tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81946722008689401102024-02-19T23:41:33.812-07:00The Opiated Sherpa Works the Rumour MillI just want to play around with some of the rumours that I see and maybe play around with them. I don't dig for rumours, I have no actual sources that I talk to, I just read other people's blogs and such, just to have something to write about. There is generally no truth to any of these rumours, that I know of... it just keeps my fingers busy.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-44356739184324224822016-06-17T21:43:00.001-06:002016-06-17T21:43:16.387-06:00Is the Price Too High for Fleury in Calgary?<img border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2016season/PITmarcandrefleury01.jpg" width="650" /><br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2017logos/calgary.gif" height="250" />It was asked of me this week, who I thought the best fit for the Calgary Flames would be, if they had their pick of a handful of potential free agent or trade bait goalies and my initial response was <b>Cam Ward.</b> Of course, that went south, when he re-signed with the Carolina Hurricanes this week. I thought he would have been the most cost-efficient goalie, who plays well and knows how to play well behind sub-par defenses.<br />
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After the Ward signing, it became apparent, through the reports in the media, that the Flames have indeed extended their desires to Pittsburgh, calling on the availability of <b>Marc-Andre Fleury</b> to possibly be their next number one goalie.<br />
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Personally, I would maintain that the Pittsburgh Penguins would be very wise to keep Fleury on for the foreseeable future, because as much as <b>Matt Murray</b> dazzled us through the playoffs, he is far from an established goalie in the NHL. He now has a good foundation, after a solid playoff run, but goalies get hot and then goalies can get cold, just as easy and it takes a lot more than one solid playoff run, where he was arguably taken care of well by his skaters up front, making up for some shaky play at times. Surely, once the Penguins got deeper and deeper into the run, it became more about <b>Sidney Crosby</b> and his band of merry skaters, more than it was Murray and his rookie run.<br />
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The only way that I can see the Penguins parting with a guy like Fleury, who may not even be a great fit for the Flames, is with a pretty significant package coming back the other way. And if the Penguins are not sellers, which I don't think should be (or are, for that matter), they can really set the bar high on this one and see if Calgary will bite.<br />
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With two weeks before free agency, to which Fleury will not be a part of, since he still has three more years left, the Flames don't have a hockey pool worthy (for more on being pool worthy, check out my actual hockey pool blog) goalie signed on for next season and they have one of the few cap numbers that are warm to the acquisition of Fleury's $5.75 million per year hit.<br />
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The Penguins are not in terrible shape at this point against the cap either, which allows them to be patient. With <b>Pascal Dupuis </b>eligible for the Long Term Injured Reserve, I have the Penguins penciled roster in at $68.8 million for 19 players, including Fleury and Murray. With only a few spots left to fill and anywhere between $3 and $6 million left to spend (cap number pending), their depth can be filled in quite easily.<br />
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With that being said, if I was the Penguins, my first request would be for a 1st round pick in any deal for Fleury. He's a bonafide starter, he has two Cup rings (one of which he earned) and I can't stress this enough, he doesn't have to go anywhere. The Penguins don't need to take on salary and the Flames don't need to deal salary, so a roster player doesn't need to be dealt, other than Fleury, so a myriad of prospects and lesser picks, going either way, would likely suffice here.<br />
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If the Flames hold out on that deal, they will look to unrestricted free agency to throw around some dollars and it is really slim pickins out there right now. <b>Chad Johnson</b> of the Sabres,<b> James Reimer</b> of the Sharks, re-signing<b> Karri Ramo</b>, <b>Al Montoya</b> of the Panthers or <b>Jonas Gustavsson </b>of the Bruins... all heading to free agency and played last season. There is a feeling that the time is dawn on their playoff window, with this core group of players and a starting goalie will give them a good jump on their day in the Sun, before the night falls and the cooler air will mean they have to shut that window again. Those free agent goalies are not the answer, in my opinion, so it might be well within their interests to negotiate hard with Pittsburgh for a guy like Fleury.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-41262835934087333142016-06-11T20:15:00.003-06:002016-06-11T20:15:53.053-06:00Hartnell Could Waive Goodbye<img border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2016season/CBJscotthartnell02.jpg" width="650" /><br />
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Reports are surfacing that <b>Scott Hartnell</b> was approached by the Columbus Blue Jackets back in February to provide a list of teams that he would approve to be traded to, waiving his no-movement clause to do so. Obviously, a deal couldn't get done at the trade deadline for the scrappy forward, so he was left to finish the season with the Jackets and didn't exactly have the best of seasons, when it was all said and done.<br />
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Now, with the team looking forward, they could really use some more cap space and possibly find a player that is much better suited to the style of play that management and the coaching staff want for their club. Heading into the Summer, you could look at their signed group of players and establish that they have about 19 players, including Hartnell, who would be in the lineup, when the puck drops in October, in theory. This group is already coming in at $65.7 million, which wouldn't leave a lot of space for improvement through free agency, with fears that the cap ceiling isn't going to go up much, if at all. The cap ceiling in the 2016 season was $71.4 million, just for measuring purposes.<br />
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Elliotte Friedman suggests in his 30 Thoughts from Saturday that teams are being considered are probably not keen on how much is left on Hartnell's deal, three more years at $4.75 million against the cap per year. That's fair, especially since Hartnell hasn't exactly been a sure thing every year. Between Nashville, Philadelphia and Columbus, already 15 seasons deep, how much does the 34-year old have left in the tank and what kind of consistency are you going to get from him? Both are great questions, thus becoming a much bigger gamble.<br />
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Since he is already getting up there in age, you would have to believe that he is looking at teams that are trending upwards in their championship trajectory. With those in mind, a lot of those teams are already facing cap issues, either already having players signed or they have building blocks that they want to take care of first.<br />
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Without any doubt, you can bet that Hartnell likely won't move until the salary cap numbers are announced and even more likely, when free agency opens up, teams start spending and then find out what they have left for Hartnell.<br />
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And then there is the return that the Blue Jackets want for Hartnell and Friedman reported that the deadline request for a return was quite high. With the way the market is shaping up and likely how much the team wants to shed his salary, that the asking price will be somewhat lower than what it was at the deadline. No team is going to take on this salary without sending some back in return and/or having the Jackets retain some of his money for the next three years. The latter being less than ideal for the Jackets.<br />
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One team I could see making a move for Hartnell this Summer would be the New York Rangers, who have been cycling through the rumour mill, more so for their overhaul that could be coming this Summer, including a move to get <b>Rick Nash</b> off of their books. I am not suggesting that Nash would go back to Columbus in a deal for Hartnell, that doesn't make any sense, rather, once the Rangers move Nash, if they do, they would have a lot more space to work with and they never seem to be afraid of sizable cap hits.<br />
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In a much less likely deal, the Buffalo Sabres could send troubled forward <b>Matt Moulson</b> and his $5 million cap hit for the next three seasons to Columbus for Hartnell and his three years remaining on his deal. It's troubled player for troubled player, but this deal would not solve Columbus' salary cap crunch, rather it would make it less comfortable and that's not really what they want to accomplish here. The Sabres could use Hartnell's leadership for the kids, while Moulson might be able to find some more scoring in the Jackets' system, which would make it a hockey trade, but still a head-scratcher.<br />
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The Anaheim Ducks also fall into the category of a perennial playoff team, which really showed some promise in the 2016 season and currently has some potential openings, where Hartnell's experience, grit and nose for the net could come into play. They are a team that could absorb a good portion of Hartnell's contract, sending pieces in return and could be a pretty good fit. The Ducks are closely looking at the numbers that the league comes up with, in terms of the cap ceiling, and they have decisions to make with restricted free agents, but it could be a good move on either side of the conference border here.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-91972143011785671722016-06-10T12:52:00.001-06:002016-06-10T12:52:26.588-06:00Where Does Stamkos Land?<img border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2016season/TAMstevenstamkos01.jpg" width="650" /><br />
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As we draw closer and closer to the NHL silly season, one of the big questions leading up to it is, "where does <b>Steven Stamkos </b>sign?"<br />
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First and foremost, the leading factor for this decision is how Stamkos' relationship with the team, general manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Jon Cooper is going forward and even before the blood clot issue, which cost him the back half of the season and most of the playoffs, we were under the impression that things were not very rosy.<br />
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Speculation sucks. Basing a lot of what these rumours are on is a bit rough around the edges and we will never know the full story, until someone writes a book and even then, we should take some of those reports with a grain of salt as well.<br />
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Nevertheless, out of boredom, we trudge along and have a little bit of fun, at the expense of looming questions about a superstar player. Let's all try and offer a guess, as to what goes on, in an attempt to kill some time, yeah?<br />
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Does Stamkos re-sign in Tampa Bay? I don't see why Stamkos wouldn't want to try and field some offers from other clubs, since the Lightning have seemingly moved on, in a sense, feeling very comfortable making it to the Eastern Conference Finals without him in their lineup and not really finding a boost when he returned to the lineup for that final game. There were reports that the coaching staff wanted to shift his position, there is a sense that he is now a second line player for this team and he isn't being leaned on as a superstar anymore for this club. That's the impression I'm getting.<br />
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Yzerman has publicly said that he would like to re-sign Stamkos, but I do get the feeling that it is a bit more posturing for the off-season, more than a genuine statement, but that's just my opinion. I truly believe that Yzerman needs to keep up appearances, making sure that if he moves the negotiating rights for Stamkos, he gets a decent return for them.<br />
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Will teams want a guy like Stamkos? Well, of course they would, dummy. His expiring cap hit in the 2016 season was $7.5 million, which isn't a small chunk of change, but for a potential 50-goal scorer, that's not an unreasonable number. It also begs the question about his negotiating rights and how much they are worth, if a team is going to end up with such a quality player. A 2nd round pick? A package of picks? There is certainly no guarantee that he will even sign with the team that acquires his rights.<br />
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Two teams that have popped up the most in the Stamkos discussions have been the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings, but it would be silly to think that there isn't more teams in the weeds, waiting to offer up a tasty package to attract the rights of Stamkos or in a much better scenario, hope that the 26-year old makes it to unrestricted free agency and the open market.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2017alts/toronto.jpg" height="72" />The Maple Leafs have to be the favourite destination for those trying to predict the future. Their rebuild allows them some cap freedom, it gives Stamkos the opportunity to get back to some big minutes on the ice and it is close to home as well. The downside to signing in Toronto is that they are still a little ways from being a great playoff threat, which is the ultimate goal for any player, especially the superstars. If Toronto could land a marquee player like Stamkos, add <b>Auston Matthews</b> to the mix at the draft, they will expedite the process, without any doubt.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2015logos/alts/detroit.jpg" height="72" />The Red Wings are a different kettle of fish altogether and their involvement in the Stamkos scenario hinges on the future of<b> Pavel Datsyuk </b>and rightly so. If Datsyuk comes to the final conclusion that he will sign his retirement papers in the NHL, giving him the free and clear to sign with a KHL team of his choosing, the Red Wings will still be on the hook for his salary cap hit, which is still very significant ($7.5 million).<br />
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Datsyuk's 35+ contract will count against the cap, if he chooses to retire, so the only way that the Red Wings could possibly afford Stamkos, would be to move that cap hit to a team that could absorb that hit and offer up an asset for their troubles. Those teams are becoming few and far between and the asking price to eat up that much cap room would likely be high. Most teams won't likely know if they're in or out on this situation until after the 2017 season cap numbers are announced, which should be soon.<br />
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There are more ifs than answers in this scenario, but the Red Wings would certainly benefit by having a talent like Stamkos join their ranks, as the old guard of Datsyuk and <b>Henrik Zetterberg</b> age themselves out. The move would also keep the Red Wings in the playoff relevant conversation and give them a building block to work around. Stamkos isn't the end-all solution for the Red Wings though, as their depth in other spots is questionable, but at least they would have an attractive piece to sway other free agents their way.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.opiatedsherpa.com/blogsite/2015logos/alts/arizona.jpg" height="72" />Instead of being a team that would want to take on the cap hit to allow the Red Wings to sign Stamkos, why couldn't the Arizona Coyotes throw their hat into the ring and possibly offer him a key spot in their future?
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Much like the Maple Leafs, the Coyotes are not short on cap space and flexibility for a top end player like Stamkos. The Coyotes are rich in draft picks this year, able to shift something to sway the negotiating rights over. They would get an established superstar into their market, after missing out on the draft lottery for one of the top end draft picks and let's not forget, they have lots of top end talent to play with Stamkos, making it into a remarkably great fit in the end.<br />
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It would be a daunting task to help this Coyotes team succeed in the desert, which would be a possible downside to moving out to Arizona, but if there is one guy that could give it a solid swing, it would be Stamkos.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I honestly can't see Stamkos re-signing in Tampa Bay, when there is opportunity for more hockey and more responsibility elsewhere. There are going to be established teams that wish that they could afford to talk to such a great player, but they would have to give up on someone, in order to make that deal go, which is too big of a gamble for those teams. I like the rebuilding and retooling teams to come around with reasonable offers to pry the negotiating rights away and you will know when Tampa Bay has realized that they have nothing left to offer, because they will likely move his rights for a bit less than what they valued him at.<br />
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It's anyone's guess around here... but it's sure going to make for good hockey news when it all goes down.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-13246247765831890152015-06-22T22:20:00.001-06:002015-06-22T22:20:13.791-06:00The Dougie Hamilton Offer Sheet<img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2015season/BOSdougiehamilton02.jpg" width="650" /><br />
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There's a lot of chatter out there in the interwebs about how much trouble the Boston Bruins are in, when it comes to how much space they have against the salary cap ceiling. On Tuesday, they find out just how much trouble they are in, as the salary cap ceiling number is to be made official.<br />
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A lot of teams are smelling blood in the water, as they start to circle around some of the team's prized free agents, namely defenseman <b>Dougie Hamilton</b>, who is up for restricted free agency this Summer.<br />
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Hamilton is a budding superstar on the back end and at 22 years old, he is on the cusp of getting into the prime of his career. He has the talent to work the scoresheet offensively and he has the size to do it in his own end of the ice, making him into the quintessential franchise defenseman. A prize, which has a lot of teams licking their chops.<br />
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By my own guesstimation, thanks to the online salary cap websites that now exist, I have the early Summer cap figure in for the Bruins at $61.2 million, with only 15 players signed on: nine forwards, four defensemen and a goalie tandem. Last year's salary cap ceiling for 23 players was only $69 million and the early indication that the 5% increase may not be entirely the case, leaving the Bruins very little to work with for five to eight players to sign.<br />
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Enter the offer sheet. Once free agency hits, teams do have the chance to negotiate with restricted free agents, but the first line of defense for the team with the rights to these players is the offer sheet. An offer sheet is the definition of what the player and a new team has agreed to as the base salary for a deal, but the team with the rights can either decide to accept those terms in the offer sheet or relinquish the rights for a measured compensation. Not only does the team negotiating with the player have to pay the player the agreed upon dollar amount, but it does have to offer up draft picks in compensation, which have to be their own, in order to do so.<br />
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For a quick guide to values and compensation, <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-the-last-days-of-babwatch/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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How feasible is an offer sheet to Hamilton? Well, let's consider the market and we'll base it solely on scoring, as the intangibles and some of the other statistics can really muck up the basic look.<br />
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When I generally look at market value, it is generally age, give or take a year, so 21-to-23, scoring the season previous, give or take 5 points and then his position. It truly seems like negotiations are based on the 'what have you done for me lately' mindset, where the numbers from the season previous are all that counts. That may not be exactly the case, but it sure seems like it.<br />
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So, Hamilton, at age 22, picked up 42 points in 72 games last year from the blueline, so we'll draw some comparables from there.<br />
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Here we find a couple of direct hits, given the parameters of the search and it draws up some great comparables, namely Arizona's <b>Oliver Ekman-Larsson</b>, who now runs the show on the Coyotes' blueline for next season and last season's rookie standout from Dallas, <b>John Klingberg</b>.<br />
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<table style="width: 650px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="4"><b>2014-2015 Season</b></td>
<td><b>2016</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><b>Age</b></td>
<td><b>Team</b></td>
<td><b>GP</b></td>
<td><b>P</b></td>
<td><b>PPG</b></td>
<td><b>Cap Hit</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dougie Hamilton</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>BOS</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>0.583</td>
<td>RFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Ekman-Larsson</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>ARI</td>
<td>82</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>0.524</td>
<td>$5.5 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="height: 23px;">John Klingberg</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">22</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">DAL</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">65</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">40</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">0.615</td>
<td style="height: 23px;">$4.25 million</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is a competitive edge to the buyout as well, let's not forget. Teams who are signing these players to potential deals, also want to step to the edge of extreme difficulty for the team that has the rights to first refusal, in this case, the Bruins.<br />
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Let's say the Bruins, after the salary cap number is announced, still have $10 million left in cap space for five players, that isn't a lot of money per body left. If a team was to sign Hamilton to a deal worth $5.4 million per season, one or two years in term, that would put the Bruins in a world of hurt if they matched and the offering team would only have to give a 1st and a 3rd round pick next season.<br />
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If the offering team was to really shoot for the moon, they would be giving up a 1st, 2nd & 3rd round pick to get the job done, which does become awfully expensive, but in this world, where franchise defensemen don't exactly grow on trees (they become them), three chances at a possible star for a bona fide, paid for star, doesn't seem out of the question.<br />
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What do you offer or how high does it have to go before the Bruins say, "we'll take the picks?"opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-47606111585241247572015-06-22T11:45:00.001-06:002015-06-22T11:45:12.845-06:00Do the Islanders Deal Okposo?<img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2015season/NYIkyleokposo02.jpg" width="650" /><br />
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The <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/113769638346916625600" target="_blank">+New York Islanders</a> are closing in on the "winning now" philosophy, as their franchise has taken a while through the rebuilding phase of the process of the professional cycle, so it seems awfully strange, when the reports surface that they have the late-blooming power forward, <b>Kyle Okposo</b>, on the trade block, trolling for draft picks.<br />
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I don't think there is anything necessarily wrong with keeping your cupboards stocked up with some young talent, but dealing an established (and rare) player on your roster, just to keep those cupboards stocked, seems a bit hasty. Sure, the Islanders don't have a pick until the 3rd round, dealing their 1st and 2nd in a botched <b>Thomas Vanek</b> deal and then flipping another 2nd rounder in the deal that brought <b>Johnny Boychuk</b> to town.<br />
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There has been a lot said about the 2015 Entry Draft, how deep it is and how valuable these picks are, but at the end of the day, it's still a crap shoot. If teams are willing to part with these picks, in order to get an established veteran player, it gets them ahead in the race for the Cup, while your team is not sure how this draft pick is going to fare in your system.<br />
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The Islanders were only 5 points clear of the playoff race, as a whole, in the Eastern Conference and that's still a pretty slim margin of error they are playing with, given what they are trying to accomplish.<br />
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Unless, the Islanders were confident in prospects like <b>Michael Dal Colle </b>or <b>Josh Ho-Sang</b> making an impact on their roster for next season, I would be certainly hesitant to deal Okposo, who may not have a 30-goal season yet to his credit, but he does seem to have a great mix in the team, as it currently stands. You could really argue that the team missed him dearly, when he was out injured.<br />
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There are some other factors to consider, when thinking about keeping him... what happens next Summer? He becomes an unrestricted free agent in one year's time. Can the Islanders foresee some issues with trying to sign him to a long-term contract extension? At only a $2.8 million cap hit for the coming year, the 27-year old forward may look to get paid next year and that could put him out of the Islanders' budget for the 2017 season. Can the team get some value now, as he tries out for a new deal on a new team? That is a reasonable cap hit this season, one that could turn out to be a bargain, if he remains healthy.<br />
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A team I could see going after a guy like Okposo would be the <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/100749142203068568990" target="_blank">+Columbus Blue Jackets</a>, as they wanted this type of player in <b>Nathan Horton</b>, but lost out on his services, due to his overall health. The Jackets have a few 2nd round picks, holding onto Toronto's (#34), their own (#38) and Anaheim's (#58). The Jackets could do well with a guy like Okposo on their side, if they are willing to part with some key picks.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-77963656027529938472014-12-28T13:09:00.000-07:002014-12-28T13:09:07.974-07:00Upgrade Depth, A Stepping Stone to Fixing the OIlersThe Edmonton Oilers have been the butt of many of my own jokes, yet there really has been no movement from the ownership or significant rumours around players that management could move of late, but that won't stop me from putting up my first post on this blog site in years.<br />
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Over the last five year or so, I thought one of the best ideas among teams in their rebuild process belonged to the Florida Panthers, as they poached a whole bunch of Chicago Blackhawks players, as they sold off assets to clear cap space. To me, this should be something that the Oilers should be looking into, especially with a number of teams on the verge of fire sales, thanks to some shaky salary cap numbers and the dropping Canadian Dollar.<br />
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With <b>Reilly Smith, Carl Soderberg, Torey Krug </b>and<b> Dougie Hamilton </b>all up for new contracts through restricted free agency, the Boston Bruins bundle of cap space will be eaten up in a big hurry over the Summer. Smith and Krug both took short-term deals to get to next Summer, where they should be handsomely rewarded. Between the four of them, they could fetch North of $16 million for the lot, where they only have about $21 million to spend on 11 players, if the $73 million cap estimates from the Winter GM meetings is the ballpark number we're playing with.<br />
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The Bruins likely won't want to deal any of those four, as they likely see them as cornerstone pieces to this franchise going forward, which could mean that some depth may be up for grabs and frankly, that's what I think the Oilers need the most. Not scoring, not goaltending, but quality depth.<br />
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The Oilers need some minutes eaten up, taking the pressure off the kids to do just about everything this franchise needs to win, things that they aren't exactly prepared to do or shouldn't have been asked to do, so early in their careers.<br />
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Let's not kid ourselves in Edmonton either... they are not exactly in salary cap heaven either. By my count, thanks to good ol' <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/" target="_blank">CapGeek</a>, they will have some decisions to make with some of their RFA's as well. <b>Nail Yakupov, Marc Arcobello, Justin Schultz, Martin Marincin </b>and<b> Brad Hunt</b> all come to mind. The Oilers have about $19.2 million to spend on eight roster spots, which isn't big money. Thankfully, what they should be after is quality depth... it may not come cheap, but they shouldn't be shopping for top six players.<br />
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<table style="width: 650px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><em>RUMOUR</em></td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="4"><strong>2015 Season</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Cap Hit</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>To Edmonton</strong></td>
<td><strong>POS</strong></td>
<td><strong>GP</strong></td>
<td><strong>G</strong></td>
<td><strong>A</strong></td>
<td><strong>P</strong></td>
<td><strong>2015</strong></td>
<td><strong>2016</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Kelly</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>34</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>$3 million</td>
<td>$3 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Warsofsky</td>
<td>D</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>$600,000</td>
<td>RFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>---</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>To Boston</strong></td>
<td><strong>POS</strong></td>
<td><strong>GP</strong></td>
<td><strong>G</strong></td>
<td><strong>A</strong></td>
<td><strong>P</strong></td>
<td><strong>2015</strong></td>
<td><strong>2016</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nail Yakupov</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>$925,000</td>
<td>RFA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="8">2015 mid-round draft pick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
To me, this is the kind of deal the Oilers can make with the Bruins and the Bruins can get something of what they wanted to help get their 2015 season back on track.<br />
<br />
For the Oilers, they would get a quality 3rd liner with great PK experience and a defenseman that has his name thrown around as a pretty good up-and-coming blueliner, who can't seem to crack the depth chart. Kelly is stable and fits within the budget going forward, while Warsofsky could likely sign for something short-term and cheap, giving the team the opportunity to take that horse for a run in 2016.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2015season/EDMnailyakupov01.jpg" />The Bruins, on the other hand, would get a scoring forward, who has a bit of a physical edge, something that Boston uses on a regular basis anyways. The immediate cap savings would help the team at the deadline, help the team in July and speaking of July, Yakupov hasn't done much in his career to be worthy of a big raise, so he shouldn't cost nearly as much as Kelly would next season (in theory).<br />
<br />
The next team I would try to hit up, from an Oilers perspective, would be the Philadelphia Flyers, who might not be in the worst shape, if the cap was $73 million, but if projections dip any lower, then they would have some interesting decisions to make.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the Flyers could be in a spot where they could do with getting rid of some salary cap space, just to be a bit more flexible on the market next Summer. At $73 million and <b>Chris Pronger</b> staying on the Long-Term Injured Reserve, I have the Flyers in with $10.8 million in cap space for six open roster spots, including a goalie. The Flyers are fading in the East, despite huge numbers from both <b>Jakub Voracek </b>and <b>Claude Giroux</b>, so selling pieces may be the way to go to help their cause in the long run.<br />
<br />
In return, I could see the Flyers looking to get a bit younger, trying to find players that can possibly crack the roster next season and give the team a little bit more youthful exuberance.<br />
<br />
<table style="width: 650px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><em>RUMOUR</em></td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="4"><strong>2015 Season</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Cap Hit</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>To Edmonton</strong></td>
<td><strong>POS</strong></td>
<td><strong>GP</strong></td>
<td><strong>G</strong></td>
<td><strong>A</strong></td>
<td><strong>P</strong></td>
<td><strong>2015</strong></td>
<td><strong>2016</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braydon Coburn</td>
<td>D</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$4.5 million</td>
<td>$4.5 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>---</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>To Philadelphia</strong></td>
<td><strong>POS</strong></td>
<td><strong>GP</strong></td>
<td><strong>G</strong></td>
<td><strong>A</strong></td>
<td><strong>P</strong></td>
<td><strong>2015</strong></td>
<td><strong>2016</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Musil</td>
<td>D</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>$894,000</td>
<td>$894,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Chase</td>
<td>F</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>$746,000</td>
<td>$746,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="8">2015 mid-round draft pick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The Flyers will be looking for prospects and picks, if they decide that selling off assets is the way to go. Dropping <b>Braydon Coburn</b>, who has been on the rumour radar for sometime now, would give them much more flexibility in the Summer and picking up a couple of well-sized prospects and a draft pick would likely go a long way to getting the job done.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2015season/PHIbraydoncoburn01.jpg" />Coburn would be the kind of player that would be looked upon to be a second pairing defenseman, mostly in the shutdown role, but with time and an extra look or two, he could just as easily feature as well as <b>Johnny Boychuk</b>, when he moved from Boston to Long Island before this season started. Coburn has always seemed to play a lesser fiddle to other Flyers defensemen and a move to Edmonton would easily give him the chance to play real minutes in the top two pairings.<br />
<br />
Sure, Coburn would come in just above the budget number, but it would definitely give the team more of what they need... sandpaper in that rough & tumble Pacific Division.<br />
<br />
I don't think any of these ideas are generally outlandish and both would at least give the Oilers more depth where they need it the most and these guys could go out and protect the goaltending, which could always use a little bit more help and even provide some physicality, something most of the young stars on the team lack as a whole.<br />
<br />
Personally, I would be hard pressed to move a kid like <b>Taylor Hall </b>or <b>Jordan Eberle</b> right now, even though they really have nothing to show for their time with the team. Hall has posted some good numbers, but hasn't won, where Eberle hasn't posted numbers, but that doesn't mean they are not right for the job. The Oilers haven't given their stars an opportunity to shine, just more reasons to fail.<br />
<br />
If the Oilers start using their young pieces in deals to upgrade their depth, especially doing deals with Eastern Conference teams, everyone can start moving in the right direction together.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-20216984951139039122012-02-14T12:23:00.003-07:002012-02-14T12:23:44.716-07:00Nash is Available, Any Favourites?<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2012season/CBJricknash01.jpg" />It really seems unfathomable that a guy like <b>Rick Nash</b> would eventually become available on the trade market, but this is the story that has dropped today and now we can all play with the different scenarios that turn in the hamster wheel we call our brain.<br />
<br />
Let's consider the surface facts about Nash, before we get a little too crazy with who and what could possibly transpire. Nash, 27, has scored 40+ goals twice in his nine seasons in the NHL, he's been to the playoffs once and played four games in his one series and will come with a $7.8 million cap hit for six seasons after this season has finished. Nash also has a no-movement clause, which means that he will have to waive that clause and accept the deal he is eventually (if at all) moved, so he gets his choice of team to play for.<br />
<br />
Now, since Nash has his choice of team to play for, we can only speculate what he would be looking for in a new uniform, be it close to home (Brampton, ON), a perennial playoff contender, former international team teammates, a new rebuild where he could be front and centre again... it's hard to say what's going on in his mind. I would have to imagine that he would want to win really bad, since he really hasn't been able to do that in Columbus.<br />
<br />
Also, it will have to be considered that the Blue Jackets will also have to find a deal that is well-suited to their needs, which is a fresh rebuild. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/DarrenDreger/statuses/169448221167452160">A tweet this morning</a> from Darren Dreger from TSN suggests that it will be young players that will be front and centre in trade demands from Columbus and likely some pretty high draft picks. The price will be steep, but with a potential 50-goal scorer and an international level winner, it could certainly be worth it.<br />
<br />
Well, let's look at the immediate favourites, as per the rumour mill and ask some of the pertinent questions. The two teams that have come up as big favourites for Nash are Los Angeles, New York and Toronto, as they have been rumoured to make some big pushes.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2012logos/2012alts/losangeles.gif" width="72" /><i>Would Nash want to play in Los Angeles?</i> The Kings are in the playoff picture as we speak, they have quality talent to surround him with in <b>Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty </b>and <b>Jonathan Quick </b>(just to name a few) and they are committed to putting a winning team together. That should be good enough to entice Nash to say yes to a trade, despite being on the opposite coast. <i>What could the Kings offer Columbus?</i> The going rumour in the mill is that the Kings will offer up <b>Jack Johnson</b> in a package going the other way, which may have to include <b>Jonathan Bernier</b> and some draft picks, to which the Kings do have their 2012 1st round pick in house. I think the Kings could fit something in for making that push today and down the road. <i>Could the Kings fit Nash into their budget?</i> If Johnson was to go the other way, I would say yes. According to CapGeek, they would be pretty close for the rest of the season and then there could be some creative movement in the off-season to accommodate the long-term contract, but it's certainly possible. <i>How likely does a move to Los Angeles seem?</i> It's in the realm of possibility, especially if the Jackets were to get Johnson and Bernier, starting the build from the back end. Getting a quality goalie would be fairly clutch for Columbus.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2012logos/2012alts/newyorkr.gif" width="72" /><i>Would Nash want to play in New York?</i> All signs would say yes. They are among the league's elite this season, they play a very gritty style of play with speed and have playmakers to suit the needs of a superstar like Nash. <i>What could the Rangers offer Columbus?</i> This would be a good time to explore movement of a kid like <b>Chris Kreider</b>, who is far and away the Rangers' most prized prospect. The Rangers don't have a great deal of top end talent in the back end, besides some of the young blueliners that are already on the team, nor do they have the goaltending prospects of a Los Angeles or Vancouver to make it really interesting. <i>Could the Rangers fit Nash into their budget?</i> Not without some moving cap space the other way. The Rangers do have quite a bit of room, according to CapGeek, but with <b>Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik, Marc Staal </b>and <b>Henrik Lundqvist </b>already on board for big money, there is going to be some top heavy lines out there for New York. <i>How likely does a move to New York seem?</i> We all know the Rangers' affinity for big name players and spending a lot of money, not to mention moving money around so they can spend more money. I would say that the Rangers are not necessarily a favourite, just because they may not have as much to offer than other teams.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2012logos/2012alts/toronto.gif" width="72" /><i>Would Nash want to play in Toronto?</i> Well, it's about as close to home as he can get, so that's got to be a big selling point. The Leafs are finally in the playoff race, as a team that is on the move, making good decisions and building well around some key players. Homesickness would be the biggest key in this decision, as I think he could find better teams to play for today. <i>What could the Leafs offer Columbus?</i> The Leafs are building a good base of prospects that could have some value to other teams, like <b>Joe Colborne, Nazem Kadri, Keith Aulie </b>and <b>Luke Schenn</b>, but no real good goaltending prospects, which the Leafs haven't showcased already. The Leafs do have draft picks again, but mortgaging more 1st round picks for a star player, as successful as it looks now, looks a tad harsh from the outside, but certainly possible. <i>Could the Leafs fit Nash into their budget?</i> I think if there is a good roster player going the other way, like a Schenn, this should be no problem. The Leafs are playing with some cap space, but this would likely be the only real deal that Toronto would make around the deadline. <i>How likely does a move to Toronto seem?</i> It seems like this would be a move that Brian Burke would be hard-pressed not to make, just to have a top quality player like Nash on his team is quite alluring and he has a knack for kicking the tires of the best players available. I don't know if Toronto has enough to give up though, but they could dress up a deal with more quality picks to make up for a lack of goaltending.<br />
<br />
As of right now, I think the Kings are my immediate favourite of the big three, Bernier would be a great player to pick up, especially with <b>Steve Mason</b> being hung out to dry as the goat of the team. A top end goaltending prospect in return, plus going to a team with some real potential, it has the makings of a good deal. Other teams that may have some goaltending available to move, like Vancouver, may struggle with the salary cap and the long-term outlook of Nash, but it isn't like they wouldn't ask what Columbus would be interested in.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-46753026810064031152011-06-20T16:08:00.000-06:002011-06-20T16:08:39.726-06:00Sweepstakes for Jagr?<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2008season/?action=view&current=NYRjaromirjagr01.jpg" target="_blank"><img align="right" alt="rangers" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2008season/NYRjaromirjagr01.jpg" /></a>Word that there is some suitor shopping going on by the agent of <b>Jaromir Jagr</b> has got a little bit of buzz to it these days. <br />
<br />
The 39-year old Czech winger has spent the last few seasons as one of the best players in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia and might be shopping his services around in the NHL in hopes that might get him some more money back in Russia, where salary caps don't really exist. <br />
<br />
The rumour mill has the Penguins, Red Wings and Canadiens in on his services, although by the sound of some ramblings on rumour sites, Montreal may be less into Jagr than the other two teams. The Penguins should have some pull, being the original team that Jagr played for in the NHL, while the Red Wings are a team that enjoys taking on ageing veterans for their poise and coach-ability, while the Habs are a team that have seemingly been on Jagr's radar, as a team that he would like to play for.<br />
<br />
It is somewhat unclear as to how much a team would be able to offer a player like Jagr, as he had shown at the Vancouver Olympics, his skills haven't really diminished in his time over in Russia and he was a top-dollar player (whether he deserved it or not) when he was last playing in the NHL, back in 2008. <br />
<br />
The Red Wings do have some cap space available, but I couldn't see them making a move for Jagr unless it was on their terms, which would likely put the cap hit down around $2.5 to $3 million, at best. The Penguins are in even worse shape than Detroit, having less cap space to worry about, but the allure of a top end scoring winger for either one of their top two centres must have some appeal to it. <br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />Personally, I have no nostalgic feeling for Jagr, so I could really care less as to whether or not he actually comes back. If this isn't an elaborate ruse to suck more money out of the KHL teams, I would think that this is a significant blow to the KHL's credibility as a hockey league, especially one that is trying to rival the NHL. Jagr wanted to play hockey closer to home and make a lot of money doing it, but I would think that the competitive drive of most players would still like the game to be at its best for a player of his calibre to still be playing in it. Taking less money to play better hockey, that could be damaging for the KHL, if they ever could make a big push for another superstar free agent out of North America.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-16180796751947804782011-06-10T08:10:00.000-06:002011-06-10T08:10:57.400-06:00Blue Jackets in on Jeff Carter?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/philadelphia.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/columbus.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" colspan="4"><b>2010-2011 NHL Statistics</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFF99" colspan="2"><b>July 1st Status</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Columbus</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>G</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>A</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>P</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFF99"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFF99"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Jeff Carter</td><td align="center">F</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">80</td><td align="center">36</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">66</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">$5.3 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>--------------------------</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Philadelphia</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>G</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>A</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><b>P</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFF99"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#CCFF99"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Jakub Voracek</td><td align="center">F</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">8</td><td align="center">14</td><td align="center">32</td><td align="center">46</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">RFA</td></tr>
<tr><td>2012 1st Round Draft Pick</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/PHIjeffcarter01.jpg" />Now, this is what I call an excellent trade rumour!<br />
<br />
Not long after the Philadelphia Flyers acquired <b>Ilya Bryzgalov</b> from the Phoenix Coyotes, the flags started going up, asking the question, how the hell are the Flyers going to sign a goalie that wants top dollar for the long-term to a deal with so much cap trouble as it is? The easiest and most likely answer is that a player of significant value, possibly two players that add up to significant value, would have to depart in order to get this to go. Hence this rumour.<br />
<br />
As you can see in the trade table above, the Blue Jackets will help the Flyers out by moving some serious assets to Philadelphia to acquire <b>Jeff Carter</b>, a player of reasonable magnitude and good offensive skill. The Jackets would send <b>Jakub Voracek</b>, an under-whelming prospect with Columbus, who becomes a restricted free agent in July, and the team's 1st round pick at the draft in a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
Let's quickly look at the Flyers, who not only clear some space for the signing of Bryzgalov, they get to name their price with a talented centre in Voracek, who could very well be signed for the short-term for some testing out money, and a decent 1st round pick (8th overall) to help build their youthful depth.<br />
<br />
For the Jackets, they have the cap space to take on a top end centre like Carter, who should give some immediate help to a winger like <b>Rick Nash</b>, likely increasing their fantasy value for the 2012 season, which is one thing that the Jackets are desperately seeking. In order to win now, the Jackets would almost be silly not to make this deal, granted they are probably the team pushing this one in the end.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I like this rumour a lot, I think both teams could certainly benefit from this one in a lot of ways. Granted, this is a deal that is almost too good to be true, so it will be interesting to see whether or not this one goes down before or at the draft. The only thing I could see slowing this deal down is that the Flyers would not really want to part with Carter, but their depth down the middle is very impressive and Carter has fallen down the depth charts behind <b>Claude Giroux </b>and <b>Mike Richards</b>.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-45755903193286324482011-01-23T20:37:00.000-07:002011-01-23T20:37:54.874-07:00A Flames & Devils Blockbuster?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/calgary.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/newjersey.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center"><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2011 Season</b></td><td align="center"><b>2011</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>Remaining</b></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><div align="left"><b>To New Jersey</b></div></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Jay Bouwmeester</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">49</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">$6.7 million</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rene Bourque</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">47</td><td align="center">15</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">28</td><td align="center">$3.3 million</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mikael Backlund</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">41</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">6</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">$1.3 million</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="10">1st Round Draft Pick</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="10">3rd Round Draft Pick</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="10">--------------------------</td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><div align="left"><b>To Calgary</b></div></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Zach Parise</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">12</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">6</td><td align="center">$3.1 million</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">RFA</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brian Rolston</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">10</td><td align="center">15</td><td align="center">$5.1 million</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bryce Salvador</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">35</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">$2.9 million</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td>Mattias Tedenby</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">20</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">6</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">$875,000</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td>Vladimir Zharkov</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">23</td><td align="center">10</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">$850,000</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">RFA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />Well, our good friend, Eklund, <a href="http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=33092">has given us a real doozy to ponder over</a>... and for the most part, laugh at considerably. I mean, this is a blockbuster by all standards of trades, but the names and dollar figures going either way just make this rumour into a beautiful mess of impossibility, in my opinion. <br />
<br />
For one, I can't see the Devils ever moving <b>Zach Parise </b>without some sort of falling out or contract dispute. Secondly, all of the players heading to Calgary in this deal have been problematic or injured for the better part of the 2011 season, none of which, in my opinion, would be tempting for any NHL team, including a fumbling team like the Flames. Next, the Flames have made mention of the word "rebuilding," so trading top end draft picks is somewhat counterproductive to that cause, despite getting a franchise player like Parise. Even if the Flames were to get a player like Parise, I can't imagine what kind of deal he would be seeking in the Summer, so that would only further handcuff the Flames and their salary cap dealings.<br />
<br />
No, this deal, as exciting as it may be, does not seem at all reasonable. I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons I have yet to even make mention of yet, but I think the ones that were mentioned were more than good enough.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-58671510755262811102011-01-21T20:02:00.000-07:002011-01-21T20:02:49.405-07:00Nabokov on Waivers, Who's In On Him?<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I've found myself some time tonight and looked at my StatCounter and found that some people were looking for the waiver order for <b>Evgeni Nabokov</b>, as he awaits to see whether or not he will be picked up by another team or be allowed to join the Red Wings' 23-man roster. I can't believe the amount of anticipation to see what happens out in the Twitterverse, but I'll admit, I'm kind of excited as well.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/detroit.gif" /><img align="right" border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/newcontract.gif" />So, as it stands, the Detroit Red Wings signed Nabokov to a 1-year deal, worth $570,000 annually, which works out to be about a $250,000 cap hit for the rest of the season. There is a no-movement clause to his deal, meaning any team that actually takes on Nabokov, won't be able to shift him to the minors or deal him without issue. The Red Wings put those clauses in the deal, in order to try and stave off some interest from other teams and it should work in some cases.<br />
<br />
As the waiver order goes, it goes from the lowest point percentage earned to the best, in terms of priority, if more than one team put a claim in for Nabokov. Let's see how that shakes out.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/newjersey.gif" />First up is the Devils, as they are currently the worst team in hockey. Nevertheless, with <b>Martin Brodeur </b>starting to finally show some life in the Devils crease and a capable back-up in <b>Johan Hedberg</b>, those are two pretty good reasons why the Devils commented to the negative side, that they'll be in on Nabokov tomorrow morning. Despite the bargain basement price of $250,000 for the rest of the season, the Devils are still wrestling with some cap issues of their own and don't need the headache.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/edmonton.gif" />The Oilers might be in the basement of the Western Conference, but I really think that their believe in their goaltending, as that really hasn't been the worst part of their season. They held onto <b>Jeff Deslauriers</b> and carried three goalies until it was safe for them to demote him, I don't think they want to do the same with <b>Devan Dubnyk</b>, who might be tempting to another team that may be in on Nabokov.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/newyorki.gif" />For my money, I really think the Islanders will take a shot on Nabokov, because they don't really have anything to lose. <b>Rick DiPietro</b> is playing an on-again, off-again schedule, they have two back-ups competing for time and the team still looks like they want to play spoiler for the rest of the year. They have cap space up the ying yang and they could really give their franchise goalie some more time to get back to 100% and to a point where he doesn't have to rest every other day.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/ottawa.gif" />Failing the Islanders desire to improve their goaltending status in the league for the rest of the season, the Senators are probably looking at their 13-point deficit in the East and thinking that they have an outside chance at making it with a goalie they can play for the rest of the season. For the cost, it isn't a bad gamble to take for most people's money, but there is also the thought process that they might as well give more time to <b>Mike Brodeur </b>or <b>Robin Lehner</b>, work the future in their favour.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/toronto.gif" />With the rumour mill still churning<b> J-S Giguere </b>through, grinding him down into a trade-able pulp, the only real way I could see the Leafs picking up Nabokov, would be to deal away their already well-paid veteran goalie. They don't really lose anything in terms of skill, since Nabokov hasn't likely played much in the last month and had terrible numbers in the KHL, compared to Giguere's work today. The Leafs are awfully tight to the cap ceiling themselves, so a deal has to be in place, no matter which way you slice it, by the looks of things.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/calgary.gif" />The term rebuilding may have surfaced this week when talking about the Flames and it would seem awfully odd for this team, who hasn't had much traction in the schedule or in the win column, try to improve their standing with a veteran goalie like Nabokov. <b>Miikka Kiprusoff</b> almost looks like he's at his wits end this season and with <b>Henrik Karlsson</b> getting more starts, adding another chef for the stew doesn't make too much sense either today or tomorrow. I don't expect the Flames in on Nabokov.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/florida.gif" />The Panthers are coming in at number seven and with the attitude that <b>Tomas Vokoun</b> has developed over getting passed over for <b>Scott Clemmensen</b>, it doesn't sound unreasonable that the Panthers would try to move Vokoun and bring in Nabokov to help finish their season off. The word that I've read surrounding the Panthers is that the team is still trying to re-sign Vokoun to a new deal, which would likely suggest that a spur of the moment decision is unlikely for Dale Tallon and his crew.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/buffalo.gif" />The Sabres got off to a terrible start to the season, but that doesn't really effect<b> Ryan Miller's</b> stock too much, as their All-Star goalie is playing really well at the moment, minus Friday night's game against the Islanders, where bad luck was all he had. Even if they were to claim a guy like Nabokov, it doesn't seem really likely that Nabokov would report, knowing full well that he wouldn't get the time that he wants to play. Even if Nabokov was to get this far, I don't expect the Sabres to be anywhere near the Russian keeper.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/columbus.gif" />Neither goalie in Columbus has been too jaw-dropping, but there seems to be a lot of faith in <b>Steve Mason</b>, in his 3rd season, and <b>Mathieu Garon</b> does play the back-up role fairly well. Adding Nabokov would be a pretty heavy sleight against Mason in this case and that just seems rather unlikely tomorrow. The Jackets are only five points out of a playoff spot in the West, which might be that little itch that keeps Scott Howson up at night, but I have the feeling he'll sleep well.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/losangeles.gif" />The Los Angeles Kings have to be thought of as a team that is quite comfortable with their goaltending tandem going forward, no matter how poorly the team in front of them are going. <b> Jonathan Quick </b>and <b>Jonathan Bernier </b>are two quality goaltenders that have some long-term potential with the club and are doing a fine job of fighting for minutes as it is. Nabokov would not be a very good fit, despite being just outside the playoff picture at the moment.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/atlanta.gif" />If the Atlanta Thrashers going to be thought of as players in the Nabokov sweepstakes, their mindset may be that <b>Ondrej Pavelec</b> may need some more help to develop his game and playing behind a regular season superstar like Nabokov would be a treat for his development going forward. There is also quite the European flavour to the team, so Nabokov wouldn't be out of place and with <b>Chris Mason</b> on the Injured Reserve with a knee injury, there might be some room for him. I could see Atlanta be in for the end of the year, helping to get into the playoffs.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/sanjose.gif" />The rumour mill has suggested that the San Jose Sharks would be putting a bid in for their former number one goalie, who they didn't re-sign to a contract, believing a deal would likely cost them an arm and a leg. With a cheap deal already in place,<b> Antero Niittymaki</b> hurt at the moment and being a point out of the playoffs, it doesn't seem too far-fetched. <b>Antti Niemi </b>has started to take the minutes now and the team has turned a corner of sorts, so picking up a guy like Nabokov would suggest that Niittymaki's groin injury may be more serious that initially reported. It could be a full house if Niittymaki was to return to two starting goalies already there.<br />
<br />
Already, I have found four teams out of these twelve that I think will take a long look at claiming Nabokov and with the Hurricanes with two good goalies, the Blues working over <b>Jaroslav Halak</b>, the Ducks riding <b>Jonas Hiller</b>, the Wild having <b>Niklas Backstrom </b>and<b> Jose Theodore</b>, the Avalanche riding <b>Craig Anderson</b>, it really begins to thin out the crowd.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/chicago.gif" />The only other team beyond the Avalanche are the Chicago Blackhawks, who have been rather disappointing as defending champions, might not be terribly comfortable with the inexperienced <b>Corey Crawford</b> or the aging <b>Marty Turco</b>, who have been good enough to keep the Blackhawks in the playoff race, but confidence will likely become shaky when the playoffs roll around. In theory, the Blackhawks may have enough cap space to fit in the small cost of Nabokov, so there is a chance a claim could be thrown in. Will it get any priority? Seems unlikely to me.<br />
<br />
We don't have too much longer to wait, I know I'll be eagerly anticipating the news.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-70323881016512641582011-01-17T13:20:00.000-07:002011-01-17T13:20:29.512-07:00Hemsky for Weiss?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/florida.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/edmonton.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2011 Season</b></td><td align="center"><b>2011</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>Remaining</b></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><div align="left"><b>To Florida</b></div></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Ales Hemsky</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">9</td><td align="center">20</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">$4.1 million</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="10">--------------------------</td></tr>
<tr><td align="center"><div align="left"><b>To Edmonton</b></div></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Stephen Weiss</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">27</td><td align="center">42</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">18</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">$3.1 million</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">Same</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
One of the few rumours that have one name going for another has dropped over the weekend and showed up again this afternoon, as the going rate is the Edmonton Oilers moving scoring winger <b>Ales Hemsky</b> down to Florida for playmaking centre <b>Stephen Weiss</b>.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/EDMaleshemsky02.jpg" />From the first glance, I kind of like this rumour, as it looks like it could help out both teams right from the get-go. Hemsky would provide some much needed offense to a Panthers team that has an outside shot at a playoff spot, while Weiss would add some depth down the middle, likely taking a number one or number two spot at the pivot position between some quality young talent.<br />
<br />
This deal also has the benefit of being a wash for the salary cap, since neither team have any cap concerns and it is only a difference of $1 million going either way this season, but Weiss is locked in for another year, which likely appeals to the Oilers all that much more.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/FLAstephenweiss02.jpg" />The real trouble that I have with this rumour is that the Panthers aren't necessarily deep in the centre position as it is, so moving their top scoring skater, who also plays the centre position for a 1st line winger doesn't exactly seem like a great trade off, unless there are some more pieces to this deal. The Panthers are very plentiful at the wing position, but I don't really see many that could slide into the middle and make an impact. The addition of Hemsky would definitely give the Panthers some more zip, but even in Edmonton, it's been somewhat proven that Hemsky needs a bit of help to be truly effective.<br />
<br />
That all being said, a straight one-for-one deal doesn't seem to be terribly likely as a standalone transaction. The Panthers, if they really were to be moving towards a playoff spot, would likely have to have another player coming back that they could use on their roster or another deal in place to somehow make a deal like this one pay off right away.<br />
<br />
This still does sound like a decent rumour, who's to say it really has legs, but in some respects, it does kind of make sense today. It could be a great deal, if the Panthers have something worked out to make that final push, in my opinion.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-76265190723346759862011-01-15T10:16:00.000-07:002011-01-15T10:16:15.099-07:00Possible Big-Name Rentals in 2011<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I haven't found a great deal of sizzling rumours to spell out in the past few weeks, as there really hasn't been many hands tipped in that general direction. There have been a number of names churned through the rumour mill, but no names have really been attached to other names, so there is little we can actually play with. So, I thought I would have a crack at pointing out some of the possible rental players, that may or may not be available at the trade deadline at the end of February.<br />
<br />
Generally, when you're talking about rentals, you are looking at players who are going to be unrestricted free agents in the Summer, which suggests a team can use the player's talents through the end of the regular season and hope they help during a long playoff run and then not have to worry about them on their books anymore. Rental players are also coming from teams that have little hope of making the playoffs, in most cases, hoping to get something back, like draft picks or prospects, for players that might otherwise leave the team in the off-season anyways through free agency. There are plenty of exceptions to these guidelines, but the discussion usually reverts back to the guidelines.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/DALbradrichards01.jpg" />But of course, we'll start the post off with an exception to the guidelines, as <b>Brad Richards</b>' name keeps landing in the rumour mill and likely for good reason. The Dallas Stars are still running into ownership issues, which suggests some serious cash flow problems. Richards, a top 10 scorer in the NHL this season, has done a marvelous job with the team, but there are many questions abound as to whether or not the Stars will have the ability to re-sign him to the numbers he'll likely demand.<br />
<br />
Richards' 2011 annual cap hit is $7.8 million and the Stars had committed to that contract long before the ownership issues came to pass. That being said, there will be (or likely has been) a great deal of internal discussion as to whether or not the team can afford not to have him on their payroll, especially since they lead the Pacific Division standings with him in the line-up. <br />
<br />
I really don't think it is a matter of 'can he get dealt?', rather it being a matter of 'will he get dealt?'<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/FLAtomasvokoun03.jpg" />Next up on the list is our first goaltender of the bunch and there has been plenty of scuttlebutt surrounding <b>Tomas Vokoun</b> of the Florida Panthers. Vokoun will be an unrestricted free agent this Summer and has been having a mediocre season with the 11th place team in the East. Teams looking to shore up their goaltending situation going into the playoffs may have a second or third look at Vokoun down this last stretch before the deadline, knowing full well that he can play some pretty good hockey.<br />
<br />
The Panthers have a pretty good situation going for them in Florida at the moment, stocking up on some excellent prospects to go with some of their younger veterans, trying to build a solid contender. Some of those prospects are also goaltenders, like <b>Jacob Markstrom </b>or <b>Alexander Salak</b>. The sticking point for the Panthers would likely have to be whether or not they would like to have a guy like Vokoun for another season, waiting for their prospects to mature, or jump right into the young player game and let their prospects ride.<br />
<br />
I'm sure there are a number of teams who are willing to look at the remainder of Vokoun's $5.7 million salary cap hit, just to give them some added security down the stretch, likely for a late 2nd or early 3rd round pick in the Summer. <br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/CALalextanguay01.jpg" />Next up on the list sits<b> Alex Tanguay</b>, who may come in as a runner-up prize to the likes of Richards, in the sense that a team could be looking for a quality play-making forward. Tanguay will also be a decent runner-up prize, because his annual cap hit is so much lower than Richards' at $1.7 million and going to a contending team should make it rather appealing for him to waive his limited no-trade/no-,movement clause, if he has to.<br />
<br />
It's no secret that the Flames have definitely been struggling in the 2011 season and with new management in place to make some changes to the team, a guy like Tanguay is ripe for the picking, when it comes to making deals for future assets, like picks or prospects. I could definitely see Tanguay go for a reasonably low set of draft picks.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/TORtomaskaberle01.jpg" />The name that keeps popping up in trade rumours continues to be <b>Tomas Kaberle</b> of the Maple Leafs and despite his desire to stay in Toronto through this contract, the Leafs do have a very valuable asset on their hands, in terms of what they can get back via the trade market.<br />
<br />
Kaberle has been having a pretty decent season in Toronto, despite their low scoring numbers, and that has to remain attractive to a playoff-bound team that is looking to increase their production from the back end. The addition of Kaberle to most bluelines should be an easy fit and the value going back to Toronto could be adequate to calm some of the critics down. Of course, the description of the package going back to the Maple Leafs would be a real indicator as to how the team will approach the 2012 season, but that's another story altogether.<br />
<br />
I don't personally think that the chances of the Maple Leafs moving Kaberle are that good, but me saying that probably increased his chances by 15%. If the Leafs get the deal that they really want out of Kaberle, I would imagine that there would be a relentless pursuit to force his hand and waive the clause, but so many factors are in the way before they get to that point.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/NJDjasonarnott01.jpg" />Let's face it, the Devils have been terrible this year and they are in a good position to start selling off some of their unrestricted free agent assets, especially since they have already traded away their (former) captain, <b>Jamie Langenbrunner</b> to Dallas, this season. <b>Jason Arnott's</b> name has popped up a few times already in the past weeks as a possible name to move and frankly, it makes sense. Arnott is a quality forward with leadership qualities, he has a Cup ring and experience and he will be an unrestricted free agent in the Summer.<br />
<br />
Arnott's numbers are down considerably in the 2011 season, but the New Jersey Devils have not been the best model of great offense throughout their line-up this season, to date. With firepower like <b>Zach Parise</b> on the shelf for the bulk of the year and <b>Ilya Kovalchuk</b> underachieving, it should come as no surprise that the rest of the players are coming up a little short. Still, at the end of the day, Arnott should garner some interest from a team that is in need of what he has to offer and should find a new home with a new opportunity.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/OTTalexeikovalev02.jpg" />Could the Ottawa Senators possibly move <b>Alexei Kovalev</b> in a deadline deal this year? Well, it's hard to believe that anyone would take Kovalev on his merits from this 2011 season, but the NHL is a funny place sometimes and some managers seem to think that some players can still add something to their team, even if that player has had a bad run of things in the current season. There might be hope for a guy like Kovalev, but his $5 million annual cap hit may have a lot to do with him staying in Ottawa for the duration of the season.<br />
<br />
Kovalev does still have some talented hands on his side and the rumour mill does keep churning his name around, so there does seem to be a little bit of smoke around his name. If I had to guess, I would think that Kovalev may be one of those secondary prizes at the deadline, as many teams will covet the same player, but only one team will get that top end player, forcing a team that still wants to make a move into picking up a guy like Kovalev. If Kovalev does go, he might be a guy that goes for a cheap draft pick, near the end of the day on the 28th.<br />
<br />
Whether or not any or all of these players are going to be traded remains to be seen. The rumour mill will continue to churn out names that have potential to be moved, but it all really depends on the supply and demand of the teams involved. Some teams may want way too much for players of this calibre to be moved, especially a team like the Dallas Stars, who may only part with Richards if the price meets their satisfaction. I am definitely looking forward to the deadline this year... I might even have to take a day off for it.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-78331077219317052262010-12-07T11:50:00.000-07:002010-12-07T11:50:09.333-07:00Zajac for Regehr?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/calgary.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/newjersey.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="4"><div align="center"><b>2010/2011 NHL Statistics</b></div></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Calgary</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Travis Zajac</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">25</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">8</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">$3.89 million</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="9">--------------------</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To New Jersey</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Robyn Regehr</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">$4.02 million</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A new rumour to play with... hooray!<br />
<br />
From the <a href="http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=31966">Hockeybuzz article this morning</a>, "Calgary would like to grab Zajac, NJ wants Regehr...of course there would be more... each team would want a young, cheap player to replace the player they are trading as well..."<br />
<br />
Yes, I know... Hockeybuzz is considered rubbish, but I love rumours, no matter how rubbish they may or may not be. I'm not afraid to admit it either.<br />
<br />
So, it's fair to say that this deal is based on filling needs that both teams have at the moment. The Flames need a centre to help their scoring woes, preferably one that can be a number one centre, while the Devils desperately need some defensive help, since <b>Anton Volchenkov </b>and <b>Bryce Salvador</b> can't stay healthy. In this sense, it kind of makes sense.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/NJDtraviszajac01.jpg" />On the other hand, who is actually scoring for the Devils that they can make a deal that sends offensive talent out the door? Even if the Devils want to go back to playing those 1-0 or 2-1 kind of games, they will actually need someone to score those goals. With no Parise, cold scoring from Kovalchuk, Rolston, Langenbrunner and Elias, who else is left?<br />
<br />
For the Flames, one of their biggest problems, besides diminished scoring from their top six, is some of their atrocious defense they have been playing and moving a stalwart defenseman like Regehr is just going to leave an even bigger hole on the blueline.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Salary Cap" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/salarycapani.gif" />Looking at the cap numbers, this deal appears to be somewhat of a wash, value-wise, but even still, the Devils are taking on an extra smidgen of cap space, which can't possibly appeal to their capologist, despite some early Long Term Injury Reserve time for guys like <b>Brian Rolston</b>. The Devils cap number has been poked and prodded so many times, it would be hard to get an exact reading, but if any deal was to come down, I would imagine that one of those extra pieces mentioned going to Calgary would have to be a defenseman that is currently on the roster, like a <b>Matt Corrente </b>or a<b> Mark Fraser</b>. The Flames would then send one of their medium-level forward prospects the other way, so the Devils don't take on any more space right away, possibly a <b>Kris Chucko </b>or <b>John Armstrong</b>.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />Frankly, if this deal is to have any legs at all, both teams have to hope that they are going to get some more offense/defense from adding more defense/offense. Even then, it doesn't really matter what kind of cheaper, younger talent goes either way, this deal does appear to be on the dark edges of crazy. <br />
<br />
Saying that, Sutter and Lamoreillo haven't quite been themselves over the last 12 months...opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-13304552193081309912010-11-17T12:10:00.000-07:002010-11-17T12:10:00.369-07:00Iginla to the Kings?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/calgary.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/losangeles.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td></td><td colspan="4"><div align="center"><b>2010/2011 NHL Statistics</b></div></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Los Angeles</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Jarome Iginla</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">16</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">7</td><td align="center">10</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">$7 million</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="8">--------------------</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Calgary</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Brayden Schenn</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">8</td><td align="center">0</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">$3.14 million</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="8">Other considerations</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011season/CALjaromeiginla01.jpg" />Gee whiz, you step away from the computer for a night and the hockey world goes a blitz with a trade rumour between the Flames and Kings, which would see <b>Jarome Iginla</b> head down South to Los Angeles for a package that would include <b>Brayden Schenn</b>.<br />
<br />
First of all, I'm not going to write this off as wild talk, because the early building blocks has some kind of merit to it, since the Kings want to win now and the Flames <i>could be</i> on the verge of rebuilding. I don't think either of those statements are far-fetched, but this whole notion is taken with a grain of salt.<br />
<br />
The Kings have found themselves in a very interesting position as we close on the quarter-pole of the 2011 NHL season as the Western Conference leaders and a trade for a player like Iginla would be the sort of move that could keep the team in that fine position, especially if they could trade pieces that are not necessary to the team's immediate success, like <b>Brayden Schenn</b>. <br />
<br />
The Flames on the other hand are in a state of limbo in the public's eye and only Flames management know exactly where the team is heading in the foreseeable future. As much as the rebuild idea does have some merit with the team mired in 14th place in the Western Conference, the Flames are only 5 points behind the 8th place Phoenix Coyotes and a comeback is definitely possible, which would mean that if Iginla was to go anywhere, the Flames would require players that would help them to win now.<br />
<br />
As for Iginla, there is plenty of scuttlebutt around how happy he is with the team and/or his play of late, which is leading to more smoke from the rumour mill and even that doesn't seem to be far-fetched. The question then becomes, would Iginla waive his no-movement clause and accept a deal to California in a deal, which would see him join a current contender.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Salary Cap" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/salarycapani.gif" />The salary cap numbers do provide an interesting challenge to this rumour, as the Kings were projected to be in tough for any big additions to their side going into the year, but they would be able to dump a good chunk of what they'd take on if Schenn's entry-level cap hit was struck from the books. I don't have anything in terms of concrete numbers, but I would imagine that the package heading back up to Calgary would have to be somewhat sizable from their own roster.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />In the overall scheme of things, there are a lot of wheels that have to be in motion for this deal to go down. A lot of approvals need to be made from a lot of different people, especially some people that haven't been in consideration up until this point. This deal is not a rental agreement, since Iginla still has two more seasons after this one on his contract, so there is that to deal with and whatever the Flames decide in terms of how they want to proceed with the rest of their season and their long-term plan.<br />
<br />
I won't write this idea off, but I can definitely see it getting ki-bosh'd at some point or another because there was a no keeping any progress from happening.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-61628703002673109732010-09-20T07:38:00.000-06:002010-09-20T07:38:02.536-06:00Commodore for Souray?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/columbus.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/edmonton.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2009-2010 NHL Statistics</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>2011 Cap Info</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Columbus</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sheldon Souray</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">34</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">9</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">$5.4 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>--------------</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Edmonton</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Mike Commodore</td><td align="center">Defese</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">57</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">9</td><td align="center">11</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">$3.75 million</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/CBJmikecommodore01.jpg" />The latest rumoured solution for the Edmonton Oilers and their standing history with <b>Sheldon Souray</b> is to deal him to Columbus for veteran defenseman <b>Mike Commodore</b>.<br />
<br />
This rumour has been picking up some steam in the past couple days, especially with an early injury to <b>Kris Russell</b> in training camp and now on Monday morning, there have been a tweet from Ryan Rishaug of TSN (<a href="http://twitter.com/TSNRyanRishaug/statuses/24991495073">here</a>), confirming that this deal has been batted about, although it sounds like it was a while ago.<br />
<br />
To me, this deal doesn't look terrible from either standpoint. The team that truly stands to gain is more likely the Oilers, since Souray is not going to be at their camp and he now is a potential $5.4 million lump against the salary cap without even playing a game for the team. Of course, there will be ways around, but this is kind of where it stands at the moment. The Oilers bringing in another body to replace the cap lump would be a huge win.<br />
<br />
The knock on Commodore is that he can have seasons where his health is kind of sketchy and his body finds ways to get injured, but then he can also have 80+ game seasons and he's a solid figure on the blueline. He doesn't score a great deal, not really a great hockey pool player, but at least he can give a team some solid minutes. <br />
<br />
For Columbus, acquiring Souray would be a definite upgrade offensively on the blueline, but even more so of a health-risk during the season. Souray is a member of the injury prone list, <a href="http://osherpanews.blogspot.com/2010/08/adding-to-injury-prone-list-in-2010.html">as of this year</a>, and is coming off of another harsh season between a concussion and a broken hand (which happened when he tried to avenge his concussion). There's no question that Souray will be able to give the Blue Jackets what they want on their power play, but the price tag is awfully high and there are no guarantees about his health.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="Salary Cap" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/salarycapani.gif" />Neither team is stressing about the cap ceiling going into the regular season, but a move like this would have the Blue Jackets a little closer. The Jackets currently sit at a projected number of $54.5 million with Commodore on the books, which would take on another $1.7 million with the acquisition of Souray. The Oilers are currently pretty low on my projected list, but that is currently without the rookie bonuses of <b>Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle </b>and <b>Magnus Paajarvi</b>. Nevertheless, the Oilers would also be saving money on this straight-up deal, if it were to happen.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I don't buy this deal and its probably for the same reasons that Howson has bitten on it (as per the Rishaug tweet), the risk is just too high. With the Oilers, there is no risk in a straight-up deal like this, because Commodore is much more durable than Souray and that isn't saying a great deal about Souray. The Oilers would likely have to part with another piece for the Blue Jackets to take this deal on, likely for the sake of security that they are getting their money's worth. This is definitely a spot where <b>Andrew Cogliano</b> could come in handy, throwing him in the mix, while the Jackets throw in a pick, just to call it square. To me, that would make a lot of sense to both sides.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-51970831521447520962010-08-21T14:33:00.000-06:002010-08-21T14:33:45.870-06:00Souray for Fleischmann?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/edmonton.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/washington.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2009-2010 NHL Statistics</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>2011 Cap Info</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Washington</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Sheldon Souray</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">34</td><td align="center">37</td><td align="center">4</td><td align="center">9</td><td align="center">13</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">$5.4 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>--------------</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Edmonton</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tomas Fleischmann</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">69</td><td align="center">23</td><td align="center">28</td><td align="center">51</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">$2.7 million</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/WAStomasfleischmann01.jpg" />Well, I saw this trade rumour in a couple of tweets (<a href="http://twitter.com/Jay_Gold_/statuses/21771844499">one </a>& <a href="http://twitter.com/OilersReport/statuses/21772408406">two</a>) this afternoon and thought I would have a good time with this one. The Oilers would move unhappy defenseman <b>Sheldon Souray</b> out of town for <b>Tomas Fleischmann</b>, a scoring winger who has had some longer contract negotiations with the Capitals and only seems to sign on a year-to-year basis.<br />
<br />
Souray has been on the blog a couple of times since he had requested to be traded out of Edmonton, so it should be no surprise that he is back, since he hasn't been moved yet. The Capitals would be an interesting fit for Souray, as they are in need of a bit more veteran scoring from their blueline, lessening the pressure on young <b>John Carlson</b>, who is emerging as a real blue chip prospect. <br />
<br />
The cap hit for Souray is a pretty big one, but with the way the Capitals are built at the moment, they could use twice the cap hit that Fleischmann would leave behind and move forward with it. Whether or not Souray would live up to that big cap hit depends a lot on his health, as he is a player on my injury-prone list.<br />
<br />
The Oilers, on the other hand, would be very happy to be finally rid of the Souray distraction in their office and on their books, taking on another young scoring forward like Fleischmann. Unfortunately for the Oilers, Fleischmann is another winger, not exactly what they are after, but he could provide some more help to the centres that are already on the team, possibly making them better.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I don't think that this deal as it stands is one that can happen, there will likely have to be some padding from one side or the other to try and even it up. I would think that the Oilers would have to send a prospect or a mid-round pick to the Capitals, just so they would take that cap hit off their hands, especially for a talent like Fleischmann. The essence of the deal would be Souray for Fleischmann, but at the end of the day, there would need to be a bit more to make it real.<br />
<br />
For now, I could see this deal being done, because of the higher prices for top-to-mid level defensemen are quite high and I don't believe the Capitals have enough in their system today to make it as far as they would like in the Eastern Conference playoffs. opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-39040725747922184912010-08-15T19:41:00.000-06:002010-08-15T19:41:45.102-06:00Tampa In On Kaberle?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/tampabay.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/toronto.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2009-2010 NHL Statistics</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>2011 Cap Info</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Toronto</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Ryan Malone</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">30</td><td align="center">69</td><td align="center">21</td><td align="center">26</td><td align="center">47</td><td align="center">5</td><td align="center">$4.5 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>--------------</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Tampa Bay</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Tomas Kaberle</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">32</td><td align="center">82</td><td align="center">7</td><td align="center">42</td><td align="center">49</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">$4.25 million</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/TAMryanmalone01.jpg" />The late name being thrown around the rumour mill on Sunday night has been <b>Ryan Malone</b> coming out of Tampa Bay for <b>Tomas Kaberle</b> and I wanted to have a look at what the numbers may pan out here for.<br />
<br />
Of course, this wouldn't be the complete deal, I would have to think that giving up Malone would mean that the draft pick that should be involved would be low, unless the Leafs have another ace up their sleeve to upgrade the pick. <br />
<br />
Interesting point to note, Malone's long-term deal does have a no-movement clause, which could be tough to move and why would Malone want to move away from playing on the top line with <b>Steven Stamkos </b>and <b>Martin St. Louis</b>?<br />
<br />
The Lightning have done well in this off-season adding <b>Simon Gagne </b>and <b>Domenic Moore</b>, but trading away Malone does make me a little weary of where the forward corps are going in Tampa Bay. I'm not sold on this idea as a way to help win games, especially with some good minute-eaters on the blueline, where does everyone fit and how do they mesh? <br />
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Even if the Maple Leafs were able to turn this deal, who is going to service all of these gritty scorers? Is there going to be a centre or two in the Leafs future?opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-60131685146216913812010-08-15T10:32:00.000-06:002010-08-15T10:32:00.478-06:00Last Day for Open Kaberle<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/TORtomaskaberle03.jpg" />It's now the middle of August and we know a few things about the Maple Leafs situation with <b>Tomas Kaberle</b>. August 15th (today) is the last day that Kaberle has before his no-trade clause takes effect again and he would have to then okay a deal by waiving that clause for any new deals that may or may not surface after today. We know that Burke is not in the business of taking less than his value in any deal and he is looking for a top six forward with size and scoring ability or a "futures package," which would include a high pick and a "quality young player."<br />
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In 2010, Kaberle was the 10th ranked defenseman in scoring with 49 points in 82 games and in 2011, the final year of his deal, he will have a cap hit of $4.25 million. Of those top 10 defensemen, Kaberle's cap hit ranks 7th, which suggests that he is a pretty good bargain for any team that decides to pick him up.<br />
<br />
The Leafs are battling against the salary cap and have some great defensive depth on their side at the moment. Not including buyouts or bonus penalties, the Leafs have 20 players signed on, including eight defensemen, for $56.5 million, which doesn't leave the club for very much wiggle room for immediate improvement as it is. Tack on the extras and the Leafs are sitting at $58.9 million. The Leafs could very easily get to a playing line-up of 20 players, possibly having an extra defenseman in the line-up for a reasonable cost, but that would force the Leafs to use some younger, cheaper talent. <br />
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For the <a href="http://www.prosportstransactions.com/hockey/DraftTrades/2011.htm">2011 Entry Draft</a>, Toronto is the only team that doesn't have their 1st round pick, which is the last piece of the deal that saw <b>Phil Kessel </b>get dealt to the Leafs, <a href="http://osherpanews.blogspot.com/2009/09/kessel-finally-goes-to-toronto.html">almost a year ago now</a>. If we were to eliminate teams by that notion, we really couldn't, but I think it's fair to think that if the Maple Leafs are going to take a "futures package," a team's 1st round pick will be front and centre for a deal.<br />
<br />
The teams most often pointed out in the rumours going around include the Bruins, who have Toronto's 1st round pick in 2011, the Sharks and Ducks, Pacific Division foes in need of blueline help, and the Devils and Kings, who have been dealing with the Ilya Kovalchuk situation for the better part of this Summer. It's too bad we don't get to see what offers have been made or how the picks/players stack up in some of these deals that have been on and off the table, leaving us only to assume.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />Personally, I think there is enough that adds up to Kaberle getting dealt on Sunday before midnight. The Leafs would probably prefer to have some cap flexibility, a 1st round pick and a little bit more youth in their system and they would likely prefer to get it from anyone.<br />
<br />
Kaberle has expressed much interest in staying with the team, likely vetoing a trade after the no-trade clause falls back into place, so Burke has only so much time to make a deal.<br />
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On the other hand, the 1st round pick might be a pivot point on any deal, not settling for anything less, where the prospect that may come in return, could be downgraded just as easy, since there is a little bit more flexibility with coaching and development in their own system. I guess this is what would keep me from being surprised if Kaberle wasn't to move on Sunday, plus he would be a hard defenseman to replace, despite the Leafs depth.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-32524386017021462502010-08-12T12:56:00.000-06:002010-08-12T12:56:37.684-06:00Bieksa for Chimera?<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2008season/logos/vancouver.gif" /><img border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/trade.gif" /><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2008season/logos/washington.gif" /></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 650px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><b>RUMOUR</b></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center" colspan="4"><b>2009-2010 NHL Statistics</b></td><td align="center" colspan="2"><b>2011 Cap Info</b></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Washington</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Kevin Bieksa</td><td align="center">Defense</td><td align="center">29</td><td align="center">55</td><td align="center">3</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">22</td><td align="center">1</td><td align="center">$3.75 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>--------------</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>To Vancouver</b></td><td align="center"><b>Position</b></td><td align="center"><b>Age</b></td><td align="center"><b>GP</b></td><td align="center"><b>G</b></td><td align="center"><b>A</b></td><td align="center"><b>P</b></td><td align="center"><b>Years</b></td><td align="center"><b>Cap Hit</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>Jason Chimera</td><td align="center">Forward</td><td align="center">31</td><td align="center">78</td><td align="center">15</td><td align="center">19</td><td align="center">34</td><td align="center">2</td><td align="center">$1.875 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>Draft Pick</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td><td align="center"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It's been a while since I had something for the Rumour Mill blog, but a quick tweet got the wheels turning and we have some numbers to play with. It's nothing more than a rumour and should be take as just that, but I don't mind having a quick peek, see what it looks like.<br />
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The Canucks are knee deep in defensemen and cuddling up to the salary cap ceiling this Summer, so a deal to move a blueliner and get some cap space should be considered as a viable option. Moving Bieksa to an Eastern Conference team definitely has some merit and getting a 3rd/4th line player in return makes some sense, as that was one of their weaker points in the playoffs last Spring.<br />
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For the Capitals, they are dealing with plenty of depth on the forward ranks and a bit of a shortage of offense from the blueline past <b>Mike Green</b>. Bieksa would definitely solve the issue of finding a top-3 defenseman, for a reasonable cap hit, some toughness will be a value-add for the team as well.<br />
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I've definitely heard of worse rumours than this.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-58772046281667335752010-07-10T11:22:00.000-06:002010-07-10T11:22:59.083-06:0017 Years for Kovalchuk (and the 100 percent rule)?<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/newjersey.gif" /><img align="right" border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/newcontract.gif" />Since one of the biggest contract jokes in the NHL is <b>Rick DiPietro's</b> 15-year deal in 2006, I would think that the NHL has evolved into a more civilized group of savvy managers. Sure, the league has seen it's share of 10, 11, 12, 13-year contract extension since the DiPietro debacle, but everyone can just look at those long-term deals and not laugh quite as hard, especially since DiPietro has 11 years still left on his deal and has done nothing with it.<br />
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Now, we're looking at a potential deal, which has been rumoured to be tabled by the New Jersey Devils, which would give <b>Ilya Kovalchuk</b> a 17-year deal, worth $100 million in just the first ten years alone. Of course, the back end of this deal would likely see the salary numbers drop off significantly to lessen the overall cap hit to something more flexible for the Devils to build around with.<br />
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With Kovalchuk already being 27 years old as of April 15th, a 17-year deal would see him conclude this deal at the ripe old age of 44. The benefit for the Devils is that if Kovalchuk does decide to retire after his 10 years, $100 million, he won't hurt the Devils past his retirement, because the cap hit can be nixed due to retirement processes on a deal that was signed before the age of 35. The Devils, therefore could have a $10 million salary count as a much smaller number, thanks to not paying him quite as much in the last seven years.<br />
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Let's see if I can come up with as a possibility of what the deal may look like... <br />
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<i>Article 50.7 in the CBA: <b>"100 Percent Rule" for Multi-Year SPCs</b>. The difference between the stated Player Salary and Bonuses in the first two League Years of an SPC cannot exceed the amount of the lower of the two League Years. Thereafter, in all subsequent League Years of the SPC, (i) any increase in Player Salary and Bonuses from one League Year to another may not exceed the amount of the lower of the first two League Years of the SPC (or, if such amounts are the same, the same amount); and (ii) any decrease in Player Salary and Bonuses from one League Year to another may not exceed 50 percent of the Player Salary and Bonuses of the lower of the first two League Years of the SPC (or, if such amounts are the same, 50 percent of the same amount). </i> <br />
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So, with that being said, according to the CBA, Kovalchuk could be down to a $1 million salary (which is the popular finishing number for most deals that are front-loaded) as soon as the 2022 season, where he'd be 39 years old at the end of the year and it would bring down the cap hit significantly, if that was the case.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr><td>Year</td><td>Salary</td><td>Cap Hit</td></tr>
<tr><td>2010-2011 (age 28)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2011-2012 (29)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2012-2013 (30)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2013-2014 (31)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2014-2015 (32)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2015-2016 (33)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2016-2017 (34)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2017-2018 (35)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2018-2019 (36)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2019-2020 (37)</td><td>$10 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2020-2021 (38)</td><td>$5 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2021-2022 (39)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2022-2023 (40)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2023-2024 (41)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2024-2025 (42)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2025-2026 (43)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
<tr><td>2026-2027 (44)</td><td>$1 million</td><td>$6.53 million</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
That is a crazy amount that the Devils could definitely deal with, I'm sure. You could work the back end of the deal, so its a rounder number like $7 million, but frankly, why would you throw that cap space away at this point?<br />
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These are just numbers I am throwing out there, I don't have any idea what the deal would actually look like, I'm just gauging this on a deal that needs to get done, with the lowest cap hit possible for $100 million over the first 10 years. It all makes sense to me.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-33938747324272553582010-07-10T09:30:00.000-06:002010-07-10T09:30:56.784-06:00Hjalmarsson Gets an Offer SheetThe offer sheet has got a nasty reputation in the NHL, as one of the coldest acts of general managing an NHL GM can do, thanks in large part to <a href="http://osherpanews.blogspot.com/2007/07/offer-sheet-take-two.html">the Dustin Penner offer sheet</a>, which happened almost three years ago now. Personally, I like the offer sheets, as much as restricted free agency gives teams a good hold on top prospects, it also guarantees that team compensation if a team covets that player more.<br />
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There is also some added security for teams that are fighting against the salary cap ceiling with fitting all of their players contracts for the year, making sure that if they were to lose them to insufficient cap space or another team putting a little excess pressure on the team having trouble by overpaying, compensation would be granted in futures.<br />
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That being said, here is what the compensation chart looks like in 2010:<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">OFFER COMPENSATION</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">$1,020,348 or below None</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $1,020,348 to $1,545,981 3rd round choice</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $1,545,981 to $3,091,963 2nd round choice</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $3,091,963 to $4,637,944 1st round and 3rd round choice</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $4,637,944 to $6,183,925 1st round, 2nd round and 3rd round choice</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $6,183,925 to $7,729,907 Two 1st round choices, one 2nd and one 3rd round choice</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Over $7,729,907 Four 1st round choices</span></div><br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/sanjose.gif" /><img align="left" border="0" height="52" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/newcontract.gif" />So, this is where the San Jose Sharks come in. They have obviously decided to put some more pressure on the Chicago Blackhawks, who are sitting on a couple of top end restricted free agents, in<b> Antti Niemi </b>and <b>Niklas Hjalmarsson</b>, and only $3.7 million in cap space remaining. The Sharks looked at that situation and didn't want to wait for either one to potentially get snapped up via trade to somewhere else, they got their pen in the ink and signed Hjalmarsson to an offer sheet to try and sway him away from Chicago.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534107">reported offer sheet</a> is said to be a 4-year deal worth $13 million in total, a $3.25 million cap hit per season. According to the table above, that cap hit would give the Blackhawks the Sharks' 1st round pick and 3rd round pick in 2011. <br />
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Hjalmarsson's numbers were not exceptional in the regular season for the Blackhawks, only 17 points in 77 games with the team, but played solid minutes with the club and made good use of the time he was given as the 4th or 5th defenseman on the team. In the playoffs, he was far more effective, 8 points in 22 games and he raised his compete level to those of good historical playoff performers, full of compete and sacrifice for the team. It's almost fitting that the Sharks are going after him, since that was a lot of what they lacked against the Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals.<br />
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If we were going to talk market value, moreso for the regular season, the Sharks are prepared to overpay for Hjalmarsson. I think the greatest factors in market value is age, position and regular season scoring, with some added features like potential and x-factor can given taken into account, but the first three are the most tangible. The Sharks do have the closest deal in this range to what Hjalmarsson has been offered in <b>Marc-Eduoard Vlasic</b>, who is also 23, plays defense and had 16 points in 64 games with the Sharks. Vlasic has a cap hit of $3.1 million for the next three seasons. The Sharks GM said <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534107">in this article</a> that they feel Hjalmarsson is a top-three defenseman on any team and I suppose if he got the minutes of a top three defenseman, he might have the same points as <b>Kristopher Letang</b>, who will make $3.5 million over the next four seasons and had 27 points in 73 games. That doesn't sound out of the question at all.<br />
<br />
I think this is a good deal, if the Sharks are right about Hjalmarsson. They don't have plenty of room for error, since Letang only had 27 points, so that's only an increase of 11 points, but Hjalmarsson is supposed to bring some extra playoff gusto, so you could justify that if he brings it.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-57201517732283729622010-06-29T08:28:00.000-06:002010-06-29T08:28:23.966-06:00Redden to Start in the Minors?<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/NYRwaderedden01.jpg" />Four years left, $6.5 million against the cap per year... this is what is staring the New York Rangers in the face going into the 2011 season. In theory, this doesn't look like a terrible deal for what was a pretty good defenseman in Ottawa, right? Well, his 2010 numbers were horrible, 2 goals and 12 assists in 75 games is not going to cut it for a $6.5 million player. <br />
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So, now <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/arthur-staple/staple-s-analysis-is-this-the-year-rangers-sather-exercises-patience-1.2061939">there is rumblings</a> that Redden and his massive cap hit may end up down in the minors to start the season, saving the Rangers from his cap hit, but not his actual salary. Redden will be paid in full whatever part of his $6.5 million salary he earns in the AHL, but for salary cap purposes, the Rangers would save the math there, giving them a little more flexibility in the marketplace.<br />
<br />
With Redden on the active roster, the Rangers currently have 12 players signed on for $43.4 million against the cap, with no buyouts or other penalties on the go at the moment. That leaves $16 million for 11 players and we all know how much the Rangers like to spend, don't we?<br />
<br />
At age 33, this will likely be a huge slap in the face to Redden, but he can't say he didn't have this coming to him. His play has not been of the high calibre that the Rangers expected of him when he signed as a free agent in 2008. In 156 games with the Rangers, he has 5 goals and 35 assists for 40 points and only a +3 plus/minus rating. If Redden finds his way down to the minors, I would almost be amazed to see him back up with the club, unless there was some depth issues on the blueline, like injuries, because his cap hit would probably bump him down the depth chart little by little.<br />
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I'm going to keep a close eye on this, but for now, it's still labelled as a rumour, so I'll keep it on this blog for now. Once he actually drops down, I'll post something on the hockey pool blog, reminding everyone to stay away from Redden in their hockey pool draft. Actually, I will say it right now... until further notice, stay away from Redden in your hockey pool drafts.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-1862155296822509762010-06-26T22:21:00.000-06:002010-06-26T22:21:27.231-06:00Thinking Out Loud: Savard and Thomas<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2011logos/boston.gif" />In some regards, I find it somewhat puzzling that the Boston Bruins are going to try and move a couple of their long-term assets in both Marc Savard and Tim Thomas. I'm sure signing these long-term deals with these players were good ideas at the time, a 7-year contract extension in December for Savard and a 4-year deal in April 2009 for Thomas. On the other hand, both players are already into their mid-30's and haven't had the best track records beyond some really good flashes, some longer than others, in each player's career. <br />
<br />
<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/BOSmarcsavard02.jpg" />With Savard, the Bruins have his entire contract extension looming over him, his head was knocked three ways from Sunday during the regular season on a massive hit, their depth at centre is getting to be something else after drafting <b>Tyler Seguin</b> and the team does have its fair share of cap issues, so the long-term prognosis on Marc Savard is not good staying with the Bruins. The reports coming out after the Entry Draft concluded was that Savard, who has a no-trade clause at the moment in his deal, has said that he would waive the clause, but only if it was a deal that would land him either in Toronto or in Ottawa, two of the Bruins' division rivals.<br />
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Well, isn't this a fine pickle jar that the Bruins have backed themselves into? Really, I'm going to stick this one on the Bruins management bowing down to the demands of Savard and company, who obviously wanted some security in a 7-year deal, just to get the deal done and questions lifted for the remainder of the year. If your team's blueprint is to include centres and by December 1st, you already had a feeling you were going to get a very good pick out of Toronto from the <b>Phil Kessel</b> deal, then why would you sign Savard to a longer, very long-term deal like this? That's poor foresight. On top of all of that, Savard will only okay a deal to go to a team that could potentially screw the Bruins, strict use of the word potentially, which also looks pretty bad on this situation. Both the Maple Leafs and the Senators are the two teams that Savard would okay a deal to, but we all know what their situations are like at the moment and it might be a while before they do a lot of damage to the Bruins in the regular season.<br />
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At $4.2 million a season against the cap, Savard has almost a <b>Rick DiPietro</b>-like deal... a long-term deal with a cap hit that can either look like a bargain when the player is healthy all year and performing to his highest level or an anchor around the team's neck, if the player cannot stay consistently healthy and can't perform at the highest level. It's all quite relative, to be honest. Both the Maple Leafs and the Senators are in good cap positions to take on a guy like Savard, even if the Bruins shuffle him off for next to nothing, now that they are in selling mode and everything (or all things Savard) must go.<br />
<br />
If a deal is to go down with Savard leaving Boston, I would be awfully surprised if it positively impacts the Bruins in the end.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/BOStimthomas01.jpg" />Tim Thomas is not as curious of a case as Savard is, especially since the Bruins gave the veteran netminder his new deal after he won the Vezina Trophy for being voted the best goaltender in the entire league. The best thing for any team taking on Thomas would be that the Bruins only signed him to a 4-year deal and that he was <b>Tuukka Rask's</b> back-up for the better part of the first year of that deal. <br />
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The only reason Thomas is out the door is really because of Rask and his play through the season and into the playoffs, the Bruins don't really want to keep a back-up with a starter's contract in their organization and it's hard to blame them. I wouldn't say that the contract that Thomas received before free agency is bad business, they had to hedge their bets against Rask being the goaltender he was in 2010, especially with a Vezina Trophy winner already getting the reps in net.<br />
<br />
With three years left and a cap hit of $5 million per season, Thomas is on the more expensive end of the salary cap scale, but fortunately for the Bruins, there are a number of teams that should be interested in Thomas' abilities, despite the contract. My <a href="http://osherparumours.blogspot.com/2010/06/looking-at-goaltending-holes-in-nhl.html">goaltending holes in the NHL post</a> would see to that. The Bruins could just as easily use one of these team's need for a top end goaltender to their advantage, especially since most of them have the cap room to spare. <br />
<br />
Thomas does have a no-trade and no-movement clause in his deal, but since the Bruins are already pointing at Rask for being their number one guy going forward, Thomas can look at this situation, say that he wants more minutes and a number one job and gladly accept a trade to somewhere else. That's a very plausible situation.<br />
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The rumour mill has a number of teams interested in Thomas, but the Bruins may not be able to figure out a trade until the market value has been set on a few other goalenders in the league, or the demand level for a starting goalie for that matter. The chances of Thomas getting dealt look pretty good to me from where I'm sitting.opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194672200868940110.post-34897795659797399532010-06-26T20:58:00.000-06:002010-06-26T20:58:42.585-06:00Nabokov Heading to Philly?<img align="right" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/2010season/SANevgeninabokov02.jpg" />One of the bigger stories of the second day of the Entry Draft was that of the alleged verbal deal that sees the Philadelphia Flyers get the negotiating rights to potential unrestricted free agent goaltender, <b>Evgeni Nabokov</b>. <br />
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Clearly, Nabokov should be considered one of the top unrestricted free agents this Summer, even if he is only known as a good regular season goalie and a sub-par playoff goalie in his career playing for the Sharks. Regular season success is worth a lot of money to teams, since it lasts the longest part of the hockey year and Nabokov is a guy who can put in 70 appearances a year.<br />
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In his time with San Jose, Nabokov has been a guy that has needed to pull some games out of the fire and steal from time to time, but of course, that really only applies to the regular season. Nevertheless, if the Flyers can get themselves a goalie that can steal some more games in the regular season, they might be on the right track with their thinking, applying a good goalie behind a big defense and a more-than-capable offense.<br />
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What is Nabokov going to be worth to the open market? In some designs, Nabokov should have the ability to write his own number down and be able to stick to it. That's something that the Flyers would hope to slip away from in some early negotiations, but being surrounded by <b>Martin Brodeur</b> ($5.2 million), <b>Ilya Bryzgalov</b> ($4.25 million), <b>Ryan Miller</b> ($6.25 million) and <b>Roberto Luongo</b> ($5.3 million), you would have to think that Nabokov has dollar signs in his eyes, when determining his cap hit. Even if Nabokov agreed to the average cap hit of those four goalies (and their current cap hits), he would be looking at $5.25 million against the cap and it's hard to say that he isn't worth it... in the regular season. <br />
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As the Flyers know, all they need is to get to the playoffs and they can let the team do the rest, in front of any goalie that is ready to go. What the may want is a guy that can get the team to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and hopefully impose some dominance over their Eastern Conference rivals, but they will need to pay for it.<br />
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<img align="right" alt="Salary Cap" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/newsletterbuttons/salarycapani.gif" />As of Saturday night, the Flyers have 10 forwards, 3 defense and <b>Brian Boucher</b> signed on for the 2011 season for an approximate cap hit of $47.2 million. With the salary cap number rising to $59.4 million, that leaves the Flyers with $12.2 million. Let's say Nabokov can sign for $5.2 million (for a nice round number and easier to work the math out with), that would leave $7 million to sign the remaining eight players for the 23-man roster. We can take into account that they don't need all 23 players all season long, but it's just good to keep in mind when doing the math.<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y192/opiatedsherpa/sherpasays.gif" />I don't think this signing is out of the question, by any means, but I think the Flyers would have to get awfully creative with their youth, their AHL team and possibly some more transactions after the fact to make everything work. Boy, it's a good thing they didn't sign <b>Dan Hamhuis</b>, eh?opiatedsherpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17931894485596376545noreply@blogger.com0