NHL Rumor Mill – October 6, 2020
The first round of the 2020 NHL Draft begins at 7 pm ET. Check out all the latest trade speculation in today’s rumor mill.
LATEST ON THE LIGHTNING
TSN: Bob McKenzie reports the Tampa Bay Lightning aim to be aggressive in the trade market to offload some salary. He’s heard only four players – Andrei Vasilevskiy, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov – are considered unavailable/untouchable. He also assumes the same goes for restricted free agents Anthony Cirelli, Mikhail Sergachev and Erik Cernak.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).
McKenzie noted the absence of Steven Stamkos from the untouchables list. It doesn’t guarantee the Lightning captain gets traded but it’s possible, though he feels Stamkos’ health could be a factor.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Lightning have approached Tyler Johnson’s representatives about a possible move. The 30-year-old forward has a full no-trade clause but LeBrun believes general manager Julien BriseBois and Johnson’s agent, J.P. Barry, want to work together to find an amicable solution.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates Stamkos has a full no-movement clause and an $8.5 million annual cap hit through 2023-24. Throw in his injury history and I’ll be surprised if he’s traded.
Johnson could be agreeable to waiving his no-trade clause but his $5 million annual average value through 2023-24 could be hard to move. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be surprised if BriseBois got some inquiries about Johnson from a couple of clubs, thus prompting his reaching out to the forward’s agent. Whether Johnson will agree to a trade is another matter.
LATEST COYOTES SPECULATION
McKenzie also cited colleague Darren Dreger reporting sources claiming the Arizona Coyotes are shopping Taylor Hall’s rights. The 28-year-old left winger is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on Oct. 9. McKenzie also wonders if the St. Louis Blues will make a final attempt to re-sign defenseman Alex Pietrangelo before Oct. 9.
SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports word out of Buffalo is the Sabres have interested in Nick Schmaltz. The Arizona Coyotes center has six years remaining on his contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $5.85 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Looks like Hall has played his final game with the Coyotes. That’s not surprising given their limited cap space and Hall’s likely desire to play for a contender. As for Schmaltz, I don’t think the Coyotes are keen to move him but that could depend on what a team like the Sabres could be offering.
LATEST LEAFS CHATTER
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas doesn’t intend to trade goaltender Frederik Andersen. Recent speculation linked the Leafs to Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Matt Murray. Dubas spent the past several weeks assuring Andersen no deal was imminent. Meanwhile, Lance Hornby reports Dubas has made adding more grit to the Leafs lineup a priority.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersen wasn’t going anywhere unless Dubas could find a goalie of equal or greater value. It would be foolish to trade him if they can’t land someone who can carry them on a deep playoff run.
UPDATE ON JOSH ANDERSON
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun wonders if the Columbus Blue Jackets will attempt to move Josh Anderson before the first round of the draft kicks off tonight. There’s been no progress in contract talks with the restricted free agent winger. It’s assumed Anderson might fetch a first-round pick in a trade, though the Jackets would prefer landing a top-two center. LeBrun wondered if Montreal’s Max Domi might interest them.
SPORTSNET: Chris Johnston reports the Canadiens and Calgary Flames are among the clubs interested in Anderson. He also said the Jackets are considering offers for defenseman David Savard.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Anderson could be a trade target for the Rangers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested parties could ask the Blue Jackets to speak to Anderson’s agent about a new contract. They probably don’t want to have the hassle of a possible salary arbitration with a player they just acquired.
Domi-for-Anderson? Maybe a move that makes sense for two players that could benefit from a change of scenery but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a fit there for either club.
IN OTHER RUMORS…
Pierre LeBrun reports talks between the Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets regarding Jets winger Patrik Laine seemed to cool over the weekend. The Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets could also be interested.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are reportedly seeking a second-line center and a top-two defenseman. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said he’s considering all his options. That doesn’t mean Laine’s going to be traded. Yes, it could happen, but the asking price will be significant, perhaps too expensive for most clubs to bear.
Defenseman Alec Martinez and center Paul Stastny could become trade options for the Vegas Golden Knights. Wingers Jonathan Marchessault and Max Pacioretty have been mentioned to LeBrun but he said there’s no clear indication from his Vegas source that the Golden Knights would move either guy.
Bob McKenzie reports Henrik Lundqvist cannot formalize a new contract until Oct. 9, when he’ll officially become an unrestricted free agent. The New York Rangers last week bought out the final season of the 38-year-old goaltender’s contract. The Washington Capitals are said to be the front-runners for Lundqvist’s services.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Pierre Dorion hasn’t received an offer yet that would convince him to part with the fifth-overall pick in tonight’s draft.
Garrioch also listed Pittsburgh’s Matt Murray, Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury and Columbus’ Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo as possible goaltending trade targets for the Senators. Free-agent options could include Vancouver’s Jacob Markstrom, Washington’s Braden Holtby, Chicago Corey Crawford, Dallas’ Anton Khudobin, Detroit’s Jimmy Howard and Edmonton’s Mike Smith.
COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater reports Avalanche trade talks are heating up, though it could take until the end of the week before a deal gets done. He’s hearing Nikita Zadorov’s name coming up in trade rumors. The 25-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent. Dater claims there have been no contract discussions with the Avs. Center Tyson Jost and winger Valeri Nichushkin have also surfaced recently in the rumor mill.
Did Brian Burke whisper in Dubas’ ear “you need to ad truculence?”
As long as they keep Burke away from the draft table, George.
Yeah, like the guy as a character and he makes a lot of sense as a commentator/pundit.
Burkie drafted the Sedins…..
Remember the last week of Wendell assuring us grit , toughness , defensive d men are a waste of time and not something Dubas would or should consider . All energy should have been replacing Fred with a traffic cone to upgrade and signing AP was a given .
I wonder how he liked Dubas presser yesterday lol , didn’t sound like they shared the same priorities
You’re right, Ron, tremendous picks (Sedins) and a great story.
Not so much in Toronto:
2008 – Luke Schenn, drafted at #5, in subsequent redrafts fell out of the first round behind such names as Braden Holtby, John Carlson and Alex Pietrangelo.
2009 Nazem Kadri, a solid pick at #7.
2010 Traded the pick as part of the Phil Kessel deal. Boston selected Tyler Seguin at #2. Argh!
2011. The Kessel trade just keeps on giving – Boston selects Dougie Hamilton at #9.
The Leafs pick up Anaheim’s spot in a trade and select Tyler Biggs – zero games in the NHL.
2012. Toronto draft Morgan Reilly at #5, another good pick.
First round picks are pretty important, wouldn’t you say? If Burke hadn’t struck out so often with the Leafs, things could be dramatically different today for him and for the team.
By the way, a look back at NHL re-drafts is worthwhile, especially today.
George,
I assume by truculence you meant “difference makers”.
lol
Craig – Ron – actually, I’m starting to see Wendel in a new light – 90% of what he posts – when it comes to the Leafs – is designed to agitate. When posting about some other team he has shown keen insight. And I’m starting to see his sense of humor. Late yesterday, when some of us had gotten on him about his fixation on Andersen, he posted this
“You have to hype your bum until he’s dealt.” to which I replied early this morning
“LOL. OK, I certainly get that …. now Vancouver has this wily veteran who is primed for a Striker-like “bounce-back year” and could be had for a song … Ericksson I think his name is …. mind you, we’re all still waiting for the Lucic “bounce back” year ….”
Unlike a couple in here, I have never seen a mean side from Wendel and so I’ll just take comments about imminent Stanley Cups and dominating seasons with the proverbial grain of salt.
And Wendel, if you’re reading, please do continue with opinions and observations on all aspects of the game outside the Leafs bubble as well. We don’t always have to agree – but a fair pragmatic exchange of views is far better than useless bickering.
New Bruins trade rumor
Sean Kuraly for Nikita Zadorov
this one seems to have legs
Bruins get toughness on the D but lose that toughness on the bottom 6…article went on to say after next season Kurlay’s contract is up next season and Bruins have no plans to resign him
As I responded in the news section.
I think Trent Frederic is ready to step in and take Kuraly’s spot in the lineup. No lack of toughness there!
I like Kuraly, but I’m all for this move.
Trade helps both teams, I like Kuraly has alot of the things you want in a bottom 6 forward very reliable on the pk. 4th line was pivotal in 2011 Cup run Kuraly brings that to the table but on other hand they do need to get tougher on back end so I guess you have to give to get
Wouldn’t be the worst trade they could make. Kuraly is a heater and soul guy that would benefit the Avs come playoff time.
At the end of the day the the bruins have a glut of Forwards and they need to find playing time for both Fredric and Studnicka this year so it will be interesting to see how they make that happen.
They also need secondary scoring and no one knows where that’s coming from yet.
Hi Joe
Agree with Crrob …. flip helps both teams but I would think Bruins would have to add… NZ younger and RFA vs Kuraly’s 1 year left then UFA
Kuraly’s 6-17-23 not that massive of a difference for what the big (understatement) D-Man put up … 4-9-13
What’s the kicker Bruins would need to add?
I’d swap Strome for Zadorav if possible.
The B’s are short on draft picks, but would Kuraly and a 3rd do it?
Just for the halibut here’s the way I see the first 10 picks going tonight
NYR – Alexis Lafrenière
L.A. – Quinton Byfield – C
Ott – Tim Stutzle – C
Det – Cole Perfetti – C/LW
Ott – Jamie Drysedale – D
Ana – Lucas Raymond – RW
NJ – Yaroslav Askarov – G
Buff – Narco Rossi – C
Minn – Jack Quinn – RW/LW
Wpg – Jake Sanderson – D
Hi George
Is that a miss-spelling on Rossi’s name or do you have undercover insights on this …. LOL
For Sens sake..l am hoping Dorian can swing a deal with Blake so that Sens get Byfield
Byfield/Drysdale would be a great add
Don’s discount the possibility of Lundell or Jarvis cracking the top 10
I like Quinn… was hoping perhaps he’d slide into Leafs land
LOL – damned big hands … ahh well, maybe it sticks?
I think Detroit takes Askarov at 4
Whoo … that would really set 5 to 10 in a bit of turmoil ….
Hi Marko
If Stevie Y is absolutely hung up on Askarov …. he can get him later… I don’t see any other team taking him before 7 (NJ)… if that’s the case… call Bob Murray to see what he’d offer to do the 4th for 6th flip… get something out of that… whatever it is… then take Askarov at 6 (nipping out Fitzgerald taking him at 7)
Let’s say Murray absolutely keen on Drysdale and knows he’s going to be gone at 6…. would he flip his 6th and his 36th to pick Drysdale at 4… I would think his 3rd plus 6th he’d do (if Drysdale is his target)
Det picks up something and still gets their desired player
I have been thinking the same thing since the lottery. That would be a pretty risky move considering where they are in the rebuild but it wouldn’t surprise me. If he is Yzerman’s guy I doubt he would trade down and risk losing him. I can see another team like Carolina trying to move up to draft him.
mine were
Lafreniere
Byfield
Struzle
Perfetti
Drysdale
Raymond
Sanderson
Holtz
Lundell
Rossi
Forgive the many misspellings
Hehe. Narco Rossi.
Say hello to my little friend . . . . 🙂
LOL – now I really hope it sticks!
Does ottawa take Perfetti if Drysdale goes at 4? Or do they take Sandersen so they balance out the forward and D lines?
That, owen, is the $64,000 question. Sanderson has already indicated he’s going from the US Development League to the University of North Dakota – so that probably puts him out of the NHL picture for at least two years – likely 3.
I’d say they’d either go with Raymond or, pull a bit of a surprise and take Quinn from the ’67s – considered a sleeper by some in this draft.
@ George O I hope and pray you are right.
My Sabres need a kid like Rossi.
Apparently, gone are the days of Buffalo drafting the best player in one of two leagues. So, I’m hopeful.
Hello George, If Devils take Askarov, as good as he is, I will quit hockey.
NYR – Byfield
LA- Lafrenière
Ott- Stutzle
Det- Drysedale
Ott- Askarov
Ana- Perfetti
NJ- Sanderson
Buf- Raymond
Minn- Quinn
Wpg- Rossi
THe Leafs will sign Simmonds.
Domi for Anderson is what it will take but he is damaged goods and hasn’t played much in 2 years. It is what the Habs need but that is a big ask . Many a career finished over shoulder injury.
Let the goaltender musical chairs begin. The Hawks have spoken with Murray. Let’s start with him or has it started already with Allen and Dubnyk
I would love for the Habs to pick up the pre 2019-20 Anderson. As it is, may be too much of a risk to give up too much.
As to the Vegas situation, it’s funny that all of the teams in cap crunch want to dump off their high priced fast declining veterans. And they act so shocked when they discover there’s not much of a market for them.
Howard no doubt he be a nice addition to Montreal but as you stated there is a risk with someone coming off surgery and haven’t seen him play since.
Speaking of shoulder injuries, the reports in Edmonton is that Klefbom’s season is in doubt due to recurring shoulder problems.
It is now arthritic and impacting his everyday life including sleep. So while the retirement word has not come up, he is looking at all options with the long term in mind. Can’t blame him.
To my knowledge there is no surgical or non surgical permanent fix for arthritis. It can even make it worse?
He is the Oilers #1 D man, if they lose him they have a major hole going into next season and it changes everything for Holland this off season.
Their record in the past without Klefbom ain’t pretty.
How is that for a kick in the nuts Oiler fans?
I would demand a conditional pick in a trade for Anderson, condition based on games played
Even so, Caper and Fergy, makes a great deal more sense to take a chance on a 26 y/o coming off surgery than it does all this speculation about someone signing Byfuglien – a 36 y/o coming off surgery who will not have played meaningful minutes in over a year and – since no one has reported seeing him working out – could be pushing 300 lbs – and yet continues to appear on some pundits’ list of top UFAs!
Interesting to read comments now after deal has been made. Here’s one rumor that was spot on. And I guess the health concerns were
answered
Anderson’s surgery was this season. Last year he played full 82 game season. Had 27 goals. Team said if they would’ve gotten past Tampa, he was ready to return, but I’d be worried about that shoulder. Especially the way he plays. Big boy that can skate and shoot. Pretty good with the fists too.
Teams would have access to medical reports and would know whether injuries have been properly repaired and durable, or potentially chronic.
Sure, there are no guarantees but such but questions about players’ health would surely be shared with potential suitors, and risks factored into any trade negotiations.
Isn’t Blackwood a really good young tender? NJ seems pretty set. I would look at Sanderson for NJ.
I hope the Leafs steer clear from Simmonds. Aside GL from a little sandpaper what else does he bring?
Offense…9 goals over his last 82 games.
Defence? Not exactly.
Speed…nope!
There are better options…how about this:
To EDM: Kerfoot
To TOR: Benning, Khaira
If Ryan McDonagh is available one would think he is easy to move
That’s always a big “IF” when the player has a full NTC.
Hi ds
Absolutely many suitors for his services… but I just can’t see any incentive to any of the full NTC Bolts players to waive their protection
Sell him, uproot fam (if they have one) , move from a great city with excellent weather ; move on from a Championship team …. and in less moving to Stars, Knights; Preds or Panthers…. taking a loss in money…. and Panthers only team of those ; with space… certainly not a contender
BriseBois must be downing 20 Tums and 30 extra strength Tylenol every day
I like that top 10 George except switch Askarov and Rossi
Joisy is hoping for Martin Brodeur Part Deux – the only difference being, Askarov won’t slip to # 20 which is where Brodeur was taken back in 1990
…as the 2nd goalie taken in that draft. Stupid 90’s Calgary drafting.
I was thinking the same thing SilverSeven.
I have heard top 10 for Askarov and somewhere between 12-15.
If he doesn’t get picked up early you have to think either Carolina or Edmonton grabs him.
Re Johnson
“ The 30-year-old forward has a full no-trade clause but LeBrun believes general manager Julien BriseBois and Johnson’s agent, J.P. Barry, want to work together to find an amicable solution.”
What amicable solution? They can’t offer him any more money (side deal).., that contravenes the CBA
He has a home and is settled in a great city with very amenable weather. His team is the reigning champs. He has bonds with his team-mates. And don’t forget the tax advantages of FLA
What is there that Brisboise could possibly offer him that he would like or gain from???
Any move will uproot him and Marissa; he has to sell his home; he will be going to a team that is NOT the champs… and if he is moved to any team but Panthers, Preds, Stars or Knights… he actually loses money… note Panthers only one of those that could fit him in and they are certainly not contenders
Am I missing something?
I thought that was his Fiancee’s name… apologies if I had that wrong
Marissa??? You speak like you are best friends … are you for real? wow …
Word is he has given TB a list of teams he would accept a trade to. You make some good points, but ultimately does a player really want to spend the next several years playing for a team that doesn’t want him?
The other thing that most teams in the league can offer him is more playing time and increased status. He’s a solid 2C on many teams around the league.
The long-term question for a team like TB though, is whether players will continue to accept lower salary’s accompanied by NMCs if they are expected to waive them at the team’s behest anyway.
Pengy, I suppose they could threaten to waive him. Then he can either be picked up by another team for his current contract or they could then send him to the minors if he isn’t claimed to pressure him to accept a trade. I don’t think he has a nmc just a ntc ?
TO FLA: Stamkos ($2.5 m retained)
TO TB: Doninato & 2nd 2020
Stamkos gets to stay in Florida
unrealistic but Stammer gets to stay in FLA at least 🙂
delusional … as usual
Sanctimonious as usual
Correct, George. Getting tedious, isn’t he?
I’m waiting for some actual hockey commentary that’s not name calling.
@ED Van
Not a question of his value when healthy…..
A question who wants to take the risk of him breaking down again….
I believe TB will have to take significantly LESS to move Stammer. A pick and conditional pick might HAVE to be the package.
To SJ: Stamkos
To TB: Karlsson
Unrealistic but Stammer gets to move to CA 😂
Laine is not in play today. Possibility of packaging 10 OA with lesser talent for a Center from a cap strapped team who would prefer ELC.
Didn’t we just have this talk in Tampa already? I don’t get how all the high priced guys that DONT have trade protection are untouchable but we’re talking about trading Stamkos? NMC!! He’s still their top center. Points cap hit is 1.75M lower for next 2 years. He’ll be in line for a big raise and added years. IMO, if you are confident in Cirelli as 2C, and you can get him to agree to a cheap 1 year deal, then Point might be a realistic trade option. He’d definately bring back the best package of picks and prospects. If you can get someone now who projects as a top center in 3 years, makes sense. One thing is for sure, is Killorn should be 1st trade option.
Equally, Slick, why bother speculating on Point who has been dubbed as one of the 4 untouchables.
I do agree Killorn is the most logical trade option. Trick will be finding a team he will accept which does not cost him $$$ due to a change in taxation.
LJ. Dubbed untouchable by who though? I wouldn’t trade him, but if there’s no other choices, he doesn’t have any trade clauses. As mentioned, sounds like Johnson is agreeing to waive to certain teams. Maybe he reunites with Yzerman in Detroit. If Tampa moves him and Killorn, they’ll have space to lock up rfa’s. Assuming they’re taking back limited salary
Slick, it was reported by LeBrun — I think. Hard to keep up with all the stuff flying around, I can’t find his twitter post to confirm.
LeBrun is credible so I take it as a given that his source was Tampa itself. With the season slated to start Jan 01 we’ll not have to wait long to see what happens.
Slick: Sorry, it was Bob McKenzie, today:
Cup champs TB have let it be known to other teams they aim to be aggressive in offloading
💰
. How aggressive? Hearing teams have been told only four Bolts are unavailable/untouchable: Vasilevskiy; Hedman; Point; Kucherov. Presumably, RFAs Cirelli, Sergachev and Cernak, too.
LJ. I’ll take their word for it. My point though was more that the only guys deemed untouchable were the ones who didn’t have clauses preventing them from being dealt. Somebody has to go, and if they can dump Johnson, then I guess they’re half way there. I think any talk of Stamkos leaving is absurd.
At the end of the day, if TB cannot unload some of their high-priced talent with NMCs, those “untouchable” players may have to come in to play.
The league won’t take having “untouchable” players as an excuse to exceed the salary cap.
I don’t think it will come to that, but with a flat cap….
It makes sense TB didn’t include Stamkos in their untouchables list. They just won a Cup without him, and cutting his salary helps tremendously in resigning the team they just won with.
I live in the Tampa area, and can say, Hedman is the heart and soul of the Bolts, not Stamkos. Even with a NTC, I think if Julien tells Stamkos he’s not part of their future, he might be willing to waive it to certain teams. I have to believe, even with his injury history, the Habs would be interested and have the room to take on his salary.
But the thing is Dude – while he may well waive to go elsewhere if he gets the sense his continued presence would be a detriment to TB retaining younger talent – and therefore make him feel like a pariah if he insists on sticking around – I still can’t see him waiving to go to a rebuilding team – the ONLY ones with appreciable cap space – and there isn’t one top contender – all smack up against the cap and needing to clear space just to retain their RFAs (like Tampa themselves) – even if they’d like to have him – that could clear enough space to do both without massive upheavals. And where does that ejected cap space go if they DID try?
Killorn and Foote to Leafs for 15th pick?
We have 2 players that have been rumor to be moving OEL and Laine.
OEL deal seem to be at a stalemate he doesn’t want to expand his list at this time. The Coyotes are not satisfy with the Canucks and Bruins offer.
No team is offering what Chevy wants for Laine.
Both players are under team control but now that it’s so public, what happens with the team relationship with the player if they don’t get the deal they want? Is there more pressure on the team now to get a deal done because it’s so public?
That’s the rub Caper.
A reporter asked Krecji if he would waive to the right team when his name was in the mill a few years back.
He said he would as he didn’t want to be somewhere when the management didn’t want him there.
Fair point IMO
Just thinking.. Billy G had already been touted (TSN) in having interest in Murray… if (as has been posted many times here) the return is to be a 2nd… Pens would like their 2018 2nd rounder… Addison
Addison then can play 3RD paired with Matheson
Bring Poulin up for 3rd line winger
Leaves just over $3M for last player (bottom 6 winger)
Sounds like a reasonable deal for Guerin and GMJR. You’d still have Rikkola, Ruhwedel, and PO available for imjuries and whatever else you may need.
Further steps, Id bring up the new guy Poulin and plug him on a third line with McCann (C) and slide gritty hard nose playing Tanev up to the third line. I still believe McCann can be a really effective 3rd line center if you surround him with capable wingers. Use a combo of Blueger, ZAR, Lafferty and Agnello as 4th liners.
Hi dcm829
Yep… as I said bring up Poulin…. and I like the McC, Turbo, Poulin concept
ZAR on LTIR to start year..
4th line starting should be Blueger; Sceviour , Laffy
7th D… Riikola or Pierre Olivier Joseph or Czuczman … 👍👍👍
Rhuwedel … pressbox or WBS please and thanks… Riikola or Pierre Olivier Joseph or Czuczman are all far superior to him
So are Reilly, Maniscolla, Almeri , Lindgren and Trottman
Many to choose from
The best of course would be Addison as 3RD
although ultimately, I think you’ll see Matheson paired with Marino and slide Petterson down to 3rd line pairing.
sounds reasonable for both Guerin and GMJR. Also, I’d put Poulin on a 3rd line centered by McCann and slide Tanev up to that line. Use Blueger along with any combination of Agnello, Lafferty, Scevoir and maybe another addition w/some grit. ultimately, I think you’ll see Matheson paired with Marino and slide Petterson down to 3rd line pairing. Add Addison on that 3rd line and you’d still have Rikkola and Ruhwedel to fill in as 7-8
I hope the rumours that the Habs are interested in Simmonds are false. Even in his best years he was a minus player and in his career he is -83. That’s with 5 different teams, and a consistent stat.
At some point if you are consistently on the ice for more goals against than for you are a liability. Truculence? Dubas, fill your boots. Please.
He’s also 1 32 y/o whose goals scored have decreased from a high of 31 4 years ago to 24 – 17 – 8.
Just out of curiosity based on this comment and since you’re an obvious hab fan whats your take on Jeff Petry. He’s a minus 116 in his career. A minus 45 inhis 3 habs years so far. In fact out of all the habs defencmen to play at least 20 games last year there are only 3 minus players. 1 was a rookie who was a minus 4 and kulak was a minus 1 while Petry was a minus 10. It’s consistent every Petry is there he leads all there defenceman in the minus category while Montreal’s defense has actually been good and most are plus players. Just curious since being a minus player makes Simmonds horrible what are your thoughts on a minus defenceman like Petry.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, other times not.
They’re buying out Alzner. Clearing more cap space. Hmmm
I think that is a fair question, Roger. I looked up Petry’s stats. He was -22 and -25 in two years in Edmonton, and Edmonton was not a good team,
He was – 30 with the Habs in 2017, when the Habs had a ton of injuries and were not very good – 29 wins. Petry – as I recall – played a lot of extra minutes to compensate.
Simmonds played on some bad Philly teams as well. Why give him a pass and not Simmonds?
Because Simmonds is clearly at the tail end of his career, and my comment about him is based on where he is now. He was a collective -21 last year and his 8 goals were a shadow of his production in his prime. If you have watched Petry, he is clearly still performing at a good level.
You introduced Petry into the comparison, albeit it is tangential to my post. But let me ask:
Who would you want on your team now, Petry or Simmonds?
Fair answer?
For me honestly neither but if the option is Petry at 6.5 million and Simmonds at 1million I take Simmonds. Petry is a minus defenceman on a decent defensive team so to me that’s a lot worse. They are both obviously power play specialists as both there 5 on 5 play is pretty bad. Simmonds would cause the goaltenders have on the pp with his front of the net presence. Petry was a significant minus player on a team with mostly plus defenceman. Shea Weber plays the really tough minutes on that team and he’s a big time plus player hence why he’s an elite player. Petry at 6.5 I pass. Simmonds at a million I would still pass but to answer your question I would take Simmonds at a million.
Slick62 – so has Detroit done the same thing with Abdelkader
I know I am crazy but I would like to see Dorion trade the 28th pick for Josh Anderson.
I will be very surprised if that pick isn’t dealt for someone who can step into the line-up this coming season – in other words, someone from one of the many team that must clear cap space just to re-resign top free agents – a team like TB for example. Or Arizona. Or Vegas.
Columbus, with 22 of 23 signed and $7 mil in cap space, isn’t under the same pressure to move a player or more out.
Fair points George, but let us add financial foundation to the decisions teams are making.
Columbus is one of the worst draws in the league – 24th according to Forbes – so they cannot factor in revenue recovery via attendance in the way other more financially stable teams can.
Nor can they factor in other things that spin off of brand value: as of 2019 their average revenue per fan was $36. That is what a hot dog and beer costs in Toronto or Montreal.
Even Toronto must be mindful of lack of revenue via attendance, but … well, I think you follow.
Good points LJ. I have to remember my own repeated contention that “it won’t be business as usual”
I know of a goalie with quite good regular season stats for many years who is playing for $1M this season if any cash strapped team is interested.
Has there been any rumors on where Holtby might end up? Don’t see his name mentioned much.
Lundqvist to Washington would be nice. I’ll definately root for them when not cheering on the Rangers. Would love to see him raising the Cup!
Cup winning goalie….. clearly a difference maker…… only one team allegedly looking for difference makers and an upgrade in goal….
Resident Leafs Insider has divulged any goalie with an elimination game win is an upgrade over Andersen and a stated desire to add only difference makers to Torontos current roster of perennial Cup champions.
I still want to know who is interested in Tyler Johnson. He’s gone from a .80+ PPG player to a .50 PPG player in 3 or 4 years and he is VERY small. His minutes haven’t really declined but he certainly has. For four more years at $5 mil you’d have to give me a bit more than just TJ and I’d have to have a lot of space. Maybe in the right situation it could work but I wouldn’t want to help TB unless I was waaaay off from competing and I got a sweetener.
You will get him for prospects and draft picks more than a year from helping you, and as a full minutes #2 ctr he probably gets back to 60 points, playing honest minutes and 200 feet; he’ll be small for his entire life but he has had enough moments in a good career to suggest value there from a mentoring standpoint.
At 7pm Bettman is going to celebrate with his team. Congrats.
Have you ever heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect? It’s a cognitive bias in which the less an individual knows about something or someone, the more they think they know.
Get off the Bettman kick. This is the NYR first 1st pick ever since the draft became universal. Would you rather it have gone to the Oilers? Again?
It is actually the bias of someone not good at something to overestimate their skill at it.
But yes, it would have been a farce had Edmonton won again.
I wanted anyone from eligible teams to get 1st, anyone over Rangers.
Mostly- Jets or Wild
And that was a farce to begin with. Here’s a quote from one site:
“The Rangers have had the No. 1 overall pick only once in the NHL draft. That happened in 1965, during the Original Six era, when the amateur draft was a limited event because most major-junior players’ rights were already held by the NHL teams who sponsored their clubs. The Rangers got the No. 1 pick because it was due to rotate around the six-team league, and the Blueshirts’ turn came in the third annual draft.
With their selection, the Rangers took right wing Andre Veilleux from Montreal. Veilleux never made it to the NHL, but neither did most of the other players in that draft, which was arguably the weakest in NHL history.”
For the record, the other picks that year were: Chicago – Andy Culligan – never played in NHL; Detroit – George Forgie – never played in NHL; Boston – Joe Bailey – never played in NHL; Montreal – Pierre Bouchard – D- played 595 games with Mtl & Washington; Round 2: NY Rangers – George Surmay – never played in NHL; Chicago – Brian McKenney – never played in NHL; Detroit – Bob Birdsell – never played in NHL; Boston – Bill Ramsay – never played in NHL; NY Rangers – Michel Parizeau – 56gp in NHL with St. L and Pha – 509gp in the WHA – most with the Nordiques;
Well last year you had 2nd. I know that thinking isn’t a strong thing in NY.
STAMKOS & 3RD TO LEAFS
FOR
NYLANDER AND LEAFS HOLD 50 SALARY
Dont see how Stamkos and his 8.5 plus 3.5 retained on Nylander fits into the Leafs cap.
If there wasnt a cap your proposal is pretty decent.
George, I guess the Leafs weren’t part of the league in 1965?
BCLeaffan – you know, that didn’t click until you mentioned it – so I went back and checked all 4 years of that farce draft and gather the fact the Leafs weren’t involved in the 1965 one is because they won the cup the year before.
If you or anyone is interested here are the draft results for each of the 4 years – unlike 1965, there were a few good ones picked in the 4-year span
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1966a.html
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1965a.html
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1964a.html
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1963a.html
Its been reported that OEL told the team, trade him by Friday to either Boston or Vancouver; otherwise he isnt moving.
Good for him to take control.
Wow Caper.
So the B’s could make the $ work and in theory could get him for not very much, basically a salary dump.
Offer a 2nd tier prospect with Moore and see what happens I guess.
Still not sure I like the idea unless ARI eats some $.
Maybe he just stays put.
According to David Ettegui, Carey Price’s agent, the Canadiens have a deal in place for a big scoring rw from the West… If it is who I think !!!
Corey Perry. Bwahaa.
Isn’t Laine a LW?
To respond to Lyle’s comment about Leafs not trading Andersen unless…I think we can all agree including Andersen’s mother that he isn’t taking Leafs (or any other team) on a deep playoff run.
Craig, I dont think I said Dubas shouldn’t look for toughness and grit. I said it wasn’t important anymore in this league to be tough as it is pretty much no contact. I wish it was different as my favorite hockey was in the 1970s where the skilled players like Rick Middleton and Borje Salming excelled in performing inside a theater of violence. Simmonds is a good add but only as a 4th liner at or below $1m. Same for Clifford.
And George O, I am just stating my honest beliefs about the Leafs but know they generate passionate and sometimes impolite responses but thats how it is for Leaf fans and I am good with it. I do believe everything I say including that I think the Leafs are one of 3 teams with the best roster in league with Tampa and Vegas and feel they r a top pair RHD and an unscathed competent goalie away from being right there for the Cup in any of the next 4 seasons while their stars are locked up.
Dubas will get that goalie and top rhd he knows they need.
Looking forward to the Draft tonight. Would like them to move up to get Askarov.
Well, Wendel, for my daughter-in-law’s and grandson’s sakes – both passionate Leafs fans in Scarborough – I hope you’re right. Neither was alive when they last won a cup – they’ve suffered enough.
George, I wish the best for your daughter-in-law and grandson, my Dad didn’t live to see another Leaf cup win after 1967.
But there is that saying about making one’s bed. Are Leaf fans to be pitied, or mocked? Waiting for the Leafs to win the Cup is like leaving the landing lights on for Amelia Earhart.
There is treatment available for those who are trying to escape cults … perhaps your family members haven’t enrolled because the waiting list for Leaf fans is so long?
LOL LJ. You know, I’ve stated in here many times that I don’t harbor any specific dislike of any who have ever played for the Leafs in all the years I’ve been following hockey (which dates back to the late 1940s!).
But over the years, after learning about the true nature of the Smythes and Ballards (Conn Smythe actually fired his GM, Frank Seklke, Sr. from his overseas post in WW II for signing a player without consulting him first … the player was Teeder Kennedy – Selke went on to build a dynasty in Montreal – Smythe’s son, Stafford, not to be outdone in lack of class, barged into the Leafs dressing room moments after they were eliminated in the playoffs to loudly fire Punch Imlach).
Another factor was the Toronto-centric media, especially the arrival of the so-called “national” outlets TSN and the other one (the name escapes me), not to mention the publicly funded CBC and their Hockey Night In Canada which never failed to show their Toronto bias, even after the arrival of the other Canadian franchises.
LOL. So, just knowing what we’d be exposed to should they ever win a cup again keeps the Leafs at bay insofar as pulling for teams other than the Sens as playoff time rolls around.
Losing as they did to Boston that famous year, for example, had me simultaneously feeling sorry for the kids and laughing at the looks on the faces of the pundits on TSN/CBC and that other network as they searched for explanations.
” I dont think I said Dubas shouldn’t look for toughness and grit. I said it wasn’t important anymore in this league to be tough as it is pretty much no contact.” Why would he look for it if it’s not important?
For better or worse, the NHL practically becomes a different league in the postseason. A team without “toughness and grit” can certainly skate through the regular season, put up some impressive numbers and get themselves a nice playoff seeding. That approach needs to be adjusted for the playoffs though.
There is a reason that Patrick Maroon has won the Stanley Cup 2 years in a row on 2 different teams (as a Bruins fan I’m torn between wanting to punch him in the face and wanting my team to sign him). There’s a reason TB went out and acquired Coleman and Goodrow. These guys wear down, frustrate and intimidate the opposition, and it works.
I think what Dubas it looking for is not really toughness but toughness to play against. An example on the Leafs is Hyman. Dubas would like the bottom 6 to have a little more tenacity. However, Dubas won’t sacrifice skill for it. In fact Hymsn as useful as he is will likely need to go next year (or maybe this year) as they won’t pay him a salary starting with a 4 that he could get somewhere else.
…but we digress…job 1 is getting a new goalie or the rest doesn’t matter.
Didn’t he have 11 wins for the ducks , which would be a couple rounds just 1 year before being dealt ? Yes he did .
If it’s not important in the league anymore why on earth would it be a good idea to prioritize? That makes no sense .
And I fully believe you are staying your true beliefs or that of James tanner .
You need look no further than the leaf fans on this board to see your opinion has very little support . None here actually , just tanner and the most did hard views . To actually embarrass a leaf fan with comments about player value or team direction is near impossible , but you do it daily .
You best start working on your spin off , every good leaf fan has a backup spin so you can praise Dubas whether Anderson stays or goes , whether AP signs or when he doesn’t . Will be heard to continue singing his praises when he joins all the linear thinkers lol
Thanks for the email from the chair-elect of the LTC. I forgot Andersen actually did win an elimination game for the leafs or at least got credit for it. Game 4 against blue jackets. Never mind that Blue jackets outscored leafs 3 – 1 with him in net and leafs outscored jackets 3 – 0 with no one in net. Yep clutch performance.
I will be all over Dubas if Andersen is their goalie in next years playoffs, but i know he won’t be. I dont care about the regular season as he is fine then with no pressure.
Also if you actually read my posts AP isn’t my 1st choice for top pair RD. It is Ekblad, then Ellis then AP…then Hamilton and maybe dumba 5th although I am not sure he won’t be distracted. Seth Jones is unrealistic or he would be 2nd, but the others aren’t.
You did say you would prefer those two , but you also said Pietrangelo WILL sign in Toronto . I assumed one was your preference , the other what you thought was happening .
Again , Fred also took the ducks out of the first two rounds , winning 11 games . You said he couldn’t do it with any team , he already has .
He has been the backbone of the leafs for years hiding a lack of D, not getting any support behind him in a backup role , very little help from d or forwards playing in there own end . Not easy to upgrade , for the same dollar or less mrazek and guys alike would not be upgrades or close
yer wasting good oxygen on little wendel…
Stamkos, NMC, 8.5 million salary, history of injuries. Very good player and bordered on great for a while but who in their right mind would tradebfor him?
Prospects? Picks? Young player with elc currently on the roster?
Risky risky risky move to trade for Stamkos good as he might be.
Who has the assets? The cap space? The testicular fortitude?
Detroit?
Habs just traded Domi for Anderson
Oki Doki
Buyout is now finalized… I can celebrate…. I had been saying for over a year to my executive team that if Pens buy out JJ that I would take the entire firm out to lunch… I just sent the email to all my staff. It’s a go. Due to Covid that will have to be a few lunches with smaller groups…. but happy to do it. Very happy to do it.
So …..
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Here are the bookends to the story of JJ as a Pen
The day he was signed (notice the title of the article)
https://www.pensburgh.com/2018/7/1/17522742/regretably-penguins-sign-jack-johnson-for-5-years-nhl-free-agents-2018-worst-signing-pens
The day he was waived (note : done on Mario’s 55th Bday and 15th anniversary of Sid’s first game) for the purpose of being bought out:
https://www.pensburgh.com/2020/10/5/21502926/end-of-an-error-penguins-cut-ties-with-expensive-mistake-that-will-linger-for-ages
Re net impact to JJ….no escrow on the buyout…
per Gavin group…. $917 K after tax is $557 K in Penn…* 6 …$3.34 M
If he stayed….(using Gavin group calculator)
20/21 and 21/22…$3 M… escrow…$2.4 M (20/21) ; $2.46 (21/22) …net after tax $1.40 M ; $1.44 M
22/23…$2.25… escrow…. $2.03M…. net after tax… $1.2 M
Total net he would have gotten… $4.04 M
Net loss in take home is $700 K…. and he retires 3 years early… extra time to spend with fam… no hard seasons, no bubbles, no full press media dump on him
Pens, Pens coaches, owners, fans…. all Uber happy
Rejoice around
I now hope Josh Anderson shoulder doesn’t heal.
The Leafs choose Rodion Amirov as their 1st round pick. The main weakness the Leafs have is defen se.How does this small forward address THAT need?The Leafs already have too many Smurfs
Just what the Maple Weaks need, another Marner Marshmellow clone