Latest on Kevin Shattenkirk, Milan Lucic, Steven Stamkos and many more in today’s NHL rumor mill.
The Shattenkirk watch.
New York Rangers reportedly interested in St. Louis Blue defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: Pat Leonard reports sources claim the New York Rangers are in hot pursuit of St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk as a potential replacement for Keith Yandle, who was dealt to the Florida Panthers earlier this week. Shattenkirk is eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency, leading Leonard to speculate any team interested in acquiring the blueliner could result in them re-signing him to a $6 million per season contract extension. The Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers are also believed pursuing Shattenkirk.
That might not be the only move in the works for Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, as he could consider dealing left wing Rick Nash ($7.8 million per season) or Derek Stepan ($6.5 million) to clear cap space. The Blues would reportedly seek picks, prospects or inexpensive top young talent as a return for Shattenkirk than an expensive player like Nash. Leonard doubts the Rangers would get into the bidding for Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos if he hits the UFA market next week.
TSN 1040 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Darren Dreger reports the Blues are trying to extend Shattenkirk but it’s not looking good. The Boston Bruins reportedly offered one of their two first round picks (14th and 29th overall) to the Blues for the defenseman. Dreger claims there’s a sense Shattenkirk seeks a deal comparable to teammate Alex Pietrangelo ($6.5 million annual cap hit).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed Shattenkirk would prefer playing for an Eastern Conference club. While he lacks a no-trade clause, the Blues could prefer sending him to an Eastern team. That could work in the Rangers favor. The Boston Bruins are also believed very interested in him and could have the depth in affordable assets to outbid the Rangers. Regardless, Shattenkirk’s status remains the hottest trade topic heading toward the start of the NHL draft weekend tomorrow.
Latest on Lucic.
EDMONTON SUN: Jim Matheson reports the Edmonton Oilers could explore the cost of signing Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic, who yesterday told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun he’s heading to the UFA market next week. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said the Lucic camp has permission to talk to rival clubs now, rather than having to wait until the start of the UFA interview period on June 25. Matheson notes the ties Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has with Lucic from their days with the Boston Bruins, and speculates Chiarelli would have to move out one of his high-salaries forwards (Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Jordan Eberle) to clear cap room for Lucic, who’s completing a three-year, $18 million contract.
VANCOUVER SUN: Ed Willes believes Lucic roars to the top of the Canucks free-agent wish list this summer. He notes GM Jim Benning’s ties to Lucic from their days in the Bruins organization, and claims Benning was very interested in the left wing when the Bruins put him on the trade block prior to last year’s draft. Willes feels Lucic would be a perfect fit to the Canucks’ rebuilding plan of remaining competitive while integrating younger players into the lineup. While Lucic is from East Vancouver, Willes believes Canucks management face a significant sell job wooing him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m sure other clubs will be interested in Lucic, who’s among the league’s best power forwards. Still, the Oilers and Canucks could make competitive bids for his services. Maybe one of them will acquire his negotiating rights.
Stamkos watch.
TSN 1260 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Darren Dreger believes there are several teams that could be willing to pay over $10 million per season to Steven Stamkos via free agency if the Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t willing to come up from their offer of $8.5 million per season. The Detroit Red Wings could offer up $10 million annually for seven seasons, while a team such as the Buffalo Sabres could go as high as $12 million per.
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Mike Harrington reports Sabres GM Tim Murray denied any internal discussions of an offer for Stamkos. Whether that’s true or not, Harrington suggests making a huge bid for Stamkos a huge risk. He notes it could complicate efforts to re-sign promising young Sabres Rasmus Ristolainen this summer and Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart down the road. It’s also possible Stamkos could seek to return home to Toronto.
In other Sabres news, Harrington suggests Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler could be a trade target for Murray, speculating the Sabres GM might be willing to part with the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft to get him. The Sabres are also among the clubs believed to have interest in St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. If the Sabres were to sign Stamkos, Harrington wonders if that might convince recently-acquired prospect Jimmy Vesey to forego free agency on Aug. 15 and sign with the Sabres.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As I said yesterday, Stamkos must decide on sticking with a certain Stanley Cup contender in the Lightning for less than market value but with long-term contact security, or he can put his Cup aspirations on hold (perhaps permanently?) by chasing big bucks in Toronto, Buffalo or elsewhere.
Trouba, Campbell and Yakupov.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Tim Campbell cites the growth of trade rumors regarding Jets restricted free agent defenseman Jacob Trouba. He claims rival executives don’t understand why the Jets would trade Trouba, as they would have an urgent need to replace him and there aren’t many comparable blueliners available. Campbell cites several reasons why the Jets wouldn’t trade Trouba (they won’t get a fair return, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff claiming he’s not shopping Trouba and intends to re-sign him, Trouba might want to stay), but also why the Trouba rumors are still floating around, such as the possibility of an offer sheet, some unknown off-ice conflict or a mind-blowing trade offer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trouba is also completing an entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. The Jets hold the leverage here. There’s no reason for them to trade Trouba unless they’re fearful he’ll receive an unmatchable offer sheet in July.
NBC SPORTS: Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell intends to test the UFA market next week. He’s expressed interest in returning to the Chicago Blackhawks. Given the Blackhawks’ limited cap space, it could be a tight squeeze.
EDMONTON SUN: Jim Matheson believes Nail Yakupov is the Oilers forward most likely to be traded this summer. He wondered what trade value Yakupov might have. He’s heading into the final season of his contract with a cap hit of $2.5 million. “Do the Oilers put him in a trade package with one year left on his contract at $2.5 million? Do they take a draft pick for him? Or do they look around at the other team’s first-round picks and see if there’s anybody who’s been slow to come around?” With the Carolina Hurricanes acquiring Teuvo Teravainen and signing Sebastian Aho, Matheson wonders if Elias Lindholm might be available.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dunno why the Hurricanes would want Yakupov. With their recent acquisitions, perhaps they’ll look elsewhere to add depth to their forward lines. With their cap space (over $24 million), they could do better than Yakupov.
Latest on the Bruins, Blackhawks and Senators.
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty advocates the Boston Bruins sign Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones to an offer sheet. As the Bruins lack second- and third-round picks in 2017 to make a reasonable offer, Haggerty suggests they pitch a $9.3 million per season offer, meaning the Bruins would forfeit their next four first-round draft picks as compensation if the Blues Jackets failed to match. He believes it’s a bold move but thinks Jones would be worth it.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind, Haggerty isn’t saying the Bruins will do this. It’s simply his suggestion they make an audacious move to address their defense corps. I doubt Bruins GM Don Sweeney is that adventurous. Offer sheets are rare and the last player successfully signed away was Dustin Penner from the Ducks to the Oilers back in 2007.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the following: “J.P Barry expected to meet with Bruins GM, Don Sweeney tonight on Loui Eriksson. Bruins stuck on 4 yrs. Eriksson wants 6. Likely UFA. Van?”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are believed keen on Eriksson, but with Lucic available via free agency, maybe that changes if they can convince him to come home to Vancouver.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE’s Chris Kuc last night tweeted the following: “Source: #Blackhawks are shopping Marcus Kruger and are putting out feelers on possible trade partner for Andrew Shaw.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trying to free up salary to pursue Evgeni Malkin? Kidding! Just kidding! Seriously though, if the Blackhawks are considering those options, perhaps they’re trying to free up room to add Brian Campbell or another defenseman? Odd, though, as they signed Kruger to a three-year extension in March and are believed keen to re-sign Shaw. Maybe the latter’s asking price is too expensive? Hopefully we’ll learn more about this in the coming days.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators would like to acquire a No. 5 or 6 defenseman and are also interested in trading Patrick Wiercioch and Alex Chiasson. Wiercioch is a restricted free agent in need of a $2.7 million qualifying offer, making him difficult to trade. A couple of teams last season expressed mild interest in Chiasson.
Why are the Habs even listening to offers for PK? This is supposed to be their franchise skater, that’s some support for your #1 guy.
Because you always listen to any offer!
Not for every player Jim. You signed the guy long term, made the commitment that he’s you man on the backline – now you are listening to offers? Sends the wrong message.
4th, While I agree in principle, it is important to listen because it also tells you who other teams are shopping and what they are willing to give up. A deal could be done another way for a player of interest that does not involve Subban. It’s part of the Dance.
If you are not gonna trade him, why listen to offers? It sends a bad message to the players and the rest of the team cuz they all know he’s the man. Say you trade him – who takes his minutes?
Makes no sense – hang up the phone, cuz you are married to him into my retirement.
The alternative is to answer the phone and hear a GM say would you consider this and that for P.K.?, and to slam the phone down. Listening costs zilch.
HAHAHAHA
Hello Peter, I am prepared to offer you PK and my 9th…. Ok I’m listening..I would like your 4th and next years 1st , Leon Draisatl and Oscar Klefbom can we agree!!?
I am Leafs fan and this excites me as a game changer for both clubs!
Montreal picks up Shattenkirk and a high draft pick for future and Edmonton gets their #1 Defenseman and choose another Defenseman from the Montreal pick!
If you believe the rumors, the only reason they signed him to the contract they did in the first place was because of Geoff Molson. I highly doubt they are going to trade him, but I wouldn’t shed tears if they did. He says and does all the right things off the ice, the same can’t be said for on the ice (despite his lofty point totals).
Doesn’t hurt to listen, regardless.
Not sure how Chicago can do anything without moving salary out….. The Bruins need to target Shattenkirk and do what it takes to get the deal done now , the price is only going up ! …. 4 first round picks for Seth is too much….. two defence off the board in Goligoski and Yandle
Haggerty’s suggestion is silly though. 9.4m per season probably with a term of several years is pricey. Seth Jones could be a top defenseman, or a major bust. Then figure the Bs would lose 4 number #1 draft picks. In today’s cap world to lose #1 draft picks is just not assets management as Haggerty often accuses Bs management of not doing. The Bs cannot go the RA route period. It is Shattenkirk or bust imo.
Did I read this right… “Haggerty suggests they pitch a $9.3 million per season offer (for Seth Jones)” Really? I understand the strategy of making an unmatchable offer but almost $10 million a year for Seth Jones? Wouldn’t that make him higher paid then Subban, Karlsson, Yandle, Doughty, Pietrangelo?
Haggarty and Brooks……..more drunken ideas.
No kidding, let alone giving up FOUR first round picks for him. There’s probably only a handful of players in the league a GM might trade 4 first round picks for, but I don’t even think any GM would want to go 4 years without a first round pick for a single player. 4 1sts and $9.3mil for Seth Jones of all players? Not a chance.
How can anyone justify trading Hall to make room for Lucic? Seen that written how many times in the past week-
i agree. I’d be waiving or giving players away down the depth chart to make room for Lucic makes more sense. It would be smart of them to look for some cap relief elsewhere. Hall has been one of their picks that has shown improvements year over year.
Lucic would fill the void left by Hall IF PC needs to trade Hall to get the d-man the Oilers need. That would be getting a big improvement on defence with minimal decline on LW.
Also I’d suggest inserting a little more meanness into a top 6 that has not been known to be hard to play against.
True, but in another year or 2 Draisaitl could add more to that. Not necessarily with meanness, but with his size.
Wake up everyone. Keeping the status quo in Edmonton goes back to Craig Mctavish days. It has been a disaster. The oilers need to shake up their culture and style of play. Somebody has to be moved out.
changes = management then coaches then players.
although I dont follow oilers (an elite coach would be smart move), I think their at the player changes part this year.
Are the Rangers nuts?? Why trade Yandle and chase Shattenkirk, the story says he was Rangers best D man why not get rid of the ones who played poorly?? Also if they’re shopping Nash and Stephan why would you not sign Yandle makes no sense ……expect everyone to be trade bait as the rebuild starts…Id also fire that GM.
It’s a good question Mike. Yandle was set to become a UFA and could go anywhere he wanted. Perhaps he told the Rangers he wouldn’t sign there. It takes 2 to dance. He will also be 30 at the start of the season, Shattenkirk – 27. At the end of the term Yandle will be 37, Shattenkirk 34. The last 3 years of Yandle’s deal will be an anchor for the Panthers.
I think you need to cut Gorton a break, this is his first season as the top guy in NY. Google what he did for the Bruins as the interim GM before the B’s hired Chirelli. Pretty impressive. Trading Nash will be difficult.
Yandle is high risk like Subban but without PK’s size and temper.
If he was RH he would of been resigned by the Rangers
And do not forget the coach mis-used him and he still had 42 assists…. he was not even on the first powerplay unit
to add— the Panthers making moves to keep pace with the Pens. adding to their transition game. Watch them add Matt Martin and Troy Brouwer next…
The Gm has been at the wheel for about 10 minutes… He’s not going anywhere. As far as Yandle , I don’t think NY ever thought it was even a remote possibility of signing him long term. Even when they gave up the assets to acquire him.
As far as being the Rangers “best d-man” I think the word “story” is pretty accurate. He was beyond brutal in his own zone at times. Just watch the way Pittsburgh made him look (and a few other Rangers)in the playoffs.
I like Keith Yandle, but not at 7 years and $44M. That’s about 2 years too much. Yandle is not shut down today, I can’t imagine what he will be when he loses a step or 2.
He’ll be a top 5 scoring Dman for almost the entirety of that deal. All long term contracts end up with a few years to many tacked on to get the cap hit down at the front end. That unfortunately is how contracts work with UFA’s in todays cap world. Brian Campbell was 1 of the most effective 2 way Damn in the NHL last season. Streit in Philadelphia put up 52 points as a 37 year old the season before last.
Numerous NHL Dman have produced or performed their roles well into their late 30’s. As a Bruins fan I’m incredibly disappointed Boston didn’t sign 1 of these 2 Dman. I would have gladly taken the cap hit & term. Obviously I would have liked 1 por 2 years less for Yandle even at a nominal increase in salary but would have paid what both these teams did. Nothing more than cash essentially as the picks are virtually worthless. A 4th round pick has about a 19% chance of so much as getting a cup of coffee in the NHL.
Striker, your not doing well on your predictions. Yandle not going to Boston and Col got $1m less per season then you said. What’s Boston going to do now?
I’m doing OK, pegged Drouin, expansion, Andersen, etc. can’t win them all. Very disappointed we lost out on the 2 stud UFA D available for nothing more than cash.
No idea. Hoping nothing other than Vesey & Brouwer now.
As a Bruins fan I am happy they did not. You and I have debated this a couple times before so no point doing it again.
Unfortunately this will put even more pressure on Sweeney to trade for Shattenkirk and overpay with picks/prospects and then salary after that if they can resign him. Due to supply and demand for D, any team that wants him will have to.
Campbell, OK fine, it will only be a couple years and give Chara another couple tries without giving up assets and locking in for too long.
No debating the players mentioned and their value. Makes perfect sense for Florida, but not the B’s.
Bubble team purgatory.
I think Yandle signing in Florida really makes kulikov the odd man out now. I never believed he was on the block before but with Ekblad, Matheson and now Yandle (full nmc) needing to be protected next off season, I’d really be surprised if Kulikov starts the year there. I can see Buffalo making a pitch for either him or Fowler.
Matheson does not qualify to be protected. ( General Fanager ) With the 8 skater option you can protect Barkov, Bjugstad, Huberdeau and Trochek. For D its Ekblad, Yandle, Petrovic and Kulikov.
I could be missing someone better then these 8 but these are my guys.
And yes despite being able to protect Kulikov he could still be moved prior. I dont have a clue what FLA is up to , esp after over paying for Yandle.
I’m still not 100% on the rules so I could be wrong, but he did play in the ahl last year, and after another full year of pro I thought he would have to be protected, is that still the rule?
I would also add McCann to that list, no way they let him go after trading Gudbranson for him.
That counts as year 1. Players with 2 years or less of NHL contractual obligation aren’t required to be protected. Matheson will be completing year 2 so not required to be protected.
So that would mean McCann doesn’t need to be protected either. Wow Florida is in great shape.
Correct & yes brilliant moves by Florida. This is a great young hockey team & getting better fast. Yandle will push them into contender status seriously help their transition game & PP; his specialty. Matheson was the #1 Dman for Canada at the World Championships it was an amazing accomplishment for a young Dman with 1 year in the minors. Crouse is coming, Ian McCoshen just signed another solid Dman who leans to defense that is a year or 2 away.
They will still need Jagr to keep producing. No Gaurantees there. If not. a Guy like Bjugstad may be asked to play the wing but certainly more will be demanded of him. Yet when Barkov got injuried at different points of the season last year Bjudstad filled in pretty well.
Jeff. Your coming around on the Panthers?
Stiker. I liked the panthers for sometime now. It started because their coach before the gig in Florida coached the Saint John Seadogs. Drafting Huberdeau helped. But I really like Barkov. He is my type of player. Made sure I had him on my fantasy team as a keeper.
I was just rousting you Jeff. It wasn’t you but Shticky who I debated the quality of Florida’s roster with. Sorry. hahaha
Kulikov isn’t going anywhere unless he refuses to sign an extension before the trade deadline next season. I’m sure Florida will work hard to extend him this summer. Yandle, Ekblad & Kulikov if resigned are Florida’s 3 keepers at D. If Kulikov is moved they will bring in a 3rd protector at D as they currently have no 1 else that has to protect that’s worth protecting.
Mike Bosse,
I’m not a nyr fan, but I can give you a few reasons why, at the present time , nyr have a cap squeeze going on, so re-signing Yandle would have been tough. Also, moving out 1 of their defenseman who are on terrible contracts is wishful thinking.
Trying to move Nash,might be possible , but he has 2 more years at $7.8M($8M and $8.2M in actual salary) cap hit, and if nyr are unwilling to keep salary or take back a bad contract I think it gets tougher. Also the cap only slightly going up hurts too.
Going after Shattenkirk, could go on all summer, and gives the GM, time to make moves to free up enough cap space to get him signed to an extension after they were to trade for him. ( Shattenkirk has 1 year at $4.5 M remaining )
How bad was Yakupov that people keep saying he will be dealt for a third round pick? We see about 3 Edmonton games a year here.
I was thinking the Pens should offer up Derrick Pouliot, but evidently I’d be fleecing myself.
Is he a total head case? How could his value fall that far that fast?
PS- I remembered where the “Malkin wants his own team” nonsense came from…has Nick Kypreos ever been right about anything? And NO, everyone on Earth knew Patrick Sharp was going to be traded…patting yourself on the back for that is kinda sad.
Geno Malkin is going exactly nowhere. Sid would be dealt first. And Sid isn’t going anywhere.
Totally agree – Malkin trade talk is media people trying to manufacture their own news.
That accounts for virtually all trade rumors. Only a very small few come from reputable sources, ever actually happen or for that matter even make sense.
Yakupov might be worth up to a 2nd. You just have to look at his limited production beyond his rookie campaign and consider he was in a age period last year where he should have been entering his prime.
He looked good with McDavid and lost without. He’s a bust, plain and simple. 3rd line offensive production, no defensive game. Still an NHL player, but not a star and certainly not elite as Katz foolishly expected. .
Dan39, I think you are right about it being Katz that over rode his scouts. Mark Spector reported the vote was 9-1 to draft Murray by the scouts. He didn’t say it was Katz, Lowe or who but someone did. Spector doesn’t report BS, the guy has integrity and does his homework and has covered the Oil forever.
That’s good insight there Ray, thanks. I think it had to have been Katz – he’s the type of guy who thinks he’s a genius and is clearly lost. I hope he’s taken that lesson on board – Oil have good fans that have been mistreated, just the same as Leaf fans like me.
& Tambellini made them vote again after that 1st vote, he got the same result & he picked Yakupov regardless. Lowe had full control of hockey operations until just recently. None of Hall, RNH, Eberle or yakupov understand how to play the defense side of the puck. These kids are punch drunk from playing so many systems for so many different coaches in so short a time frame. They may never figure it our now. Hall is the best of a bad lot playing both ways.
You can certainly blame Katz for giving Lowe that authority but he didn’t make the selections. Lowe provided that direction. That’s not to say he didn’t communicate with Katz but he was in charge & had the final say.
Rumor in Edmonton is that it came down from Katz, who knows if that is true.
Dreams of the high scoring 80’s Oilers or what? Strange decision from a do it all D-man who played with passion and grit if it was Lowe. He over rode the do it all D-man? (who is finally healthy and playing well)
Owners meddle all the time. I guess it’s their rite as they own the team but rarely does anything good come from it.
Ok, Lets not be silly.
I’ve watched plenty of Oilers games. Hall, Eberle and certainy with out any doubt RNH no how to play defensively. Yakupov is the only player I will agree lacks a defensive game. The Oilers defensive issues were not their forwards not being able to play a defensive game but the entire teams system. The Oilers game plan is to push the offense and run and gun. That is the game their forwards have been asked to play. It is hard to play a defensive game that way. Ask Dallas. It does not mean the players on the team lack the ability to play a defensive game. Due to Edmonton’s system the gap between the forwards and D was to large. That has as much to do with the forwards pushing offense as the D unable to move the puck out of their zone confidently. Edmonton also lacked solid play along the boards. This is an area where getting a guy like Lucic would help them. Hall had no issues in this regard.
You guys need to stop and watch the individual players play and not look at the stats from the games. Sometimes good players are in bad roles or bad system or have a bad supporting cast. You can see this sometimes. It was why I thought when Minni got Dubnyck I felt it was going to turn out well. It turned out way better than I thought. It is why a guy like Kessel succeeded so well on Pittsburgh. It’s why when I guy like Daley goes to Chicago and flunks off the team he becomes a star on Pittsburgh. Phaneuf looks better on Ottawa than he did in T.O. Johansen season bombed out where he refound his game joining Nashville. Why many thought Drouin deserved more ice time.
Jeff, I am with you on some of that. I think Striker was just saying that there was and still are plenty of bad habits that need to be worked out. Hall and RNH play 200′, you could argue that RNH has suffered offensively because he was forced to take on that role.
Eberle can if he chooses to, sometimes he does. Yak is not a good NHL player. That simple.
Maclennan added structure, they are not a run and gun team. I think you will see improvement this year in goals against, especially if their D core improves. Klefbom healthy would really help.
I am a huge Hall fan, the only way I trade him is if it is for a true proven #1 D-Man. He drives the play when he is on the ice. At the WHC he saw more ice time than any forward in the 3rd period with a lead in the gold medal game and looked really good doing it.
Jeff.
I attend a ton of Oilers games live at least 25 a year. Those players are almost clueless as to their coverage assignments in their own zone or who to pick up coming back. I have watched 4 even 5 players collapse on a single player with the puck in Edmonton’s zone repeatedly. That’s got nothing to do with run & gun specifically although the system lends to people being out of position to begin with causing others to try & cover taking themselves out of position.
I live in Edm and share season tickets. The kid is quick, works hard on and off the ice, but he has no clue. Best quotes “plays like a moth around a light bulb” “plays like he is chased by bees”. Either too far ahead of the play or behind and can’t seem to find open ice at the right time and not the type of play who can create his own chances. Improving in his own end but still below average. Can’t score enough to play in your top 6, doesn’t have the size or defensive chops to play in your bottom 6. So what do you do with him?
My thought was he, maybe, could be groomed for a role similar to Carl Hagelin.
Don’t ask him for more than 15 goals a year, but use the speed on every shift to generate havoc and create space for his linemates.
If Yakupov could play that Hagelin role on Malkin’s line, he could be a useful player as a cap friendly long term replacement for Kunitz.
Maybe a fresh start will help him. Pretty negative vibe around Edmonton towards him by some fans and media. Again he tries hard. Not real fast straight ahead. More quick and choppy than a powerful stride like Hagelin.
The kid has also had 3 head coaches and has played a ton with other young players learning on the fly. A veteran like Malkin is probably exactly what he needs.
I’d take a chance on a 2nd rounder for Yakupov. Justin Schultz was a defensive liability in Edmonton but he looked great in Pittsburgh on his way to a cup. Mabe Yak would develop on a mature team that has structure and doesn’t have 6 or 8 young guys running around trying to do it all themselves. If everyone else knows their role, he may learn his.
Last I heard they would take a 3rd round pick.Thats too low IMO.
How about alongside JT ? Make it straight for Bailey maybe throw in Graham but Oil would want Pelech ( Pulock no way)
Don’t see why his Cup aspirations would be permanently on hold by going to Toronto or Buffalo – that smacks of trolling. These two clubs have strong prospect/young talent pools and could easily be in contention inside of 7 years.
Nothing is certain with either club, but nothing is certain with Tampa either and they have a very difficult puzzle to solve in keeping their stars under the cap and also getting better to win.
I thought the same thing when I seen a similar comment the other day. I like what Buffalo is doing and they have some top level talent, also going to be interesting to see what else they do in the off season. I don’t think there far from being a playoff team and depending on their moves could compete this year.
Luv what Buffalo is doing and I am a Bruins fan. Still a couple years from being a true contender as they will need to learn how to win the hard way. But I believe they will be as the pieces are there. I think they will be with or without Stamkos. I just can’t see them being dumb enough to pay 1 player 12 million. I think Tampa is bang on his value at $8.5.
Buffalo would need to pay a little more than TB because of the taxes, but he is close to home, away from the T.O. media, up and coming team, great ownership. Seems kinda perfect?
No way i can see stamkos signing with buffalo even if they offer him 12 million a year.I think it’s quite apparent he really does want to play for his hometown an if leafs offer him say 10.5 a season he would take that over any club. Guess will find out July 1st.
The Pegulas want a Cup – look at the facilities they have developed since purchasing the Sabres, they are first class. No reason to believe stammer could not win a Cup with Buffalo. Say the same for Tronna as well, they are doing the right things too.
One could also look at going to teams like in buff or tor leaving behind Tampa a team who’s winning window is open…probably a couple more kicks at the can there to a team who’s trying to open that window and are both well on their way to accomplishing that as the window on the former team is closing.
It’s a risk and these decessions are tough and gut wrenching but in the end the heart gets what it needs.
Dan it’s not trolling just because it’s about the leafs!! Lol you say they have good prospects which is your opinion but a lot of ppl were saying that about the oilers and how long since they have been in playoff contention let alone cup contention?
Bigbear, I just see your name and accidentally maybe a word or two of what you write and move right along. You’re a committed internet troll, incapable or unwilling to add anything useful to the discussion here.
I don’t know for sure why this is – raised by wolves? – but it must make for a very lonely existence when your only interactions meet hostility away from your spot on the cardboard box assembly line. Don’t address me again.
Lol all you do is talk like the leafs are the only team and yes your a troll you only talk about the leafs and what you read from Toronto reporters you probably never played a game of hockey in your life keep reading the stats page everyone can tell that’s all you do
What a troll you are Bigbear. We get it, you hate the leafs.
7 years? Not a chance. Buffalo is 2 years away from being a serious playoff contender & if Murray flexes some of that serious financial might; significant cap space, they could make the playoffs next season. I’d say Toronto is 1, maybe 2 years behind that. Once in the playoffs anything can happen. How many of you had Pittsburgh to win the cup or even get by Washington or SJ to come out of the west?
I had a Dallas Pitts final! Toronto might be more than 2 yrs behind Buffalo the defence is very weak it’s looking a lot like the oilers rebuild so far
All it means is the Chance for a cup is as much a certainty as it can be when playing for Tampa. However the Chance for a cup with Buffalo or Toronto does not exist at this point and it may never exist. The certainty of those two teams being cup contenders doesn’t exist.
Now Jeff who is being silly. I suggest you take a look at Buffalo lineup and the top level talent they have, who will all be a year better; the Sabres are in line to take a run at a playoff spot depending on off season moves.
Doughty got best DEFENSEMAN not Karlsson and what has ottawa ever won
I’m not saying Buffalo or Toronto has no chance of being a contender. What I am saying is Tampa has as good a chance as a team can be said to have. You can be quite assured they will be one of the elite teams in the east. Yes Buffalo may be up there with them. So may Toronto. Perhaps next year. Perhaps in 3years. Perhaps in 7. It’s all those perhaps that I am talking of. I am certain, as certain I am as any other contender that Tampa will be one of the top teams in the league.
Ottawa has one a division title and a conference Championship.
Doughty didn’t when the cup alone. He has been on a good team. A better team than Ottawa.
Personally I would of voted for Karlsson. Doughty afterall had more give aways then Karlsson. Karlsson’s offense far surpassed Doughty’s.
Yet Doughty does deserve the Norris. I have no issues with that. His team did make the playoffs although Doughty didn’t look very good during them. Funny though. I watched Burns give up the puck lots during the puck and make a few mistakes a game that many claim are Karlsson’s fault but he doesn’t get the same complaints. Must be the overall team success that changes that.
You can’t win em all. Sometimes you win when you don’t fully deserve it. Sometimes you lose when you deserve to win. Karlsson in the end is consistent yearly nominee for the Norris. That alone speaks volumes of the quality of player he is.
EDM- HALL/4th pick/ Yakupov
MTL- PK Subban/ 9th pick
We fill our void on LW through free agency potentially Lucic
Is this even remotely possible.? I still strongly believe Yaks can score 20 next year. He did hit 7-8 goal posts last year. plus his defensive game strongly improved this past year. The kid does have a lot of upside.
I almost won the power ball lottery last night. I only needed 5 more numbers….. I kid, I kid.
Leaves a huge hole on Montreal’s blueline.
Yak has all the skill for an NHL player, but no hockey sense. I still believe the best team for Yak to go to is Chicago. Strong coach in JQ and a strong on ice leader in Teows.
Gally used to play with Yakupov in junior league, so MB will try to regroup those 2… MTL get the french guy as 4th draft… the fans would love that trade ! PK is not that great on defense and MTL has multiple options plus the last year 1st draft was a def…
Go for it !
Just got an alert on my BlackBerry from my The Score app… Columbus is trying to trade up their #3 overall, talking to both Toronto and Winnipeg.
There would be rioting in the streets of Toronto made any trade for #1. Can’t see Winnipeg doing anything either unless Columbus is throwing in the farm
Depends on the deal! If we get the 7th/20th/Strome/Domi in a package, I’m a buyer.
I don’t know what Carolina could come up with, but it would start at Hannifin.
Oh sorry, you said Columbus. I don’t see how they could possibly come up with a suitable package.
Laine is getting all the hype as he been pumped in goals and played great during the playoffs. The way I understand it Puljujarvi has a more well rounded game and is a better skater. Close to the same size.
Elite scoring is hard to find especially in a big guy, so I would go Laine. WPG has been totally mute on who they are taking and all year the scouts have been saying the gap isn’t large between the 2 Finns. Puljujarvi was ranked ahead to start the year.
Perhaps WPG likes him better? Might as well get an asset if you can.
7 20 strome domi?? Lol you really are clueless aren’t you yet another non educated response from dan
Stamkos putting cup aspirations on hold???? Tampa’s window is closing fast. I think they got 1 more year before it’s slammed shut due to cap problems. Also wonder what the locker room atmosphere in Vancouver would be if they signed Lucic, Miller can’t stand him since he got steamrolled. Still don’t understand why teams help out others by taking players like Datsuyk or Nash. Isn’t it the goal of every team to win the cup so why do they feel the need to trade for overpriced/underachieving or retired players just to hit the cap floor. I understand that Pavel’s salary only counts towards the cap & wont be paid so if they can get something good along with him then it’s ok but when it comes to Nash, I wouldn’t touch that with a 10 foot pole
Because they aren’t playoff teams today, they have the cap space to bury the contract & they get paid an asset to do so. No team takes on these contracts to reach the cap floor, they do so as they got paid to & could. No contract moved was done so to reach the floor. Go look at NHLnumbers.com by year. Every team that has taken 1 of these contracts was above the floor regardless of the contract they took on, well above, not even close, millions above.
Well the Bruins are not getting Yandle and I’m ok with that. I feel Krug brings much the same, yes his goals where down last year but could turn it around this season. If Boston could make a trade for Trouba, with a package starting with Spooner, the jets could use him has a third line center and he could move up to replace Little as a second line center. Boston has the assets to make it happen and there is no need to make $9m offer sheets and give up 4 first round draft picks when you have assets to require the player.
I would do cartwheels if the B’s got Trouba, even though he hasn’t progressed as quickly as some would like. He actually has the tools to be a #1.
Would that not leave a hole in WPG’s top 4 if Spooner went back as the centerpiece of the deal? Would also need to throw in a good prospect or 1st round pick I would think to get Trouba out of WPG.
I’m disappointed Boston didn’t get Goligoski or Yandle, I would have been happy with either contract, ideally 1 or 2 years less for Yandle but would have paid that price regardless. Winnipeg doesn’t need Spooner. I Don’t see Trouba being traded. My preference was that Boston sign Goligoski or Yandle for nothing more than cash, their are no ther Dman at any where near this level available now as UFAs. Now unless a transitional Dman can be had cheap in trade which isn’t happening, I say promote from within. I have no interest in over paying in assets to acquire a player Shattenkirk, Fowler, Dumba, Brodin etc, now.
Striker you sound like a disappointed child, who didn’t get what he wanted, so he doesn’t want nothing at all. I would certainly be happy to get Fowler or Dumba and move the assets to do so. Yes Winnipeg could use Spooner at center, at the moment they don’t have anyone close to him as a 3rd line center and would move up to replace Little as a 2nd line center. Winnipeg with the 2nd overall pick, and a deep draft pool are certainly on the rise. Depending on what they want to do if they protect 8 + 1 then they’ll protect 4 d; and leave a decent forward available. Other wise they have to trade Myers or Trouba.
Scheifele, Little, Burmistrov, Perreault, Copp, Lowry & Petan are all C’s. Burnistrov & Perreault both played wing except when injures forced them to play C as the inn was full at C. With all the youth coming I see Perreault playing as the #3 C this season. Where does Spooner fit in ?
As currently constructed & as most teams will tey to do Winnipeg will protect 4 D under the 8 skater formula. Buffy, Enstrom, Myers & Trouba. Forwards, will be Scheifele, Little, Wheeler & 1 other, Hellebuyck in net.
I think the Rangers may be the dark horse in the Stamkos sweepstakes. They are lacking a true number one center and have the financial resources to finagle the cap situation. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him land there.
Never happen. Rangers would need to do a major salary dump in order to sign him
In my humble opinion they would benefit more from acquiring Stamkos than Shattenkirk. It would mean moving one of Nash, Brassard or Stepan but I don’t think that is by any means impossible to do.
I don’t think He will land in NY. But I think clearing the cap space wouldn’t be that difficult. Moving Nash (with some salary retained) or a combination of Brassard or Stepan. Klein, or Staal would clear the space needed. All that being said, I atill don’t think it would happen, nor do I think it’s a good idea.
I don’t think the Blues want prospects as such, they didn’t sign Hitchock for another season just too begin a rebuild!!!! They are going for it again, so they wait out Shattinkrik and try sign him later, or make a good hockey trade. I don’ think they have Salary cap issues do they?
Yes they do. They have 12.5 mil in cap space. Schwartz is an RFA & coming out of a 2 year bridge deal is getting a significant raise. Brouwer & Backes are both UFA’s & after signing Schwartz there would barely be enough money to sign Brouwer & fill out the final 2 roster spots. The season following Steen, Elliott & Shattenkirk are all UFA’s & Allen, Parayko & Lindbohm RFA’s.
StLouis needs futures or young players on ELC’s who’s bonus monies are deferrable if required.
k
As I said in yesterday’s rumors, GM Murray traded for Vesey’s rights with aspirations that he gets a bigger fish (Stamkos) in the FA market. It’s a good selling point since money isn’t a factor in where Vesey signs. Having the chance to play on a line with Eichel, Stamkos or ROR would definitely make me consider going to Buffalo
I don’t think Stamkos is waiting to see what Vesey does before he decides where he’s going.
I was referring to Vesey
Shrewd move made by the Winnipeg jets this week, signing Michael Hutchinson to a two year contract. They now have 3 goalies under contract; Pavelec on his last year of his contract and the heir apparent Connor Hellebuyck. You have to have one goalie exposed for the expansion draft, this allows the jets to protect Hellebuyck and expose Hutchinson, only concern would be if Hellebuyck is playing lights out and you decide to send Hutchinson to the minors well he’ll have to clear waivers, maybe easy but if someone decide to claim him that would hurt. Maybe Winnipeg carry 3 goalies or they send Hellebuyck down because he doesn’t have to clear waivers, still a good move by the jets.
Hellebuych plays in the minors until injuries require him to come up, once injures are solved down he goes again. I agree with you, solid signing that adresses expansion perfectly. Even come the expansion draft unlikely he’s selected & post expansion Hellebuych & Hutchinson are 1 2 in Winnipeg buying a few more years for Comrie to develop in the minors.
Striker go check out helleybucks numbers compared to hutch and pave! Helleybuck is the starter next yr without a doubt
my wish list for the Bruins….DMen…Jason Demirs * Luke Schenn….Forwards..Okposo & Matt Martin, would have to move a couple of players to make these fit..
No thank you to all of the above. Demers will get more money than he’s worth. He’s now the best 2 way UFA D on the market but not worth what he’ll get in salary.
bust my bubble
Sorry Joe, mine got burst over the last 2 days with Goligoski & Yandle signing in Arizona & Florida respectively. Great signings by both teams & compared to their peers based on their respective abilities great value. Now I say bite the bullet at D, play C. Miller & Morrow & spend the money to bring in Brouwer to play RW. Move Pastrnak to LW & play both with Krejci.
Let Eriksson walk. Hopefully Vesey signs in Boston, if not promote Vatrano to a full time role. Continue the rebuild & let the chips fall where they may.
striker at this point chiarelli will give demers 6.5M for 7 years because he’s a RHD and hes actually available
I don’t see him getting that much. Neither Goligoski or Yandle got that. He will command 4.5+ though & for me anything above that for more than 5 years is to much.
Joe, its ok to have a different opinion, I like Demers but not big on Schenn because of his skating, Matt Martin would be a nice addition to the fourth line. I would rather see a more rounded dman. Going to be interesting to see what Sweeney does or doesn’t do.
I like Demers to just not at what it will cost to sign him. He or Hamhuis are now the best available.
Hi Lyle, any idea if there will be another buy-out window next summer prior to the expansion draft?
The Jets appear to have a expansion draft issue with Byfuglien and Enstrom on MMC’s and Myers and Trouba to protect. If they chose to protect all four they can only protect 4 forwards, instead of 7.
Enstrom’s contract is going to be untradeable if it must be protected and can’t be bought out. If they fail to buy Enstrom out this summer they might be tempted to trade Trouba for a forward.
No additional buyout windows.
Thanks! IMO that is the strongest case for moving Trouba. Trade him for a forward and you open up 2 more protection slots. You still have Byfuglien and Myers at RHD.
Not true. If a player goes to arbitration either by choice of the team or player & his contract is settled in arbitration the team gets 48 hours from the award to potentially buy out another player.
Striker, that buy-out window would occur later this summer, prior to the 2016-17 season. I’m talking about a buy-out following this season and but before the expansion draft. As Lyle has indicated, there won’t be one.
That means Winnipeg better decide pretty quickly what their strategy is because once the season starts they’re locked into protecting Enstrom and that has a ripple effect on the rest of the roster.
I doubt they’re looking at an Enstrom buy-out so a Trouba trade makes a lot of sense.
they could protect 8 skaters plus the goalie, protect Enstrom, Byfuglien, Myers and Trouba, leaving a decent forward that Vegas will get.
That’s the point. If they trade Trouba for a forward they can protect 11 skaters instead of 8.
Who’s the decent forward Winnipeg will lose protecting 8 skaters?
Sorry CO thought you meant this summer after the current buy out window.
Could it be at all possible that the peg could move Buff to wing as he did early in his career and then use him at the point on PK. They can then make the argument that he is one of the 7 forward being protected
They have done just that many times but he doesn’t like the reduced ice time of playing forward.
One other thing to consider is that Florida has no state tax. That means that the gap in what Stamkos would take home isn’t as big as it might appear compared to NY or Ontario.
If Stamkos is looking to set the bar higher, he’ll have to leave Tampa. If he wants to do just about as well financially and have the chance to hoist the Stanley Cup as captain, he should stay put. (Sorry, Toronto.)
Unlikely, but could Columbus be a dark horse for Stamkos?
Glaring need at #1 center there and if Stamkos slotted in as a 1A it moves everyone down to their proper roles.
Two good D and a rebound by Bob and Columbus could be a very legit team if they landed Stamkos. If not, maybe they sign Eric Staal and pretend he’s still a top line center. He’d be a decent fit there.
Same logic applies to Montreal, though. Everyone else would slot about right if they could sign Stamkos.
I doubt very much that columbus is a player in the Stamkos Sweepstakes. Can they use him, obviously. However, they don’t have the cap space to sign him. I have nothing to go on here but my instinct tells me that Stamkos has no desire to play in Columbus.
I think he ends up in Toronto unless Detroit can bring big money. MTL as a wild card.
Really hoping the Leafs don’t sign Stamkons. Would be great if they go after some defensive help if they are looking to spend. If available then trouba or Barrie should be the target for the Leafs
& how do they fit that contract in under the cap, not to mention they already have the worst positioned roster for players come the expansion draft. Even buying out Tyutin & trading Hartnell for futures or players that don’t have to be protected Columbus has way 2 many protectors & no cap space. Their not adding to that problem.
Columbus currently has 6.4 million in cap space, they need to sign Jones; at least 5.5 per, Karlsson; their #3 C; 2 to 2.5 on a bridge contract, & 3 other players to reach the 23 man roster limit.
Las Vegas gets an expansion team, Quebec doesn’t. The Canadian $ and conference in balance the reason given. My prediction is Quebec gets a team relocating (Carolina?) pay less of a fee, like the jets did with Atlanta and Seattle gets an expansion team. 32 teams in the East, 32 in the West and Quebec playing (the right way) like Winnipeg did, will be back in the fold.
NHL spin as usual. Quebec City was willing to pay the 500K US; 650K Can, the dollar has stabilized & even with this dollar the current 7 Canadian teams all make the top 15 NHL teams in profit the fast majority, 5 in the top 10. Winnipeg being last in 2014-15 at 13th making 10.9 million. quebed would have been profitable right out of the gate. The NHL already had a 2 team imbalance.
This has more to do with not wanting another team in Canada unless absolutely necessary as it does nothing to help grow the game in the US. Carolina isn’t moving for at least 5 years. Seattle won’t be ready for an NHL team even in that time frame if ever.
This decision by the NHL makes no sense to me & I’m shocked they didn’t take the money. Having another expansion draft in the next few seasons doesn’t make sense to me either. I just don’t get it but what’s done is done.
Striker its $500 million US and @.30 cents on the $ that’s an additional $15m, not pocket change. But if you read the politics of it. Quebec will get a team in the east relocating and the fee for relocating is much cheaper then taking on a new franchise. If the league expanded with Quebec then you would still have two more teams in the east then the west. I’m not saying Quebec couldn’t afford the fee, but I do think there is a strategy in place and Quebec will get a team soon.
So what do they do the imbalance in the two conferences Striker? If Quebec got a team they’d go from 16 to 17 in the east and with Las Vegas the west goes to 15, meaning for some teams it’s a lot tougher to make the playoffs in the east with 2 more teams to climb over. Who moves to balance it out at 16 each? Columbus? Detroit?
The east currently has 16 the west 14. Had they maintained that nothing changed, 17 in the east 15 in the west. As a % of teams, 8 of 16 as opposed to 8 of 14 it’s harder I guess but when you consider the strength of each division & significant added travel in the west it balances out for me. I believe the 9th place team in the west is better than the 8th place team in the east & so on. Far more weaker teams in the east.
Yeah, way worse than Edmonton (70 pts), Vancouver (75 pts), Calgary (77 pts), Winnipeg (78 pts), and Arizona (78 pts) – real power-houses there compared to slugs like the Leafs (69 pts), Columbus (76 pts) Buffalo (81 pts), Montreal (82 pts) and Ottawa (85 pts).
Lucic to Vancouver would be a cancer. Plus, I am sure we would overpay. He had a 3-year, $18M deal and the only good year he had was the last one. Sure, does well in contract years, but other than that…. Add to the mix that he is a declining asset.
IMHO, he is poison. He’s arrogant and thinks he king sh-t. Don’t like him; never have. Other than Marchand in Boston, I can’t think of a player I’d less like to have on the Canux.
You read it here: IF Canux sign Lucic, they will overpay and over tax their cap. We will all live to regret it. DON’T DO IT, JB!
Please don’t put your faith in Jim Benning. He makes Kevin Lowe look brilliant.
Really ? Why don’t you break that comment down for us and explain how he makes Lowe look brilliant.
nobody makes lowe look brilliant not even Milbury and he was the worst gm ever…..Benning is no hot shakes either
Brutal asset management. When Benning took over the Canucks we had 1 of the best D’s in the NHL. Edler, Hamhuis, Bieksa, Garrison & Tanev. Today we have 1 of the worst if not the worst. We replaced Garrison with Sbisa & Bieksa with Bartowski. Now we seriously overpaid to get Gunbranson?
Here is the brutal asset management of Benning.
Kesler to Anaheim for Bonino, Sbisa & the 24th overall pick; McCann. Not a good trade.
Garrison to TB for a 2nd flipped to LA to acquire vey; who’s now not even going to be qualified. Garrison played as TB’s #3 this year & #4 with the TB the season prior & when a Canuck. To put that into reference for you SJ moved Douglas Murray at the trade deadline in 2013 for 2 2nd round picks & he was a border line NHL Dman who never played another NHL game following that season.
Pay a 3rd for Dorsett. This tyoe of player can be had for free as a UFA, then signs him for 4 years with a cap hit of 2.65 mil per. Ouch.
Signs Miller for 3 years at 6 mil per. Ouch swing & a miss.
Trades a 2nd for Baertschi.
Trades Lack for a 3rd & 7th could have moved Miller but choose to keep him & his cap hit. Even stated so publicly.
Trades G. Forsling a solid yound Dman who won Dman of the year at the WJC’s to Chicago that season & played great after returning from injury the following WJC’s, for Clendening.
Trades Bonino, Clendening & a 2nd to Pittsburgh for B. Sutter & a 3rd. Then signs him to a 5 year 4.375 year deal.
Trades Shinkaruk to Calagry for Granlund.
Trades McCann, a 2nd & 4th round pick in 2016 to Florida for Gubranson & a 5th round pick. Florida moved Gunbranson as he declined 5 mil per for 5 years. He will be a UFA in 2 years & thinks he’s a #1 shut down Dman. He hits & is a #4 at best.
This is brutal asset management. Some of the worst I have ever seen. Makes Lowe look brilliant. The Canucks are dropping faster than the Canadian dollar in 2014. This team is a mess & will be bad for years. The existing ownership & management excepts they are bad & won’t conduct a proper rebuild. It’s 2 years to late. If you are going to give players away do so at the trade deadline when the return is at it’s highest.
The Canucks even if they buy out Burrows, Higgins & sign Eriksson & Lucic won’t make the playoffs. Benning & co think & want playoff gates. The fans have had enough & are showing it at the gate myself included. In n have cancelled my 2 season tickets after almost 25 years.
You probably think you could do better striker? Lmao
Jeff you asked. Striker don’t always agree but got to give you credit for breaking it down. That Dorsett deal almost sound like the deal Boston gave Kevin Miller….Ouch.
Canucks are falling faster than a fat kid on a seesaw.
Who turns it down – Detroit sends Datsyuk and Jimmy Howard to Calgary in return for draft pick (not including Calgary’s #1 this year). Calgary gets a young netminder under contract and Detroit clears two problems – cap space and expansion draft.
Who say no?
Calgary easily turns it down, Calgary can’t afford to take on almost $13 million in combined salary between Datsyuk and Howard they would need to send at least a couple bad contracts back to Detroit Wideman would definitely be one of them. And Howard is 32 years old i would hardly call him a young netminder. This would easily be a win win for Detroit but you need to remember that our GM is Ken Holland and i doubt that he could ever do something like this that would benefit the team in the long run.
first off before I say why I say no. Your facts are well not facts. Jimmy Howards was born in 1984. That does not make him a young goaltender. He’s 32.
Now for why I would say no. There are better options than Howard. Taking on both Datsyuk’s and Howards Cap hit would hinder Calgary’s ability to add to their roster. Do they have room for both contracts cap hits? Also Calgary gets questionable help in net by acquiring a goalie another team does not want where Detroit gets exactly what it wants. Out from under weighty contracts.
Of coarse if your Detroit you say yes gleefully all day long.
I read someone here mention a Bernier for Wideman swap. I’m not a fan of Wideman, I think he’s a moron, but the trade makes a certain amount of sense for both sides.
Once Bernier is paid a $2 million signing bonus this summer he’s only owned $2.15M in real salary. He will be 27 at start of season and could rebound with a change of scenery. Even as a back-up.
Wideman’s actual salary is $6 million and cap hit is $5.25 million. As a right-handed defenseman he’d fit in nicely on Toronto’s second pairing and could be unloaded at the trade deadline for a draft pick or prospect.
Calgary could fill a goaltending spot without giving up 1st and 2nd round draft picks, rid themselves of a bad contract to re-sign Gaudreau and Monahan,and save a whole lot of salary in the process. Toronto would recover futures to offset those used on Andersen and acquire depth at RHD. The only caveat is Wideman’s NMC and whether he would consent to being moved (twice). It would give him a chance to play for Babcock and ultimately move to a playoff contender at the deadline.
I mentioned it somewhere, not sure if it was here, but it was in jest. I think others have mentioned it too and it’s not as ridiculous ( myself included ) as some may think.
All I hear is Shattenkirk wants to move to an Eastern team and most Bruin fans are yes, make it so !
If Im STL and you are pricing yourself out of my market then I dont give a rats behind where I trade you. Im looking out for my team and will take the best deal available. He has no restrictions on a deal, why would I cater to a guy who is moving on ?
They made the decision to hold onto Backes and Brouwer this last season and chances are they aren’t coming back. Right or wrong move, STL thought they had as good a chance of anyone in winning the Cup. Obviously if they feel good they may just hold on to Shattenkirk as well and let him walk after next year.
It’s not an easy decision to make, if you feel close to the Cup what message does it send to the fans and players if you move out an integral part ? I am all about asset management but there comes a time when you need to go for it all.
Thats why I say I’d move him to China if it worked for me.
“I’m not insane my mother had me tested “
Nice move by the Panthers to get goalie Reto Berra from the Avalanche for Rocco Grimaldi. Good back-up for Luongo.
Panthers should remain near or on top of the division. It shall be interesting to see if they learned from the past playoff experience and go deeper. I like the look of this team.
McKenzie reporting both Canucks and Oilers in talks to obtain Subban. Pat the tire kicking stage-with the right offer the Habs will move him!
Yeah, just heard on cbc radio that a deal is pretty much finalized
I seriously doubt that Vancouver even has the pieces to acquire PK Subban and it would take Draisaitl+4th overall pick at least for Edmonton to get Subban he wont come cheap.
And who fills the hole on D for the Habs ?
Yankee Fan Exactly if Bergivin were to move Subban and that’s a big if. He would need at least a half way D man in return and who would that be from Vancouver unless it was at least Edler. Even if it were Edmonton maybe one of Klefbom/Nurse would have to be included and this kind of defeats the purpose of trading for him in the first place wouldn’t you think.
Canadiens press conference delayed. MB is either swinging a trade or on the phone with striker
Lol no doubt striker was talking to him in first class on the way to the gms meeting
Lol yeah Strikers the Man i’m sure that MB is listening to what Striker has to say. After all he’s the Eyes and Ears of Spector Hockey here.
I know all of us or at least the smart ones of us know that Malkin isn’t going anywhere. But reading other moron rumor pages and reports everyone says he wants to be given a team where he could be the number one guy on the team. Yet in the very next comment state that Chicago is the front runner.
Now here is where the brain starts to hurt. If he wants to leave Pittsburgh to be number one center then why the heck would he agree to a trade to Chicago where Toews is the number one.
I honestly believe most of these other BS rumor boards and so called writers really know nothing and hardly know enough to know how to tie their own shoes(maybe).
I know for sure that the only way Malkin would ever be moved is if another superstar was coming back in that same trade. Otherwise Rutherford would be dead within a week from some enraged fan.
Just for kicks what was the Penguins return for such a trade and don’t give me this cap relief crap because trading a player like Malkin isn’t a way a team cuts cap space. Plus the Blackhawks in return would have to move a Toews, Kane, or Hossa even to make room.
Everything in this so called rumor makes ZERO sense.
Thank god most of you all have brains, and I thank you for all being smarter then the brain dead masses else where.