NHL Rumor Mill – March 18, 2021
Analysis of TSN’s list of trade-deadline buyers in today’s NHL rumor mill.
TSN: Frank Seravalli listed the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins as his eight buyers heading toward the April 12 trade deadline.
Seravalli cited the Leafs’ willingness to make a trade soon for a middle-six rental forward and their willingness to move a top prospect to do so.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox listed Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf, Buffalo’s Taylor Hall and Eric Staal, Columbus’ Nick Foligno, New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri, Minnesota’s Mikael Granlund and Los Angeles’ Alex Iafallo as his top-seven pure rental targets for the Leafs.

Buffalo Sabres winger Taylor Hall (NHL Images).
Forget about Getzlaf unless he waives his no-movement clause which doesn’t appear likely. Hall also has a no-movement clause but Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said every option is on the table regarding his roster.
The Leafs were linked to Granlund for weeks in the rumor mill and could remain their main target. I wouldn’t rule out Staal as he’s affordable though his age (36) could be a factor. Getzlaf, Hall, Foligno and Palmieri could prove too expensive to add to the Leafs’ limited cap payroll. The Kings reportedly intend to re-sign Iafallo.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could pursue a rental defenseman primarily for expansion draft purposes.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That would rule out Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm, who has a year left on his contract. A better fit could be Columbus’ David Savard if Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is willing to sell at the deadline.
New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello admits he’ll use his $5.5 million of LTIR space to find a replacement for sidelined winger Anders Lee.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall, Foligno and Vancouver’s Tanner Pearson could be options for the Isles. The Canucks, however, could be reluctant to move Pearson as long as they remain in the playoff chase. The Athletic’s Arthur Staple believes the Isles’ first-rounder in this year’s draft is most likely in play, that Lamoriello will consider all rental options, and he could act quickly.
Seravalli points out the Hurricanes made three moves at last year’s trade deadline and are more open to change than most on his list.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been very quiet on the Hurricanes’ rumor front but that doesn’t mean they aren’t shopping around. They could perhaps use another secondary scorer or a physical checking-line forward. There’s some speculation about bringing Eric Staal back to Carolina but it remains to be seen just how seriously they’re entertaining that option.
The Golden Knights could use some depth at center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They have almost no projected trade-deadline cap space but have defenseman Alex Pietrangelo on LTIR. However, they could be unwilling to use that if he’s returning before the season’s end. It might have to be a dollar-in, dollar-out move.
Seravalli expects Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic to make a move for a backup goaltender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If anything happens to starter Philipp Grubauer the Avs are screwed. Sakic is being patient but he could pull the trigger to add someone like Detroit’s Jonathan Bernier or San Jose’s Devan Dubnyk.
Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher appears smitten with Predators’ defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: To trade or not to trade, that is the question for the Flyers. They need defensive help and Ekholm could be a good fit but adding him would mess up their expansion draft protection list for their blueliners.
Fletcher could be unwilling to part with assets if his club loses ground in the standings. If he does pursue a defenseman he could go the rental route with someone like Columbus’ David Savard.
The Bruins are competing with the Flyers for that final playoff berth in the East Division. It’s been a transition year on defense while core players like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are aging.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Don Sweeney must decide if his club’s window of opportunity for a Stanley Cup run remains open or has slammed shut. If it’s the latter, he might not make any significant moves here. Their primary need is secondary scoring but they have limited trade assets.
Seravalli considers the following clubs as “soft” buyers: Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Oilers need either a scoring left-winger or a second-pairing left-shot defenseman but they aren’t interested in rentals or moving draft picks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could leave the Oilers looking at an affordable depth move rather than addressing those two issues. You’ve gotta give to get.
The Flames have sought an impact right-shot winger for some time but prices are expensive.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week the Flames weren’t willing to pay the Ducks’ high price for Rickard Rakell. GM Brad Treliving could end up seeking a more cost-effective option like Detroit’s Bobby Ryan.
The Capitals could be in the market for an experienced goaltender.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As an LTIR team they have no trade-deadline cap space available. GM Brian MacLellan recently indicated any move will be dollar-in, dollar-out.
Seravalli suggests Penguins GM Ron Hextall could look at bolstering his forward depth but he’s unwilling to part with futures.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hextall would like to add some toughness to his lineup. That’s usually affordable but costs a draft pick to do it.
The Blues might not need any acquisitions as sidelined players such as Jaden Schwartz, Colton Parayko and Robert Thomas come off injured reserve. Sniper Vladimir Tarasenko recently returned from injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: GM Doug Armstrong will likely evaluate his roster as it gets healthier to determine if a move or two is necessary by the deadline.
Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois recently pointed out his club has “literally zero cap space”. Sidelined winger Nikita Kucherov could also return to the lineup before the end of the season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can’t fully dismiss the possibility of BriseBois making a deadline move. However, I’d say the odds are against it this year unless he’s moving one lower-salaried player for another.
Seravalli considers the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Dalla Stars, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers as “neutral trade deadline teams”.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin talked about how his limited cap space and the two-week quarantine period for players acquired from American teams could hamper his efforts to add to his roster. That doesn’t mean he won’t be looking but he will have to get creative to make it work.
The Stars could end up as sellers if they don’t gain ground in the standings soon. Kings GM Rob Blake could make an addition but won’t waste assets on a rental player. Ditto the Blackhawks as GM Stan Bowman recently indicated. He’s interested in players with term on their contracts. He’s also reportedly willing to use his $22 million of LTIR space to take on a bad contract if he can also get draft picks and/or prospects with the deal.
The Panthers could make a move but they aren’t under pressure to do so as they jockey with the Lightning and Hurricanes for first place in the Discover Central Division. I also doubt Wild GM Bill Guerin is interested in rental players. I’d put the Rangers among the sellers if they fail to gain ground on the Bruins and Flyers in the East.
If I’m Shanahan and Dubas tells me he is going with Andersen, I fire him immediately and direct his replacement to focus entirely on obtaining a new goalie before even thinking about anything else. This conversation needs to happen now so the replacement has time to act ahead of TDL.
Too bad I can’t post first being on the opposite side of NA. This comment is for Leafs fans like myself or “haters” of the team:
Put on your blinders and earbuds and avoid being drawn into what looks to be the deepest pool of misguided crap you will ever witness.
*reaches for the popcorn.
Tis the finest hockey site on the net. You know where the door is right? Careful, the knob might prove to be tricky for you.
I wouldn’t even trade this site for deangelo and strome!
Ha!
What goalies are available this TDL that are better than Andersen? Don’t forget that if there are any the Leafs will have competition to get that goalie with the Oilers.
Think Holland will chase one KevJam?
Not saying they couldn’t use an upgrade, just not sure they do anything this TDL vs this off season.
They don’t have any cap space either.
Some folks here seem to be obsessed ; some with their dislike of Frederik Andersen ; others with their hate of Don Sweeney. I think that it’s called “monomania”.
Great Summary Lyle. I am interested in your thoughts on the trade deadline value of CBJ FA Foligno and Savard.
If TOR is targeting Foligno some are speculating a deal could center on Kerfoot (cap considerations) + Liljegren. Is that in the ballpark
For Savard to WPG, PHI, etc is 1st + B level prospect or 2nd + A level prospect a legitimate projection?
Thanks for your thoughts
I have my doubts that CBJ will move Foligno. It will take a significant offer to convince Kekalainen to part with his captain. I’m not saying he won’t but the asking price could start with a first-round pick. Savard could be doable for a second-rounder but it depends on how many teams are interested in him.
Kerfoot seems the most likely Leaf to be moved if they wish to free up sufficient cap space for a rental forward. Dubas could surprise us with another display of salary-cap gymnastics similar to two years ago in the offseason but I don’t see how that might be possible this time around.
Thanks Lyle! I agree it is tough to move Foligno. The buzz here and nationally (up to #5 on the TSN trade bait) if he is willing to waive his NMC for a contender CBJ and Nick could agree on a move to give him a shot at a cup. There is also strong feeling here in CBus that no matter how the TDL plays out, Nick will return as a FA this summer. I am hoping Savvy can yield a strong pick and/or solid prospect as this could be a great opportunity for Jarmo to restock some futures assets while also retooling.
Lyle, CBJ is not making the playoffs. Foligno is UFA at the end of the season. I don’t understand the notion that teams need to offer a “significant” pieces to pry him out of Columbus. No teams in the league view Foligno as a player who moves the needle at his stage in the career. He is just a nice addition to teams like Toronto who need a veteran presence both on and off the ice. Kekalainen can easily resign Foligno in the off season. If he can even get a 2nd rounder, or a prospect currently in the farm team, is a great trade for Columbus. No teams are trading for Foligno thinking they will resign him for a long term. Taylor Hall on the hand is more in the radar of offering “significant” pieces to attain his services, as he is in his prime, and has a resume of greatness. Kerfott for Foligno is a STEAL for Columbus in my mind. If i’m Dubas, i would trade with Columbus with bigger picture in mind. A block buster involving Nylander, Kerfott, and Dermott for Foligno, Jenner, Savard and 2nd round draft pick. Of course, CBJ need to retain 2.5mill salary for this to work.
Lyle
Regarding Foligno to TOR.
Can you answer a question for me? Let’s say the Leafs were to offer Kerfoot and a 1st round pick for Foligno, Savard, and Dubinsky. Would Dubinsky’s $5.85M salary on LTIR offset Foligno’s $5.5M cap hit?
Kerfoot’s cap hit is $3.5M which isn’t far off Savard’s $4.25. CLB could retain $500K and the numbers would work if Dubinsky’s LTIR offsets Foligno + $350K
Silly to suggest but would Hall to NYI for Bellows make sense?
Hall next to Barzal for the playoffs?
I don’t think Hall to the Islanders is silly, but it will probably cost more than Bellows.
oh yea defintiely, but figured Bellows is the starting piece that is palatable for Uncle Lou.
any suggestion you make is considered to be silly …
Hall is not a LL type guy imo. Although his good buddy Eberle is there. Lou likes big grinders.
Lou like all GMs like to win. You can’t win with just grinders. You need guys that can put the puck in the net not muck around with their stone hands.
Lets not forget that Hall has a NMC and can pick where he wants to go.
If I am Hall, I’m leaving for the Island tonight.
I tell Adams to make the best deal he can with LL or I’m staying put. Adams can take what LL offers or lose Hall for nothing after the season is over.
Hall is NOT going back to Buffalo next year.
Playing with a winner and having a chance to regain his stature around the league is a temptation that Hall cannot pass up.
I’m personally not sold on Hall as an Isles fan. But, if he plays with Barzal and Eberle he could really turn his season around quickly and earn a better contract next year.
Plus all that crap about never being in the playoffs that he spouts.
Time to put up or shut up and wither away in Buffalo.
Leafs Require a Goaltender ..
A 4 Gone Conclusion …Defense
The winger idea boggles me …
Unless they could do combination of , which I doubt on account of they can only protect 12 players, going into this years draft expansion .
Trading 1or 2 of Reilly, Tavares, Nylander , ANDERSON , would seem ideal to me, but that’s not going to happen .
Freeing up cap room for Zack Hyman , for next year is KEY!
Eventually a player on the roster will have to GO …
That will really do me in, unless he goes to Boston , Bruin style player .
Winnipeg’s MAJOR advantage , going into this years playoffs , is Halybuick , against an Industrial league goalie in Anderson .
Dubais thinks Anderson will be fine !!
I want Hyman here in Detroit.
Iago keep on dreaming…
I can’t see the Leafs making any moves, as they have no cap. To move Kerfoot to acquire Foligno( is his goal celebration like his dad Mike) I think is a lateral move.
Unless the capoligists, can rotate Tavares, Matthews and Marner on the IR for the remainder of the season. Giving them $10 million to add. Until the playoffs where cap is not in effect.
Foligno brings something different from Kerfoot. Not saying better or worse, as I recognize Kerfoot gets undervalued quite a bit, but Foligno can play all 3 F slots, very strong D, physicality, and leadership. For highly skilled teams that are “all in” and looking for those traits for balance during a deep cup run, Foligno is ideal. Maybe that’s TOR maybe it’s a different contender.
I like Foligno too Deacon, but giving up Kerfoot seems like an overpay for a rental.
Kerfoot isn’t a game changer by any means, buy I don’t see Foligno as that either.
Same production but better leadership and toughness, but Kerfoot is younger and signed to an OK deal for another 2 years.
Both guys play C and W.
If the Leafs still need leadership with all those big money guys and adding Thornton and Simmonds, than that would be strange.
IMO Leafs playoff success comes down to their big guys producing, and of course, goaltending.
Trading Kerfoot for a experienced #2 tender who is healthy makes sense IMO.
Kerfoot is overvalued–you mean lol—does absolutely nothing
just like Vesey–
line combo with my friends was foot feces lol
Just an FYI that Foligno rumor was started by that super slooth Steve Simmonds of… is he still employed by that trashy paper the sun? Oh his congealed twin at the head Cox has also run with this DUM rumor.
Great reliable sources.
“slooth” and “congealed”
Hahaha! Fantastic! “Facts are important”
This guy kills me.
Keep em coming, Ron.
another Bruins rumor today…..
Kyle Palmieri which could cost the Bruins a prospect & a #1
wouldn’t be the worst move but probably not a needle mover..would seem to blend in with Smith,Colye,DeBrusk
I would never give up a prospect & a #1 for Palmieri, can’t be that desperate?
How expensive could Rakell be ? Bennett and a second . Flames need scoring on the right wing.
The Flyers need to go after Ekholm and so do the Jets. Almost whatever it takes. Proven playoff performer some edge . One of the best #3 D in the league
Silver7 it is rumoured Anaheim wanted Mangiapane and Dube in a trade for Rakell. Not surprised Treliving passed.
That is a little steep. I keep Dube. Team Canada WJ captain and 40 goal scorer in the dub. Looks better every game. I like Mangiapane ‘s speed but would give him up to help land Rakell. Maybe him and the two third rounders they have his draft . Rakell has been prone to injury.
Palmieri is from Smithtown which is 20 miles from the Coliseum. Would love to get him forget about Hall the guy is a cancer and Rackell would be a nice fit also. I would give up the pick plus a player but the question is which player? Bellows is starting to look like his dad playing near the net getting garbage goals which you need to win. I would think twice about trading him now.
Leafs have a goalie and another one coming back from injury. Definitely not their top priority this year. A forward to balance the lines would be tops for me, maybe a depth defence man.
I thought I heard that Anderson has been playing hurt with a bad groin for some time.
Is that accurate BCLeafFan?
If so, that would explain his mediocre play. And perhaps a tip of the hat for sucking it up while Campbell gets healthy.
If they aren’t going to trade him for another goalie, which seems unlikely IMO, they need to get him healthy. Seems more important than playoff seeding to me.
Ray Bark
I researched that groin injury to Anderson , I haven’t found anything ….
Anderson has had concussions in the past , maybe he is “dizzy” between the pipes …
He’s not the stand up goalie he once was , his mechanics are away off , only thing worse is Hutchison …
Dubnyk is available , something is better than nothing …
Ken look for reports not written in crayon.
Thank you.
The groin injury was tangentially mentioned on the TSN broadcast as (I’m paraphrasing) …”Anderson might be playing through a recurring groin injury”
I interpreted the remark as speculative rather than “insider” scoop info
Leafs do have Campbell , still unproven , but an upgrade to Anderson ..
Leafs have “choked” in umpteen playoff series , can’t get out of the first round round , on account of very weak goaltending , proven over and over again !
1 of Columbus goalies would be a “quick fix”
We have Simmons coming back , Foligno would add truculence , additional leadership etc …
An upgrade to Dermot wouldn’t hurt either
Ken, take the time to compare the Leafs roster from the last Boston series.
You’ll recall from last summer that the problem against Columbus in a short series was lack of scoring, not goaltending.
Go back to the last time we played Boston in the playoffs when we could have closed them out in Toronto in Game 6 and compare that roster to this one. This one is deeper at forward and defence and just needs more balanced scoring.
BTW, Ken, subtract Kadri from the 2019 playoff roster. You know why.
Like I say , Ron Moore , I didn’t find any reports …
Please read before commenting
Ken, Toronto’s defense and team defense was not very good the last few years and yet many Leaf fans blamed Anderson. I guess we will see how the playoffs go with the changes Dubas made this year.
BCLeaf Fan I could not agree more. Even if I were dissatisfied with Freddy work I can not see an better or even equivalent substitute.
If Dubas stood pat on this deadline I would be happy. This year is all about depth which TO has more or less. Last years problem was lack of depth at D, as soon as Muzzin went down that was it. I am also a BC leaf fan
What penguins futures?
Oooo…. that reality check hurt
Ur a Pens fan… don’t remind us of what isn’t there down the road
Pens (as at the time of this post) have all 7 picks in ‘22 and ‘23….I guess that’s the future 😢😭
Don’t forget up to 4 7th rounders this year!
I’m sure Hex can get us another couple of 7th rounders 🤞🙏🤞🙏
@Chrisms & Pengy…. Hey what do you guys think of this Pittsburgh Montreal potential swap?
TO Pittsburgh:
Center Paul Byron, 31, signed at $3.4 million through 2023. He would give the Penguins a solid affordable third line center. He has seemed to fall out of favor in Montreal and they alredy have 2, 3 young centers ahead of him.
TO Montreal:
LHD Marcus Petersson 24, signed at $4.025 million through 2024. He can pay on the second or third pair defense….which he has done in Pittsburgh. With Matheson skating and playing well and young Pierre Oliver Joseph ready Pettersson is a decent trade chip.
Seems like both players need a change of scenery and this deal would help both teams…and the money is really close..
Thoughts?
Hi BnG
Pens number 1 shopping item must be for a 3C IMHO
Byron has speed, but is small, but more importantly is a winger (a leftie that tends to often play RW instead of LW)
Even at wing… he is producing at the ZAR type level and at over 3 times the cap hit
Pens really need a 3C
Staal would be my 1st choice
I would also consider Carter
Carter is predominantly playing RW now; but in his nigh 1,100 games he played several hundred at C
Cap way higher than Sal…. 5.25 Cap, Sal $2M
That means at TDL and after escrow he’s only owed about $2.1 M cash for the balance of his total contract (under contract until end of next year)
LA retooling and getting younger….. Cap space not needed next year… 50% could be retained
LA basically paying then $1.05 M for what they get in return
Blake wants youth and I would think he demands O’Connor and perhaps Maniscalco
Pens are nearing end of window; must get a 3C in hopes of getting out of the East to SFs
So any prospect not named Poulin ; PO-J, and Legare should be considered
Carter also comes with size… 6’3” , 220
Closing in on 400 reg season goals and 750 points
Just a thought
IF Sweeney as he usually does remains in his office slouched over in his lazy boy recliner all spring and doesn’t make a GOOD move he can kiss his grits goodbye! He won’t be here next season and hopefully ownership will finally see the light & take Neely out to greener pastures with him. I’d rather have Hall than Palmeri but Palmeri is better than Smith and Coyle. Sweeney’s got to go for a home run this season or he’s history!
Hi Rick, I like your passion, tell me a deal that you would make, that would help this team and make them a cup contender?
If there isn’t a deal(s) out there to make them a cup contender then, might as well unload.
Yup, the Bs are ready to be builders rather than contenders soon. It was worth a try a the season’s start. The injuries have decimated the defense, and Tuukka. Defense makes offense. So blaming DS is silly. Big moves will be made this off season but I won’t rule out a big last minute deal if DS gets off his lazy boy.
Alright Cappy I except the challenge let’s run this up the ole flagpole and see if anyone declares amnesty. First I’ll tell you who I think should be traded and why and then we’ll run over the player I think they should go after. Actually there are a few. Here comes the boo birds I think They should go full bore after hall, former mvp. No 1 draft choice( head case maybe) but the bruins have had their share over the years think Brad, Linesman, The Turk etc my only concern with hall would be over his health he wasn’t the only one having problems in Buff Eichel had only 2 goals before his injury. For the trade Buff could use a good goalie I would offer up Halak,
Debrusk Beecher and a 2nd rounder. Reason? Halak still got a couple of good years left and although Vlad played great the other night this Kid Swayman is the goalie of the future I’ve seen him play in Prov he’s unbelievable . Debrusk has lost his confidence Second choice Foligno he one of the grittiest players in the nhl and he can score Not too many people want to tangle with him Debrusk Beecher Bjork and a second rounder.
Holy overpayment, Batman! Nice target, but you’re giving up too much.
Lol no one is going anywhere and shouldn’t be. I love when people get all butt hurt because Sweeny didn’t over pay and bring in a marquee player. You realize you can’t make a team trade with what you want as well as you can’t make a player sign. Every trade deadline Sweeny calls around asks teams they want in return for said player. The response has been Patrnak, Carlo,Mcavoy,now Fredrick. You are just hating to hate lol Hall would cost way too much and isn’t close to being the player he was a few yrs ago. Whether injured or something else I’m all set.Palmari isn’t any better than Coyle this yr. Sweeny n Neely will be there next yr
If the the bruins get bounced out of the first round or per chance don’t even make the playoffs & Sweeney once again hasn’t done anything he’s gone. Time to get creative if you think the b’s should remain pat that’s your opinion it’s not mine
Hi Rick
Re Sweeney and
“ remains in his office slouched over in his lazy boy recliner all spring and doesn’t make a GOOD move”
That is exactly what this Pens’ & Leafs’ fan thinks would be ideal for Sweeney’s plan of action
No moves (for Bruins) are good moves 🙏🤞🙏🤞👍👍
Re trades by Leafs
They are up against the cap , so as TSN has said over and over again… it cap I cap out and the only one they keep repeating on is Kerfoot
In Div…. I don’t see Habs; Oil; Flames or Jets looking at Kerfoot
Do Sens or ‘Nucks have needle mover that Leafs “covet”
Down south? Any player coming in (as at now)… 14 day quarantine…. and don’t forget that’s “house arrest “ quarantine … so no use of player for 14 days (but still counting on cap); AND when player returns…. been out of game action/practice for 14 days AND still not practiced/played with new team, coaches, system…. that’s in the realm of 8-10 either idle or useless play for the new “needle move”
Again , I add… Leafs don’t need to address forwards this year
They want to get out of North… address blue-line back (G & D)
Even with that move (serious upgrade to D&G) ; are they built to beat Bolts or Knights? IMVHO; no
Moves should be to improve G&D with reality scope set on targeting a cup in ‘22 and beyond
The Senators don’t want Kerfoot either!
Exactly! Why mess with your draft position by getting a few more points when the team is in the early stages of a rebuild. That’s something the Habs would do or those Leafs teams of yours from the past have done year after year.
Concur George
and I’m highly doubtful on ‘Nucks as well
So Dubas will be somehow seeking US franchises to take Kerfoot for an equal Cap hit player (that will be idle for 14 days) 🧐🤔🤯
Leaf fans I’d bet my last dollar your starting goalie to start playoffs will be with doubt Freddie.
Obe I’ll bet my last dollar that the sun rises in the east and will set in the west.
I agree and Freddie will also sign an extension.
Ok, after last night game .. the habs need to make a trade for a top 3 defender and a top 6 foward.
Ekholm, Mattias for 1st round 21 and a third, Poehling, Ryan (Prior to an extension of 4 years of Ekholm)
Top 6 foward is open for debate …
Hall I don’t want near my team …
But for the sake of trading away our first to Nashville what would it take more to get Forsberg, Filip ??
Trade of Forsberg, Filip + Ekholm, Mattias
For
1st round 21 and a pair of second rounders, Poehling, Ryan + Tatar ($ echange) and Victor Mete.
Would it be enough? Sends the Preds on a rebuild and send Habs a real chance of make a push in the playoffs
We just need to make our Government understand that players should not have to wait 14 days to play … as they are already tested each and everyday … 3 days should be enough and 2 negative tests in a row.
Anyway my 2 cents this morning…
Fred:
There is no way the Preds let Forsberg and Ekholm go for what you offer back. I don’t think that brings Ekholm by himself.
The Habs first need is a top 4 D, not a forward. I say again, I don’t see the Habs having anyone they can give up from their top 9 that Nashville would want. The Habs best prospect is Caulfield. While I am not a sold as others are on him (two mediocre World Junior performances), he is the best offensive prospect the Habs have.
And in no way should they entertain trading him without knowing exactly what you have in him and the team.
Since you think this is not enough for the defenceman only … I think I will stop here …
I am quite surprised by the comment that Carolina needs secondary scoring or a checking forward. Carolinas scoring is very well balanced. Necas, Aho and Svech have yet to separate themselves from the secondary scoring. They also have one of the better 4th lines and are well balanced with skill vs physical play. I could see speculation about a goalie or physical right hand bottom pair defenseman that can kill penalties but not a forward. I would be ok with adding Eric Staal but they certainly don’t need him and Im not sure if he can keep up with the team speed at this point in his career.
Jake Bean and Alex Nedeljkovic have both played well enough that Carolina does not have to make a move in net or on defense. Nedeljkovic has been better than Reimer and Bean has been better than, Fleury and Gardiner. Mrasek is the unknown. Will he play at the level he did before the injury?
Are BriseBois and Bergevin the only ones being honest with media and fans, admitting there isn’t cap space to make significant trades?
Most, not all, of the teams in the hunt are capped out and need to unload a contract to pick one up, prospects won’t do it.
It’s possible to take advantage of a UFA but less likely than usual as the flat cap works against unreasonable raises.
It’s possible to take advantage of a player likely to be drafted by Seattle who may have less value than usual.
Realistically speaking I expect minor tinkering from most teams other than Florida and Carolina who have the cap room and are in the thick of it.
Re VGK and Cap space
Yes they should definitely have space
I responded to Paddy yesterday re space in Habs and did the math and then cited how Knights will have space:
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 ($5.5 – $0.8M) for just over 6 weeks on LTIR … net total savings ~$1.65 M
Similarly McNabb (2.5) was oft replaced by players in the $0.75 – $0.85 M range … Coghlan/Hague…. call it avg $0.8 M
That $1.7 ($2.5M – $0.8 M) for 7 weeks …, another ~ $0.7 M
Total ~ $2.35 M in net Cap savings
They were near cap to start and have shuffled ELCs in and out
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…. $1.55M even leaving for a buffer of $200 K…. $1.35 M in space…. at TDL (when there is 1/3 rd year left)…. could absorb an addition of a player whose annual Cap is in the $4M range (1/3 * $4M = ~ $1.3 M)
… and they are already one of the two cup favs (other being Bolts)
They have their own 1st and 2nd ; AND NJ’s 2nd (which will very likely be too 5 picks in second round
… and they have many prospects for trading purposes
The talk re Getzlaf being traded to any team… he’d have to request… unlikely… but if he did… it’ll be to a contender . His wife is from the OC; kids born and raised there. Vegas is a 4 hour drive
That is the only team I see him actually asking to be traded to … he’s 36 in just over 8weeks…. another Cup?
Bowman has already said he is willing to use his Cap space (to-throughs) to his advantage for the future
Knights needs (one of 2 cup favs has needs is kind of strange just saying) per TSN is a 3C
@TDL ; after escrow… Getzlaf still owed about $800 K
Ducks 50% retained to Blackhawks…. still pay $400 K
Blackhawks then retain 50% …. $200 K
Knights get Getzlaf for 3C…. effective annual Cap (25%) …. $2.06M…. but with only 1/3rd season left…. that’s less than $700 K…. they have the space …. see above
Cost
Ducks get NJ’s 2nd ; plus say Lechyshyn
Bowman gets Knight’s 2nd , for $200 K
Getzlaf gets take-home raise (no state tax) , and chance at another cup
Better move for Knights (rather than waiting forGetzlaf to MAYBE request a trade)
Do above deal with Kings and Chi for Carter…. who does not have trade protection
Carter owed about 530 K at TDL (after escrow) and about $1.6 M overall next year… total 2.13M
So the to-through of 25% (An) then Chi 50% of that) has
Ducks paying total around $400 K
Chi…. around $200 K
Knights annual hit on Carter… 37.5 % of 5.25 M…. just a tad shy of $2M…. so space needed at TDL… ~$670 K… they have see above
Again
LA gets NJs 2nd ; plus say Lechyshyn and a late round pick
Bowman gets Knight’s 2nd , for $200 K
question not a comment… what happens to the cap when a player is picked up on waivers?
The players cap hit is added to the acquired team’s cap and off the team that lost him. The player is on the active roster and if moved to the taxi or AHL, he will have to go through waviers again and the team that lost him can re-claim him and could be demoted (the original intent) along with the players cap hit, up to ?$900k since the player isn’t on the active roster.
I was wondering about this yesterday, specifically in regards to COVID quarantine.
For instance, the Oilers claimed Alex Slalock off wiavers from Minnesota a couple of weeks ago. Did his cap-hit start counting as soon as he was claimed or not until he finished quarantine?
Boston Bruins are 23rd in goals for, only one more then Dallas with Dallas having 2 games in hand. Every team below them is out of the playoffs.
Boston Bruins are tied for 2nd in goals against
much of the talk is about their offense and just maybe with the defensive play and goaltending the Bruins are not as far back as one would think.
We know Boston doesn’t blow anyone away, we also know they rarely get blown away and are always in the game.
I do not want to see Sweeney trade away another 1st round pick, unless it’s for a player with term.
Players that could realistically move that may bring back something.
Bjork, Debrusk, Zboril, Studnicka, Lauzon, Grizz
nobody giving you anything for Kuraly, Wagner, Clifton, Khulman
and the others i don’t see being moved.
I would try to move Grizz to Nashville for Ekholm understanding it may not be enough but not moving a 1st round pick.
read teams are not so sold on trying to make it thru a round of the playoffs because there is no revenue to generate with no fans in the stands. Meaning more teams may do nothing and hopefully bring down the asking price.
With that said it only takes two teams to create a bidding war.
Smart reply, the Bs names you mentioned are correct. Add Lohrei, Lauko, and Vlader (Swayman isn’t going anywhere) to the mix. Providence is doing quite well. The no prospects argument is simply they have not drafted in the 1st round much in the past few years. Draft analysis from a high perch. On a different thought, why is Toronto looking for a forward. Try a goalie!
Pengy how about
To PIT: Evander Kane
To SJ: Zucker (550K retained for cap purposes) & McCann
Pit gets toughness and scoring.
that work for you?
IHC what does San Jose get.. Hosed?
Not indicating something else (high pick) may not be part of the package just what can start the move for Pitts. SJ isn’t exactly a contender and 2 players gives them depth with their RFA and UFA they most likely will not resign.
Cap space to retool on the fly.
Try Van see if they wanna trade Eriksson & Meyers for Karlsson. Karlson gets a cup contender
Van gets a better Dman than Meyers and rid of Eriksson.
SJ gets depth of players and can continue to retool.
Just spitballing
Obviously the current roster is not cutting it to contend.
Too funny Caper! lol
The last bankrupt player the pens acquired didn’t exactly help…
Nice
… true dat… but Kane in no way is JJ…. ummmmm…. no one is JJ
Hi IHC
Setting aside Chrisms poignant comment re taking on another debt ridden player…. if Hex was offered that deal… he should immediately fax the trade papers to NHL head office and run down the street (just like the lady in the IKEA commercial) yelling at Burkie…. “start the car, start the car”
Would Kane on Pens be good 👍👍
Are Sharks making playoffs this year… I have serious doubts; and they may not; as is, be able to make it next year…. so rebuild mindset might be where Wilson should be taking it
Setting aside the NTC (Kane as at now can only be traded to 3 teams… so odds that Pens are one is slim)…
Moving the non producing/struggling (this year) LTIR Zucker , is OK by me
Pens loaded at LD; and Peeterrson is likely the one they are thing of moving; note also Sharks loaded at LD…. But will just go with the thought
Zucker/Pettersson ….$9.6 M; Kane $7; so 40% has to be retained for Zucker
and then there must be adds to the deal to make the trade “fair”…. and it won’t include Poulin…. so let’s say Laffy and Maniscalco
That’s a 4 for 1 with 40% retained on Zucker …. and result
Sid/Guentz/Rusty
Gino/Kappy/Kane
McC/Turbo/Rodrigues
Blueger/ZAR/Janko
So 2nd line increases production but still left with bottom 6 in reality as 2 checking lines
Pens true need is 3C
Staal…. UFA… would be ideal; Sabres will be moving him. Sabres , on their current 23 man roster don’t have a single LD under contract next year. They are also very likely to move Montour… UFA
Hextall should go after both…
Pettersson, Zucker , Ruhweedel for Stall/Montour/Sheahan
2 players under contract for at least 2 more years and one under contract for next year, for 3 UFAs:
Sid/Guentz/Rusty
Gino/Kappy/McC
Staal/Turbo/Rodrigues
Blueger/ZAR/Sheahan
Sceviour/Janko
That 2nd line not as productive as with Kane but now 3 scoring lines plus checking line; and added another 2 centres onto the roster… Pens centres are dropping like flies.
Pens also got quite heavier
And added a puck moving D-Man
On D
Tanger/Dumo
Marino/Matheson
Montour/Riikola or PO-J
Ceci/Riikola or PO-J
Jarry/DeSmith
That line up , to me , has a far far better chance of winning the East than the roster they have now; and the cost ….. Pettersson …. and they (Pens) have surpluses at LHD; and Zucker (doing nothing for them on LTIR, and very little before that) ; and Ruhweedel(don’t get me started)
Why would Adams do it
I truly believe Zucker will do much better elsewhere; Pettersson under a reasonable contract …. would be 2LD on Sabres behind Dahlin ; and the cost to Adams … 3 UFAs that may have garnered at best, 2 2nds and a 5th … no guarantees of NHLers and at best they wouldn’t play until 23/24 earliest
3C for Pens a must
Go Pens Go
If Grubauer gets hurt, Sakic should have his b*tt fired. Three straight seasons the Avalanche have had goaltending injury issues and he’s done nothing accept acquiring Hutcheson (barely an NHL goalie) to solve the problem.
It’s one thing to be patient and it’s another to be flat out dim-witted and allow the team to languish with borderline ECHL level goalies as your backup. I’m looking at you Hunter Miska.
Butt is to strong a word now?
Damn.
ATTENTION all Leafs fans, i read too many here splitting hairs over TO’s defensive incapabilities and Freddies goaltending woes. Too many here rambling about what TO needs and personelle changes that are needed moving forward. Let me make it CLEAR, as what TO is up against. I’m talking pure reality of the situation at hand. Toronto Maple Leafs are maxed out to its ying yang in CAP space. They do not approach the trade deadline in a position of STRENGTH, they are utterly in the mercy of other preying GMs who has far more experience in screwing over our young Dubas who still does not understand what the make up of STANLEY CUP roster should be. Let me make it clear what TO needs at this juncture in their Mathews/Marner ERA.
REALITY #1: We have zero CAP room to make any significant additions to the roster.
REALITY #2: Freddie is not a great or terrible goaltender, he is simply an average goalie.
REALITY #3: TO is waaaay tooooo SOFT.
REALITY #4: Too many FLOATERS in the TEAM.
Now, to remedy the situation you take REALITY #4 and solve your REALITY #1. Once you solve the REALITY #1 then, you can address REALITY #3. REALITY #2 is a coin toss, cause who in the right mind is going to give you an ELITE goaltender at this point in the season. Most likely the supposed ELITE goalies are probably in the midst of playoff hunt or comfortably perched in one.
Now, here is how the FORMULA above will play out:
Nylander 7mill, Kerfott 3.5mill, Dermott 875K
That is a combined 11.35 mill moving out via trade.
Trade #1 Scenario: TOR & CBL
Nylander/Kerfott/Dermott ——————–>
Foligno/Jenner/Savard/2nd round pick/$2.5mill salary withheld
Columbus is getting the best player in Nylander, while they can resign their captain Foligno in the summer. Toronto is ugrading in all aspects of the roster need. They get a Captain and an assistant captain in Foligno, Jenner that only adds more stability in the playoffs. Savard fits nicely in place of Dermott, 1 million times of an ugrade there. All 3 players bring physicality, mental toughness, and most of all playoff experience. You have to remember these three were the big reasons why they eliminated Tampa 2 years ago in the playoffs. Columbus need to offer their 2nd round pick and retain 2.5 mill to make this trade work. Remember, Foligno is strictly for playoffs, he wont be resigned by the Leafs, most likely he will resign with Columbus for less money in summer. TO needs Foligno’s money to resign Hyman.
Trade Scenario #2:
Nylander/ Kerfott/ Dermott to BUFFALO
Hall/Ristolainen/2nd rounder Retain $4mill salary
Buffalo can rejuventate Eichel with Nylander, while Kerfott can ankor 2nd line centre position. Dermott will be Dermott for Buffalo.
Toronto can use Hall upfront with Mathews, while putting Marner back with Tavares to get him going. Risto will instantly put FEAR in the backend. Again, Hall most likely be a RENTAL for the playoffs. If he somehow finds his form with Mathews, thats something Dubas can tinker come summer, if Hall decides to resign for a more reasonable contract like $5mill per for 3 years.
Sheldon Keefe is making a mistake with putting Hyman up in the lineup with Mathews. Hyman is better served in the third line with Engvall and Mikheyev. I would insert Robertson with Tavares.
Kerfott and Dermott needs to go ASAP as they don’t bring anything to the table. They literally taking up space in the lineup. I rather see Robertson and Sandin.
Well, I see a problem with your proposals. By your own admission, Kerfoot and Dermott are next to useless, yet you stated that Kerfoot could be a #2 C for Buffalo. My view is that the only thing Toronto is really is giving up is the Charmin soft Nylander. These trade s would go nowhere. Instead of getting a #2 pick in return, Toronto would need to add more pick(s)/prospects to make anything work.
Iago, i agree with your assessment. Yes, i do agree that Kerfoot and Dermott is totally a ueseless players for the leafs. That does not mean they are totally useless for Buffalo. I mean at this stage anyone willing to take anything from Buffalo is being charitable. What they say ‘ beggars can’t be picky ‘ something like that. Well, Buffalo are the beggars at the moment in the hockey world. They are absolutely atrocious. And its most likely due to the players they have, i mean they are the ones in the lineup. Thus, my point is, they Leafs are risking more so in this trade than the Sabres. Leafs are in top of the hockey world while the Sabres are the worst bottom feeders in the NHL. Out of the 5 players mentioned in the trade proposal, Nylander has the most value in terms of his potential, dollar signed with term. Toronto can afford to move on from Nylander because they have Mathews and Marner, what we need in place of Nylander is more sandpaper and size. Mathews and Marner does not need to be fighters or checkers, thats not their role in the team. Just as Nylander is not expected to deliver bone crunching body checks and throw punches if he is in Buffalo roster. He will be a sidekick to Eichel, like Marner is to Mathews. Would you want your top offensive players to be involved in fisticuffs and risk injuries. Kerfott would be a great second line center for Buffalo behind Eichel. He is a tenacious hockey player with speed and relentless puck pursuits, which Buffalo totally lacks in their lineup. Kerfott will wake up some of sleepy Buffalo players who seem to be HIGH most of the times. Thus, we are giving up Nylander and Kerfott for literally Ristolainen and a 2nd rounder, as Hall will most likey be a RENTAL for the playoffs. Buffalo is in no position to ask for GOLD as they are PATHETIC top to bottom this season. They should be GRATEFUL if team like the LEAFS offer them a piece of their GREATNESS. You see Iago its all in the perspective. Buffalo is not in the same progress level as the Leafs. What Buffalo needs right now is establishing some sort of stability with core pieces they can manage to get from wherever they can find. I believe Nylander is one of those pieces, and you are getting him for what Hall?, who is UFA with zero value at the moment for the dollars he is making. Ristolainen? Does Buffalo really need him in the backend at this stage of their rebuild. He is not a necessary piece for a rebuilding team who does not even have an IDENTITY. I’ll be grateful if the Leafs take his 5.5 mill salary off the books. Thus, only real compersation the Buffalo is providing the Leafs is their 2nd round pick. Nylander was 8th pick on his draft year and you can see why. He is elevating his game every year, he is a player on the rise. Its just unfortunate that is an option #4 with the Leafs. He can easily be option #2 in Buffalo. Kerfott’s 3.5 mill is very good asset compared to players you already have in your lineup who most of them makes almost double if not more in guys like Okposo and Skinner. Remember, Kerfott does not play the same kind of minutes like Okposo or Skinner or play in the power play becuse of Toronto’s depth, just as Nylander does not always play the number one power play unit. This trade proposal with the Buffalo is a STEAL for the Sabres.
Mike/WH17
Re:
REALITY #1: We have zero CAP room to make any significant additions to the roster. Concur 100%
REALITY #2: Freddie is not a great or terrible goaltender, he is simply an average goalie. I agree he is not great; certainly not at the bottom ; but my subjective grade would have him below average ; but not way below average…900 save %’age is 39th (all goalies) and GAA (29th … all goalies)…. certainly part of the issue is D in front of him
REALITY #3: TO is waaaay tooooo SOFT. … Yep
REALITY #4: Too many FLOATERS on the TEAM. Yes… but Leafs number 1 floater is also their number 1 net presence, number 1 grinder; fits on top line very well when called upon ; and is a bargain contract right now … Leafs need room to resign him. His floating has cost a couple of goals yes but he has also got tons of breakaways and scored on a few
So for your “ Now, to remedy the situation you take REALITY #4 and solve your REALITY #1. ”…. under no circumstances should Dubas trade their number 1 floater… you keep him and pray you can get him signed for a measly $1M raise next year. It would be great to have 2 or 3 of him
I stand by my assertion that Leafs Cup in ‘21 is just waaaay out there in reality land
The roster as at now has no way to beat Bolts or Knights; and to get a roster that could at least play somewhat competitively against them in a series….. a tectonic shift in Cap make-up (1/2 on 4 Fwds) has to happen
That move is much easier (if Dubas has the guts at all) to do off season
Fingers crossed
Go Leafs Go
Reports are that a player from the Bruins and a member of the coaching staff from Buffalo have tested positive for Covid.
Might see a cancelation for tonight’s match.
Hi Mike
I think Columbus would be the ideal trading partner, as well , plus 1 of their goaltenders , as they are both adequate
Leafs should move some players from their starting lineup .
A shakeup is needed ..
I just don’t think Dubais has experience , to get it done , other than a trivial tweak
Ken, I dont mind if Toronto can get one of the goalies from CBJ in a block buster trade. However, I doubt that CBJ would want Anderson in a trade. Also, I don’t believe Dubas warrant this scenario, as Anderson is his final bullet in making excuses if this year becomes a failure. Dubas need Anderson to be his scapegoat come summer. I totally see Dubas letting Anderson walk in the summer. Like you said, i have more faith in Cambell than Anderson in crunch time. But, as an organization they have put their faith in Anderson for the last five years, and they rather live and die with him than to make a trade this late into the season. This will also can be seen as confessing to their failures in evaluating the team. I think there is a zero chance that the leafs management will make a goaltending change this year. You see, the bigger problem with the leafs are, that they have zero push back to the teams with physical aggression. In the beginning of this season in the North, the teams played passively against the Leafs, but in the last two weeks, the teams are figuring out that when they play physically and relentless puck pursuit style of hockey, Toronto just cant utilize their skill as their skill players are either getting body checked to the boards or an open ice collisions that prevent them from having space and time. Which evidently is what the playoff hockey is all about. That is why, i have been adament even when they were sitting ever so pretty on top of the standings in the earlier in the season, that the Leafs need to bolster their lineup with more grit and size. Because, come playoffs, no teams going to just allow Marner and Mathews to fly around, they will have limited time and space, once these two is immobilized than their 90% of offence will be dried up. To counter this, we need players who can do the same thing to the opposing teams top end players, but who in our roster can provide that element of the game. I see zero push back. Sure, i wish have to have all four lines scoring or dominate in the ozone, but that is just not realistic. We have two decent line, but we don’t have lines that is going to make a life living hell for the opposing teams top line. If Mathews can postarized in a game or get suckerd puched, who is coming to his defence? Who? Mikheyev? Kerfott? Engvall? Nylander? Barabanov? Marner? Tavares? Thorton? Holl? Brodie? Spezza? Dermott? Muzzin? Hyman? come on, they all gonna look away, skate to the bench. I’m so sick and tired of Mathews and Marner being targets for the opposing team and Dubas can’t seem to see this even with his pair of glasses on. I would bring in couple of guys, and tell them, that their job is to punish guys like Marchand, McDavid, Driasitle, Tkatchk, Sheiffle, Ovechikin, Sergechiv, Stamkos, whoever their top end players are.. just skate around, no need to chase the puck, just follow these guys and as soon as they touch the puck hurt them, let them know you are there to make their life miserable entire night. BECAUSE that is what the opposing teams are doing to Matthews and Marner. And, if anyone does take liberty on Mathews and Marner their job is to provide retribution. This is how i would build a team. I would assemble one line just to punish the opposing team’s top line and at the same time provide protection for Mathews and Marner. I would not expect a single goal for the entire season from this line, but i would expect to see the highest total hit count in the league from this line. I would do this until league decides there won’t be any hitting allowed in the league. I don’t need all four lines skating up and down chasing pucks, unless ofcourse they all know what to do with the puck, but they don’t. Only Mathews and Marner knows what to do with the puck. I’m sure, if Dubas do his homework he can find 4 to 5 player who can provide this service at a league minimum. I mean realistically, are you missing anything if you took the fourth line and turn it into a SAVAGE line. The ENERGY this line can bring to the team will be more important than couple of goals our fourth line provide once every ten games. If I was put in a position of Dubas, I have this team in Collision course with Tampa Vegas and Colorado every single year as long as i have Mathews and Marner. Dubas really missed out on two amazing defencemen in Gudas and Edmunson, how a team of Maple Leafs stature missed out on these two guys is beyond me. Either the scouts and management are totally BLIND or they lack BRAIN CELLS. Like you said Ken, Dubas overpayed on Mathews and Marner, He could have easily signed Mathews and Maner or combined 3 to 4 mills less if he acted earlier. As for Tavares and Nylander signings, it was the entire team’s lack of talent judgement. I have said, few years back when Panarin was rumored to have been available as he has told the Columbus that he won’t be resigning with the team. I said during that time, Panarin is a bonified STUD of a player, and the LEAFS should explore every and however possible to acquire this guy. I knew his price tag was going to be in the range of McDavid and Mathews. But, he is WORTH every penny. Had the Leafs not sign Tavares and offered Nylander and bunch of picks with prospects, they could have pryed Panarin out of Columbus, who eventually lost him to UFA. Imagine, Panarin/Mathews/Marner at $35mill to Tavares/Mathews/Marner/Nylander $41 mill
I rather have Panarin/Mathews/Marner with the extra 6 mill you could have added Edmunson/Gudas in the backend. Just these 5 players alone can be our backbone for the years to come. Dubas really missed the boat on multiple occasions..
While we’re reorganizing the deckchairs the Habs and TML can make a cap compliant trade :
Nylander and Kerfoot for Tatar, Danault and Byron.
I can’t see it happening but there are advantages and disadvantages for both.
Not happening habfan30
Probably not – Toronto would need to add something else to make this work. See Mike’s comment about Kerfoot above.
Hey Mike, you like long comments. Whose your book publisher?
As frustrated as I am with Danault, habfan30, he is staying with the Habs.
He was kept this year so that Suzuki and KK didn’t have to do all the heavy lifting themselves. We can see what has happened given Danault’s offensive woes have meant exactly that.
And I don’t want Nylander, thank you. He is inconsistent, even as he has Tavares to play with. The Habs’ centers aren’t as good as Tavares is so Willie Styles would be less effective than he is now.
LJ,
I happen to like Danault, Tatar and Byron and think they would help TML overall defensive game and fit in well.
Kerfoot would fit in as a 3C and would get better wingers to play with.
Nylander would get out of the shadow of Mathews, Marner and Tavares and as a young guy in Ducharme’s system might work out despite being a perimeter player.
I think the Habs need to get Luke Glendening from Detroit for probably a 3rd rounder to give the young centres the mentoring on faceoffs and the defensive side of the game.
These so called forwards, Dubais is casing, how much of an upgrade are they to Simmons, Galchenyuk….
Priority should be the blueline – inwards…
Last year, Muzzin went down, no one to step in,,,
They have Dermot, unpredictable at Best..
I t would be my focus….
Go out and get Ekholm , he’s available..
Dermot
1st rounder
1st rounder from last year
Lilijren
More than a generous offer
Ken, don’t be too generous. Dermott is not inconsistent, in fact he is vey consistent. Consistent being a ‘Door Mat’ every single game.
Hi IHC
Setting aside Chrisms poignant comment re taking on another debt ridden player…. if Hex was offered that deal… he should immediately fax the trade papers to NHL head office and run down the street (just like the lady in the IKEA commercial) yelling at Burkie…. “start the car, start the car”
Would Kane on Pens be good 👍👍
Are Sharks making playoffs this year… I have serious doubts; and they may not; as is, be able to make it next year…. so rebuild mindset might be where Wilson should be taking it
Setting aside the NTC (Kane as at now can only be traded to 3 teams… so odds that Pens are one is slim)…
Moving the non producing/struggling (this year) LTIR Zucker , is OK by me
Pens loaded at LD; and Peeterrson is likely the one they are thing of moving; note also Sharks loaded at LD…. But will just go with the thought
Zucker/Pettersson ….$9.6 M; Kane $7; so 40% has to be retained for Zucker
and then there must be adds to the deal to make the trade “fair”…. and it won’t include Poulin…. so let’s say Laffy and Maniscalco
That’s a 4 for 1 with 40% retained on Zucker …. and result
Sid/Guentz/Rusty
Gino/Kappy/Kane
McC/Turbo/Rodrigues
Blueger/ZAR/Janko
So 2nd line increases production but still left with bottom 6 in reality as 2 checking lines
Pens true need is 3C
Staal…. UFA… would be ideal; Sabres will be moving him. Sabres , on their current 23 man roster don’t have a single LD under contract next year. They are also very likely to move Montour… UFA
Hextall should go after both…
Pettersson, Zucker , Ruhweedel for Stall/Montour/Sheahan
2 players under contract for at least 2 more years and one under contract for next year, for 3 UFAs:
Sid/Guentz/Rusty
Gino/Kappy/McC
Staal/Turbo/Rodrigues
Blueger/ZAR/Sheahan
Sceviour/Janko
That 2nd line not as productive as with Kane but now 3 scoring lines plus checking line; and added another 2 centres onto the roster… Pens centres are dropping like flies.
Pens also got quite heavier
And added a puck moving D-Man
On D
Tanger/Dumo
Marino/Matheson
Montour/Riikola or PO-J
Ceci/Riikola or PO-J
Jarry/DeSmith
That line up , to me , has a far far better chance of winning the East than the roster they have now; and the cost ….. Pettersson …. and they (Pens) have surpluses at LHD; and Zucker (doing nothing for them on LTIR, and very little before that) ; and Ruhweedel(don’t get me started)
Why would Adams do it
I truly believe Zucker will do much better elsewhere; Pettersson under a reasonable contract …. would be 2LD on Sabres behind Dahlin ; and the cost to Adams … 3 UFAs that may have garnered at best, 2 2nds and a 5th … no guarantees of NHLers and at best they wouldn’t play until 23/24 earliest
3C for Pens a must
Go Pens Go
Not sure how this got posted twice 🤯😲🤔
Patrick Kane !
Leafs should look at a guy like Wood in NJ and Ekholm. They should be able to get both of them for Kerfoot, Dermott, a first or second, Duszak or Kivihalme, and Abramov. Leafs could add another prospect if needed. These are two tough pieces that would complement the current guys and would be around for at least another year. If Simmons and Galchenyuk work out there is a lot of depth and toughness to go along with tons of skill. They might lose Ekholm or Holl in the expansion draft but that is later.
If Freddie is hurt they should rest him when Campbell comes back.