Latest on the Oilers plus updates on the NHL offseason coaching carousel.
Oilers.
Is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins the Oilers’ top trade candidate this summer?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples examines the pros and cons of trading Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Among the factors is moving him won’t leave as big a gap at forward than moving Jordan Eberle, plus he could be of more value to other clubs (particularly those in need of a first-line center) than to the Oilers. Staples can see such a club being desperate enough to part with an excellent defenseman for RNH.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ve been saying for months that Nugent-Hopkins seems the most likely Oilers trade candidate among their core forwards, especially after it was reported in January the Oilers offered him to the Nashville Predators in a failed effort to acquire defenseman Seth Jones, who was dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets. While it’s possible Eberle or Taylor Hall could be moved, the emergence of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could make RNH expendable, though his $6 million per season cap hit won’t be easy to move.
Regarding the Oilers first-round pick (fourth overall) in this year’s draft, Staples cites a recent interview Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli gave to CHED radio’s Reid Wilkins saying there’s a “real, legitimate chance” of moving that pick for a return that helps his club. Staples speculates Chiarelli could either trade down in the draft order or use the pick to land a defenseman.
Jason Gregor believes the fourth-overall selection should produce a quality player for the Oilers now or in the future. Gregor says he’d trade that pick to the New York Islanders for defenseman Travis Hamonic in a heartbeat, but believes the Isles will want more in return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Isles GM Garth Snow steadfastly maintained he wanted a comparable defenseman in return for Hamonic. Unless he changes his mind this summer, or another team can get into this in a three-way deal, I don’t think there’s a fit there for the Oilers.
Jonathan Willis suggests the Carolina Hurricanes could be a trade partner for the Oilers this summer, as they carry four right-shooting blueliners on their roster. He notes recent speculation from CHED’s Bob Stauffer speculating Hurricanes blueliner Justin Faulk could be a trade target for the Oilers. Other options include James Wisniewski, Brett Pesce and Ryan Murphy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes will be thrilled if someone takes Wisniewski off their hands. Of their young blueliners, Murphy now appears a likely trade candidate. Forget about Faulk, the ‘Canes aren’t parting with their best defenseman. I doubt they’re keen on moving Pesce.
TSN (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Darren Dreger reports Chiarelli dismissed recent speculation linking his club to Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban. “Peter Chiarelli just told me point blank there’s been no conversation. Very likely wouldn’t be any conversation. This is all just industry fodder that you guys, and he’s talking to me, want to talk about when things are slow. So I still think that long shot at best doesn’t even describe how far-fetched that might be, specific to Subban.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chiarelli isn’t going to admit he’s chasing Subban or any player on another club because doing so would be considered tampering. That being said, I concur with Dreger’s take on the matter. Habs GM Marc Bergevin has also twice stated he’s not shopping Subban or any of his other core players. Sure, a trade is possible before July 1 when Subban’s NTC kicks in, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bergevin’s getting some calls, but I don’t think he’ll get an offer that will convince him to part with his top blueliner.
NHL coaching carousel.
TSN: Gary Lawless reports former Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau is the top candidate among teams seeking a new bench boss. That includes the Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames and possibly the Minnesota Wild. It’s reported Wild GM Chuck Fletcher to meet with Boudreau and former Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle. Lawless speculates Carlyle, who used to work for Flames president Brian Burke in Toronto, could get an interview with the Flames. He also suggets keeping an eye on Utica Comets coach Travis Green and former NHL coach Kevin Dineen. Other options include former Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher and former NHL coach Marc Crawford.
TWINCITIES.COM: Chad Graff also reports Fletcher met with Boudreau and Carlyle, and suggests now-former Flames coach Bob Hartley could join Fletcher’s list.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators have sought permission to speak with Boudreau. The Senators have already interviewed former Wild coach Mike Yeo, as well as Boucher and Crawford.
CALGARY SUN: Eric Francis thinks Hartley could be scooped up by the Senators, believing “they’ll covet a bilingual Hawkesbury grad who once worked in a windshield plant 75 minutes east. He won’t take long to win over fans in the nation’s capital as the most quotable figure in hockey … soon in both languages.”
Kristen Odland lists Boudreau, former Kelowna Rockets coach Ryan Huska, Yeo, Boucher and Green as the five potential coaching candidates for the Flames.
VANCOUVER SUN: Ben Kuzma also suggests Green as a fresh face to replace Hartley in Calgary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No surprise Boudreau is seemingly at the top of everyone’s list. Despite his inability to get a team into a Stanley Cup Final, he still has a proven regular-season record and is obviously highly regarded around the league. I think Boudreau could lean toward the Flames as they’re a club with considerable promise.
Hartley, the NHL coach of the year last season, probably won’t be unemployed for long. Given Carlyle’s defensive struggles in Toronto, I’m not sure if he’s a good fit with the Flames. Then again, he didn’t have a defense corps with Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton as its big three, so maybe he might get a better result there.
Green’s earned favorable reviews for his work with the Comets and the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks before that. He could also be end up with the Flames, Ducks, Wild or Senators. With Boudreau, Hartley, Yeo and Green all available, former NHL coaches Boucher and Crawford could find it difficult landing a job.
Judging by the press conference yesterday Calgary is looking to become more of a puck possession team, Carlyle doesn’t fit that imo.
Why in the world would the Canes trade Justin Faulk?
They wouldn’t… but all was said is that Faulk would be a trade target for Edmonton (and I can’t blame them), but nothing was said thatFaulk would be a trade chip for Carolina. Faulk will not be traded.
I’m still wondering about Faulk. Hard to say when you’re not that close to the team but I could understand if it came out that he’s, not a defensive liability, but flirting with the label of a PP specialist. However, he and Hainsey were the ONLY defenseman to play against top forwards this year (Hanifin got a taste when Faulk was out). Combine that with a lot of bad Carolina teams and you can understand his poor his +/- over his career.
Hanifin and Faulk are the likely number one pair for the Canes moving forward. That’s why I thought him being mentioned in a rumor was abit odd.
Hanifin is going to be awesome!
He already is awesome – looks like a seasoned vet
They wouldn’t.
Depends on whether or not their GM gives a Faulk.
Haha. Good one.
If the Nashville Predators turned down a trade involving RNH for Seth Jones… what is Chiarelli expecting he’ll get then for RNH? I think the cap hit might be the main problem but even then, if the Predators didn’t want RNH for Jones…
I don’t think it’s a matter of didn’t want as they had a better option in Ryan Johansen who is considerably bigger then RNH.
I think RNH will bring back good value if he is moved.
I think from a purely talent standpoint also Ryan Johansen is a more attractive option, not just size. Johansen was also cheaper. That’s why I think it’ll be difficult to get that high end defenseman for RNH. Oilers may have to add in some other perks. I’ve never been particularly impressed with RNH and his performance. But yes I do agree he will net good value, just not what I think many feel or want back in return.
Let’s be honest about it, RNH is more of a 2C than an elite 1C. I don’t see him landing a young-ish top pair D on his own.
Dan – exactly my feelings as well. Good feedback by all on the comparison of Johansen and RNH as well.
I am a huge Johansen fan – the Jackets blew the relationship when they went public with their feelings about the player and his agent. Torts isn’t the kind of guys to mend fences either, for better or for worse.
Chad & Dan.
Chad. Only cheaper now & next season. His qualifying offer will have to be 6 mil & he’ll be getting more than that on his next contract & I agree he is significantly better than RNH & not just in size.
Dan. Agreed
It won’t factor in at all. It comes down to what is available. If I had to choose between RNH and Johansen, I think I’d go with Johansen myself but if Johansen wasn’t available I would take RNH. I really like RNH, I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I’m not sure he is a true number 1 but he is an excellent number 2 with a solid two way game. I sooner trade Eberle than RNH if I was Edmonton if it came down to simply the quality of the player. But Edmonton is deep at Centre now and like Lyle has been saying all year it makes sense to move a Centre. 6 million doesn’t seem that large a price tag to move. I wouldn’t mind Ottawa getting in on the deal although they wont’ have the defensemen to send the oilers way so a three way would have to happen. Which would be kinda odd as I thinkt the Sens need to bolster the D still to.
Nashville scouts had favoured nugent over johansen…FYI
Alright so lets begin the speculation guys… Oilers own the 4th overall pick, they have a need on the blue line. Who are your defenseman that you feel may be moved for the 4th overall
There is the rub. There are the obvious 1’s. Vatanen, Dumba, Brodin, J. Johnson, & possibly Shattenkirk although he doesn’t have a NTC he is a UFA in 1 season & he wants to play in the east. There are very few options really. Teams just rarely move this asset unless they have no choice or a serious need else where. Thankfully with expansion on the horizon their are teams that have no choice. Trade them now or lose 1 possibly 2 of them come expansion.
Nashville had a serious need for Johansen but also had a plethora of quality Dman so moving Jones fit the team need perfectly. Jones was only Nashville’s #4 when moved but is a guaranteed #2 probably a #1 when fully developed.
Striker,
… but do you feel all of those listed are worth the 4th overall or visa versa, would the Oilers need to add another asset in order to make a move for one of those guys mentioned?
#4 overall would require more in return than any of the players listed. It’s a good start
Chad.
Possibly Vatanen at this stage. The drop off in quality of player in the draft after the top 3 is pretty significant. None of the other D are getting you the 4th straight up. Even though given a choice of Vatanen or possible Tkachuk, Nylander or Dubois & prefer Vatanen to any of the 3 Murray has an internal budget. He said they budget is incresing nex season but not certain that still needs enough cash for Vatanen who I think moves into the 5 to 5.5 mil per range depending upon term.
Snow wants a comparable for Hamonic. Question is who’s a comparable? who brings what Hamonic brings at an avg salary of $3.85 for 4 more years? That has to be one of the best team deals in the NHL? Would Calgary flip Hamilton for him, Edmonton Nurse, Winnipeg Trouba or Minny Dumba how about O’reilly in Toronto it’s only a 2.5 hr flight to Winnipeg. Winnipeg is often mention because it’s the closest to home and they have two dman that could be of interest Trouba and Myers. Trouba is already been reported to want more then Hamonic makes and his agent is the same guy who represents ROR and Turris so the negotiations could be fun. Myers avg salary $5.5 and three more years and 26yrs old could be a comparable, but then why make that deal if your Winnipeg? sure you save almost $2m in cap space but the jets are not in cap trouble. Interesting to watch unfold and to see what Snow does in the offseason.
Snow’s possible future dilemma – what happens when Hamonic just says he is done with the Islanders and fails to show for camp? Not saying he will, but if he does what will that do to his value?
Snow wanted a Dman to finish out the season but I think his position will change if Okposo leaves as a UFA on July 1st. He could then trade Hamonic to fill Okposo’s spot. Eberle for Okposo might make sense under that scenario.
makes sense
Eberle for Hamonic* .. Okposo will be UFA
Mawman,
I think you meant Hamonic for Eberle, and Eberle takes over Opkoso’s position as Dino pointed out. The Islanders could trade Okposo’s rights but I won’t bet on more than a 4th round pick or so for them.
Chad & Dino – yes, thanks for correcting.
I don’t think Snow would take Eberle straight up for Hamonic simply because of salary’s/cap hits. Although another asset from both teams to make it work certainly makes sense. Edmonton adds Davidsson, NYI adds a player like Prince? Something like that.
I appreciate Snow wants a comprable player back for Hamonic but that just doesn’t make sense to me. Why would the other team move a similiar type asset to get Hamonic?
… Didn’t Chiarelli try prying away Justin Faulk when he was with the Bruins. I’m almost 100% those were the reports when he was the B’s GM. He’s a solid defenseman and only 24.
Quick update on a discussion we were recently having regarding players with no-movement clauses who also have partial no-trades, such as Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury. According to Sportsnet, he can’t be protected.
Does Matt Murray even need to be protected for the expansion draft? He hasn’t finished two years of service in the NHL…
its 2 years of professional hockey, so the AHL counts as well. so Murray would need to be protected Pit.
Awesome Lyle. Thank you.
This was the completion of Murray’s 2nd season under NHL contract. He played in the AHL in 2014-15. That counts as year 1 this was year 2 & next season will be year 3.
Sorry some what confused. His NMC isn’t in affect so Pittsburgh would have to use a keeper spot or expose him? That’s how I read what your saying.
Interesting. I’d have to think of the options an expansion club would take Fleury.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matt-murray-taking-franchise-label-fleury/
I took it as they would have to decide which to protect if they were both still on the team..?
Arnie-you are correct. Both are eligible to be drafted in the expansion draft. So the Pens have to decide which they want to protect.
I predict they will protect Murray. Its not a guarantee Fleury will be claimed a/c his high salary
Only players with full NMCs must be protected by their teams. Fleury’s NMC only applies to waivers or demotions. He has a partial NTC. Players with NTCs don’t have to be protected. So the Pens will either have to protect Fleury or Murray, trade one of them or cut a deal with the expansion team/teams to ensure the goalie they leave unprotected doesn’t get selected in an expansion draft.
This what I can see happening at this years draft which would be beneficial to all teams involved. (Edmonton, Toronto and Arizona) Arizona trades OEL to Edmonton for the 4th overall pick. In return Arizona flips that pick, their 7th overall pick and Dylan Strome to Toronto for the 1st overall pick and Jake Gardiner. Edmonton has long desired that top pairing defencemen and OEL is worth more than the 4th overall pick. Arizona is known to want Matthews at all costs, which I believe the real reason behind management firing Maloney as he was probably against trading away key pieces from their prospect pool. And in return Toronto would get 4th overall which im sure they would be going after Tkachuk as he plays with the London Knights alongside Mitch Marner, as well as picking up Strome who can fill into that second line centre role when the leafs do sign Stamkos. Getting the 7th overall pick included may be a bit of stretch but again I believe Arizona is looking to make this trade at all costs.
There is no way that Arizona is sacrificing OEL… even for Matthews straight up.
Leblanc has actually explicitly stated that they are not moving OEL in a package for Matthews.
That doesn’t mean they won’t move a package around Strome, of course.
Love that proposal. Not sure if it’ll happen but well thought out. Maloney was the one who said OEL was not getting traded.
Nope, you’re right Dan, LeBlanc did say that.
Where do you get the notion that Arizona is “known to want Matthews at all cost?” You sound like an American republican who believes everything Trump says is ideal.
Let’s not get silly here Joel – please! I come to this site to get away from politics.
Agreed 4th Hanson brother. Recently when someone attacked French Canadians on this site, it was instantly shot down and not tolerated. I wish the Americans would be extended the same courtesy here! Plus this comment screams that Jeff has zero knowledge of what’s going on in US politics!!!!
lol. What I mean is the bubble Bill Maher claims republicans live in. Its a joke guys. But keep living in the bubble.
There is no basis in reality to claim “Arizona wants Matthews at all cost”. It’s like when Trump claims. You know. “They are rapist, they are criminals, and some I assume are good people” and people listen. Or when he claimed he had it hard starting out because all he received from his dad was a small loan of one million dollars and people agree.
It’s a joke. Calm down Trump lovers. I understand you’re disillusioned with your politics and your political leaders. You’d vote for an embarrassment but I was really making a joke in regards to the claim of how much Arizona wants Matthews not how unbelievable gullible the American voters are. Besides we all know Hilary is the next president. We knew that when Obama took office.
PS I’d vote for Sanders. Even if he makes so many promises I highly doubt he could keep half of them.
Like our current PM.
Keep your political views out of the comments threads. Stick to hockey talk.
You would I’m sure! Most of the people that want everything for nothing would vote for Sanders! Again, you’re not a US citizen. Do keep your idiotic opinion north of the border, and keep it about things you actually know……
It was just an innocent joke guys, really not a single political view posted but my comment of who I’d vote for if I could. I never realized that public figures were off limit. I tried to explain the joke, perhaps if you ignored my comment rather than egging me on it would of went by the way side. I’ m a political junky. But will refrain from any other so called political opinion/comments in the future.
I apologize to so thoroughly cause you such hardship. I never meant to put forth so much mental anguish.
If faulted I’m Sure Lyle can sensor me.
You say it’s an innocent joke and then go on a political rant further expressing your opinion. And your north of the border opinion means nothing. You are obviously not only clueless of US politics ,but also a little short on common sense. Keep your uneducated comments to yourself. Don’t like our politics, or views of our people? Then stay in Canada! And keep your views there as well. Please do us the favor! And while your at it , bring Justin Beiber back home ….. Would you?
What up with the hate on. You now NYR4life I’m sure we’d be the best of friends if we ever met in real life. Hahahaha. In the words of Beiber, or whoever wrote his song. Perhaps you should “Go love yourself”.
Not even well thought out. Arizona isn’t moving OEL. Again teams don’t trade these types of players ever. Name 1 in the last decade? 1 that has moved period never mind for extenuating circumstances. 3 of which I have addressed already. The only 1’s I could find in the last decade. Bouwmeester; UFA wouldn’t resign in Florida 09, Phaneuf; #2 maybe #3 in Calgary when moved in 10 & Pronger; 3 times; StL, he needed a new contract, the 1st cap just cap into effect & StL had to move out salary & the team was up for sale, 2nd Edm to Anh personal issue, wife demanded move & lastly Anh to Philly coming out of 2nd concussion needed new contract & was almost 35 on the downside of his career. Can you name another?
Yeah. Arizona’s president and CEO vehemently denied that OEL will move. And TO would want OEL just as much, no need to involve Edmonton. Trades are just fantasy anyway.
A lot in that post, Nick. From the Toronto perspective, I like it. I think, we can break it down as:
Matthews for Strome plus the 7th
Gardiner for the 4th
Each of those pieces I’m doing if I’m Toronto, although there was discussion yesterday on TSN that ARZ would do a package of Strome plus 7th plus NYR 1st (20th) for Matthews so maybe the underpayment on Matthews is offset by the overpayment on Gardiner.
With the 7th, I think the Leafs would be looking at a Dman and possibly also with the 4th.
If you move Gardiner, you have Rielly on your top pair with Hunwick, which is a really weak pairing even if Rielly takes another step.
And then you have nobody suitable to play with Zaitsev on the second pair left side.
Although, you do have abundant bottom pair/7D types, some with potential, like Marincin, Carrick, Corrado, Loov, Valiev, etc.
Are you saying you would move Gardner for a 4th?
I think he’s referring to the 4th overall Striker…
Do it PC !! :>)
Indeed, Gardiner for the 4th overall I would do – thx Chad.
The player took a major step forward under Babcock’s system where D get more support on breakouts from forward players. His advanced stats now look quite good although he is less than physical and still error prone.
At times my confidence in him ever becoming a reliable top four has wavered, but we have to remember he only crossed 300 games this season, has seen multiple different systems between the Leafs and Marlies coaches and probably needs another year to fully develop.
At 4th overall you get a better player than Jake – himself a 17th overall in 2008. However, D take at least four to six years to fully develop and this player at the stage he is at is a very good fit for what will be a younger D around him.
Rielly, Carrick and Percy are only 22 while Zaitsev is 24; Valiev is 20 and Neilsen and Dermott have just been drafted. Among them, Gardiner is a comparative veteran.
Dan39,
I figured that’s what you meant! However, I don’t think the 4th overall is going to be moved for Jake Gardiner of the Toronto Maple Leafs… albeit he’s progressed a bit from what he had been in previous seasons and now at 25 years of age he’s in that prime age bracket for defenseman. I think the Oilers will receive much more lucrative offers for the 4th overall. This off season has a lot of names circulating in terms of defenseman that may or may not be moved and I think that hurts Gardiner’s value a bit because some of the names that have been floated around are already much better than Gardiner, and some are still younger and have higher ceilings IMO. Although only a couple of RFA defenseman may get moved, and potential defenseman under contract such as Shattenkirk or Hamonic… I still think that buries Gardiner on the list of potential defenseman to be moved. Striker had listed some potential RFA defenseman that the Oilers might dangle the 4th for above, and they’re the names we’ve all heard for months now… I think a lot of those players trump Gardiner at this point.
I agree Chad that it would be an over-payment for Gardiner and the whole thing is highly improbable, but my point was that the Leafs need that type of relative veteran on their very young D-core and I think they would be very reluctant to move him for less than that type of return.
Dan39,
Makes sense… and I agree they would likely be reluctant to move him at this stage since they do need some veteran leadership on the team during the rebuild stages.
Chad.
Now I’m even more confused. Ha-ha! I don’t understand what his deal proposal was.
We can see a 3 way trade between Blues , oilers and habs
Shatts to Edm, 4th of oilers to Mtl , McCarron Juulsen 2nd 2016 and 1st 2017 to Blues
Thoughts?
Shattenkirk isn’t signing in Edm when his contract is up after next season. He has stated he wants to play in the East. No way Edm is giving up the 4th overall pick for a what wouldn’t even be a 1 year rental. They would have to move Shattenkirk at the trade deadline next season or lose him for nothing. Does that make sense to you?
Maybe if they can flip him to a team in the east for a Dmen coming back. PC might have to get creative like that to make it work. Pay the 4th for Shattenkirk then flip him to NYI for Hamonic and a 2nd. NYI is in the east and could easily resign him … Or 3 way deal Shattenkirk to NYI Hamonic to Edmonton the 4th the St.Louis..
That might be crazy enough to work … I mean Jake Gardnier for the 4th …
Snow & NYI are a cap floor team. With Leddy signed at 5.5 & Boychuk at 6 both long term. Poluck coming, & numerous other RFA’s & UFA’s coming fast they can’t afford Shattenkirk’s contract.
Just with the players facing RFA status or UFA status over the next 2 years NYI’s salary is going up significantly even if they let numerous UFA’s walk for nothing. See Okposo, Neilsen, etc.
Tony,
Striker makes a good point about Shattenkirk’s potential to not resign in Edmonton. The Oilers still remain the top team/destination in the NHL that players have on their no trade list, or no movement list. It’s not a desirable place to play and they’re still years away from becoming a perennial playoff contender. Peter Chiarelli will likely move the #4 overall pick for a defenseman who’s already under contract for a longer period of time or one that is still under RFA status so that the Oilers have more negotiating rights. Losing that pick for a player who may or may not resign is too risky for the organization. Also, they could place a kicker on the deal if Shattenkirk resigns or doesn’t, however, I think it would be in Shattenkirk’s best interest to play out next season and test the opening of free agency. He’ll be one of the most sought after defenseman next off season.
Absolutely. Following expansion teams are going to have significantly more cash to spend that doesn’t exist for many this summer increasing the # of bidders & the potential salary Shattenkirk can demand.
Most teams will have holes that need to be filled following expansion.
It’s nice to see the Leaf faithful dreaming up things that benefits their clubs with no acknowledgement of the facts being put forth from other clubs. OEL isn’t be traded.
Agreed. OEL is staying put.
They dream big if nothing else. Considering where they’ve been for the past half century I guess you can’t blame ’em.
I dream to. I would love for Ottawa to get Stamkos. Yeah sure thing but I dont’ actually think it will happen. I don’t actually think it has a chance.
Basking in the glory of owning a #1 overall pick. I say let the faithful have their moment. I’ve seen my fair share of overvaluing regarding Auston Matthews and what it could be worth to move… just like any other draft year where a team owns the 1st overall pick. How many years do we hear players who are rated as the consensus top overall pick being referred to “generational talent”, “franchise altering player”, the next “Gretzky”… it happens every year. Without a doubt Matthews is going to be a great player for Toronto… but we all need to keep in mind that the player isn’t even in the NHL yet and has had 1 season (in my opinion) that he was really tested against other players with higher levels of talent (Swiss National League)… before that he played for the US National U18. Toronto isn’t going to move that pick anyways, they’re going to keep it and draft Matthews.
I haven’t heard anyone at all claim that he was a generational talent. The highest praise I’ve heard from Leaf fans is that some scouts had him rated in line or ahead of Eichel, with less powerful skating, but a better shot and more finesse in tight.
The talk of flipping him for an over-payment from ARZ is more to do with ARZ’s unique situation rather than anything to do with the Leafs or their fanbase. ARZ ownership could nip it in the bud they way they did with the OEL speculation if they were inclined – they haven’t done so.
The more I learn about Matthews, the less likely I think a trade is to happen. Because of his position, size and power forward game with strong finishing skills, he is a perfect fit for the emerging Leafs core (Nylander, Marner, other smurfs) and he’ll be very hard to pry loose from Luo and co.
Dan39,
Oh people have certainly been throwing around those claims, just in the hockey reports on the player… those statements have been thrown around. It’s rare that top picks, even top 5 picks are moved for a player on a roster so I highly doubt that the 1st overall will be moved regardless. Now, the Oilers are in a unique position because they’re once again faced with owning a top 5 pick and have made many in the last decade (6 counting this year) and 2 more in the top 10 to add to that. I believe they’ll indeed move that pick, makes more sense than drafting yet another prospect.
I would argue Chad that we could have gotten a better read on Matthews if he played with his peers in Major Jr. The Swiss league may have improved & generated some NHL talent but it’s at best the 4th best league in Europe/Asia after Russia, the Swedish & Finish leagues & may not even be better than the Czech league although that league has really fallen apart.
Toronto will have the 1st and 30th pick of this year draft.
And the 31st.
Good point Yankee and Lou has actually stated that they won’t be using all those 12 picks they have so we know that picks like that one may be key pieces in trades we need to consider.
That’s a bold statement Caper. Ha-ha! I have Washington still to beat Pittsburgh. That gives Toronto a nominally higher pick but essentially the same pick regardless. The West will win the cup again be at StL, Sj or Nas.
Lyle, when you write ” I think Boudreau could lean toward the Flames as they’re a club with considerable promise.” I assume from that that you don’t think either the Sens or Wild are on a par – future-wise – with Calgary?
Yes. The Wild are a mess right now, while the jury’s out on whether there’s real positive change in the Sens front office, plus there’s the Melnyk factor. If the Flames can add a true starting goalie, I think their future is brighter.
Yes the Melnyk factor. I’m not sure if any other owner would change that factor but it does make it hard to be a Sens fan. I would love for them to not worry about the money and have a shot at the top talent. Instead it is always which affordable guy is out their the Sens may be able to lure in.
He didn’t flinch at a $7 mil deal for Ryan nor did he blink when they brought in Phaneuf’s long-term deal at $7 mil per. MacAr thur also got a good, healthy long-term deal. I’m growing weary of this constant harping at Melnyk’s “cheapness” – he has said – and has done – that the money is there if the right person comes along. His GM spent unwisely – as it turns out – on contracts to Greening, Phillips, Michalek and he did not complain (openly anyway).
There is money for 2 of the top line to be paid big money. When Spezza moved out that money was given to Ryan. I remember that debate awhile ago and how many said Ottawa wouldn’t pay it. I said they would and they did. Yet now that unless they move Ryan I find it hard to believe they will bring in another high priced player. Phaneuf’s cap hit is 7 million. Ottawa doesn’t worry about cap hits. It’s his actual salary which is much less. They once had Alfresson, Spezza and Heatley all making good money with Redden and/or Chara. The budget drastically gets tight once Melnyk pays his top 4 guys.
I think Melnyk will spend to keep the Senators young players. Part of the reason Ottawa isn’t spending to the cap is a ton of these players are coming out of their ELC’s or are on bridge contracts or playing out arbitartion awards.
Numerous raises are coming starting this summer for Hoffman & Ceci; theirs will be significant, & a few other lesser lights Puempel & Dzingel. Not sure what Ottawa’s plans are for Chaisson or Wiercioch. I don’t qualify either. The summer following you have Zibanejad, Lazar & Pageau. Again significant raises & then summer after that the UFA’s come into play significantly. Turris & the 2 goalies.
Unless Ottawa sheds some of these players in trade for younger cheaper assets Ottawa’s going to be pushing the cap limit to retain all these players.
I think Melnyk will put up the money to keep almost all the RFA’s & if Turris wants to stay him as well. Goalies aren’t that difficult to find or develop with only 30 jobs so Anderson & Hammond can be replaced. Potentially internally with Matt O’Connor.
I hope your right striker, i see a purge happening to make room for younger guys coming up, Prince is a good example Of the team decide which young guys to let go.
The oilers should just draft the best dman available or trade back a couple picks to do then look to UFAs like Goligoski. If Babcock can get those guys to play good defense then with a couple changes the Oilers should be able to?
I posted this tongue and cheek but then I thought about it and this might actually work.
3 way deal
Shattenkirk to NYI
Hamonic to Edmonton
The 4th overall to St.Louis
This would give Garth his comparable Dman that is UFA in a year but wants to play on the east coast and could resign. Also gets Hamonic closer to home. NYI should be able to comfortable resign Shattenkirk.
Edmonton gets their top pairing Dman with term left on his deal and someone who potentially actually wants to play in Edmonton. This also still allows Edmonton to trade Eberle or RNH for more defensive help.
St. Louis gets a high end prospect that is cost controlled for the next 7 years that should have huge upside.
Edmonton might have to include a lesser Dman or prospect to St. Louis or possible even a forward.
Could Edmonton not simply trade the 4th to ST. Louis for Shattenkirk? why the middle man. I think I’d take Shatt over Harmonic. Or am I wrong?
They could but Shat can walk after a year I believe. Travis is a better contract,maybe not a better d man but that contract is so appealing.
I think Striker made that point above… Shattenkirk would likely not resign with Edmonton because of his impending free agency, which would ultimately make the #4 overall pick a waste for one years worth of his services. Hamonic would make more sense because of the contract and length left on it. Now, would Chiarelli make that move and is Hamonic worth the 4th overall or visa versa? Not entirely sure because I don’t really follow the Islanders and Hamonic is under contract so that’s certainly worth something of value, age, length of contract and cap hit.
I see.
Word is Shattenkirk wants to play out east so its a waste of assets for the Oilers to trade for him if he walks in 12 months or if they have to scramble to move him by the deadline. Would think the 4th has more value then a soon to be UFA dman.
The 4th overall might be worth alot but I don’t think its worth very much to Edmonton if that makes sense .. not with the state of their blueline atleast.
Dino,
I’d bet the #4 overall is worth more than a player with only 1 year left on his contract as well… I’d say someone with a contract such as Hamonic’s or an RFA/ player just finishing his ELC where the Oilers can resign longer term. In the current state I’d also agree that the #4 is worth more moved than it is taking another prospect to the Oilers. They need to add some players who are already established and known commodities – not draft another player for a position that won’t have any real impact on the team for another season or two. A #4 overall could essentially come right in / some even have had an immediate impact but how many in the last couple of drafts have for their respective teams? These were games played in the year they were drafted…
2015 – Mitch Marner (Toronto) – 0
2014 – Sam Bennett (Calgary) – 1
2013 – Seth Jones (Nashville now Columbus) – 77
2012 – Griffin Reinhart (New York Islanders now Edmonton) – 8
2011 – Adam Larsson (New Jersey) – 65
2010 – Nino Niederreiter (New York Islanders now Minnesota) – 9
No 1 is giving up that high a pick for a Dman with 1 year to UFA status.
I think the Oilers need to try and get Hamonic and if that doesn’t work out than I believe the Rangers may be a good partner. New York are cashed strapped and now may be the best time to unload one of their D Man.
It’s going to be a great summer for us crazed hockey fans. The best UFA market potentially ever. Numerous teams stretched to the limit for cap space having to unload players to free up said space. Expansion coming fast by at least 1 team although I believe 2, starting play following next season, forcing teams to look at moving assets now for something as opposed to losing them for nothing. The new lottery system making tanking it a serous risk & not worth just being brutal.
Not to mention numerous teams are just on the cusp of improving significantly from previous seasons, just a player or 2 away or a few younger players continueing to improve & develop from becoming playoff contenders. Edm, Buf, Cal, Car, Col, Win & a few others moving from playoff contender to potentially cup contender in Nas, NYI, Flo & TB.
Hamonic or Shattenkirk even if he was signed to a long term deal are not worth the #4 pick. Snow would be crazy not to take that for Hamonic and if Charrelli offered that he should be fired. He already gave away Kessell and Seguin. Goligoski and Yandle would be good free agent signings. Funny how Schultz looks ok in Pitsburg. Hamonic will end up in Winnipeg or he won’t go anywhere.
Guys what about habs trade Petry and 9th overall 2016 to Blues for there 2016 1st and K Shattenkirk?