, it never cost Mtl more & they have him locked up 2 years longer. I’d gladly pay more for the additional term with these types of players. 8 years at 7 million = 56 million. Bridge contract, 2 years at 2.875 = 5.75 + 8 years at 9 = 72 million. 72 + 5.875 = 77.75 divided by 10 years now equals 7.775 per season on average to buy 2 more years. Well done Mtl. Money well spent & contract certainty is a huge bonus.
Barkov earned what he got – didn’t hear anyone say it was a bad deal for either side.
I would sign Buff and trade Trouba to the Islanders for Hamonic. If Trouba gets a big fat deal just watch he and his effort decline, the guy has lots of talent and no desire or work ethic. He quit Gary Roberts after a week. He just hasn’t been the same since his buddy bogosian left. With Hamonic the Jets know what they’ve got talent wise and financially speaking. Way too many unknowns with Trouba to be that invested in him.
Trade Ladd
I really also like the idea of trading pavs and shedding that contract if possible.
Trouba hasn’t been the same since his buddy Bogosian left. Send him to Buffalo
Is it possible that Trouba’s representation threw thise numbers out because he wanst to play in the US? That high demand is what sent Saad packing, and without ever mentioning the states, if Chevy was going to stand firm, the probabilty of a trade to the states id a high possibility.
I can’t believe that rumored $7M AAV was true. I believe that his agent probably would ask for $7M for every UFA year bought in his next contract, but I’m not sure Chevy would even bite on that. I think somewhere $6-7M for every extended UFA year would do it. That said, Trouba will NEVER get $7M annually for his remainder RFA years. In essence, his new AAV will be significantly under $7M annually.
Stamkos+Larkin speeds looked good together
OK, then expect to trade Mantha, your top D prospect, your 1st this year and maybe another B level prospect.
Id go the other way it doesnt matter how good they looked together cause Larkin would be a Bolt if Stamkos was a wing along with that first and a good D prospect.
stamkos is a FA at the end of the year mantha yes larkin no way would have to moved
Yeah that’s not happening, No way would Larkin be included for an obvious rental. Detroit couldn’t afford to sign Stamkos long term without moving some expensive pieces like Nyquist, Howard, Smith possibly Ericsson and go with some ELCs to replace them. Even if Yzerman was to move Stamkos and Detroit got him know way is Larkin going the other way that’s not even realistic.
Rental or not Stamkos isnt being dealt for a teams 3 or 4th best young player a pick and a prospect if Mantha or Larkin wasnt going the otherway I have an awful hard time seeing how a deal happens between Detroit and Tampa…not that it matters, I think Yzerman would take his chances with Stamkos and a run at a cup as opposed to dealing away Stamkos and I cant see why Stamkos would waive. Instead of looking at it like they are losing him for nothing wouldnt it kinda make sense that Yzerman would look at Stamkos as any other GM would look at him at the deadline, best rental available who could help you win a cup and to Yzerman he doesnt cost a thing
I agree, every home playoff date in TB is 2.5 million in profit. If Stamkos walks as a UFA TB does get something, they get 10 million dollars in cap space. That solves a ton of problems for TB moving forward.
That said if Stamkos wants to leave he will allow his rights to be moved to the team he wants to play for for something.
Trying to manage a team in this cap world especially with the depth of stud young talent due new contracts in TB is a serous financial challenge & requires teams to make hard choices constantly on personal.
I believe Stamkos will be resigned for 8 years at just under 10 million. That would put him in or around the 4th highest paid player in the NHL currently by cap hit. Right there with the other top 10, Ovechkin, Malkin, Subban, etc. Toews, Kane & Kopitar deserve to be paid more these guys all have multiply Stanley Cups on their resume.
stiker… cant you look at the future as far as playoff money goes? trade stamkos at the deadline get good players for the future or hold on to him for one playoff run make some money and than lose him for nothing?
I just don’t see Stamkos moving. The market is set. The only thing to determine is how it’s going to be structured. These new deals have these guaranteed bonus monies which are skirting aspects of the CBA. Not subject to escrow but still count against the players share of league revenue & said monies are paid even if there is another lockout. Then there’s the no movement trade clauses that need to be settled.
Stamkos is the youngest star UFA to come up to date. Even at 8 years he will only be 33 when this contract is up. Stamkos hasn’t been the same player since StLouis moved on but in that time other things have happened. Scoring has declined in the NHL, what scoring there is is being spread over a larger group of players especially in TB where they have 3 solid lines.
I see Stamkos as 1 of the 10 best forwards in the game & he is 1 of the youngest compared to his peers. You only let that asset go if he doesn’t want to stay.
Agree with you Gary. Detroit seems set with their future; core of Larkin, Mantha, Sproul and Ouellet with a supporting cast of DeKeyser, Pulkkinen, Nyquist, Jurco, Marchenko.. fill the spots around these guys, don’t trade them for one guy who guarantees nothing but up to 30 goals of regular season production.
You might as well Tattoo the winged wheel on larkin as he is not going anywhere for anyone like…ever. if your starting a team cap space era and he isn’t your first pick then your lying. In addition bye Mantha Xavior a first and Tatar or Goose for Stam however only in a sign and trade not to rent. Goose and Tats will both make 5-6 mill a year in the next 16 months and can’t retain the both for those prices.
And yes someone wake up trouba as that contract is not happening
Yeah sorry Mantha’s not getting traded for a rental in Stamkos, If Detroit moves Mantha and other pieces it’s purely for a Top 3 upgrade on D RD preferably.
I dont disagree, thats why I dont see Stamkos in Detroit.
I do if he’s truly available Detroit would definitely be a team he would like to play for but we’re not moving pieces like Mantha for an obvious rental unless he agrees to an extension just not going to happen.
Mantra is a garbage prospect….and has little to no value on the trade front.
Was more my observation from the ASG- has Stevie Y ever made a deal with his old team?
He did look good, didn’t he?
I’m not sure you were actually speculating on a trade, but others seemed to think so. All I will say is that Tampa won’t trade Stamkos to a divisional playoff competitor. They won’t trade him to a conference playoff competitor and they likely won’t trade him to a western competitor. How bad would it look to their fans if Stamkos knocks the Lightning out of the playoffs. That scenario is to risking to create the possibility of happening.
This is the reason for the most part Stamkos wont’ be traded. It goes the other way as well. What if the players a team sends Tampa excel in the playoffs and Tampa oust the team who received Stamkos. Nope this deal at this point can to easily throw egg on a GM’s face. So much egg it would very much cost a GM his job.
Stamkos’ is a lightning till the summer. At that particular point I honestly have no idea what will happen. It will not surprise me if he simply falls to the UFA. Unless you all believe he will waive his no trade clause to go to a non playoff team.
I agree with this, Stamkos is the best possible rental for Tampa to keep through the playoffs. If he walks for nothing, you can look at it as saying that you rented him yourselves and kept him away from competitors for your Cup run.
Ultimately, unless Stamkos wants to leave, which I doubt, because he’s in a great spot and even if he doesn’t get along with Cooper he has to know he’s going to outlast him, it’s just about money and normally teams come around to paying market rate. Especially when they are in win now mode.
Nobody is gonna take Pavs.
Waiting to Tyler Ennis to become a fixture in trade rumors.
He needs to get healthy first. But he would be interesting in terms of what value he has.
Pretty hard to trade a player in Ennis that has missed 1/2 the season to date & appears to be out with a concussion with no time line for his return.
He is fragile – but has alotta talent
I agree. In fact I would love to see Buffalo try putting Girgenson’s back at C with Moulson at LW & Ennis at RW. That line played great to close out the season last year.
Get McGinn resigned & then you can ice 3 pretty decent scoring lines & a solid checking line.
Kane, Eichel, Reinhart.
McGinn, O’Reilly, Gionta.
Moulson, Girgensons, Ennis.
Foligno, Larsson, Deslauriers.
good thoughts in Sabres –
The foundation looks solid & they still have at least 2 really good draft picks coming this year & next.
Now if Buffalo could add that top 4 left handed Dman you keep talking about & a solid #6 guy they are set moving forward & only need time for the Eichel’s, Reinhart’s, Girgensons & McCabe’s to develop.
The future looks bright. Buffalo is rebuilding properly. Be bad so you get high draft picks several years in a row. Players like Eichel, Reihart, etc are hit & miss outside the top 5 picks. You need to pick in the top 5 at least 2 times ideally 3 to be guaranteed your getting the future foundation players to build a good team from.
4th Hanson brother, you’re right about Pavelec, he probably can’t be traded anywhere. Much have been written about him here. Seems like some bloggers doesn’t understand trade value sometimes. There have been many suspect long goalie contracts out there in the $3-6M range. Carolina had to eat Ward’s contract. Detroit had to eat Jimmy Howard’s contract. Columbus has to eat Bobrovskys contract… It’s simply a gamble GMs do that sometimes goes wrong. Bad multi-year contracts are almost impossible to trade once signed.
Lol Stamkos isn’t waiving his NMC for teams in Toronto and Vancouver that wont even be in the playoffs not being realistic here. The Rangers i seriously doubt that they can afford to add his salary without sending other expensive pieces the other way same could be said about Detroit. Douby he waives for Minnesota and i don’t see him waiving for Montreal I could see him waiving for Detroit and even agreeing to sign long term there he will still be close to his Markham Ontario home.
I agree Andersen is a far better option than Pavelic but Andersen is an RFA with arbitration rights so he’s going to get nominally more money than Pavelic’s 3.9 cap hit. I assume some where around 4.5. Talbot signed for 4.167, Dubnyk got 4.33. I think Andersen’s career stats are better than either of these goalies but they are good comparables for trying to determine his value.
For those who were asking about the article where it said players over 40 that their salary becomes their wage, here it is. It is referred to as the Kovalchuck/Savard ruling. You’ll have to scroll down to the trade Bait paragraph. This article should be right up Striker alley. Unfortunately I don’t know how to put the link in just to click on it put I’m sure you can figure it out, sorry. http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/dj-bean/2016/01/31/what-scout-and-lot-stats-say-about-aging-zdeno-chara
Thanks Caper. Now I have to go read the CBA; worse than watch paint dry, to try & find out if that’s accurate. Ha-ha! If it is that’s a huge financial boon for Boston. Chara turns 39 in March & the way that article is written it’s implying that in your 40th season your cap hit drops to your actual salary. That would mean a 1.9 million dollar savings next season & 2.9 the season following. Very interesting.
Lyle. Do you have an input on this? Have you read or heard anything to support this possible CBA clause? We haven’t had this scenario yet in the NHL. Most older players after 35 are signed to 1 year deals as it allows for bonus exemption. The odd player over 35 has been signed nominally longer. Iginla being the most recent, he got 3 years but he won’t turn 40 until his contract expires.
Caper, I hope you took the rest of that article to heart. It’s exactly what I’ve been preaching about Chara. Chara isn’t 1 of the 3 best Dman in the NHL like he was for years but he’s still a #1, a soft #1 but a #1 none the less & when you consider there are teams in the NHL that don’t even have 1 just be happy & accept what he is. I huge minute muncher that leads the team in icetime & goes up against the leagues best night in night out for more than a 3rd of the game. He is virtually impossible to replace. Let him retire a Bruin.
couldn’t agree more! Chara has been ragged on too much by the fans, its sickening.
Great article and hopefully this is true with his cap hit. If that is the case he becomes more valuable to ride out in Bos as well to possibly deal.
I pulled out the offending paragraph. 😛 Interesting indeed. Lyle any thoughts or confirmation regarding this?
Chara has two more seasons on his contract after this season. Next season, his cap hit will remain at $6.91 million, but it will drop to $4 million in the final year of the deal because he’ll be 40 years old, as the Savard/Kovalchuk rule stipulates that a contract’s cap hit is only average annual value until the player turns 40, at which point the cap hit is whatever that season’s salary is.
huh?? never heard of that but ive never heard of dj bean either lol I still don’t know if its right but this guy thinks it is! cmon lyle break out the cba and let us know lol
I just googled ” what will zdeno chara cap hit be when he turns 40″ and clicked on a site called SPOTRAC and it says the same thing the last yr of his contract will be 4 million
I just googled ” what will zdeno charas cap hit be when he turns 40″ and a site called SPOTRAC says the same thing 4 million
I just googled ” what is zdeno charas contract when he is 40″ and SPOTRAC says 4 million too
sorry about the multiple posts
lol I thought you had a stutter.
lol
That was NOT the article I read but as we got the same information out of it, it’s probably true then.
Oh, maybe I did get it there, yea me!
Comment Striker I’m calling you out! Yesterday you said you heard the Bruins could be going after Yandle in the offseason. I said then you must trade Krug. You replied there enough room for both; You’re wrong if your right that Yandle will get at least 6m per season and Krug who is 4yrs younger with similar numbers and is an rfa will want an increase in pay. No Way Boston is paying out over 10m for Yandle and Krug. let alone have spare dman. Having both offensive minded dman that won’t see the ice with 5 mins remaining and up by a goal makes no sense. Boston need toughness save the money and go after Byfuglien in the offseason if he’s available. Personally I wanted Seabrook but he signed. I won’t be able to rebuttal until tonight. I have a job to go to.
Numerous teams have this very make up or very close to it. Many are facing their young stud Dman coming up for contracts as early as next season. Example Columbus with Jones & Murray already paying 3 other Dman big money. Anh, Cal, Chi, Dal, Det, Min, Nas, NYI, NYR, StL, SJ, TB, Was & Win all have this make up. Boston has 3 other Dman signed for 2 or 3 years in Chara, Sedenberg & McQuad that play the shut down role & I can assure will be on the ice for the final minute in a tight game. C. Miller will be an offensive Dman, Trotman a decent 2 way Dman & Morrow who knows but all will be NHL regulars as they develop over the next 3 or 4 years.
& as you’ve shown Boston has cap relief coming on Chara’s contract, 1.9 next season & 2.9 the season following potentially. Teams need more than 1 fully developed offensive Dman. We have our checkers we need some danglers.
I think the best thing to do is trade Siedenberg and sign Byfuglien.
Byfuglien and Chara would be a force against other teams top lines.
If Winnipeg doesn’t sign him first
we can definitely take the Leafs off the teams that are going to trade for Stamkos, no way they give up their talents as it will undo the work of the last year and leave them in the same spot as they were 5 years ago. In my opinion they should go after him in the off season if he tests free agency. A lot of talk about this being against the Leafs rebuilding plans but its not often you get a guy like Stamkos and at 25 he’s going to be effective for a very long time.
I agree with you on that one. Why give up something to bring in a guy today who does nothing for the team but help them sell a few more shirts and get them less balls in the draft lottery? Wait until FA hits and sign him. If he doesn’t sign with them, so what, you haven’t lost anything. If you are confident he would resign after being traded at the deadline, then you should expect he’d come willingly to you at FA.
The Blackhawks brought back Versteeg once and the second tour of duty wasn’t as great as the first which is why he was dealt to Carolina this past off-season. Sure anything is possible, btu I would think Chicago would look at other options before bringing him back.
On another note, would Carolina not hold interest in retaining him? A, they’re in the wild card chase. B, this is one team that refuses to “rebuild” and is in desperate need of it. The decision to retain Ward and Staal will determine Versteeg’s future with the team.
Lyle, I think you and I are fed up with the Stamkos debate. I’m with you, let it play out and see where it goes. At this point people are beating a dead horse.
ah shucks. I never tire of any hockey debate.
Perhaps I need help.
WHO CARES ABOUT THE STAMKOS RUMORS ONLY MEDIA. WHEN WILL IT END JUST LIKE SUNDIN RUMORS.
Stamkos to Mtl for John Scott…..and a 7th round sweetener.
I see Raymond is on waivers today…wonder if the Leafs wouldnt consider a deal with the Flames to eat thst contract next year for them,, say Reimer or Bernier for Raymond and a pick
why
Because like the Senators, the Flames (and Oilers) work on a budget, so eating up Raymond’s contract will help the Flames and creates a friendly trade-partner. And Raymond excels here in Toronto, which doesn’t hurt. To get Raymond and a pick, I would offer up:
To Toronto: Hiller + Raymond + 1st rounder
To Calgary: Reimer + Kadri + 2nd rounder (via Pittsburgh)
It’s not freeing up much, but Calgary would shed off $1.25M, while adding depth they need (goaltending and offense). Toronto gets another 1st rounder.
If Pittsburgh fails to make the Playoffs this year, then their 2nd rounder to us, is removed. If that’s the case, make the 2nd rounder to Calgary a conditional 2nd (if Pittsburgh makes the Playoffs, Calgary gets the 2nd rounder they previously had. If Pittsburgh doesn’t make the Playoffs, Calgary gets our 2nd rounder).
Because he has 1 year left on a deal, gives the Lteafs another cheap forward and a pick , which if they are eating 3 mill in salary and giving the Flames a goalie should be better thsn the pick they would get for either Reimer or Bernier with out salary coming back. The Leafs wont be keepimg 10 million in goalies next year, Bernier makes close to 5 and Reimer will atleast want that. So insyead of dealing Reimer (say) for a 3rd round pick (if thsys what he id wprth) malr it a second and eat Raymonds 3 mill salary.
Is 4.15; Bernier’s contract, close to 5? I’d say that’s substantially closer to 4. Granted that’s only 850K in difference but that’s significant to me, it’s over 20% or 1/5th. Ha-ha! Reimer isn’t getting 5 million. He might get money similar to what Dubnyk, Talbot, Halak & numerous others are making. In or around 4 mil but for no more than 3 years tops.
Reimer has never played more than 37 games in 1 season over his 6 year career. That concerns me. His career SV% is .915. That’s average at best but in fairness most of those years were played behind a brutal defensive team. In Babcock’s solid defensive system his SV% is solid but unless he can show he’s capable of playing a minimum of 55 games no way I pay him more than 4. In the lock out season he did play 33 of 48.
Trade for Andersen & move on.
I second that, trade for Andersen and move on!
Commentut out of curiosity what is Dubnyks actual salary this year 5 mill? How bout Hallak 4.75? Anyway Poulin rfa not really comparable and neother is Bernier as his was sn rfa deal aswell but if it makes you feel better the Leafs wont be carying nearly 9 mill in goalies nrct year woth Reimer and Bernier, and yes i think zReimer is going yo vost atleast D7bmyk money so 5 or 6 uears and depemdong on tje term around an aav of vlose yo (now not exactly buy) 4.5 despite his noof games played
Yost on TSN today posted a great comparoson, since Bernier arrived in toronto 3 years after this one
Reimerat 5V5 4686 shots .925 Sv%
Bernier 5v5 4219 shots .923 svz%
So over the past 3 seasons Reimrr has more shots against and a higher sv% who do you think makes more money the RFA ot the UFA eoth better numbers?
One of them has to ho and the Flames could 1 ise a goalie besides Poulin or Ortio next uear and 2 cnould use the 3 mill in savings from moving Raymond to help pay for it. Are tjere other options? Siure there slwaus are bitoy could work for both.
Wow, that was annoying to read, with all the crazy spelling. Nothing about what you said, all the same.
Wow, that happened to your spelling? And don’t use ‘Auto Correct’ as an excuse, lol.
I’m not sure what your saying as I can barely read that. I’d prefer to see Toronto move on from either & secure Andersen. I’m happy keeping Reimer if his contract is short term, no more than 3 years until he shows he can play 55+ games a year for several years & be good. If he wants more than 4 million move him for what you can. Bernier has 1 year left say scenario for him. Move him if you can if not find a solution cheap as the teams going to be bad for several more seasons & start developing some goalies.
I am saying they shoud try and get something for either goalie, maybe Calgary would be interested if they could dump Raymond in return. The 3 mill the flames will have to spend on Raymond next year could go towards a goalie, thus Reimer or Bernier would only really be costing them under 2 million dollars when you account Raymonds salary going the other way and maybe instead of a 3rd or fourth round pick the Leafs get a 2nd or 3rd.
You’re making my spelling look good.
Dont use auto correct on my phone, lol woth work and some other people I text and stuff Ill boumce back and forth between languages. Aito correct can make for some awkward comments. Sorry Usually I am on my lap top or tablet. This grey tevt with a grey background dosent help.
I hear you. I often type from my phone & when it posts I’m like oh my God. I don’t even know what I tried to type.
Salary & cap dollars are a hassle as there can be significant disparity between the 2. I assumed you were speaking cap dollars as the only scenario where real dollars matters is when qualifying.
All good. I don’t disagree with you but Toronto’s goalie pipe line is pretty slim. The need to start adding some young quality depth at that position. Reimer may be a short term solution & in Babcock’s system he might have great success if he can show he’s capable of the work load that a #1 has to play. I’m not showing him the money or term until he does.
Toronto may have little choice as the cupboard is pretty bare for them.
lol, I’m still sticking to my trade wish for Andersen.
To Toronto: Andersen
To Anaheim: Komarov + Gauthier + 2nd Rounder
Anaheim will NEED to make a stronger push for the Cup, they need to add more grit that also brings production. No other better option out there right now, with a low cap hit, than Komarov. Anaheim wants/needs youth, Gauthier will provide that. With the Ducks’ depth, Gauthier would be perfect for them, a big bodied Centerman for their 3rd line. Toronto gets a #1 netminder, at 24 years old, would be great for a rebuild…why? Sign him to a 6-7 year deal, by the time that deal is nearing an end, we might have another young netminder in development that will be ready to take the #1 spot.
If you substitute that 2nd rounder for Penguins 1st that Leafs own, maybe Anaheim would be somewhat interested.
That said, IMHO Anaheim should have little interest in Gauthier. He’s simply too unproven. Theoretical 3rd line projection, sure, but he has shown too little to date to have any real trade value.
So, I should clearify this…a trade would essentially then be revolving around the 1st pick + Komarov for Andersen.