List of teams potentially active at the deadline, 10 non-rental players who could be moved and more in Part One of your NHL Rumor Mill.
LIST OF TEAMS THAT COULD BE ACTIVE AT THE TRADE DEADLINE.
The Lightning could move left wing Jonathan Drouin by the trade deadline.
USA TODAY: Kevin Allen lists 12 teams he believes will be active at the trade deadline. The buyers include the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning. The Ducks could use another scorer, the Blackhawks could have their eye on Winnipeg’s Andrew Ladd, the Stars could use a veteran blueliner, the Panthers, Wild and Predators could use an offensive boost, the Rangers a scoring winger with size, while the Penguins could use either another scorer or a defenseman.
He also notes the Blues need for more scoring, perhaps by offering up defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, as well as an experienced goalie in the wake of Brian Elliott’s injury. The Lightning would like to move Jonathan Drouin for a defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Alex Pietrangelo sidelined with a knee injury, I doubt the Blues will move Shattenkirk at the deadline. Reports out of Tampa Bay indicates Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is open to the idea of moving Drouin by the trade deadline. I’ll have more on that in Part Two of today’s rumor mill.
The sellers include the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. Of the latter, he expects Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg and John-Michael Liles could be shopped, and doesn’t dismiss the possibility of the Leafs dealing center Nazem Kadri.
10 NON-PLAYOFF RENTAL TRADE CANDIDATES.
TSN: Frank Seravalli lists Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov, defenseman Justin Schultz and center Matt Hendricks, Florida Panthers center Brandon Pirri, Montreal Canadiens center Lars Eller, Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund, Toronto Maple Leafs center Peter Holland, Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell, Vancouver Canucks left wing Jannik Hansen and Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal as players with term remaining on their contracts who could be moved by the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
If the Panthers are pursuing Winnipeg’s Andrew Ladd, Seravalli believes Pirri, sidelined by an ankle injury but expected to return to action in two weeks, could be part of the package. He claims the Penguins were a rumored destination for Hartnell but they reportedly aren’t interested. Seravalli wonders if he’ll waive his no-trade clause to return to Nashville, where his NHL career began.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some of the players on this list could move. Hartnell’s an interesting one, for while he’s carrying a $4.75 million cap hit through 2018-19, there could be playoff clubs interested in him. His no-trade clause,however, is a stumbling block, as is his salary if the Jackets aren’t willing to pick up part of it. Schultz is an RFA this summer, but he could be considered a rental player. If he gets dealt at the deadline (and I expect he will) and doesn’t significantly improve with his new club, they could decline to re-sign him, making Schultz a UFA on July 1.
LATEST ON THE BRUINS AND KINGS.
ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun reports Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has prepared to either re-sign pending UFA Loui Eriksson before the trade deadline, retain him to help their playoff chances at the risk of losing him to free agency or trading him by the deadline. LeBrun speculates the latter seems increasingly likely. Sweeney could also try to add pieces at the deadline, like a defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s little consensus among the punditry over what the Bruins will do with Eriksson. Ultimately, I think they’ll move him. I also expect Sweeney will try to get creative with his potential trade moves. As LeBrun speculates, the Bruins GM could trade Eriksson for a package containing a first-round pick, then flip that pick and maybe a prospect to another club for a good young defenseman.
A source claims Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi has decided “the high prices on the thin rental-defenseman market might not be worth it”, though LeBrun doesn’t rule out acquiring one for a modest price. With winger Marian Gaborik sidelined, Lombardi could also add a winger. LeBrun claims Edmonton Oilers winger Teddy Purcell could be among those on their radar.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I get the feeling Lombardi’s priority is adding a scoring winger. If he has sufficient cap room after that, he’ll look at an affordable blueliner.
OFFSEASON DEFENSE TARGETS FOR THE LEAFS.
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran lists CSKA Moscow’s Nikita Zaitsev, St. Louis Blues’ Carl Gunnarson, New York Rangers’ Keith Yandle, Dallas Stars’ Alex Goligoski and the San Jose Sharks’ Roman Polak as five defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs could target in the offseason.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs could be well-positioned in cap space this summer to win a bidding war for Yandle, provided he’s willing to join a rebuilding club that’s years away from potential Stanley Cup contention. Ditto Goligoski. I could see the Leafs trying to bring back Polak, but I doubt they’ll be interested in Gunnarsson. Zaitsev could be an interesting move, especially as he reportedly wants to join the Leafs.
“Pierre LeBrun reports Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has prepared to either re-sign pending UFA Loui Eriksson before the trade deadline, retain him to help their playoff chances at the risk of losing him to free agency or trading him by the deadline.”
I’d say Lebrun is a master of the obvious there.
Pretty much right, isn’t that the 3 most likely scenarios that a GM would entertain lol.
They’re the ONLY ones!
can’t watch any of these reporters right now, they just regurgitate the same stuff on an hourly basis.
I think at this point in my young speculative hockey career I could probably become a TSN reporter lol
Dano, 2016 1st and conditional pick for Ladd, Harrison and Fraser
Winnipeg retains 36% of Ladds contract, conditional pick a 3rd if Chi wins cup
I think he’ll resign with Boston. Trading him now hurts the club. Getting fair value back to help them this year will be difficult. Boston’s a playoff team and he’s a big reason why they’ve played better this season.
In other news the Bruins may or may not make the playoffs
Boston has a 5 point lead on NJ with 21 games to go. Not insurmountable by NJ but the odds of probability are less than 20% NJ can make up that ground. 2 things would need to happen. NJ would have to play significantly better than they have in their 1st 61 games & Boston significantly worse.
Rumors are NJ is selling Stempniak & Schlemko. That isn’t going to help them win games.
If the odds at the US Thanksgiving in November only give you a 20% chance of making the playoffs if your 6 points out what do you think the odds are in late February!
Translation: Jersey sucks.
They looked like a playoff team last night against Pittsburgh. I agree with Scott T – Eriksson will re-sign with Boston.
Ladd to Chi.
From all indications Gunnarson has been a rock on the Blues D this year in a 5/6 shutdown role playing an average 17:27 and being one of just 2 Blues D to post a + (+9) – the other is Parayko and his +21. All the rest are showing a minus – Shattenkirk -12, Pietrangelo -6, Bouwmeester -3 and Edmundson -4. He’s exactly what the Sens need to bolster that 5/6 pairing which at the moment includes Borowiecki and either Wideman or Wiercioch
Funny how all these old Leaf D ,en are exactly what Ottawa meeds…maybe they were not so bad afterall and were just playing roles that didnt suit them in a terrible ssystem and that was the reason the D stank for years?
In all seriousness Gunnarsson would be great in that role in Ottawa, or alot of places for that matter, I didnt mind Polak but never understood the thinking of holding salary on the betterr of 2 players who play about the same role.
You’re questioning the thinking of the man who signed Kessel to 8 x $8 and Phaneuf to 7 x $7?
Sorry, and his piece de resistance: Clarkson signed to 7 x $5.25!
all started when the Leafs put Dion in the #1 D position – when he was never suited for such a role. Never had an issue with Gunnarson, I always thought he was underappreciated in Tronna
Agreed and its not like he had a big contract.
Gunnarsson was always in position. Unfortunately he could never make a pass. I have no doubt he looks better under a different coach but playing with Dion he was a disaster. They trademarked a particular play where they would get trapped in their own zone and turn over the puck 3 or 4 times on the same shift, spending the rest of the time scrambling to get it back. It was truly exciting!
That’s why he’d be a perfect fit as the stay-home guy beside Wideman on the 5/6 pairing in Ottawa.
He might be okay in that role if you can get him for the right price.
Wondering if Cody Franson is going to attract any attention. Some teams in the hunt could use is work on the power play. Sabres in a position to do what they did with Weber; retain some salary to help cap-strapped teams.
Regarding term, I look at Eriksson like I do with Ladd. I like both players but I would give either one of the more than 3 years. I think both are looking for more now or if they make it to July 1.
would NOT give either one more than 3 yrs
Well and that’s exactly why I think we haven’t seen Sweeney or Neely make an extension yet with Eriksson. I feel and based on some reports that float around (many speculation), that the Eriksson side is looking for 5-6 years at around $6m per… and Bruins are interested in 3 years. I just don’t see the Bruins at this point so close to the deadline giving in to 5-6 years at that amount of money. Sweeney will be forced to move him unless as Striker as mentioned a few times, the return is so low that the Bruins decided to retain the player and continue working on contract past the deadline.
Agreed – especially we know how much foolish money and foolish term are tossed around on July 1.
agree from what i’m reading they are to far apart to get anything done
B’s got burned by giving Chara too long a term – won’t happen again.
I give Eriksson 5 years at 5.5, if he declines I take 1st & a B grade prospect if on the table. If not he’s our playoff rental & I go spend our 6.8 in cap space on a 4/5 Dman & a #2/3 LW. Ideally Hamhuis & McGinnis if the cost isn’t prohibitive.
Boston won’t deviate from the long term rebuild currently in place as stated in last nights game. 9 starting roster spots are currently being filled by rookies, sophomores or 3rd year players & a ton of prospects are now in the system & coming.
“Kevin McGran lists CSKA Moscow’s Nikita Zaitsev, St. Louis Blues’ Carl Gunnarson, New York Rangers’ Keith Yandle, Dallas Stars’ Alex Goligoski and the San Jose Sharks’ Roman Polak as five defensemen the Toronto Maple Leafs could target in the offseason”
There will be other teams in on Yandle, and as Spector pointed out with Toronto’s cap space they can withstand a bidding war… which, may happen for that player. I had this conversation last night during the Bruins game… that the UFA defenseman market is quite thin this year, and the quality is subpar IMO. Obviously Keith Yandle heads the group but the others behind are nothing more than #4 Dman – #5/6 slot… with the exception of Quincey (I think Detroit will make a strong effort to resign) McBain, Lovejoy, Rozsival, Weber, Campbell, Liles, Quincey, Hamhuis. Good time to be a free agent defenseman in terms of contract/$$$ you’ll receive this off season but as far as teams go… nothing there jumps out at me as saying that’s the guy we NEED to go get.
Yandle makes no sense for the Leafs unless he wants a 1 or 2 year deal, which he doesn’t.
Zaitsev, on the other hand, makes perfect sense and is rumoured to be essentially a done deal.
Bizarre. I have just the opposite opinion. The D market is better than it’s been in a very long time. Players like Yandle, Goligoski & Hamhuis are almost never available. Teams usually don’t let such players become UFA’s but all of the following will be playing some where in the NHl next season.
Russell, Liles, Rozsival, Demers, Benn, Quincey, Campbell, Mitchell, Schenn, both Weber’s, Clitsome, Gilbert, Sch,emko, Zidlicky, Boyle, Medvedev, Lovejoy, Polak, Gunnarson, Coburn & Pardy.
The KHL exodus will also continue. The KHL is dying on the vine. Expect another dozen of the KHL’s best players coming to the NHL including numerous Dman.
When was the last year we had so many NHL regular Dman available at 1 time? Several are getting long in the tooth, Campbell, Mitchell, Zidlicky etc but they’ll all find jobs. Just not enough Dman available for all 30 teams to have enough.
If Toronto signs Stamkos as many of you think, or a few other UFA’s Backes, Okposo, Yandle, Goligoski, what have you, that cap space people keep throwing around evaporates very quickly.
What we do know is that Toronto has 8 forwards signed at 30.85, 4 D at 11.35 & 1 G at 4.15. That totals 46.35. We add Kessel & Gleason’s salary retained hits at 2.533. That’s 48.883. Kadri, Holland & Reilly are RFA’s as are numerous lesser lights.
Kadri will be getting at least 5.5 probably for 2 years so he still is an RFA upon expiry. Holland moves into the 2.5 range again short term but Reilly is getting a significant raise. Even on a bridge deal he’s moving into the 4.5 on a 2 year deal min. That will add in or around 6 to the hit. Now were at about 54.883 with 16 players signed & 7 needing to be added.
Toronto needs to be cap compliant by midnight the night before the season starts, not allowing for LTIR cap hits until the following day. Day 1 of the season to get Horton’s & Robidas’s hits out of that #.
That will leave Toronto about 18 to 20 million for 7 players to spend up to the night prior to the season starting but then another 8.3 as the clock ticks over to opening day in LTIR. This is where having players that can clear wavers & be sent down to get cap compliant returning the next day when LTIR space is available is important.
This is why Philadelphia & Boston moved out Pronger & Savard. Their cap hits as part of their 23 man rosters was causing problems being cap compliant the night these rosters had to be submitted. Getting each off the roster eliminated the hassle which would have cost both teams having to expose a player that no longer had waver rights to be sent down prior to opening day & the LTIR space Pronger & Savard’s contracts provided.
With each passing year this taking on salary to acquire future assets will get harder & harder to play as numerous prospects are approaching their waver eligibility & the younger players will be getting raises. Toronto probably can continue to play this game for 2 more years, possibly 3 if they buy out a player or 2. Cowen!
Great post, Striker. However, I think it has recently become clear that it is a true rebuild in Toronto and not a mini-rebuild as some hoped/feared where a bunch of star UFAs are going to be signed in the offseason and we get significantly better next year.
In fact, I think management was explicit in saying that next year would be even more painful for fans!
So, the cap space is going to be there and the challenge will be finding enough deals where the team can make use of it – these are great in theory and we all talk about them, but they have turned out to be quite rare – rather than not having enough space to get things done.
We may see some surprising moves, like for example a long term deal for Reilly to minimize his future-year cap hit, as opposed to the more traditional bridge and then long term deal, like the Subban approach. Kadri I think you have bridge, because of the off-ice issues.
Kadri can’t be bridged. He has 6 years service, meaning he can be a UFA next summer. So, it’s decision time. I have always advocated for the guy based on his skill level but I get a little nervous at the thought of committing to him long term at say $6M. I’m sure they’re investigating options to trade him for either a younger forward or a right handed defenseman.
Thx for that CO, I meant a short term deal on him. I don’t think you can go long term with a guy like that, even though he’s improved his two way play. Where is the information re what they’re looking for coming from? It makes perfect sense, of course.
Hey Dan, I’m just speculating. I think if they could trade him for a top 4 defenseman, a solid goalie prospect, or a younger forward with equal upside I think they’d be wise to do so considering the current gaps in the team (defense and goaltending) and the time-line of the rebuild (3-4 years).
CO.
I’m not certain that is the case. To hit UFA ststus at 26 you need to have played in excess of 43 games as an 18 year old in your rookie year. I don’t think Kadri will be a UFA till the season after next. Toronto could sign him to a 1 year deal for next season & still have him as an RFA the season following.
I could easily be wrong as the CBA is a struggle at the best of times but I’m fairly certain the only way to be a UFA at 26 not 27 is to have started your career & hit 43 games min. Lyle any idea?
Striker, just looked it up. You are right!
http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2015/07/05/maple-leafs-sign-nazem-kadri-to-one-year-extension.html
I stand corrected.
I’d like to see Drouin in Calgary and Flames have D they can dangle. Ladd is the type every cup contender will want….lets just hope Jest don’t get fleeced like the Canadian teams usually do. Play hard ball to a degree Kevin C.
The only D the Flames have to dangle is Wideman and Russell and Wideman has 1 more year at $5.25M and Russell is a pending UFA No way does Yzerman accept either one of those two he wants a similar return for Drouin youngish cost controlled player. Tampa only has about $1.5M in cap space similar to Detroit so Yzerman can’t afford to take on big salary it has to be salary for salary. Pretty much why he’s trying to package Carle with Drouin.
I could see if it was Condra or Boyle but its alm8st 8f no benefit for a team to take on Carle just to land Drouin imo. If that is truely the case I just cant see the return on Carle and Drouin being a young top 4 rhd or something that 8s going to help the pp in any meaningful way…cost is just way to high. Never know but thats alot to give up for a guy who has been sitting at home for the better part of 2 months.
What Dman are you proposing Calgary will give up?
Interesting that rumors don’t include any Flyers, I would think a goalie such as Neuvirth would be of more interest to a team than Riemer and D such as Striet,Schultz,Medvedev would help teams in need of help on the backend
The fact that the Flyers already retain salary on three contracts takes them somewhat out of the deadline market. Additionally, Neuvirth and Schultz are outperforming their contracts and are signed for next year. No guarantee Hextall can acquire quality replacements without needing to spend a lot more money. Medvedev may be the one moved of this group.
Good explanation, Thanks Steve
I don’t see Philly moving Neuvirth. He’s played significantly better than Mason & both have 1 year left after this season. Neuvirth may be a better long term solution than Mason.
Very hard to move Streit’s cap hit of 5.25 before the off season. Schultz has a good cap hit for a servicable 6/7 guy but could move & I assume Medvedev will most likely move. If not he will be gone as a UFA next season regardless.
Goaltending is a strength for Philly. Why mess that up? Upgrading the D is the #1 priority. With Provorov likely making the team next year, I think that makes Streit expendable. Medvedev too. But he’s probably only worth a 3rd or 4th round pick.
Philly also needs a top 6 LW. I still have a feeling Hextall may inquire about Nishushkin. But the price tag for him has to be high.
came across this….B’s talking to Blackhawks involving a Eriksson and Ville Pokka trade…
The only way that Chicago gets either Ladd, Boedker or Eriksson is if they can shed Bickells contract and i don’t see that happening unless they shed salary for salary there.
Leafs have been rumored to be kicking the tires on Bickell to see what they can pry out of the Hawks for takimg that contract off their hands.
Exactly the kind of thing they should be doing, thanks for mentioning that Shticky.
Chicago’s cap space according to generalfanager is the equivalent of 4.7 on an annual contract. They could take on anyone of those 3 players entire cap hit but any player coming to Chicago will only becoming at 1/2 his cap hit allowing Chicago to buy a 4/5 Dman under the same scenario.
I’d gladly take Chicago’s 1st & Pokka. He qualifies as a B grade prospect. A very good B grade prospect. He will be an NHL Dman. Top 4 who knows but certainly a regular top 6 guy eventually but he doesn’t help now.
Then with Eriksson off the books cap space jumps from 6.8 to 11 in annual equivalant contracts. Go spend it somehow. Again Hamhuis & McGinn in cost is acceptable in picks & or prospects. That would still leave a ton of space to add a 3rd asset if so inclined.
Outside of a potential back up more capable than Raanta, NY should have one name on their wish list. Dale Weise. Don’t get me wrong, I think Ladd would be a great fit, but probably too expensive. Staal, Pass.
sounds like a lot of teams interested in weise what would the rangers have to give up a 2nd? I read bergevin is asking 2nd and 3rd
That actually kimda surprised me, not that Weise is a top line guy or anything but a very good playoff type guy…to me the price seems pretty reasonable (almost too low) for a guy like that, I would think there would be away to get a bit more for him. 2 seconds or a decent prospect and a second…a second and a thord seems too cheap.
It doesn’t surprise me, the 2nd & 3rd would be this year’s draft. I don’t see Bergevin as having a 4 to 5 year window to turn the ship around (which is what a 2nd pick in 2017 would probably need to be NHL ready). Additionally, those picks are most likely to be shopped at the draft for a player who can take a roster spot in the fall.
I’d gladly pay a 2nd and 3rd or 2-2nds. I don’t think I’d add anything beyond that. He is a UFA and there is no guarantee he stays beyond the post season. If the cost is beyond that, they may as well take a 1st + prospect + to take a run at Ladd.
ya I kinda think weise ends up back with the habs in the summer he loves it there
I don’t think Edmonton Oilers’ Justin Schultz is in play this deadline. I can’t see a playoff contender assuming a high risk/reward reclamation project like him (nor his salary, even if Edmonton eats 50%) at this time of year. Additionally, there can’t be a GM in the league who believes Edmonton is going to resign him at $4.095M for next year. Therefore, it is more likely that a GM with any interest will wait until Edmonton fail to qualify him this summer then make Schultz a lesser offer, saving themselves salary cap and assets rather than trading for him now.
I don’t think it has to be a playoff team interested in Shultz hes still young and playing for the oilers doesn’t help put him with a stay at home defender and he plays a lot better. I think its the ” change of scenery” might help him!
My point is why would a non-contender give up assets and commit to $4.09M salary next year when waiting till this summer will land them Schultz for less. Even in a bidding war he is not going to get the same money.
yup, Schultz is not going to help any team now. There for any team who is looking at him will sign him in the off season as a ufa.
The only way a team that may trade for him before the deadline is if the Oilers do take some salary back and then that team gets to talk to him early. So say “we are not going to qualify you at 4mil but we will sign you to ??? for a year.” That is the only scenario that I see happening and it will most likely be for a 4th or later round draft pick, and I think it’s very unlikely.
Agreed. The qualifying offer to retain Schultz is 3.9. No 10% guaranteed raise for players making over the league average any more. He has arbitration rights if he refuses his qualifying offer. Lowest award allowed in arbitration would be 3.3. Schultz won’t choose arbitration & unless he agrees to a trade & sign or sign & trade at significantly lower dollars; about 2.5, on a 2 year deal he is headed to UFA status & that’s what’s going to happen regardless when he’s a UFA in the summer.
Interesting to see Canuck’s Jannik Hansen finally enter the Rumor Mill. He a 29 year old with 19 goals (more than Boedker and Ladd) and terrific speed at a cap friendly $2.5 million for 2 more years. That’s worth a 1st round pick.
Maybe I’m looking at this all wrong. I’ve been saying package Ericksson and Chara to Ana for Fowler or Lindholm. Now i’m asking myself how far is Boston from being a contender? Offensively they are good lots of depth, got Rask in nets (down way too often for my liken) and then there is the D which simply put isn’t good enough. If the Bruins can acquire one or 2 solid dman, how much does that improve their chances? Bergeron and Marchand are having very good years, Ericksson has 23 goald, Hayes and Belesky are starting to score. Back to the D. Maybe Sweeney can swing a deal with Winnipeg to land Trouba (Johnny Boychuk type of player) who by early indications is going to be a tough sign for his asking price. Offering a 1st round pick, Koko (top center in the minors) and another pick/prospect? If you use the Dougie Hamilton trade as a measuring stick, does that work? Then maybe try in bring in Hamhuis from Vancouver or something compatible or if you land Trouba, then flip Krug to the rangers for Yandle. How much does keeping Ericksson adding Trouba and Yandle, subtracting Krug increase the Bruins chances at a cup run? I can change my mind tomorrow.
Ive been saying that for sometime and ya ripped a strip off me for it…lol I dont think the Bruins with the pieces they have are as far out of it as some think once the playoffs roll around. Is Chara the guy he once was no but, down the middle pretty strong can score and Rask…mpst importantly its the East and with the teams that are contenders…this aint the Bruins or Claudes first rodeo they have loads of experience amd leadership at important positions. I wouldnt start throwing dirt on the casket quite yet.
See Shticky, yesterday I disagree with today I agree and tomorrow; well lets just wait and see. lol
Ha-ha!. Now all we need is a magic wand. Put that elixir down. You’ve been drinking to much again. Ha-ha! Anaheim isn’t taking Chara, ever. Anaheim isn’t moving a core D before the deadline. NYR isn’t moving Yandle before the deadline. Boston isn’t moving Krug a 3rd year player they have cap control over just scratching the surface of his potential. Boston will bid for Yandle if he becomes a UFA for free other than money. If Vatanen is shopped this summer they will bid for him to.
Nice to see you coming around on Boston’s playoff aspirations. The 9 kids playing are improving. Boston is fully healthy again finally. Spooner & Pastrnak just provide so much speed to this team & are a pleasure to watch & are really important to Boston’s playoff aspirations. Boston isn’t making any wholsale changes before the deadline.
6.8 million in player relief is coming at the deadline to help the cause & Eriksson isn’t moving unless the return truly justifies the loss.
Boston has the 4th best goal differential in the East, 7th in the entire league. Go run goal differential for the last 10 years on how it effects who makes the playoffs or who doesn’t & how it plays out once there. It’s very telling. Add in how strong power plays effect teams abilities to advance. It’s also very telling.
Boston’s kids are getting better every game, their enthusiasm is a fabulous intangible & contagious, help is coming at D, a solid #4/5 guy; Hamhuis or other, & a regular forward; McGinis or other, will also be added to play at the #3 or 4 LW spot & provide insurance for injury.
The only unfortunate situation I see is Boston looks to be drawing TB in the 1st round. That’s a tough match up for anyone. Things could change but history has shown that we may consider 3 or 4 points in the standings to be close but really it’s not. 1 team needs to go into a complete swoon & another to play way above their season average to see teams flip spots separated by this many points. Not impossible just highly unlikely baring significant injury’s. 60+ games is a pretty good reference point on how a team is going to play over the final 20 games. There are always exceptions but they are very small.
Striker, don’t rain on my parade! First though I didn’t mention trading Chara. I said see if you could work out a deal with Winnipeg for Trouba; a Dougie Hamilton type of deal. In the end I don’t think Boston is too far from competing in the East. Maybe adding one or two solid dman might be enough.
I would categorize McGran’s journalism as “mostly harmless”.
Of those on the list Zaitsev (24) is probably a good bet to join Toronto. Polak’s a possibility. However the others do not remotely fit the Shanaplan.
The Leafs might bringing in a character guys who can be unloaded at the deadline or young guys who could be part of the future but they’re not investing big dollars in long term contracts for players who are ready to win now.
Their current depth chart includes (ages are as of next season): Reilly 24 (RFA); Gardiner 26; Hunwick 31; Cowen 25; Marincin 23 (RFA); Harrington 23 (RFA); Corrado 23 (RFA); Percy 23 (RFA); Loov 23; Brennan 27 (RFA).
If you add Zaitsev 24 to that list that’s 11 candidates. They have already invested in developing Marincin, Harrington, Corrado and Percy. All are ready for the NHL All can be resigned to affordable contracts. Why wouldn’t they give those players an opportunity?
Some of the above players may be traded. Cowen may be bought out but I don’t see them being replaced with expensive free agents. I could see them signing 1 or 2 veteran dmen to 1 year contracts to create some veteran competition for the young guys but they won’t be landing a big fish on July 1st.
I see Polak returning if he wants to come back on a 2 or 3 year deal at reasonable money. Babcock obviously liked him seeing as how much ice time & responsibilities he gave him. I see them bringing in another character guy to help mentor the younger D & provide some defensive stability. Nothing earth shattering a 5/6 guy with character that can play 12 to 15 minutes of sound defensive hockey. Similar to a Barret Jackman type guy. Mitchell, Quincey, Gunnarson, Coburn etc.
I think you’re right on the money, CO. The Leafs have no use for veteran pieces unless they are willing to take 1 or 2 year deals.
The D has depth, but not quality. Rielly is now getting top pair minutes and assignments and still looking good.
Gardiner needs a solid, defensive partner to cover for him and make a useful 2nd pairing.
The rest of those pieces are bottom pair/7th D type pieces so you’re missing two top four guys, IMO.
Zaitsev may be one of them, but he may not be as well – you just don’t know with the Euro players.
I think at least one of those pieces has to come through the draft and there’s about 4 or 5 of them in the first round that could be.
Agreed. I think there’s 7 guys there with 4-5-6 potential. There’s no top pairing material. I would be surprised if they don’t use one of their 1st rounders (more likely Pittsburgh’s) to draft a defenseman.
Agreed, I don’t see it and the Chychrun kid is a left shot when we really need to add young D on the right side. Thing is, harder to project Dman so it could be a situation where you move back and take two shots in the middle of the 1st instead of one. Will depend on where that pick lands. Matthews and the Fins would be hard to turn down, but if you’re 4th maybe you look at it.
I would trade down with the Pittsburgh 1st rounder if the opportunity’s there. I’m not one of those concerned about a shortage of contract slots. I see the team jettisoning 3-4 veterans per year and graduating 3-4 Marlies to fill their spots. That takes a lot of the pressure off. Moves like the Grabner and Phanuef trades shed contracts we no longer wanted. Also, they can let a few draftees go unsigned. After a draft +1 and draft +2 seasons you can tell the good prospects from the long shots.
After the recent trade of Mike Weber, Buffalo is going to be a seller in this market too. I would say three or four players will be traded. I also see at least one d-man coming in on the trade too.
I think Buffalo waits till the summer to sign a UFA Dman, possibly even 2 to allow for less responsibilities for McCabb & Pysyk in the short term. The kitty at D prospects in Buffalo is bare & I assume they will start drafting some Dman soon. They might have to try & trade for 1 as I’m not sure they can cost justify buying 2 UFA Dman.
Agreed. Rochester has no d-men to really offer. CHAD RUHWEDEL and MATT DONOVAN haven’t even been called up, so that tells us that Buffalo isn’t excited about anything in Rochester.
I’ll miss the grit that Weber brought each night. I still would like Buffalo to pick up John Erskine. He can be had cheap and will add some protection for the younger guys as they ride out the season.
if Chicago needs a winger in the top 6 why not trade Bickell and their 1st to TOR for Lupul? Salary swap is even…Lupul can play along Toews and score….Toronto gets a 1st. Seems fair
I was just asking about Lupul the other day. Apparently he’s injured, but there are rumours in Toronto on radio he is simply being asked to stay away from the team. I’m not sure what’s true, honestly.
It was clear, though, before the injury his production had dropped off – only 14 points this year, mind you 11 of them are goals.
There were stretches a couple years ago where it felt like if he got healthy he would clip nearly a point per game – distant memories now. Last year, he put up 0.38 ppg in and out with some injuries.
Right now, I put him in the camp of negative value, with $5.25m of cap for +2 years. The Leafs have been great at getting off those contracts, though, so we could see him moved for a dump to maybe shave a year, but it’s no big deal if we just let him expire in two years.
I’d like to see him go the way of Stephane Robidas. He will have more time to concentrate on his career in men’s fashion. Blue steel!
Lol, CO – yeah, the fashion thing, it really is comical. I think you’re right about him needing to be buried, wouldn’t want any of our young, impressionable kids having exposure to that lest we develop a new crop of denim afficionados!
Boston should:
Trade Krug for Drouin that would be a young defenseman Tampa is looking for.
Trade Eriksson plus whatever else it may take to get Shattenkirk.
Sign Yandle in the offseason with the cap space created.
Get a cheap RW for the playoffs like Purcell.
Frank Seravalli must not have much of an inside track on trade rumors if he thinks Hendricks is a center. He is a winger who was forced to play center due to all of the injuries on the Oilers.