List of this summer’s top trade candidates & unrestricted free agents in your NHL rumor mill.
Summer of 2016’s top NHL trade candidates.
Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could be this summer’s top trade candidate.
TSN: Frank Seravalli lists this summer’s top-20 NHL trade candidates:
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers,
2. Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche,
3. Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues,
4. Edmonton Oilers’ fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NHL draftk
5. Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks,
6. Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild,
7. Scott Hartnell, Columbus Blue Jackets,
8. Rick Nash, New York Rangers,
9. Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks,
10. Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets,
11. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins,
12. Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers,
13. Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild,
14: Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning,
15. Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets,
16. Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings,
17. Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks,
18. Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers,
19. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings, and
20. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: No argument from me over the top-five candidates. I’d remove Granlund from this list as I think the Wild will give him another season.I’d move Yakupov up into his spot in the top-10 as I expect he’ll be moved this summer. I also doubt the Jets will move Trouba, as he’s coming off an entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. Unless he pulls a Dougie Hamilton and insists on a trade (which, to the best of my knowledge, he hasn’t), Trouba has no leverage here and the Jets aren’t pressed to move him to free up cap room. Nash could be dealt but I’d slide him out of the top-10. Eberle’s been oft-mentioned as a trade candidate but I think the Oilers will keep him and instead move Nugent-Hopkins and Yakupov.
If expansion comes to pass as expected, Fleury and Bishop could be shopped, pushing them into the top-10 on this list. The Jackets are trying to move Hartnell. They’re also reportedly trying to shop Fedor Tyutin, not Johnson. I doubt the Ducks part with Lindholm. The Wings could try to move Howard, though his contract is a sticking point. I doubt the Kings will find any takers for Brown and his hefty contract. As for Subban, I understand why Seravalli put him on this list and why he placed him where he did, but I don’t see the Habs moving him. Trading Subban for a top-line center or right wing addresses one problem but creates another.
Updated NHL UFA list.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox updated his listing of this summer’s top unrestricted free agents.
1. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning. Will the postseason performances of Nikita Kucherov and Jonathan Drouin, combined with the Bolts advancing to the Eastern Conference Final without Stamkos, affect how much the Lightning are willing to offer him?
2. David Backes, St. Louis Blues. Following the Blues elimination from the Western Conference Final, Backes said there’s no question he wants to return. Blues GM Doug Armstrong would love to keep him, but said his top priority is re-signing RFA Jaden Schwartz. Fitting Backes under their cap won’t be easy.
3. Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders. There’s been no contract discussions between Okposo and the Islanders.
4. Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings. He and Kings GM Dean Lombardi are believed working on a contract extension.
5. Andrew Ladd, Chicago Blackhawks. Ladd recently acknowledged the cap-strapped Blackhawks probably can’t afford to re-sign him.
6. Keith Yandle, New York Rangers. He’d love to return but knows both sides have to weigh their options.
7. Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins. The Bruins are reportedly still trying to re-sign Eriksson, who could receive interest from the Philadelphia Flyers or Vancouver Canucks.
8. Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver Canucks. Despite the recent addition of rugged blueliner Erik Gudbranson, Canucks GM Jim Benning claims he’d still like to keep Hamhuis.
9. Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers. Most recent report claims Campbell hasn’t told the Panthers he’ll test the UFA market.
10. Kris Russell, Dallas Stars. The Stars can’t afford to retain all of his UFA blueliners. Russell could be among those who depart.
11. Mikkel Boedker, Colorado Avalanche. No update on his status with the Avs or his plans.
12, Jiri Hudler, Florida Panthers
13. James Reimer, San Jose Sharks. He claims his focus right now is on the Stanley Cup Final. Understandably so.
14. Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes. He’s supposed to meet with Hurricanes management this month.
15. Eric Staal, New York Rangers.
16. Radim Vrbata, Vancouver Canucks.
Latest on Radulov.
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings spoke with former NHL winger and KHL free agent Alexander Radulov and his agent following the Wings playoff elimination. They’re interested in signing him, but only to a one-year contract. A source claims it could be in the $4-$5 million range. “Radulov might be more motivated to prove himself and earn a longer contract and the Red Wings could part with him after one season if the move backfires,” said Khan. The Wings also have concerns over whether Radulov could a negative effect upon their younger players.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agree on the one-year deal, but the salary is too high in my opinion.
I can see Edmonton making a pitch for Tyson Barrie, he’s exactly what they need imo. A right handed shot, puck moving defenceman who can quarterback a power play. Maybe the 4th and 31st pick for Tyson Barrie and the 10th? I just figure the 4th by itself is too much to pay, and I don’t see Colorado needing another centre like RNH.
*32nd pick not 31st
I wouldn’y move the 4th for Barrie. Id move Yak and the 31st.
That wouldn’t be a bad trade. Edmonton moves back and could still come up with a guy like Sergachev. Plug two holes on the blue line in one move.
Colorado moves up ahead of a bunch of teams and has their choice of Tkachuk, Nylander, Dubois or one of the top two Dmen to replace Barrie
Brew I could definitely see them wanting either one of those forwards, they both fit that power forward mold they love. Colorado also don’t have any high end talent in the system so I can see them jumping at this trade.
Nylander isn’t a power forward, I meant the Tkatchuk and Dubois.
Barrie and the 10th is worth more a fair amount more than than the #4 and #32 imo. Comes down to Barrie is proven and the #4 pick isn’t. maybe the 4th and 32nd picks for Barrie and a 3rd round pick??
I think that’s way too low. The 4th pick will get you a really good player, Tkatchuk and Dubois are really good prospects, proven or not their potential has currency.
A swap of 6 picks & a high 2nd isn’t getting you Barrie.
Who is going to taken Dustin Brown’s contract?
4th Hanson brother,
I chuckled when I was reading the list of this summers top 20 trade candidates and Dustin Brown’s name is on the list…
Dustin Brown, the 31 year old to be 32 in November… just recently stripped of his “C”… hasn’t scored more than 29 points since 2011 season, scored over 30 goals once in his career, touched 60 points once in his career, he’s a -39 career player… did I mention his cap hit is $5.875 mil and signed until 2021-2022…
Dustin Brown… that name on the list made my morning
Chad – I would like to see a list of worst contracts in the NHL – Brown’s paper has to be THE worst in the league. Those numbers on ice are horrible.
Here’s a few whose contracts I wouldn’t want hamstringing me, either because they are simply stiffs, or due to the length of the deals:
Andrew MacDonald, Flyers – $5,000,000 through to 2019-20;
Zach Parise, Wild – $7,538,461 through to 2024-25 – he’s never lived up to his NJ days;
Dave Boland, Panthers – $5,500,000 through to 2018-19;
Brooks Orpik, Capitals – $5,500,000 through to 2018-19;
David Clarkson, Blue Jackets – $5,250,000 through to 2019-20;
Jordan Staal, Hurricanes – $6,000,000 through to 2022-23;
Mike Smith, Coyotes – $5,670,000 through to 2019-20;
When you also consider Gaborik’s $4.875 mil per year through 20-21 while averaging 53 games played for the last 4 years its easy to see how important it was for LA to get out of the Richards contract of $5.75 mil through 19-20.
Not the worst for me he’s my #3. Very bad but for me either clarkson or Zajac are worse. At least brown hits.
Striker, please enlighten me on where Seidenberg is on your list????
Would you take on Brown’s contract if I meant you could maybe get a toffoli or muzzin type from the Kings? Not saying they are available, but I would assume DL is wanting to move Brown expecially after stripping him of the C and that contrac is terrible might be the only way to move him is to give up a younger player.
Possibly… it would have to be a young player of their caliber or a 1st round pick and A level prospect. The contract is so bad, tons of years left on it and he’s not a very serviceable player at this point anymore. He’s been on such a downward trend and it’s not like the player was an elite level talent to begin with IMO. He’s getting paid as a top 6, yet I would argue on most teams around the NHL he’s nothing more than a 3rd liner carrying almost a $6 mil per cap hit until 2022
Hahaha, get a life, your not getting Toffoli or Muzzin in ANY deal, let alone a throw in to take Brown. Why not just buy out Brown first?
Gologoski Not on the list of UFAs?
He has him at # 20 on his list. Way too low IMO for a guy who is a minute muncher.
He’s definitely going to be one of the more sought after free agent defenseman when July 1st hits… There’s no shortage of teams that need them and with the way trade rumors have gone regarding RFA defenseman, teams may be better off just signing a free agent at this point unless they’re prepared to unload the farm. Prices for RFA defenseman seem to be high but who knows, as the draft moves closer they may become more realistic for teams. Dougie Hamilton was moved for a 1st, and two 2nd round picks at the draft last year… I know many feel they could’ve gotten more, maybe, maybe not. It’s nice to speculate but behind the doors and in the war rooms who really knows how much these GM’s value and place prices on players, they may be a lot less than all of us enjoy drumming up
Chad, my concern isn’t what Boston got for Hamilton its the fact they traded him at all. Don’t care if he wanted out. The offer sheet to pry Hamilton out would’ve been more then he got from Calgary because the Bruins would have matched that number. But then again Boston tend to over react in these situations be trade request or immature behavior.
Caper,
It’s been obvious though to many that Dougie Hamilton didn’t want to play in Boston… regardless of allowing the offer sheet and matching, now you have a player signed that has obvious problems with your organization (maybe players, locker room, coaching staff, who knows). I’m not sure it’d be smart for the Bruins to keep around a player who doesn’t want to be there, don’t need that type infecting your locker room. It can be toxic.
Dougie Hamilton – did anyone ever figure out why he wanted out of Boston?
I Agree Cad about Gologoski. Dallas is going to need to rebuild their defence and they will have to do it on the cheap side. Im hoping they can resign him but it would have to be at the same price.
Sorry Chad. Missed the H
Gologoski and Yandle – 2 puck movers who aren’t very physical.
Chad, we’ll have to agree to disagree, from what I heard there was no concern in the locker room, no concern from the coaching staff, maybe his parents because they wanted his brother (Freddie) signed, who Calgary did sign. In the end it was a bad hockey decision based on emotion. Look no further then TB and Drouin to know that Stevie Y didn’t give into emotion and now will be much better off for it, regardless if he is signed or traded.
Tough call but have to agree with Caper on this one. The other stories out there was that Sweeney did not talk to many teams regarding Hamilton. The only real risks are as what Chad says above, you don’t want anyone in the room pouting, but unless the kid is a total head case he will get with the group. The other is he pulls a Drouin and refuses to report, but you can count on being able to wait longer than the player. They always come back. The risk is the value goes down as he sits and then doesn’t play well.
The return just seems low considering what talented you D Men command these days. Especially his offense and the fact that he is 6’5″. How many guys like that are out there?
Agree to disagree on the Hamilton situation last offseason. I still think having a toxic player in the locker room is a relevant argument in moving the player… it certainly is in all other professional sports because we see it happen and I’d assume the NHL is no different.
I was never as high on Hamilton as others were or still are… he didn’t necessarily have a breakout season and a lot of people were speculating that he would because Calgary would give Dougie more of an open role and allow him to play HIS game whereas in Boston a lot of people felt Julien was holding him back by making him focus on being responsible in his own end… he put up 43 pts this season and 42 pts last (w/ Boston).
… and to Ray Bark’s point about the return seeming low considering the price on defenseman, I would say we really never see highly talented defenseman get traded… at least not often. Dougie Hamilton was an RFA that netted a 1st, and two 2nd round picks. Erik Gudbranson was just moved (still with 1 year on contract and RFA rights next season) for Jared McCann and some picks (2nd, 4th)… McCann was previously taken 26th overall, Gudbranson 3rd overall… Seth Jones was moved in season for Ryan Johansen… Jones set to be RFA this offseason and Johansen with 1 more season on his contract before he’s going to command top line centerman type money. I’m just not sure what everyone expected back in that Hamilton deal… like 3 first round picks or something? We’ll see what the Vatanen trade nets in terms of value, immediate and longterm… or Trouba if he’s moved, or Shattenkirk… or any of these other big name talented defenseman. At this point the value the Bruins received was close to what was fair and I just don’t see any teams out there offering this enormous package of assets last offseason on draft day. If Vatanen is moved for 2-3 first round picks, including one in this draft, or an elite level type talent, or top end prospect and 2nd-1st round pick thrown in then I’ll insert foot in mouth but until we see some more defenseman get moved and the value in return… tough to compare and say they’d have gotten more. Reports out there saying other offers were better ect… I don’t buy it, plenty of reports and articles written that are stretched and not factual.
I’ve also heard that Edmonton had an offer sheet waiting for Hamilton
Chad, where do you get toxic from? This kid was quiet and liked by his team mates, don’t create an issue where there isn’t one.
Chad, agreed you just don’t see it happen as teams hang on to them.
Neither Shattenkirk or Vatanen have the upside or skill set that Hamilton does. Trouba would be an accurate comparable. More physical than Hamilton but less offence, but both have the “potential” to be a number 1. Vantanen is small and 1 dimensional. Moves the puck well but won’t be breaking up the cycle or be physically dominant. Shattenkirk is more polished and understands the game well and is a smart player, good offence, but again the size isn’t there to ever have the physical element that Hamilton could bring if he chooses (he didn’t in Boston) and still has his best years in front of him. The Blues are choosing to keep (and will pay) 2 other Dmen over Shattenkirk.
As far as his personalty, who knows. The brother thing is a red flag. Who does that? Basically seems like an introvert and weird but not an A hole.
We will see in a 2-3 years what he turns out to be. Extremely talented anyway.
Caper,
I’m not creating an issue where there isn’t one… simply touching on things I’ve read regarding the matter. This was written last year and taken from an article about the situation. It can be researched online if you so incline.
“It was surprising,” said one NHL assistant GM. “It’s obvious there’s something going on that we don’t know about. From what I’ve heard behind the scenes, his teammates don’t like him. I heard he’s a loner and sort of an uppity kid, and that his teammates don’t like him and it was unanimous.”
Take it for what it is Caper… he signed for $1.5 mil more over 6 years in Calgary. The Bruins couldn’t get the deal done for whatever reason, the most obvious NOT being financially but that he simply didn’t want to be in Boston. There’s plenty of articles around the internet talking about Hamilton, his teammates, locker room… also plenty refuting those claims… many by the Calgary media or Canadian hockey writers. Choose to believe whatever you wish… FACT is the player didn’t want to play in Boston. Done deal. Bruins offered 6 years and $33 million, Hamilton signed in Calgary for 6 years and $34.5 million… you can bet the bank that the Bruins would’ve offered 6 and $36 million if that was the number it took or more for that matter. Neely has said as much in plenty of post interview, which you can also search and find on the internet if you choose to.
Yes Chad I read that article which turned out to be false, there was another article saying he had no friends in his age group. But yet when the players were asked not one player had anything bad to say about him. Ill but more stock into that then some guy who said I heard from someone who heard from someone. In the end BAD deal. 6’5″ mobile d don’t grow on tree’s you show this asset he’s worth it and you want him part of your team. You don’t let them walk out the door because at the moment they don’t want to be there. That’s not asset management nor is it good management.
Agreed. He makes my UFA list at #2m
Not sure the Tyson Barrie rumors make sense unless there’s some behind locked doors “issue” going on. He’s an RFA defenseman and one of those smaller, harder to play against but can move the puck and put up points types that we’ve seen more of in recent years. When I see Tyson Barrie play, I see Torey Krug and Sami Vatanen type. Unless there was a pressing need because of salary cap reasons, or the player is blocked because of blueline depth… I really doubt Barrie gets moved. The Avalanche have the space to sign him and they’re not in a position like some of these other teams (Minnesota, Anaheim, Winnipeg) where they have multiple defenseman who are talented and in need of big contracts where moving out one of the RFA defenseman make sense… the Tyson Barrie situation makes no sense unless of course it’s some Godfather offer. Where Vatanen is likely on the market, add in possibly Trouba, and one of the defenseman in Minnesota… I don’t see a team making the Avalanche an offer they couldn’t refuse.
MacKenzie was on the radio this AM in Edmonton saying that he believes the Avs want to move Barrie. Mackenzie usually has some knowledge before he throws stuff out there. He may have used the term “almost certain”, or something like that. Still need a dance partner though. And the strange part is that they are also in the market for a Dman. Just one that is more physical and better in his own end. Sounds like Patty isn’t a fan to me.
He also talked about Trouba and says he doesn’t think he will move. Talked about his size and physical play and the possibility of being a true #1 Dman who can do it all. Not many of those out there, so wait it out to see what happens. The only question is bridge to arb rights or go long term now.
Would love to see the B’s take a run if there are contract issues with Trouba, but seems unlikely.
I think the Bruins only option on Trouba if there were contractual issues would be to swing a trade with Winnipeg. Bruins last the picks (their own) to offer sheet anyone this offseason. I’m sure Winnipeg will try and get something done but I don’t think he’ll be taken off the table, at least up until draft day they’ll listen on Trouba. If Trouba doesn’t move though I could still see one of the other higher paid defenseman moved out… even if they bridge a deal they’ll need to remain realistic about how much it’ll take to keep him longterm. Also, their goaltender Hutchinson is an RFA, last year for that… he’ll want to get locked up longterm for bigger money next offseason.
Hear what you’re saying on the offer sheet. It actually be in play this year with teams up against the Cap#. I think the threshold for it to be a 1,2 and 3 is $5.5M. It might take that to get him but the B’s don’t have those picks next year.
Gave them up for deadline deals for Step and Liles.
Oops
Bruins don’t own their own picks to make an offer sheet.
Gave up the 2nd in 2016 in the Connolly trade actually
The Blackhawks likely not being able to resign Andrew Ladd (was probably never in the plans anyways) but having given up a 1st round pick (22nd overall) and Marko Dano but getting bounced in the 1st round almost makes me feel better about Don Sweeney giving up a 3rd 2016, 4th 2016, 2nd 2017, 5th 2017 for John-Michael Liles and Lee Stempniak and not having made the playoffs all together…
It’s Boston look what they have traded over the years Kessel, jumbo joe, segin, Hamilton and lucic. All in or before their prime.
M. Boedker will test the free agent market… it’d be foolish not to. Teams are in need of scoring, wingers, and teams will be looking at the next tier of players after Eriksson and Ladd are signed, which may lead to some overpaying. Okposo, Backes, Boedker, Brouwer.. ect.
I wonder why the Isles are not talking with Okposo. You never know what Garth is up to.
Stamkos….
Rick Nash has been trending downward in terms of production the last 4 or so seasons (besides last year… which was an outlier). He comes with a cap hit of $7.8 mil this season and next as well as I believe a modified no trade clause. It’s not going to be easy to move the player, or find a team with the space to take on that contract and thats assuming (almost a given) that the Rangers will need to take salary back. The team could’ve traded him last offseason after coming off the performance and numbers he did… but hindsight is 20/20. One this is for certain though and that’s the Rangers need to make some big changes and start stocking up their prospect pool again. Not having a 1st round pick since 2012 can’t be healthy for an organization, especially in a cap league.
I’m not saying it’s a good idea to never have 1st round picks, however Ny has had some huge fails in the 1st round and odd success in later rounds. Not really ever drafting in the top 10 anyway. Dubinsky, Callahan, Anisumov, Stepan, Lundqvist, Girardi ( not drafted) zuccs ( not drafted) Duclair, etc.
Miller, Kreider, Staal, Mcilrath, skjei are the only Ny drafted 1st rounders.
And they have a few 1st rounders from other teams. Nash, McDonagh, Brassard.
When I think of some of the 1st rounders they’ve had in the last 15 years or so…. I’m almost glad they trade them away! Lol
NYR – exactly why I pointed out yesterday that the Rangers declined signing 3 picks from the 2014 draft. Rags need to get better at scouting, drafting and developing.
I like the Rangers, I have been a Rangers’ fan since BUF was their farm team in the 60’s. Hard not to love the GAG Line. Always good when they are deep in the playoffs and MSG is rocking.
I don’t know Hanson,
I don’t see the 3 picks as significant loss at all. As I also mentioned it may have had a lot to do with the pro contract max I believe of 52.
Hard to judge 18 year-olds. I have been reading scouting reports on the top 10 players in the year’s draft. Matthews is about the only one that scouts are sure on. It would better to draft the kids at 20 again, 2 more years determine if the player will develop or not.
from 2000-2011 every year except 2, 2003 and 2010 has at least one player taken in the 1st round with 0 NHL games. In 2003 the 12th player has played 2 games and the 30th player taken played 20. In 2010 the 11th and 27th player taken has played 1 game each. 2002, 2007 and 2008 have 4 players in each draft taken in the 1st round not take play one NHL game. The spot with the highest risk with the lowest amount of games played is the 15th overall pick it shows up on my list 7 times. Also couldn’t help but notice Calgary seems to show up a lot, but that was just as an eye glance. There seem there is always at least one first round bust. 2003 first round looks like the most successful. I was bored!
I think that speaks more to the organization and lack of success in drafting, scouting, as 4th Hanson brother pointed out. If they’re missing that many times on 1st rounders in the past then they should be cleaning house of anyone involved with drafting and rebuilding that department. Drafting, scouting, and building your team around prospects is so important in todays NHL because of the salary cap and because of the huge contracts being handed out to average or slightly above average players. They’re jumping shit when free agency hits, cashing in, and the teams need to have players in the farm to fill holes. Tough to go out every free agency and just resign or sign new players. Becomes expensive and eventually you work yourself into a position to HAVE to left great players go.
Seems to point to a bigger issue and it’s what 4th Hanson pointed out and that’s drafting/scouting. If the Rangers have failed that many times on 1st round picks then they should be entertaining cleaning house and rebuilding that department. It’s one of the MOST important aspects to todays NHL, drafting and building through the draft is almost a requirement if you’re going to be successful. The salary cap implications now makes it difficult to resign every player on your team and find ways to continually sign free agents and get better. You have to be able to reach into the farm and pull up talent. Especially with the amount of players that are average or slightly above average who opt to hit free agency and get big contracts. I’m glad the Bruins finally made big changes to drafting/scounting… they were missing on players for quite a few years as well.
Oh, the scouts are absolutely sure on Laine.
George O.
I actually like Laine over Matthews but I’m in the minority.
You’re there Chad only because no one wants to pass up on a C who MAY become a dominant force in the NHL. No one has the guts.
Maybe Kyle Okposo goes to the Jets, being from Minny he could join fellow statesman; Wheeler, Stuart, Byfuglien.
The true test as to whether the Jets can attract a significant free agent.
There is a lot of value but on 1st round picks, yet I look at Boston who had 13 1st round picks from 2000 to 2013 and see some quality Kessel, Seguin and Hamilton, one average Mark Stuart and some well no so good for 1st round picks; Lars Jonsson 8th, Martin Samuelssom 27th, Shaone Morrison 19th, Hannu Toivonen 29th, Matt Lashoff 22nd, Zach Hamel 8th, Joe Colborne 16th, Jordan Caron 25th. Malcom Subban jury still out. The pick taken after Hamil was Logan Couture. I imagine if you look up and down every team draft list some would see some of the same. Don’t forget to draft and develop but not exact science.
Caper,
It’s tough to judge a lot of these kids… some of those players you mentioned that Boston drafted put up HUGE numbers on their junior teams during draft year and it never transferred over to their NHL player or even AHL play for that matter. I agree with you that the jury is still out on Malcolm Subban and it should be because goaltenders typically take longer to develop into NHL starters and the Bruins depth at goaltending doesn’t appear to be lightening up anytime soon… no real path for Subban at the moment. Joe Colborne though had a decent year in Calgary, and he’s still pretty young so maybe it’ll translate into something more.
Chad, all of these kids in the first round of every draft were / are very good in Jr, that’s why they go in the 1st round. That’s the point your trying to project up to 5 years out what they might become. Win some lose some.
Joe Colborne’s right on track for my break through for monster forwards 400 games. 19 goals & 44 points last season. Probably hits 25 & 55 next season with added quality icetime available & will push 30 & 65 the season following.
Another young Bruin traded for nothing named Kaberle, who was scratched in the same playoffs they picked him up to play in.
They draft the kid out of JR A, so they know it is a project, then let him go when he is ready for a depth D man who was finished giving a crap.
Sorry, being a whiny Bruin fan again.
want to take a bet on that striker, he’ll never crack 30.
Signing Radulov at $4-$5M would all but eliminate Detroit from the Steven Stamkos sweepstakes.
Yup unfortunately it would, Even though i’m starting to think that Stamkos will stay in Tampa any ways and Yzerman will try and move other pieces to make sure he stays with the Bolts.
Radulov isn’t getting 4 to 5 million even on a 1 year deal from anyone.
I notice Krecji is never mentioned on these trade bait lists.
Am I the only one that thinks moving him will fetch the top Dman they need and help the B’s more than it will hurt them? True #1 centers are not easy to find and the Bruins have 2. He may not be an elite #1, but he is good one. Spooner can replace him on the PP and generate points but will need to be more responsible in his own end. If willing, he can learn that. Cap hit isn’t great but not out of line for a guy like him who also led the B’s in scoring through the playoffs both years they went to the final.
Would like to hear what others think regarding what kind of D-Man you get back for him. It must be top pairing type of player? Trouba? Josi? WPG and Nashville could use more up the middle and are deep on the blueline. Some other small pieces mixed in. Has a NMC but said he wouldn’t get in the way if they asked him.
Sign a cheaper UFA C to fill the hole at #3, or role the dice with a young guy like Heinen.
I know moving him creates a hole, but it is smaller than the one on D they have right now.
Ray Bark,
Couple of reasons he isn’t mentioned in the formally written articles by hockey writers; not to say he hasn’t on here before by any of us daily contributors to the thread but….
David Krejci has been known to be injury prone thus leading to his recent surgery, the 2nd on his hip. Immediately that almost removes the player from any conversations until he gets back and recovers and shows improvement. Teams will want to be reassured that the player is healthy. 2 surgeries in the same vicinity doesn’t help the case. Also, he has a NMC so would need to waive in order to leave, which would also limit where he goes and he carries almost an $8 mil per cap hit.
Ray Bark,
Just to piggyback on my comment though, I would be FOR a Krejci trade if it meant getting a top 2-3 defenseman who’s younger back for your blueline. I’m high on Spooner, he has ability to make plays and very offensively gifted… I’m not a defense nut when it comes to centers, 2-way centers are great (Bergeron) but I think a case can be made where a center isn’t a great 2-way player. Pair him on a line with an Eriksson type who comes back and plays good defense… you’re all set.
Ya, he has missed time the last couple years with it. Don’t think he had surgery in that hip last year? It effected him this year in the 2nd half but still ended up at almost a point a game and played 72 so I don’t think it is career threatening or overly serious. Cap hit at 7.25 just turned 30 so some good good years left. I think he has real value, but not sure the Bruins have any desire to move him. I wouldn’t either if there wasn’t a black hole on the blue line.
Here is his quote about the surgery at the end of this year.
“And the hip, the nagging injury kind of kept coming back, and it got to the point that we’ve been talking surgery for a while now. So it was frustrating, but at the same time, I had this surgery about six years ago on my other leg and never felt better (than I did) after it. I’m looking forward to getting it done in the next week or two and be the player that I can be.”
Read more at: http://nesn.com/2016/04/david-krejci-to-have-hip-surgery-expects-to-be-back-for-camp-world-cup/
Taking Laine over Matthews is like Taking Ovechkin over Crosby. (not that I am saying either of the new prospects are that good, I don’t really know.) Ovechkin is big, mean, fast and can score plenty. Seems to have all the things you want. Crosby game is more subtle, meticulous and a play maker. Crosby is also a Centre not a winger and is currently in another Stanley cup final looking for another cup. Ovechkin hasn’t reached a finals yet.
Basically since Matthews is a Centre and he and Laine are both viewed quite favourably and despite all the talk of how big and complete Laine is, I find it hard to take Laine over Mathews.
Imagine if Laine was a centre, then who would you choose. I think you’re right in your assement of Laine and Mtthews to Ovie and Crosby.
How about Hall or Seguin? Does that comparison work
I could of used Hall and d segueing but didn’t have the Stanley cup argument to attach to it.
Sure you do Jeff, Seguin has a cup with Boston, but he was playing wing.
Lol Caper, well that doesn’t help the argument does it, dang it.
I see a trade between Montreal & Edmonton… P.K. Subban & 39 choice 2016 for Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse & 4 choice 2016…
What if the Leafs move the 1st pick and Cowan to the coyote’s for marner’s teammate in London davorak he was a first rounder anyway he was just hurt in his draft season. And the 7 pick and that can take a defence an or willams brother. Hunter loves Knights. Of coarse Toronto could throw in a pick like a third rounder and let’s say a prospect.
Or they could throw in Horton!s contract to help the coyoties reach the league minimum.
The rule in trades, is you try to be the team getting the best player, not a set of parts you hope to be equal to the best player. In that trade the 1st pick is the best player in the exchange.
The only way the #1 pick goes to Arizona is if they get 4 from Edmonton for their #7 and something else like gormley and their 2nd Then they’d have to give up their 4th and Dvorak for the number 1. It’s even possible the leafs would want that 20th pick from the Rangers in the deal as well.
So the price is a lot higher than you think, and I doubt the Yotes would do it no matter how many tix Matthews might sell.