Keys to the Blues offseason, plus updates on the Bruins and Rangers roster plans in your NHL rumor mill.Â
What next for the Blues?
Changes could be in store this summer for the St. Louis Blues.
ESPN.COM: Craig Custance believes the St. Louis Blues should re-sign head coach Ken Hitchcock to another one-year contract, re-sign captain David Backes and consider trading either Kevin Shattenkirk or Jay Bouwmeester this summer. Custance suggests the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings as destinations for Shattenkirk. Â He think winger Troy Brouwer’s playoff performance has put him out of the Blues price range.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not sure if Hitchcock will get another kick at the cat with the Blues. While he guided them to their first Western Conference Final in 15 years, there were questions over his handling of several players, including star scorer Vladimir Tarasenko.
Shattenkirk will attract considerably more interest in the trade market than Bouwmeester and is most likely to be moved. Given his skills, he should fetch a nice return for the Blues.
Backes rejected a three-year deal worth $5.5 million annually last fall. While he had a terrific playoffs, is the 32-year-old worth a longer term for $6 million per? Brouwer certainly seems like he’ll be a goner this summer. His playoff performance should give him value in the free-agent market a nice boost.Â
Updates on the Bruins.
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty speculates one reason the Boston Bruins re-signed defenseman Kevan Miller is his agent also represents promising US college star Jimmy Vesey, who is an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 15. That move might help bring the Bruins closer to signing Vesey.
Haggerty also reports the Bruins intend to aggressively pursue a transitional defenseman this summer. There’s plenty of speculation linking them to Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues. Free agent options could include Keith Yandle of the New York Rangers and Alex Goligoski of the Dallas Stars.
BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins GM Don Sweeney is still in contract talks with the agent for pending UFA right wing Loui Eriksson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interesting tidbit about Miller and Vesey having the same agent, though that’s no guarantee that the youngster will sign with the Bruins. As for Eriksson, he’s rumored to be seeking a five-year, $30 million deal. If he doesn’t waiver from that, he won’t be returning to the Bruins.Â
Latest on the Rangers.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports sources say the New York Rangers won’t buy out the contract of defenseman Dan Girardi. They haven’t asked him to waive his no-trade clause and it’s not expected they will make that request. They’re also “extremely unlikely” to pursue St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk via trade this summer. It’s expected blueliner Keith Yandle will depart via free agency on July 1.
The Rangers are also prepared to listen to offers for anyone except Henrik Lundqvist, Brady Skjei and Pavel Buchnevich. The Minnesota Wild are believed to have serious interest in center Derek Stepan. The chances of the Blueshirts pursuing Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos via free agency, even if Rick Nash’s $7.8 million annual cap hit comes off the books via trade, are “extremely remote.’
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers could be willing to listen to offers for almost all their players, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be moving a lot of them this summer. Still, it does suggest they’re willing to entertain almost all options. A Girardi buyout would be lengthy and expensive so no surprise they’re not considering that option.
As for the Wild’s supposed interest in Stepan, no word from Brooks as to what the Rangers seek in return or who the Wild are offering in return. I’m assuming it would be a defenseman as that’s where the Wild have the depth to deal from.Â
Buchnevich? I don’t think he’s going to be a full time nhl guy. He doesn’t speak a word of English, and Kreider is the only player in Ny that speaks fluent Russian ? I think Ny’s no touch list is going to include Miller, Mcdonagh, Kreider, as well. I also see Stepan on that list unless they actually do plan on pursuing Stamkos. I don’t see a better option other than him on the ufa list .
I meant he won’t be full time this year.
What about the possibility of Shattenkirk to the Leafs in exchange for prospects/picks in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round?
Seems like he would be a great fit as a top pairing guy which is a dire need for them. I know the lack of Leaf rumors floating around since the new tight lipped organization took over is frustrating to the media but it’s kind of nice to see.
If Shattenkirk wants to win a cup before his legs give out, and couldn’t win one with a pretty decent line-up around him, what would be the purpose of agreeing to go to the Leafs? Money?
George O.
Money would likely be the only incentive. I think the 5 year plan in Toronto is mainly rebuild… I don’t see them competing for any Stanley Cups in that period of time. But if Shattenkirk couldn’t win a cup with a talented Blues lineup then maybe he abandons ship and goes for the most money. No guarantees in winning a Stanley Cup. Blackhawks and Kings out first round… San Jose going to Cup Finals. At this point Shattenkirk might as well put a bunch names of teams in a hat and draw…
Five years indeed. All that hype around the Marlies’ season and all those “sure thing” prospects are taking a major hit at the hands of the Hershey Bears – now up 3-0 after kicking their butts 8-2 last night.
And if Shattenkirk did follow your advice and put the names of a bunch of teams in a hat in order to choose where he’d agree to go, you can bet “Toronto” would not be in the hat.
George O.
If I were Shattenkirk I’d put the list of names together that I would want to go to and with similar contracts extended to him and then pick lol
George at it again!
What do you mean “at it again?” Bigboss began the thread by proposing Shattenkirk for “prospects/picks in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round” – IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION! So I responded. What shou8ld I do – just ignore it and say nothing because, God forbid, anyone say anything that may be construed as being “negative” towards the Leafs? Jaysus.
Shattenkirk doesn’t have any trade protection
Pretty doubtful a contending team such as St. Louis gets rid of a top Dman for 2nd round+ picks and prospects. Opposite direction to what they are trying to accomplish.
IMO if Leafs are interested in Shattenkirk it would involve Rielly (not happening) or Gardiner (possible) from a Blues perspective.
With Shattenkirk it’s about getting something for him or letting him walk when next season ends. Really for the Blues would they rather get a pick(s) and prospects or have nothing at seasons end.
Bigboss,
Pretty certain St. Louis could at the very least net a 1st round pick in this draft and a prospect for Shattenkirk. No need to talk about a 2nd round pick unless it’s a kicker to the deal such as if Shattenkirk resigns. After the Gudbranson trade last night I think we can all analyze the trade market for defenseman and adjust our trade proposals to be realistic. McCann was a top end prospect in the Canucks organization and they also sent a 2nd and 4th in 2016 to Florida. Gudbranson is arguably a top pairing talent, although arguably not at that point just yet… he’s fringe but definitely a top 4 without a doubt. He has 1 year on the contract just as Shattenkirk has. Shattenkirk comes with more experience and is only 27 as well… expect a similar package of a top end prospect, 1st round pick, ect.
Why does a team trade him, a top 3 d-man for anything not in the first round. (obviously it wouldn’t be the leafs first rounder). Maybe the pens 1st and tor 2nd and a decent (not marner/nylander) prospect… actually with his ufa status in a year I would say you could take out pens 1st and make it leafs 1st next yeay conditional on him signing
Oh here we go! St. Louis is not giving up a bona fide #2 D-Man for picks. If they do trade him is it for proven young players with cost controlled contracts. St. Louis is riding high and they are not in a rebuilding mode at this time. Picks do nothing for the near future which is where he GM should be looking. Toronto would need to give up Rielly, then it is a switch of contracts and players.Which Toronto would not do at this time. Here is a hint guys, not every team or player in the NHL wants to see Toronto be great. They want their own teams to be great.
Could not agree more, they wont move shattenkirk for pennies, it will be 1st rounder top prospect and a roster player, looking at it from a leafs perspective gardiner nylander pitts first and a second, not saying its a good deal for the laughs but that most likely what it would take to get him from the Blues.
To me, a Sens fan. It makes loads of Sens for the Leafs to acquire Shattenkirk. I can see a good fit there. I also don’t think the leafs will be long before they are competitive with the young guys coming. Of Coarse I thought that of Edmonton many moons ago. haha.
Toronto is building through the draft but they have acquired quite a bit already. As long as they don’t have to move out a load of draft picks or prospects to bring in Shatt I think its a good idea. Shatt can only help them.
Of course he’d help them. But is that the way he wants to round out his career, helping a rebuilding team move up a few notches in the standings? They are far removed from being a cup contender let alone a playoff team. Yes the Leafs have drafted better in the past year than they probably did over the previous 5 years put together. But you say that like the other 29 sat still and that no one else has a boatload of prospects in the minors. Seems to me Washington’s AHL affiliate in Hershey has demonstrated that they, too, have some talent on the way up. So do many more. But until they actually GET to the NHL and show they can handle that monumental difference in calibre of play, that’s all they are. Prospects. Whether they’re in the AHL, Major Junior, College or some European fat and lean league.
I don’t think you actually read what a person types you simply react to it. My stating that I thought Edmonton would improve along time ago was the cautionary comment I posted to my own argument. So you assertion that I say anything with the belief that all the other teams are doing nothing is simply silly and wrong.
I realize Shattenkirk may want to join a more established team. Yet I don’t know that, it’s a possiblity and it appears you think no other possibility but what you state is possible,
Why would Tampa have any interest in Shattenkirk? He will be looking for close to $7 million long term in his next deal and Tampa will be giving Hedman around $8.5 to $9 million long term possibly by this summer to kick in in 2017 and through Shattenkirks agent Shattenkirk has no desire to play in Edmonton and wouldn’t sign a long term deal there. I think it comes down between Boston and Detroit at the draft for Shattenkirk’s services. Both teams make far more sense as both clubs need a massive upgrade on their respectable bluelines.
I agree , I don’t see a fit at all for Shattenkirk in Tampa.
I think he wants to go home and play for the Rangers….. Does that not work for Southern Ny players?
Yeah i could definitely see Shatty going home to the Ragers, If New York can move Nash’s contract wouldn’t mind seeing him in Detroit maybe include Stepan in a deal for Shattenkirk helps both the Rangers and Blues i could see him going home to New York makes tons of sense for both Shattenkirk and the Rangers he could be home and have tons of his family watching him. win win for both.
It makes sense, but they could just retain a similar player in Yandle for just $$ at this point. Why would they trade more of their future for Shattenkirk? Unless it was a trade which involved Nash going the other way. But I don’t think the Blues would want to take that contract back either
Shatty?
Backes may regret rejecting the 3 year 5.5M contract. And speaking of regret, I also think Hitchcock mishandled Tarasenko.
Give the Sharks plenty of credit for not giving Tarasenko room to operate. This shark team impresses me a lot.
Good game plan… smothered him. The entire game planning by the coaching staff and execution by the players was fantastic! Going to be fun to watch in the Cup finals.
… on a side note, the Bruins draft pick from San Jose has now yet again, dropped a spot lol
Chad, I don’t think it mattered if San Jose went out in the first round or win the cup, if the bruins were/are keeping the pick, the guy they would’ve pick at 20 will be there at 30. Just saying.
Caper,
lol… hey now, we still don’t know how those 3 players will pan out. Zboril was projected to go where the Bruins picks. Although, DeBrusk was a tad bit higher projected than we took him at and Senyshyn was a reach but then again thus far Senyshyn has outperformed on all levels and should at the very least turn 1/2 of the doubters aside.
2014-2015: 66gp 26g 19a
2014-2015 playoffs: 14gp 4g 3a
Bruins draft him 2015
2015-2016: 66gp 45g 20a
2015-2016 playoffs: 12gp 2g 7a
Tarasenko scored two goals the last game. St. Louis’s only two. Where and how was he mishandled?
I just think SJ did good job boxing him in and not giving Tarasenko room to work
… the only 2 points he had in the entire series against San Jose though and was generally a minus player every game. I don’t think the Sharks gave Tarasenko much room to work either, I agree with 4th Hanson brother. I’m not sure he was mishandled as much as it was just good game planning by the Sharks coaching staff and it got the best of the Blues.
He may have been, personally watching the games myself I felt he had many chances he just did score. I never felt he was beings handled. San Jose as a team simply played better.
Sorry conjugation typing problem again. “He just didn’t score”
Trade Stepan? Who takes his place?
I won’t be shocked if Stepan or Brass is moved and a Stamkos or Backes comes in.
Ny struggled losing the speed game last year. Do you really want to see Backes fill that speed roll? No way do they trade Stepan in order to make room for Backes.
Or Brassard either
I’d like to see Backes in NY, the Rangers have little physical presence up front he would be a definite improvement. But then again, Backes could help 6-7 teams.
No thanks on that one. Pittsburgh skated around Ny like the were standing still. Speed, and their lack of speed killed Ny this year, not size. Now add Backes to that equation . Trading Stepan to make room for a 32 year old Backes is a really bad idea. Especially considering he will be looking at 6+ for more than 3 years.
Can the Rangers come out of the east with Stepan+Brass as 1+2?
Maybe, maybe not. But do you see an aging already slow Backes being the key to getting over that hump? Brassard , Backes …. Backes Stepan? Or Stepan Brassard? Backes will look a lot like Drury 2.0. In 2 years. An expensive, untradeable player making 6+ million playing on the 3rd line or worse. No thanks.
I would prefer Stamkos+ Stepan for sure. Brass+Nash salaries would need to be moved.
Lindros, Gomez, Drury, Staal, Messier (part deux) Holik, are prime examples of overpaid, aging and or damaged good centers the Rangers have rolled the dice on in the past.
Doubt that the Rangers could afford Stamkos without moving tons of expensive contracts with Nash leading the way. And i wouldn’t be surprised if Backes doesn’t resign with St Louis if not tons of teams will be knocking on his door for his services.
Brass is 2.5 years older than Stamkos. Yes I would do what is possible to add Stamkos to the Rangers. I do agree with the speed issues- neither Ranger center is known for their wheels.
The aging D is another story-
Oh the Holik contract… 9 million?? for a 3rd line center.
The Rangers are notorious for this. If you start seeing salaries moved out, prepare for the Backes signing shortly after
“Tons” is a bit of a hyperbole. Nash and Brassard would be plenty. That would be almost 13 million in cap space if they didn’t retain on Nash.
I agree, plenty of teams will be looking at Backes, but plenty will walk away when he’s demanding more than 5.5 for more than 3 years.
And one lucky team will land his services and over pay him, and deeply regret it before the 3rd year kicks in.
@Shawn
When was that? 10 years ago?
@Nyr4life
Not specifically FA signing, but Eric Staal? Overpayment for aging veterans. Luckily, the FA signings haven’t been what they were in the past. I think you did a pretty good job naming them above
St. Louis without question was a tilted deal for an aging player. Especially considering he had one name on his trade list ….NYR’s. I would have been okay with Callahan for St. Louis straight up. But the 1st and 2nd conditional pick ( that became another 1st) was gross overpayment.
The Yandle deal wasn’t as tilted as people make it. It would look much better if Ny was able to retain Yandle , but that’s not happening.
Staal was a gamble that cost 2-2nd rounders and a prospect u won’t see in the NHL anytime soon. Gambled, and lost. But luckily , they’re not stuck with Staal.
Alotta discussion about Kevan Miller yesterday – I like Miller, he’s 5-6 d man who shows up every game. I can tell you teams that oppose Miller don’t like playing against him.
4th Hanson brother,
A lot of people feel it’s a poor signing, including myself. Not to beat the dead horse or anything in todays column of comments but I think a lot of people are just against the signing for the fact the Bruins brought back the player… maybe not even so much the contractual terms. He’s a 3rd pairing defenseman, likely the 6th spot on most teams in the NHL, which makes him an average at best defenseman. Bruins management are on record stating they know what needs to be fixed, they know the priority is the defense after the last two seasons of missing the players (again, I’m not one that is overly concerned about missing playoffs, some are)… but to preach change you actually have to commit to changing things. Bringing back the same players from this past season, especially on the defensive side of the puck is the wrong way to go about it. I pegged Kevan Miller as the odd man out… not to be resigned so that would open up a slot on the blue line for either in internal decision or externally bringing someone in. It’s the same cast and crew back there… Torey Krug is absolutely a bright spot, although some disagree but he’s definitely a piece in the rebuild. Aside from that Claude Julien shifted around rookies and didn’t commit to anything… I’d rather see 2 young rookies back there for the entire season then shuffled around and sent up to the 9th and back to providence repeatedly.
Like I said… I’m not sure it’s as much the contract as it is the decision to bring him back… poor decision in my opinion.
Chad – I understand your feelings, Kevan Miller is a player that you could go either way on. I stayed out of this conversation yesterday but was entertained by the back and forth about Miller – it was good conversation.
He’s a 5-6 at best – but I like his physical play, something that I am fond of that I believe is lacking in the league. That’s why I favored the signing. Broones have bigger issues with Siedenberg and Chara. Both needed to be moved and neither can be at this point. If Miller is an issue, he’s a secondary issue.
4th Hanson brother,
It was a lively conversation yesterday to say the least… but myself and others are not alone, majority of articles I’ve read by NE writers, comments on sports broadcasts, and fans all over social media seem to echo a similar feeling… but oh well
A lot of New England writers and hockey analysts yesterday were speculating that this almost certainly means a defenseman currently under contract on the Bruins is gone. Not sure if that means Seidenberg, some even speculated that it meant Adam McQuaid because he’s a bit redundant to Kevan Miller. Sweeney was also commenting saying that Colin Miller will get his chance this upcoming season… I’d peg him in as a full time defenseman on the blue line. Sweeney was also on record yesterday stating that Torey Krug would absolutely be resigned. No chances of him leaving or traded.
Zdeno Chara: Likely too tough to move because of contract
Dennis Seidenberg: absorb some $$, can move him
Adam McQuaid: similar contract to Kevan Miller… as Striker and Obe were mentioning yesterday where can you sign a defenseman like Miller for under $3 mil… under that assumption Adam McQuaid is worth a good return then.
We’ll see what Sweeney’s next move is… hopefully announcing Krug and Marchand extensions
I was one that was adamantly against the Miller signing in yesterday’s conversation and I still am today. Kevan Miller is a good plug. You plug him in as your 5th/6th and you know what you’re getting. A hard-nosed player on the back end, not afraid to take the body or block shots. The money isn’t a concern for me, although I do feel that ownership could have spent that money somewhere else. Especially when you add what McQuaid is making to that; these two are essentially the same player and for a team trying to get younger and faster you don’t need both. I’m more upset by the fact that $16.2M is tied up in the Chara, Seidenberg, McQuaid & K. Miller going into next season, a year that we were told by management that they know what needs to be done and fixes are coming to the blueline. The blueline is unchanged. Torey Krug will be resigned (which I completely agree with) which leaves one spot open. If Yandle is signed, zero spots open and you’re looking at a defensive corps that is close to $30M/year and outside of the Krug the youngest skater will be 29. Outside of injuries and days off you know are going to be coming for McQuaid/Seidenberg/Chara/K. Miller, where do the young guys get their reps and experience at the NHL level?
It’s easy to say, yeah but they are going to trade Seidenberg, but are they actually? Who would take on that contract? And even if they found a sucker, it probably makes more sense for them to keep him until next year so that they can use his salary and expose him in the expansion draft. Someone needs to be moved from the blue line to make way for a possible Shattenkirk trade, Yandle signing & letting the young kinds (C. Miller) get a crack at it. McQuaid? CHARA?
This is my only K.Miller comment today (I hope) what was the urgency to sign him? why not fill out your top pairing first, see what money you have left and then if it fits. You handcuff yourself because you fill out the #6 or 7 dman before you go and get #1 or 2. If you lose out on the player because you fell short by $2M over the contract, then how does this signing look. Nobody was signing K.Miller until July or later, ask Codey Franson. If someone offered him 2.5 over 4yrs so be it, replace him with another depth player. Could’ve been O’Gara big body, better skater a lot less money.
@Caper
My thoughts exactly. No reason for the Kevan Miller signing to be Sweeney’s first offseason transaction. You build your foundation first and then fill in your role players once you know what you have left to work with. If I’m Torey Krug, I’m asking how Sweeney gave Miller a contract before me
New GM but same resigning of bottom of the roster aging veterans. The one mainstay, Cam Neely
Caper,
I think thats part of the argument for a lot of people that disagree with the signing… not so much the 4 years and $10 million
What the urgency in making him your first signing of the season? Why use the blueline spot or at least wait until you know how your next moves playout… say at the draft, free agency (July)? Why bring back the same crew of defenseman knowing the blueline is where Sweeney and Neely need to do the most work? Just makes more sense waiting it out, seeing how draft day goes, free agency, even waiting until the Eriksson situation plays out. He wasn’t a priority at this point in time. O’Gara just finished 4 years in the NCAA… he should be somewhat close to being ready to compete for a spot in camp. The Bruins still have Colin Miller, Zach Trotman, and Joe Morrow… 2 of those need to be resigned and are RFA. What about them? Do they get to finally play a whole season? Lots of unanswered questions or questions surrounding the signing that make no sense.
How about just the sheer fact that management has come out stating they want to add and change, blah blah blah and the first message you send to your fan base is we resigned Kevan Miller. I don’t see that as giving your fanbase confidence or sending a message that tough decision and changes will be coming for the betterment of the team longterm… says the complete opposite to me. At least last year Sweeney waited until July 2nd to resign Adam McQuaid.
just to piggyback that’s my last comment on Miller for today and future lol. I’m burnt
I’m glad to have him back and if it includes Vesey
Yeah
I’m to hung over to get into it. Missed my flight, not even trying to get out of SJ till tomorrow.
I may be in the minority but I love the signing at 2.5. Lucas Sbisa got 3.6 from the Canucks for 3 years. Now he’s a train wreck.
Just because other GM’s make stupid signings doesn’t mean you have to too
I thought it was a great deal for the B,s he works like a dog he fights hits blocks shots and was a plus 15 for under 3 million.
The New York Rangers should be open to just about anything in my opinion. I said it the other day about the Vancouver Canucks… teams that are in certain situations shouldn’t be opposed to listening and if there is a trade that makes sense then execute it. I mentioned Jared McCann and some thought it was unlikely they’d move him, or not a chance because he was the future of the Canucks… 5 days later and he’s moved to Florida for Gudbranson. Sometimes the best decisions are the toughest ones. Who knows how that’ll play out long term, I really know nothing about McCann aside from reading the reports online. Could play out well for Florida and in Gudbranson, the Canucks know what they have immediately. Gudbranson has huge upside, he’s still only 24, he’s 6’5 and 215… previous 3rd overall pick. On the Panthers I felt he was kind of blocked by other talents, that team is deeper on defense but could use some offense. The trade makes sense, although a lot of Canucks fans on Twitter last night were losing their minds because they felt it was a huge overpayment. Maybe it was but that’s the price of doing business and getting talented defenseman… on that note I’m curious as to what Chiarelli and Oilers offered and was turned down for Gudbranson. It’s been reported they were also in the mix but were turned down. Bruins were the other team as well.
I don’t know how I feel about this trade. Gudbranson was clearly on a one year show-me contract from Florida and it appears he was blocked in a sense due to Florida’s depth at D. But they might be losing Brian Campbell come FA and they could have used his body. Also, the Panthers are pretty set up for the foreseeable future down the middle; Barkov, Bjugstad, Trocheck. They also have Rocco Grimaldi in the system who should probably be an NHL player next season. I wonder where McCann fits in for them, and if this means they will be looking to move someone else out for some more help on the wings.
From the VAN side, yes they need help on D but how many more years do the Sedins really have? Nicklas Jensen, Hunter Shinkaruk, and now Jared McCann all gone. Not really sure I know what’s going on up there…
Canucks will take a forward with the 5th overall pick in this draft… maybe even with the 33rd pick as well. Bolster up the farm system with some talented forwards.
Canucks will be in full blown rebuild. I think I would have rather built around Horvat & McCann and drafted Juolevi, Sergachyov, or Chychrun at the 5 spot
Gudbranson is on a one-year deal. Who’s saying he sticks around in Vancouver after this year? He plays out his contract logging top pair minutes in Vancouver and he walks in the offseason for a monster contract elsewhere
Shawn,
He may not but you can guarantee the Canucks will do everything in their power to lock him up long term this offseason
Shawn and Chad: Gudbranson is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He can’t just “walk” at the end of his contract. https://www.capfriendly.com/players/erik-gudbranson
Good call Lyle, I completely overlooked that
No worries, Shawn.
Lyle,
Thank you for the clarification… team still need to lock the player up then by next offseason. Player may not hold negotiating power but he can certainly sit out and not attend September practices. Krug did the same thing.
He won’t sit out. He’s got arbitration rights.
Someone needs to explain to me why the Panthers traded Erik Gudbranson. I know his game needs some work, but he’s a minutes-eater who plays tough in his own end – and he’s young. Plus the return was not worth the asset given up. Panthers have enough centers – if you wanted a winger go out and get a natural winger, not a center to convert to a wing.
4th Hanson brother,
According to a lot of chatter last night… Florida is deep on defense and Gudbranson was blocked. Not entirely sure if that’s true or not, I know they have a lot of talent on the blue line but could use some scoring. Jared McCann can also play wing though. From the sounds of a lot of Vancouver fans they seem to have felt the opposite, that the payment of McCann as an asset for Gudbranson was an overpayment. I think a lot of Canucks fans held onto McCann as being the best prospect in their pipeline but ultimately the hype was overplayed. I’m sure he’s a great prospect but last week it seemed like Canucks fans felt McCann was on elite status and untouchable.
You know Chad – they do seem deep. I still wouldn’t give this guy up, I just don’t see anyone in FLA to take his minutes. This franchise has been sputtering for years, they really cannot afford to take any steps backs.
Hey Vancouver fans – you got a young, top 4 defenseman.
Vancouver definitely got a great player in Gudbranson. I’m curious as to what the Bruins offered as well… I’m not even sure what the McCann comparable in Boston is, Pastrnak maybe?
I would think Pastrnak would be a better return for Florida. Would give them more fire power on the wings which I feel they need more than down the middle. I don’t know if the Bruins would have offered him up though. Maybe Griffith?
Shawn,
Who knows… not sure how people feel about Pastrnak, certainly a highly talented individual. If I were a team with a top 4 defenseman looking to move (Gudbranson)… I’d definitely start by asking for Pastrnak and build the package from there.
Better question is, why was Dave Tallon booted upstairs? Gudbranson was his first # 1 pick and this smells of the new GM moving to put his stamp on the team. Strange goings-on in Florida.
Considering the Oilers recent history they likely offered some schmuck for Gudbranson – same way they offered Ottawa a pending and aging UFA for Bishop. As Forrest Gump observed “stupid is as stupid does.”
George O.
Knowing Chiarelli… or from experience being a Bruins fan, I’m sure the package wasn’t desirable at all. I think the Oilers should come down a bit and be more realistic with what they have… if every piece on the Oilers roster and in the farm is worth his weight in gold bars according to a lot of fans and Oilers writers then I doubt anyone is getting moved this offseason. I follow a writer for Oilers on Twitter and he’s always overvaluing what the Oilers have. Tons of people feel the 4th overall is an overpayment for a top pairing defenseman…. or that Benoit Pouliot is some elite talent who could be paired with a 2nd round pick to bring back a top 4/3 defenseman with term.
Looking more and more like Edmonton should have gone after Lamoriello to replace MacTavish.
Dale Tallon willbe the guy in Las Vegas – bet on it.
BC – I am sure that won’t be the last “bet on it” line associated with the expansion franchise in Vegas.
I think he’s headed there too – like alotta people I have no idea why the folks in FLA would want him gone.
Or their head scout – also canned. Seems to me they’ve stocked their system pretty well in recent years. The Sens need a head scout to replace Dorion so maybe they’ll give him a call.
Ya thats you George O “stupid is as stupid does”.
Ain’t “cyber courage” wonderful spud?
I couldn’t agree more with you. I was shocked when I seen the trade and a little pissed off that the Kings didn’t land him somehow.
6’5″ mean d men with decent speed don’t exactly grow on trees. The only thing I can think of is the Panthers were overthinking the possible expansion draft. They are stacked at D with Kulikov, Ekblad, Petrovic and Matheson. So instead of exposing a bunch of good young d they repace one with a forward.
Now this theory doesn’t explain why they couldn’t have gotten a better return but it may be a reason.
Canadian King,
A lot of people felt Jared McCann was a big time prospect… down the road it could play out well for Florida if this guy can score and put up a lot of point. Florida also received a 2nd and 4th in this draft (2016).
Chad, yea I know McCann was highly regarded by Vancouver, him not being let go for the world Jrs when Virtanan was, showed just how much they valued him as a rookie. So by no means I’m I discounting his abilities, but in my opinion I’m not trading a guy of Gudbranson’s skillset for McCann, especially when I have a ton of skilled forwards like Barkov, Huberdeau, Trochek and Bjugstad among others.
Florida obviously felt differently or that this was the best return or fairest among the team that extended offers. It was reported last night that the Oilers and Bruins were among the other couple of teams that tried trading for Gudbranson.
McCann is a big prospect, but it makes more sense acquiring him if you need help at center. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me – you don’t acquire an outfielder to play 3rd base.
And you can bet one thing. No eastern teams need call was Florida’s stance. I simply cannot believe they could not have received better offers from at least half a dozen teams.
George O.
Is it possible us fans just overvalue players on a daily basis… or maybe between the fans, rumors, hockey beat writers, and flys on the wall… that the majority just assume better offers are available?
Someone was telling me the other day that the Milan Lucic trade could’ve been more, that there had to be at least another team that would have offered more… but was there? Is a mid 1st round pick and two high end prospects (Martin Jones and Colin Miller) the best they could’ve gotten… or how about Dougie Hamilton’s return.
The point I’m trying to make is that I think the vast majority overvalue what a player is worth and everyone labels certain players as “it would take a HAUL to get” ect. but then the Gudbranson trade goes down and now some (Canucks fans) are upset cause they feel McCann was an untouchable… but then Florida fans feel Gudbranson was worth more. Meanwhile it was just reported last week that the Blues and Bruins were about to close on a deal at the deadline that would’ve seen Loui Eriksson (free agent) and San Jose 1st round pick go to St. Louis for Shattenkirk, and a conditional 2nd or 3rd, along with “unknown bad contract from Blues roster”… maybe we all have the value levels pegged up a few notches, could be fan delusion, I know I get attached to certain players and attach a higher price but maybe behind these locked doors the value of these said players are not what we all think or what hockey writers keep spewing out articles over
The deal between Ottawa and Toronto involving Phaneuf was an anomaly in the history of NHL trades. Most involving major players seldom involve two teams in the same conference let alone division.
read the article on TSN.ca
SPECTOR’S NOTE: “As for Eriksson, heâs rumored to be seeking a five-year, $30 million deal. If he doesnât waiver from that, he wonât be returning to the Bruins”
I concur on that… if the Eriksson camp is still stuck on 5 years and $30 million then they’re not very far along in negotiations or they’re at a sticking point with Boston management and in that case Bye Bye Loui.
4 years and $23 million… first 2 years NTC, after that there needs to be some protection for the Bruins. I don’t want to see Sweeney piss away the cap space he created last offseason and get stuck into a corner with more lengthy contracts and no trade clauses. Hello Chiarelli
Chad not much difference but I hear it’s close to 6 mil per year ( don’t do it)….#1 priorty is to fix that sad sack D…..four of their top 6 Dmen are slow and have gotten into a habit of D-D passing, bring in a RW power forward
JOE,
Should absolutely be the #1 priority this off season. I’m skeptical of going $6 mil per or higher for Eriksson… sure hope Sweeney doesn’t do that unless Eriksson suddenly decides he’ll take a 3 year deal. Not likely either.
If Vesey is coming which I’m sure management already knows then no thanks on Eriksson. Good player but time for a change in Boston.
Mega trade proposal:
To NY:
L Eller,M McCarron,N Juulsen,S Andrighetto and possibly a 2nd rd pick
To Mtl:
D Brassard & K hayes
?
That would be a mega no thank you. Is this your way of getting back at NY for the Gomez trade?
lol someone has been taking part in some morning recreationals
Yesterday it was “Emelin + Eller + 2nd round pick 2016 to Columbus for Johnson + hartnell”
They’re smoking some funny weed in Montreal lately.
My favorite part was the possibility of adding that 2nd rounder….. Hesitantly . As if they may be an overpayment by Montreal .
If nY didnt take that and run they are determined to run the “window” into the ground
Dear Mr Charles Jacobs,
Your team is being run by the 3 stooges…
Clod, Sweeney, Neely
your fate is one of being a lottery team for the next several years.
what a joke!
Please clean house and get rid of these idiots, hire hockey men like Don Maloney as GM
I think Cam Neely’s dream is to replace Claude Julien and go behind the bench in Boston. Here’s hoping that happens soon.
I the bruins slightly overpaid miller and grossly over termed him to get a shot at a player who started dominating college in his later years against younger players then that really spells desperation. Vesey may be a top 6 winger or he could bomb out… you cant tell with late bloomers in college or junior.
chrisms,
So obviously you read or listened to the Joe Haggerty piece about that… not sure I buy into that “quid pro quo” speculation. What I would be doing if I were the Bruins and what should be done is getting on the phone with Nashville and offering a pick for Vesey’s rights. Start negotiating now. Bring the player around the team, facilities, ect. Even layout a plan that involves the player in the lineup on a nightly basis. I mean jeez the team wasted a 3rd round pick on Rinaldo… could’ve at least flipped a 3rd to Nashville for the rights and I’m not even certain it would take that.
I am sincere when I say I dont know who Haggarty is. (sounds like a smart man though đ ) All teams should be after Vesey. A asset free decent prospect. I’d give a whoot whoot if pens signed him. But he is over hyped at this point. He only started doing well when teams he played against were younger on average, and not yet physically developed as much, than he was. he could be great… he could be a bust. but to trade for rights… that could be a real stretch.
Remember, Colorado Avalanche traded for Soderberg’s rights lol
I’m sure he’s already made up his mind where he’s going so why bother. Trade for his rights then he signs elsewhere that would look pretty bad for Sweeney
Can’t get worse
where are all the insiders, we seen Toronto, Van and Florida make moves yet nothing from the insiders until it happens. Teams are able to keep things confidential without a whimper from the insiders. Interesting to see if this continues to be the trend.
I don’t know about other teams, Caper, but the new regime in Toronto does not have any leaks. Reporters like Dreger, cousin of prior GM Nonis, have gone from knowing most things to knowing absolutely nothing and, in his case, being completely useless.
Re the Leafs being in on this trade – my question is why?
Even though he would be an upgrade for the Leafs, I still wouldn’t want Gudbranson – I think he’s still overvalued due to his #3rd overall status and his size/physical play given the stats show him to be a drag on the players around him.
Jarred Mccann is a nice piece, but there’s no need for him in Toronto with Matthews/Nylander(?)/Kadri/Bozak (for another year and a third is my guess) /Guathier/numerous spare parts already in place down the middle.
The main group of hockey reporters/writers have been quiet on a lot of fronts. I didn’t even see anything from Dreger, or Friedman on the Miller signing. Unless I missed it, I might’ve because I was down in Boston on that day.
Here is my Boston to-do-list for d. Trade Krug to St.Loius for Shattenkirk (sign him to an extension) and sign Yandle in the off season. Trade Seidenburg for whatever( he said he would waive his no trade clause) to free up cap space. slot in one of the young guys to start learning and developing.
Why would St Louis be interested in Krug? Krug will be getting close to $5 million per in his next deal, St Louis doesn’t need to add another D man since Parayko will be taking Shattenkirk’s place. And besides you do realize that both Yandle and Shattenkirk could be seeking deals around $6.5 to $7 million per long term on their deals. No way can Boston afford both. If Boston wants Shattenkirk out of St Louis i’m pretty sure that it starts with Ryan Spooner and work from there. St Louis has no use for Torey Krug they’re pretty well set on D even with Shattenkirk leaving. And i doubt that Sweeney will have any interest in moving Dennis Seidenburg just fill his spot with one of the youngster’s plus adding both Yandle and Shatty don’t see it happening.
Doubt Sweeney will have any interest in moving Seidenberg? The interest is most definitely there. You just won’t find another GM in the league to take that contract on for what Seidenberg is now
@Gary, boston could afford it, but I also don’t believe either of them will get $7m per season. As far as why St.Louis would want him, he’s young, under your control, good offensive skills and get quickly get the puck out of the d zone; however I don’t know a lot about the blues d, so I respect your comment as such.
Gary,
Chara’s cap comes down considerably… this is the last season that the team has to endure his absurd $7 mil hit against the cap. Also, by next offseason and start of the season there should be more rookies available to help fill holes throughout the lineup. The roster and cap hits you see today are not what they will be next offseason. Brad Marchand will get a new contract that will essentially wipe the difference from Chara’s going down… but even if they can’t move Seidenberg this offseason, you can bet he’ll be gone next offseason, one way or another. There is room. Not sure Boston would opt to do that though.
I like the “Trade Krug” part of your fix but I don’t think Shattenkirk is the answer to the D problems. He’s not fast enough to caver up for Chara’s slowness. We need a 1st pairing LHS D-man so Chara can be moved to the 2nd pairing. Also, Krug alone won’t get that deal done.
No, yes, yes
if the Bruins do or don’t sign Vesey has nothing to do with the Miller bad signing, Vesey will follow the money
Vesey will get the same money regardless, a max deal. I hope he follows the family money, though, because his father got a check for a cool million from the Leafs already.
He’d be another nice add for the Leafs who already signed Zaitsev, reportedly a top four ready defenseman to play with Reilly/Gardiner.
my point is that the Miller signing will have nothing to do with Vesey either does or doesn’t sign with Boston…….
JOE,
Likely not you’re correct about that. The Grzelyck signing has more to do with it if Vesey ends up signing in Boston. Chance to play with his childhood friend who he’s played a lot of hockey with.
Vesey can only be handed a maximum… that every team going after him will extend anyways. So to say he’ll follow the money on the surface seems inaccurate to me unless I’m missing something. It’s basically an even playing field for all of the Vesey suitors… the only kicker or card that a team had in their back pocket was Nashville who could have burned a year on the ELC so he could potentially sign a bigger contract sooner than where he ends up. Aside from that, it comes down to the team, location, maybe family, friends, immediate need or position, likelihood of winning maybe… financially I don’t think there is a place that’ll pay more, even playing field.
could a team sign him to the max then tell him they will extend him with a new contract after a year…
JOE,
I’m sure they could… if his first year is decent enough I’m sure he’ll have no worries about getting offered a long term contract.
All entry-level contracts are capped at $925K in base salary and $2.85 million in bonuses. Vesey will get offered that from every team that wants his services and he’ll have his pick for who he wants to play for. To say he’ll be chasing the money is wrong. If he was, he would have played for the Preds this season to burn a year and get him to FA 1 year quicker
Now Toronto did hire Vesey’s father and he on their payroll as well, so is it possible some of the father’s salary is to give a little extra kick back to him? Maybe, but impossible to prove otherwise you could bet that Nashville would file some sort of tampering charges if he were to sign there
If signed to a 1 year deal he can’t be extended until after January 1st.
NYR can try to sign Stamkos all they want, won’t work. Tampa or TO
I agree. What prime player wouldn’t want to take place in a 5 year rebuild?
Lol, fans in TO are pretty happy with how the rebuild is going. If you’re saying it’s going to take 5 years for the Leafs to get from where they are now to where your team is at (1st round exit), I might bet the under on that!
Honestly, though, if Stamkos wants to come to the Leafs, the reason is that he wants to play in his hometown, in the biggest hockey market, and be the star – that’s the only reason. The money after-tax isn’t going to be better than elsewhere and the team surely isn’t going to be competitive.
Who knows?
I agree , Leaf fans are happy for the most part….. At the moment. But they’re only 10 minutes into that rebuild. And heavily relying on picks and prospects going forward. Realistically, that’s a gamble unless every one of them work out.
That could also turn into an Edmonton situation, rather than working out. It’s a realistic possibility, just as it working out perfectly.
Home not home. It’s an over beaten, over played possibility that some Leaf fans like to beat into the ground. When is the last time it actually happened?
I’m not saying Stamkos won’t go home. But to say the only two options are Tampa and Toronto and nobody else is beyond ridiculous.
A few months ago, I would have said 98% chance he stays in Tampa. Today I wouldn’t give it 50/50. But there will be plenty of better options outside of Toronto if he actually hits the Market. To say otherwise is dreaming.
And hey, Chicago was also a 1st round exit this year. Is it over there too?
Look at the last 4-5 years.
How many teams have won more playoff rounds than NYR’s . And how many have Toronto won?
Better yet, how many have they played?
“But there will be plenty of better options outside of Toronto if he actually hits the Market”
Absolutely… if he hits the market expect the number of teams we’ve heard that are in the mix to multiply. Not everyone is out there showing their hand… and the cap can be manipulated, teams can over 10% in the offseason and work the kinks out before start of the season. Teams will move players if they have to. I think the list of teams that are possible destinations for Stamkos is quite a bit larger than most expect. I also think the chances he signs in Toronto is just as good as him resigning in Tampa… and once more teams enter the market if he does choose free agency then Toronto isn’t a shoe in.
I think he ends up in Detroit – somehow, some way
I read today that the NYR plan on going hard after Vesey. My query is couldn’t Nashville trade his rights? If so, then why not trade them to Boston, Toronto or NYR, for what ever pick or prospect you can get. I would think one of them teams would like to have the negotiation rights for him to try and get him signed before he hits the market. What am I missing?
Yes,Nashville has exclusive rights until Aug 15.
That’s a good point, Caper. The Leafs did exactly what you’re describing in trading for Zach Hyman, for peanuts, after the Panthers struck out on signing him and he was headed to free agency – apparently he wanted to go to the Leafs.
That was a June deal, by the way. He would have become a free agent August 15.
The key point though is the player had already made up his mind on where he wanted to go – I’m sure this is the case with Vesey, too. Either he wants to play in Boston where his family is or he wants to go to the Leafs, who have paid off his father and drafted his brother.
Given the circumstances, I doubt either team would pay much of anything to acquire his rights.
sounds like vessey is going to buffalo to play eichel makes the most sense
Caper,
They can do that… probably waiting until draft day I assume. Gives it a bit more time to see if something works out or Nashville waits to see how the draft day plays out. Boston could essentially trade Eriksson’s rights as well to another team, and then flip the pick to get Vesey’s rights.
I did read that Poile is still hoping to sign him……..Vesey isnt signing in Nashville so I dont know why Poile is thinking so. Maybe like Chad says draft day deals…..
Best time of year… love draft day, almost as much as deadline day!
I expect Yandle to see a similar market as Cody Franson saw last year.
Teams will likely be offering less than he expects, and he may have to wait a few weeks to get an acceptable deal.
If Vessy has a plan in his mind of where to go, he’d be well advised to let that team know before the draft and free agent frenzy of July 1. Thus I suspect he has given somebody a hint. He can’t be too clear, or tampering charges will likely result. (Secrets are impossible to keep these days). If Vessey wants the best possible situation, he’d love to be able to sign with a team at the draft and before free agency.
Any team that wants to sign him will want to be certain what they have before making other off-season moves. I think that you’ll see a trade of a fourth round pick for Vessey but Nashville will likely try to drag it out for maximum return. I’d expect a deal on day two of the draft.
“Any team that wants to sign him will want to be certain what they have before making other off-season moves”
For the amount of money Vesey is going to sign for, which will remain consistent with whatever team he goes to… not sure teams really need to plan around signing him. I see most teams just going about their business and signing all of the players they need to sign and adding Vesey on top as a cherry for the offseason. If teams are constructing their plans around Vesey then there are some real problems with management. No team should be banking on signing the player, all teams should go about their business according and sign the players they want to.
“If Vessy has a plan in his mind of where to go, heâd be well advised to let that team know before the draft and free agent frenzy of July 1”
I believe any type of communication, secretive or not with another team that doesn’t currently own his rights is considered tampering. He really can’t reveal his hand in anyway. As it is… with Toronto hiring his dad as a scout many already feel that’s somehow a borderline tampering but would be tough to prove.
“I think that youâll see a trade of a fourth round pick for Vessey but Nashville will likely try to drag it out for maximum return”
This I do agree with… I think a team will inevitably trade for his rights and it would be in Nashville’s best interest to do so at the draft
The way everyone is talking about Vessey you’d think he was he was another Mathews who somehow slipped through the cracks. He was a 3rd round pick – 66th overall. When was the last time such a fuss was made over a 3rd rounder who refused to sign with the drafting team? He may be another Butler.
Shattenkirk does not fit in TO. A Gudbranson type deal is all The Leafs need if they make a deal. If they get Stamkos and/or Vesey there is no room for a anyone else with all the prospects trying to get a job? Don’t forget Matthews. TO needs to get a goalie for the future first and then move Bozak, Lupul, Michalek, Laich and Greening at the right time? Reilly will be a #1 dman with Gardner and Zhaitsev being #2s so just see who else steps up?
There are some pretty negative comments about the Bruins but why? No seems to understand their plan but maybe we aren’t supposed to? It actually looks to me like they are going for skill and speed and away from the old Bruin template? They have one of the best coaches but maybe he has just been there too long?
If it isn’t obvious I am a Leaf fan but have a healthy respect for the Bruins. If they get one of Stamkos or Vesey I would be happy provided they don’t overpay Stamkos if they get him.
Zaitsev and gardiner #2s lmao someone’s been into the sauce!
Would a package of Lupul/Cowen to DAL for Niemi work? TOR clears lupus and grabs a goalie….. DAL gets shafted a bit here but they do pick a Dman whom really does need a chance in a new place.
Bernier now can get caked with picks to try and grab a #2 or #3 D man.
I thought they bought out – or intend to – Cowen?