With the trade deadline approaching, the Nashville Predators are poised to make a move that could significantly improve the team down the stretch. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll take a look at a few potential players that could bolster the Preds' lineup. First up: Bobby Ryan.
It's no secret that the Predators have one glaring need that needs to be addressed before serious talks of a Stanley Cup can be brought up: a forward that can provide consistent scoring night-in and night-out. That's exactly what Bobby Ryan brings to the table.
Ryan followed up his 64-point campaign in '09-'10 with a career-high 71 points in '10-'11. But he also plays a defensive game - a requirement in Barry Trotz' system. Ryan Posted a +9 and +15 over his last two full seasons all while playing top minutes for the Ducks.
Everybody remembers what he did to David Legwand in the playoffs last year:
He certainly fits the mold of the top-6 forward that would bolster Nashville's scoring up front and would conceivably be enough to convince Shea Weber and Ryan Suter that Nashville is ready to compete for a Stanley Cup now.
Perhaps the biggest positive for Ryan is his contract status going forward. According to CapGeek, Ryan is under contract through the '14-'15 season at a very reasonable cap hit of just $5,100,000.
If you believe what we've heard from multiple outlets - that Poile has been given the green light by management to spend to the salary cap - then Ryan makes total sense from a financial standpoint.
Here's where it gets tricky. Anaheim GM Bob Murray stated earlier in the season that besides Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu, nobody is safe, which would indicate that Ryan would indeed be available for the right price.
But that was when the Ducks were struggling. Currently, they've won nine out of their last 11 games, and suddenly the playoffs don't look like too unreasonable of a goal. Does that increase the asking price for a top player like Ryan? You would think so.
The Ducks' immediate needs look to be on the blueline and in net - good for the Predators who have prospects to give up at both positions.
I'd suggest something along the lines of: Jonathon Blum, Anders Lindback and Nashville's 2012 1st round draft pick.
0 recs | 74 comments
"Should the Predators attempt to work out a deal for Bobby Ryan?"
I have a hunch about how this poll is going to turn out.
Sam Page - February 2, 2012
And looks like your hunch is probably wrong?
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
No...?
Sam Page - February 2, 2012
Ok. Just thought you were going with the whole “everyone hates the Ducks” angle.
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
I think the answer is yes and Poile has probably asked, but...
I think the asking cost will be much higher, and I don’t think Anaheim is going to part with him now the the Bruce has shown up on the scene, but then again what do I know stranger things have happened.
Predmonton - February 2, 2012
If you think the cost would be too high...
you can vote “No”.
Dirk Hoag - February 2, 2012
I agree with Predmonton.
I also think that the Ducks will ask for more than a backup goalie, a good young defenseman and a 1st round pick.
But if that IS the asking price then I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Poile doing it!
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 2, 2012
Yes please.
The cost scares me a little bit, because I know they’re gonna want players who can produce RIGHT NOW!, but I’d be willing to give up a pick, Blum (eh), and… yeah, Linders (aww) to get Bobby Ryan. If he could come right in and start producing, on top of how well we played in January, holy cow would I be a happy, happy little camper.
davisca - February 2, 2012
how bout blum and sk74? we would need to open up a winger spot.
predwheels - February 2, 2012
Yeah, sure! That’d be fine. While I don’t actually hate Tits (despite my constant ragging on him), but I wouldn’t be devastated if he left.
davisca - February 2, 2012
My Dad always told me:
Don’t try to solve a problem by creating another problem.
In other words, don’t give up a scoring forward to get a forward. It lessens the net gain.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 2, 2012
Is Sergei technically a “scoring forward”? I mean KINDA…. sure…. but not like Ryan is.
davisca - February 2, 2012
Sure he is.
Not like Ryan, and if I had to trade one for the other I would in a heartbeat, but we don’t want to give up one of our top 6 for another top 6 if we can help it.
All I’m saying.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 3, 2012
That makes sense. I see where you’re coming from now, I was just confused there for a second.
davisca - February 8, 2012
No brainer.
Yes, Go after Ryan! I’d give the entire 2012 draft class, Blum, Anders, and another Milwaukee stud of their choice if I had to. Ryan would change the entire playoff complexion for our team.
Daniel Rogers - February 2, 2012
As long as he didn’t step on anyone’s toes once he join the organization.
Predmonton - February 2, 2012
Zing!
Daniel Rogers - February 2, 2012
Blum would be going the other way so it would all be good…amirite?
TitanPredBearFan - February 2, 2012
the classless skate stomp in the playoffs is my apprehension to voting yes.
predwheels - February 2, 2012
Bringing the Cup to Nashville > Any resentment from that stomp
It’s water under the bridge, IMO
Daniel Rogers - February 2, 2012
It still didn’t look intentional to me anyway.
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
I personally think it was intentional, but I think he was just pissed off and frustrated with the series, and I think he’s learned his lesson from it. I HIGHLY doubt that he ever does that again.
davisca - February 2, 2012
im over it
He was pissed we were playing better and beating them. It never should have happened but its not a cronic issue for him to do things like that so ive forgiven him. Now as far as him undressing leggy well lol
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
You win.
davisca - February 2, 2012
AMEN
except anders. i would rather part w/ a prospect just in case peks goes down. or if not getting lindy was a deal breaker then send us ellis w/ ryan. we need a more reliable backup than somebody from the ads. if we really can spend then im for ANY trade to get ryan that doesnt take a current roster player away.
predswilrule - February 2, 2012
ALSO- IN REAL DOLLARS
we save 2 mil on fish, leggy and erat next season compared to this year. another 2.25 mil the next season on erat and leggy and lose fish. also, to my recolection, ryan hasnt had a concussion and could be insured. hes young, aggressive and at times dominate. as an aside, he might impress suter enough to re-sign although we need this move regardless.
predswilrule - February 2, 2012
I really hope you aren’t serious about bring back #danellisproblems. I agree with keeping Anders because atleast with him we have a chance to win games, but I feel that if we brought back Ellis it would be very difficult to throw him out there against the Chi. and Det and still think of winning.
Danny Bryan - February 2, 2012
In the words of Dan Ellis
“Oh absolutely”
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 2, 2012
To be honest
I miss Ellis, I think he could be just as good as Anders in a return to Nashville
Klein(er) - February 2, 2012
I AM SERIOUS
hes a much better emergency choice than anyone in milwaukee and we arent likely to get any nhl experience from anyone else. he would be insurance only except for 2-3 games to rest peks the rest of the way.
predswilrule - February 2, 2012
And people thought my bringing Zidlicky back idea was bad!
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
Don't worry, this is just as bad of an idea ;)
davisca - February 2, 2012
to be honest I would much rather keep Anders and send one of our goalies from AHL to them. But I have seen what has happened to Ellis when he has played and it is like we are watching one of our AHL goalies for the first time again.
Danny Bryan - February 2, 2012
Hells Yes!
This is the #1, numero uno, absolute top-of-the-trade-heap player we NEED to go after.
This is the franchise your farm system trade of the year!
Shawn Kehoe - February 2, 2012
You mean, "How soon should the Predators attempt to work out a deal for Bobby Ryan?"
The answer is right meow.
TNBlueDevil - February 2, 2012
Meow, you know these things take some negotiating time to work out
Predanon - February 2, 2012
I don’t want to hear any excuses, meow!
TNBlueDevil - February 2, 2012
…Huh? Is there like… a….. cat joke or something that I missed?
davisca - February 2, 2012
supertroopers
If you havnt seen it go see it on dvd (usually like 5-7 bucks)
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Ah, no I have not see it. That would explain my confusion, haha.
davisca - February 2, 2012
Go watch it then
Shadow23 - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app
The Meow Challenge. “Alright, meow. Hand over your license and registration.”
emzee - February 2, 2012
This would be fantastic!
My ideal trade scenarios are:
1) Zach Parise
2) Bobby Ryan
3) Derek Roy
I know none of these 3 are likely to happen and we will likely make a lesser trade but I am crossing my fingers.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 2, 2012
Roy is very possible, I think – more so than Ryan or Parise at this point in time.
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
I'd be alright with Roy
He could probably use the fresh start, too…
Daniel Rogers - February 2, 2012
Parise's agent said that Parise is very interested on signing a new contract with the Devils.
Klein(er) - February 2, 2012
Booo
davisca - February 2, 2012
Regardless of what Parise does this summer, it’s pretty clear the Devils aren’t moving him this season. Must look elsewhere for help (it pains me to say so). :(
Grizzledbear - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Pull the trigger!
Blum is not doing anything for us right now. I hate this but to get anyone we have to let Lindy and the pick go. And this could elevate us to the next level, and that is Cup contenders.
TCountyPred - February 2, 2012
ROY
is the safer, less expensive pick, but also the less likely to impact us. parise will be expensive w/ no guarantee of next season. ryan would be ideal regardless of the cost since he would be around 3 more years at a favorable cost.
predswilrule - February 2, 2012
The answer is yes! But it won't happen.
If it’s a younger player who can step in and play now that the Ducks want in return for Ryan, I don’t see us as being able to meet that standard. The only way I could see it happening is if Ellis were part of the deal, and even then I’m not sure it would be enough. I’d move Ellis in a heartbeat if it could get that deal done though.
Grizzledbear - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I WOULD HAVE USED TO HAVE SAID THAT
but not anymore. he has convinced me he has a real chance to play in this league. i think we all would agree if he can defend well enough to get on the ice he will have a vary good chance to be a scorer.
predswilrule - February 2, 2012
I wouldn’t. I think Ellis is #4 right now in our defensemen lineup. Let them take Blum, plus Blum would want to be there, close to home – on his mom’s favorite team.
DonBorvio - February 2, 2012
Aside from anders which lets face it has the back up spot locked down with armed gummie bears. Blum is one guy that while i would trade him in this case or for parise id rather hold onto because once he gets some more time under his belt and puts some muscle on he will be a good to very good d man. He will make a great pairing behind weber suter and josi ellis
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Toss in Blum and Tits, and you’ve got a fun trip to California.
davisca - February 2, 2012
Blum’s not good enough to play ahead of Hillen yet the Ducks would want him? I think not.
shoot the puck - February 2, 2012
Hillen i dunno about him i think he was just a stop gap to see how blummer and josi would do
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
exactly … why would the ducks make this deal? would you? … gotta give up something to get something, and not sure draft picks do it … this also assumes he’s on the market, and I wouldn’t get too comfy with the notion that the Ducks are dead … Bruce is a good coach who made a few mistakes in dc, but he may be the right fit over there. If they get in, I wouldn’t want to play them.
el pucko - February 2, 2012 via Android app
Why?
To free up $$ to rebuild.
NashvilLion - February 2, 2012
if you’re them, assuming they are in rebuilding mode, is that where you start?
el pucko - February 2, 2012 via Android app
That’s the point people are missing here. Ryan is a guy you can build around, so if (and I emphasis if) the Ducks were to move him, it will take a big package of players/picks/prospects to get him. Anyone who thinks a package of Blum (AHL Dman), Lindback (backup goalie) and a pick (likely a late 1st rounder) gets you a Bobby Ryan is way overvalueing our own talent.
If you want quality, you have to give back something of quality as well. If we allow our hopes that Ellis may turn into a 1st pairing Dman to prevent us from possibly obtaining a legit top 3 forward, then we’re not serious about winning Stanley Cups.
Grizzledbear - February 2, 2012 via mobile
+1
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 2, 2012
Zactly.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 2, 2012
interesting thought here
Lets say this trade happens. ZP is a free agent this year after signing a 1 year deal last off season. Suter and webs both sign due to the ryan trade. Why not go after zp this off season, the team now looks like a location to win and zp might not want to stay with a nj team that is having ownership issues. Ryan being here means we look like a destination not a stop over any more so would you go after him and have both zp and br. We have a bunch of guys in a contract year so space on the roster and cap space (lol) well we have plenty of that
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Plus aren’t Suter and ZP pretty decent friends? It seems like i read that maybe back during or right after the olympics.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 2, 2012
yes
Which will help but only to make him interested in us as a destination to end up not a key factor in signing. Just my thoughts really
Shadow23 - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Also
Doesn’t Ryan apparently really like Nashville?? I feel like I read something about him coming to visit Nashville just for the heck of it…
davisca - February 2, 2012
Go big or go home
Get me John Tavares, Mr. Poile.
ahall07 - February 2, 2012
That would be…. awesome.
davisca - February 2, 2012
Would never happen...
Sam Page - February 2, 2012
Could work
I can’t imagine the Ducks would go for anything less than a proven forward, a young defenseman, another top 10 prospect and at least one 1st round pick. Is GMDP willing to give up all that or most likely more? Good question.
MattBen - February 2, 2012
As a ducks fan, I cant imagine they make this trade for anything less than a Suter/Weber. I might be wrong considering how incompetent Bob Murray is, but that would be around the asking price. Sure other bits and pieces might be part of the deal, but they would be the major pieces
BennyLightning - February 3, 2012
As another Ducks fan, Murray should be fired if he agrees to trade Bobby Ryan to Nashville for anything less than Suter/Weber. There’s no way Bobby gets a deal like that done on his own, but Bobby plus picks and prospects could work. I’d offer Bobby, Palmieri and at least one, maybe two first rounders for Weber and his shiny new contract extension. . I wouldn’t offer this year’s first round pick, but maybe the two after that.
Daniel AC - February 5, 2012
Movie poster for this Trade Targets article
(larger version)
OddManRush - February 7, 2012
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