NHL Rumor Mill – February 11, 2020

by | Feb 11, 2020 | Rumors | 107 comments

Could Kyle Palmieri be a good trade option for the Bruins? Which players should the Flames target as a potential replacement for Mark Giordano? Could the Red Wings shop Andreas Athanasiou or Jonathan Bernier? Could Ducks winger Ondrej Kase become a trade target? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.

COULD THE BRUINS PURSUE PALMIERI?

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Joe Haggerty suggests New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri would be a good trade option for the Bruins if they fail to land New York’s Chris Kreider, LA’s Tyler Toffoli, or Detroit’s Andreas Athanasiou. It remains to be seen if the Devils will shop Palmieri, who has a year remaining on his contract ($4.65-million annual average salary).

Palmieri is their leading scorer with 37 points in 50 games, including 20 goals. He’s not a big, physical forward, but would provide the offensive production the Bruins need at right wing. Other trade options could include Miles Wood or Blake Coleman.

Would New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri be a good fit with the Boston Bruins? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Palmieri might be more affordable than Kreider or Toffoli, but the Devils aren’t just going to give him away. They’ll want a return that helps them now and in the future, which means including a good, young NHL player as part of the return.

SUGGESTED TRADE TARGETS FOR THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis recently suggested several trade targets for the Calgary Flames to consider as a possible replacement sidelined defenseman Mark Giordano. The Flames captain is listed as week-to-week with a hamstring injury.

Longer-term options included Minnesota’s Matt Dumba, Montreal’s Jeff Petry, Anaheim’s Josh Manson, and Philadelphia’s Shayne Gostisbehere. Rentals include San Jose’s Brenden Dillon, Buffalo’s Zach Bogosian, New Jersey’s Sami Vatanen, Montreal’s Marco Scandella, and Ottawa’s Ron Hainsey.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of those long-term options seem more like wishful thinking. The asking price for Dumba and Manson will be expensive, while the Habs reportedly aren’t shopping Petry. Gostisbehere could be available, but his stock has tumbled over the last two years. Of those rentals, Vatanen would be the best choice, but he could be more costly to acquire than the others.

WILL THE RED WINGS SHOP ATHANASIOU OR BERNIER?

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan believes forward Andreas Athanasiou and goaltender Jonathan Bernier could be the Detroit Red Wings’ most significant trade chips. Bernier’s played well since Dec. 12, winning seven of 12 games with a 1.97 goals-against average and .940 save percentage during that stretch. Athanasiou is struggling to score this season, making him a prime trade candidate.

Trading Bernier, who has a year remaining on his contract,Ā  would mean the Wings would have to acquire two goalies this summer via trade or free agency, as veteran Jimmy Howard is an unrestricted free agent on July 1. As for Athanasiou, the main question is whether to hang onto him in the hope his trade value increases in the summer or attempt to move him before the deadline. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Keep Bernier and move Athanasiou if they get a decent offer. Finding a suitable replacement for one goalie in the off-season is difficult enough.

LATEST ON THE DUCKS

THE ATHLETIC: Eric Stephens reports the recently improved performance of several Anaheim Ducks players could improve their trade value. Forwards Ondrej Kase, Nick Ritchie, and Derek Grant have stepped up of late. Stephens also thinks defenseman Michael Del Zotto might be on the move before the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kase has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill in recent weeks. TSN’s Travis Yost highlighted the 24-year-old winger as a productive, albeit injury-challenged performer. He probably won’t fetch the Ducks more than a second-round pick or a decent prospect. Besides, management could consider him worth retaining as part of their rebuild.







107 Comments

  1. Trying to see if Zucker set the market price for a 20 goal top 6 winger but he does arrive with 3 more years on his contract. And yes the Pens are all in…how many years or decades before they get another Sid+Geno 1-2 punch.

    Kyle P gets a 2nd +?

    • Hi ds

      With the over payment by Pens on Zucker; Palmieri (a far far greater forward than Zucker; and with one more year under his contract); he may just get a 1st plus.

      I posted below that I truly believe that

      1st , Addison, G-Chuck plus one of the depth Pens Fwds (Laffy? Simon?) probably could have gotten both Palmeiri and Vatts.

      That would have been a massive improvement over just getting Zucker.

      That would have solidified not only Top 6 but the D as well (needed due to injuries of Dumo and Marino)

      Zucker more a middle 6 guy than a true top 6.

      • @ PENGY

        AGREE 100%

      • @pengy
        they wanted Zucker since the summer. JR has some magic with his trades and instant team chemistry. Kyle P gets moved often…
        I take Zucker over Kyle but if Calen Addison becomes 2nd pairing D this one will hurt. Guerin probably wanted no part of Alex G

      • Maybe this will be a better team for Galchenyuk, you never know? Tanner Pearson was brutal when he was on the Pens and heā€™s having a decent year. Addison should have been off limits. The Pens have had like 3 first round picks in the last decade and only one is still with the team. Good thing the organization is so good at d+d or they would be in serious trouble by now.

      • Hi ds

        You are absolutely bang on… GMJR has been touting and “romancing” Zucker for eons it seems.

        His overt liking of him would have also increased the demand by Billy G as he would have known how much Zucker meant to Jimbo

        In addition, you are very right in thinking that Billy G had no interest in G-Chuck

        The combination of knowing Jimbos overt want of Zucker and having to take on G-Chuck were definitely the moving factor in Addison in the trade vs. any other prospect.

        As at now, this is a very skewed trade. Time will tell.

        Chemistry as you have said is very important. Pearson as you have said just didn’t mesh in.

        Not sure if Zucker will have more chemistry than say Palmeiri might have; or any other potential forward coming in.

        time will tell.

        Under no circumstances would I believe that Zucker is better than Palmeiri. He is not now nor has he been in the past.

        time will tell; but as at now I can’t even conceive of it (Zucker’s future better than Palmieiri’s)

        Re “Calen Addision becoming a 2nd pairing” on Minn. I believe he will be a top pairing Dman in 2-3 years on Minn.

        This just may give Billy G an opportunity for more moves. If he believes (as I do) the value and potential of Addision; and he knows that there is no chance this year for Minn. and that his window is a couple of years away; perhaps he does move Dumba now for a huge return????

      • Wow, you guys a really high on Addison. He looked great running the PP for Canada in the WJC, but to me is ceiling is to be a guy like Krug. Great PP guy, can move the puck but your not throwing him over the boards on your top pair that is expected to defend the other teams top line. Still a valuable player, if he becomes that, which is still a maybe IMO.
        I think the key to this deal is the term Zucker has on his deal so about more than this season and including G-Chuk gives the Pens flexibility to add another piece for the playoff push. We will see if it works.

      • Pengy. If it was an overpayment it was only just. And there ainā€™t no way they get both those guys from jersey for what you suggest.

        Addison is a solid prospect but not a canā€™t miss stud.

    • But rough of a payment but also not crazy either. A conditional 1st, a b prospect, and a salary dump for a top six winger with term. If that sets the market Iā€™d be frustrated as a seller.

      • Hi Chrisms

        Iā€™m with you if I believed Addison was a B prospect

        I donā€™t and nor did Pens before this trade

        They had been seriously touting his future ; and I agree with that assertion

        Iā€™m 100 % with Deee in this ; Addison should have been off limits

        The 1st was a given … the condition (flipping it to ā€˜21) is boilerplate protection clause in case somehow Pens implode and miss play-offs this year

        If as suspected ; Billy G really wanted nothing to do with G-Chuck (and I believe that); why in hell did GMJR insist on it… that insistence cost Addison over likely someone like Joseph ir Legare

        Pens had Guentzelā€™s space (annual rate of $6.0 M vs $5.5 M for Zucker)

        If he wanted more space and wanted rid of G-Chuck…. he either could have separately shopped him at 50% retained …. for even a 7th in ā€˜21 or for ā€œfuture considerations ā€œ (read as nothing;

        OR if there was absolutely no takers (possibility) ; waive him and bury him and save $1.08 M (at annual rate)

        Options were there

        Phil screwed Pens over …. the trade he nixed if what they say was true …. Pens would have already had Zucker over G-Chuck; and would have been rid of JJ ; for Phil and a mid rounder šŸ˜”šŸ˜”šŸ˜”šŸ˜”

      • I consider an a prospect to be a disappointment if they donā€™t end up as a top pair guy or top line guy. Addison would have to break through his proposed ceiling to be that. Hence b prospect. And it may have been a wink wink condition but it still provides protection.

      • I think the deal is good for both teams.
        The Pens got a player who has been a lock for 20 goals and 40+ points a year for this year and the next 3. They aren’t cheap.
        Wild get a prospect (mid 2nd RD pick last year) who has offensive upside but hasn’t played above junior hockey and a late 1st rd pick.
        Wild need young players, picks and prospects.
        The Pens want to win another cup this year and over the next 2-3 years.
        Addison and the late first wouldn’t be regular contributors to the big club for another 2 years, if ever.
        Rutherford doesn’t give a crap about anything past the next 2-3 years. It is all in while Crosby and Malkin can still play at a high level. Which makes perfect sense to me. The Guentzel injury forced him to do something, so he did.

  2. Good morning

    FYI …as to my random Beauvillier post 3 days ago …LOL

    Two first-period goals by Anthony Beauvillier powered the New York Islanders to a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals

    I really want this player in my top 6 ..we really need a finisher and conversion…!

    CANUCKS

    I watched some highlights of Canucks games on Sports net …I can not believe the abuse that Elias Petterson is taking ….this guy is going to get hurt bad by someone ..taking liberties ..the Canucks and the league need to address this ..its gotten out of hand …IMO …while Iam a proponent of physical play and fights ..this is different ..he is being targeted and due to the leagues frowning on fighting and sticking up for yourself …A LA KASSIAN …more liberties are being taken ..The Canucks need to find a way to insulate this guy with a big strong power winger …or he is going to continue to get eaten alive and cut short his career !

    Would love to see Palmierie in a Canucks uniform ..would be a nice fit ..IMO on where they are at !

    OFF SEASON TRADE

    Matt Murray
    for
    Athanasaiou and a pick

    Wings are looking for a new direction in Net and can negotiate the contract ..He would be there solid #1 in a rebuild and the perfect age and experience to do so !

    Cheers

    • Well Jimbo went out and got a forward

      This was severe over-payment in my mind

      The first was a given and no issues whatsoever there; but handing them Addison (who was touted as the ā€œnew Letangā€ and was hoped for as replacing Letang (as top pairing puck moving D when at the end of Letangā€™s current contract) was just crazy

      Jimbo did NOT have to throw them G-Chuck; as Guentzā€™s space would have allowed the acquisition of Zucker w/o doing that. Forcing Billy G to take on G-chuck is probably what kicked the extra plus from something like Joseph or Legare to Addison. Crying shame.

      I was hoping for Tatar (and seeing this deal and hearing now that Montreal would likely have taken a first and Legare) but Jimbo apparently didnā€™t even try. According to TSN, he was waiting for Bergevin to open up any channels before giving Bergevin a call. That is just nutty. Pure lunacy. He could have had a much better player for less given up; less Cap hit; and only affecting the Cap for one more year.

      Zucker is middle 6 winger with one 30 goal season (17/18) under his belt; (no other time getting over 22) but has faltered since and was only 6th on Minn (a much much weaker team than Pens) this year; had recently been on 4th line duties and also benched. Some of that of course was the conflict with Minn coaches and the uncertainty and upheaval of a potential deal. However, some of that would have to have been due to performance.

      Zucker is also a very very poor playoff performerā€¦. Only 8 points in 31 games; 1 point in the last 10 playoff games and only 3 points in the last 16 games.

      Zucker for sure will bring grit; is a good 200ā€™ player; has reasonable speed; and has term (albeit it just may be a tad heavy in coming years relative to expected performance).

      I expect him to come out of the gate with production (change of scenery and trying to show up /prove they were wrong Minn.)

      Iā€™m hoping that this continues through YE and into and all of playoffs; but I fear that a repeated unproductive finish to the season and/or poor (repeating past performances) playoffs; will just make him the Pens ā€œnewā€ G-Chuck.

      Pens still in a precarious situation with Dumo and Marino both out for at least the rest of this month. They need a depth D as well. Trade cupboard is bare; unless they can get a team to take the LTIR Bjugstaad.

      For the value of a 1st, Addison, and G-Chuck; Iā€™m confident that GMJR could have (maybe requiring two trades) received both a UFA forward (of equal or greater value than Zucker) and a depth D-man.

      Iā€™m very confident that Blake would have been all over 1st and Addison and G-Chuck for Toffoli and Hutton or Forbort (maybe even Martinez !!) . That for sure is a better return than Zucker and only tied to any cap for this year.

      1st , Addison, and G-Chuck plus one of the depth Pens Fwds like Laffy or Simon probably could have gotten Palmeiri and Vatts. Massive upgrade to just getting Zucker.

      Would Sharks have moved on 1st and Addison plus another depth piece for Dillon and Lebanc?

      Stevie Y would have likely salivated at a 1st and Addison and G-Chuck for AA and Green (with Sal retained to make Cap balance out)

      Iā€™m absolutely hoping and praying that Iā€™m wrong about Zucker and that he substantially improves and pulls up his playoff socks and turns his historical playoff blunders into something of the distant past.

      Fingers crossed

      Go Pens Go

      • @ PENGY

        A Palmierie and Vats
        or
        A Dillon and Lebanc

        Would have required even more of an over payment if what was all ready paid is the market right now ..

        Both of the other deals would have been BETTER for sure but it seems as if they would require A LOT more involved ..from PITT ..

        The market seems to be a bit CRAZY RICH right now !

      • The “new” Letang??? God, for Addison’s sake I hope not …

        GMJR ponied up like he should have, 1st will be really low in a supposed weak draft and shedding Gally is addition by subtraction …

        Great move, you other Pens fans do realize we are in a win now situation right??? screw tomorrow …

      • Hi Kal El

        Re:

        “A Palmierie and Vats
        or
        A Dillon and Lebanc

        Would have required even more of an over payment if what was all ready paid is the market right now ..”

        Yes now true due to the serious over payment by Pens on Zucker.

        However; w/o that Zucker trade; I think that is exactly the kind of deal that Pens could have made.

        the Zucker trade has now artificially inflated the expected market return.

        I’m sure that Sweeney is very very angry at Jimbo right now.

        Blake, and maybe Dorion, Gorton, and Fitzgerald are absolutely giddy over that trade.

      • Hi Ed

        I know you are not a Letang fan.

        I am

        Let me rephrase— Addison was expected to be Pens top pairing, puck moving Dman in 3 years. Their top Dman of the future.

        This was a severe give by Pens

        Correctamundo w.r.t. the first being a late one; and of course with a pick… uncertainty.

        However “in a supposed weak draft” is completely contrary to what all NHL media are saying… that this draft is going to be “very deep” and “one of the strongest in many many years”.

        Correct again re: addition by subtraction. However I fully believe that that “addition” (by subtraction— forcing Minn to take on G-Chuck) moved the “extra” in the trade from another much weaker prospect …….to giving up Addison. A move that GMJR needed not to make.

        My contention is not that GMJR ponied up. He did and rightfully so. The window is now as you have rightfully stated.

        However, it was who he picked up (ponied up for) and it was a severe over payment (for an average mid-six forward); and he could have had a greater return (for 1st and Addison) had he looked elsewhere. That is my concern.

        I am hoping and praying that I am wrong about Zucker. I will gladly bow to Jimbo if Zucker comes in and puts up big numbers in the playoffs.

        The need for Pens is to get to the ECF where hopefully Guentzel can return.

        Originally they said 4-6 months and only 2 weeks ago they were saying “5” — putting him returning only during SCF (if Pens get there).

        Only a few days ago, however, it was reported the Pens were hoping to get him back late April…. meaning nearing end of round 2— likely late in series against probably the Caps

        Go Pens Go

      • Ed impe. Where in the world have you heard this is a weak draft??? The talk is this is the best draft since 2003!

      • Ed. Supposed to be deepest draft in years.

      • @Pengy I completely agree with you. Funny thing is they had a winger who was a proven playoff performer named Kessel. Instead they trade him get garbage in return then give up way to much to try and replace him. 5.5 million a year is to much for Zucker as well.

      • Pengy…looking at two different sources one of them from Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh Rutherford’s not done yet..

        Apparently he is engaged in serious talks with the Sharks…..defense man Brendan Dillon..wouldn’t that be nice..
        fingers crossed as you say..

      • With Marino coming back in as soon as three weeks Iā€™m not sure another big d deal is out there. Maybe a depth d? But promising news on Marino.

    • Hi Kal El

      Not sure why my lengthy post re Zucker posted twice including once as a response to yours?????

      Re:

      “OFF SEASON TRADE

      Matt Murray
      for
      Athanasaiou and a pick”

      Not a bad proposal; I’m not sure that DeSmith replacing Murry next year is the right move though.

      This would depend on the pick coming back.

      to me it would need to be a 2nd (note as at now , due to Zucker trade, Pens don’t pick until late in 3rd round).

      Detroit have Caps 2nd ; so they would not need to give up the 32nd or 33rd over-all pick.

      All Pens off-season moves will be dependent on their playoff success.

      Winning the cup (a long shot noted) is much much different from another 1st round exit.

      fingers crossed

      • @ Pengy

        IMO …The Pens need to upgrade on both forwards ( wingers ) and top 4 D men ..they can not afford to resign Matt Murray and upgrade those areas …IMO …for what he will be asking and his inconsistent play !
        Iam happy with Jarry taking the #1 next year and Desmith as the back up from what Ive seen of both over the past 2 years …you can have both of those guys for less than Murray alone …allows Rutherford to hit the UFA market in off season for a good D man !

        His value is really at his best right now and before expansion draft !

      • sorry – I don’t see Yzerman trading a high pick + AA for Murray – he has struggled this season, and his stock is down right now. And we know that the Pen’s need to get rid of a goalie before the expansion draft next year.

      • Hi Kal El and Iago: Re: Murray

        Kal El is right that Murray’s camp will be asking a substantial increase in contract; certainly if his recent play continues.

        yes he was up and down and definitely inconsistent early in the season; but recently he has been quite good and has recently matched if not out performed the already good performance of Jarry

        Yes, Pens need to be cognizant of who they might lose in the expansion draft. The 2nd gone this year was specifically the cost from VGKs for them to “take” Fleury over Murray.

        If Murray continues to show as he has of late; and if Pens do decide to move him…..

        Then a trade to Detroit just might have a fair return of AA plus Caps 2nd rounder (which will be in the 57th – 62nd position).

        It is basically an RFA for and RFA of the same age and since AA has been on a slide; and assuming what I have above as a recent surge by Murray; the plus would need to come from Detroit and 57th – 62nd pick is worth it IMHO

        This of course presumes that Stevie Y is for sure looking for a goalie!!!

      • Apparently, the often injured Murray is setting the new standard for goaltender returns?

        Have you been paying attention to the market over the last…. i donā€™t know …. decade?

        Murray is not getting that type of return…..

      • A reclaimation project and say a second round pick for Murray. Iā€™d say you were crazy but goalies arenā€™t worth as much as they should be. Iā€™d consider it as a pens fan.

      • @Kal El Although you are correct about the goaltending during the regular season not all goalies can deal with the pressure and grind of a long playoff run. Murray’s has proven more than once that he has what it takes to win it all. I keep him for these playoffs and look to move him in the off season.

      • Pengy….Athanasius will get moved before then

    • Nothing compared to mcd. Quit whining ,its a tough league, if he can’t cut it to bad.

      • The thing is people pay money to see these skilled players play, not the unskilled take cheap shots at them.
        You know there is something wrong in the league when the skilled players are low on the list of penalties drawn against and a player like Matt Tkachuk are at or near the top of the list.

      • I think you overvalue Murray. He is currently 39th in GAA, and 56th in save percentage while playing for a good team. And we know that his stats will get worse in Detroit, while AA’s will improve dramatically in Pittsburgh. Both are having a down year, but I don’t see Murray as good enough to be the long term goalie solution in Detroit, at least not a good enough one to give up AA plus a high pick.

      • Itā€™s a bit silly to pop pop a Murray for aa trade and use this years stats as the justification wouldnā€™t you say?

    • when you rebuild you want pucks to go in your net not kept out—thats how you get good picks—oops i told inside info

      • That was certainly the Eddie Johnson philosophy leading up to the Crosby draft.

      • Chrisms – are you using AA’s stats from this season or last when you assign value to him ? I’ll bet you are using this year’s.

      • Yes I am. Just like you are doing with Murray. Hence my point that your assessment is a bit silly.

  3. Well Jimbo went out and got a forward

    This was severe over-payment in my mind

    The first was a given and no issues whatsoever there; but handing them Addison (who was touted as the ā€œnew Letangā€ and was hoped for as replacing Letang (as top pairing puck moving D when at the end of Letangā€™s current contract) was just crazy

    Jimbo did NOT have to throw them G-Chuck; as Guentzā€™s space would have allowed the acquisition of Zucker w/o doing that. Forcing Billy G to take on G-chuck is probably what kicked the extra plus from something like Joseph or Legare to Addison. Crying shame.

    I was hoping for Tatar (and seeing this deal and hearing now that Montreal would likely have taken a first and Legare) but Jimbo apparently didnā€™t even try. According to TSN, he was waiting for Bergevin to open up any channels before giving Bergevin a call. That is just nutty. Pure lunacy. He could have had a much better player for less given up; less Cap hit; and only affecting the Cap for one more year.

    Zucker is middle 6 winger with one 30 goal season (17/18) under his belt; (no other time getting over 22) but has faltered since and was only 6th on Minn (a much much weaker team than Pens) this year; had recently been on 4th line duties and also benched. Some of that of course was the conflict with Minn coaches and the uncertainty and upheaval of a potential deal. However, some of that would have to have been due to performance.

    Zucker is also a very very poor playoff performerā€¦. Only 8 points in 31 games; 1 point in the last 10 playoff games and only 3 points in the last 16 games.

    Zucker for sure will bring grit; is a good 200ā€™ player; has reasonable speed; and has term (albeit it just may be a tad heavy in coming years relative to expected performance).

    I expect him to come out of the gate with production (change of scenery and trying to show up /prove they were wrong Minn.)

    Iā€™m hoping that this continues through YE and into and all of playoffs; but I fear that a repeated unproductive finish to the season and/or poor (repeating past performances) playoffs; will just make him the Pens ā€œnewā€ G-Chuck.

    Pens still in a precarious situation with Dumo and Marino both out for at least the rest of this month. They need a depth D as well. Trade cupboard is bare; unless they can get a team to take the LTIR Bjugstaad.

    For the value of a 1st, Addison, and G-Chuck; Iā€™m confident that GMJR could have (maybe requiring two trades) received both a UFA forward (of equal or greater value than Zucker) and a depth D-man.

    Iā€™m very confident that Blake would have been all over 1st and Addison and G-Chuck for Toffoli and Hutton or Forbort (maybe even Martinez !!) . That for sure is a better return than Zucker and only tied to any cap for this year.

    1st , Addison, and G-Chuck plus one of the depth Pens Fwds like Laffy or Simon probably could have gotten Palmeiri and Vatts. Massive upgrade to just getting Zucker.

    Would Sharks have moved on 1st and Addison plus another depth piece for Dillon and Lebanc?

    Stevie Y would have likely salivated at a 1st and Addison and G-Chuck for AA and Green (with Sal retained to make Cap balance out)

    Iā€™m absolutely hoping and praying that Iā€™m wrong about Zucker and that he substantially improves and pulls up his playoff socks and turns his historical playoff blunders into something of the distant past.

    Fingers crossed

    Go Pens Go

  4. Bruins seem to be looking at 3 parts of the team to upgrade, choosing between a big rugged goal scorer (Kreider)for the 2nd line or just the goal scorer ( Toffoli ) without the grit & size ………adding a Dman ( Dillon/Dillon with size to take on the bigger wingers for the playoffs & a winger ( Ross The Boss) for the 4th line that opposing players stay away from, like to see all three happen but cap space and what gets traded away wonā€™t allow it so how about 2 of 3……..speed/size & toughness

    • I think the only way that the bruins make 2 of these deals you mention is by trading Backes. That’s the only way salaries will work.

      But you are correct, they need 2 of the 3 top make a serious run. They need Dillion on the back end to help eat some tough minutes in the playoffs and wear down opponents.

      If i can’t someone like Palmari or Krieder I would honestly look at bringing Thornton back. He has played some wing with the sharks can center a line and would add to an already really good PP. I know hes older but he wants a cup and it would be awesome if that came full circle with the Bruins.

      I think the chance of MTL trading kovi to the Bruins is slim to none.

      Boston is like the pens, they don’t have much of a window left to get another one.

  5. The French have a saying that goes ā€œplus Ƨa change, plus c’est la mĆŖme choseā€ (roughly translated – the more things change the miore they stay the same).

    Thatā€™s certainly true in the overall scheme of things in the NHL when you consider that 7 teams currently sit in the same position today as they did at the 41-game mark in the league standings: Colorado (6), Vancouver (12), Vegas (16), NYR (22), Chicago (24), Buffalo (25) and Detroit (31).

    Five others have seen a positional change of 1: Pittsburgh (5th to 4th), Calgary (18th to 17th), Nashville 20th to 21st). SJ (26th to 27th), L.A. (29th to 30th).

    These 10 have seen positional changes of 2: Boston (3rd to 1st), Washingtom (1st to 3rd), Philadelphia (11th to 9th), Carolina (8th to 10th); Dallas (9th to 11th), Florida 13th to 15th), Minnesota (21st ro 23rd),Anaheim (28th to 26th), NJ (30th to 28th), Ottawa (27th to 29th).

    Positional changes of 3 include: St. Louis (2nd to 5th), NYI (4th to 7th), Toronto (10th to 13th), Montreal (23rd to 20th)

    Positional changes from 4 up are: Tampa Bay (7th to 2nd), Columbus (17th to 8th), Edmonton (190th to 14th), Winnipeg (14th to 18th), Arizona (15th to 19th).

    Of course, at this stage there is a wide range of games in hand with Montreal and Arizona having played the most (58) and Pittsburgh, Colorado, NYR, NYI, NJ the fewest (54). What is it about the schedule and those teams in NY/NJ?

    • George O has been listening to his old Rush LPs to share that Francois gem. RIP Neil Peart. Best.Drummer.Ever

      • LOL. I’d forgotten by Circumstances (which, by the way, was also the flipside of their 1980 single hit The Spirit Of Radio)

        All the same we take our chances
        Laughed at by time
        Tricked by circumstances
        Plus a change
        Plus c’est la meme chose

  6. Maybe the Pens dumped Galchenyuk for other reasons. Like another deal In the works.
    Funny I predicted yesterday morning this week and the trigger was pulled that afternoon. Rutherford wanted Zucker and got his man-early. I am sure that was the price.

    • Hi Silver Seven

      Maybe— Jimbo has his cell on

      Two things worked against Jimbo in the trade

      1— he publicly stated over and over and over again (for months) his bromance for Zucker. This is akin to the young couple going in to an open house trying to buy their first home and overtly and loudly “oooing and ahhhhing” and repeatedly praising the house …. in front of the selling Real Estate Agent… their negotiating position plummets; they pay much more than they would have if they had shut up.

      2- having Minn take on G-Chuck. This did NOT have to happen as Pens had more than enough space with Guentzel on LTIR.

      You are correct that the “freeing up” of more space by moving G-Chuck could be a precursor to another move… however, now the asset cupboard is bare. Pens don’t pick until late 3rd round this year; and have now lost their most valuable prospect.

      Pens do need a depth D right now. No idea how long Marino is out and/or how long until Dumo returns.

      When both back for playoffs:

      Tanger/Dumo; Shultz/Petterson; Marino/Riikola would work just fine.

      However, they will crazily play JJ; so an added D now for the playoff positioning push and the playoffs ; just might be the way to go.

      That would truly be an “all in” move as more assets going out the door.

      The other chance is a move of Bjugstaad (who has one more year left) for a UFA Dman. Not sure if that materializes

      Would Sharks bite on Bjugstaad and maybe Laffy for Dillon?

      • That Jim Rutherford – in over his head, wouldn’t you say?

      • WhT does the salary look like when the injuries are done Bjugstad is over 4 alone

      • Hi Silver 7

        Bjug Cap already counted for and covered

        With Guentzel on LTIR for the entire rest of regular season; they had that amount full in terms if space; please s some of the Cap freed up by the Gudbranson mive (some of that has been eaten up by call up replacements)

        Pens could have taken on a contract with annual AAV of $6M (same as Guentzel) w/o moving out G-Chuck

        Zuckerā€™s AAV is $5.5M

        Leafs just might also be in a similar boat if they decide that Reilly will not return until post season ; Reilly on LTIR until playoffs would allow Leafs to bring in a similar AAV

    • @ Silver 7

      How about the fact that he has just stunk out loud …and never translated into anything ..experiment is over !
      Iam sure the 1st rounder was to take his contract for the rest of this year !

      But I am sure also it has to do with Rutherford wanting to make another deal as well..If Galchenyuk an get dealt …any trade is possible this year !

      • “any trade is possible this year !”

        Even JJ?

        Be still my heart

    • Silver7….you nailed the Pitt trade prediction yesterday, nice one. For all the trade suggestions and predictions that flow through this site it is nice to see the odd one pan out.

    • As well, you also have to think that Guerin spoke to any other GM who expressed an interest in Zucker to weigh one offer against another, spoke to his coaching staff aND then came to the conclusion that Pittsburgh’s was the best he was going to get and that it would not see anything better by waiting for the trade deadline. So he jumped at it early rather than later.

  7. I wonder if Armstrong/Blues would have interest in Bernier and AA from Detroit—maybe sending Jake Allen, Zack Sanford, and a prospect or draft pick??

  8. Hi Joeman

    I’ve posted many times already — Krieder is a needle mover; but I’m not 100% convinced he is moved.

    Come 5 PM TDL; I truly believe Krieder will only on one of two teams: Rangers or Bruins.

    With the Zucker over-payment; Sweeney is going to have to kick his previously thought out offer to Gorton for Krieder.

    Agree with your assertion on prudent Bruins moves for playoff success.

    No matter what; the Bolts and Bruins are very likely to meet in the EC Semis— that will be an excellent series to watch.

    • Sorry Joeman

      Was supposed to be linked/replied to your post above

    • Kreider has won absolutely nothing so until he does I can’t consider him a needle mover. It’s not like he’s a 22 year old point per game star. Good player for sure but the difference in a team winning the cup or not I doubt it.

      • I absolutely despise this type of thinking. By that standard Ray Borques career was useless and wait for it Chrism…… Mike Rupp was elite! He scored a Game-winning cup clinching goal!!!!!šŸ¤Ŗ

        Mcdavid, Draisatl, Barkov, Hedman, Stamkos, etc…/ useless

        Putting value on winning cups or failing to win cups is useless and bs.

      • Rebornā€™s career prior to being traded to Colorado ****

      • I kinda wish ruppers was on the pens right now.

        You are dead on. In a team sport you canā€™t say championships not matter to value. A few points though

        Gms still apparently place value on the intangibles such as playoff and championship experience

        When I evaluate players I look at not championships but a players ability to be significant in their ability to change games and help win. Kreider canā€™t do it himself but he also hasnā€™t done enough to call him a star.

        Bourque won a cup.

      • @nyr Ray Bourque was considered one of the best defenceman to ever play the game. Hardly a comparison to Kreider. Kreider is simply a good player with size and speed. Will he make your team better sure. Will he make you so good that you are all of a sudden a cup contender if you weren’t already then I doubt it. Kreider has been in the playoffs and didn’t exactly put the Rangers over the top with his performance. Elite like Bourque is elite. A good player like Kreider is just that. Like I said a team will overpay for him but like pretty much every single year it won’t win you the cup.

      • @kaka el to prove another point Kreider has played 77 playoff games with 37 points and a -5 rating. Hardley a needle mover. The gm who overpays for this guy will regret it.

      • So ray Borque not winning a cup in Boston somehow deflated his value?

        Iā€™m not comparing Kreider to Borque…. Iā€™m literally rolling my eyes right now that #1 I have to even say that…. and #2 that someone would take it as that….

        My point stands… Bourque ā€œnever won šŸ’© in Boston, and wasnā€™t winning one without that trade to Colorado. Dan Marino never won crap in his career…. on and on….. so if these type of elite players ā€œnever won anything ā€œ (Iā€™m positive Colorado wins with or without Bourque) why associate Kreiders career with not winning anything?

        Saying things like this is a shortcut to thinking.

      • Uh…?

      • @@nyr you don’t actually have a point and are trying to twist my words to fit your narrative. Kreider will not put you over the top. Is not a playoff performer and has won absolutely nothing. Comparing Bourque to Kreider is like comparing Gretzky to Toffoli. At least Toffoli won the cup but is not the main reason why they won see the difference. Kreider will never be considered for the hall of fame. Trading a 1st plus a good prospect for him thinking he puts you over the top is a mistake. Giving him 7 million a year for what he brings will be a mistake. Take the blinders off. He is not worth what a gm will surely pay.

  9. Pengy… no prob I always read what you have to say nice job

    Joe/Cable/Joeman

  10. If Iā€™m Bruins wouldnā€™t add a thing unless at last moment and itā€™s a steal last time I looked they were in first. Keep the kids playing and take your chances in a 7 game series.

    • X2!

    • Just as long as they hit on 26.3% of their PP theyā€™ll be ok…

  11. Ok GMā€™s what would it cost the Bruins to get Palmieri & Dillon from the NJD…..

    Wonder how much say Fitzgerald has a interim GM

    • Offer Fitzgerald a package including Backes, Heinen, Zboril and Tom’s own son, Ryan.
      How could he say no to that?šŸ˜‰

    • Dillon…Sharks

      • Sorry, Joe. I was thinking a deal involving Palmari / Vattenen (sp).
        I wouldn’t give up much for Dillon.

  12. I don’t watch of LA Kings game; however it was said by an LA Fan who watches all there games, that he doesn’t understand Boston interest in Toffoli, he says Toffoli is the softest player on the team. Looking at his penalty minutes which doesn’t necessary translate to toughness he has 16 in 56 games last season 23 in 82 games. Anybody watch enough that would agree or disagree with that statement?

    I think the price for Kreider is going to way to high and Boston might be able to add multiple pieces at the same cost or less then will give them more depth. The only way I want them to give up a first plus for Kreider is if he is extended; otherwise please pass.

    My target if available Athanasiou, Johansson and Dillon. 2 have term and Dillon can add the grit on the back end being missed by Miller who should sit on the sidelines until playoffs, use the cap $$

    • With what Zucker got, I agree Kreider will be a very high asking price.

      I believe if Boston wants Kreider he would sign with them long term. He would have a chance every year for the cup.

    • I wonder what the Bruins would offer for AA ? I think it would be tough for them to do. A first round pick would be no better than 30th, so it’s almost like a second, and that doesn’t move the needle for me. And I don’t see much of high interest in the prospect pool there either.

    • Caper, I wouldn’t exactly call him the softest player on LA but he’s far from the toughest or hardest to play against.

      If your trading for Toffoli, your going after his goal scoring prowess and his two way game. He is very underrated in terms of his pk abilities and defensive zone presence.

      • Thanks Canadian King

    • Caper, I like your targets. I would like to see them get two of these three packages…

      from NYR- Fast and Georgiev

      from Duck- Kase and Gudbranson

      from Sharks- Dillon and Thornton

  13. AA & Bernier to TML for Nylander & Hutch?

    Resign Howard. Run with Howard & Hutch for another year unless they want to drop $$ on Holtby.

    Nylander is good piece moving forward but the move clears some cap for TML and gives them a reliable backup in case Freddi is out again.

    AA can slot with JT. JT makes everyone good.

    reasonable for both teams?

    • I would think if the Leafs move a forward, it would have to be for a 1-2-3 rearguard, depending on which forward is moved.

      • I agree – Toronto should be desperate to add a top 4 defenseman who can excel in his own zone – if they care to compete for a cup. Trading for a forward and another goalie wouldn’t help much, although they should have gone after Bernie rather than journeyman Campbell in the first place.

      • what is the cost of Dillon in SJ? Kerfoot & D prospect?

      • 5 things wrong with that trade 1 he`s a lefty 2 he`s a Ufa 3 he has trouble against teams with lots of speed 4 Toronto has no cap space 5 Toronto hasn`t got many dman prospects so they can`t afford to give up any in a trade and Kerfoot alone is an overpayment

    • The leafs already have a backup that will perform as good as Bernier. He’s already proven that he can’t handle the pressure of playing in Toronto and Nylander is a far better player than AA and worth way more. If you move a Nylander it’s for a top 4 you defensemen with term and a friendly cap hit.

  14. The pens have a shorter window than last year with thier 2 headed monster. Adding zuker is a good move. They lost a late pick, a very small offensive d man that looked good in wj but has stalled out in his offensive development. While it’s more plausible that a small guy can play in the nhl now days, he still hasnt even been playing against nhl sized players.

    Galch may benefit from a change of scenery, but he just wasnt a Fitb it the penguins system. He got opportunities with 2 of the best centers in the world and didnt produce. I’m sure he will score vs the pens every time they play but I expect the wild will flip him if they can.

    Zucker fills a need now. He is a much better scorer than simon on crosbys wing and has the defensive play. So it is a huge upgrade there. With kahun coming back. It will make them a very deep team. Add dumbo, marino back and bjuggs…I think they are good for the playoffs. I wouldnt be surprised if they flip Bjuggs for a top 4 defenseman. They really dont need him honestly. Though he is a big guy at center for a 4th line or even a 3rd.

    I think mccann as a 3rd line center is how they will go, move simone down to the 4th. That gives them the ability to play the 4th line far more and give the top 3 more rest going into the playoffs. Picking up a big top 4 def would help a lot as well. If gudbranson comes back. Or even a martinez etc…it will be a huge lift on def getting chad and maybe even jj out of the lineup.

    Zucker is not jake. He will.not score as much as jake. But he is really good defensively which they will need in the playoffs. When jake returns he and zuker flank crosby…and zuker can cover up defensively while jake and sid score, and occasionally throw in a goal or two. I think they won this trade by a large margin. They got a need filled and lost nothing that effect their team in the next 3 years.

    Zucker may not mesh with crosby, but they have Malkin so he has plenty of centers to mesh with that are top caliber. He has scored pretty consistently on a def minded team with no where near the quality of centers that the pens have. Time will tell l, but I like the trade. There is no one out there that will replace jake. Kreider would be great, but no way the rangers ever trade him to a team in the division.

  15. Another 1st round pick and young players moved out of Pittsburgh in a desperate move to remain relevant. vast overpay by Rutherford, again. By the time Malkin and Crosby are done the Pens arent going to have any draft picks or prospects left.
    Crosby, Letang and Murray are all one little bump to the noodle from being out for the season or worse. Is this version of the Pens any better than the one turfed in the 1st round last season? I pity the GM that has to clean up the mess Rutherford is surely going to leave behindl

    As for little Pettersson being abused and fouled by opponents maybe he should quit falling down at the slightest bump trying to draw penalties. His acting is almost as obvious as chronic diver/faker Crosby or McDavid. Grow a pair, stand up for yourself.

    • Iā€™ll take another shot or two at a ring before this run is over. Do you remember what that feels like? To have your team get a ring? Late first round picks ainā€™t keeping the pens relevant when the croskin era is over.

  16. George O has been listening to his old Rush LPs to share that Francois gem. RIP Neil Peart. Best.Drummer.Ever

    • Whose rush?

  17. Would Detroit be interested in moving there #1 to Montreal for there #1 and Cayden Primeau? The young French lad would look good in Habs colors.

    • There’s no guarantee that Detroit’s pick would automatically become the 1st overall. The last couple of years the last place team did not get the #1. In that regard Lafreniere would also appeal to the large Francophone population in Orleans and east as well as on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.

    • Besides if the Red Wings keep knocking off teams like Boston and Montreal they could pass L.A. in the standings in which case the Kings could be looking at their modern day version of Marcel Dionne.

      • I’m holding out hope for that very scenario to take place George. If your going to be bad, may as well be the worst.

    • Nope. But we in Detroit are already mentally prepared to pick 4th – we have dropped in the draft order each of the past three years, and this doesn’t seem to be the season to hope our luck will change.

  18. The math in Yost’s article was off when comparing GAR between Kase and Kreider, Kase’s should have been .3 less that what was posted bringing it to a total of approx .3 and about 0.25 less than Kreider.

  19. McDavid takes a seat

    • Del Zotto to the bolts?? It could happen

      • Del Zaster.

    • Worrisome. I love McDavid but memories of Bobby Orr are starting to creep in here. Hope for the best.

      • I don’t think it’s too serious BCLeafFan. The time off is related to the knee injury but the new injury isn’t, if that makes any sense at all.
        Charlie horse, quad above the knee he injured, so different muscle group, but attached to the PCL which was hurt last season and playing could cause extra stress to the PCL.
        If he hadn’t hurt that knee he likely plays, but extra caution IMO. 2-3 weeks is the time table given, but I would bet $20 he is back sooner.

  20. I like the trade for both the Pens and Wild.
    Needs were met.

    I predict Zucker goes off in Pittsburgh and becomes what Sid has always needed.
    The kid is a cherry picker and finds quite ice.
    Sid will give him tons of touches.
    I could also be wrong though, and he just stinks instead.

  21. Game of the evening

    TB @Pitt
    Pitt favorite -113

    TB moves within 1pt of the Bruins with a win & they are playing well

    • Go Zucker, Go Pens

  22. 100ā˜„ļøšŸ„‚šŸ¾

  23. Injuries are mounting Seth Jones out at least until the playoffs . Kadri as well longer term . Who knows with Gio Reilly and Drouin gone 12 weeks . All starting with Tarasenko 10 games in .

    You need depth and money to deal with the inevitable .