The Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers and Arizona Coyotes could have some decisions to make on their respective bluelines.
UPDATE ON TYSON BARRIE
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Ken Campbell reports the Colorado Avalanche have the option of walking away from the arbitration decision soon to be rendered for defenseman Tyson Barrie if they don’t agree with the award. However, Campbell believes it would be shocking if they went that route. He notes there’s no limit on trading a player who’s been taken to arbitration and since Barrie lacks a no-trade clause in his contract, the Avs could trade him anywhere. Campbell points out there been a lot of trade talk linking Barrie to the Edmonton Oilers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche GM Joe Sakic repeatedly said his club wouldn’t move Barrie even if he was awarded a new contract via arbitration. They certainly won’t walk away from the arbiter’s decision. Barrie is too valuable an asset. A trade is possible, and if a club like the Oilers made a substantial offer, Sakic could entertain it. Still, there’s no certainty Sakic intends to move Barrie this summer.
LATEST ON THE FLYERS BLUELINE
CSNPHILLY.COM: Tim Panaccio reports the Philadelphia Flyers re-signing of defenseman Brandon Manning leave the club with just over $1 million in salary-cap room. They still have to drop a forward, with Jordan Weal ($650K salary) perhaps the top target for demotion to the minors.
As for their defense, they could face freeing up a spot for promising Ivan Provorov if he earns a place during training camp. While veteran Mark Streit seems the logical choice to be dealt, and could waive his no-trade clause to remain in the NHL rather than be demoted, Panaccio notes there hasn’t been any interest in Streit since last winter. Demoting him would only free up $950K of Streit’s $5.25 million salary. The Flyers could also move Manning, Nick Schultz or Andrew MacDonald to the minors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s a situation worth watching during training camp in September. A trade is possible, but the hefty salaries for Streit and MacDonald make them very difficult to move. Schultz or Manning could have some value, but GM Ron Hextall appears reluctant to part with them. Of course, if Provorov doesn’t crack the lineup, Hextall won’t have to worry about moving out a blueliner.
COYOTES IN THE TRADE MARKET?
ARIZONA SPORTS: Craig Morgan recently reported Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka pointed out his club could have a bit of a logjam on defense when sidelined Michael Stone recovers from his knee surgery. Morgan said that’s generated speculation the Coyotes “might still be pursuing a trade or two — perhaps for a top-four defenseman, a top-six right wing or even another left wing if they can’t come to terms with (Tobias) Rieder.”
Don’t like Hall for Larsson 1 bit but if Chia can now somehow snag Barrie with out selling the farm the Oilers bulr line is definitely improved
If oil sincere about breaking playoff miss streak then nurse could be the main piece going back. larsson-barrie, klef-sekera, davidson-fayne is actually looking like a decent nhl lineup.
It won’t be the worst and If talbot can have a solid yr they will be battling for a playoff spot
Even though we see three circles of NHL parity, there is a big difference from being a playoff spot battler, a playoff team, and a playoff contender.
Not that I am adverse to thinking some team can (with the good wins in the right match-ups cannot get there,eg. Sharks) make their way through, it is a big jump to be an “in the hunt” team.
McDavid makes them a favorite to cintinue their upward climb IF they make the other position pieces work.
But no one is handing them a Tyson Barrie or another young defenseman until they pony up a REAL comer like the toughie Nurse at this juncture, whether he develops to true top four status or not. He is a fan favorite, and it would be a publicity nightmare to launch him after the last offer you can’t refuse to solidfy the dee with a young horse with upside.
I just don’t see the Avs gifting Barrie for lesser lights, and I am of the opinion the Oilers will get gun shy after the province of Alberta went negative on big return Taylor Hall’s needed departure.
Given the way they are handed, would probably be Klefbom-Barrie, Sekera-Larsson (make up for each others’ weaknesses) and Reinhart-Davidson, with David Musil and Reinhart spotting each other off or winning the job. Fayne can play in the AHL where he belongs.
Ehh I’m not sure it’s a playoff team just because of the division /conference (who misses if the Oulers get in?) but agree they would be much closer, in the race and not eliminated by December.
Ya just battling( closer) the west is tough to get in
No tougher in that regard than the east where they have two more teams to contend with – and don’t think that doesn’t make a difference over 82 games.
I think making the top 8 in the west is far more difficult than making the top 8 in the East, especially next season. Arizona & Edm have improved significantly.
Certainly having 2 more teams in the east is a factor but travel more than off sets that issue. The overall stregth of the west is stronger & travel in the west is brutal compared to teams in the east & travel is time consuming & draining.
Striker, I see you say that a lot. Travel aside, 8 teams have to go out of 14 teams in the west. This automatically gives a team better odds, 57% vs. 50% in the east. Also take into consideration Dallas, Calgary , Edmonton have combined for a total of 3 playoff births over the last 8 years!!!! Add to that Colorado has made it twice over that same span!!!
And if we’re talking about the rise of Edmonton ( I’ve been hearing that for years) and Arizona ( I don’t think they make that jump this year) then you have to look at teams like Tampa, Buffalo, Florida, NYI’s who have made significant upward strides over the past few years.
Any talk about the west being tougher is all tongue and cheek.
tongue in cheek…oooops…lol
Don’t confuse them with logic Nyr4Life!
Schticky,
Nobody likes Hall for Larsson straight up. But Chiarelli wanted Lucic so he traded Hall for Larsson to get what he wanted. Straight up hockey trades are no longer part of hockey unfortunately. Think of it this way; Larsson and Lucic for Hall. Would you make that deal? I definitely would! Edmonton needs defence and in order to get it they have to trade all those forwards drafted by Lowe/ MacTavish who remembered playing with Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, Messier, and Coffey (a defenceman who actually played forward if judging by numbers alone) and are hypnotized by the best defence is a great offence! That doesn’t work in today’s NHL. And yes I agree with you that the ONE forward from the Lowe/ MacTavish era worth keeping the most was Hall. Shero is shrewd and new Charielli needed D so he pressed hard for Hall and got him! With Charielli at the helm the Oilers will turn it around!
no it wasn’t Lucic and Larsson for Hall. That’s a crap statement. The reality is it was Hall for Larsson. That’s the trade nothing more, nothing less. If you want to say signing Lucic enable the Oilers to trade Hall for Larsson then by all means. Charielli could’ve made of trades even last year to give up less to get a quality dman, he chose to wait and see how his team played. Also considered that NJ gave away potentially their number 1 defense man, they weren’t just giving him away.
Agreed Caper it drives me nuts that way of thinking. Lucic is a free agent singing and has absolutely no part in the trade, yes he may have made it an easier pill to swallow but let’s be realistic. If Lucic=Hall why wouldn’t Shero have just threw money at Lucic and kept Larsson? It’s not the same
He said as a hypothetical trade: Larsson and Lucic for Hall. Which he then says, is a trade he (Steven) would make. It is clear it is intended as a thought exercise. Generally, it is better for readers on a board like this to critique people for what they actually do write, rather than having people take them as having said things that they did not write.
Can someone find me a similar way to spin the Redden, Drury and Gomez deals? I’d like to make them look better.
The problem with saying lucid and Larson was traded for Hall, even as a thought excersise is that when you look at the trade from NJ perspective Lucia has nothing to do with it.
How is that going to happen. Regardless of the arbitration hearing results the Avs own his rights for the next 3 years. No way they would trade him without getting something like Nurse and a top 6 forward.
I seriously doubt Colorado walks away from arbitration and loses him for nothing. I also doubt they have any desire whatsoever to trade him either way. Anything is possible, but I think either of those scenarios is improbable.
It would take “an offer they can’t refuse” – similar to Edm offering up Hall for Larsson
Not getting that kind of player for Barrie I wouldn’t think, but then again I’m sure Shero almost choked on his Cherios the morning Chia said ok to that deal so…
This just in Patrick Roy doesn’t get along with Tyson Barrie……. oh just wait who does he get along with?
Watching the Yotes sign a bunch of D recently has them arguably at 8 nhl d-men once Stone returns. Their forward crew is thin and one would presume that this is the year that their deep prospect pool makes a jump. However, perhaps they would interested in a Lupul for Z. Michalek swap? Leafs would likely have to add a mid-pick or prospect to sweeten things. Yotes still have plenty of cap room, even with Datsyuk’s salary. Thoughts?
I seriously doubt ANY team is going to deal for Lupul unless, in the end, it’s heavily slanted in their favour. He’s always hurt – but never seemingly long enough to be considered for long-term IR and for that he simply costs way too much.
I’m not sure there has not been some thought on buying out Lupul
Probably – but that $3 mil hit in 2017-18 seems to be the stumbling block – see here
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2016/06/15/toronto-maple-leafs-buyout-options-entering-2016-buyout-window/
Makes me also wonder if it didn’t come down to it at some point if like some others if Lou went to Lupul and some how came to an “arrangement” to mutually void the contract actual $ is 5.25 this year and 3.75 next…wouldn’t be unheard of a guy like him making that money in Europe if he isn’t going to get a chance in North America….I can burry you for 2 years if I have too or, here is a pen…
Arizona doesn’t need Lupul, no 1 does.
The forward group is set. Once Reider is signed Arizona has 11 forwards signed several that can play a number of positions. That leaves room for 2 of Strome, Dvorak or Perlini.
Domi, Hanzal, Duclair.
Dvorak, Vermette; LW, Doan.
McGinn; RW, Strome, Reider; LW.
Martinook, White, Richardson; C.
Spare Gaudet.
The D is set as well. No room at the inn for Deangelo until injuries or trades hit, factor in he’s the only waiver eligible option to be sent down & his future is set until injures or trades open options. Arizona’s D like it’s forward group has improved significantly.
OEL, Murphy.
Goligoski, Stone.
Dahlbeck/Connaughtin, Michalek/Schenn.
Someone mans Stone’s spot until ready to resume his top 4 role.
This isn’t your old Arizona Coyotes. This is a significantly improved team.
still isn’t a playoff team
They only had 9 less points than Minnesota last season. They will battle be in the playoff picture. The additions of Goligoski, Schenn, McGinn & White add a ton of veteran depth & leadership across the line up. The added development of the young players, Domi, Duclair, Reider, Martinook, Murphy & Stone coupled with the additions of 2 stud rookies in Dvorak & Strome & I have Arizona making the playoffs at the expense of Minnesota who’s additions of E. Staal & Stewart do nothing for me.
How do you justify buying out Vanek who at forward was Minnesota’s 6th best forward by points, 4th best goal scorer, 3rd for PPG’s, 3rd for PPP’s & Minnesota’s PP was average, 2nd for GW’s yet barely logged top 6 minutes playing with lesser line mates than most above him in points.
Stewart & Staal combined will be hard pressed to equal Vanek’s offensive contributions. When factoring in Staal’s, Stewarts’s & Vanek’s cap hits for this season less than 500K was saved & in 2017-18 it actually costs Minnesota an additional 500K + in cap space; Vanek’s buyout is 1.5 this year, 2.5 the following.
These additions will also bite into the ice time of players like Zucker, Coyle & Niederreiter which doesn’t make sense to me. Not sure what Minnesota is doing but they are now on the outside looking in in the playoff race in the west. I have Edmonton finishing higher than Minnesota as well.
With all that said Striker, still not a playoff team.
If I were Yotes, I’d be ringing up Holland and asking about Nyquist. I think his salary, which is fair, makes him the odd F out in DET. Yotes get a scorer who has been completely misused by Blashill. Also could look at Pulkinen too. He’s going to blossom in the right situation with a good set up guy and reliable D.
To be honest, I truthfully think there is a chance they move Barrie. All of the B’s, The oilers, and the Canucks could seriously use him.
Here are a few potential offers that could be made, and why it makes sense to me.
Colorado Gets
1st round pick
O. Klefbom
B. Pouliot
Edmonton Gets
T. Barrie
Mitchell
This makes sense to me because well, Colorado Gets a good defenceman in Klefbom who has good potential. They also grab a good top 9 skater. (Not worthy of a 4th overall pick mind you) as well as a pick
Edmonton, the gain doesn’t need explaining. They gain a defenceman and they don’t toss their farm out the window. Yes, the pick may be high, but guys like Nurse remain in the system
NO DISRESPECT …But Klefbom is an overall better Dman than Barrie better defensively ( averaged same PPG average last year until injury infection kept him out for the rest of the season) …so you are trading a 20 goal scorer and a #1 for Mitchell …ummm ….please don’t tell me you are serious …any GM that made that trade would first be fired then laughed out of the game NEVER to gain employement again
After Dumba (152 gp – 19 goals – 25 assists – 44 pts) settled for a 2-year bridge deal at $5.1 mil, it will be interesting to see what an arbiter awards Barrie (264 gp – 40 goals – 113 assists – 153 pts). Probably something in the area of $3 to $3.5 mil. Ceci’s camp (205 gp – 18 goals – 38 assists – 56 pts) has to return to mother earth if they are still thinking long-term (I heard 6 years). In the end I believe he’ll have to settle for similar to Dumba’s deal.
You can’t compare Dumba to Barrie. Barrie just came out of his 2 year bridge deal, is 3 years older & has been 1 of the best offensive Dman in the NHL the last 2 years & still years from being fully developed. Sits 7th overall for points over the last 2 seasons for NHL Dman. Comparables for Barrie will be Vatanen, Hamilton, Krug, Dekeyser, etc. Barrie will get some where between what he asked for 6 & what Colorado offered 4. The arbitrator isn’t going to set the value below what Colorado offered 3 to 3.5.
We’ll see.
And all the deKyser deal accomplished wad to muddle the scene. Holland is losing his grip.
I’m not happy with what Holland has accomplished the last few seasons either George. Reeks of desperation. Over paying to keep or get just about everyone he’s signing or resigning. To much term & to much money for what he’s getting in most cases. Not a ton but 500K to a mil here, a year or 2 there. In today’s cap world you can’t afford to overpay anyone nor sign to long. Helm 5 years at 3.85! Neilsen 6 years at 5.25 he’s 32 already! Green 3 years at 6!
It brings me back to teams like Nashville or Anaheim that some how find away for the most part to get players signed from great to good value deals in most cases respectively. Although Kesler’s deal was to much for to long, a leverage issue I assume but still 1 of the best 2 way C’s in the game & not fun to play against. A face off winning machine & a huge reason Anaheim is 1 of the best defensive teams in the NHL.
Poille is unbelievable. I don’t understand how he gets these players signed for the money & term he does. No team gets better value out of their players & contracts.
Josi 7 years at 4 mil per, Ellis 5 years at 2.5, Ekholm 6 years at 3.75, Jarnkrok 6 years at 2; this is going to look stupid in 2 years, just on the cusp of breaking through as a solid 2 way force.
Holland is living off previous success. Other than drafting Larkin 15th overall a couple years ago, can you name a great move he’s made? The signings have all been overpayments and even the decent cap hits are WAY too much term (why sign Abdelkafer for 7 years with a full NTC for four years?). Their cap situation is terrible, likely worse than Chicago when they don’t have superstars like Toews, Kane and Keith headlining the roster.
David Poile is the best negotiator in the league with the contracts he secures. Jarnkrok’s is just baffling, but Josi and Ellis are great deals as well. What I don’t get is how he gets the players to take a reduced dollar figure on the last year of already cheap deals when it eats away an extra prime UFA year (check out Josi and Jarnkrok contracts). It seems like fans like us do more research than some of the player agents. I would never accept that and push for an increased final year(s) dollar amount like Hoffman’s deal this past week.
I agree. If Poille can do it others should be able to as well. Jarnkrok at 2 mil is a joke. He should fire is agent immediately. He should have signed a bridge deal. As soon as Riberio is gone he’s sliding in at the #2 C spot. If someone better comes along he slides to #3 but still makes a far bigger contribution than 2 mil for 6 years.
I’d like to know what the feeling is within the NHLPA after that Jarnkrok deal!!
The players in Nashville and Poile get it. Once you get a taste of what Nashville is you want to stay there. Easy decision for players to take less to stay in a wonderful city.
Barrie to the Leafs for JVR.
That deal does not happen? It will not help out the Avs. They don’t need JVR at all. They need defenseman.
I agree. That’s just more wishful-thinking as mentioned yesterday.
Eh just oil fan being an ass again but truthfully I’m not sure that deal works either way, yes Barrie is a great offensive D but has some issues in his own end Avs have Landeskog as LW JVR doesn’t fit and the Leafs have a couple D kinda similar (read carefully I said SIMILAR not better) to Barrie in Rielly and Gardiner I don’t see it.
I don’t see Colorado moving Barrie. 1 of the best young offensiveness Dman in the game. Can’t say it is impossible but highly unlikely & it would shock me if it happens. The only way I see it even possible is if it was a 1 for 1 swap for another Dman like Trouba & I don’t see that happening.
Leaf fans bite again hahaha.
And the only team that has bit worse over the past decade, has a fan that is still to dumb to figure out that most of the people who are talking to him (including 1 named Pens4cup) are not leaf fans so there is that.
Bite this.
Is it draft day already? Why are oiler fans happy?
You are a Leaf fan at heart, just a bandwagon jumper because they suck.
Jaysus, and her I thought that kind of juvenile crapola died with the Sun’s decision to stop posting comments. I guess there’s still a few of you around who have nothing concrete to offer – just mindless “na nah Leaf s suck” … “Senaturds are hopeless … yadda yadda yadda. Go away.