Now is probably the time to finally go all-in

[BarBeauWahlDobLok]

Trading our #1 RW would be a "solid trade?" Huh?

I suspect he will never be traded, but would I trade him for the right price? You bet!

Good news for you, I'll never get to make these decisions.

 

[PWJunior]

But objectively, the numbers with him on the ice have not been mediocre. It's a fact that the team possesses the puck more, outscores the opponent and out generates the opponent in terms of high quality attempts when he is on the ice relative to our other Dman.

Hickey is a 3rd pairing d-man. Do the stats account for the level of competition that he goes up against? How much impact does he really have on the game when he's limited in ice time? So he tilts the ice in our favor according to these stats, does that even amount to 10 minutes of ES time? His muffin shots on goal are great for corsi, doesn't amount to jack shit in the end.

The guy tries to plays like a 4th forward. I'm always amazed to see him all over the ice in the offensive zone, pinching at every opportunity. It's nice we generate more shots and all that, what about the quality chances the other team gets while he's imitating Bobby Orr? Trading 2 mediocre scoring chances for the 1 grade A chance for the opposition while he's caught up the ice is something I'm not gung ho about.

My biggest gripe with Hickey is that he excels at nothing. The prime minutes and responsibilities will be taken by Leddy and the other d-men, what does Hickey bring to the PK or on the PP when he's been on it? I'm sorry, he's a shrimp and a poor skater... he's a major liability on the PK. It's quite frustrating watching him get manhandled and inability to ever clear the puck.

 

[WangMustGo]

Untouchable players:

1. Tavares, just please sign, OK?
2. Leddy
3. Lee
4. Barzal
5. Eberle (if nothing else, his salary keeps him here).
6. Casey Cizikas

Trade for the right price:

1. Josh Ho-Sang (Not that I want this)
2. Anthony Beauvillier (Not that I want this, either)

Solid trade (at least right now):

1. Josh Bailey
2. Adam Pelech

Highly tradeable:

1. Brock Nelson
2. Calvin de Haan
3. Thomas Hickey
4. Ryan Pulock
5. Micahael Dal Colle
6. Cal Clutterbuck

Player I'd Like To Join Us:

1. Oliver Ekman-Larsson
2. Jake Virtanen (Could get him on the cheap; possibly for Pulock. Possibly for MDC + sweeten the pot junk)

I would not move Bailey. He is so underrated around the league, and is great on the top line with JT and Lee.

Dehaan only gets moved if we get an upgrade on defense.

 

[MikeyMike01]

I’m not interested in any high-priced rentals or flashy deadline deals.

 

[LeapOnOver]

The effectiveness of a smaller player like Hickey is sometimes difficult to gauge because his deficiencies are more dramatically apparent than a stronger Dman like mayfield or boychuk. It's easy to get caught up on an instance where Hickey gets overmatched on a play and then overlook the fact that he quietly has good position the rest of the game. Believe it or not, as much as we all like to complain about Hickey, his underlying numbers have been very good. He actually has the best possession numbers of any Dman on the team. He also has the lowest goals against per 60 min, is 3rd (behind Boychuk and Mayfield) in overall GF%, 2nd (behind Pelech) in High Danger Corsi%. So his underlying numbers show the team is winning the possession battle with him on the ice, giving up less goals with him on the ice, and is getting more high danger attempts than opponents with him on the ice versus off the ice. As long as these trends continue, he is not a problem and I am all for him playing despite the frustrating instances where he gets pushed off the puck because clearly the team plays well with him on the ice.

Just wish I could have said this so perfectly. This is the way I feel about Hickey, except I watch him closely and for every 1 time he is outmuscled and manhandled in the D zone, there are 10 times where he does something sly to avoid a hit and keep control of the puck. He's a smart mobile defenseman in my opinion. I'm glad the numbers prove what my eye sees. I'm still fine pushing Hickey down to a 7th pairing Dman BUT that means improving defensive depth, not just shipping him off because he's a little guy.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Yeah, let's continue to settle for mediocrity.

Except he's better than average, so we are settling for better than average. You should take a look around the league at 5/6 defenseman to get a better perspective....

 

[LeapOnOver]

I would not move Bailey. He is so underrated around the league, and is great on the top line with JT and Lee.

Dehaan only gets moved if we get an upgrade on defense.

I agree about Bailey, however I would move him if it appears he's headed on. I don't think he's a guy that would dampen the lineup as badly as if other players exited. Shouldn't be the talk though, this should be a deep play off run and get some experience for the younger players on playoff hockey. I don't care if they don't go all-in this year, as long as Tavares stays next year could be big with the right moves.

 

[BarBeauWahlDobLok]

I would not move Bailey. He is so underrated around the league, and is great on the top line with JT and Lee.

Dehaan only gets moved if we get an upgrade on defense.

There are two types of defensemen; Elite, and interchangeable. He falls into the latter category. Short of a lateral move, which would by definition be senseless, he'd be part of a bigger package that could bring back an above average player. But I wouldn't count on it.

 

[BelovedIsles]

What about Sami Vatanen. Oh wait.

 

[Frankie41987]

Hickey is a 3rd pairing d-man. Do the stats account for the level of competition that he goes up against? How much impact does he really have on the game when he's limited in ice time? So he tilts the ice in our favor according to these stats, does that even amount to 10 minutes of ES time? His muffin shots on goal are great for corsi, doesn't amount to jack **** in the end.

The guy tries to plays like a 4th forward. I'm always amazed to see him all over the ice in the offensive zone, pinching at every opportunity. It's nice we generate more shots and all that, what about the quality chances the other team gets while he's imitating Bobby Orr? Trading 2 mediocre scoring chances for the 1 grade A chance for the opposition while he's caught up the ice is something I'm not gung ho about.

My biggest gripe with Hickey is that he excels at nothing. The prime minutes and responsibilities will be taken by Leddy and the other d-men, what does Hickey bring to the PK or on the PP when he's been on it? I'm sorry, he's a shrimp and a poor skater... he's a major liability on the PK. It's quite frustrating watching him get manhandled and inability to ever clear the puck.

If you want to get into an argument about the merits of Corsi that is an entirely different argument. You either think Corsi is evidence of effective play or you don't, you don't get to pick and choose when it supports your assessment of a player. But even if you question the legitimacy of his possession statistics you can't argue with the fact that the team gives up the lowest rate of goals against per 60 when he is on the ice or the fact (to answer your bolded question above) that he is our 2nd best Dman in terms of High Danger attempts against when he is on the ice. Those are simply objective numbers. The fact of the matter is that so far this season, in the role of a 5th/6th dman, the team has been better when he is on the ice than when he is off.

 

[Stercrazy]

Which would be an easier or maybe a bigger realistic upgrade? Goalie or D??

 

[Skip To My Lou]

If we're looking for a bottom 6 center, how does Mark Letestu sound? Would Chiarelli dare dealing with Garth again?

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

If we're looking for a bottom 6 center, how does Mark Letestu sound?

He sounds like he should be a playable character in Tekken.

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

I’m not interested in any high-priced rentals or flashy deadline deals.

Of course not, if the Isles are in the top 2-3 teams in the conference and top 5-6 in the league around the deadline, why would they even consider making any "flashy" deadline deals or bringing in any high-priced rentals? I mean who cares about winning the Stanley Cup when you can worry about what the team needs in 3 years, 5 years, 7 years.
Honestly, the sheer amount of Isles fans that are more worried about the future year after year over the possibility that maybe this team could be a contender right now is just embarrassing.
Do you think Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh or Los Angeles or Chicago or Boston fans are perennially more worried about what prospects or picks they might need in 5 years than what is needed now to make an elite team into a cup winning team? No. In past years, you might have a case. If this team keeps up this level of play, then this mindset has to finally be left behind. When you are among the top teams in the league, you play to win a championship now. You night never get the chance again, especially when your top player might leave. If we win the cup this year, I will GLADLY worry about any negative repercussions down the road when and if they ever happen.

 

[GrandmaSlices51631]

Of course not, if the Isles are in the top 2-3 teams in the conference and top 5-6 in the league around the deadline, why would they even consider making any "flashy" deadline deals or bringing in any high-priced rentals? I mean who cares about winning the Stanley Cup when you can worry about what the team needs in 3 years, 5 years, 7 years.
Honestly, the sheer amount of Isles fans that are more worried about the future year after year over the possibility that maybe this team could be a contender right now is just embarrassing.
Do you think Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh or Los Angeles or Chicago or Boston fans are perennially more worried about what prospects or picks they might need in 5 years than what is needed now to make an elite team into a cup winning team? No. In past years, you might have a case. If this team keeps up this level of play, then this mindset has to finally be left behind. When you are among the top teams in the league, you play to win a championship now. You night never get the chance again, especially when your top player might leave. If we win the cup this year, I will GLADLY worry about any negative repercussions down the road when and if they ever happen.

I think it's too early to tell if this squad is the real McCoy or not. If by the deadline, we've maintained this level of play and are still among the top teams in the league, then perhaps you justify trading a few good young pieces (ie: Beauvillier or Pelech/Pulock) for a bigger name.

As of now, I say solidify the team - Pending free agents like Nelson and CdH are more valuable NOW when every team still has a chance at the playoffs. Once teams have fell out of the race, they will want more for their rosters players in demand. I'm not saying CdH is bad, but we can start cutting the fat now and that starts with Nelson, add a 2nd Round Pick to him and start looking for a second pairing mobile D.

I'll probably beat this to death between now and the trade deadline and that is that if MDC starts making any noise whatsoever in the AHL, he should be dangled. If he lived up to 1/2 his hype, he'd be the perfect trade chip. A team out of the mix may be interested in a former 5th OA as a reclamation project.

 

[GrandmaSlices51631]

You know who is likely unavailable but would be welcome here in a heartbeat: Charlie Coyle.

Minnesota has no reason to trade him but he is an underrated, hard working player who would make our center depth pretty damn solid.

He's signed for 2 more years after this season and I'd definitely be willing to offer a 1st on top of a roster player (Nelson?) and a prospect.

Lee-Tavares-Bailey
Ladd-Barzal-Eberle
Beau-Coyle-Ho-Sang
Chimera/Bernier- Cizikas- Clutterbuck

Can Steve Bernier play LW? Because that is a forward group right there.

 

[MikeyMike01]

Of course not, if the Isles are in the top 2-3 teams in the conference and top 5-6 in the league around the deadline, why would they even consider making any "flashy" deadline deals or bringing in any high-priced rentals? I mean who cares about winning the Stanley Cup when you can worry about what the team needs in 3 years, 5 years, 7 years.
Honestly, the sheer amount of Isles fans that are more worried about the future year after year over the possibility that maybe this team could be a contender right now is just embarrassing.
Do you think Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh or Los Angeles or Chicago or Boston fans are perennially more worried about what prospects or picks they might need in 5 years than what is needed now to make an elite team into a cup winning team? No. In past years, you might have a case. If this team keeps up this level of play, then this mindset has to finally be left behind. When you are among the top teams in the league, you play to win a championship now. You night never get the chance again, especially when your top player might leave. If we win the cup this year, I will GLADLY worry about any negative repercussions down the road when and if they ever happen.

When was the last time a team made a big trade deadline deal and it worked out? Seems to blow up in the team’s face more often than not.

 

[dlawong]

When the team is doing well you do not mess with the chemistry especially on the top 2 lines. The D could be improved and it may be wise to wait until Prince returns and see if how he plays. If he plays decent you can include him in a package with a 2nd pairing D, a good prospect or someone like Nelson that can be moved plus the 2018 Calgary 1st round pick. I do not see goalies can be easily acquired as most teams are still within playoff off hunt except Arizona, the Sabres, and maybe the Panthers. I would not mind AHL goalie swap to add depth (depending on how Gibson plays the next month). Goaltending depth is more valuable than you know. Isles D depth is not as bad as you think but getting a D who can score or set up deflections consistently on PP would help especially in the Post season just do not mortage the future for it, especially if it is only a rental.

 

[72hockey guy]

Of course not, if the Isles are in the top 2-3 teams in the conference and top 5-6 in the league around the deadline, why would they even consider making any "flashy" deadline deals or bringing in any high-priced rentals? I mean who cares about winning the Stanley Cup when you can worry about what the team needs in 3 years, 5 years, 7 years.
Honestly, the sheer amount of Isles fans that are more worried about the future year after year over the possibility that maybe this team could be a contender right now is just embarrassing.
Do you think Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh or Los Angeles or Chicago or Boston fans are perennially more worried about what prospects or picks they might need in 5 years than what is needed now to make an elite team into a cup winning team? No. In past years, you might have a case. If this team keeps up this level of play, then this mindset has to finally be left behind. When you are among the top teams in the league, you play to win a championship now. You night never get the chance again, especially when your top player might leave. If we win the cup this year, I will GLADLY worry about any negative repercussions down the road when and if they ever happen.

That Last Sentence says It All. You also would have dealt Barzal if we were In the same position last season. Dont deny It because no one believes you. Some people never change!!

Mikeymike Is Right

 

[72hockey guy]

When was the last time a team made a big trade deadline deal and it worked out? Seems to blow up in the team’s face more often than not.

Ask Ottawa they're livid over Duchene. They feel that deal has cost them the playoffs. on sportsnet radio they all want to hang Dorian and now Melnyk wants to sell the team.
Ten games ago they were 2 points behind tampa with a game in hand and now they are second to last in the conference. You're absolutely right

 

[Duanesutter12]

Exactlamente! I like what the Isles did last year bringing up Ho Sang for a little extra juice. And it worked! Could Toews perhaps be that guy this year?

When was the last time a team made a big trade deadline deal and it worked out? Seems to blow up in the team’s face more often than not.

 

[buud]

i would like to see a few additions, but nothing to the top 2 lines (both F & D). get some more experience and grit. as much as i like what Beau JHS are doing right now, i am not against sending them down for the rest of the season. they could put BP over the top, and the winning experience would be great for their confidence (aside from the added ice time).

 

[Satan'sIsland81]

That Last Sentence says It All. You also would have dealt Barzal if we were In the same position last season. Dont deny It because no one believes you. Some people never change!!

Mikeymike Is Right

You have 200 messages on here and you act like you "know" me and what I would have suggested in various situations. If you read my entire post, I said in past years, when we were fighting to just make the playoffs, there would be support for that argument. And yes, if this team suddenly fell apart, then you adjust the strategy. But if they are still in this position in that final month before the deadline, then you look to buy and upgrade the team. Nobody is suggesting trading Barzal. That is the benefit to the situation we are in, we have Beauvillier, Pulock, Bellows, two first round picks, two second round picks, etc. We do not need all of these pieces, you build assets to use some to improve the current team when it is on the fringe of cup contention. If we are in the top 3 of the conference/top 5 in the league near the deadline, that is a cup contender.
Also, I think we must have different definitions of a "flashy" deadline deal. If those of you on the other side of the argument think I mean adding Alex Ovechkin or the like, then you would be right that those rarely work. To me, adding a third line center faceoff specialist and a top 3 dman are flashy deadline deals. Acquiring either one or both of these would in no way mess with chemistry on the top two lines, it would solidify the rest of the lineup. So, again, nobody is asking for this team to trade 10 assets to get Crosby, but this team should be beyond the years of Shane Prince-type deadline moves.

 

[leeroggy]

Exactlamente! I like what the Isles did last year bringing up Ho Sang for a little extra juice. And it worked! Could Toews perhaps be that guy this year?

Toews outplayed all the bottom pair defensemen in the preseason . . . if it wasn't for his waiver situation versus the other defenders he'd be here now. Replacing Hickey with Toews also makes the 3rd pairing RHD more effective.

 

[Strummergas]

Like I've consistently said, you can do a lot worse than Thomas Hickey as your 5/6D.

But we can also do better. And what I mean about that is (if possible) finding a player with similar advanced numbers to Hickey without the shortcomings in his game.