NHL Rumor Mill – August 28, 2020
The latest on the Canadiens, Oilers, and Red Wings in today’s NHL rumor mill.
CANADIENS
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin examined how the Montreal Canadiens could use their cap space and their stockpile of draft picks and prospects to acquire players who otherwise wouldn’t be available at bargain prices.
Montreal Canadiens winger Max Domi (NHL Images)
They believe the Canadiens don’t have to trade winger Max Domi, who’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Despite his tepid playoffs, they feel he still has value to the Canadiens as a skilled offensive player. However, that could also make Domi valuable to other clubs. The Canadiens could swap him for another RFA like Detroit’s Anthony Mantha or Columbus’ Josh Anderson, package him with a first-round pick in hopes of landing an impact player or swing a hockey trade by shopping him to a club like the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Jonas Brodin.
Basu and Godin wonder whether the Habs would shop the first-round pick (16th overall) in this year’s draft for immediate help. The Habs could also use the flattened salary cap to their advantage by re-signing players like Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault, Tomas Tatar, Joel Armia, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi to value deals. They could go the free-agent route to fill minor holes in the lineup, such as their backup goaltending.
They also suggested looking at trade targets on cap-strapped teams, pointing to Tampa Bay’s Alex Killorn, Dallas’ Stephen Johns, and Columbus’ Markus Nutivaara. Killorn would bolster their forward lines (provided he waives his no-trade clause), while Johns or Nutivaara are right-side defensemen.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey reports Danault could face an uncertain future in Montreal with the rise of promising young centers like Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki. The two-way center was employed in a defensive role during the playoffs but indicated he wouldn’t want to limit himself to that specific part. With what he’s contributed in Montreal, Danault doesn’t expect his role will change, pointing out his offensive and defensive contributions.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin is expected to be busy in the off-season. He has a lot of assets to draw upon. Cap Friendly indicates the Canadiens have over $63 million invested in 16 players for next season, giving him plenty of room to take on a salaried player or two. He’s also got 14 picks in this year’s draft, including three in the second and fourth rounds and two in the third and fifth rounds He also holds eight picks through rounds three, four, and five of the 2021 draft.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Domi in the offseason. He’s considered the Habs’ most likely trade chip, but that will depend upon how contract discussions go and his value in the trade market.
Danault’s remarks about playing solely a defensive role prompted some fans and pundits to speculate he could be on his way out of Montreal, but I don’t think that’s the case. Reading his full remarks, he indicated he believes his role won’t change. I agree with him. He remains the Habs’ best two-way forward. Suzuki and Kotkaniemi played well in the postseason, but they still have limited NHL experience. I think Bergevin will stick with Danault centering one of his top-two lines for next season and see how things unfold.
As Basu and Godin point out, Bergevin must be careful not to overspend. He has a lot of cap space to work with for next season, but Danault, Gallagher, Petry, Armia, and Tartar become unrestricted free agents in 2021. The Habs GM can’t take on so much salary this year that it adversely affects efforts to retain most of those pending UFAs next summer.
RED WINGS
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan recently examined the unrestricted free agent goaltending options for the Detroit Red Wings. Among them are Calgary’s Cam Talbot, Washington’s Braden Holtby, Vegas’ Robin Lehner, Vancouver’s Jacob Markstrom, Chicago’s Corey Crawford, Dallas’ Anton Khudobin and the Islanders’ Thomas Greiss.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Khan also listed Philadelphia’s Brian Elliott and Edmonton’s Mike Smith, but I don’t believe either guy can help the Wings between the pipes. They need an experienced starter.
With over $47 million invested in 11 players for 2020-21, the Wings have plenty of salary-cap space to go shopping for goalie help in the UFA market. Nevertheless, GM Steve Yzerman will have to sell them on the merits of joining his rebuilding club. Markstrom and Crawford will likely stay with their current clubs. Lehner, too, if Vegas decides to part ways with Marc-Andre Fleury.
THE ATHLETIC: (subscription required) Max Bultman recently examined possible ways the Wings could address their second-line center position. He suggested Toronto’s Alex Kerfoot or Colorado’s Tyson Jost as trade options. Nashville’s Kyle Turris could be a free-agent option if the Predators buy out his contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bultman’s article appears before the Leafs traded winger Kasperi Kapanen. Leafs GM Kyle Dubas hinted more changes could come but that doesn’t mean Kerfoot could follow Kapanen out the door.
OILERS
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited NHL insider Brian Lawton speculating the Oilers could trade two of their top-four defensemen. Oscar Klefbom, Adam Larsson, Darnell Nurse, and Ethan Bear currently hold those spots.
Staples doesn’t see Bear going anywhere and thinks Nurse’s leadership, skating, physical play, and even-strength scoring should keep him in Edmonton. He took note of the recent speculation suggesting Larsson could be shopped, and also felt Klefbom could be moved if the right offer (No. 1 goal, top-line forward) came along.
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Allan Mitchell recently listed Florida winger Mike Hoffman, Vegas goaltender Robin Lehner, and Boston defenseman Torey Krug among his suggested free-agent targets for the Oilers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have over $70.4 million committed to 16 players next season. Unless they shed considerable salary, they can’t afford guys like Hoffman, Lehner, or Krug. If GM Ken Holland were to trade Larsson and/or Klefbom in cost-cutting moves, that would free up sufficient cap space for a proven starting goalie or a top-line forward.
With Calgary looking for a shake-up; what about something like:
To MTL:
Monahan
To CGY:
Domi
3rd/4th Rd. Pick (maybe…neither guy had a great season, but Monahan’s goal scoring consistency is still there)
This gives Montreal a legit Center while shaking up Calgary’s core. If Bennett or Dube can step into a larger role, or Lindholm moves to 1C, this really rounds out Calgary’s top 6.
SCJ. Reading above about Danault being unhappy with role, how would adding another center make sense for Montreal? Domi I can see being moved. Mainly because he’s better at center and there’s no room for him.
@Slick That’s fair, I had read a lot through the season regarding Montreal needing an actual top-line center, so I more based it off that. Danault isn’t and won’t be a 1C so Monahan shouldn’t affect his role unless they see Suzuki or Kotkaniemi also above Danault.
With Suzuki, KK, Danault, Poehling, and Domi Montreal doesn’t need centers, they need top 6 wingers and backup goaltending. I like Gaudreau, but unless the Habs get rid of Byron and Tatar, Gaudreau gives them too many small forwards.
I know its easier said than done, but the Habs need to bulk up while maintaining team speed. Look at what Tampa did after last year’s playoff embarrassment, and the size of the top 6 forwards on the other remaining playoff teams.
Do not like first trade. They have four centers Suzuki, Danault, KK and Evans. They need consistent left wing scoring. Top line Armia Suzuki Drouin. 2nd line Danault Tatar Gallegher. 3rd line KK Caufeld and consistend scoring left winger.
Caufield would be the consistent scorer on that line, I would play Lehkonen with them and concentrate on gettin a good D instead.
Caufield would be the consistent scorer on that line, I would play Lehkonen with them and concentrate on gettin a good D instead. But that’s just my opinion 🙂
Calgary would be foolish to make this trade.
Domi isn’t an impact player. Monahan can be penciled in for 30 goals, right now.
The Habs need to add big time.
Not to mention that the Habs have 3 talented centers to draw upon already for next year.
Or thats how I see it at least.
I could be wrong and Tre jumps on that deal.
This is total fantasy, but Minnesota’s looking for a #1 centre and Toronto’s looking for a top pairing RHD. Dubas could flip pick 15 with Auston Mathews and Frederik Andersen to MIN for Dumba, Staal, Dubnyk and pick 9. Leafs could then either keep Dubnyk and draft Askarov (goalie of future) at pick 9.
Suggested return was based off a down season and mediocre playoffs. If Calgary was going to trade one of Gaudreau or Monahan I remain firmly in the camp that Monahan should go after watching their playoffs.
Based on the reactions, it seems most people thing Suzuki or KK is ready to shoulder 1C minutes, and if that is the case then the trade truly makes no sense for anyone.
Why would Calgary do this, Domi has proven he isn’t a centre … and the Flames would weaken themselves down the middle tremendously … no thanks
Proposal as mentioned purely based around the reported ‘desire to shake up the core’ that is rumored. My thought when pitching it would be for Lindholm to move to 1C as he is good 2-way and has a great shot and put Tkachuk on the 1st. 2nd line could then include Domi-Backlund-Mangiapane. (Which still leaves Ryan, Bennett, and Dube for centers).
This then leaves $$$ for taking a shot at Lehner or upgrading the D.
The last full season Domi spent at centre he put up 72pts in 82 games. Pretty good for a non-centre.
I dont see Monahan to Mtl, maybee Gaudreau though, but Im worried about his size, Mtl has a lot of small forwards. How about sending Domi to Edmonton and a 2nd or 3rd pick for Larsson, big dependable top 4 defender? And Edmonton needs a good 3rd line center with an edge
What about the oilers trading Andreas A. for Domi. Montreal would get an upgrade on wing and the Oilers would get a third line center. If the oilers needed to spice it up options like Russell from Edmonton and a 3rd/4th from montreal.
A hockey trade for Montreal. Sabres RD Montour for Domi. Sabres could add a prospect like Asplund and/or a future mid-round pick conditional on Domi signing a long-term deal.
I wouldn’t give away a foward with 60 to 70 points/season potential for Montour. Ristolainen on the other hand…
This proposal makes a lot of sense … which probably means it will never happen 🙂
Pretty sure right D is not what the Habs need given Weber and Petry.
Wouldn’t make much sense for Detroit to sign an older ufa goalie. Bernier has a year left on his deal and they just signed a kid out of college that they drafted a few years ago. Spend a year giving the kid a shot as a backup. Killorn has a partial trade list and there will be plenty of interest in him. Most logical choice for Tampa to move. Curious how Tampa manages cap this off season. IMO, Yzerman was guy that brought Sergachev to Tampa. If I was him, he could probably get him to sign an offer sheet or negotiate a trade with his old team. Tampa already has over 14 mil tied up in left D with Hedman and McD. How much they plan on offering Sergachev? He would be a nice piece to go along with Seider, last years 6th overall pick, to build a young defense.
I’ve been wondering the exact same thing about Sergachev, Slick62. I truly believe it’d be worthwhile for Yzerman to explore this, and I think he’d go for it. He’d come in as a number 1 D and get a sweet contract. But is Yzerman prepared to offer what would be needed to trade for the rights? Would he offer sheet Sergachev?
And I TOTALLY agree with the goalie issue. Bernier is just fine manning the net. They’re just not at the point of dropping a fortune on a goalie who’s just gonna see his numbers take a dive due to a lack of defensive help for the next few years.
Re: “Basu and Godin wonder whether the Habs would shop the first-round pick (16th overall) in this year’s draft for immediate help,,,”
Several teams with picks somewhere near the middle (14 to 19) might be looking at the same idea. Looking back over the past 20 years, there are 7 that can be described as solid picks, with 3 bordering on steals, and 3 more (in recent years) where the jury is still out. Another 7 are best described as journeymen types and only 3 busts.
2000 Marcel Hossa Mtl 237gp
2001 R.J. Umberger Minn 279gp
2002 Jakub Klepis Ott 66gp bust
2003 Steve Bernier SJ 637gp
2004 Petteri Nokelainen NYI 245gp
2005 Alex Bourret Atl – never played
2006 Ty Wishart SJ 26gp bust
2007 Colin Gillies Min 154gp
2008 Joe Colborne Bos 295gp
2009 Nick Leddy Min 720gp
2010 Vladimir Tarasenko StL 507gp
2011 Joel Armia Buff 295gp
2012 Tom Wilson Wash 522gp
2013 Nikita Zadorov Buff 356gp
2014 Sonny Milano Clb 125gp
2015 Matthew Barzal NYI 234gp
2016 Jakob Chychrun Ariz 234gp
2017 Juuso Valimaki Cgy 24gp
2018 Martin Kaut Col 9gp
2019 Alex Newhook Col U.S. College
Many of the above have played a lot of their NHL games with teams other than those who drafted them.
I suppose the overriding factor in deciding whether or not to deal the pick is deciding if the player they get can help right away – otherwise, the odds say that pick will at least turn out to be a useful addition and maybe even someone of the quality of a Tarasenko or a Barzal.
George, we could sink hours into reviewing what a crap shoot the entry draft is. There are tons of first rounders who were disappointments, or flat out busts. Other times, seeming nobodies became stars:
Lidstrom: # 53, third round. # 2 pick that year? Dave Chysowski; Brad Marchant, 3rd round # 71 …)
My point is that wise GMs prefer players with a track record that shows what their performance will be like over any pick outside the top 10. TSN calculates that a player picked in the first round has an 80% chance of being an NHLer, but qualify that they will be “at least low-level NHL players.” Hardly inspiring.
Wonder if draft will ever be changed to be more in line with b-ball and football. I understand it’s not an American sport, but the idea of drafting 18 year olds seems a lot riskier. Then some draft picks go to college and teams end up losing their rights. Maybe raise the age of draft eligibility?
Hi Slick
I’ve advocated for increasing the draft age for many years now
So much more is known of s 19 year old re same athlete at 18
Physical growth and maturity in that year is tremendous
The ‘03 Draft year was the best ever and there was a big factor that many miss regarding it
Yes, there was certainly a big uptick in that talent pool no ifs ands or buts
But EVERY player in that draft had to wait out the next season because of work stoppage; so all were at least 1 year older wiser and more skilled when they reached the NHL ; some in first round say 5th and onward; who normally would have had to wait until at least the year they were 19 to start in the NHL; then actually started at 20 or 21….. look at how many from that draft have either already past 1,000 games and/or will next year
I’d really like the draft age increased
I’d bet not all if many were as deep as they say this draft will be.
Hi Ron
‘20 draft class certainly won’t rival ‘03 (but there is an additional reason for that ; see my post above) but I am guessing will certainly be in the top 3 of the others in the last 20 years
Chad resigned for 1 more year!!
Chrisms …. you better be sharding me
If GMJR did… that’s a fireable offence
Signing a Dman who is about 12th on their depth chart value-wise ; AND has major major major Defensive deficiencies ; (1) in the off season; (2) when he still has another year left under contract; and (3) there is absolutely no rush to re-sign him and (4) absolutely not a single team interested in him…. while most importantly (5) the FAR FAR FAR superior; WAY faster; 4 years younger Riikola who is an RFA and other teams circling and seeking him out….. would be just another point towards proving GMJR having completely lost reality
I really hope ur pulling my Ying Yang Chrisms
I don’t want to even check Cap F for fear you are right and immediately ruining my weekend
Is he extending JJ @$5 M per through 30-31 as well?
Please oh please oh please be fibbing ur buns off
The Horror
If he’s trying to set up next year with JJ/Ruhweedel as bottom pairing…. even the aquisition of McD wouldn’t get them into the playoffs
The solid, sane, safe, productive D for next year should be:
Tanger/Dumo
Marino/Pettersson
*Soucy/Riikola
With Czuczman or PO-J as 7th
*If he can’t come to terms on signing UFA Soucy…, get UFA Psyk who is a double asset in that he plays W & D equally well … watch him get a trey when he was in town against Leafs
Lyle, we are all arm chair GMs here, but the only way I see Danault continuing in Montreal next year is if KK is able to play third line center with wingers who can score. Danault is very good, but surely the Habs believe KK has more up side than Danault has. That must mean preference is given to KK’s development.
Factor in that Danault has one more year before becoming a UFA forces Bergevin to choose between who to keep. Berg has already said he sees 10+ years for Suzuki and KK with the Habs. Where does that leave Danault?
Aside from Domi, who do the Habs have that they can afford to give up that will make them better in any trade? That list in my opinion, contains one name …
I wonder if you could offer Domi to the Leafs with a package of picks for Marner? It helps Dubas make cap space for a right dman.
Would love that Craig, I am a Habs fan but also a Marner fan. I would easily start with Domi and the 16th overall but hey, it’s always fun to dream lol
It doesn’t say much for the hockey IQ on this sight, when people suggest trades involving Matthews.
Anyway, I was curious from Oiler fans on their thoughts on Larsson.
Matthews isn’t going to be traded unless he asked to be traded or refuses to sign an extension when due.
Larsson has been a bit of a disappointment.
Big guy, moves pretty good, battles hard and plays with an edge. A leader who plays and practices hard.
Has been a little inconsistent. Has had some health issues, which might be leading to the consistency issues. When he is on, he is a valuable player and excellent defender.
He is playing top pair minutes when he is a 3/4 guy, as the Oil don’t have a #1 guy, or even a #2 guy in reality. Although you could make an argument for Klefbom.
A RD the Leafs could use if he stays healthy. In a shut down role with Muzzin or to free up Reilly to roam.
I think the Oilers should stand their ground with what they have with one exception….if they could trade up to get Askarov, they should do it. Larsson and their 1st being the bait.
As for the Wings, they should also just continue with what they’re doing. They’re nowhere close to needing to drop an abundance of cash to contend. As much as draft picks are a crap shoot, now more than ever, they’re going to be the most useful commodities besides cap space for the next few years. That being said, trading #4 for Sergachev’s rights would be well worth it!
I dunno Artsy, Askarov might be available when the Oil come up so no need to trade up. I think Carolina is the biggest risk to scoop him one spot ahead of the Oil.
Tough call because I like the idea of the Oil drafting him.
Suzuki had a good first year , KK really only proved he was legit in the playoff’s. The Habs know what they have in Danault.
The first 20 games of next season will tell if they truly have a legit 1-2-3 punch down the middle. Drouin had a tough year but looked good with Suzuki in the playoffs so I can see that combo next year. Domi is the odd man out right now at center but I would not move him unless a good offer came along. I could see him starting the season @ wing a line with KK and Lehkonen. Playing him as a 4th line center is a waste and drives his value down.
Also if I was Bergevin I would be trying to extend Gallagher now, if he waits until next off season it could get even more expensive and messy.
Yeah, there is wisdom to holding onto Danault for the first quarter of the season — if he is not used to trade for a scoring forward with size during the off season.
Another dilemma Bergevin has: Will Kulak be the same D he was in the playoffs, or will he revert to regular season performance? The Habs have Romanov to work into the rotation next year, but they need at least one more D.
I know a lot of people were high on Kulak’s game but I wasn’t. While he did attack with some success at times, he was frequently out of position in the O zone, failed to keep the puck in and hesitated resulting in him having to scramble. His first pass is often suspect. I would like to see them move on from Mete and hope Romanov and Juulsen can allow that to happen with Kulak dropping to the third pairing. Not sure how the RH LH works out with them.
I also really like Domi but I think part of the Habs forward issues is balance or chemistry or whatever you want to call it. They have a bunch of Swiss Army knife guys. Too many in fact. The emergence of Evans is something. His preliminary look as a fourth liner is more in line with the Bruins and Penguins bottom six players. They are persistent, relentless, and strive to be technically sound. It doesn’t hurt that they tend to be able to bury their opportunities. I think that makes Lekhonen expendable. Not that he nets any return.
I am also against giving Drouin any more time to turn it around. He always looks good initially with a new line mate. Been there, done that.
Some combination of Mete, Lekhonen, Drouin and either Byron or Domi seems to me to make way for up and coming players and maybe a signing.
And I am somewhere around the bottom of my hockey pool so take it all with a grain of salt.
I see no reason for the Wings to make any of the suggested moves. None of the goalies mentioned are the long term solution, and none played much better (if at all) than Bernier did last season. Bernie is the starter unless the Wings can get a younger better goalie, which I don’t believe they can. As far as Domi – not interested at all, and certainly not for Mantha. And I would just as soon give Rasmussen a shot at the #3C position rather than give up anything for Jost or Kerfoot. We are not yet at the point where we have excess assets to give them up for a number 3C.
Pengy & Dee, Proposal
To Detroit Red Wings:
– RFA goalie Matt Murray + a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
– Matt is only 26 and his contract is only $3.75 M..
– Detroit needs a starting goalie, Murray is younger, and cheaper than any of the UFAS who are all over 30 and want big money.
To Pittsburgh:
RW – RFA Anthony Mantha, 25, making $3.30 M
– We get a speedy right wing for Crosby’s line and KK can slide to the third line for depth.
Teams swap RFAS, fill needs, and the money almost even… we add a pick!
How about a third line of Mccann &Tanev & K- Kapanen
We again get younger, save $400,000, and find a winger for Sid!
Crosby Guentzel Mantha
Malkin Zucker Rust
Mccann Tanev Kapanen
not a bad top 3 lines..
Thoughts
Hi BnG
I’ve posted many times that my pref is to keep both MM & TJ
Waaay to much risk if MM moved…. one injury to TJ… DeSmith is starter with Larmi (no NHL games; and more ECHL than AHL ; and pretty poir stats) as back up
If MM goes… Pens need a back-up and keep DeSmith as 3rd string
Also … moving MM would likely get low return (flooded G mkt) ; so if he’s moved would (for me) NEED JJ exiting
Saw a suggested Wild/Pens deal by someone ; and I’ve posted on here about it twice
They postulated ….
MM & Bjug & JJ for Doobie
At first glance seemed odd but was explained that (1) Minn not happy with Doobie; want to go younger; (2) need a C (expected Koivu retirement) and added that Wild had looked at getting Bjug (hometown) a few times before; (3) JJ was to have come over in the failed Kessel deal
The close to $10 M currently for Koivu/Doobie was expected to be replaced by absolutely no more than $11M for the combined Bjug and new contract for MM… and Wild part with 2 players (Doobie/Koivu) avg age of 35 1/2; with Bjug/Murr avg age 27; and they get a better goalie with 2Cup Pedigree.
The expense of that gain to Wild is JJ; and they have the options if they wanted to (1) buy him out; or (2) bury him or (3) play him (which they had intended to do in the Kessel trade
Pens …. get older goalie to back up TJ; but at a cost much cheaper than they ould have had to re-sign MM for; and whose expected 20/21 performance won’t be that dramatically different from MM’s; and Net Cap change (19/20 to 20/21) would be $7M… needed to replace the massive 2 season 82 game average of 19 points (Bjugs) and the horrific JJ….. mmmmm …. that’s basically any $1M forward; and of course ANY league min D coming up from AHL… and still waaaaaay better than JJ
I of course was sold on his proposed deal as it had JJ exiting but even more after I see Pens other gains
From a Wild perspective I see the rationalization
👍👍👍
Re MM + 2nd for Mantha… is fair for Pens for sure; but I think Kappy should just fit in and replace Sheary… faster; bigger, 4 years younger; mire priductive … only $200 K more in Cap. The other downside is with MM gone… my concerns listed abovd re any resulting injury to TJ… DeSmith/Larmi
For Detroit…. can’t see them parting with the big lad… has a bright future; and goalie market flooded so could get a UFA goalie (noted older) at s much cheaper price
Even if somehow Stevie Y entertains moving the quick and big burgeoning W… he’ll ask more than MM & a 2nd
For Pens…. they are in a situation right now where they may miss playoffs
One simple two sided move… BO JJ; re-sign Riikola OR use Czuzcman OR use PO-J…. saves cash, cap and (to me) guarantees playoffs next year and (to all) guarantees massive stats improvements for all Pens.
Nyet interested in that trade for multiple reasons, the first being – exactly what is Detroit getting in Murray ? Is it the goalie with 2 cups, or the one who has since been mediocre and oft injured, and whose coach decided not to play in the final playoff game this season ? I think Murray’s value has dropped considerably over the past 3 seasons. Detroit has too few solid players to trade one of them for a question mark like MM. To be honest, Bernier outplayed Murray for the last 3 months of the regular season behind a questionable defense. Beyond all that, I would question whether or not Murray would even sign a long term deal with a rebuilding club like Detroit unless the Wings were willing to overpay him. I don’t think MM get Pittsburgh a Mantha, or a 1st round choice, or a 2nd, and maybe not even a 3rd.
Hi Iago
As I mentioned; I certainly don’t see Stevie Y taking the deal; and there are quite a few goalie options coming up
Agree for sure MM value has dropped in two years… always worth more after B2B cups and still (then) 2 years under contract
This year’s performance for those just looking at hard stats will say …. lad has lost it…. but closer look….
Don’t forget who he’s been stuck with for the last two years
Lets just look at this year’s playoffs (“play-ins”) .015 better save % overall than he was for the season; AND…. here’s the kicker…. 970 when JJ was on the bench …. 970!!!!…and rather than do the logical for the critical game 4 must win by sitting JJ; 24 hours after Sully tells reporters that he won’t be publicly stating roster changes (inferring he was finally lucidly thinking and going to sit the problem child JJ that had then down 1-2 instead of up 2-1 or even already moved on to round 1) Sully calls a Presser to announce he’s sitting MM…. again, that MM …..who was 970 w/o JJ on ice vs the absolutely logical sitting of JJ who cost Pens 2 games by himself 🤬🤬🤬🤬
Sully’s move alone has plummeted MM’s value
If JJ had sat the play-ins (as repeatedly requested of Sully by both JM & Gonch); Pens continue their playoff streak; MM save percentage fantastic in playins ….. MM value waaaay more than it is right now
Other GMs I’m sure realize MM’s potential w/o the JJ burden (I’m hoping Billy G is not one of them as that suggested deal above would be nice for Pens) so they’ll be hoping to snap him (MM) up in a trade for low return; sign him to a devalued contract amount (Covid/flat cap times and Stats brought way down due to JJ) and know MM will take off away from JJ.
I contend again…, Pens absolute best move (and don’t forget … Mario/Ronnie have already told him to cut costs) …. would bd to BO JJ; replace with Rikkola; Czuczman OR PO-J…. Net Cap and Cash savings; MASSIVE improvement to team and every Pen’s stats
Pengy..
.Murray is going and that’s just a fact.
Yzerman is looking to rebuild the Wings his way he inherited these players he didn’t draft.
Detroit has a ton of cap space and if they haven’t resigned Mantha by now they aren’t going to.
Nobody thought Anthanisiou would move but he did….this deal makes sense. I’m not sure Bertuzzi is safe either. Stevei Y wants to clean house and build this team his way like he did Tampa.
He wants to compile draft picks. He will take on a few bad contracts until the picks are ready.
Detroit gets G Matt Murray 26, $3.75 Million and a # 2 draft pick.
Pittsburgh gets RW Anthony Mantha 25 $3.3 Million and RFA
Both teams fill a need, we get younger, faster, and a winger for Crosby.
Detroit gets a young number 1 goalie with two Stanley cup rings and a decent salary with no long term commitment.
Re Bultman :
“ Nashville’s Kyle Turris could be a free-agent option if the Predators buy out his contract.”
Didn’t know that KT was being considered for BO
Here is a reasonable option for 3C for a few teams
Number for sure down and 31, and not worth $6M for 4 more years….absolutely no challenge there
I do feel that any change in location/team will benefit him and he’ll have improved production (cite last year for 🇨🇦 4-6-10 and +11 in 10 GP.
Setting aside the tax advantage (no state tax)… BO has Turris out $8M Gross
Covid has brought down Sal rates
I believe that some team would take a low risk run at him for 3@$2M
With that Turris out $2M gross but Covid prices push expectations down; and that’s for 3 years… he could count on his own confidence to show himself and get either an extension or UFA for that 4th year at $2M. Someone anyway in 3 years should take him at $1M (200 K over league min then)… worst case…. he’s out $1M gross; or $2M (but retires 1 year earlier than current contract expiration)
Acquiring team gets just turned 31 year old 3C; that last year faired well for 🇨🇦 and has an average (last two seasons) 82 G pace of 12-27-39
I honestly believe a change of venue could certainly pop that by 5 G and 10 A…. 17-37-54
So upside for team… reasonable expectation 45-55 points for a 3C…. at only $2M…. good price
Slight probability with Slight Risk …. continues at current pace … 12G 40 Pts…. possibly just slightly high at $2M but not by a huge amount
Even much slighter probability is the risk…. production falters to a an expected value in the $1.5 M range…. team out 500 K in “value” for one year and can expose at Exp draft;
I think in times of Covid that some team in 3C hunt will grab him at 3@$2M
FYI, Yzerman is not moving Mantha unless there is a deal that knocks both of his socks & his underwear off!!!!
AIN’T HAPPENIN’!!!
Uwey
True dat…. and we don’t want to see Stevie Y sans his Fruit-of-the-Looms !
I continue to wonder if these 3 teams (Montreal, Wings, Oilers) may be the landing spot for Jake Allen. Armstrong has a trade history with each.
Would Bergevin look at Allen and local kid Blais for Keith Kincaid from minors and a pick (3rd)
OR
Would Stevie Y like Allen and Mich State alum MacEachern for Pickard and a 3rd?
Each scenario would free up some necessary $$s for the Blues, and get them less expensive veteran back-up.
The Habs would probably have to offer St Louis’ 2nd this season & 4th next season, both of which the Habs own. Kindkaid is a UFA.
Then add someone like UFA Elliott, Griess or Howard to backup Billington.
Hi Iowa Prince
Blues need space nos doubt but can’t see Habs carrying almost $15M in net and Kinkaid is a UFA so wouldn’t be traded
The Wings deal possible but due to goalie glut Stevie Y I think would not need to add the pick to the deal as he is taking on the Cap that Army is trying to free up
Blues would still need a back up as Pickard won’t cut it IMHO
Get a UFA back up in thr $2M range and Army has saved some precious Cap space
My guess is the Avs have an extra D-man to move & my thought is Niki Zadorov.
Thus I believe the Habs could use Domi as a bargaining chip, seems as Kadri was a great addition for them & Max may add somewhat of the same. The Habs could add in St Louis’ 2nd rder (20) as a sweetener.
Zadorov then becomes Romanov’s partner on the 3rd pairing, adding more size & toughness to solidify the Habs blueline next season.
I don’t know the player but I like the idea … I think the Habs blue line really needs work, as nice as some parts are. What they really need is a good puck mover … Petry is great in once the zone is penetrated, Weber’s PP contribution etc., but they really lack a quick transition. I think this killed them with Philly who always had time to be 5 men back.
Happy we get to see if Romanov can translate his game to the NHL. Hope Juulsen gets back too.
Ouellette, Mete … even Kulak. Not what I want back there. Especially, after watching Quinn Hughes.
Interesting idea Uwey for the Habs, and ya, COL has plenty of D and with Timmins and Byram in the pipeline still to come.
Zadorov is a beast, and kind of their only guy like that, so I keep him if I am COL.
Would they be willing to move a quality puck mover like Girard?
Smaller guy but can wheel and move the puck. Proven NHL’r.
What is he worth in return? That is a tougher call, and not sure Domi gets it done.
Ryan Graves has basicly taken Niki’s minutes away from him.
Graves, 6’5″, 220lbs & had a +/- of +40 this past season.
Both Ryan & Niki are RFAs needing contracts.
Girard’s new deal pays him $5 mill per for the next 7 seasons. So I doubt Sam is the guy they would attempt to move.
Hi Uwey,
To say that Avs have an extremely bright future in their D is a massive understatement
Already on the roster
Massive lads in Zadorov and Graves…. 25
Makar… to me Calder… 21
Girrard…. 22
Byram…. 19
Timmins …. 21
Setting aside that Makar and Timmins are the only true Righties (Zadorov a Leftie that can and has played RD)…. what a friggin future D core
Avs are setting up very fine and have space now; re-sign Big Z
In two years will start needing space…
Cole… 31…1 more year at $4.3 M
EJ at 32 unfortunately has 3 more @ 6 and doubly unfortunate has an NMC so can’t be exposed in the Exp. draft.. he has 19 teams he can be traded to so I think the better move might be to move him so that a younger Dmen can be protected in the draft
Looks good doesn’t it Pengy.
If your biggest challenge is finding a home for EJ, you are set up for success.
Still a really good player. They miss him since he went down in the playoffs.
Hi Ray
With you
I only highlighted him as he’s highest paid and oldest and still 3 more years
Protecting the then 33 year old over one of the others would, IMHO, not be the right move
19 teams he can go to; he has value now; because of Cap hit; the deal might need to be sweetened or a lower cap (non NMC) F or D coming back
He is from Bloomington so it would not be a Stretch for him to have Wild on his list
Don’t shoot me but….
Maybe Joe should call Billy G….
Rask+ Dewar + Beckman + 2nd
For EJ
Billy G rids Rask; gains a solid (albeit older ) RHD; which then could set him in place for the “oh so many times mentioned on this site” suggested trade of Dumba for WW…
That basically converts Rask/Dumba into WW/EJ at the expense of prospects Dewar and Beckman and a 2nd
Leafs get their coveted mid 20’s RH1D and save $1M in Cap
Avs can leave Rask unprotected and can bury him for the year; fear one less young D being exposed; and gain futures
Long shot; but just an example of thought considerations Joe should have as losing one of those great young D to Kraken is nothing to be sloughed off
I meant highest paid D
Domi & 3rd rd pick to TML for Kerfoot & 15th overall?
Bergevin can leverage his 1sts into D help? Cap room go after UFA or take on winger contracts?
Do you think Dubas is completely insane?
Kappy plus Kerfoot
for
Domi plus a 3rd
You’ll be hard pressed to get Kappy and Kerfoot in the same package now.
Better call Pittsburgh first.
Hi IHC
Not chatted in a while… hope ur (and the IHC’s fam’s) summer is going well
H of the G bang on with the recent trade… that almost would infer Kappy+Kerfoot for Domi + 3rd
Even if somehow Dubas felt that Domi’s value over Kerfoot’s value was the difference between 48th pick and 15th pick’s values; Leafs Cap space diminishes when Domi is resigned; and improving offence is not the key to Leafs future success.
Leafs can score…. back end and Cap constraints are the problems moving forward
I don’t think Dubas would (nor should) do this; GMMB might