A look at possible players the San Jose Sharks could lose in next year’s NHL expansion draft, plus which Capitals could be targeted by Las Vegas GM George McPhee.
SHARKS
Could the Sharks leave Joel Ward exposed in next year’s NHL expansion draft?
CSN BAY AREA: Kevin Kurz recently speculated over which players the San Jose Sharks could leave unprotected in next June’s NHL expansion draft. He thinks they’ll opt for one goaltender, three defensemen and seven forwards, as that provides protection for two additional players.
Forwards Joel Ward, Matt Nieto and/or Melker Karlsson could be left exposed, along with Paul Martin, Justin Braun, Brenden Dillon, David Schlemko, Dylan DeMelo or Mirco Mueller. Kurz suggests Braun could be their third protected d-man.
Forward “Joonas Donskoi will not have to be protected as a second-year pro, nor will top prospects Timo Meier or Nikolay Goldobin.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind Kurz isn’t saying for certain those players will be exposed to next year’s draft. Much will depend upon team and individual performances next season, as well as possible player movement via trades. I agree with Kurz’s assessment that Braun will likely be protected, as he and Marc-Edouard Vlasic form the Sharks’ best all-around defensive pairing. Kurz pointed out Ward previously played for Las Vegas GM George McPhee with the Capitals. McPhee could consider selecting the veteran winger as a short-term pickup.
CAPITALS
CSN MID-ATLANTIC: J.J. Regan recently speculated over which members of the Washington Capitals could be targeted by Las Vegas general manager (and former Capitals GM) George McPhee in next year’s expansion draft. That could leave the Capitals facing a decision on whether to expose or protect defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who was drafted by McPhee in 2009. Right wing Tom Wilson (selected by McPhee in 2012) could also be an enticing target for the Vegas GM.
Considering McPhee had a close working relationship with his successor Brian MacLellan, Regan suggests Las Vegas could become a new trading partner for the Capitals.
I had to chuckle when reading Simmons column this morning in the Sun. Not much on hockey, but what caught my eye was his comment related to earlier rumours that the Leafs had extended an offer to Russell. According to him, now it turns out no such offer was ever made and that there bis no interest from the Leafs. Given Simmons’ track record, it would not surprise me at all if, suddenly, it was announced that Russell has been signed to a a 3-year deal!
Simmons likes to hear himself but at least he’s more likeable than that Feschuk creep. Notice he doesn’t say anything about Kessel anymore!
Simmons likes to hear himself but at least he’s more likeable than that Feschuk creep. Notice he doesn’t say anything about Kessel anymore! I think LV has a decent shot at icing a good team which is only fair considering the astronomical fee to join the league. Carolina to Quebec!
God Simmons has to be the biggest joke of a sports journalist going and thats saying something for Toronto, hence why I now come here and other places instead.
Simmons is the absolute worst of the bunch. The one thing I admire, though, is that he doesn’t care what the players or team think of him and he speaks his mind. But his calls and knowledge are terrible.
As to Russel, as I explained at the time, there’s simply no room for him.
Rielly / Hunwick
Gardiner / Zaitsev
Marincin / Carrick or Polak
Corrado
See, no Russel.
So, Lou checked with your first?
Dan39.
Your getting closer.
For me it still starts like this until Zaitsev earns the opportunity to move into the top 4 or another Dman is added.
Rielly, Hunwick.
Gardner, Polak.
Marincin, Zaitsev.
Corrado, Carrick.
As soon as Zaitsev is able he will supplant Polak. Ideally a #4 left handed D would be brought in to anchor the 3rd unit a more defensive guy than offensive. Or perhaps Gardner may be better suited to a 3rd pairing role but the best offensive assignments, or instead of playing 2 lefties together on the # 1 unit; Rielly & Hunwick, Hunwick anchors a pairing on his natural side.
For me I like spreading your D out over 3 pairings but few teams in the NHL have such a luxury. A bunch of teams spread their 1 & 2 guys over 2 pairings. Example Keith & Seabrooke rarely play together but Seabrooke is still their #2 even though he achors the 2nd unit.
Anaheim being 1 of the few. The minutes played between 1 & 6 is neglagable.
You really have to look at TOI/GP, especially overall now to define them by ranking & then you get weird scenario’s with some players who log huge TOI/GP but see almost no offensive opportunities or PP time. Guys like Hamonic, Larsson, or even Stralman before arriving in TB or Sekera his last full season in Carolina.
Sorry didn’t type that in properly. 2nd to last full season for Sekera in Carolina. His last full season he was all of a sudden given PP time & showed he could put up points.
Bogosian would be another example or even Kulikov. Dman that log big minutes but their PP opportunities have been limited or have come in spurts.
The way you guys talk about Simmons he sounds like the Canadian Larry Brooks
Russel would be a number 3 on the leafs no doubt about it and Anderson would welcome him with open arms just taking a few pucks off the barrage of rubber that he will see this yr
Russell wouldn’t make Toronto’s top 3. Babcock loves rielly with Hunwick. It surprised me to see Hunwick deployed as he was by Babcock. Had been a borderline NHL Dman in his previous NHL stops.
Gardner will finish the year 3rd in TOI/GP at D. Russell would be their #4 at best & Russell really only brings 2 things to the table at D. He blocks shots at an elite level & what goalie doesn’t like such & he’s a decent skater but a bit of a train wreck in many other ways.
I don’t know about the barage of shots Andersen will face. Babcock teams play a complete game & everyone is expected to play both ways. Very well structured systems. Rielly, Hunwick & Polak all block shots at a high rate. I would assume Zaitsev will have those abilities as well but haven’t looked.
This certainly isn’t Anaheim so Andersen will see more rubber but I have Toronto being a better team this year pretty much accross the board. I don’t see Toronto shutting players down this season at the 1st sign of a hang nail. That said they aren’t a playoff team either but will show a higher comptete level & they showed a decent level last season till they started shutting everyone down & shipping a bunch others out.
Hunwick is playing on the top pair in Toronto? I’m seriously asking. Not trying to be a wise guy.
I always liked him in NY. I thought he was a serviceable player. He was very limited in NY. So I’m a little shocked to see him being slotted on the top pair.
With all around abilities he would be the third striker Reilly gardener Russell just because hunwick is on the first pairing doesn’t mean he should be
He is nyr but just because they’re weak at the position he would be at best a 4 on most teams
Sometimes a player works out in a different environment. Hunwick is comfortable here. Like PA Parenteau didnt work in MTL Hunwick works in TO. He is not a top d man but it works for him and TO.
I think Russel is a decent defense man and really surprised someone hasn’t jumped on him like Boston. the L.A. kings…he does move the puck well, skate well,and is decent in his own end when he focuses on that….maybe the price tag has to come down… ??????
@john Russell is a 2nd pairing dman on most teams it has to be the money that is holding him back
@striker the leafs were bottom 10 in shots against Babcock can only do so much with what he has to work with
Yes I’ m quite aware the were but they played almost 1/2 the season with their AHL roster as they shut guys down at the 1st sign of injury & started trading out players even before the trade deadline. They were literally 10th last season.
Nyr4life. Hunwick played all of last season with Rielly as the shut down pair. Finished 2nd in TOI/GP in Tor.
Very simple George, laid out the D right in my post. They’re not paying big bucks for a UFA D with eight already there, especially in a building year
I think any illusions Russell may have had about a “big buck” long-term deal are gone with the wind. He’s now among the “beggars can’t be choosers” bunch and so some team will get his signature an a shorter deal and for a whole lot less than he and his agent were contemplating. Why not the Leafs?
why does every thing begin and end with the laughs there was no remote mention in any of the articles of that power house of the east do any of you realize there a pathetic team no wonder they can fill the stands no matter how bad of a team I dread the day they become a winning team but not to worry never gonna happen
No room in this forum for that type of schoolyard taunt. Some of us are definitely not fans of the Leafs organization – for various reasons – and while we may have been critical of some of their moves in past years, it’s clear that their current management is on the right track. Dislike them by all means – but can the “laughs” crapola.
What? No rumor of Marleau waiving his nmc to play for the LV Thunder?
Who said they will be called Thunder? They should take the old CFL name and call them the Las Vegas Posse.
Or Las Vegas Gamblers – opps NHL would freak out
Hum – Nevada is the Silver State, and 100 years ago wasn’t there the Ottawa Silver 7- So maybe L.V. Silver 6
I like the name !
Ah…..nope !
Mcfee should look to shore up the team long term. Take picks from teams to not select or to select certain players. pick up enough decent players that can be flipped for prospects and picks at the deadline. Take some decent young players for a base. Then dominate the first 90 at the draft and make some serious FA splash’s next year. He could be looking at multiple 1st round picks, 2nd round picks, and third rounders if he plays his cards right.
Lyle, any indication who Bob Murray is targeting in a Cam Fowler trade?
I’ve personally stated that I think the Red Wings are a perfect fit.
Why? Red Wings have way too many young forwards, Ducks have too many young defensemen. Ducks have more size than they need and not enough speed and skill up front, Red Wings have tons of speed and skill up front but not enough good defensemen.
Therefore, the teams are perfect trade partners. If Murray can send Fowler, Marcus Pettersson (size), and a 5th round pick to Detroit for either Tomas Tatar or Gustav Nyquist, as well as either Anthony Mantha or Andreas Athanasiou, that would be my preference.
However Lyle, there’s some speculation that Bob Murray wants to continue his love affair with size at the expense of skill, and that he’s looking more for a gritty winger that drives the net. If that’s the case I could see him neglecting the best deal (potentially Detroit) in favor of trading Fowler for JVR straight up, or for Zemgus Girgensons and a 1st round pick (fair deal value wise assuming Girgensons gets back to form but doesn’t help as much during their Cup window, or address the team’s needs, as well as Tatar/Nyquist and Mantha/Athanasiou).
What do you think? Do you think Murray will trade for the best deal available, even if the forwards are fast, skilled, and creative, or will Murray only deal Fowler if he gets a gritty winger with size back?
Given Evander Kane’s off ice issues, injury issues, mediocre production last year, and big contract, his trade value is pretty negligible, but if Bob Murray actually wants the Ducks to win the Cup again before Getzlaf and Perry get old, and the Detroit deal I mentioned is not on the table, maybe Evander Kane and Girgensons for Fowler would work. Buffalo would have to retain a little salary but the Ducks actually need more than one wing, not just one, which is why the Detroit deal works so well. The Ducks have Rakell and Perry paired together now, according to Ryan Kesler, then Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg is the checking line, which means Getzlaf, with Perry playing with Rakell, actually has no wingers at all. They need a RW to play with Getzlaf too, not just a LW.
That’s why either of those would work really well. Possibility #1:
Athanasiou – Getzlaf – Nyquist (gives you the HBK line look with the big puck possession center in the middle and the two speedy wings flanking him)
xxxxx – Rakell – Perry
Cogliano – Kesler – Silfverberg
Possibility #2:
Girgensons – Getzlaf – Evander Kane
xxxxx – Rakell – Perry
Cogliano – Kesler – Silverberg
This is the Ducks problem though. Even if they get two top 6 wings back for Cam Fowler, they still have no second line LW. They actually need to add three top 6 wings, at least top 9, this offseason. I’m not actually confident in Bob Murray’s ability to do that but if he’s getting back 40-50 point players like Nyquist or Tatar for Fowler, then he should get two anyway in that deal since Fowler is a 40 point dman himself. I’m not saying Nyquist and Tatar of course, but one of them and then another guy like Athanasiou who has 40-50 point potential.
But Lyle have you heard whether Bob Murray and Randy Carlyle would even want skilled players like Tatar, Nyquist, or Athanasiou back for Cam Fowler, or do you think they are strictly focused on getting back forwards with size like Girgensons, James Van Riemsdyk, or Gabriel Landeskog? See I personally just want the best players back. So I’d take Landeskog because he’s the best player of that group, but I’d also take Duchene, and then I’d take Nyquist and Athanasiou over Girgensons because that’s the better return. But it may be that Murray would also want Landeskog only because he’s the best big gritty player, but then would skip Nyquist and Athanasiou because they’re not and go straight to JVR and Girgensons. He might even skip over JVR to Girgensons because JVR is big but not gritty.
What do you think? Who is Murray targeting? All the best young wingers who are being offered for Fowler, or just the best big gritty ones even if they’re much less skilled? And have you heard any names specifically of who he is trying to get? I mentioned all the usual ones that get thrown around but have you heard which he really prefers?
Wouldn’t surprise me to see Ottawa make an offer to Vesey then, if he accepts, deal Hoffman to Anaheim for one of their D.
Yeah Vessey wont sign with Ottawa, And Hoffman will want way more then what Ducks GM Bob Murray would want to pay with the Internal budget there in Anaheim.
Yeah, stranger things have happened.
Yeah I don’t know about that George. Seems to me that if you pull that move A: e team is ultra weak on the left side of the top 6 and B: you will lose whoever D you pick up in the expansion draft because you will have to protect phaneuf and then Karlsson and Ceci.
As always logic prevails.
Yeah Detroit’s not trading Nyquist/Tatar+Mantha/AA for Cam Fowler who else is Anaheim going to add to that deal. Cam Fowler might be worth Tatar+Sheahan but that’s about it no way is either Mantha or AA being included unless Anaheim wants to give us Montour as well just isn’t going to happen no way does Fowler have the value of Nyquist/Tatar+Mantha/AA that’s way overpayment from Detroit.
So, let me see if I have this straight: you say there’s no way Anaheim takes Hoffman who is an RFA coming off a $2 mil cap hit and is 26 y/o with 59g 54a 13 pts in 186 gp because he will want more than Murray is willing to pay. BUT, he might take Tatar AND Mantha for Fowler with Tatar, currently costing $2,750,000 off the cap and who is an RFA next year with 74g and 74a for 148 pts in 263 gp. Hmmmm.
Mantha may not be such a nice trade chip anymore. At one point, he was considered right there with Larkin. Laughable now
Larsson set the market for d-men. Fowler is easily worth tater/nyquist and mantha etc. top 4 d-men are the most valuable asset in the market right now. and I think it is an overpayment as well… but it is where the market is at.
Yeah, mantha is overvalued by the fans.
I’m with you George & have made the same basic comment several times. Tatar would be a good starting point for Fowler but Murray wants cost certainty. That means Tatar would either need to be resigned at or near 4 mil for at least 3 more years or agree to such before the final details of a trade could be hammered out.
I think Murray will want futures as he has shown an inclination for over the last 3 years. A winger either on his ELC ideally expansion draft exempt or other that has a managable contract. Possibly like Nyquist but even at 4.75 for 3 more more years that might be to rich. I think he’ll want the remaining compensation paid for in picks.
& to think Vancouver traded 2 for late 2nd round picks. Garrison & Bieksa then let Hamhuis, thier # 3 walk for nothing & he wanted to stay.
lol yep and the Oil gave up a first a second and Hall for Larsson and Reinhart Ouch
Dan39, it’s also interesting to note – in relation to the “Vesey can’t miss – he’ll be a stud” school of thought – that Mantha was a 1st round pick – 20th overall.
Ruby it seems you desperately want Lyle’s attention on this matter and want him to have some insider knowledge for you but Lyle comments on whatever news is going around in the world of hockey. It’s an opinion based post,not insiders knowledge.
That’s said there’s way to much going on in your post trim it down a bit of you want to discuss something. I like your enthusiasm big fella.
Chrisms…I agree Fowler is 24, smooth skating, great passer, and decent enough in his own end………Not sure he is worth Tatar/Mantha and Nyquist…but he is a terrific player. I’m a Penguins fan (born and raised in Pittsburgh) and you see what a mobile defense can do i the right system..I also live in LA (kings second favorite team) would love Fowler here that’s not happening)and I see Fowler all the time 80 + games a year the dude can skate and pass.
I agree though he is worth a lot at 24 and $4 million a year for two more years…
I can’t see Murray taking a player like Kane even if Buffalo eats salary. Anaheim has the very player you say Murray likes except he’s a very good skater. He will slot in as tbe #3 LW this year & will be the #1 as soon as he’s ready. Ritchie.
With a coaching change the line combinations that were in place for portions of last season are meaningless. I would be shocked if Carlyle doesn’t put Getzlaf & Perry back together.
TBD, Getzlaf, Perry.
Cogliano, Kesler, Silfverberg.
Ritchie, Rackell, Garbutt; LW?.
Raymond; RW?, Wagner, Boll
Numerous other prospects close to ready at forward but not necessarily at the start of the year though. Certainly by the All-Star break.
Sorry that was meant for Ruby but didn’t post correctly
Ruby, I have no insider info on what Murray has in mind. All the recent speculation claimed he was getting interest in Fowler from several clubs, with the Sabres believed the most interested in him. However, nothing is expected to happen until he either re-signs Lindholm or is close to doing so. He’s got the entire summer to sort that out. Doesn’t mean he’s not still getting offers, but for now, it’s apparent he’s in no rush. The belief is if he moves Fowler, it’ll be for a scoring left wing.
This is a place to post a few comments not to write another whole article!
No offense Ruby, but Fowler MAY be worth a pick in the second half of the first round, but your dreaming if you think he’s worth a #1 and Girgensons or Girgensons AND Kane.
Sounds like tb locked up Killorn for 7 yrs at 4.45 tb have a good core locked up for awhile
Whoa. I love Killorn as a player but didn’t think TB could afford Killorn at that price point. Lyle you win that 1 by a wide margin. You were dead on.
Something is going to have to give in TB. I very good player is going to have to be moved out before the 2017-18 & I just lossing Bishop will not be enough. Something else is going to have to give. TB has 12 players signed for 2017-18 & only 20 mil in cap space at todays max!
of im anaheim i want no part of Nyquist or tatar for fowler, neither helps anaheim at all, both are too inconsistent and inexpensive. let Detroit find their defense elsewhere
if 2 of 3 of Larkin, AA, and Mantha arent available (meaning young expansion exempt forwards arent available there is zero reason to deal with Detroit.
they have no defense, and nobody on the Horizon either. so they are not exactly on the drivers seat here….defense comes at a premium in the NHL and both Nyquist and Tatar need to be protected so they are worthless to anaheim since they have zero room to protect them
So you don’t want a good young offensive forward for Anaheim? Tatar and Sheehan are enough for Fowler.
Larkin has a TON more value than Fowler. AA is a pretty darn good young player who has just started to hit his stride in the NHL. Mantha is promise right now. Big forwards like that take longer to develop.
Also, it is WELL known that Edmonton WAY overpaid for Larssen.
idamn auto correct, i wrote too expensive. going forward with expension and having to protect them
@bill other teams looking at fowler can see they have lindyolm who is better and also vatenan who surpassed fowler last year and theodore and Montoya waiting in the wings as we’ll as bieksa and depres. The other teams know they can’t protect all of them so aren’t gonna overpay and the ducks aren’t gonna lose fowler for nothing I think tatar or Nyquist would be a good start with a second added in
Fowler lead all Dman in Anh for TOI/GP, PP TOI/GP & was 3rd in SH TOI/GP seconds behind Vatanen, Despres had the highest average but missed a ton of games. He started more of his shifts in the D zone than any other Dman in Anaheim by a significant margin he did almost all the heavy lifting.
He was their #1 last season.
Fowler is not as good as vatenan or lindholm that’s just crazy talk. Do you watch Anaheim play much?
bullspit, you will not make the playoffs with your defense as presently constituted and neither will detroit
you want to waste a year thats your choice. the Hall- larsson trade proved how much quality defense is worth. you either accept it or do without
Fowler
Give it a rest guys:
1) Murray has already said he wants draft picks back ( see Andersen trade). He does not want salary nor someone he has to protect in expansion draft.
2) Not a chance JVR becomes a Duck this year. Trading Fowler for JVR makes the cap problem worse not better. If ducks wanted JVR and Leafs wanted Fowler, It would have been all part of Andersen trade.
3) Trading Fowler for prospects no longer works as it use to. The good teams try and keep their top prospects because they get 2-3 years of low salary production. Bad teams are rebuilding and THEY KEEP ANYONE WHO HAS GOOD POTENTIAL. Most prospects offered have been looked at thru a microscope and determined, “DON’T WANT HIM”, a few weeks ago someone suggested Leafs offer Percy and a #2 pick for fowler, calling him a real good prospect wasn’t he just released ?
4) JVR- I think the Leafs screwed up on this one. While I think he is a really good player certainly a #1 line LW, anyone who trades for him NOW would have to fit 5 million in their cap which few teams can right now and then have to protect him from expansion draft meaning
who do they drop off the protected list, then in two years they have to resign him, and you know that he’s wants Lucci Money, what did Oilers give him $ 7 mil a year? So the price for JVR is, a bundle of goodies now, drop someone else off the expansion protected list, then 2 years for now pony up $ 50 million plus for 7 years.
5) Next, Don’t the Leafs really need some good young D-men ?
So where was Lou L, when Larson was traded for Hall? Leafs could have offered JVR + a draft pick or two for Larson, after all NO one knows more about Larson than Lou L. So did Lou fall asleep or does Lou know that Larson is not worth the price paid ??????
Alforducks don’t you know that this is a hockey forum and that logic has no place around here? Move along now…
But seriously, I think you’re right.
alforducks, absolutely correct, why should the ducks trade fowler for players they need to protect? if they did that they are only going to lose quality players in expansion.
teams like Boston and detroit, even NJ are desparate for quality experienced defensemen. The Ducks are in control here. they dont need to be at the mercy of those teams….either give up what the ducks want or do without
after expansion teams will still need defense maybe even more than they do now
SEND MARLEAU TO VEGAS WITH THE SHOWGIRLS! We can call them the LAS VEGAS HOOKERS.
NJD got a deal. Someone was going to with Lucic waiting in the wings on July 1. Larsson not worth the price paid but part of a shift with the Oilers. There should be a couple more I am guessing. …..I am still not sure why Fowler is available ? good player good money. If they need to move a defence why not any of the rest-