On the eve of NHL free agency, here’s the latest notable free-agent and speculation.
Free agent speculation
Will the Boston Bruins try to sign Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba to an offer sheet?
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty reports the Boston Bruins might be having second thoughts about pitching an expensive offer sheet to Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba. He notes the high cost in draft picks the Bruins would need to part with (four first rounders) if signing Trouba to over $9.3 million per season, plus the bad blood Bruins GM Don Sweeney could incur from his peers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Signing Trouba to an offer sheet is more risk than reward. Trouba has potential to become a quality top-pairing defenseman but he hasn’t achieved that status yet. Paying out a big salary for seven years could blow up in the Bruins’ face if he fails to reach that potential, not to mention the cost to their future in four first-round picks to the Jets as compensation.
TORONTO STAR: New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis, Dallas Stars blueliners Kris Russell, St. Louis Blues right wing Troy Brouwer and Florida Panthers winger Jiri Hudler could be potential UFA targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe it’s in the Leafs best interest that Steven Stamkos re-signed with the Lightning. Don’t blow your brains out chasing expensive free agent talent. Stick with the “Shanaplan” and rebuild with youth. Save your dollars for re-signing those youngsters when they blossom into stars.
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports the Detroit Red Wings “are focused on a group of forwards that includes centers Frans Nielsen and David Backes and wingers Kyle Okposo, Loui Eriksson, Troy Brouwer, Andrew Ladd and Mikkel Boedker. Milan Lucic might be at the top of their list, but he is expected to sign with the Edmonton Oilers.” As for defensemen, the Wings could prefer to address that need via trade. They’ve been linked to St. Louis’s Kevin Shattenkirk and Anaheim’s Cam Fowler.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect the Wings to sign one of the players on that list. They have the cap space and are keen to bolster their roster via free agency and trade. They inquired into the trade statuses of Shattenkirk and Fowler and could circle back to them again.
STARTRIBUNE.COM: Michael Russo reports the Minnesota Wild spoke with Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo. He also wonders if they’ll consider pursuing a trade for New York Rangers center Derek Stepan. Agent Rick Curran, who represents Rangers center Eric Staal, claims there’s mutual interest with the Wild. They’ve also reached out to St. Louis Blues center David Backes.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild have over $12 million in cap space, so there’s enough to re-sign Matt Dumba and to land a notable forward via trade or free agency.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Chip Alexander reports a return of Eric Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes is unlikely. “While he was a great player in this market for a long time, with where we’re at, with the young players we have and the direction we’re going, it would be unfair to us and to him to bring him back and ask him to accept a much different role than the one he had,” (GM Ron)Francis said. “I think he has a lot of years left and he’ll test the waters. We wish him the best.”
TSN’s Darren Dreger tweets “Islanders, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Montreal…among the many with interest in Andrew Ladd.” (Note: this was before the Lightning re-signed Steven Stamkos).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Isles will push hard for Ladd now, as they need to bring in a quality winger for John Tavares’ line.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Chris Hine lists Hamhuis, Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell, left wing Andrew Ladd, LA Kings winger Kris Versteeg and Boston Bruins winger Lee Stempniak could be free-agent targets of the Chicago Blackhawks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With $6.3 million in cap space, the Hawks can afford a bargain signing or two. Campbell is reportedly keen to return to Chicago.
PHILLY.COM: Sam Carchidi expects the Philadelphia Flyers to pursue a mid-level free agent such as Anaheim’s Jamie McGinn or St. Louis’ Troy Brouwer. “Shawn Matthias, Frans Nielsen, David Perron, Darren Helm, Dale Weise, P.A. Parenteau, Teddy Purcell, and Matt Martin” could also be on the Flyers’ radar.
NORTHJERSEY.COM: New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero isn’t ruling out replacing defenseman Adam Larsson, shipped to Edmonton for winger Taylor Hall yesterday, via free agency.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brian Campbell, Jason Demers and Justin Schultz could be their best options to replace the right-shooting Larsson.
WINNIPEG SUN: Ken Wiebe reports the Jets could pursue a third-pairing defenseman via free agency. Patrick Wiercioch, Klas Dahlbeck, Stuart Percy, Brandon Gormley and Justin Falk could be options.
OTTAWA CITIZEN: Ken Warren reports the Senators will search for a fifth, sixth or seventh defenseman.
NBC SPORTS: In the wake of yesterday’s blockbuster deals (Subban for Weber, Hall for Larsson), Jason Brough examines the trade market to see what might come next. He recommends keeping an eye on the Boston Bruins, who’ve been linked to St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and Winnipeg Jets blueliner Jacob Trouba. He also notes Anaheim Ducks rearguard Cam Fowler could be dealt. He also touched on some possible free-agent moves, suggesting the Detroit Red Wings could look at NY Islanders center Frans Nielsen. Teams seeking scoring via free agency could pursue forwards such as Milan Lucic, Kyle Okposo, Mikkel Boedker, Loui Eriksson, David Backes, Troy Brouwer and Thomas Vanek.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: At this point, Fowler could be a more attractive trade option than Shattenkirk (see below). The Bruins are pushing hard to land a top defenseman, but it could end up costing them a lot in salary and return.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the rumor regarding Blues d-man Kevin Shattenkirk is he’s only willing to sign with four teams, which would explain why he hasn’t been dealt yet. He also claims the Dallas Stars are still trying to find a way to land goalie Ben Bishop from the Tampa Bay Lightning, but it could be complicated as the Lightning might not want to take back salary in the deal. Stars GM Jim Nill said he’s not buying out Kari Lehtonen or Antti Niemi.
As for free-agents, Friedman speculates Islanders winger Kyle Okposo could get Bobby Ryan-money ($7 million per). If the Blues fail to re-sign David Backes and Troy Brouwer, they could pursue Okposo and Frans Nielsen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shattenkirk’s preferred list of clubs to sign with, combined with the Blues’ high asking price, could keep him in St. Louis for next season. If the Stars can’t move out Lehtonen or Niemi, I don’t see how they can acquire Bishop.
ARIZONA SPORTS: Craig Morgan reports it’s no secret the Coyotes are interested in Kevin Shattenkirk. If they fail to land him, they could look toward MInnesota Wild blueliner Matt Dumba.
It’ll be interesting to see how Sweeney and company play this out… They have A LOT of the cap space to make moves and that’s not including the potential Seidenberg being moved or bought out, both of which I wouldn’t rule out. Chara’s contract drops significantly next season as well, which makes it much easier on Bruins to sign Marchand long term to what he deserves ($7-8 mil per range).
I think Bruins will be a major player in free agency but I’m still holding out that they’ll swing a trade for a top pairing defenseman.
Chad, I hope for your sake that Sweeney doesn’t outdo Benning for the UFA dunce crown.
Dan39, I’m curious as to which UFA signings by Benning that you’re referring to? I for one, am pleased with his offseason moves this year.
Dan39,
They don’t have many options at this point unfortunately. It’s basically down to overpaying through a trade (still a possibility) or signing a player that many will probably balk at the contract because “it’s an overpayment”… the free agent market and current situation with most teams in the NHL is shaping up to be very favorable for the players. Bruins ARE going to make moves this off season, bound to happen but I think either way you cut it… people will find ways to poke holes in it whether it be too long of term, too much money, overpaid in assets in the trade, ect.
Dean21 – I wasn’t referring to recent free agent signings, rather Benning’s current standing as the single worst GM in the entire league heading into the most dangerous period for clubs on the calendar. Good luck to you. I hope you’re fan base doesn’t start anymore riots.
Huge Marchand fan, but I think $7-8 might be a little rich for him. I was thinking more in the range of $6. I mean, Taylor Hall is making $6/year. Tarasenko makes $8/yr with a cap hit of $7.5
6.5 for 5 or 6 years. Marchand & Bergeron are the foundation of this team currently. A ton of intangibles with Marchand. Hall was signed in a different cap world 2012.
Shawn,
Unless the Bruins wait and see how this season plays out… I feel Marchand is in the $7 mil per range at the moment. There were other reports out there earlier after end of the recent season stating that as well.
Stiker,
I’ll take $6.5 mil, I think that would be a GREAT signing by Boston
With what Edmonton paid to get their Defensemen you might just find yourself with buyers remorse if Boston makes a trade to get a top 2 defensemen.
As I’ve always stated. The cost to buy this quality of Dman is extreme. It virtually never happens & when it does there are extenuating circustances, none existed for NJ or a team pays a price you just can’t say no to. What’s odd is NJ now finds themselves in the same position Edm has been in for a decade. A brutal defense, it was bad before they moved Larsson, now it’s Greene a kid Severnson & a bunch of has been’s & never will be’s.
Edm is a better team today, NJ worse even though they get a stud LW in Hall. Edm got a top 2 defensive Dman just scratching the surface of his potential more than a year & a 1/2 from even being fully developed by NHL standards.
Striker, don’t you think it’s too early in Larsson’s development to consider him a “top 2 Dman”. What has he done to deserve that kind of distinction? Imo NJ won big time.
Striker,
Devils offense has greatly improve though and I bet we see New Jersey go the free agency route in signing a defenseman to help bolster the backend.
He finished 2nd in TOI/GP in Nj, 45th overall in the entire NHL for Dman in TOI/GP & made the top 30 for all Dman in the NHL in hits & blocked shots.
Those are all top 2 or better in their respective catagories league wide & he played great. Just now blossom8ng & still has years of growth ahead of him. In 3 years he’s Vlasic.
Striker
Most of those stats have nothing to do with being a top 2 dman except ice time, and being the 2nd best dman on a poor defense corps doesn’t really say much either.
I’m not saying Larsson is garbage or anything, at this point I would say he is at least an average 2nd pair guy but his upside seems to be getting lower.
trade for a top pairing Dman is their best option, use the UFA for a stay at home Dman who can actually skate (unlike Miller & McQuaid,Chara) also need a power forward on the right side along with a energy guy who can actually play ( Matt Miller)
The Devils finally have an elite scorer who has the ability to score 30 to 40 goals in a season. He is only 24 years young and still progressing. While the Oilers are now a worse offensive team with no left winger for Connor McDavid and have acquired a player who scored 3 goals, and ONLY 15 assists this past season. As the Devils have the opportunity to acquire a defenseman to make up for the roster hole in free agency. The Devils CLEARLY won the trade.
Hall wasn’t the LW on McDavid’s line. Maroon was with Eberle on RW. That line is still in place if they want it to be.
Larsson had low goal & point totals playing no power play time on the lowest scoring team in the league. It is reasonable to expect his point totals to go up in Edmonton. Hall’s production may go down moving to a more defensive system.Yes Hall is 24 but Larsson is 23 so clearly they both have potential to improve.
Santino, the Oilers have more high end young depth up front than any team in the NHL, after Hall left. Wingers can also play their off side much easier than a D-Man. They had no top pairing D. They need to shelter Nurse and not expose him to top lines. Their are plenty of wingers on the UFA list or available via trade. No top pairing D-Men unless you pay the price.
They need somebody who can defend and make a good first pass (the most important jobs a D-Man has).
The trade is good for both teams.
The Oilers have finished last or near it the entire time Hall was there because they couldn’t keep the puck out of their net. So keep doing the same thing?
If you think there was a better deal out out there a Edm turned it down, you are dreaming.
This is one step towards building a complete team along with Talbot.
A deal they had to make.
To late to make buyouts unless a team has a player is awarded a contract in arbitration. This allows the team 48 hours from the award to potentially buy out another player if so inclined. Players need to be waived for 24 hours before they can be bought out. The buy out window closes at midnight tonight.
Swing & a miss. I know your pining for it but now you’ll have to hope for a trade. The chances of that happening aren’t impossible just unlikely.
Striker,
Trade route it is… Bruins take back some salary and make the contract better for another team. Get back a little in return, even if it’s just pick to add to next year. As they’re lacking in picks in the earlier rounds next draft. I’d take a 3rd round pick for Seidenberg depending on the salary Bruins absorb… maybe a 2nd if the salary is half.
Chad.
I’m wrong actually. Buyout window must be at a different time. Mackenzie is reporting numerous players put on wavers today for the purposes of a buyout. Seidenberg is on that list.
Pardon me. MacKenzie is reporting they have been bought out. Perhaps they were put on wavers yesterday & got lost in the mayhem. Ha-ha!
Striker,
Just the report online… Seidenberg has been bought out. That answers that question! LOL
Dan39
I’m curious too what you’re refferig to with Benning being the worst GM in the league since he inherited an old team with no prospects in the system.
I’m not a Canucks fan by the way so no need to disparage my fan base.
Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson – you have got to be kidding me. I feel fro Larsson, cuz the Edmonton fans are going to tar and feather him.
I think if they sign Lucic it’ll take a bit of pressure of him. But if not, boy…does this trade ever look desperate.
I actually don’t think this trade is a bad as everyone is saying. Sure they overpaid in the short term but Larsson was top pairing for the last season and a half in NJ and by all accounts should be a top pairing defensemen.
This trade also take the desperation off of Edmonton and maybe allows them to get more value for other players.
I agree with Lyle there is no way Montreal was going to trade Subban for a forward and leaving that hole on their back end. This is probably the closest thing to a top pairing Dman they were going to get without giving up Hall + #4 overall + Kelfbom + … as Elliot said in his column.
I wonder if they even talked to Nashville about Weber,
The players values don’t equate to each other. That is obvious, something we all agree on. Yet time will tell if the risk was worth it for Edmonton because if they start to win no one will miss Hall.
I think Lucic is going to Edmonton. The nice thing about adding him is that the Oilers will bring in a veteran presence. Something many have criticised them about in the past. Lucic will also bring a physical element to the line with MacDavid. Perhaps aid in the prevention of what happened to him when he broke his color bone. Lucic is also a member of a championship team. Another characteristic the Oiler squad needs.
So Hall for Larson is a steep price to pay but if Lucic signs as Halls replacement I think the cost was something that had to be paid to improve your team.
There are other players from free agency who Edmonton could perhaps add if Lucic doesn’t sign as well. The biggest gain is adding veteran experience to this young roster.
We don’t all agree Jeff. Surely you didn’t expect me to agree. This is what this type of asset costs. If you have it the only way your moving it is if you have no choice or you get overpaid to do so. It’s harder to get a Larsson than a Hall. Always has been, always will be.
Striker this is what you posted yesterday in initial response to the trade.
“That’s what #1 or 2 Dman cost. Trade has been finalized, 1 for 1. Larsson played as NJ’s #2 last season & saw no power play time. At 23 he certainly meets the criteria Edm requires. He is a #2 now & has offense abilities NJ hasn’t utilized except briefly at certain times.
This reinforces my opinion of what it costs to buy these types of assets. No harder position to fill. Way easier to acquire a stud LW than even a solid #2 Dman especially 1 signed for 5 more years at slightly more than 4 mil per that just turned 24.
Will need time to ponder this & reflect. Ouch is 1st thought.”
Now the last 4 words of your post is where it is apparent you do agree. Even you are admitting that it was a heavy cost for Edmonton to pay. You also stated you accept the cost in another post. So that is what top 2 D will go for. But when I say the players values don’t equate. What I meant is in regards to their level of play. Hall is arguably the 3rd best LW in the league behind Ovie and Benn. Larson is not the 3rd Best RD. Far from it. Edmonton overpaid to get Larson but they had to as that is the price that was set. So you could argue that they didn’t over pay, they paid market value for a top 2 D. But due to the market much like the housing market. Edmonton sent a better player to NJ for a leser player straight up.
Lets hope Larson is actually a top 2 Dman.
As I said I needed time to ponder. Huge price to pay but having reflected I’m still in shock but Edmonton paid what they had to to get an asset they seriously required. I went & crunched Larsson’s #’s. I had no idea he played so well.
I try to never watch NJ play. Worse than watching paint dry. I have to eye test really for Larsson. Have to rely on stats but they are impressive.
Huge price to have to pay but I accept the cost to Edmonton. In 2 or 3 years Larsson will compare to a player like Vlasic.
$49M for Lucic – another July 1 overpayment
Where are you getting $49M from?
7 @ $7M. I think it will be more like $42M for 7 years or $39M for 6
Betcha Luch gets $7M from Oilers, especially after the Hall fiasco. They cannot afford not to overpay him and lose out after the foolish Hall trade.
appears to be 42 million over 7 years if your believe the internet
Sounds like you don’t know Edmonton Fans!! THIS ISN’T MONTREAL OR VANCOUVER…
I for one “long tome TML fan” agree with the youth movement and the meticulous planning to get there. Patience is key!! Good hockey for a long long time!! I am exited for the future.
I hope Jimmy Vesey can be convinced to sign!!
We can use Luke Schenn back..
Luke Schenn – why? We have many bottom pair and 7th Dman in the system.
Reilly Hunwick
Gardiner Zaitsev
Marincin Carrick
Corrado, Loov
Dan, Luke is top 4 Defenseman and with mojo..just never got a chance! He is young and he can grow with Rielly, Gardiner rest fill in the blanks!!
My opinion only! Respect others.. Yours too Dan!
Imo it makes a tone of sense to pick up Demers…if the price was right.
I agree Shticky, the Leafs need another top 4 right D and that assumes Zaitsev pans out. The only concern I have is that the market may take him to a 7 year term, which would take him to 35 years of age. And the AAV could approach $6m, as well.
If Luke Schenn is 1 of your top 4 Dman your team is in trouble, terrible skater, slow. He played as LA’s #6 upoin arrival. The only thing Schenn brings to the rink is hits a physical game, like many other 5/6 Dman.
Leafs should pick up a fringe RD for sure though. Whether that be Schenn, Polak or even Lovejoy. The last two would be willing to sign a one year deal IMO
Just 28 Dan and imo easily the best rhd available if the could get him under 6 I’d give up the term I think he would be a much better option paired with Rielly than Hunwick
We need size and shutdown capability… Luke Schenn and Michael Paliotta are 2 guys I would be targeting for future core of TML defense.
As a Flyers fan, you can have Luke Schenn back!
with stammer signed, it is safe to say that come tomorrow, Kyle Okposo is going to make alotta paper. His price just went up $1-2M/year.
So, after reading Warren’s column in the Ottawa Sun, it seems the Ottawa brain-trust will spend the day with their thumbs firmly entrenched you-know-where and enter the season with LW occupied by a guy who’s one solid hit away from oblivion (MacArthur) and another (Hoffman) who appears to be jerking the team around for 1 more year while awaiting UFA status this time next year. Be still my heart.
Looks like the Sens may be interested in Chris Kelly and Justin Schultz. ( Ken Warren re Schultz )
One area where they have enough talent is C with Turris, Zibanejad, Pageau and, capable of playing there, Lazar and Paul with White on the horizon. They don’t need a broken down one looking for one last payday. As for Schultz, anywhere he goes he automatically becomes a project – much like Cowen – and certainly no answer to any perceived needs.
I agree on your assessment of the players. I do think thats what OTT is looking at though, some lower FA. Makes no sense but I can see them doing something minor.
A guy Ive always liked McGinn.
Schultz would be an affordable 6,7th D. Who could be swapped in an out of the line up if Chabot makes the leap. I see no reason why not to. They need to boost their depth.
Hoffman isn’t jacking Ottawa around he’s been jacked around by Ottawa for 7 years. What comes around goes around. Ottawa has now bent over backwards to try & right the mistake & rightfully so. I don’t blame Hoffman in the slightest for his stance. Cameron & Murray punished this player repeatedly & enough is enough. Another NHL team will glsadly show him the respectiuve he deserves. It’s going to cost Ottawa at least 5.5 for 5 years if they want to retain Hoffman & so it should. He is 1 of the highest even strength goal scorers in the NHL in his 1st 2 full seasons. He would be on the PP as well but Cameron never gave him that opportunity ever! What little PP time he actually received was as a point man.
Hoffman can out right fly; blazing speed, & has 1 of the best releases in the entire NHL. He has been completely mishandled based on his contributions. Jacked around if you will & now Ottawa can step up or he’s stepping out.
If he is worth 5.5 then thats offer sheet material. Lots of teams could have interest, 5.5 is a 1st and 3rd.
Where did I ever say he wasn’t entitled to jerk them around?? Of course he has that right and if he scores 25+ goals again that will only serve to sweeten his UFA pot next year. What I have said, consistently, is that I don’t want him doing it on another 1-year deal in Ottawa and for the team to be put in a position, with the trade deadline approaching, of having to decide to continue with him IF they are doing well at the time and risk losing him for nothing next July 1. No thanks.
What he and his agent should be looking at is a reasonable 4-year deal that would take him to his 30th birthday. If he’s had a decent 4 years statistically, then he can parlay that into an even bigger deal.
I just don’t want the distraction of having someone around for a year who has every intention bolt at th e end of the year.
Hoffman is a victim of Murray signing Cowen and Greening to the big deals before Cowen actually proved himself. Being a Late Bloomer, entering the league at 24 Murray shied away from making another mistake in offering Hoffman another contract until he solidly proved he can repeat. As you all can see he has done it two years in a roll now. Ottawa sees this and is now making steps to placate him and I am sure Hoffman is working on his defensive game as well to placate the Sens and the deal will get worked out and finalized.
You have way more faith than I do Jeff. But tell me, what would you say if it turns out he and his agent will only work on another 1 year deal?
I’m with you on that point George. I’d rather move Hoffman for a quality cost controlled player. Ottawa is weak on the LW. I hate leaving things to chance. I prefer to have much control over my team as I can get. Speaking as if I was the GM. 🙂
Problem is he is LW and Ottawa would need to trade him for a LW. Or for something else and sign a LW via free agency.
Perhaps trade Hoffman and bring in Ladd. If ladd is willing to sign for 4+ years at similar dollar value.
However you are right George. I am one who normally looks to the brighter side of things.
“I believe it’s in the Leafs best interest that Steven Stamkos re-signed with the Lightning. Don’t blow your brains out chasing expensive free agent talent. Stick with the “Shanaplan” and rebuild with youth. Save your dollars for re-signing those youngsters when they blossom into stars.”
Amen, Lyle – my thoughts exactly.
On UFA D options. I think Demers could cash in in the neighborhood of the Niskanen deal from a couple years ago – 7 years x $5.75m.
Now, on the Weber-Subban trade. Where is Professor Striker with an opinion? I’ll go get my coffee and wait.
I think all the teams chasing Stamkos secretly exhaled a sigh of relief that he resigned in Tampa. Nobody needed to spend $11M plus on a guy who hasn’t even put on their sweater yet. Stamkos is a great player, but he has done nothing in Buffalo, Detroit or Tronna. Worse – lose out to another team in the same geographic area.
Huge deal for Nashville – they get a guy who upgrades their defense and their offense.
Weber is an excellent defenseman with a great shot. But are the Habs really that much better?
Hanson, forget about age and contract and offense for a second. You think Subban is better defensively than Weber?
Gotta love this.. Totally agree!
Dear Geoff Molson,
I’m sure when you wake up this morning and check your safe and your wallet, you’ll find everything there. I’m sure if you looked around your house, you’ll find everything in it’s right place. None the less Mr Molson you were robbed blind yesterday. You lost the best skating talent this team has had since at least Chris Chelios and maybe even since Guy Lafleur. And there was no reason for it.
PK Subban (believe it or not) is arguably the best defenseman in the National Hockey League. Trading him away is a huge mistake for the organization as he is irreplaceable. PK was also a huge member of the community and worked hard to show his appreciation towards Montreal. He was a great player and his departure will leave a big hole. It is a huge loss, one that you will regret down the road. Shea Weber by the way is a really good blueliner, but he’s not PK Subban. He is worse in almost every statistical category, has a far worse contract and is four years older. Maybe the Team Canada selections convinced you that you were getting the better player… you aren’t. This is a horrific trade. There was no reason to make it and I genuinely feel sorry for Weber as he will be the fan’s wrath over this disaster of a trade in the years to come. It was an awful move and I’m livid about it.
And that’s the strange part. One thing this trade has done is made me realize how much of a fan of the Canadiens I really am. I’ve found myself to be genuinely upset by this trade well beyond anything I’d ever have expected to be. I actually feel genuine anger and outrage over this move. And it’s made me wonder why. Why is it that we become so attached to sports teams? Why is it that I have an emotional attachment to a team who’s city I left almost exactly three decades ago? Why should I even care? There’s no rational reason for it… Anyways, I know you’re busy counting your millions so I’ll leave that question for another time.
The fact is that I’m stuck being a Montreal Canadiens fan. That’s not going to change. I’m resigned to being a fan no matter what happens. I guess I feel like those old Leaf fans must have felt watching a once proud franchise being run by incompetents for decades. Resigned to not being able to do anything or have control over any moves, all they could do was sit there and take it. Now (20 + years since our last cup) I find myself in the same boat.
It wasn’t always like this though. Three or four years ago I felt a genuine sense of optimism that I had’t felt in two decades. We finally had a young core that looked like it was going to be good enough to win a cup. We had the best goalie in the game, a legit sniper and a blueliner who was arguably even better than prime Chris Chelios. Sadly, the management team you hired has shown itself to be grossly incompetent. Not only have we added nothing of real significance to this core, our coach (who is statistically and demonstrably the worst coach in the league) has held us back and waged personal wars against our some of our players. And yesterday your management team’s incompetence reached it’s zenith.
In trading away PK Subban, I’m now presented with a personal quandary. What to do about it? I’m genuinely upset with those running the organization but as I wrote above, I’m not going to switch allegiances. I can’t quit the game or the team. So what do I do? I can’t fire our incompetent GM. I can’t provide Michel Therrien with the firing or verbal bashing that he deserves. I’m simply one of the faceless thousands who actually follow the team. I can’t say I’m not following the team any more because it would be disingenuous to do so. Therefore what recourse do I have?
Any claim that I’ll switch teams would be a false threat so I’ve decided to stop supporting you Mr Molson in the only way I can. For at least as long as these two incompetents remain within your organization I will not buy your products. I will not buy Molson Canadian. I will not buy any Coors products. I will not even buy Heineken (Molson partnered brand in Canada.) I am done with you and your empire. It’s a small gesture I know. One that will no doubt have zero effect on your business or prevent you from smoking 100 dollar bills for fun should you choose to do so. Nonetheless it will make me feel better. You see, it’s the principal of the matter sir. I can’t stand the individuals running this organization any longer. I have to do SOMETHING to demonstrate my unhappiness no matter how small that gesture might be and I just wanted you to know it.
I may not be able to provide your incompetent management group with the firing it so richly deserves but I can certainly fire you. And it gives me great pleasure to be able to write to you and let you know that until further notice… you sir, are fired.
Sincerely,
Lafleurs Guy
Detroit really could have used Stamkos, purely for marketing purposes with their new arena opening next year. Larkin hasn`t achieved that status yet. Other than cap hell Stamkos would have been good in Buff, but definitely bad timing for T.O. I`m sure Stamkos pissed a few people off with the wasted time on their presentations, especially the fact the teams had to come to him. There`s 5 teams they said made the trip and a couple of more might have been on the way. As long as he`s happy
Dan39 –
I love Weber’s game – he is one of my favorite defenseman in the league. But the Habs need offense, and they just subtracted one of their biggest offensive threats. It’s a subtraction to something they lack and need more of.
On the flip side, Nashville already has an excellent defense.
The Preds needed another force to improve the defense from the backline and they got it in Subban. Lavs will love having the PK rush the puck. Add to this the town of Nashville will love PK’s swagger.
Two great players being traded for each other – Nashville needs PK more than the Habs need Weber.
Worst trade since Roy for the Habs…
Bahahaha, professor.
I think the Gomez trade was still worse than either deal.
Shticky. Did you have a bad experience in University? Your use of professor keeps being used in a negative way. Worst Habs trade since trading Roy. Really. Come on not a chance.
I think if you asked most GM’s to pick a Dman between Subban & Weber they would select Weber almost exclusively. Oh wait they already did many times actually. It’s called the World Cup roster, the 2010 Olympic roster the 2014 Olympic roster. Did I miss Subban’s selection to represent Canada & actually play in these tournaments with the best of the best.
Subban made the 2014 Olympic roster in the #8 spot at D, he managed to get into 2 games, zero points. Weber finished 2nd in scoring for Canada logging the #2 most minutes just nominally behind Doughty & will do so again in this summers World Cup.
Really? Worst trade since Roy. Montreal got the better all round Dman. No slight to Subban, 1 of the best offensive Dman in the game today & a decent defensive Dman but not to Webers class.
Shticky – I 2nd that one for sure, along with Gomez. seems like Hab management under pressure to make a deal, any deal and they fold under pressure. Just like 6 years for Shaw.
Thank you NYR4life. Giving up McDonagh for Gomez & his cap hit was easily the worst trade Montreal made since moving Roy.
How olf was Webber st the time Striker how old was Subban? And why not te.ll us again about your formula for how many games plsyed before players hit their prime? Sll of this really doesnt matterand besides the point because according to your obnoxious condecending tones neither should have been moved now should have they? Along with Hall, 3 guys who all this week all we heard was “worry not, or other ridiculous terms in your long wided insider type replys why these guys will never be moved…yes others say or said the same things but none seem quite so pompous about it. For a guy such as yourself who professes to have such a deep understanding of just
about everything under the sun, one would think that you would know anything is possible in this sport and would hedge his bets accordingly especially since it seems you are some great bookie along with all those other hats you wear.
The attitude does tend to grate on the nerves doesn’t it?
What montreal has done is traded a player with a future of prime playing time and accomplishments for a player of past prime playing time and accomplishments. That is the concern. Sure they both are still in their prime at this moment but Weber is on the decline of that hill. Subban is still moving up it. Weber has many accomplishments, Subban has fewer. Subban has more time to garner more awards. Weber has less.
I admit I didn`t really read all of Striker`s comment – serioulsy does anyone anymore?
I actually agree that at this time it’s a toss up between Subban and Weber based on needs. However, 3 years from now this deal will sart to unravel for the habs. 6 years and even 8 years from now this will be absolutely awful.
Short term it may be a wash, long term this is a monster blunder.
Also just a couple days ago you were going on about how smart a gm Poile is….did you hear Poiles interview about the trade he sounded as if even he couldnt believe he pulled this off, but go ahead striker tell us again about the difference in how a 30 year old (31 in August) was a better player nearly 3 years ago compared to a guy who was in his early twenties or 6 years ago in 2010 when Subban was in his rookie season. lol
You didn’t know McDonagh for Gomez was so bad at the time of the deal. You know Weber for Subban is bad now!
Habs draft McDonough and Subban in the same year and trade them both away for less value. Wow
Chiarelli has now traded both Hall and Segiun – wow again
Yep. And if Edmonton had done what they SHOULD have done in that draft year and taken the C Seguin we probably wouldn’t be discussing this trade now.
http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2016/6/30/12064258/Pk-subban-shea-weber-trade-montreal-canadiens-nashville-predators-analysis-still-bad
Pretty good article here professor on who the better defender is…..
I going to put this out there. I like Striker comments. I dont’ always agree but that is ok. So yes Tazi someone does read Striker’s comments. No George his style of posting does not get on me nerves and Schticky I’m not sure how you think he is being pompous.
Yet the only one here who kinda rubs me the wrong way at times. But it’s been a while since I had an issue with him. I think it is likely because he rarely responds to any of my post these days.
So have fun posting all. I will read all the post I can and if I have interest will post a reply.
Internet bullies are always trying to use vicious ad hominem attacks and this forum does not lack that. I would suggest simply keep your discussion on topic and not on a particular poster.
Habs same money annually (not over term) and have a guy who is not bigger than the team. Also got a lot tougher , larger, and way less mouthier .Weber also has a number of 20 goal seasons under his belt ,maybe a little less offence but really ?
I’ve always been a huge Weber fan. Tough, smart and a “canononizing “shot. I also like Subban. Uber skilled.
Lots of hate on for MTL today by most.
Habs fans realize that long term they are getting a declining asset. Short term, up to 6 years they are getting a damn good player who also has a big , giving heart.
I think it’s a good deal for both sides. Both teams clearly have directions they want to go in. Habs, tougher, Preds faster.
Give it time Habs fans, neither of these guys are perfect but it’s not as bad as you think.
Remember one of these guys is a Team Canada stalwart………
Both teams win this deal.
Antoni
Montreal got a player that is a proven leader, they got a player that will get along with his teammates, they got a player who will not be a distraction, they got a player who is much better defensively just as good offensively while being more responsible, and most importantly they got a player who will play for the crest on the front not the name on the back.
Yikes, Webber is a good D but the age difference, contract and as Lyle pointed out above has had the benifit of playing with guys like Suter Josi jones Ellis…a much deeper robust D corps and out of the spot light in Nashville more than the one he now finds himself apart of with the Habs. With in 2 or 3 years (if not sooner) this is going to look realllly bad.
Adam Oates, pressed to choose a winner in the Subban Weber deal chose MTL.
I think he knows a thing or 2 about hockey, so It’s NOT the worst deal ever.
Yankee people here complain about Chara and his contract as he ages….how do you think Weber looks at 34 35 years old with 5 more years left on that contract and Subban is still only 30 with just 3 left on his? I don’t care what Oates says this is a bad trade.
Time will tell. If Weber retires early the recapture hit is on Nashville. If he gets hurt LTIR. Its not a bad deal. Weber is a physical freak. He can be productive almost to the end of his deal. Yes he will slowly decline but he is smart enough to still effective.
Besides if he needs to be moved, he’d be a great pick up at that point for a team trying to make the cap floor.
Its going to be fun to see what plays out in the future.
If either team wins a Cup in the next 5 seasons they are the winner in this one.
I think if you are looking at who won a cup over a 5 season span as some kind of proof who “won” a trade youre grasping at straws. There will be buch more involved and roster turn over by 2021 to say that Subban Webber deal was the key to the cup! There’s good trades and bad ones this is the later of the 2 categories.
If the Habs say win the Cup in next 2 seasons and then Weber declines fast while Subban is Subban but the Preds never advance to a Cup=the Habs fans would take that one Cup
.
As a fan I would take missing the playoffs 9 of 10 years but winning a single Cup versus losing 10 years straight in the Conference finals
Montreal seems to be looking short term in this move imho
I should of added that you get the feeling PK called mgmt about rumors and something escalated behind closed doors. Seems more than a hockey trade
But you are right neither D is winning alone.
Oilers sign Lucic, and acquired rFowler for RNH. Keep the shake up going PC.
so with Getzlaf and Kesler as 1C/2C Anaheim take on more salary for a 3C? Lucic part I believe is a distinct possibility
PK Subban is now the second best dman on Nashville .Josi is better than him .
Habs got better now for sure .I would much rather have Weber teaching Sergachyov the game .Habs still need another dman to be a contender and a 1c . but they make the playoffs this year .maybe
And weber was 2nd best to Josi too
Detroit better throw money at okposo, because with Stamkos and possibly Lucic off the board they’re gonna regret not drafting Chychrun.
For the record, Shattenkirk’s agent was quoted in the St. Louis paper and he said there is no truth to the stories about him only willing to go to East Coast teams, or limiting where he will potentially sign. That story has been thrown around so much, but seems to be just more misinformation floating around. I’d like Shatty to stay in St Louis, but if that’s not possible, I’m intrigued about the possibility of him going to Arizona. Plenty of young talent for the Yotes to pull that off.
Well now it seems he is only willing to go to 4 or 5 teams. Matters not if they are in the east or west. That isn’t many. Does his agent refute this as well?
Strickland said that there was only 4 teams that Shattenkirk would agree to resign with and all 4 teams are in the East, So take it for what it’s worth Shattenkirk wont sign with a Western Conference team unless it’s right back with St Louis.
Habs should be looking for a center tomrrow.Backes or F Neilson and colborne
We had Colborne in Toronto. He’s a very frustrating player to watch. Backes would be much better, obviously, but I would be concerned about how quickly he could decline with his age and style. It’s possible he could look like one of the biggest disappointments coming out of the UFA period a few years hence with the potential for a huge overpayment.
Truthfully Dan, was he any more frustrating to watch than Gardiner is now?
George, you mean how Gardiner was and I agree with that sentiment. I’ve been a vocal critic of his. However, Gardiner took a leap forward under Babcock. He has also crossed through 300 games last season and is now coming into a period of development where we can properly evaluate what he is as a defender. If he’s a legitimate top second pair defender, that’s fine.
If he has indeed cured Gardiner of his fumblelitis in his own end giveaway tendencies, then maybe the Leafs should have hung onto Cowen to see if he could work the same magic there, because 6′ 5″ D don’t grow on trees.
MB is going to throw a boat load of money at Backes I bet…building a big tough club seems to be the mo. in Mtl.
Backes ,brouwer, perron, martin all sign in montreal
Pleckanec,desharnais and emelin are all Gonzos!!
Wouldnt that be great?
So you ready to overpay Backes, Brouwwer, Perron and Martin?
Sure right Tony, Backes $6 million per long term, Brouwer $4.5 million per, Perron $4.0 million per and Martin $3.0 million per how in the world are you going to cut enough cap to afford to sign all of them Montreal doesn’t have enough cap. Backes and his Wife have a family business in St Louis and Backes has stated that he wont go to far from there. So he wont be going to Montreal.
I have to agree with Shticky regarding Suban. Could go down as the worst trade in the history of the Canadians. (Which is fine by me)Terrian and Suban weren’t on the best of terms.Actually, they couldn’t stand each other. Someone mentioned swagger, that didn’t sit well with Bergevin and some of the other players in the dressing room. Horrible trade! What is everyone’s thought about Matt Martin if the price is right?
Justchris, I like the potential Matt Martin signing if the price is reasonable. We paid 4 x $2.9m for at the time it was billed essentially as an intangibles signing similar to what Martin would be.
Anyway, it was considered an overpayment at the time. However, Komarov had 36 pts last season on a higher than average SH% in more and better minutes than he deserves on a terrible team. He also was one of the few Leafs to have a significantly positive CF% and CFrel%.
Matt Martin will not put up comparable stats, but he could embolden his teammates and add energy and intensity every shift; in that way, he coudl be a leader on a young team that needs it. I think it would be a good signing for the Leafs at 3 x $2.5m, although he may get an overpayment at 4 x $3m.
I forgot to mention the Leafs as a suitor for Martin
Justchris, TML is being bandied about in the rumour mill being interested in trades and signings! However, everything they have done so far has come out of left field…
We have a lot of players in the system that is either long term and expiring contracts. I like the censorship of management thus far.
They are carving out a new horizon (map) and not succumbing to previous blunders (band aid fixes) we have waited for so long, what’s another year or two of growing the team!
Spector, Friedman blasts ‘content thieves’ in a mini-rant towards the bottom of his latest 30 Thoughts. You and Chris Nichols seem to fit his targets. He says he’s scaling back radio interviews. What do you make of this?
Friedman should be happy that Lyle treats his content with respect and always credits Friedman as one of the reliable sources of NHL information. I really enjoy listening to Elliote Friedman but, in the case of Spectors Hockey, he should get over himself.
I think Friedman has a valid concern about his original content getting recycled and removing some of the spotlight from his own efforts. And he is right to back away from radio as a form of breaking news and small talk getting miscontrued as more than wild speculation. But, he is wrong to go on a rant and to assume people wouldn’t take his words with some weight. The old guard of sports writing needs to get with the times proactively. If I were him, rather than just refusing radio, I’d insist on doing a podcast that can be edited and released at a later time. You get the same great live feel, but without slips of the tongue you might regret from a truly live broadcast. And you can delay the release of that info while leveraging his insider knowledge in other ways before anyone else knows. I’d also not rant, as nobody likes a complainer; don’t just be a problem, offer a solution and keep the tone upbeat.
I don’t get his complaint actually. If he publicly states something he feels is happening in the league it is now available for the public to consume and do with as they please. I mean if I sit around the water cooler at work and discuss Freidman’s thirty thoughts with 30 coworkers am I taking away form his accomplishment.
His job is to bring new information and breaking Hockey stories to the public consumption. How does another person who quotes him then gives his opinion take away from that. Is it cause they have web sites of their own?
First of all it was a mini rant, not as dramatic as you point out.
I agree with Freidman 100%. He is quality insider and journalist. Seems to me he is doing the work and others are using it.
I don’t believe me or Chris fit his targets at all. Chris notes verbatim what pundits like Friedman say on the radio. He doesn’t misinterpret it. I summarize key trade or free agent rumors but also link directly back to the source. If there’s any error on my part (rare, but they do happen), I immediately correct it. He’s never once contacted me to complain that I’ve stolen content from him. For that matter, no pundit has levied that charge directly or indirectly at me. And I don’t see why he’s upset over something that was said on the radio. Sure, you can spitball, and I duly note where it seems that they are. But as a pundit, they’re still offering an opinion and it’s worth noting it.
I think Haggerty stopped his binge & is sobering up from a few weeks of self medicating.
Carchid’si player grouping is odd. Listing Brouwer & Neilsen in with all those other players doesn’t fit. Completely different classes. For me Brouwer & Neilsen are 2 of the best UFA’s available at their respective positions. Not something I can say about any of those other players.
I will say this regarding montreal current roster.
Weber in front of Price looks pretty formidable.
Can montreal score anymore goals though with Weber in and Subban out?
They had pretty similar stats last year anyway…
Free advice. If you are an NHL GM and Ray Shero calls…do NOT answer the phone.
The Hall trade is a bigger heist than Neal AND Niskanen for Goligoski.
Here is a post to Hockeybuzz. read it if you wish. It’s long as it takes time to address the facts & variables.
“If you read my posts else where, I have commented repeatedly on the cost to acquire a top 2 NHL Dman. It is very rare to even see 1 moved & should 1 there is usually extenuating circumstances or more often than not at point of trade the Dman isn’t really even a #1 or 2 yet but has the potential. Go back 5 or 10 years & find the trades where 1 has moved, age, salary demands, refusal to sign, injury issues generally are in play. Expansion has certainly created extenuating circumstances. Edm’s inability to acquire 1 since losing Pronger 10 years ago are extremely extenuating circumstances.
The only way a team is moving this type of asset is if they have virtually no choice or the price being paid is so high you can’t say no. Hall for Larson. Hard for NJ to say no but now NJ just gave up 1 of the best young defensive Dman coming up the ranks. He may have sailed under the radar since being drafted 4th overall in 2011 but this is a young stud defensive defenseman so far who has 274 games on NHL regular season just turned 23 in November & stands 6’3″ & 205 lbs.
Larsson played as NJ’s #2 Dman last season playing 22:30 TOI/GP. NJ was not a good team, Larrson & Schneider stole games for NJ. Larsson did all the heavy lifting, deployed in almost entirely all defensive situations seeing virtually ZERO PP time, 0:10 PP TOI/GP. He finished +15, Greene was the next closest at D at +7 no other regular finished better than -8 & Schlemko was -22. Schlemko & Moore 2 UFA signings got virtually all the PP time. NJ just felt Larsson was to valuable on the defensive side of the puck to waste his icetime on the PP. Not fair as no PP time for a Dman means virtually no points. The fact that Larsson managed 18 points starting almost every shift in the defensive zone, killing penalties doing all the heavy lifting is a significant accomplishment.
Larsson is going to be a stud, he is already actually just on a side of the game that no 1 really follows. The defensive side of the game. Here’s how he stacks up against the 300+ Dman that played in the NHL last season. His TOI/GP of 22:30 ranked him 45th overall, hits 18th overall, blocked shots 27th overall. That’s #2 Dman minutes based on his peers & in hits & blocked shots he makes the top 30 in each #1 Dman stats.
Larsson has only played 274 NHL regular season games. It takes NHL Dman in or around 400 to fully develop so he is still 126 or a season & a 1/2 from showing the player he will be when he starts hitting 25, 26 the start of most NHL Dman’s prime years. With 5 years at slightly more than 4.1 in cap hit this was a fabulous acquisition by Edmonton; Larsson will be a better Dman than Hamonic, he may already be & his contract is even better; having 1 year more term. Exactly what they needed. The cost was high & it always is. For a team to lose this type of player you have to make them an offer they can’t refuse. 1 of the only ways teams trade this asset, none of the others were in play for NJ.
Edmonton is a better team with Larsson than Hall. Hall is replaceable, not entirely by points but by role. NJ is a worse team today as now their D is beyond Brutal & it wasn’t good before moving Larsson. Greene & a kid, Sverenson & a bunch of has bin’s & never will be’s. NJ just got worse, significantly so, as you can’t win games if you can’t stop the other team from scoring. That has been Edmonton’s problem for a decade.
This should help to give you Anaheim fans some perspective of Fowler’s worth. No way in hell Fowler at 24 making, making 4 million per season for 2 more years is being moved straight up for Nyquist, JVR, etc, that many of you are suggesting. That’s stupid. Now I’m not saying Fowler will return a Hall, no team was as desperate for a Dman as Edm has been for the last decade until yesterday. Now NJ has put themselves in the exact position Edm has been in. Weird but hard to pass on a stud LW like Hall. I hope Shero has a plan.
If Fowler or another Dman don’t return a significant package Anaheim should protect 4 Dman, Bieksa, Fowler, Vatanen & Lindholm in the expansion draft & accept losing Despres or Rackell. That’s better long term asset management than giving Fowler away under value. Fowler is a soft #1 or strong #2 NHL Dman. Anaheim has a luxury very few teams have. They have 1 of the best if not the best D’s in the NHL. It’s unfortunate they gave Bieksa an NMC as ideally you wouldn’t be protecting him, allowing for potentially the 7F, 3D & 1G option retaining Rackell or potentially still using the 8 skater option protecting Despres.
Despres looked terrible upon returning from his concussion & here’s hoping he can put it all back together again but if he can’t, potentially losing him or Anaheim’s #3 C in Rackell is far less painful than giving away Fowler an asset that is virtually impossible to acquire, find or develop. No harder position to fill in the NHL & Anaheim’s luxury is why they are a serious cup contender. D’s win championships, well generally, Pittsburgh just made a mockery of that, although I blame SJ for not pressuring players like Lovejoy & Cole who looked like the 2nd coming of Bourque & Coffee respectively given that time & space coming out of their own zone.”
Murray has a year to resolve the expansion protection issue of his roster & as 1 of the best GM’s in the league he will when it makes the most sense to do so. He won’t panic & move a player like Fowler or other D undervalue.
Good read there.
NJD finished 2 games under .500 with limited offensive depth.
Look at the career path of Stralman-everyone thought his last NYR season was a fluke but it took him til around 25 years old to finish developing into a first pairing D. And Larsson is much bigger and more physical.
Devils must think Santini is ready to make the team
Makes the trade from Edmonton perspective seem better. But even the author of this article believes Hall was of greater value and Hence this sentence.
“The cost was high & it always is. For a team to lose this type of player you have to make them an offer they can’t refuse.”
You dont’ say things like that if you don’t think one player is of more value than another.
Sekera was a 1st pairing guy on a horrible Carolina team. This made a LOT of people draw similar comparisons. I don’t hate Larsson by any stretch. But calling him a stud d-man is a total stretch. He is, and will be a 3-4 guy playing first pairing in Edmonton. More of the same here. Terrible trade imo.
One comment:
Bieska is what 35, no way do I keep him since he has a NMC.
Rakell is going to be a very good player. If I have to I’d give Bieska away for nothing, his life span as a hockey player is short.
Now he is still productive and at 4 mil a year not expensive and he could surely help a team now such as NJ or Detroit who may be able to protect him ( Jersey could). Without that happening can’t Anaheim buy him out after next season ? A 4 million buyout doesn’t seem all that much when it may mean keeping a Fowler or a Rackell.
I understand Edmonton’s situation, I myself advised that they could afford to “lose” a trade if it got them a defenseman that they otherwise couldn’t have gotten.
I think they should do a RNH for Brodin deal for the same reason.
Doesn’t change the fact that Shero just made out like a bandit. He turned a B+ asset into an A+ asset.
Don Sweeney can’t worry about what other GM,s think and he must do what he believes is best for the Bruins. I don’t believe the Oil did that bad Hall reminds me of Dion all the tools size shot skate but no hockey sense. P.K is good but he is no Weber Montreal wins that trade for next 4 years Nashville the following years. Stamkos stays in Tampa and takes less money and he should have he belongs their.
Looks like with the cleared cap space from the Seidenberg buyout that just happened… Bruins have also resigned Torey Krug to a 4 year deal. Announcement to follow shortly via major reporters
*** 4 years at $5 mil per… Sounds like the terms. If that’s true I’m completely elated with today and how the Bruins conducted it!
i couldnt agree more. Krug for 4yr at 5mil is a great signing. I want to add a shattenkirk or fowler, but not willing to give up Pasta or Vatrano for them. I’d rather go into the season and see how well Colin Miller and Morrow grow.
BD,
If Anaheim was looking to move Fowler at the draft for Pastrnak and say the 29th… I’d consider it but apparents the Blues were wanting 14th, 29th, and Pastrnak for Shattenkirk. Thanks but no thanks
Bruins should have traded for Vesey,s rights unless they know something nobody else does. I see Boston signing one more D man maybe Luke Schenn or someone else for a short term. Still have a pile of cash but I wouldn’t spend it just to spend it, time to let the kids develop.
They lacked 3rd round picks Obe.
Question about Dallas having to move one of their goalies to acquire Bishop; could they not just bury one of them in the AHL next season? I may be a bit out of touch on this rule but have been wondering for a while now.
So can Boston offer sheet Trouba for one year, with Wpg matching, then make a more reasonable offer next year when they’ll have their 2018 2nd and third round picks.
Maybe my young guns in Buffalo make some noise and add some vetern presence to the Kiddie Korp and make mr. T. Murray a reason to smile.
What will PK demand for salary in 3 years ? All of sudden the money spread is larger. Always comes down to money. In 3-4 years Weber can even be bought out if necessary. I say something wrong in the room with PK