NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 12, 2022
Evgeni Malkin to test UFA market while Penguins re-sign Rickard Rakell, Avs promote Joe Sakic and re-sign Valeri Nichushkin, Senators trade Matt Murray to the Leafs and much more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
TSN: Darren Dreger broke the news yesterday that long-time Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin intends to test the free-agent market when it opens on Wednesday at noon ET. Colleague Pierre LeBrun reported there was a bit of progress in negotiations between Malkin and the Penguins but his decision to go to market reflects his frustration with the process.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins reportedly are offering Malkin a three-year term while he’d prefer a longer deal. I can’t say I blame him considering the Pens re-signed teammates Kris Letang and Bryan Rust to six-year contracts.
There’s still time for the two sides to reach an agreement and the Pens have the cap space to re-sign him. Nevertheless, Malkin could draw plenty of interest in the open market. Whether he’ll get a long-term deal remains to be seen.
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: The Penguins re-signed Rickard Rakell to a six-year deal worth an annual average value of $5 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rakell was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks at the March trade deadline, netting 13 points in 19 regular-season games with the Penguins. The AAV is reasonable but the term is too long for a 29-year-old winger who last reached 30 goals in 2017-18.
Maybe Rakell will regain that form with the Penguins, but I think his chances of doing so would be better skating alongside Malkin. His linemates for next season could include an aging Jeff Carter and a frequently injured Jason Zucker.
THE DENVER POST: The Colorado Avalanche promoted general manager Joe Sakic to president of hockey operations. Assistant general manager Chris MacFarland takes over as the GM.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sakic will still be involved in the major decisions but MacFarland will handle the day-to-day work. The move was made in part because other clubs were expressing interest in hiring MacFarland as a general manager. This was a shrewd decision by the Avs to keep him in the fold.
Speaking of the Avalanche, they signed Valeri Nichushkin to an eight-year contract with an annual average value of $6.125 million. The 27-year-old winger was slated to become a UFA on Wednesday. Meanwhile, it appears winger Andre Burakovsky will be testing the free-agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bought out by the Dallas Stars in 2019, Nichushkin turned his career around in Colorado, enjoying a career-best 52-point regular season and netting nine goals and 15 points in 20 playoff games in their march to the Stanley Cup. It’s a major raise for Nichushkin on a deal that seems rather lengthy. However, it could work out for the Avs over the long term if he maintains that high level of two-way play.
OTTAWA SUN: The Ottawa Senators traded goaltender Matt Murray to the Toronto Maple Leafs along with a third-round pick in 2023 and a fourth-rounder in 2024 for future considerations. The Senators also retained 25 percent of the 28-year-old Murray’s $6.25 million annual cap hit through 2023-24.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As more than one pundit and fan pointed out on social media, this trade will either make Kyle Dubas look like a genius or ensure the coming season will be his last as Maple Leafs GM.
When healthy, Murray is a good goaltender who backstopped the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. However, he’s been plagued by injuries in recent years that have sidelined him for lengthy periods of time and hampered his performance. Dubas now needs to find a reliable backup goaltender for Murray.
Senators GM Pierre Dorion is enjoying a fine off-season thus far. He acquired a proven 40-goal scorer last week in Alex DeBrincat and freed up a logjam in goal while shedding the bulk of Murray’s cap hit. He now has room to pursue some additional veteran depth via free agency or the trade market.
TSN: Speaking of the Senators, they’re working on trading winger Connor Brown and hired former Sens defenseman Wade Redden as a player development coach.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Oilers have granted Evander Kane’s agent permission to speak with other clubs. However, they remain hopeful of working out an agreement on a new contract with the 30-year-old winger. It’s believed they offered Kane a three-year deal worth $4.75 million per season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see how Kane’s situation pans out. The uncertainty over the outcome of his contract termination grievance with the San Jose Sharks plus his well-documented personal baggage could scare off other clubs, making the Oilers perhaps his best option.
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli reports St. Louis Blues winger David Perron could be heading to market. The Blues want to re-sign him but currently lack sufficient cap space to do so. Perron could command up to $6 million annually on the open market.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins are reportedly in negotiations with David Krejci for a potential return to Boston. The 36-year-old center spent last season playing Czechia.
NBC SPORTS CHICAGO/CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: The Blackhawks placed Henrik Borgstrom and Brett Connolly on unconditional waivers yesterday for the purpose of buying out their contracts. They’ll become UFAs on Wednesday. They’ve also brought back Derek King as an assistant coach following his solid stint as their interim bench boss in 2021-22.
NYI HOCKEY NOW: Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov has been offered a one-year contract by his former KHL club CSKA Moscow. He’s a restricted free agent who cannot be signed to an offer sheet. It’s believed this is an attempted leverage move by his agent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The KHL offer is for less than $1 million US. I doubt Isles GM Lou Lamoriello will be swayed by this tactic. There was concern over whether this offer meant Romanov would have difficulty returning to the United States. However, he and his wife are reportedly in Miami.
TSN: Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Ondrej Kase and Chicago Blackhawks forwards Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik were among a number of restricted free agents who did not receive qualifying offers by Monday’s 5 pm ET deadline. They are eligible to become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Puck Pedia also has a list of RFAs who didn’t get qualifying offers. Some, like Samsonov, Kase, Strome and Kubalik would’ve cost more to qualify than their teams could afford because their actual salaries were higher than their annual cap hit. Some of them could’ve also received higher salaries through arbitration. These players could still sign with their current clubs but it would be for less than what they would’ve received through qualifying offers or arbitration.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Ben Bishop has returned to the Dallas Stars as a coach in an informal capacity.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: The San Jose Sharks have parted ways with scouting director Doug Wilson Jr.
Dubas: Last year he traded for a goalie who got injured. This year he traded for one already injured. Takes away the element of surprise.
A laugh to start my day.
That was an early morning kick to the gnads JZ
I’m going to forgo my meetings with clients to wander the streets of TO for some Oxy
Perfectly said. JZ
Also, Rakell hasn’t played over 70 games since scoring 30 goals. Had 20 last year. Makes me wonder what kind of deal Copp is looking for. Only a year younger and last season was 1st time he scored 20. Not a Pens fan, but I think that’s a decent contract.
A Pittsburgh player that is often injured? What???? Just keep overstuffing the pringles in the can.
Well, it’s done and done. Can’t fathom what the “future considerations” would look like … but Dorion had better hope Gustavsson has worked out his raging inconsistency or Forsberg will be over-worked – and he’s shown that long spells of being the starter does not play to his strengths.
Now Dubas is in the position that Dorion would have been in – hoping against hope that Murray’s repetitive injury history is a thing of the past. So far this summer he’s been working out in Ottawa in the gym, and was due to start on-ice workouts as the trade went down.
I truly hope he can stay healthy and, if he does, the Leafs will have landed a good goalie. I say that because, when he did play extensively for periods in Ottawa, he played very well behind a porous D on a re-building team. Now Dubas has to find a reliable back-up.
George I would stock up on plenty of Pink panther classics you’re going to need a lot of humour this nhl season. Actually I may end up doing that myself unless Sweeney pulls a rabbit out his Yahoo.
Tried watching that Steve Martin effort the other night, actually. Lame. He is a funny man in the right circumstances … but trying to take on that role was a mistake.
There was nobody like Peter Sellers. I think he has another one called the Party that was also hysterical, if only mildly racist.
Hi George
I was wondering how you viewed the trade
“future considerations” basically means “zip”, “zilch”, “bupkis”
Deals have to have something going each way
Often “future considerations” end up being down the road and are late season expiring AHL contract players
Murray to Leafs did not surprise me
What did was retention AND Sens had to give up picks
Murray…. Healthy and performing at level he can…. Dubas comes out smelling like roses
Even if healthy…. Will he outperform Campbell?
Cap hit to Leafs $4.7 M…. How much more was Campbell going to get?
Only $6 M left, to sign 6 (including back-up; Envall; Sandin and Kase replacement; Lub replacement)!!
Pengy, I suppose once the decision had been made that they either had to fish with Murray … or cut bait … they decided to go with the latter for the least amount of pain down the road. There was no way they were going to go into the season carrying 3 goalies and with Gustavsson out of options there was no way he was going to pass through waivers if they tried to move him to Belleville to stay sharp.
Now with the financial dust settled, and the$1,562,500 dead cap hit for Murray, CapFriendly shows them with $57,130,174 committed to 17: Fs Tkachuk, DeBrincat, Batherson, Brown, Watson, Gambrell, Pinto – D-men Chabot, Zaitzev, Hamonic, Zub, Holden, Sanderson and Gs Forsberg and Gustavsson.
That leaves them with $25,369,286 with which to sign 6. Their 4 RFAs needing to be re-upped (Formenton, Joseph, Norris and Brannstrom) will, when all is settled, probably total around $12 mil (with Norris getting the biggest jump by far). so they’ll still have around $13 mil to sign 2.
And now there’s talk F Connor Brown ($3.6 mil with 1 year to go) and D-man Zaitsev $4.5 mil with 2 years to go) might be moved, and that Dorion is still dickering for a RD and that even Giroux is still in play, along with the possibility that they might yet bring in another goalie which, if it happens, probably means Gustavsson is gone too.
He ain’t done yet.
George, should Sens take a look at Samsonov as an option?
Guy was drafted in 1st RD for a reason, and played well as a rookie.
Caps are rumored to be front runner for Kuemper, so the opportunity to start seems to be gone short/medium term in WAS so likely not going back there for less than what his QO would have been or he would have extended already?
Perhaps a new goalie coach can help him. Seems like a guy worth a 1 or 2 year flyer on on a lower $ deal.
Agree on the take that Dubas has a lot riding on Murray. First time he takes to long to get back up and Dubas will be sweating bullets.
@Ray Bark
Samsonov would be a great back up plan to Murray
Not sure what he is making
A lot of unproven potential
Diamond in the rough
Ray
Looks like they have Talbot. Good insurance move for sens.
He played well? Really. Murray had good stints but he was always inconsistent and between his good stunts and bad ones he was injured. Forsberg will be fine.
Considering what he had in front of him – a team at or near the top of the list in shots allowed – I’d say yes, he did play very well over stretches.
That is the issue, if you can’t play you can’t help the team. The only real solace with the deal is the Leafs connection not just with the GM and coach but also his former goalie coach.
It’s a crap shoot and I doubt I’d have the balls to make that move simply because of some evidence that could suggest this isn’t the best of moves… But, would Campbell or any other available UFAs would be a better bet? Being wrong about Murray cost less money and term than being wrong with a UFA signing. When you compare goalie options, Murray’s younger, cheaper, done/won more, surprisingly good numbers, less term…etc. but it’s the ability to stay healthy and be there when the team might need you the most is a bit of concern that can not be overlooked IMO.
@ Ron Moore
Good article
Leafs must have had Murray in their vision for awhile, especially hiring a goalie coach , Murray was familiar , comfortable with !
If Krecji wants anything over 5 million tell him to go find his fortune elsewhere. How do they expect Malkin to maintain his jet and yacht if the pens are only going for around 6 mill. I have to include this I think the leafs are taking a huge huge gamble with Murray, too injury prone and it just isn’t there anymore should have paid the extra bucks for kuemper. Got to get to Work, wish me luck my car a 2019 soul starting to sound like the engines having nervous breakdown.$$$$
A 2nd line ctr is not worth 5 mil??
W . KARLSSON 5.9
Stamkos. 8.5. Sam. Bennett 4.45 davorak 4.45
Horvat. 5.5. K. Hayes 7.1
PHILLIP DANAULT 5.5
JT. 11. Couture. 8
KUZNETSOV 7.8
Shenn 6.5. Johansen 8
Malkin 9.5. Nelson 6
Kadri ??? DRAISAITL 8.5
Benn. 9.5. Staal. 6
Backlund 5.35. Heichier 7.2
Some good ones here but 46 better then over 1/2
Dubas got a goalie at 75% and two drat picks for nothing.
Dorion must be happy though it’s not clear why as he hasn’t any cap issues.
He did a rival a big favour.
George, I wonder if Dorion has another goalie in mind to replace Murray. Dubas better have a second goalie targeted for next year or all of us Leaf fans will spend the season holding our breath.
That’s where Ottawa fans have been for the past two seasons BCLeafFan and it was only the stellar play of a very good back-up – Anton Forsberg – that bailed out a rebuilding team each time Murray went back on the IR – which was frequent.
Unless they have supreme confidence that Gustavsson will have re-discovered his consistency, Dorion had better have another goalie in mind, just like Dubas had better find a solid, reliable back-up who can fill in for extended periods.
But the season is long and there will be humps and bumps for every team along the way … those that survive will either be deep at all positions or have the ingredients with which to make deals to bring in that depth if and when it becomes necessary.
Not trying to troll you BCLeaf, but do you think the only issue the Leafs have is goaltending? As you know, another 20 goal scorer is likely to leave, and another season likely to see a patchwork in the bottom 6 forwards.
No question, LJ, the bottom 6 are up in the air for sure but a second goalie tops the list right now.
Dubas hit on three additions last year with Bunting, Kampf and Kase. Who knows this year?
I expect a couple of Marlies will make the team out of camp and time will tell on other gaps in
the lineup.
I’ll be interested to see what Campbell gets as a free agent goalie.
The reaction from Leaf fans to the Murray trade has been unbelievable – everything from “the sky is falling – again” to “great trade, now let’s find a second goalie to back Murray up”.
No games for the next couple of months, thank goodness. Lots of time to drive ourselves crazy.
And now they’re walking away from Kase.
It will be sad to see Kase leave, said every fan base of teams he played for, but again great player but can’t stay healthy and being a cap team, can’t commit to a frequently injured player.
Tomorrow should be interesting. Just some great unqualified FAs are a nice add for cap strapped teams. I’m sure there’s at least three guys that you could hope you team lands at least one.
My first choice would be Eric Comrie and pipe dreaming for Strome, Trocheck, or Burakovsky which will require the Leafs moving out some bodies. Hopefully the Leafs move on from Kerfoot and “upgrade” him with one of those options. Thankfully shopping for middle or bottom 6 players should be cheap enough and plentiful with the addition of unqualified RFAs and likely happen later in the off season…when the prices and term drop. Having said all this theyll do the opposite.
Ron Moore
Was reading that maybe Zach-Austin-Reece could be added (hits everything that moves hard worker) and maybe the Swiss speedster Denis Malgin may be considered and add for the bottom 6 with Malgin being able to move up or down the line up.
I wouldn’t mind those two guys for their respective roles.
Pit would have done better just paying. Malkin vs the long signing for Rakell. They will regret it
I think Nichushkin Deal is going to bite Avs as well way too long of term. For one year of playoff success
Boston has $25, 400,000 in cap space next season with a roster size of 13 players.
Sound like alot but it isn’t
UFA’s Pastrnak, Smith, Foligno, Haula, Nosek, Clifton and Wagner
RFA’s Frederick and Swayman
Boston presently have 2.83m in cap space, you can add to that as the total includes 8 dman.
Bringing back both Bergeron and Krecji would mean bonus laden deals.
Without any further movement of players, if Both players come back at $6m each; the Bruins could be looking at up to 10m in bonuses to be paid next season.
This now takes you cap down to $15m add another mill for cap increase make it $16m
How much of the 16m will be taken by Pastrnak and Swayman. $9m for Pasta and $4m for Swayman (depending on how he plays)
This will leave the Bruins with 3m in cap space with 15 players signed.
Which does not include Bergeron or krecji beyond this season.
Unfortunately there will be some players available tomorrow that could help the bruins now and in the future but they won’t be part of it, as their future won’t be seen without glasses.
Caper
The bruins are up tight to cap. No doubt about that. Some younger players are going to have to make a difference like. Steen. Studnicka. Lysell. Or bruins will be in some hot water next season They n my at try to move Ullmark next year as well with his NMC becoming a ntc
Caper …. The Bruins had just about that cap space last offseason if I’m wrong let me know …. What did they use it on … Depth players not a couple of game changers … no faith on this management team spending wisely
3 Stanley Cup Finals since 2011, under Cam.
+600 winning % since Sweeney has taken over from Chia.
Yeah. They suck at this.
Good coaching.
They won in spite of Cam/Sweeny. Not because of them.
Agree with most of your posts Dark G, but good coaching can’t overcome bad players for an extended period of time like that.
Having better players is the only way you sustain that success.
IMO we are nearing the end of that success, may be there already. I don’t blame Sweeney for that, or Cassidy, or Neely.
Just the way it is. The best cores are drafted and those guys don’t get traded. Just like the B’s didn’t trade their drafted core. You can sign them as UFA’s past their primes, but that rarely works.
They are getting old, just like the Pens are, just like the Caps are, just like Hawks are, just like the Sharks are, just like the Ducks did, just like the Wings did, and all the really good teams from the last 20 years of the cap era. Just how it works.
Eventually need to start over, Sweeny kept them competitive while the core could still play, which what he was tasked to do.
When they decide to start over will determine how long it takes to get back up. I would suggest next year might be a good time to start, unless they surprise me this year. I’m hoping they do.
nice thought SP….
“I want to say the Boston Bruins have been to the Stanley Cup Finals three times in the past eleven years under Cam Neely’s tenure. I want to say we have somewhere around a .600-plus win percentage under our general manager’s tenure,” Charlie Jacobs said in response. “The head coach frankly is the responsibility of the general manager, in our opinion. He has to be accountable for that.
The bruins won’t be paying out 6 million each to either Patrice or Krejci if they did as much as I’m huge Bergy supporter they’d be nuts. I’m saying both will settle for around 2 mill with incentives. Will not respond to Scott
Lol. Bergy not signing for 2. Doubt 46 does either. Say hi to capt hook for me in never never land
Should say:
“ His linemates for next season could include an aging Jeff Carter and a frequently injured (insert any name on Pittsburghs roster here)”
As far as Malkin goes, he will have plenty of interest on the open market, but it’s clearly time for a Pittsburgh divorce. In all seriousness, Pittsburgh has to find some players with durability and youth. They should have been thinking about that 2-3 years ago.
Now they lose Malkin for absolutely zip. Someone would have overpaid a couple of years back for his limited services.
Malkin can still put up numbers, but he’s cracked 70 games or more TWICE in the last 13 years!
I think a team rolling the dice on him needs to be careful with term. I’d even go as far to say grossly overpay him on a 1-2 year deal rather than giving him 4-5 years.
Send John Marino and their 2023 1st round pick to the Canucks for JT Miller. Miller provides scoring, grit and he’s good at face offs.
Marino and a mid to low 1st isn’t landing Miller. I think that deal gets outbid all day long.
I don’t believe Pittsburgh has the assets to match most of not all teams out there.
Gored1970, there are at least 20 teams that could – and some probably have and been rejected – put together a better package offer than that for Miller. Besides, if Marino turned his nose up at Edmonton, what makes you think he’d be any happier in Vancouver? He might not have any choice – but the last thing the Canucks need is another unhappy camper.
I’m not giving up a solid 2nd pair rd with nobody in the system to replace and a first for 1 year of miller. It temporarily fixes one hole on the pens while creating another.
This will be the final nail in the coffin for Kyle Dubas!!
He trades away a goalie with an injury history and signs another goalie with a lengthly injury history who has not had a decent season in 3 years!! They could have solidified their goalie situation by signing all star goalie Jack Campbell to a 4-5 year contract for little more than they are paying Murray. Who knows what “future considerations” will be? What a dumbass!! Leafs keeping letting players that are heart and soul guys and keeping the prima donnas. As for Jack Campbell, I wish him all the best. After the way he was treated by management in Toronto, it’s no wonder that he wants to play elsewhere. If he signs in Edmonton, it instantly makes the oilers a much better team.
If anyone is keeping track, that’s 17 former Greyhounds including staff and guys who didn’t work out, like Jumbo and Ritchie.
The man is loyal to his old team.
Did the Soo ever win anything under his mandate?
No I don’t think so, he just turned around the organization from bottom dwellers to one of the top teams. He was convinced to take over a very bad Leafs AHL team to which along with his team of coaches to goon and win the AHL championship, Calder cup.
I guess when you only go looking for warts you’re bound to only see them eventually and likely over look everything else.
David Paul, future considerations usually means nothing but nothing sounds awful. Ottawa either didn’t want more than having him off the team and securing that cap space. I’m surprised that Ottawa still has to pay him 25% of his pay owing to him which is almost $4, over the two remaining years on top of that dead cap space which something I thought the Leafs and their deep pockets would be happy to pick up but I guess not, sheesh.
They had considered buying him out, but that would have ended up costing them more off the cap and for a lot longer.
SOP. The soo. Will end as the 3rd jersey this year. ???
Lol. She’s a classic sweater for sure.
some players seem to be accepting less $ AAV for more term. If the cap goes up over the next 4-5 years, as expected, then some of those contracts will look ok.
Personally I am not a fan of contracts over 4 years term unless they are for franchise like players.
Pens …. Re Rakell…. a measured risk signing
I like him and $5M at what he can possibly deliver (albeit at averaging 70 games s season) …has a fair odds of working out
New owners clearly nixing rebuild start for 2 years anyway
Re Gino…. HexBurkie/Gino played chicken in negotiations… no blinking…. Gino wants to listen to offers tomorrow
If what was reported (offer of 3 @ $7M) is true…. I’m not confident that other teams can better that (per many … TSN, ESPN, SN, etc… Gino was holding out on 4 years, asking still for $7 M per… which means maybe he would accept 4 @ $6.5 M)
With that in mind…. Gino could still come back (I do like the Gino/Rackell combo)
Worst case for Pens dans… he signs with Caps and stays healthy; puts up 90 points in 22/23..,. Ouch
As at now, Pens at $10.3 M space, 4 to sign , including an absolutely mandatory 2C (Carter at 2C….. forggedddaabowdid)
No Gino…. His UFA replacement likely to cost more (term and $’s)
Pens still have excess LDs and must rid Zucker…. Even if forced to retain 50% on both Dumo and Zucker; while subsequently bringing up P-O J and one of Poulin or Nylander…. Minimum net change of extra $2.9 M Cap freed up….
Leaving Pens with minimum of $13.2 M for:
2C, E-Rod, Heinen (or equivalent) and one league min player (WBS grad or UFA)
The path is there, but HexBurkie needs to make trades
Sorry Pengy I’m not onboard. I’m not trading Dumoulin, He was plagued with injuries last year but a big stay at home dman that can skate that well and would go through a wall for his teammates is a commodity I’m not willing to give up on. Id rather move Peterson for a third RD and a pick. And he can play with Matheson. I like the Rickard deal, he played well after the trade until the injury. I
Like him with Crosby and Guentzel. I’d go 4 years at 7.1 for Geno and I’d move Zucker but I’m not retaining anything. I’d put POJ with Marino, they have experience playing together. Unless Poulin comes into camp just ridiculous I don’t see him making the final cut. The one I do see is Puustinan, he’s the ultimate diamond in the rough, he has great hands and mobility. I think this is still a playoff team and If healthy a tough out in the playoffs. These long contracts may end badly but teams can’t be great forever and it will be close to 2 decades of being contenders makes a few years of a rebuild worth it any day.
Brian Burke confirmed the Penguins offered Malkin a 4 year deal. Numbers hearing with this deal was 6.1 million per year for 4 years.
I agree with Dee. I wouldn’t move Dumoulin. I think he’ll bounce back. Move Petersson or Marino. I also like the Rackell signing.
If Geno didn’t accept the offer of 3 @ $7M then good luck finding a better offer. But never underestimate a desperate GM. May be he get’s what he wants on the open market.
And no, I don’t think he will stay healthy or play more than 60 games.
If they trade one or their d-men I would like them to sing Zadorov (if he is available) 🙂
I don’t like the Murray deal.
The good:
– 2 year term, expires when Matthews and Nylander contracts expire.
– Campbell wanted 5 years in the 5M – 5.5M – that handcuffs the Leafs with Marner and the two mentioned above.
– Stanley cup champ
The Bad:
Where was the competition for Murray? Who were the Leafs competing against that they couldn’t get a better deal?
– How much did we help a division rival with their cap? – How are they going to use that?
– Injury history
– How much better is Murray than Mrazek on present form?
While on paper the name is fine to add to the roster, the deal here and the cap hit to me just doesn’t make sense. To go in with Murray as the number 1 is way too risky. Leafs are counting on a miracle whereas the sens made out like bandits, again.
Dubas got way too desperate way too early, patience would have gone a long way.
Dorion should be considered for GM of the year award just based on his work over the last week.
Also the bad:
His glove hand.
With the exception of a handful, and I mean less than 4-5. Goaltenders are pretty much interchangeable. I don’t buy the Stanley cup champ thing when it comes to most players. Never mind goaltenders.
Binnington look less than stellar.
Washington let Holtby walk.
Murray often injured with a 3+gaa and a .906 looks less than stellar.
And the Avs just said goodbye to a cup winner days after winning a cup. So it seems GMs don’t buy into it either.
As per SOP
17 former Greyhounds…
Almost a sign of senility , as per the strategy ..
Tunnel vision
What have u got a scouting system for , as there are some awesome talent in the system
Awesome talent? Like who for example?
I commented a few days ago about the Leafs acquiring Murray: “Not even Craig Button would consider this.” I guess I was wrong.
There is an uphill battle for Dubas to keep his job after this one, here’s why: Murray hasn’t been the same since 1. he started getting injured all the time and 2. players started shooting glove on him. This won’t work out. The extent of the Shanahaplan was hire Lamiorello and Hunter and let them make the smart decisions. Shanahan is out of plans.
I’ll be amazed if Dubas doesn’t try to go after former Greyhound tender Lehner. (<jk)
The writing really was on the wall when the Leafs hired Murrays long time goalie coach.
Now heres the thing. Yes Campbell is liked but what happened last season after Jack had the opportunity facing Vas in the all star game and then all of a sudden just before playoffs something was wrong with him (headspace imo) and it didn't look good on soup as it seemed he was avoiding playing while he re-couped,…SO,..that fiasco led to Leafs Management in search of a replacement to Soup and kicked his can to the curb. (yes I know they "could" re-sign him,…but they won't)
The thing that kinda got me was Samsonov just appears out of the blue before this Murray deal got signed and I really think that Management was really head strong in aquiring Matt Murray rather than adjusting their tune and maybe going after Samsonov. (Something Shanahan mentioned at the very begining of the Shanahan plan.."that they would adjust and roll and adapt to things if they popped up)..They did not.
This leads to the conclusion that their ship was heading straight for Murrays dock no matter what, and they probably steered that ship because oif the past familiarities of Murray.
Now we need a tandem and sure there is a window until the deadline to aquire a solid back up to Murray but I feel they may just go with Kallgren or Woll to back up on the cheap and possibly use that window at a later time to score a back-up.
After gaining Murray the Thunder Bay boy in me wanted them to go after Blackwood for a TB goalie tandem and I still wouldn't mind it yet I see Evander Kane is able to talk to teams and MAN oh MAN if Dubas could piss off (some fans again) I would be all over that hiring. (yes we would have to make a trade or two to adjust to Kanes want but imo it would be a great fetch!! So would big Z because we need some D men who show that ability to nail the opposition and added protection around the crease and our end.
I do have a gut feeling that E Kane is going to land in a Pittburgh uniform (since geno is cut loose) but that is just hearsay. ooh and pssst Oilers should have locked up Kane, so who ever they get to replace him imo won't be as effective as Kane was.
I guess Doobie does have balls because this was a huge ballsy move and being a Leaf fan with a dog named wendel,..I gotz to root on my team and whatever player they attain even if it seems a lil sketchy. This just adds another thickness to the skin layer but hopefully it turns into goosebumps. GO LEAFS GO!!
haha Keith just announces his retirement so now Oilers have tons of cap space and hopefully they sign soup,samsonov, keumper, but also hoping Kane already has other destination in mind but wow that cap space has really been lifted for the oilers compared to where they were at. Maybe Holland is the new Lou
DJ, the Oil have flexibility now, that is for sure. But also have some pretty big holes.
Rumors have Campbell coming here, and job #1 was a tender, so if true should be an upgrade if he stays healthier than Smith.
But Keith retirement leaves a big hole on the blue line. He was great as a mentor to Bouchard, and ate some of the tough minutes in playoffs with Nurse playing on one leg. Valuable guy for the Oil last year.
Broberg is talented, but not ready for that role. Next year, hopefully. Is Kulak a really good #5 or can you re-sign him and play him as your #4? Might be too much for him.
So sign another D for 2nd pair, or ride it out with Kulak and younger guys until TDL? Probably.
Oil need a top 6 winger. Kane is a problem because we don’t know what happens with his case and the Sharks. So if Kane wins his appeal, is he not a member of the Sharks again? I dunno what happens. I assume they buy him out, but the Oil also can’t sit around and wait to see what happens and left with nothing.
Kane also needs the money I would guess as he declared bankruptcy not long ago, and from a financial perspective would be wise to go somewhere where they can pay him $7M for 5 years. He has a family to think about as well.
He plays a hard physical game, that usually takes a toll over time, so not sure how well his game ages either. Might be some bargains out there that are a better investment until some of the young guys can step into larger roles like Holloway, and Bourgault.
Going to be an interesting couple weeks in Edmonton!
Ray Bark
I agree and they probably sign Campbell
If I’m the Oilers I would go after BIG Zadorov just for the fact that they did trade the wing nut Kasssian and if Kane doesn’t re-sign then the Oilers arer l acking in the toughness aspect and Nurse can’t do it all. (psst I rather my leafs go after Z) so hopefully it pans my way somehow, but Holland did an amazing job so far clearing space,…lets see how he fills it now. cheers. 🙂
Ya, big Z is an option as was his fellow big D man in Calgary – Gudbranson. Depends which shot you want. Their depth is on the left side for prospects that could step in. They do need some big with Kane gone.
Wonder if the Flames would circle over to Kane if Johnny can’t make up his mind or leaves?
@George
Your earlier response ,,-as per your reply to 1 of my comments – “Awesome talent talent in the system , Like who for example !”
1. Matthew Knies – the next Matthews or Mackinon
2. Topi Niemela – regarded as a top 2 pairing defenseman – RHD
3. Nick Robertson – only “20” yers of age – unfortunate to the injury “bug”
Great upside to this player , also has an edge , great shot !!
Hopefully helpful for you
Good luck with your Senators !
Ken, if you’re not being facetious, you might want to give Knies some time to join M&M.
He’s a good prospect- that’s it so far.
Its great to be optimistic but Knies turning into MVP quality is bordering on delusional.
Maybe I’m just a pessimist, but I think not.
Nick has had enough time to crack the line up, if he doesn’t make it this year as a daily skater then we may need to think about him not being as high end as initially thought.
All prospects are nice and all…to make any projections being anything without seeing them in real NHL situations is a tough sell to me. I wish all prospects make their projections and become successful…like even if the Leafs or any team had 30 first rounders in their prospects pool, sadly only 10-12 will be effective NHL players. NHL is the very definition of long shots. With that said, I’m hoping the ones you mention have a great career wearing the blue&white.
Oh boy, yesterday i mentioned the optimism some fans have of their prospects. And that I just look at prospects (including first rounders) as hoping that have an impact at any level. Not “Stud” , “superstar “ etc. just go on to be a decent player.
Mackinon and Mathews? From a guy drafted in the 2nd round a year ago?
Lmao. Good luck with that!
Clearly, man, your definition of “awesome” and mine are poles apart. Fair to decent prospects is as high as you can go with that trio – but to compare one to Matthews and MacKinnon? That is just ludicrous.
Would have to agree
Fair enough Cpt Obvious
BC Lesf tan – I am not being facetious !
Let me ask u for obvious
Do the names – Doug Gilmour
Zetterberg
Brett Hull
Pavel Datyuk
Luv Robataille
These are all late round picks , 6 th round and later picks
Please review their careers
I have y even reviewed second round picks
Let’s look at 1 st over all picks or relatively close to 1 st over all
1 Alexander Daigle
2. Nail Yakupov
Just 2 examples.
Lots of typos above …
Sorry
Lots of hype on Matthew Knies
He will take longer to develop , maybe exaggerated on my part , definitely would be going early in the first round , if he was included in this years draft
I agree that you don’t know what you’re getting. Kucherov 3rd round. Pointe 3rd round, But it’s the exception not the rule.
Ny has 8-10 1st rounders on that team. Including Laffrienere, Kakko, Chytil, Schneider etc. and they’re still a work in progress. Of the 8-10, you can hope 4-5 go on to have decent nhl careers. Again, not “studs/ superstars” just serviceable middle 6 or middle pairing d-men.
You mentioning exceptions on both sides is furthering the point of “you never know”.
But I’d never be so bold to say Laffrienere is the next Kane, Panarin, never mind a guy like Wille Cuylle .
What in the name of heaven do any of the later round players you list have anything to do with the merit of the Leaf prospects you hold so dearly?
Why not list Gretzky, Crosby and Orr? They have as much relevance.
LJ I think his point is obvious in that where you get drafted doesn’t mean what your worth or value will be. In his example, stars don’t necessarily only found at the top of the draft.
No one is disagreeing with that Ron – it’s his contention that they are “awesome” and that one IS (not may be) the next Matthews-MacKinnon. That’s one helluva projection.
Oh yeah. I just mentally ignored that…I don’t think he really thinks that, other than thinking it would be great if that happened based on everything he knows about the prospect now?
I don’t know, projecting what prospects will be is a fools errand. It’s a waste of time and often a root of why fans turn on players when they don’t reach their unrealistic and often lofty expectations that they and media places on them.
Now I’m hearing Malkin accepted the Penguins offer 4 years 24.4 million deal.