NHL Rumor Mill – March 17, 2021
The latest on the Leafs and Canadiens plus ongoing speculation about Mattias Ekholm, Rickard Rakell, Devan Dubnyk and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.
LEAFS AND CANADIENS
TSN: Pierre LeBrun cited the different approaches by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens toward the April 12 trade deadline. Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas is going all-in as the Leafs aim to add a forward. Meanwhile, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin indicated he might not do much owing to limited salary cap space and 14-day quarantine for players acquired from American-based teams. LeBrun also feels the Canadiens’ inconsistency thus far could affect whether Bergevin adds at the deadline.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas (NHL.com).
The Leafs could pursue a rental player such as New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri or Columbus’ Nick Foligno or Nashville’s Mikael Granlund, or a hockey deal for a player with term on his contract like Nashville’s Filip Forsberg or Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell. Frank Seravalli also noted Dubas’ willingness to move a top prospect. He considers Rasmus Sandin as close to untouchable as possible unless Dubas can hit a home run at the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas told reporters yesterday he’d like to get a deal done sooner rather than closer to the trade deadline because of that 14-day quarantine period. He would like to add a rental player but didn’t rule out adding a player with term if the deal made sense. Darren Dreger considers Dubas’ willingness to move a top prospect falls in line with being open to moving a first-round pick if the trade made sense.
Adding a rental forward is probably the Leafs’ best bet in terms of cost. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman doesn’t think Rakell’s a fit. He observed the Anaheim Ducks’ asking price for Rakell is high, preferring younger players with a bit of NHL experience. He also said the Calgary Flames wouldn’t pay it. The Predators will also set a high ask for Forsberg.
Montreal GM Bergevin didn’t rule out making a move if it made sense but it’s clear it would have to be a dollar-for-dollar swap. Defenseman Ben Chiarot could be placed on long-term injury reserve thus giving the Habs around $3.5 million in cap relief. However, Bergevin expects he’ll return from his fractured hand by late-April, meaning the Canadiens would have to dump salary to become cap compliant.
Bergevin could make a move over the next couple of weeks if his club can string together some wins and improve their chances of securing a playoff spot. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels believes he’ll pursue a more affordable addition like Detroit’s Luke Glendening than Buffalo’s Eric Staal to shore up his depth at center.
Engels cites sources saying the Canadiens are interested in Glendening but they’ll have to move a player off their roster if they wish to have enough cap space to address their need for a left-side defenseman. He suggested a swap of forward Artturi Lehkonen for Glendening.
LATEST ON EKHOLM AND DUBNYK
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm “is the belle of the trading ball.” The Predators have made it clear they want a return similar to that the Leafs gave up two years ago to acquire Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings. That was a first-round pick, a second-rounder and a prospect.
Friedman believes the Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets are among those interested in Ekholm. He’s doubtful the Philadelphia Flyers are in because they could be unwilling to pay the cost this year. The Leafs looked into it but they’re already deep on the left side of their blue line with Muzzin and Morgan Rielly. Friedman feels Ekholm would be a good fit with the Edmonton Oilers but he believes Oilers GM Ken Holland wants to build up his draft and prospect capital.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: NBC Sports Boston’s Nick Goss doesn’t believe the Bruins should pursue Ekholm when their obvious priority is landing a top-six forward. He points out secondary scoring is their most glaring issue right now.
Eric Engels also mentioned the Canadiens as a suitor for Ekholm if they can find a way to shed a salary such as Tomas Tatar or Joel Armia. Based on Bergevin’s comments, however, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be pursuing the Predators’ defenseman.
TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes San Jose Sharks goalie Devan Dubnyk could be available by the trade deadline. Dubnyk has a 10-team no-trade list but LeBrun feels he’d waive it for the right contender and the right fit. The Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals come to mind as possible destinations. The Avs are in the market for a short-term replacement for sidelined backup Pavel Francouz.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubnyk isn’t a full-time starter anymore but he has plenty of playoff experience and could be a worthwhile addition for playoff contenders in a backup role. Making the dollars fit, however, could be tricky. He carries a $4.33 million annual average value with over $1.9 million remaining to be paid.
MORE TRADE TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S “31 THOUGHTS”
The Jets need one more defenseman. Ekholm or David Savard would be a good fit.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Savard might be the better one as they seem to have more of a need to address the right side.
The Ducks were asked about Max Jones but that’s a no-go. Friedman said we’ll see where things go with Troy Terry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman last Saturday said he’d heard Terry might welcome a change of scenery. However, The Athletic’s Eric Stephens subsequently cited a source saying that’s not the case.
The New Jersey Devils and Kyle Palmieri have started conversations about the pending UFA’s future. Friedman thinks the Bruins, New York Islanders and Leafs could be interested if Palmieri hits the trade block.
Friedman believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will consider almost anything heading toward the trade deadline. He feels Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider aren’t going anywhere. There’s interest in pending UFA goalie Jonathan Bernier.
It could be difficult for the Vancouver Canucks to re-sign pending UFA winger Tanner Pearson with Thatcher Demko, Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes due for new contracts as well.
The Colorado Avalanche is one of the teams seeking a Blake Coleman-type player.
The Chicago Blackhawks are in a position to absorb a contract or two for the right assets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Frank Seravalli also reported on this, pointing out they’ve got $22 million in LTIR cap space. They’re willing to take on a rival team’s bad contract if they can also get some good assets (draft picks, prospects) as part of the return.
Bruins need someone besides McAvoy or Grzelcyk to get the puck up to the forwards so I would not rule out Eckholm on that basis. I would rule Eckholm out though because of the unaggressive Sweeney though.
Sorry-too many thoughs
Would ya give up DeBrusk & Grezlyck along with Coyle for OEL and Kessel?
Barry- I agree Ekholm would be an awesome fit for Boston. I’d even consider a package to bring in Granlund too. Give Krejci the needed winger.
IHC- I would not do that trade. For one I don’t think Kessel would waive his NMC to go back to Boston. I’d rather Ekholm over OEL.
Ekholm would be a perfect fit for the Habs. A mobile LD with term left on his contract at a reasonable salary. But the price will be high and Bergevin does not like giving up top prospects or first rounders. And that’s likely what it would take. I don’t see him picking up a rental either. Any rental worth having would cost at least a first. As inconsistent as the Habs have been, I’m not sure that would be a goood idea.
Howard,
Any two out of three, Byron, Lehkonen, Mete are far more than LA got for Muzzin which was 2 2nd round prospects and a late 1st round pick, none of which have panned out.
I happen to like all three of those guys as mid-range players but each would start in Nashville .
Habfan30
Are you possibly overvaluing the MTL players you me too in trade for Ekholm?
Lekkonen and Grundstrom score at the same rate….35 and .30 respectively. Grundstrom is 23 and has a $725K cap hit compared to Lekkonen at $2.4M
Byron scores at a .40 PPG rate and has a $3.4M cap hit for 3 more years. NSH could have had him for free off waivers. That should tell you his trade value.
Durzi was a 2nd round pick RHD. He’s 22
Tobias Bornfort (1st end 2019) has not signed an ELC yet.
MTL is not getting Ekholm and Granlund for MTLs garbage.
Daryl,
I never suggested Ekholm and Granlund so I don’t know why you even bother sending me a “response”.
Fact is that Ekholm will probably be claimed by Seattle in the draft so getting NHL ready players who can start and play have value.
Any 2 out of 3 of Byron, Lehkonen and Mete would be starters on Nashville and would not be claimed in the draft.
I’m not overvaluing them at all, they are mid level players that are valued for their skating, work ethic and strong defensive play.
Go check the % of second round and late 1st round picks that make it and you’ll see it’s a crapshoot.
Do you think you might be undervaluing players you don’t really know?
@Daryl not only has Bjornfot signed his ELC he`s played 3 games for L.A. as an 18 year old and has played 13 already this year and done not to bad. Montreal can`t give Byron away so 2 way overpaid 4th liners and a pressbox dman for Ekholm never gonna happen
Well it seem MB finally said he might do the smart thing for Thisbe year’s trade deadline – nothing. Sorry Habs fans but you have to understand this team sitting as high to the top of the cap is very not good. Your best plan of action is to stand pact and see if you can cause some crap in the season to get in. This team is years away from being true contenders (older Habs fans know what I mean) so they should ride it out and see what they can do or can’t and hopefully get a decent player with their pick.
This site… the delay in type input and add the auto correct…new words. The opening sentence is Well it seems MB is doing the smart thing for this year’s trade deadline….
what are you talking about? Price and Weber are not getting any younger.
years away from being a true contender? because of this canadian division, rounds 1 and 2 are very winnable — much easier than their normal division with Toronto, TB and Boston.
now is the time to do something!!!!
Missy and Mike – as much as I hate to admit it if, as some in here say, the Leafs aren’t deep enough, especially on D and, according to some, also in goal, to go to the finals, there is NO way the Habs are any more capable.
Upset an early round? Sure. But that’s it. They just don’t have the 21 horses needed on a nightly basis to go deep. And tweaking at the trade deadline isn’t going to make any difference.
habfan30
I know about Lekhonen and Byron. They’re mud-level players like you said but they’re signed to 2.4M and 3.4M contracts. Byron is 31 years old and the Preds could have had him without giving up an asset.
I do agree that draft picks are a crapshoot but it seems that many GMs prefer their scouting staff picks their own lottery tickets 😁
With Chiarot out for 6-8 weeks MTL could really use another D-man. Ekholm would be MTL #3D or 4D.
MTL would protect Weber, Perry, Edmunson and Ekholm. I don’t think they need to protect Romanov?
Just because I’m not a Habs fan doesn’t mean I don’t know the players or their perceived trade value.
31 thoughts from Lyle and his apprentices;
What is Friedman’s obsession With Terry. The guy has 7 points. This is no blockbuster that he is predicting
Yes guy: Friedman’s not predicting a blockbuster regarding the Ducks. He noted their asking price for Rickard Rakell will be high.
As for Terry, Friedman’s not obsessed with the guy. He reported last Saturday hearing Terry might welcome a change of scenery. Eric Stephens cited a source saying that’s not the case. Friedman’s now saying wait and see. He thinks highly of Terry despite his low output. Maybe he might benefit playing elsewhere, maybe not.
“Bergevin could make a move over the next couple of weeks if his club can string together some wins and improve their chances of securing a playoff spot.”
If the Habs string together wins and improve their playoff chances why would they need to make a move? Bergevin made all the moves he could at the beginning of the year. It’s on the players now.
Am I the only one that thinks Dubas is playing spin the bottle? Leafs fans here want a new goalie, insiders say he is looking for another forward. It is reported almost all Leaf prospects are on the table and Dubas says that this is a rare time where a rental player makes sense. Sounds like desperation to me. What happened to the Shanaplan?
LJ: Because even if they do string some wins together over the next couple of weeks there’s still a couple of glaring weaknesses to be addressed: lack of experienced skill among the top-four left-side defensemen and an experienced center who can regularly win faceoffs. Those might be overcome in other ways but they’re still areas to be addressed.
The Shanascam.
LJ
I wouldn’t say it’s desperation of Dubas’ behalf. I would say he has a 1st place team that he’s trying to add depth to for the inevitable injuries that come during playoffs. He knows it usually takes quality players or prospects to make a trade.
Bergevin made some good moves in the summer. T’officie and Anderson look good. However, betting on Suzuki and Kotkieniemi having breakout seasons has come back to haunt them.
It’s not helping that Danault is having a rough year either.
Fair enough, Daryl. All teams change, it just seems to me that Dubas is splashing around in the pool.
As for Danault, boy do you have that right.
@Daryl…..Hey what do you think of a Pittsburgh Montreal swap that I think helps both clubs?
To Pittsburgh center, 31 Paul Byron $3.4 million signed through 2023 gives Pittsburgh an affordable third line center…..he seems to have fallen out of favor in Montreal ??
To Montreal LHD 24, Marcus Pettersson $4.025 million can play in the top 4 if needed or the 3rd pair as well. Gives Montreal some depth (Chairot being out 6 to 8 weeks) money almost identical.
Thoughts..
I think this would help both clubs quite honestly..
Does any Bruin fan really think Boston has a shot at the Cup?
If you don’t, is it time to blow it up?
Here is my trade suggestion that is never going to happen for a bunch of different reason but if i was a GM i be willing to do it.
Patrice Bergeron to Montreal for Jesperi Kotkaniemi (start there)
Why would Boston do it (they wouldn’t) start a rebuild known they don’t have a cup contender, not getting by the Islanders or Caps
Why would Montreal do it: Would give them a legit number 1C with term, speaks French, and they have a realistic shot of coming out of the North.
Yes i believe Montreal has an easier path to the final 4 and are better suited to make a run then the Bruins.
Have you heard of this thing called the salary cap??? apparently not …
Caper – U can’t blow up Boston’s lineup , than I have nobody to “cheer” for …
It’s bad enough the Leafs will be headed in that direction , but nobody see’s it …
Trust me, it will be dejavu all over again in Toronto …couple of years …
Top heavy and Tavares tying up 11 mil for the next 4 years , that’s the “killer” and Dubais not signing Marner and Mathews , 1 year earlier, another 5 mil savings on the cap…
I have newspaper articles to prove my point
Caper,
KK for Bergeron?
“Speaks French”?
lol
My morning laugh, I would say, except it’s more than that.
Hilarious!
You don’t follow Montreal much, I take it.
Kotkaniemi has been their best C lately, and 20 years old?
these types of proposals, wishful thinking, so amusing.
But no offence intended, big guy.
lol, lol, lol.
rich
Caper, Bergeron is a terrific center but he is 35 and has missed significant time the last several seasons to a chronic groin issue. And he is not the missing piece the Habs need.
Caper,
Thanks but no thanks, a 35y/o with term (1 year) at an affordable almost $7 million for a 20y/o having all kinds of upside potential.
Scotty Bowman sees KK as a Jean Beliveau in the making, and he is improving on the ice by leaps and bounds.
I don’t know if he’ll reach that level but we haven’t seen what his ceiling will be yet, he’ll be the Habs 1C in the near future.
Sheesh – and you say all the time how much Leaf fans over value their players… lol
@ Habs Fan….. What do you think if this possible Pittsburgh Montreal swap?
To Pittsburgh… Center, 31, Paul Byron $3.4 million signed through 2023 gives Pittsburgh an affordable third line center. He seems to have fallen out of favor in Montreal ???
To Montreal…LHD 24, Marcus Petersson $4.025 million signed through 2024 gives Montreal some depth on defense in the wake of the (Chairot injury 6 to 8 weeks). He can slot in to the bottom pair or play in the second pair if needed…which he has done in Pittsburgh.
Byron seems to have fallen out of favor in Montreal and with Matheson playing very well and youngster Pierre Oliver Joseph ready to play.. I Pettersson could be moved..
I think this move is good for both clubs..
Thoughts….
Caper, I usually agree with you but on this one, I think you’re way off. For one, Bergeron needs to retire a Bruin, no matter what! Second, Montreal isn’t trading a 20 year old center who is only going to get better for 2-3 years of any center, even if it is Bergeron.
Boston is in a prime spot right now with the salary cap space next year. The only RFAs they need to re-up will be Carlo and Frederic…. and maybe Ritchie. Good chance they can get Rask and possibly Krejci resigned at lower avgs.
If they continue to decline, and look like they are going to miss the playoffs I’d make some moves to build the farm system up.
Rask to Col for Graves and Grubauer (Good chance Rask resigns with Boston next year)
Krejci to NYI for prospects and/or picks (He can replace Lee)
Halak, Kuraly and possibly Kase could be moved for picks.
In the offseason, they could go after Nugent-Hopkins, Granlund or Bjugstad to replace Krejci, if he isn’t resigned.
They could try for Lowry, Palmeiri or Hoffman.
Management has swung and missed at many deals, hopefully next year they can correct some wrongs.
Please NO rebuilding the Bruins…I simply do not trust this management team at all!
IMO I would rebuild asap . They are not Stanley Cup contender material . 1 Line team no secondary scoring.
Worst farm system in the NHL does not allow you to make upgrades via trades.
tonyd, so do you rebuild or don’t you? First sentence you say “please NO rebuilding” and then the first sentence in the next paragraph is “IMO I would rebuild asap”. Which is it. And do you even have an opinion or are you just a fan of another team acting like a Bruins fan like some do on here?
And where did I say upgrade the lineup with trades? I mentioned trading current NHL assets to build the farm system. Not sure where the confusion is.
WoW some snarly comments and some good ones
Ed Vanimpe- salary cap first let me say this, when i posted this comment; everyone knew it was a deal that would never happen. Boston wouldn’t trade Bergeron, Bergeron has a 3 team trade list.
It was more for fun and thought
now on to the salary cap: Presently Montreal has $3.5 m available for trade deadline.
Bergeron cap is $6.875 however his remaining daily cap hit is $3.141
Rich, no offense taken simply because there was no thought put into your response, other then narrow minded thinking.
LJ, Habsfan thank you for an appropriate response
The rationale behind my thought; which team out there could benefit the most from having Bergeron on their team, which team could use a number 1C and do they have a shot to get there:
Montreal checks all the boxes
As of today Bergeron would be Montreal number 1c, also terrific 200ft player and one of the best on the draws.
The fact he speaks French and would be to speak with the media a definite bonus. We also know he is a strong leader and know how to win.
Does Montreal have a shot at the Cup? I’ve said all year i think they have the best defense in the North, they have size and skill back there. If Carey Price regains his form, then why not Montreal out of the North.
Does Bergeron give them a better shot at the Cup or making it out of the North. Absolutely
I understand not wanting to give up on a stud prospect, that’s why i want him.
I play to win the cup and if adding a piece like Bergeron for 2yrs give me a better opportunity to win the cup, then why not?
Because you believe Kotkaniemi will devlope into a stud and will provide many many more opportunities to win the cup, then 2 years of Bergeron. Also wouldn’t want Kotkaniemi lighting up the Habs for years down the road after Bergy retires.
Wouldn’t a cup win be worth it?
Caper,
I think the Habs are built for the playoffs as is, though I don’t see them as a cup contender yet. They need to overcome adversity before being ready, though a hot goalie makes anything possible.
I have been promoting getting Luke Glendening for a while as he checks the need for a faceoff man and a mentor, he’s 31y/o a sweet spot for his role.
As you said, you were throwing out a trade for S&G discussion and prefaced that you don’t see it happening.
From what I have seen of the Bruins goaltending and surprisingly (to me) D isn’t really the problem unless Krug had such an impact on scoring.
The top line is still doing the job but it really falls of after that…..seems like Hoffman would have been a good addition and the Bruins would be in a different situation.
Caper, about 26 yrs ago, Dallas traded 1st round pick Jerome Iginla for a then 29yr old centre Joe Nieuwendyk. Iginla became a franchise player for the Flames but acquiring Nieuwendyk put the Stars over the top to win Lord Stanley. Like you say, not likely to happen but what will a team give up to win the cup? That is the goal of every team, but only one wins it.
Bruins have NO SHOT at the Cup..
Sweeney & Neely must be fired at the end of this season.
Please no more Ex bruins in management.
Neely did a nationwide search for a GM and low and behold determined that his buddy Sweens was the best candidate
Dumb & Dumber
Vancouver needs to resign Pettersson, Hughes and Demko.
Good luck with that Jimmy.
Canucks are going to be Leafs West, all their cap dollars locked into 3 or 4 players with hasbeens or never were wannabees filling out the roster.
Don’t worry, Ron, you have Jimmy Vesey now.
If (per Friedman), Nashville expects to get a similar haul for Ekholm that Toronto gave L.A. 2 years ago for Muzzin, then clearly using that logic I should expect to pay the same price for a fridge as I did in 2011. At the very least everything should be the same as it was pre pandemic right?
With Bettman alluding to 4 more years of a flat cap until escrows are balanced, who in their right mind cashes in a 1R, 2R and a prospect NOW, when in July a lot of teams will struggle to sign a lot of RFA’s and UFA’s? At some point really soon what is in the pipeline will decide the long term future for more than a few teams
That is a good post ShaneinTpa.
Kind of my thoughts with the B’s. Unless you think think they have a legit chance to win the cup, you don’t move young assets and picks. They are more valuable than ever. So is cap space.
I think Holland is thinking the same thing with the Oil regarding this year’s TDL, it will also make negotiations with RNH interesting.
I think RNH will get more than the $6M he earns now on the open market from a team like BOS or NYR that could use a quality 2C/scoring winger in his prime that can play well on the PP and the PK. Both have cap space.
But should Edmonton do that given their current roster and available space? I think they will pay Nuge, as he is valuable guy, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
Or maybe he takes less. I really have no idea.
RON – U R exactly right in your above comments about the Leafs .. U hit the nail on the head
I made a comment on this , early morning coffee – today , as per Dubais
Dubais has admitted to making bad mistakes , “ego” inexperienced , but has the IQ to learn , but in a different city ..
He should step down , but he won’t and take on the BUFFALO project and take Keefe with him .Boston, I have passion for as well ..
Everyone mentions their lack of scoring , I mentioned Nylander , but Shoreorrpark totally despised that idea ..
I responded by saying that I really like the player. Just not fond of his ability to disappear for stretches. We already have enough of those guys. ie. Debrusk, Coyle, Kuraly.
I certainly wouldn’t move Carlo for him, like you suggested.
Ideally if he was acquired, he’d play center with Pasta on his right side. Could be a good fit. Could be foolishness.
Ken who’s this DUBAIS guy you’re going on about? He doesn’t sound so bad to me. Who doesn’t like a guy that takes ownership for his errors. I frankly wish there were more people like that.
Exactly!
CAPER – Blowing up the Boston lineup , BAD idea, than I have no team to “cheer” for ….
They lost Brandon Carlo , to the “menace “ in Washington and another stunt from Tanev last night …
See IF Sweeney , with guidance from Neely , can do anything in coming days ahead
My Bruins have had a really tough 12 game stretch. Injuries piling up guys in and out of the lineup almost every game this season. 4 games in 5 days then covid protocols postponed games had them sitting in hotels for 4 days waiting to play their next game. Chemistry during this stretch has been ugly to say the least.then there’s something Iv yet to see anyone touch on which is Cassidy getting out coached several games this yr by lesser teams. Bruce hasn’t had many answers for the relentless forecheck teams are using against them. The remaining 2011 core time is definitely running out on another cup chance. Krejci Rask and Halak are all pending free agents come season end. Personally I believe DK and Rask sign 2 yr extensions but that’s a wait and see. Those guys and Bruins brass haven’t given any clues to their plans. That being said I think it’s time to move Halak. I believe he’s their best trade chip along with Ritchie and or DeBrusk. My guess is Kurley Wagner and Moore won’t be on the roster next yr. my untouchables Bergy Marshy Pasta Mcavoy Grizz Carlo Studs and Freddy. After that I’m open for the right price with guys like Coyle and Smith. I think it’s shake up time but not giving up on the team as a whole. I still believe there’s time left to fix what’s broken. I believe the biggest need is a RW for DK line. Preferably a power forward and a big strong D man especially now that Tinordi is injured.a 1st 2nd and Vaak for Ekholm would be my offer. A 3rd DeBrusk and Moore for Dustin Brown. I’d be happy.
And Halak for a 3rd round pick
B S untouchables,73,37,88,63.UFA 40,41,46 should be traded for anything positive in return including draft picks.Please don t resign them,time to move on and rebuild.POTENTIAL trade options,55,67,58,23,13,12,21,74,10,83,52,75 .Would like to keep,11.Cannon foder 27,86 always hurt!,14.Players to identify as trade targets Spencer Knight,Goalie 1st round pick of Fla. panthers,they have no room for him.Starting point of rebuild.
Can someone explain something I don’t get?
I see lots of Habs comments on Chiarot being “The difference between 6 weeks and 8 weeks of injury are huge” because at 6 weeks, he comes back during the season, 8 weeks he comes back during the playoffs.
I *sort* of get it, because I know Chiarot’s (and everyone’s) salary doesn’t count against the cap during the playoffs.
What I don’t get is, don’t the Habs still get 6 weeks of salary cap savings for Chiarot at a minimum? Don’t they still get a lot of cap room – 75% as much as if he was injured for 8 weeks?
If so, that still provides room for a trade, no?
Sincerely,
Confused in Canada
Paddy:
1) The Habs are still up against the cap even with the LTIR savings.
2) They would have to move a player of value to add a meaningful D – and they don’t have enough of them. Bergevin calls this moving sideways – which is a good way to describe it.
3) 14 day quarantine means they do without the player they acquire while also doing out with the player they give up. In a compressed schedule – ouch.
Thanks, LJ! That definitely helps!
It still feels to me like, “If Chiarot is gone for 8 weeks, we can replace him with a $3.5M player but if he’s gone for 6 weeks we can only replace him with a $2.6M player”.
I realize $2.6M doesn’t get you a great player but that still feels like a huge increase in wiggle room from what they currently have. Unless I am still not understanding it! (highly possible! 🙂 )
I can’t do the math either, Paddy (someone here can).
But one more issue is that Chiarot’s salary may be reduced by LTIR, but it comes back when he does. I’ve heard that despite shuffling players back and forth to the taxi squad the Habs have $30,000.00 in Cap space – which is of course nothing. So any acquisition has to be at a lower salary than the player they move. Hard to get quality in that scenario.
Ron Moore
Above – Dubais created the upside down cake …
Tavares contract for 1….11 mil for 4 more years , 8 mil in the Ditch
With today’s salary cap ..Review Ron Jull ‘s comments above ….,
Hi Paddy…. Happy “your” Day today BTW
the quick high level math…. while on LTIR…. doesn’t count against cap…. but most likely they need to replace him on roster from within while ofd….min contract for league is $700 K
So max savings if he was off for full year…. $2.8 M ($3.5 – $0.7 M replacement)
Season ~ 17 weeks
So 6 wks ~ just a tad shy of $1M in savings
8 wks… just over $1.3 M
So just over $300 K total saved (with a league min replacement) comparing 6 weeks to 8 wks
They are tight on Cap as is and still have to pay for call ups during short term injury (no cap relief) and that is going to cost somewhere in the $800 K range for yhe year
So max flex is $1.3-0.8…$0.5 M
At TDL…. about 1/3rd of season left…. so that $500 K
k buys a player whose annual Cap is in the $1.5 M range
Habs near cap anway…. tough to use that as an add
Conversely in Vegas…. Lehner (5.5) while on LTIR was oft replaced on roster with Dansk or Thompson (both ~ $0.8 M ann.Cap)… $4.7 M annual diff for just over 6 weeks on LTIR … net savings ~ )1.65 M
Similarly McNabb (2.5) was oft replaced by players in the $0.75 – $0.85 M range … Coghlan/Hague
That $1.7 for 7 weeks …, another ~ $0.7 M
Total ~ $2.35 M in net Cap savings
Sundry call ups for short term injuries (no Cap relief) so far this year (1/2 season) …. ~ $0.4 M…. so all else equal about $0.8 M for the year
$2.35 savings less $0.8 M…. $1.55… even leaving for a buffer of $200 K…. $1.35 M in space…. at TDL (1/3 rd year left)…. could absorb an addition of a player whose annual Cap is in the $4M range
… and they are already ine of the two cup favs (other being Bolts)
HALAK … Dubais,,, R U out there…..
Swap Anderson out…..
Halak is not going anywhere with Rask likely gone next year. Boston has options and can go with Swayman if ready with Halak as mentor.
Leafs should be going after Nedeljkovic as he would work well with Campbell and get Andersen out of here for anything before losing him for nothing.
Have a great day!!!!
I could see those two tandem next year!
Yea I don’t make that move with TML more like a second and a prospect. Sorry but I wouldn’t be in the market to make a long time rival better lol
How far away am I on this
Carlo… Studnicka….DeBrusk for Eichel
Way off I’d say lol but personally I’m not interested fir 2 major reasons. 1 10 mill paycheck 2 absolutely would have to over pay because we are the same division. A move like that would cost Pasta and Mcavoy plus a pick or at least that’s what I’d ask if I was Buff
throw in a first rounder and he’s yours
Lol no ty
I think Bergervin is looking to move Tatar if he can find a taker. Not sure he is keen to move Byron (other than for salary cap reasons), Lekonen (defense), or Armeia (size/puck protection). Least likely to be on offer is Armeia IMO. I would not be surprised if Bergervinn waited until after the Frozen 4 finished and Caufield was signed. Reports say he is NHL ready. Not saying he is the missing piece for the Habs but he will fill a roster spot, meaning someone else is available.
Also those suggestions I read of KK for Bergeron are SO off. Huge ‘no’ from both teams. No such phone call would ever be made. Bergeron will retire a Bruin and KK’s still has a future with the Habs; same for Suzuki. Both are too young, too much promise, and too good a cap situation to just give up on at this moment. Massively short-sighted.
KK will very likely never have the career or be as good as a player (or person) Bergeron is. Period. If you think I’m an ass or trolling or hating on the Habs, just go see what Bergeron has done and against the talent he faced, look up those stats and come here and post that who’s been massively short-sighted. Over value much?
I thought Berg said he was standing pat come the deadline. Or that’s what I read on NHL.com
No, Ron, you are not trolling. Bergeron is a great center – 6 — 30 goal seasons. And classy too – even Habs fans should acknowledge he is special.
Ron: Sorry you misunderstood me. I guess I did not make myself clear. No way the Bruins trade Bergeron for KK cause as you said Bergeron is too good a player, leader. excreta you move him. KK is too young with too much potential that the Habs just turn the page on him. Bergevin is not going to pick up the phone to make a deal that it DOA. The short-sighted part is the amount of players and picks it would take to get Bergeron from the Bruins would be ridiculous. The Bruins know exactly what they have in Bergeron. I have too much respect for Sweeney to see him under-selling Bergeron even IF he is available. I’m not trolling either. I do not see KK being moved and I do not see Bergeron moving either, period.
What do you think of this? The Habs biggest move would be bringing in Caufield after the college season.
MB also said, “Expect the unexpected.”
Doubt KK will ever have the career Bergeron has had. But that career is mostly behind Bergeron now. KKs is in front of him so I would decline that trade.
Time for the bruins to take a stab at Taylor the Buff. GM has basically said almost everybody’s expendable strike while the iron’s hot grab Taylor