NHL Rumor Mill – January 30, 2020
The Leafs linked to the Wild’s Matt Dumba, plus updates on the Rangers, Jets, and Canadiens in today’s NHL rumor mill.
LEAFS LOOKING AT DUMBA
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have looked into Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba. He believes the club’s fortunes in the coming weeks will determine if they pursue a right-handed blueliner or test the trade market on their pending unrestricted free agents. Friedman cites one league executive saying the Leafs are investigating every good defenseman on the market.
Would Matt Dumba be a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs? (Photo via NHL Images)
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs reportedly aren’t interested in acquiring a rental player. As Friedman points out, Dumba has three years remaining on his contract. He’s the type of rearguard the Leafs would want, but finding room for his $6-million salary-cap hit would be difficult. I don’t believe the Wild would pick up part of his annual average value if they were to shop Dumba.
RANGERS’ POTENTIAL TRADE CANDIDATES
NEW YORK POST: Brett Cyrgalis reviewed several possible Rangers’ trade candidates, what they could fetch on the market, and the clubs that could pursue them.
Winger Chris Kreider could fetch a first-round pick and perhaps more. Boston, Colorado, Arizona, and Vegas could be in the mix.
The Maple Leafs make sense for pending restricted free agent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, but Cyrgalis wonders what return would make sense for the Rangers. Colorado, San Jose, and Florida could use depth between the pipes.
Defenseman Tony DeAngelo is a pending RFA with arbitration rights. While he has defensive deficiencies, his puck-moving skills would draw attention in the trade market. Cyrgalis suggests Toronto (perhaps packaged with Georgiev?), Winnipeg or Carolina as trade partners.
Pending UFA winger Jesper Fast would be a solid bottom-six addition for Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, St. Louis or Dallas. Versatile RFA forward Ryan Strome might be a fit with Vancouver, Calgary or Arizona.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We’ll find out soon enough how many of his pending free agents Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton intends to trade. Georgiev and DeAngelo might be enticing for the Leafs, but the asking price for that package could include a young, affordable forward like Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, or Alexander Kerfoot.
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford indicated he’s open to acquiring a top-six winger. I don’t see Fast as a fit in Pittsburgh.
BLUELINE TRADE TARGETS FOR THE JETS
THE ATHLETIC: With the Winnipeg Jets reportedly in the market for a top-four defenseman, Ken Wiebe wondered if they might revisit their earlier interest in Buffalo Sabres blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen. He also listed Ristolainen’s teammate Colin Miller, Los Angeles’ Alec Martinez, Ottawa’s Dylan DeMelo, and New Jersey’s Damon Severson.
Wiebe suggested Jets forward Jack Roslovic might make the most sense as a trade chip. He also pointed out Dustin Byfuglien’s situation could have salary-cap implications. If he returns to the lineup before the end of this season, they’ll have to ensure they’ve got sufficient room for his $7.6-million annual average salary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck believes adding a top-four defenseman would prove too costly, forcing them to give up a top-six forward or a first-round pick and one of their top prospects. “Teams want talent for talent. They want Nikolaj Ehlers, not Luca Sbisa. Kyle Connor, not Nick Shore,” he said. Billeck feels there’s not much to work with in this season’s trade market. He suggests looking to the future by dipping into this summer’s UFA market.
I agree with Billeck. Don’t sacrifice the future for a quick fix. I’m not saying they shouldn’t look at picking up a depth player or two, but not at the cost of a good player, high draft picks or quality prospects.
UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Montreal Canadiens aren’t interested in acquiring rental players. He suspects they won’t do much at the trade deadline. With an eye on reaching the playoffs in 2021, they don’t want to part with players who can help them next year like Tomas Tatar and Jeff Petry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan also believes the Canadiens shouldn’t move Tatar. The 29-year-old winger is a consistent 20-goal scorer who has a year remaining on his contract. Considering how difficult it is for the Habs to attract UFA talent, Cowan feels they should keep a player like Tatar, who loves playing in Montreal. You can probably make the same case for the underrated Petry. Unless the Canadiens get mind-blowing offers for either guy, they’re better off retaining them.
Dumba would look great in a leafs uniform. The cap won’t be an issue as it will cost you a Kapanen plus to get him maybe even have them take Ceci if the dollars don’t fit as his contract is done this year. I would then trade Barry to get something back. Next year we would have a defense starting with Dumba, Reilly, Dermott, Sandin, lingren and Rose. We still have some depth with Marincin. That’s a defense that fits under our cap.
Roger, I don’t see any team that would take on Barrie as a rental thinking he would be the difference in a cup run. Why would anyone give up anything for a guy that can be had later this spring for nothing but cash? As I indicated yesterday, the Leafs have him until the end at which point I think he becomes this summer’s Gardiner – looking around for someone who will take him on at anywhere near the $5 mil contract now expiring.
“Making” anyone take Ceci in any kind of a deal amounts to the same thing. If he’s seen as a detriment to the Leafs then what makes him of any value to another team? Kapanen would be a nice addition to any team, especially the Wild, but I seriously doubt taking on Ceci would be a necessary condition.
As for his future, like Gardiner last year and probably Barrie this year, he’ll be looking around this summer for a contract not far removed from the $4.5 he got this year. Good luck with that.
I don’t think there’ll be a lot of teams anxious to repeat Carolina’s gaffe in dishing out a 4-year $4 mil + deal to a D who, even with their injuries, finds himself playing mostly 5/6 minutes while logging 3g 10a 13 pts and a glaring -19.
@ George O
I have to disagree with you here on the value of Barrie …its not high right now ..but he has a good past that speaks for him !
I do believe that he can be moved for a piece
…I do believe that teams would take on a quality player for his $2.5 million cap hit ..regardless of our assessments ..
he is a top 4 D man in the league who does possess power play abilities …its just not translating in Toronto …..
but for $2.5 million there will be MANY teams interested ..and the Leafs HAVE to move him NOW…as he will not be resigned …IMO !
Or SHOULD NOT be resigned …LOL
But we are talking Dubas here !!
Kal El … so, he’s good and has value … just not in blue-and-white?
Sorry, to me anyway there was a reason Sakic held back half his $5.5 mil cap hit in order to get him out the door. And that was likely because his collective -59 in his time with Colorado was not sufficiently offset by his offensive contributions.
But, just for argument sake, name 3 among the MANY teams you think would be interested and what you think the Leafs would want in return … and we’ll weigh the pros and cons.
Hi George and Kal El
Re : Barrie
I am not confident enough to declare that no playoff bound or bubble team will take on Barrie; but to me the teams that would; will be small in number
Moving him (for space reasons) with an extra; to a non-contender; is (to me) a slightly higher probability
His offence draws attention but it is his defensive limitations that may (that’s may not “will”) preclude potential suitors
As we all know; anything can and will happen at TDL
@ George 0 ”
Yes that’s correct ..
he is a good quality player and does have a great cap hit that does make him good value ….Its not translating in Toronto …but to say he has NO TRADE VALUE is just plain out wrong …and that’s what you said !
Putting your disgruntled cynicism for the player aside …does not mean that 30 other Gms share your thoughts….especially when IMO this year is anyone’s year who gets into the playoffs to win a cup …the parody is that good…Iam not saying you are getting a Norris trophy player here …BUT his $2.5 million cap hit for a top 4 D man with offensive abilities is quite a catch for any team…there really isn’t anyone else available that has that upside !
As a comparable I would say Barrie is in the same position that Justin Faulk was in last year …and look how that turned out…very similar player !
Teams that MAYBE interested obviously I can not speak for them …BUT …
Pittsburgh
Jets
Hawks
Stars
Knights
George, Dallas, for example, needs a boost on their power play. Teams like that might make sense for a rental like Barrie. He’s playing better lately though.
George, Barrie does have great trade value. He had a lot of value last year. He’s just not what Toronto needed. Colorado had to retain half the salary as that was the only way to get Kadri who they covered. There are a lot of teams looking for offense from the back end. A non playoff team who can get the players and prospects they cover will take Ceci’s contract if that’s the only way to make the trade work. Ceci’s contract is done at the end of this season so it’s irrelevant. A pro-rates 4.5 so probably closer to 2 million. Minnesota would be getting rid of a pro rated 6 million contract in Dumba. Easy pill to swallow if you’re happy with the return.
OK, I can see that as a possible option. But then the question becomes, what do the Leafs want in return?
Here we get into the grey areas – if the purpose of the trade – from the Leafs perspective – is to free up cap space to shore up, say, the back-up goaltending, and they have no intention of re-signing him anyway, what kind of return do they want?
From Dallas’ perspective, if they view him as a rental which could add a boost to an anemic pp for the stretch run to a playoff spot, what would they be prepared to relinquish? Maybe the rights to Honka?
The other questions is, and since the last we heard on Rielly was that they wouldn’t even assess him until 8 weeks had passed from the time he went on IR (so, presumably with no skating until then, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to go right away), would the Leafs be comfortable going into the stretch drive with a D consisting of Muzzin, Ceci, Sandin, Holl, Dermott, Marincin and maybe Lillegren?
If not, I think they’d need to hang onto Barrie to the end of their year.
Les Canadiens ne sont pas la anymore!
George, it’s to get some value back for Barrie while we can. The cap hit is only a pro rated 2.5 million so it’s not an issue. Barrie might be able to get you a 2nd rounder, maybe a decent prospect or back up goaly. Personally I would see if a team like Pittsburgh might want Barrie. They have 3 decent goalies. Something to that effect. If Toronto management feels better keeping Barrie for a cup run I’m ok with that as well. Sandin replaces Barrie on our blue line in my opinion and Reilly will be back a cpl of weeks after the trade deadline. If you can’t get a decent return for Barrie than keep him. Sorry for all of the spelling errors. I’m typing on my phone and it’s a pain.
Lol. Understand Roger. Sometimes I think I must have been typing with my elbows when I see what I’ve posted – and I have a keyboard!
When you say “Reilly will be back a cpl of weeks after the trade deadline …” where have you seen that prognosis? My understanding, when he was placed on IR in mid-January, was that they would not even assess him until after 8 weeks of recovery time. That projects to March 7 before they do the assessment. So I presume he can’t even skate until that examination takes place. Let’s say he’s cleared then to resume skating – how long will he need to get back into game condition?
Has there been more recent news on his progress?
I bet Wheeler, Laine and Schiefele would like Barrie at the point on their power play.
Pburgh has schultz and Marino and letang. Why Barrie?
Kal El, I never once said Barrie has “no trade value.” What I did say was “I don’t see any team that would take on Barrie as a rental thinking he would be the difference in a cup run. Why would anyone give up anything for a guy that can be had later this spring for nothing but cash?”
Big difference there. Of course with his reduced cap hit and obvious offensive talents he has value. I can’t deny that and won’t. But I do stand by my opinion that I can’t see any team posed to make a run at the cup thinking that acquiring him would make the difference. Not, and at the same time, give up something of consequence for what would likely be a rental.
If they’re looking ahead to next season and other adjustments to their roster, and see a possible role for Barrie out of the gate, then they can join whatever bidding takes place for his services as a UFA?
What about Holl?
Good point, Joe Joe, he’s been decent. George, you asked if the Leafs would be comfortable with the current defence corps, “no” is the answer, but, if they reach the deadline and playoff prospects are bleak, they need to see what the market might be for their UFA’s.
BCLeafFan, reality says that there are 7 teams that can legitimately be looked upon as serious contenders for the Cup – in no particular order they are Washington, St. Louis, Boston, NYI, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Florida. Overall they possess the fewest glaring weaknesses up and down their rosters compared to the rest.
Then there are these 12 teams which, with some changes between now and trade deadline day to shore up obvious weaknesses, could nudge their way into the top 16, but it remains to be seen if they can do so in light of cap restrictions, where applicable, and who has the most valid wherewithal (players, picks, prospects) to get the best players made available by the sellers: Carolina, Toronto, Dallas, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Vegas, Columbus, Calgary, Edmonton, Arizona, Winnipeg & Calgary (again in no particular order). Obviously, three won’t make it.
There are then these 6 who may still have visions of grandeur, but let’s not kid ourselves, barring a sudden unexpected surge, within a week to 10 days they’ll be joining the sellers: Minnesota, Nashville, NYR, Montreal, Chicago & Buffalo.
The bottom 6 are already dickering with the GMs of the second group of 12 to see what the best offers might be for the players they intend to make available: San Jose, Ottawa, Anaheim, L.A., NJ and Detroit- each (except SJ) with one eye on the 1st overall pick and likely careful not to add anything that would suddenly push them up in the standings and deeper into the lower % chances.
To take a lesson from the Eddie Johnson school of managing, If you’re gonna have a lousy season anyway, don’t do anything to screw that up.
Barrie will get leafs a first because of his potential to turn it around and his historical stats and his ridiculously low cap hit. Full stop.
@George
You are correct about Reilly so Toronto is better off keeping Barrie unless the return is mind blowing.
Matt Dumba or Josh Manson would be fine additions to TML but its going to likely cost Kappy and Liljegren as well if not more.
Dumba and his salary poses a problem and is more likely a summer trade item. Manson for the above two mentioned might work now but i still think Anaheim is going to want a pick as well.
@ Joey
This is why I would like Brayden McNabb from Vegas …if he would be made available and there is a deal to be made …Id like to go this route for the back end instead !
With the firing of Gallant it shows that Vegas is open to almost anything with mid tier players so I think there could be a deal to be made here !
@ Kal El: Ya that’s not a bad choice either but he’s a Left shot D and TML is looking for a right shot D or at least a player with ample experience playing both sides of the ice.
He’s $ 1.5 cheaper than Manson for about the same term. Interesting to see what Dubas does here.
To Kal El & Joey
Re McN
Leftie/rightie not as concerning to me
Love McN; would love him more as a Leaf
However; I think VGKs would be foolish to move him; and I don’t see them having a return that incentivizes that move
In fact , I’d think VGKs might be looking to add D ; not subtract one of their top D men
All moves re Leafs must, IMHO; be geared towards true window that starts next year; younger players with term (in any trade by TDL) coming back in any trade
More moves necessary post season
@ Joey
I think that the leafs should be looking at the best player available …not so much concentrating on a right shot …
They need …DEFENDER first ……LOL …could care less what way he shoots or if he even scores a goal …just a solid D man with a good outlet pass and takes the body ad does not cough the puck up a la Jake Gardiner / Barrie !
Cheers
@ Kal El: Love the spit balling: Everybody’s an expert about what should and shouldn’t be done with our favorite teams 🙂
TML doesn’t want rentals, Every GM in the league knows the position they’re in and the vultures will be circling.
Wouldn’t surprise me if they just go with the team as is, maybe sell off one of either Barrie or Ceci; assuming a taker can be found and hope for the best come playoff time.
Looking forward to Feb. 24
Habs management has to finally come to terms with the fact that this team is just not good enough, like the Rangers did two years ago. Three playoff misses in a row is not a fluke. They must take a step backward to then move forward. Tatar and Petry could probably each fetch a first rounder, and maybe even a good prospect or two. The alternative is staying stagnant and possibly losing them for nothing in 2021. And another year ir two with a top ten pick certainly wont hurt. It’s time for a serious change in direction. Oh, and Bergevin must go as well.
@ Howard
The Habs can keep looking for quality draft position ..BUT if they keep picking players like Kotkianimei …over players like Tkachuck …it wont matter where they pick from ..
Bergevin has used way to many band aid remedies on trying to support Price and Weber and never really building a team …this is piece meal …instead of a real rebuild that was needed …its unfortunate that they did not have enough faith in there market to actually do it right …which the Habs fans deserve and would have been on board with …IMO…
I agree. Too many bandaids when a greater degree of surgery is needed. Bergevin must go and his successor must trade some of the older players, such as Petry, Tatar and possibly Byron, for futures.
BTW I have far from given up on Kotkaniemi. I think he’ll be a solid top 6 center, as soon as they get him some wings who can score and make plays.
Kal El and Howard:
Montreal has pursued centers like Ahab pursued white whales. And with good reason. A bona fide # 1 centre is key to a contending team.
There haven’t been good centers available for them at entry drafts.
Tavares and Duschene weren’t interested in coming to Montreal, and Carolina matched the offer sheet for Aho.
Most free agents of any position don’t like the high taxes and fan scrutiny in Montreal.
I can’t think of what else any GM in Montreal could have done.
How about you?
Heh Howard
Re Stu Cowan
“also believes the Canadiens shouldn’t move Tatar.”
I hope ; as it appears you do as well; that Habs DO move Tater-Tots
He would get a first IMO
I’d love to have him on Pens
Give me a trade proposal including TT (can have multiple players if you like) ; and if reasonable ; I’ll bring it to Jimbo
Dunka
My rule of thumb is that whatever course of action Stu Cowan suggests, the opposite should be done. He is the deity of columnists to which Brendan Kelly aspires.
Tell Jimbo her can have Tatar for this year’s first round pick and Calen Addison or P.O. Joseph. If need be , Habs would take back Galchenyuk if necessary to make the money/cap work.
So Taylor Hall got a 1st and a b prospect. You would like the same return for Tatar?
Pengy……i saw on hockey buzz (I know that’s not super reliable but) Rutherford had discussions with new Jersey on acquiring two players.
Kyle Palmeri
Sammy Vatenan
No word on what was going to new Jersey but there were some discussions. You know Rutherford likes to swing big.
How true again who knows what would you think of this trade?
i like it we get a top 6 winger in Palmeri and a top 4 d-man in Vatanen.
Letang Dumoulin
Petersson Marino
Vatanen Schultz
nice looking d corp there…YOUR THOUGHTS AGAIN WHO KNOWS BUT IT WAS THE MAIN ARTICLE ON THE SITE.
Hi Howard & Chrisms
Howard,
Duly noted re Stu Cowan and taking the opposite track… thanks
Re ur proposal … Addison to me has more upside; so that if I’m pushed into a corner and forced; Joseph in the deal
However
I’d first counter with
G-Chuck; 1st; Laffy ; 7th
Basically Laffy/7th instead of Joseph
Chrisms,
No ifs ands or buts…. Hall far superior; FAR
BUT ; Cap hit impact this year basically nil as Howard’s offer has Habs taking G-Chuck; hit next year only $4.8 M; and Hall is UFA (and no way Pens could ; if they got him; re-sign him); Tater-Tots under reasonable Cap hit/ contract next year
… so , I’d be willing to take this (my counter proposal) to Jimbo
TT , I believe , fits Sid’s style/prototype of preferred wingers
While I’m bantering with Jim; we’ll just gander at 60 minutes of JJ video clips 👍
Hi BNG
Was posting on train
Didn’t see ur post before now;
Re NJ and Pens…. If Pens get Vats and sit JJ. 👍👍👍
I’m OK with Palmeiri just not as sold on him as others are
If it is BOTH Vats and Palmeiri …. that’s going to be costly ….. Vats UFA but KP has another year
…. Cap hit combined $9.5 M…. would need retention
Might be too expensive in assets to get both
The top 6 won’t be Kreider …. Pens/Rangers have only done minor league trades in the last many years
The top 6 acquisition may be Tiffoli; I’d explore Tatar trade if it was me
I’d also call Stevie Y just to find out asking return on AA…. won’t be a first; if reasonable ; might be worth the gamble … AA has Potential and definitely has wheels
Holy hell, why do I even watch the highlights? The sharks are just plain awful. That’s about all I have at the moment.
Did you get game last night? Couldn’t find it on any channel.
Hi dpf
Not sure if you are north or south if the border…. through Rogers ; I got a package ($30/mnth) that gets me all NHL games ; some CHL games; and many NBA games
If on US side … I think there is a package from NHL.com that you can view all games on your laptop/ipad/phone ; and then if you hook them up to TV ; you can watch on TV
@ PENGY
Where do you stand on Matt Murray …is he in play to add more NOW or an off season thing !
Are you happy with Jarry as the future #1 iif so ??
Hi Kal El
MM & TJ absolutely need to remain Pens through the season
Moving MM ; leaves Pens in serious trouble if TJ gets injured and visa versa
Moving DeSmith ; for sure; would need a fair back-up coming back; as single injury then to either MM or TJ leaves Pens with a back-up who has mostly played in ECHL and has ZERO NHL games
With that in mind …. not worth any other team trading with Pens for DeSmith (and flipping their back-up to Pens)
Pens current goalie sit ; IMHO; needs to stay status quo for this year
Love the TJ play. Still like MM
I know everybody here see’s me as a fanatical
JJ despiser;
I don’t despise the man ; don’t know him
I do however despise the damage he does to Pens
The fact of the matter is; both MM and TJ have substantially higher save percentages when JJ off the ice
I have not worked the math; but there was a claim made that if Riikola had replaced JJ every game in which he was in press box ; and in games in which both played; their playing time was flipped; that MM’s over-all save percentage would jump to close to 925; and TJ’s to 945
Can’t challenge the specifics/preciseness of the numbers; but for 100% sure ; each of MM and TJ would have pretty fair save percentage increases if Riikola replaced JJ. There is absolutely no question if that.
There is no way that flip Riikola/JJ) results in less than a combined save percentage increase of 15 points; putting Pens goaltenders together at 930…. that would easily equate to 3 extra victories ; putting Pens tied with Caps (one game in hand) for tops in League
Jimbo…. leave the goalies untouched !
Hi Pengy, certain D-Men have more responsibility – playing more minutes than other D-Men. Basically saying many D-Men can’t handle additional playing minutes. Today during an interview GMJR praised JJ’s play this season. He also couldn’t understand people critizing JJ.
Hi Speed Kills
The painful truth is GMJR won’t publicly state otherwise
Making comments like that publicly means at least one of (probably all of)are true:
1. He’s on crack and has already polished off a bottle of Glenlivet
2. His Ego won’t allow him to say otherwise (as he brought JJ into the org)
3. He’s actually not watched game tapes
4. He’s a liar
You are absolutely right re playing time
JJ just can’t handle difficult situations; top pairing; and over 15 mins
If they “must” (NOTE: nothing is forcing them as he can sit in the press box or be waived for extra space) “keep” him…. then it is absolutely mandatory that it’s bottom pairing ; 12 mins max; and for Mofo sure…..no PK
If Sully can do that; AND Pens get a Guentzel replacement; there is a chance
And now we lost Hertl. This is so, so bad.
Why would Minnie trade Dumba? who’s taking his place?
Barrie was considered a good acquisition by Toronto and now some think he’s untradeable? I don’t think so. Toronto won’t have a problem moving him and they won’t have to hold back any salary.
Winnipeg is looking for a top 4 dman, but pundits want them to stand still. That’s like saying we want you to miss the playoffs. A dman like Dillon that may cost a 2nd round pick, might be best now to get a head of the pack need some toughness on the back end. Top 4 dman don’t come cheap but the reality for Winnipeg is they need a top 2 dman, which generally never come available. A Big Buff return would be the best they could hope for.
Hi Caper
Concur
This Buff situation has unbelievably crimped the moves Chevy can make
I’m hoping for Jets sake; that Buff status; one way or the other; is determined shortly
The NHLPA challenged the Jets positioning on Buff (no show/suspension) right? Is there a time-frame for review/decision by someone (is it an Arbitrator??)
Pebgy…I also like AA but he seems to not be on their radar … I’m not sure why he is a 30 goal scorer a year ago and he is only 25.
Tremendous upside there and if you say he can be had for less than a first where do i sign.
our 2021 # 2 pick and Galchenyuk..
i’m not sold on Tofoli I livve in LA and he is slow but talented..
I’m not sold on Jason Zucker either.
I really like PalmerI, AA or Pageau better for pens…
Hi BNG
The other one I would look into is Tatar
Still under contract next year and has speed
@ Caper
What is on your wish list ….
Krieder – Toffoli – Kovi …other ?
Who are you willing to move if need be ..also taking into consideration this most likely Chars last kick at the can and will leave a whole for next yer and the years to come !
Caper, exactly about Dumba – wouldn’t he be a core player at this point? I’d be amazed if Minnesota traded him.
So Montreal doesnt want to move players out because theyre looking to make the playoffs next year. Is Bergevin expecting his Smurfs to all have a growth spurt? Canadiens are much too small and no where near physical enough, defence outside of Weber is soft and Mr Wonderful their All Universe goalie is playing like an AHLer.
Speed and skill definetely count but you need some grit and size as well.
How enjoyable it is to watch Team Entitlement struggle and miss the playoffs year after year.
It does seem like teams are getting away from the small speed skaters to skaters with size who can also skate and play the checking game, last 2 SC winners were bigger team who played with grit
Joe, last year’s # 1 overall, Jack Hughes, is liberally listed at 5′ 10 170 lbs and, following all the hoopla, has 6g 11a 17 pts in 41 gp. And you have to think that, on a team like NJ, he’s getting the ice time. Meanwhile, # 2 Kakko, a 6′ 3″ 200 lb behemoth has 7g 9a 16 pts in 44gp – and I don’t think it’s all due to comparatively-reduced ice-time.
That ranks them 11th and 13th among rookies.
Fair point about the Habs roster size. And Cole Caufield is what, 5’5″?
But I agree that trading good players now for draft picks that might – just might – be good players in several years doesn’t make sense. Top 4 D are a premium, so what sense is there in trading Petry? You create a hole that is very difficult to fill, which makes getting into the playoffs harder.
Montreal doesn’t need more mountains to climb.
Call me crazy, but I predict Caufield will be a perennial 35-50 goal sniper and the young Finn will develop into a 2 way #1 center, along the lines of Bergeron or O’Reilly.
Shoreoorpark, I will party for a month if one of your predictions come true. I will party until my liver succumbs if both come true.
Have to believe if Kreider is traded to the Bruins they will sign him to a new contract
You can have small, fast players, just not only small fast players. Like on d you can have 1-2 small skill guys but the rest needs to be bigger and tougher.
My wish list for the Bruins …..
Kreider
Dillon
Ross The Boss
Make it happen Sweeney
Cable
If you get ur first two; w/o ceding much off roster … to me …. high odds of re-match with Blues in SCF ‘20
Cable
If you get ur first two; w/o ceding much off roster … to me …. high odds of re-match with Blues in SCF ‘20
👍🏻
To Frank
Saw ur post last night mentioning your Aunt Sally
If I take u at ur word re her grit ; perhaps we can get GMKD to sign her (she’s not under contract anywhere right?)
Leafs get free (no assets given up) gritty player; at likely League min. 👍👍
If she is as good as you’ve promoted; I will gladly act as her agent …. gratis (Note: only if signing with Leafs or Pens)
If ur worried about Aunt Sally and nutty crazy old Pengy … no Weinstein intentions here … just looking out with good intentions /best wishes for Leafs/Pens
Happily married to Mrs. Pengy for over 3 decades
Just wanted to make that clear
and in conclusion: all the above self proclaimed experts who surmise that or this team or some other team should do this ,that or the other, maybe in for a kick where points hurt the most.
Hey guys…spit balling is great…but sometimes, you all arrive on this deck like your are the real life GM’s of said teams you discuss and then dismiss anybody who contradicts any of you.
Fact is nobody here handles an NHL budget, ices a team, negotiates contracts or trades one asset for another. Fact is the most experienced person on this website who can and might do many of these duties is our host.
The rest of us are merely enthusiastic armchair GM”s
So in short, smack your egos back to real life cuz your own hot air is sticking up the room
A fairly accurate assessment.
If anyone has not heard the Sabres fan ‘DuaneS39’s rant yet. I highly recommend having a listen, you will not be disappointed…unless your a Buffalo fan. It is pure gold.
Google that s#/+!
Shiny knockoff jerseys
Pengy…. Palmeri & Kovalchuk & Vatanen merry Christmas.
Palmeri has another year good price.
Vatanen can be resigned we wont have G-chuck Bjugstad, Schultz and possibly Murray (IN THE OFF SEASON) that’s $18.25 million off the books for next season. Cap will go up some too….
1.Crosby Palmeri Simon/Kahun
2. Malkin Kovalchuk Rust
3. McCann Hornqvist Kahun/Simon
4. ZAR Bluger Tanev
Letang Dumoulin
Marino Pettersson
Vatanen Schultz
Jarry/Murray
I’ll take this to the playoffs…