NHL trade rumors are running rampant as we count down the hours until Monday afternoon's deadline, and while we've all read about names like Ales Hemsky and Jeff Carter being tossed around, I thought it might be worth indulging in a quick survey of some other forwards who could help the Nashville Predators. Consider this a "quick hit" exercise to work some other names into the mix, besides the ones which have dominated the conversation lately.
To be perfectly clear - these aren't players I think the Predators are pursuing, but are instead ones who I think could help the team immediately (and in some cases, for a few years), from teams which might have reason to make such a trade. This is based on pure, 100% speculation.
So after the jump, let's examine a few names out there for consideration (presented in no particular order)...
Upside: He's on the outside looking in for the Capitals, but I'd rather see Knuble on the power play as the backup option to Patric Hornqvist, than Brandon Yip. And let's be honest, we do need a backup option, as Hornqvist is currently on IR and hasn't exactly torn it up in the playoffs previously.
Downside: Is there any tread left on those tires?
6-0
204
Nov 04, 1984
Salary: $3.5 million per season through 2013-2014
Upside: No, I haven't seen him talked about on the trade circuit, but I'd place a few calls with Dean Lombardi just the same (who knows, maybe they'd be interested in California boy Jonathon Blum). The Kings have failed to live up to expectations for a few seasons now, and may be open to rebuilding. If such a shift is to be made, the captain is often the first to go. He'd be a great addition to the Preds, however, and the guy draws penalties like crazy, which would put Nashville's suddenly-effective power play on the ice more often.
Downside: None, really.
6-0
205
Dec 27, 1985
Salary: $6.6 million through 2013-2014
Upside: He's topped the 70-point mark three times in his six NHL seasons, which is something nobody on this edition of the Nashville Predators has even done once. It could also be argued that he'd benefit from playing in front of a better group of defensemen than he's enjoyed in Colorado so far, so there could be untapped potential here.
Downside: That $6.6 million salary is a lot to swallow, but we keep hearing all this talk about the Preds spending more next season...
6-0
192
Aug 19, 1982
Salary: $3.3 million this season, then $3.2MM through 2013-2014
Upside: Coaches love to use the phrase "tough to play against" to describe a good playoff team, and nobody makes life more miserable for opponents than Ott, who is pretty much despised everywhere outside Dallas. He's like a Jordin Tootoo, but contributes about twice as much offensively, and is one of the league's better faceoff men.
Downside: He takes a few more penalties than you'd like, but 55 of those penalties minutes are for fighting and misconducts, which don't put your team on the PK.
5-9
184
May 04, 1983
Contract: $4.5 million, then $5.5 million in 2012-2013
Upside: Like Stastny, he would give the Predators three lines with real offensive punch, but has one year fewer on his contract (at less of a salary, too), which may gel better with the development of Craig Smith. He's also another guy to line up next to Francis Bouillon, Jordin Tootoo, Jack Hillen, and Ryan Ellis with Hal Gill in the middle. As for Buffalo, after this train wreck of a season they may need to make some significant changes.
Downside: None that I can think of.
So what do you think? Would any of these guys present a realistic option to bolster the Preds' playoff chances this spring, and/or position them well for 2012-2013?
0 recs | 155 comments
I'd like to see
Either Roy or Stastny
Preds of State - February 22, 2012
I am with you 100%
Creeping Death - February 22, 2012
i concur
of all those guys, Stastny and Roy make the most sense for what we need.
Shawn Kehoe - February 22, 2012
If there was any way we could get Brown and 1 of those 2 i think it would be awesome.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 22, 2012
I want Paul. It’s a big salary, yes, but the man produces.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Stastny please.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 22, 2012
Pick up Paul, pretty please!
davisca - February 22, 2012
Imagine him and Radulov on the same line?
That would be amazing!
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - February 23, 2012
my brain just blew up.
davisca - February 23, 2012 via Android app
Roy, Stastny or Brown.
djzielin - February 22, 2012
Roy
Hockey Hillbilly - February 22, 2012
Are any of these teams sellers though?
NashvilLion - February 22, 2012
they all technically should be selling. However, I wonder if any of those teams will face that reality before the deadline.
Predadave - February 22, 2012
Find out soon
Surely the Sabres and Stars will sell
Brenthrax - February 22, 2012
Yeah, I don’t know why LA or Dallas would be sellers when they are still in the fight for 7th and 8th place. Right now La is in 8th place and Dallas is only 2 points back. Either team could still make the playoffs.
flyalder - February 22, 2012
All of the press out of Dallas is that they have given up on this year. In their words, if they make the playoffs it will be a bonus, they are focused on the future.
Catwoman - February 22, 2012
Ott, ewwww
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
We otta leave him alone.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
you otta know!
cisar - February 22, 2012
He otta stay in Dallas.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
you two otta be ashamed of yourselves for such a corny joke
Creeping Death - February 22, 2012
You otta not judge us… I’ll send Ott after you!
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Adding that jerk off to our team is nott funny, nott funny at all.
Poiju - February 22, 2012
I’m glad you arnott interested in Ott.
davisca - February 22, 2012
OH THE DOUBLE D-BAG!
Poiju - February 22, 2012
:D I win!
davisca - February 22, 2012
yes.
cisar - February 23, 2012
You're a moron
Gnashvillepreds - February 23, 2012
Pardon?
davisca - February 23, 2012 via Android app
Well I'm so sorry you think that.
I must admit though, I was hoping you were going to explain precisely why you think I’m a moron instead of just repeating yourself. Also, the official code of conduct here asks that members refrain from posting personal attacks (i.e., “You are a moron.”), so I would appreciate it if you would desist doing so.
davisca - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
Ah, just discovered upon posting that my device screwed up and showed your original post twice for some reason… so ignore the repeating yourself part, but the rest is still relevant.
davisca - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
game. set. match
Creeping Death - February 22, 2012
YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU
OUTTA KNOWHOA!
lol gotta love the office.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2jSd2yMNcs
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012
Oh, the days of the good Office...
They should have ended that when Michael Scott left.
davisca - February 22, 2012
they should have
i watched two of the the post-Steve Carrell epis, and it wasn’t pretty.
When I saw that Andy would be the new Regional Manager, I had serious doubts for the future of the show. Dwight as Regional Manager, that would have been funny…
Also I think there’s talk of making a Dwight Schrute spinoff show.
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012
Oh geez. They just need to stop while they’re behind.
I gave this season a chance… I watched the first non-Michael episode, hated it, and decided to try one more. I got half-way through the second episode and turned it off.
davisca - February 22, 2012
downside on Roy is
he’s short and the Preds aren’t exactly big upfront. Ott would be OKish, so would Ribeiro for that matter if we’re raiding the Stars
Brenthrax - February 22, 2012
If the Stars are raidable, seek out Michael Ryder.
Hockey Hillbilly - February 22, 2012
Speaking of Michael Ryder….where is grizzledbear? Haven’t seen a post from him in a couple weeks.
Griz-ATL - February 22, 2012
A few weeks back he said he was gonna take a hiatus. I think the constant trade debates and highly emotional people and frustrations were annoying him (though I don’t want to put words in his mouth).
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
hope he comes back. I always enjoy his opinion (along with everyone else) whether I agree with it or not. Maybe he’ll reappear after the trade deadline when we all focus on hockey games again.
Griz-ATL - February 22, 2012
That’s what I’m hoping. Man I can’t wait until this week is over… Haha, no more trade talk will be a very beautiful thing. We can just focus on the playoffs instead!
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Well, the debate here would be enough to make a bear crawl back into his den, LOL!
Grizzledbear - February 23, 2012 via mobile
YOU'RE BACK!
davisca - February 24, 2012
G-BEAR!!!!
You’re here! Hey, everyone! G-Bear is here!
CAustin - February 24, 2012
Hopefully no Android post-fail...
This actually reminded me of a dream I had last night… I saw an article on here that we had traded Suter to Washington for 3 spare parts players (who all sucked) and a 7th round pick. I woke up VERY unhappy and immediately checked OtF to make sure that didn’t happen. Whew, haha.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Aaaaand post-fail. Dang it.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Thanks for the kind words. :)
Ryder looks pretty good compared to what’s available out there right now, eh? ;)
I have a non-hockey related reason taking a hiatus from OtF, I’ll just leave it at that.
Grizzledbear - February 23, 2012 via mobile
I was wondering.
I thought maybe with the Preds scoring more he was running out of things to say.
I am sure the Preds picking up Gill didn’t make him to happy either.
I do miss the lively debate.
Josiah2729 - February 23, 2012
Beware, my minions keep tabs on anti-bear talk!
Gbear may be away, but his informants are everywhere. ;)
Actually, I’m fine with the Gill trade. An overpayment for him in a general context, but not if your #1 focus is winning the Cup. Which leads to this point: if many felt we needed an upgrade on D even though we are around the 10 or 11th spot in terms of GA per game, doesn’t that hold true for offense as well with us being ranked around the same in GPG? Stats only tell part of the story, observation tells the other part of it. Yes, getting bigger on D is helpful (could have done so a lot cheaper by keeping SOB, but that’s another story), but getting more skilled up front is also an area that needs improvement on this team.
As for the list of players above, Stastny is the best bet to get Suter to stay here and the most skilled of the named players, Brown could sway Suter as well and fits the Preds mold very well. The rest of the bunch do nothing to incline Suter to stay and only marginally improve the team.
Now back to my hibernation………
Grizzledbear - February 23, 2012 via mobile
But the upside on Roy is he is a solid 2 way guy where you don’t have to worry about who he goes out against.
wrandsw - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I didn’t realize Brown was so adept at putting the puck in the back of the net. Years with 28/24/24/33 goals and healthy seasons? I’d target him and see if Lombardi will dance. His point totals suffer due to low assists, though, which is fine since we have passers galore.
OddManRush - February 22, 2012
Brown, and Statsny are guys where everyone but 6,12,20,33, and 35 should be available.
wrandsw - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Sorry
Never meant to leave off HB. That would be straight blasphemy.
wrandsw - February 22, 2012 via mobile
BLASPHEME! Good correction on HB. I will add Ellis to that list, too. I really want a back up plan if things go south with Weber and Suter, and I think Ellis is that guy.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
I really think alot of people undervalue Erat
he is probably our second most reliable forward after Fish right now, and has been for about the whole season.
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012
Agree. I think he's totally underrated.
davisca - February 22, 2012
I think people are having a hard time forgiving him for the CHI playoffs.
Josiah2729 - February 23, 2012
that was rough...
But u gotta give the guy props for bouncing back from that
JBoogie22 - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
not as hot as Fisher is right now,
but I’d say Erat is more reliable. Even when he’s cold on scoring goals, he’s still picking up assists and making plays.
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 23, 2012
Everyone will say Roy and Statsny for their goal scoring. But Brown would be the consummate Predator. I’d take him in a heartbeat.
Griz-ATL - February 22, 2012
Yes!!
Mike Cr - February 22, 2012
I triple agree, if that’s possible. Dustin Brown is a gamer, plays in all situations, is very physical, and will score 20 plus. Not to mention intangibles and a favorable cap hit.
hitmaneraser21 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I triple agree, if that’s possible. Dustin Brown is a gamer, plays in all situations, is very physical, and will score 20 plus. Not to mention intangibles and a favorable cap hit.
hitmaneraser21 - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Well, you double-posted. Close enough!
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
Roy or Stastny - the depth we will have with players like that will match those of other playoff teams
gold2980 - February 22, 2012
Not sure how the Avs could trade us Stastny
and stay above the floor. Unless it was Stastny for Legwand.
Sam Page - February 22, 2012
DO IT. RIGHT NOW.
davisca - February 22, 2012 via Android app
deal!
Creeping Death - February 22, 2012
But then who would everyone pick on?
flyalder - February 22, 2012
We’ll find someone.
davisca - February 22, 2012
smithson
Shadow23 - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
pretty sure Leggy has a NTC. He’s not going anywhere.
Predadave - February 22, 2012
no, he has a no movement clause which he accomplishes most of the time while he is skating
Creeping Death - February 22, 2012
zing!
Predadave - February 22, 2012
Winner winner!
davisca - February 22, 2012
nice, and rec'd
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012
Stop picking on Leggy!
cisar - February 23, 2012
Well, they can’t pick on Klein anymore….
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 23, 2012
In order
1) Stastny
2) Roy
3) Brown
Not terribly interested in the others.
MattBen - February 22, 2012
So we all agree?
Just line out
Knublefrom the article, the old man isn’t wanted.Also, Brown over Statsny in my opinion, he’s a few assists short but a +/- of +5 on the Kings… He would take all of 7 minutes and a coffee to adjust to our system.
Poiju - February 22, 2012
Dustin Brown, please. We need a wing, not a center, and a scorer, not a passer. He’s tough, and a good defender, to boot. What’s not to like?
Chris Burton - February 22, 2012
Roy
I’d be interested in Roy for sure. Definite offensive talent there. And the Sabres have to be sellers-they have had a trainwreck of a season. Not sure what we’d have to give up for him but, as I wrote in a previous post, maybe Chris Mueller would be attractive as he is from Buffalo. They seem to need help at the center position and the fans in Buffalo have to be discouraged & a feel-good story about a hometown boy being acquired may help the front office. Not that I would want to lose Mueller but he might be valuable here.
ninab - February 22, 2012
Not sure.
We bought out Tim Kennedy (a local Buffalo boy) a few seasons ago after he went to arbitration because he did not fit into our future plans. Personally, if you want Roy, I would want something good…i.e. good center depth and a higher round draft pick. I think he is a top 30 center in the NHL and that he would be the best offensive center on your team if he was traded to you. The down year this year can be attributed to him coming back from injury and from our team just be horrible overall for half a season. Roy is undervalued by a lot of Sabres fans who only see the short term (this season’s production) instead of his overall production the last five years. IMO, he is a really good player who is a bargain (this is pretty much fact when examining advanced metrics like GVT and GVS).
I know I may ruffle feathers, but would you package Craig Smith in a deal for Roy? If that is a baseline deal that Poile gives to Regier…he might be willing to listen. Overall, I would only see a Roy trade in the off-season, when big time deals are more apropros.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
no.
CAustin - February 23, 2012
This.
davisca - February 24, 2012
i think the Preds front office wants to see how Smith develops
JBoogie22 - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
nope. sorry.
isn’t going to be moved for anyone.
Shawn Kehoe - February 23, 2012
To be fair...
Sounds like a a slight overstatement. I love players on my Sabres, yet I would be willing to trade any of them if I thought it would improve my team. You see no one in the NHL that you would move Craig Smith for?
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
Nah, folks around here and really, REALLY high on Smith. People would be very upset if they got rid of him. I thought they were high on Geoffrion until Smith came to town. He’s a favorite and there really is no way he is going anywhere. He had a very strong start to the season-he’s gonna be one of the greats. But we have plenty of other young, talented forwards for you to choose from! And I do remember that fiasco with Kennedy. Thought things went sour for him as rookies don’t usually go to arbitration as they have proven so little. Terrible form on his part. Seems like a pretty good move on Buffalo’s part since he is bouncing from AHL team to AHL team at this point.
ninab - February 23, 2012
Stamkos. :)
DonBorvio - February 23, 2012
Meanie.
Is “get Stamkos” becoming the new “trade Pekka?”
CAustin - February 23, 2012
I don’t seriously think we could get him, but the dude wanted to know who’d I trade the Honey Badger for – so that’s my answer.
DonBorvio - February 23, 2012
I have to say, I’m kind of trying to wrap my mind around the idea that Craig Smith is worth as much as Steven Stamkos.
CAustin - February 23, 2012
Well, I didn’t say that exactly. It would probably take more, but if Yzerman was not Yzerman and more Howson and in fire-sale mode…it might just happen.
DonBorvio - February 24, 2012
I can see someone being dumb enough to trade away a 21-year old who has scored more goals than anyone else in the league in his first three seasons when you are trying to build into a perennial contender, but that person is not Steve Yzerman.
But there are many players who are not generational talents that would be worth giving up Craig Smith for.
CAustin - February 24, 2012
Oh that is rich Sir.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
Dustin Brown
No THERE’s a hockey player! He plays a perfect brand of hockey for this club. No idea what it would take to get him, but definitely worth a look. As far as Stastny goes . . .
I’ve been calling for him, ever since I’ve joined this page. I really think he’d be a great option — cost schmost. Getting a guy like him and/or Brown would solidify Suter and Weber sticking around. Pull out the checkbook and make it HAPPEN!
Mike Cr - February 22, 2012
Roy, Stastny, Brown. Why Ott and and not Ribeiro? He’d be a lot better fit.
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
Never been a Ribeiro fan, but Ott would certainly be doable. Getting Ott and Brown would also cost less (salary-wise) than Stastny.
Mike Cr - February 22, 2012
Plus Ott’s got a NTC.
Mike Cr - February 22, 2012
Anders Lindback
I know this is off topic but a lucky Preds fan had an epic night with him after the game yesterday, here is the link http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=1114775
It also includes pictures.
predsfan95 - February 22, 2012
That is HILARIOUS.
Oh Anders… seems like a fun dude!
davisca - February 22, 2012
SO SAY WE ALL!
Poiju - February 22, 2012
I see wut you did there.
davisca - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
haha that's awesome
I wonder what hanging out with Rinne would be like.
JBoogie22 - February 22, 2012
He took down the post! Because hmm you post something on the Internet, you don’t think it’s going to spread?
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
And now they nuked the post entirely. I have copies though!
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
I enjoyed read it, but if that had been me, there’s no way in hell I would have put the story up online.
davisca - February 22, 2012
Same here. And Google doesn’t have a cached copy, either. Good thing Don has the proof!
OddManRush - February 22, 2012
If anyone missed it, I can at least copy/paste the text of the story.
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
Yeah, because the second you do that, there’s no taking it back. I probably would be with the “whatever happens at Anders’ – stays at Anders’” :)
DonBorvio - February 22, 2012
Eeeeexactly. It’s the same reason I keep a strict no-party-pictures-on-Facebook policy.
davisca - February 22, 2012
Post
Because post please :D
BadgerMuffins - February 23, 2012
Brown
Really don’t think we need another center playing out of position. Unless we get shed of Smithson or Spalling.
DHack - February 22, 2012
Brown is the best
value acquisition on that list. Although Ott would be a major upgarde over Smithson, even though it sickens me to say it.
Predsfan22 - February 22, 2012
Dude in the Sens game just
scored a goal with this teeth. Damn I love hockey.
Predsfan22 - February 22, 2012
Best I could come up with
Dirk threw me a curve with this ‘Grab Bag’ of players.
So it’s added to the list. Bleh.
OddManRush - February 22, 2012
Well played sir
Stormyt - February 22, 2012
Nice!!
davisca - February 22, 2012
Dang, you're good
Sorry for the lack of heads-up, this came together in about 30 minutes.
Dirk Hoag - February 22, 2012
No sweat. I just thought that i needed to do one of these fast and there were five players… so that kind of took care of itself.
OddManRush - February 22, 2012 via Android app
7 points in 3 games for Geoffrion...
predhead33 - February 22, 2012
Good for him.
Sam Page - February 22, 2012
its 9 in 4 now
Creeping Death - February 23, 2012
That’s fantastic! It’s good to see him being successful.
davisca - February 23, 2012 via Android app
Man...
I really have to go down to Copps Coliseum and take a look at his new talents…
Klein(er) - February 23, 2012
That is insane. He had 9 points in 20 games with the Admirals. Guess there is something to be said for a change of scenery.
ninab - February 23, 2012
CBJ finally finds a suitor
Vermette to the Yotes for:
Hurt AHL goalie
2nd round pick
4th or 5th round pick (conditional)
Catwoman - February 23, 2012
A little quick on the click
I’ve grown cynical with the BJ’s. Swapping out for newer, cheaper parts doesn’t create a winning team.
Catwoman - February 23, 2012
Ott: Do not want. just as much of an ass on the ice as tootoo but with far less character off the ice.
Stastny: Do want. Great player, Classy man
BadgerMuffins - February 23, 2012
Have you seen Tootoo play after rehab at all?
The term “ass” doesn’t go with Toots.
Klein(er) - February 23, 2012
Toronto, Columbus showing internest in Lindback
Klein(er) - February 23, 2012
Also,
Ruutu elects to stay in Carolina for the remainder of the season.
Klein(er) - February 23, 2012
Seems like
Ott will go to St. Louis due to Langenbrunner’s injury. Nashville’s also showing interest in Andrei Kostitsyn…Does it happen?
Klein(er) - February 23, 2012
Buffalo fan here
Saw this article linked on DBTB. We’re all pretty conflicted about Roy. We have no Center depth so I’m not sure it makes sense to deal him before next year when his contract is up, especially considering his contract has been so friendly. He’s definitely produced. He’s had a rough year statistically but he hasn’t been that healthy (much like almost everyone else on the Sabres roster).
On the other hand, there’s been unconfirmed scuttlebutt that Roy is not so good in the locker room and the Sabres got noticeably better without him last year, so there are fans who would be relieved to be rid of him.
Philaster - February 23, 2012
Exactly.
Statistically, he is a top 30 center since the lockout. If you assume each team should have a top center, Derek Roy would be one of them. Also, his contract is a bargain for his production…his down year this year could be attributed to a down year for many of the Sabres top six forwards (except for Vanek and Poms) as well as him returning from a major knee injury that made him miss half the season last year (a season where he had 35 pts in 35 games until the injury).
If anyone is interested, I discuss his trade value over at DBTB. I think it would take a top six forward, a prospect, and a pick (using the Cammy/Bourque trade as a benchmark). As a Sabres fan, I suggest we hold onto him…yet I can see why you all would have a lot of interest in his abilities.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
That’s not really an appropriate benchmark for anyone. Montreal was running Cammalleri out of town.
Shawn Kehoe - February 23, 2012
I agree it is not the best benchmark (I touch on that in what I wrote), since salary and overall team chemistry seemed to be strong metrics in why he was traded. Truly, I think if we got that for Roy, we would be getting the short end of the deal. That’s why I suggested Craig Smith, thinking that he would be a good starting point for such a deal. Of course, he has played quite well as a rookie and would it would be a really tough deal to make if he is projected to improve into a top six center in the future.
Just curious, does anyone here have an idea of what you are willing to give up to get a player like Roy?
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
Blum, Spaling, and a 1st?
Predadave - February 23, 2012
Too much.
Buffalo fans are overvaluing him, this happens at every deadline regardless of team.
Chris Burton - February 23, 2012
How so?
You would be getting a player who has is about 0.816 ppg for his career at 4 million dollars. Take out his first two pro years, and you get 0.91 ppg. How is your best prospect (rated by hockey futures), a third line center, and a first too much?
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
though actual money is 4.5 this season, 5.5 next season.
Predadave - February 23, 2012
I am referring to cap number, not actual salary. He was signed to a scaled contract that had him increase in actual salary on a year to year basis. Does your team only consider the salary cap value, or the actual salary paid to the player? If Poile is concerned with his actual salary (which could be the case), then I see why you may be concerned with cost. Still, I think he is good value for his actual salary.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
yes. the Preds side of the $$ pool is played with actual dollars year over year. Although with us sitting dead last in real dollars spent this season, acquiring Roy based on his salary shouldn’t be an issue.
Shawn Kehoe - February 24, 2012
Thanks for the reply. We really do not need Blum; we have a lot of D in our organizational depth. You could argue that we lack that due to how awful we played when Regehr and Ehrhoff were hurt, but I think most trades would need to involve future centers since we lack depth at that position in the organization. That is a decent deal though; I am a big proponent of collecting draft picks, since they can be so useful around draft time.
Personally, I would love to see Craig Smith or Colin Wilson in a deal…but I feel that everyone on OtF would think that is too much. In this kind of deal, you are getting a top six center to go along with Fisher and Legwand…I mean, those would be some awesome pivots for a playoff run.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
I believe that Poile is more willing to let go of roster players this season than he has been in the past. But that’s a relative thing, you realize. I don’t think that Craig Smith is one of those players he’s willing to let go. I feel like Poile thinks of Smith as someone he wants to develop and hang onto for now. Wilson, though, could go if the return was right.
Granted this is just my reading of the franchise’s position. And I have spent the past week being taken by surprise by Steve Yzerman’s trades. Poile might see Smith as more expendable than I think he does.
CAustin - February 23, 2012
I, too, don’t see Smith going anywhere. I also understand Blum isn’t going to get this deal done. The Sabres don’t need a young defenseman and he really hasn’t been playing well at all in Milwaukee. He isn’t going to be seen as valuable to anyone right now. I could see Spaling going along with Bourque or Mueller. Or Wilson and a pick. Wilson is really, really good. You aren’t getting Wilson plus two other players. That’s too much.
ninab - February 23, 2012
Thanks…I like Wilson a lot as well. I am surprised to see that Smith>Wilson; I thought Wilson would have more value since he is larger and a much higher overall pick than Smith. Sounds like Smith was a middle-late round pick who gained a ton of value in the past few seasons? Overall, that is interesting.
Maybe Wilson and your first? That may sound steep, but that would do a lot for us and you as well. Gosh, I almost feel like I am getting hosed in that kinda deal. He is our top center; trading him and not getting a future top six center in return would be pretty awful on our end. If we were to make a deal, I would like for it to be something where we both get equal value (kinda the whole idea behind making a trade anyways).
I see this year for you as one of the most important in your franchise’s history: you have major players up for contracts at the end of the year, and it would do a lot for your team to go all in and make a serious run in the playoffs. While Roy is a smaller center, he is a good two way forward who has started to look like his old self the last few games. Seriously, Legwand/Fisher/Roy in your top 9 is really good stuff…definitely give me something to watch in the playoffs.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
I really like what Yzerman has done….TB has kept their good/great players and acquired the top 6 of 60 picks for the 2012 Draft. Those will be so handy when either:
A) You trade them for better picks or players
B) Replenish your organization with good prospects
That is a great thing to do in a down year….I really wish Darcy Regier was doing the same thing. OTT did the same thing last year and was able to become a competitive team within one season.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
Yeah, but Downie? I really like Downie. Downie’s still young and has unfulfilled offensive potential. I figured they’d keep him because he’s a pending RFA and so cheaper than a replacement UFA will be over the summer. They’re going to have cap issues (Something like $18M to sign 10 players with.) Like I said over at RawCharge. I get it, but I don’t like it.
CAustin - February 24, 2012
I liked Downie as a compliment to their more offensive players…kinda like Brad May when he played with Pat Lafontaine and Alexander Mogilny. He could score, but also get rough when the team needed it. I wonder if his offensive statistics were more tethered to who he was playing with and not himself…I have not looked this up or seen enough of him play to really know for sure.
I still like the move…the best way to a quick rebuild is to acquire a ton of picks like he has done. You do make a good point about keeping him though. I really think TB needs to unload one of their major contracts (it seems obvious to be Lecavlier) in order to field a more balanced team.
bgred105 - February 24, 2012
Well anyone who regularly plays with Stamkos is going to have inflated assist numbers. Lightning fans watching him have been saying all season, “Come ON, Downie!” He’s tough and gritty and looks like he has the potential to be a 20-goal scorer (nothing like Stamkos, but valuable in his own right.). He led the team in takeaways by a comfortable margin. That’s a valuable skill to have around when your team can’t quit coughing up the puck.
It’s unlikely that one of the big contracts will be going anywhere. Vinny is second only to Stamkos in terms of production, and even if he didn’t have a NTC, that contract is not attractive to many clubs. Ohlund may possibly retire. Malone hasn’t been healthy for a long time (and he has an NTC). I think Stevie Y’s going to have to work around the big contracts for now.
Anyway…I should quit obsessing about it.
CAustin - February 24, 2012
mueller, spaling, and a 1st then?
Predadave - February 23, 2012
You feel like a tough bargainer! Not sure if you ever seen the show American Pickers, but you seem like one of those guys who can really deal! I really like Wilson instead of Mueller or Spaling. Getting Wilson and Spaling would be awesome since I really think we should be trading Gaustad to a contender for a late first or second round pick. Therefore, Spaling could fill in for the whole Goose (Gaustad) makes.
bgred105 - February 23, 2012
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