NHL Rumor Mill – September 12, 2020
The latest on the Leafs, Canucks and Blues in today’s NHL rumor mill.
LEAFS
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports the Maple Leafs haven’t been actively shopping goaltender Frederik Andersen, but it behooves general manager Kyle Dubas to listen to offers. A high number of goalies potentially available via the trade and free-agent markets could affect Dubas’ final decision on Andersen. Koshan expects Andersen will still be a Leaf when next season opens.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: So do I unless Dubas can find a replacement who’s as good or better than Andersen.
Michael Traikos believes the Leafs shouldn’t waste their time pursuing an expensive defenseman such as St. Louis’ Alex Pietrangelo. Instead, he suggests signing a more affordable physical option like Mark Borowiecki, who’s heading to the free-agent market after several seasons with the Ottawa Senators. While Borowiecki isn’t the right-shot blueliner the Leafs seek, he would add a much-needed element of toughness to their roster.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Dubas can’t find that top-pairing right-side rearguard, he might be forced to consider one or two affordable depth alternatives. Someone like Borowiecki could be among those options depending on how much cap space Dubas can free up.
SPORTSNET: Florida’s Aaron Ekblad, Minnesota’s Matt Dumba, St. Louis’ Colton Parayko, Buffalo’s Rasmus Ristolainen and Vancouver’s Troy Stecher are among Luke Fox’s list of 15 intriguing blueline trade targets for the Leafs.
Anaheim’s Josh Manson, Carolina’s Brett Pesce, Arizona’s Niklas Hjalmarsson, Columbus’ David Savard and Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin are also on Fox’s list. The remainder includes Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm, Chicago’s Connor Murphy, Florida’s MacKenzie Weegar and Edmonton’s Adam Larsson and Matt Benning.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I doubt Ekblad, Dumba, Parayko and Pesce are available. Ristolainen was rumored to be on the trade block a year ago but Sabres coach Ralph Krueger loves his game so he’s probably off the market. Manson’s a possibility but the Ducks will want a good scoring forward (preferably a center) in return. Ditto the Wild with Brodin and the Blue Jackets with Savard.
The Coyotes could try to move Hjalmarsson in a cost-cutting deal provided he waives his no-movement clause. The asking price for Ekholm could also be a scoring forward. Stecher is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and could hit the trade block if the Canucks can’t afford to re-sign him.
Larsson, Benning and Murphy have surfaced in offseason trade chatter. The Panthers could cut some payroll but I think they want to re-sign Weegar.
Rory Boylen, meanwhile, wondered if Dubas might flip his recently-acquired first-round pick (15th overall) to upgrade the defense corps, seek out further salary-slicing deals that would involve moving a mid-level contract like Alexander Kerfoot ($3.5 million), Andreas Johnsson ($3.4 million) and Pierre Engvall ($1.2 million), or explore options for Andersen’s replacement.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I won’t be surprised if Dubas flips that first-rounder in a deal for a top-four defenseman. They want to win right now and already have enough youth on the roster.
CANUCKS
SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Tyler Toffoli’s willingness to re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks creates another salary-cap headache for GM Jim Benning. Toffoli, 28, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on Oct. 9, along with goaltender Jacob Markstrom and defenseman Chris Tanev. Toffoli earned an annual average value of $4.6 million on his current contract and his next deal could be worth between $5-$6 million annually.
THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston reports Tanev also wants to re-sign with the Canucks. Unless the club can free up some salary-cap space, keeping the 30-year-old defenseman won’t be easy. Benning remains hopeful of re-signing the long-time Canucks blueliner. Johnston urges caution, pointing out a decade of wear-and-tear have taken a tool upon Tanev’s performance.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston points out the Canucks have $15 million in cap space. Unless Benning can shed a salary or two, there won’t be enough room to re-sign Markstrom, Toffoli and Tanev. Even then, Tanev would be the odd man out. The combined cost of re-signing Markstrom and Toffoli could be at least $11 million.
Toffoli won’t lack for suitors if he hits the open market. In a recent mailbag segment, The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz suggests he’d be a good target for the San Jose Sharks.
BLUES
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford reported a source claimed the St. Louis Blues offered Alex Pietrangelo a five-year deal worth close to $7 million than $8 million annually. It’s believed the 30-year-old defenseman isn’t happy with the offers he’s received.
It’s believed Pietrangelo could settle for something between $8-$9 million. Rutherford expects negotiations to continue, but sources say if Pietrangelo’s wife wasn’t from St. Louis and they hadn’t started their family there he might’ve already told the Blues he’s moving on.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Pietrangelo won’t come down from his asking price the Blues must shed more salary to re-sign him or bid him farewell. Plenty of time remains until the free-agent market opens on Oct. 9 to hammer out an agreement.
Rutherford acknowledged the trade chatter about Vince Dunn, but he believes the Blues want to keep him. He’s a restricted free agent without arbitration rights, giving the club control over his contract. Barring a holdout, they could re-sign him for next season between $2.5 – $3 million. Maybe they trade him if they cannot re-sign him beyond 2020-21.
Rutherford also expects the Blues will do everything they can to re-sign winger Jaden Schwartz, but if Pietrangelo re-signs, he could become a cap casualty. He’s got a year left on his contract with an AAV of $5.35 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rutherford also touched on the possibility of the Blues getting $7.5 million in cap relief next season if Vladimir Tarasenko is on long-term injury reserve throughout the season. He’s projected for reevaluation of his surgically-repaired shoulder in December or January, but could be sidelined longer. Right now, there’s no certainty he’ll be out for the entire season.
Does anyone know the specifics on the Wild/Pens deal for Nick Bjugstad? What was the conditions on pick and salary retained? Tough to evaluate without those facts.
Kevin, not much on the wire yet other than it’s a conditional 7th round pick and with Pittsburgh retaining a portion of his salary, without specifying how much. Usually CapFriendly has full details posted right away … but nothing so far.
One site has this: “Interesting that Pittsburgh will retain some salary on Bjugstad, though they didn’t officially specify what that is. As we pointed out just earlier today, a buyout would have meant a $1.75 million cash expenditure this season and next for Bjugstad on his $4.1 million cap hit that had one more season on it. NHL teams can only retain a maximum of 50% of the salary, so in the financial books the Pens will come out ahead on money, no matter what the retention was.”
From what I read, Pitts is retaining 50% of his salary and will get a 7th round pick if NB plays in 70% of the Wild games.
The Score reported he has to play in 70 games OR (in the news section I wrote AND, but this is wrong) score 35 points.
George O….. My nemesis…LOL just kidding. Penguins are retaining 50% salary. The Penguins do get him off the roster and free up $2.05 million which helps.
I understand a buyout would have saved more don’t know why the Pens went this way..I’m sure there was a reason.
Don’t know how reliable Hockeybuz is but it was posted the Penguins are now showing interest in Alex Pietrangelo…which to me is a huge mistake.
He is a great player but he is 30 and wanting big money and longer term. Penguins are trying to get younger this makes no sense.
To me a guy like Hayden Fluery or a Nikita Zadorov would make more sense..younger…
Heard Edmonton and Buffalo are out on Murray and Calgary has stepped up there interest on Murray.
George O the difference in Bjugstad being bought out as opposed to being traded and retaining %50 is ??? do you know in all your wisdom??
Someone correct me if I am incorrect, but a player on IR cannot be bought out.
The buy out hurts them for two years. Not just one.
Blackngold – had they bought him out it would have cost them $1,750,000 this coming season and the same the next season for a total of $3.5 mil.
By retaining $2,050,000 for the one season coming up they save $1,450,000 overall. At least, that’s the way I understand it.
Hi George
You have mixed Cap in with Cash
the diff between 50% retained and Buyout of Bjug is
Cash …. $875 K difference (66.7% paid for buyout vs 50% for this trade…. 16.67% * $5.25 M = $875 Ksaved )
Cap
2o/21 —- 2.05 M vs $600 K (1.45); then dead of $1.75 in 21/22… so net difference is +$300 K Cap in the buyout
Can’t believe Billy G got him at 50% with nothing (really) coming back
Uwey… I think you may be correct re no buyout if on LTIR… no Incentive to do so either as when on LTIR… ins. Pays salary. Premiums tend to average in the 20% of Sal range and I think most of that premium is born by team… rather pay 20% than 66.7 % on buyout
Also Bjug had been listed for months as injured on CapFriendly ; then I notice that that had changed last week???
Re Bjug to Wild
conditional 7th; 50 % retained
This was the landing spot I had most confidence him going to. A big win for Billy G. Gets the hometown C (who must prove himself as he is in his UFA year) to replace the retiring Koivu; at a very reasonable $2.05 M Cap and $2.6 M cash; and gave up nothing really (7th in ‘21) to get him
Pens finally move on from Bjug and have a net savings of about $1.2 M Cap and about $1.7 M cash (initial savings less roster replacement player… I’m hoping for Poulin) . So good in that they have finally moved him ; but definitely should NOT have had to retain the max and get nothing in return. 25% retention with a mid rounder would have been fair. He only saved a total of $900K over the buyout option AND if Bjug would have been bought out; Bjug’s Cap hit for 20/21 would have only been $600 K (because contract was back end loaded) ….. so in effect ; the trade lost over $2M in net Cap they could have had in a buyout. 🤬😡This now shows other GMs that Jimbo can be pushed for a much lower than expected return😢. Pens net savings over buyout option…$900 K and a NEGATIVE $2M on Cap
Big big big winner is Bjug… goes home ; gets full Sal; gets a change of scenery and opportunity to prove himself in his UFA year
Kudos Billy G; congrats Bjug
Buyout JJ; next piece of paper signed by Jimbo please
There was an article online that mentioned that Pittsburgh was trying to save cash…very similar to what happened when Jagr was traded and Kovalev too.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Murray. With him being unsigned rival GMs might want a chance to find out his contract demands before trading for him.
Is Bjugstad really an upgrade on Koivu? Especially coming off back surgery?
Daryl, just based on the production of both (or lack thereof) the past two season and the fact Koivu just turned 37 while Bjugstad turned 28 – I’d have to say “potentially yes” to your question.
Hi Daryl
True savings to Pens is a max of $1.9 M ($2.6 M off of Bjug’s contract ; less minimum replacement of roster position… $700 K). He was meant to be a middle six forward so any player coming in to replace him at mid six for less than $2.6 M ; is a savings
Billy G stole him at $2.6 M with nothing coming back. GMJR couldn’t even get Billy G to give him a firm 7th (it’s conditional). With 50 % retained the return should have been a prospect or 4th (firm) at the worst.
If healthy at TDL Billy G could flip Bjug again for a 3rd
The appropriate deal should have been; 25% retained; 4th or B prospect in return
Thanks for the breakdown n Bjugstad i wasn’t sure sounds like you got it handled….
How much will they save if they buyout Johnson?
Hi BnG
You meant how much money would they save right… because they save pride; stats for all. Pens; wins; fans hop etc etc etc with buying out JJ… LOL
He’s still owed $8.3 M…. so buyout savings is $2.8 M…. 3 years left…. so buyout of JJ; replaced by Czuczman or Pierre Olivier Joseph for each of those three years; still saves cash; still saves Cap; and team massively better
Half retained. Pick based on games played.
Interesting read into the salary dump market. No sweeteners for dumping 2 mil.
I don’t think this deal set the market. Nor do I think any GM thinks following in Minnesota’s foot steps is a good idea.
This team is a complete disaster from top to bottom. The future is anything but bright for this organization.
Not a trend, more like just another horrific move for this dysfunctional franchise.
This trade has buddy system / circumvention written all over it.
Didn’t say it set the market. But it’s interesting that no sweetener was needed. Calling it the buddy system or circumventing sounds like sour 🍇 to me.
Not sour at all. I wish Drury took that Panthers GM job so NY could unload Staal and Smith to Florida at 50% retained!
Guerin is 10 minutes removed from Pittsburgh…. Bjugstad is 10 minutes away from Ltir…. Is Guerin hoping Bjugstad returns to that 24 point form from a year ago?
Sour grapes on my part? Or total denial of the obvious on your part?
Again, if Drury was the Panthers gm making these type of favor deals for NY I’d give him a standing ovation….. but still own that it’s a bit suspect.
Now if we can only dump Kris LeTurnover’s 7 MIL …
Fair enough.
Don’t know why it would be considered a bad deal for Minne; especially if they are thinking of letting Koivu walk. They pay 2.1M for a center for 1 year and give nothing up unless he meets some lofty (by his standards) conditions.
And if he does reach those numbers SCJ, it’s well worth what they’d give up. In fact, if he reaches (or exceeds) those numbers it means he’s thriving in his new surroundings and he becomes a candidate for re-signing – or a much better trade deadline candidate.
NYyr4life, why would Bill Guerin help his buddy out as you suggest? I have trouble wrapping my head around how helping the Pens helps the Wild, if indeed this was Guerin throwing GMJR a bone.
NUCKS
I think the Canucks will sign both Markstrom and Demko as the future tandem…and that is the first priority ..
They will get goals from the top 2 lines which will make Toffoli expendable …and if Markstrom and Demko are elite they could win the Jennings Trophy next year if they are able to build on what they have done this year ..they would be more DEFENSE than Tanev would be …
My first order of business is Markstrom than Tanev then Toffoli in that order of importance…
Alex Edler will come off the books and release about 6 million …but the Canucks have at least 5 players they need to move on from and are an albatross..Erickson Sutter Ferland then group B possibly Pearson and Beatrtchsi as well…they will have some money to make those decisions.
Kal, they like Toffoli not only for his goals but he is one of the few Canuck forwards that actually plays a solid 200′ game, that he attained from his Kings days.
I think Toffoli is every little bit a priority than the goalies are. They also have up a pretty decent package for Toffoli, so asset management wise I’d say he’s another very important signing.
Based on what I read I’d say Toffoli and Markstrom are the priorities and others will be moved to accomodate.
2050000$ per puck pedi a
Yesterday, in the Headlines thread, I expressed my surprise that the Sens and Borowiecki have decided to part ways. I wish him nothing but the best of luck wherever he lands. Hard to figure why Dorion has made this decision, but I suppose the team’s deepening prospect pool in D-men had a lot to do with it.
He just turned 31but his style of play – blocking shots and laying on the hits – have landed him on the IR frequently (and that’s mostly playing 5/6 pairing minutes). Still, whoever gets him will have a solid, hard-nosed presence somewhere in their D line-up who will make opposing F keep their heads up and isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone.
Having just made $1.2 mil off the cap I would guess the team was offering a modest raise to around $1.8. He and his agent are likely seeking in the area of $2.5. My guess would be Boston or Edmonton.
Toronto, George.
Could be, but I just see him more as a Boston type of player.
Good morning all! Here’s my latest far out there trade proposal for the Leafs…
Matthews to NYR for 1st overall and maybe Fox.
I’m still finishing my first coffee, so go easy on me!
Oops! Posted in the wrong conversation! Sorry gang!
I like Mathews a lot! But how does that make any sense from a cap perspective?
Ny has 14 million in cap space, 15 minus Fox. They have 8 forwards , 5 Dmen under contract. They need to re-sign or replace 5 forwards 2 dmen and one goaltender.
Toronto is not making that deal, and NY can’t afford it if they did make that deal.
You might know your Leafs better than me, BC, but I don’t understand the benefit for them in paying 2 million + for a 5/6 D. The Leafs need a top 4, and tying up that money when it could go to a journeyman or entry level player would be folly.
Ok….I’m on coffee #2 now.
Nyr4life, I was also trying to figure out the cap implications and was thinking, if he were to waive the NMC, then Kreider and TMLs 1st could also be involved.
I’d just love to see what the Breadman could do for Matthews. And it’d give TML some cap breathing room.
George, I’m equally surprised about Borowieki. I thought he’d be an Ottawa mainstay! I love the way he plays! I’d love to see Holland take a shot at signing him, if Kenny could make the numbers work!
Artsy,
If that deal ultimately cost Lafreniere, Fox and Kreider then I’d hate it. It actually would cost even more than that. Probably costs Deangelo plus as well.
Makes NY too top heavy in cap. The only thing NY should do to that defense is replace Staal with Miller. Or at least give Miller a shot.
Panarin / Strome is a lot better looking than gutting this team and in instant cap hell while giving up cost controlled assets plus.
your on something but it aint coffee…
Your points are bang on and well recieved Nyr4life!
No more posts before I have my coffee…and YES Guy, just coffee…and a bit of a hangover! Ha!
As a Ranger fan a big no thanks to Auston.
One dimensional….again who gave him the Selke votes???
I watch a lot of Leaf games and yes the kid can score (and has size) but not sure the character is there
George O. Got a perfect replacement for you. Brendan Smith! 1 year left on current deal. LD. Can play on 4th line too. Will add Libor Hajek as sweetener. Started year with Rangers before shoulder injury. In return, Shane Pinto.
Why on earth would NY give away a solid 22 year old d prospect to get rid of one year of Smiths contracts?
NY needs to ride out one year of Staal and Smith. No sense in giving away prospects. Ride them out. Buy Lundqvist out. Problem solved.
Agree Nyr4life – plus as I keep saying, I just don’t see the Ottawas of the so-called “cap-rich” – of which there are but 4 or 5 – settling on any deals involving players in Smith’s category. In Ottawa’s case, they just don’t need any more prospects with an already deep pool and at least two more decent ones coming up. If they deal with a team needing to clear cap space – of which there are some 21 – it will be for a useful player with term and a cap hit that makes it feasible for the selling team in terms of opening up some space. And that probably won’t be a Top 6 F or a Top 4 d-man.
Most of the top teams who are cap strapped have players in the bottom 6 F and bottom-pairing D who could be ready to move up but with roadblocks on those top teams. Like Vegas did with Marchessault and Karlsson who were languishing in lesser roles with their previous teams leading up to the expansion draft (there are probably better examples – but those two jump immediately to mind).
I get feeling Rangers aren’t high on Hajek. Why didn’t he replace Skjei in lineup after deadline? Shane Pinto is a decent prospect too! Ottawa would be getting one that could step right into lineup now. And yeah, let’s keep that 2nd worst defense intact! Should be worse this year with Smith, who spent most of season at forward. Unless you think a rookie will come in and make a huge difference. All I can say is: God help Shesterkin. Rookie goalie with that defense. Smh.
He’s 22 years old! Lol. Why would you trade him now?
2nd worse defense? By what static are you using?
They were also the #1 point producing defense in the league this year….. Yes…. #1 and outside of Staal and smith relatively young and inexperienced.
Trade Deangelo, Trade Strome, trade Hajek….
Do you really think NY is in win now mode? Have you listened to a single word Davidson , Gorton are preaching? Patience…. as recently as the day after winning the draft lottery.
Trading away these type of prospects isn’t patient… it’s insanity.
Shestyorkin will be just fine.
LJ, re Borowiecki, I was influenced by this morning’s article in the Toronto Sun. Its main point was that trying to sign an expensive d-man would be an exercise in futility but adding a player like Borowiecki would be possible and definitely worth it. He was third in the league in hits and had 121 blocked shots. He seems like a real team guy and I really don’t get why Ottawa is letting him leave.
Chabot, Reilly, Zaitzev, Zub, Englund, Wolanin, Jaros, Lajoie, Thompson, Bernard-Docker, Tychanik, Guenette, Alsing, Aspirot – plus quite possibly one of Drysdale, Barron, Guhle, Schneider, Sanderson or Hunt in this year’s draft.
That’s a lot of D including the likes of Chabot, Zaitsez, Reilly, Wolanin, probably Zub and one of Jaros or Englund in the 5/6 role with the other being the 7th D. The rest are in various stages of development, the best of which (projected to be Thompson, Bernard-Docker and Tychanick with Drysdale going to the head of that class IF he’s drafted) will be competing for NHL jobs within the life-span of any contract given to Borowiecki (he’ll be looking for at least 3 years security at something over $2 mil per).
He will be missed, no doubt, for many reasons but at some point the tough decisions need to be made right away.
Exactly. If Rangers wont make play offs next year, they will get another top 3 pick, sorry “lottery” will help them.
Thamk god, now they have all 90 fans after winning this year “lottery”
Yeah, the most valuable franchise in the nhl has 90 fans. You’re brilliant!
Next!
Hajek is 22. Pinto is a solid center prospect— age 19. Not really sure what the big deal is trading a prospect if you’re getting another back. NHL stats. Rangers give up the 2nd miosr shots on goal per game. Yes, we put up good offensive numbers. Need to be better on defense. That includes upgrading to a better 2 way center. If they’re not in “win now mode” then there’s no reason to overpay Strome. Of course since they did go out and sign Panarin and trade for Trouba, I don’t doubt they make a move or 2 this off season.
Sorry if this is a double post. I used my real name (Bill) and it is being moderated,
as if I was new here.
I’m starting to see reports that Pitt is in financial trouble again. Is anyone else seeing this?
Remember when they had to sell off assets to stay afloat before Mario came to the rescue.
I’ve been saying that small market NHL teams are in trouble. Much more trouble than they are letting on.
Arizona, Florida, Devils, Sabres and Canes all have owner bleeding money because of the Virus.
A sharp GM (Hello Lou) will be able to take advantage of these teams and dump cap hits on these teams. Contracts that have already paid out the majority of hard cash, but still carry a big cap hit (hello Andrew Ladd) are going to be valuable to some teams.
Mark my words. Most writers think that the smaller Cap will hurt the big spenders and that teams up against it will suffer the most.
I say the opposite. Teams in financial trouble will be begging for contracts that have minimum cash value left on them.
What say you, George O?
I left Ottawa off the list because I believe that Bettman would step in and remove Melynk if he began selling off his assets. The NHL cannot let a Canadian team go under.
Nevinsrip, unlike those owners whose business ventures other than hockey are in things like service industries or others of that sort hard hit by pandemic shutdowns, the many under Melnyk’s control (and he’s worth 1.2 BILLION) include Trimel Pharmaceuticals Corporation, PurGenesis Technologies Inc., and Barbados real estate.
He has said in recent months that he will spend to the cap as and when the best of the prospects mature and show they are the real deal. He’s already started with Chabot. Now, if it turns out he’s just blowing smoke out his butt-hole again and he demures when the Tkachuks, Bathersons and others are in line for larger deals he might just as well sell the team or move it because if THAT happens again they won’t draw a corporal’s guard. As this team shows steady improvement through drafting and judicial trades/UFA signings, and the government finally gets the Phoenix pay fiasco cleared up (they’d better – there could be an election coming) the fans will be back.
People forget that, before the Phoenix crap, they were drawing upwards of 18,000 per game. So the fans are there.
I think he’s well aware that it’s now show-me time with no room for half-measures.
George O, How do you feel about the small markets taking cash friendly contracts that have large Cap hits?
It’s my belief that is going to play a major role in the upcoming season.
For example Melnyk could take on say a Boychuk or Ladd contract that has already paid out 90% of the cash value.
That lets him get to the cap floor without paying any real dollars.
And not just Melnyk but the other teams I mentioned.
If a team – such as Ottawa – has a LOT of cap space (the 4 or 5 so-called “cap rich” teams not only have varying amounts from lots to modest, they also have varying numbers of RFAs to re-sign which, when settled, will whittle those amounts down a fair bit) I suppose they could take on one or two of those to lessen the cash-out burden – but without actually making a move or two to actually improve their teams, that sends the wrong sort of signal to whatever loyal fan base they may have left and, in the long run, would only hasten their demise. If that is indeed in the cards for some.
George O, Thanks for the explanation on buy out vs what the penguins did with Bjugstad..
BlacknGold, as Pengy points out above, I’ve been mixing cash payout with cap. But then, since all these owners have to be multi-millionaires to varying degrees, I only ever look at the cap hit as it applies to managing a team within the confines set by the league. If some team makes a deal solely to relieve the amount of actual money paid out – i.e., the Arizonas, Ottawas, Carolinas, Floridas, etc., then they really shouldn’t be owners of a major sports franchise.
Does anyone know the specifics on the Pit/Wild deal with Nick Bjugstad? Its tough to evaluate not knowing conditions on pick or salary retained. Seem Rutherford is in a rush to clear the decks, could be smart before everyone starts dumping salary….
$2.050 million of Bjugstad’s $4.1 million cap hit for next season was retained by the Penguins, who received a conditional pick in 2021.
Very surprised the league put their stamp of approval on a deal for a player that could possibly return nothing.
Hmmmmmm, very interesting!!!!!
They give stamps of approval for salary dumps all the time.
From what I hear in Minnesota nobody’s off the table except for Kevin Fiala and Karill Kaprizov.
Chrisms, absolute they do, but can anyone name a trade of player in this league where there it was possible that absolute nothing was given in return???
Pens don’t buy out players.
That’s Pens didn’t buyout …. past tense. New eco times. Jimbo has been told (By Mario and Ronny) to cut costs; and try to maintain a competitive team. Buyouts a must.
If JJ is bought out; and replaced with Czuczman or Pierre Olivierre Joseph … the net savings for the three years is $500-$700 K and just that move alone has Pens contending for first in Metro. Keep him; no savings; and more importantly ; a fair chance they miss the playoffs again.
If JJ is not bought out… that decision is with Jimbo alone; as his instructions from owners are clear
Pengy…Would you make this deal. if you were GM
To Pittsburgh;
Center Max Domi 25 $3.1M 17G 27A 44 PTS
Def Jeff Petry 32 $5.5M 11G 29 40 PTS
$ 8.6M
To Montreal:
C/Wing Jared MCCann 24 $1.25M 14G 21A 35PT
Def Kris Letang 33 $7.25m 15G 29A 44PT
$8.50M
Ages, money, talent, statistics almost identical. Pittsburgh gets a young third line center and a solid top 4 d..Montreal gets that superstar top 4 d when on and a speedy versatile replacement for Domi….good deal or does somebody add..
Been reading that Sweeney might be looking at trading Brandon Carlo to bring in some offense.
At first look I said this is not a good ideal.
Then I looked a little further into the details of Carlo numbers and I said this is not a good ideal.
Who needs a 6’5″ shutdown dman, who can skate and hit, although little offensive upside.
I know Boston, this is not a good ideal.
Just for fun Toronto fans would you give up Nylander for Carlo?
@ Caper …good morning
No…. not straight up anyways
…if you take the Kappy deal and look at that as a measuring stick and you go by the numbers that Nylander has put up thus far ( even thoiugh Iam not his biggest fan by a country mile ) LOL
..Carlo is not enough at this point …and to be quite honest with you …the up and down injuries to Macovoy and the Krug and Chara situation ..you will need this guy in your top 4 moving forward …he has made great strides ..and I see him being a fixture ..unless they get a deal to where as in they really solidify the back end with a # 2 #3 D man via trade to give some depth …Id keep Carlo if I was the Bs personally !
Hes an RFA and there is some advantages as you well know ..in that price negotiations ..better to go with the devil you know than the devil you don’t ..hes on the upside IMO ..m 2 cents anyways
..take care
Kal El, interesting view point.
From a Boston pov I dont make the trade.
Understand you want more, but I don’t do it straight up from Boston because Carlo value outweighs Nylander value to the overall team success.
However I do understand Toronto would want more.
Slick no thanks.
Kal El and Caper
Agree with Kal El… Bruins should not part with Carlo… his Cap very very reasonable for one more year; and yes the swap of WW for Carlo has merits but there would need to be a little more coming over from Bruins only because of term left on Carlo… he’s going to have a big raise next summer.
Had Carlo been at say $4M or even $5 M bridge for 3 more years.. straight up swap fair.
Caper. I told you already. I’d gladly swap DeAngelo for Carlo
@slick
I agree.
ADA replaces Krug for less $.
Nah. Carlo is a good, trending towards great defensive defenseman.
Slick Willy is a one trick pony. I think he benefits greatly from the talent of his pivots.
Not much needed in Boston.
I believe you have been right all along with regards to Krug, Caper.
He can go test out the market.
I’m also on board with your suggestion of flipping DeBrusk + pick for Jake Virtanen + pick.
I’d like to somehow pull Fox and Lemieux from the Rags, but I’m afraid it would cost us too much.
I’ve been high on Fox since I watched him in Penticton at the Flames camp. I don’t believe he’s ever going to leave NYC though.
I’d be open to signing BoroCop as well.
ShOrrPark, I think both Nylander and Matthews improved a lot this year. Not sure I’d say Nylander is a one-trick pony but, until the Leafs beat Boston in the playoffs, comments like that are fair play. Nylander might get traded but, if he does, I doubt it will be to Boston.
Carlo seems like a keeper; there must be other options to add more scoring to the Bruins roster.
Chara has had a wonderful career but it seems to me that his return next year is a roadblock to internal promotion that Boston doesn’t need.
BCLeafFan, Yeah, You’re right. Willy isn’t a one trick pony. That was unfair of me to write. I actually like the player a lot. He just has work to put in, just like most young offensive minded players.
The Bruins have wing talent in the pipeline, but I’m not sure Lauko, Frederick, or even Studnika are seasoned enough to really contribute.
Chara can stay as long as he likes, imo. Just as long as he doesn’t hold the team back, and he’s not. He just can’t play on the PP anymore.
PK duty and 2nd/3rd pairing minute should be enough for him.
Kinda still like to have him as a mentor to the next wave of defensemen.
As far as I remember, the only partner that didn’t excel with him was Trotman.
Just keep giving him 1 year deals with whatever money is left after FA signings.
As for your Leafs, how do you feel about Anderson?
I think the rest of Leaf fans calling for him to be traded are out to lunch. I think he’s awesome, but I’m also part of the minority who has never been a Rask fan.
Wanna swap?
Hey Pengy
Just want to say hello and glad to see you are fairing well ….look forward to discussing off season and into next year …
Cheers
Cheers to you as well Kal El
If I remember right; you have school age children… hope their back-to-school is going smooth
Will be going out now so will check in later for a response
Re buyout vs max retention (50%) trades…. for any player over 26 yrs old; the difference is always 16.7% of remaining Sal(Signing bonus is guaranteed)
Then of course the roster spot has to replaced at a min Sal at least; wether player is traded at 1/2 or bought out
Always have to weigh that savings and the differential of two options vs keeping player
$1M Sal left…. save $500 K with 50% retained and save $333K with buyout…. both are much less than the replacement of the roster spot at league Min ($700 K)… so unless you have a negative player (see #3 on Pens) ….. buyout should not be done for any player whose remaining Sal is less than $2.1 M (1/3 of that is less than $700 K savings; which is then eaten up with a replacement player at a min of $700 K). Don’t forget that the replacement is a minimum of $700 K for EACH of the years currently left on contract.
Exception; Buyout of #3 on Pens should be done anytime anywhere even if buyout means a bonus payment must be made
#3 buyout saves > $2.8 M (3 years left…. 930 K per)…. so even if he was just an older and a very poor (instead of the cataclysmically awful ) older player …. any younger player earning less than 930 is a plus. In #3’s case… that doesn’t matter…. must be bought out
Pengy…… Rutherford moves Bjugstad that’s good.
Murray is next..hearing Edmonton and Buffalo out on Matt Murray..Calgary is heating up on Murray
Mccann is also going to be moved and possibly in a package with Murray to get a better return..but that’s $ 5 million gone (Murray / Mccann)
Buyout Jack Johnson
Zack Aston Reese will either be moved and start the year on LTR which will save us $1 million..
Possibly Hornqvist ???
Don’t know how reliable Hockeybuzz is but it was posted the Penguins have shown some interest in Alex Pietrangelo.. To me this would be a huge mistake. He is a great player, but 30, wants big money, longer term….
we need to keep getting younger..
I am surprised at this development as well George.
So who do the Sens have to do the heavy lifting other Tkachuk, who I wouldn’t want to do the majority of if I were a Sens fan???
Well, as matters stand now Uwey, not much in that regard, Scott Sabourin is one up front – IF they re-sign him as a UFA – while Christian Jaros is a body-thumper (as is Englund) back on D – IF they make the starting roster. There’s also Nick Paul up front who finally began showing results when he began using his size (6′ 3″ 220) this past season.
Also, who knows who he will bring in using that large cap space available – either through trade or UFA signings. The fact Dorion has obviously decided to part ways with Borowiecki suggests there may be other moves ahead in the next few weeks.
Could be THE most interesting “off-season” ever – at least in the cap era – throughout the league.
Lots of fodder for Lyle’s site!!
ShoreOrrPark, Andersen has been good behind a not-great D and group of forwards that need to learn the old phrase by heart – “Forecheck, Backcheck, Pay cheque.” Problem is, they’re still getting the pay cheques.
Rask is no Andrew Raycroft (sadly).
With their wide array of picks and embarrassment of cap space, I’m willing to say whover they want!
No way would Van give up what they did for Tiffoli if they had no intention of signing him. They will resign him. Markstrom? In the current financial climate, cooler heads will prevail. If that was St.Louis’ offer to Captain? weak!
Vincois. Agree on Toffoli. I think they’ll trade Virtanen. I get the feeling St Louis is ok moving on from Pietrangelo. I think they’ll let him explore FA. It’ll be up to him to decide if he’s ok staying for less $
Regarding Pietrangelo:
I wonder if Armstrong would add 1 year AND add $1 million, an agreement could be reached?? $8 million/6 year
Imagine being Pietrangelo and getting that offer and knowing Subban is getting $9M a season.
If Dubas wants Pietrangelo he should be on the phone with Armstrong for a sign and trade deal. No way Pietrangelo is signing for $500K more than Faulk
D.
Faulk is at 6.5million. 8 million would make Petro the highest paid Blue, which is what the Captain deserves. The Subban signing was done in “different times”.
Thanks for saving me from repeating that iowa prince. It takes a while for it to sink in that it is NOT going to be business as usual.
And before someone throws the Bjugstad deal back at me, consider this. He replaces a 37 y/o (Koivu) who last cost $5.5 mil off the cap at less than half that and is only 29. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, he’s a UFA at the end. With Bjugstad added and in walking away from Koivu and Galchenyuk, they have $13,225,578 in cap space to sign 4. Their 3 RFAs (Greenway, Sturm, Kunin) cost $2,715,791 collectively off the cap this past season. They’ll likely be bridged at closer to $3.2 leaving them around $10 mil to spend on another UFA or conclude another deal for a serviceable player.
Larsson from Oilers to the Leafs, could be a nice move. It’s possible there is still time for him to turn into a Victor Hedman.
Victor Hedman? A little early in the day to be hitting the bottle
No?
Yeah, just because he was a 4th overall (in 2011) doesn’t make him a sure-fire top-of-the-line D-man. After 547 NHL games, I think it’s what you see is what you get when it comes to Larsson. Not horrible – not great. Especially from an offensive standpoint where his 0.2 pts per game is well below Hedman’s 0.6.
Anything is possible. Possible is the key word.
Who says there’s anything wrong with a few drinks. It is the weekend! Cheers!
Nyr4life… I think he Rangers are going to be a solid team next season.
Your are obviously a huge Rangers fan like I am a Penguins fan where do you think King Henry will land….have you heard anything?
What do you think of Lundqvist going to Pittsburgh on a minimum deal to play 35 games a season,to teach and mentor, and back up Tristan Jarry….do you see a fit there?
i would feel much better with KING Henry as our back up as opposed to Casey DeSmith..
Iowa prince
I was referring to the rumour on this page as seen here :
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford reported a source claimed the St. Louis Blues offered Alex Pietrangelo a five-year deal worth close to $7 million than $8 million annually. It’s believed the 30-year-old defenseman isn’t happy with the offers he’s received.
If the Blues offered $7 and Faulk is signed for $6.5M it’s not a good way to keep the captain happy. Also…having three RHD making $8M, $6.6M, and $5.5M is going to affect the ability to sign good forwards. I’m not sure any team wants to pay their third pair D $5.5M a season. One of Pietrangelo, Parayko or Faulk must go.
Relationships matter in business. Happens all the time. We will see who gets the gift, Pens or Wild .
Goes to show you these several player trades don’t happen. These teams just dealt with each other for Zucker. Why didn’t Bjugstad get thrown into the pot then?
I like the fact 3 decent transactions before the cup is lifted. I don’t recall that ever.
yes guy – nry4life comments on Larson from Edmonton, hilarious, but true… A little early in the day, to be hitting the bottle. !!!!!
LEAFS, should be zooming in on Yaraslav Askarov in the draft, as Cliff Fletcher would say, build from the Goaltender out.
If Dubais trades that 1st rounder, they obtained in the Penguin deal, for a half “ass” defenseman, they will be Leafs, same old, same old…. which wouldn’t surprise me.
They should be trading up in the draft, trade Anderson, they need a new face in goal, and lots of goaltending available on the present market, until Askarov , a franchise player is ready for big time, in 2 years !!!
As far as their present dilemma, on defense, make Marner, or Nylander available !!
Wild need offensive
If Brodin or Dumba available Leafs need to make a move…but Wild could hold on to those 2
Again, nothing wrong with a few drinks. I am a true Leaf fan so I am allowed.
Hey they need a defenceman and they have no cap space. I don’t believe in signing another player for 8-9 million (PietroAngelo).
I would definitely trade Marner and, or Nylander.
Dubas is definitely trading Andersen. He knows the team and he hVe zero confidence in Andersen making the big save when needed. 75% he is gone before 1st game, 100% he is gone by trsde deadline.
Leafs are not going to ha
Ve any interest in an old, slow borderline AHL defenseman like Borowieki.
The Leafs targets should be Gibson or Lehner or Kuemper in net and Ekblad on RD. Anyone but Matthews and Tavares should be available for the right trade.
OK, I’ll try again. Trade Andersen WHERE? Pick out a team or two you think would be interested in Andersen with quite possibly THE biggest glut of goalies on the market ever seen?
I’m not trying to be a p&*^k here Wendel – it’s just that I can’t see one team that might have the cap space now and next year to take on a $5 mil goalie who has a M-NTC and who’s a UFA at season’s end, without needing to shed another $5 mil in cap space in addition to whatever they already have to get rid of just to re-sign their free agents!
Nor do I see any of the 4 or 5 who have the space wasting it on a goalie with so damned many to choose from at a lot less.
@ George without even thinking about it Arizona because of the dollar savings. Kemper 4.5 cap hit with 4.5 owed this year. Anderson 5 cap hit with 1 million in salary. Just because of that Arizona would have to give more. I would go even further as Arizona needs offense and a high draft pick which Toronto has. I could easily see something like Anderson, Nylander and a first for Kuemper, Larson and Chychrum. Arizona is not the only other team looking for actual dollar savings. Teams have no issues spending to the cap it’s the dollars that matter. I think you and I will be surprised and some of the trades that will happen. I think we will see some big names get moved.
Roger, although it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a trade involving that many impact players, I sincerely hope you’re right. Nothing I’d like to see more than lots of deals. The hidden kicker, though, is always those M-NTC – and I just can’t see Andersen OKing a move to the desert.
Picking a goalie high is risky.
For every Carey Price there is a Rick DiPietro
How many goalies aren’t NHL ready 2 years after they’re drafted?
Hey, Ken, Fletcher also said, “draft, schmaft!”
Pretty sure the Leafs trade that pick and most mock drafts have Askarov gone by the 15th pick. Maybe Toronto trades up to get him – Buffalo maybe?
Buffalo could trade the #8 and Montour to Toronto for their #1, Kerfoot and Dermott
Truly interesting is the fact that the Wild took on more actual dollars that the cap hit is???
Cap hit $4.1 mill, while his actual salary next season is $5.25 mill.
This one is a head scratcher for sure. I cannot understand what justification there is especially when ownership of the team has wanted to tighten the money belt a couple of seasons prior to the flat cap???
Hi Uwey
The cap and cash hits for both Pens and Wild for Bjug (Each at 50%) are identical:
Cap…$2.05M
Cash…$2.63M
His contract was back end loaded hence cash higher than Cap (which is the average payout over the term of the contract)
Uwey, see my comment above. If you look at CapFriendly, you’ll see that 28 y/o Bjugstad is costing Minnesota $2,050,000 off the cap this coming season. This after deciding to walk away from 37 y/o Koivu who just cost them $5.5 mil off this year’s cap. For less than half that they get a C who, if he meets the trade conditions, will cost them a 7th round pick – well worth the cost if he meets the conditions.
And it’s only for one year if things don’t work out. And they’ll still have around $10 mil in cap space once their 3 RFAs are settled, to sign 1 player! How can they possibly lose?
If he gets hurt again and goes on LTIR, they even save a % of that $2,050,000 (I’m not sure how that scenario would work out in Pittsburgh for the portion retained)
George, I find it a huge gamble take on a guy who will probably only ever be a shell of himself at best. They just cannot place him LIR.
So if he is injured more often than not throughout the season, yet not injured enough to be placed LIR, they are just pissing $2.625 mill up against the wall. Something a team like the Wild can truly afford.
IMO, they would have far better off offering a guy like Gagner, Sheary, Leivo or Sobotka a $2.75 mill for a season. These UFAs are the players that will have to take a haircut in salary to stay in the league.
IMHO, buyer beware with Bjugstad.
That should read: Something a team like the Wild cannot truly afford.”
Montreal traded for Edmunsons rights. Assuming they sign him, that takes care of LD needs.
For a 5th rder by the looks of things Slick.
I can’t believe Marc couldn’t land a 7th rder in there somehow as well!!!
He’s making moves. It’ll be an interesting few weeks before draft and FA. Curious to see if either Domi or Danault are available too.
He’ll most likely resign in MTL. Which give MTL a bigger, tougher top 4 of:
Chariot-Weber
Edmunson-Petry
Not a single member of that potential top 4 is under 6-3 or under 200-pounds
That’s the type of D-men that Bergevin and Julien like. The big, tough guys. Assuming they sign Edmunson, and I think they will, their defense will be set. Unfortunately, that still leaves them without a LD who can contribute significant offense. In a nutshell, Julien and Bergevin were so happy with Chiarot that they went out and got another one.
This will still leaves the Habs with a fair amount of cap room and some decent trade chips: Domi, Mete, 2nd rounders. Let’s hope Bergevin can parlay that into a winger who can score 25-30 goals.
That should read: Something a team like the Wild cannot truly afford.”
Interesting comments above , as per Leafs, I am on the same page
I just don’t know how the Leafs expect to get a 1 or 2 defense man, without trading Marner or Nylander .
Draft Schmaff is true, as per Fletcher , but I am totally committed to the Leafs, drafting Askarov ,trading up , above mentioned Buffalo !
Other interested party mentioned a blockbuster with Arizona
The daytime drinker agreed to trade Marner or Nylander
Also , above – in favour of moving Anderson , except for the “glut” of goaltenders available …