Speculation: Trade deadline - March 2 - 3:00

[Persona5]

Noris staying in Nashville is more than likely to stay in close contact with both of the GM of the teams playing here tonight. The fact that Leaf scouts are watching the Admirals si another thing. My guess is something is going to go down and soon and Franson is the likely part moving. Poile probably doesn't make this move unless Ellis is far from being back so we will see. If a forward is moved as well to Nashville it will likely be Winnick and I would be good with that as he would be an improvement over Bourque on the third line.

The leafs would be stupid to move Kessel right now as they will get far less for him. Simple fact is there are not many teams that could even consider trading for him because of the cap. The offseason will open that market up greatly and improve the return. I'm not even conviced that having Kessel here for a cup run would help enough to merit the big shake up it would cause. I'm happy that there is no chance it will happen.

 

[Montross]

Especially another offensive one. I know the system benefits from puck movers, but our top 4/5 are already more than capable in that regard.

Yep I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Top 6 Spaling]

My guesses from Toronto are Lupul, Winnik, Franson, and Santo, in order of likeliness. I could see Lupul in Gold.

Forsberg-Ribiero-Smith
Wilson-Fisher-Neal
Lupul-Jarnkrok-Cullen
Nystrom-Goose-Beck

 

[AtlantaWhaler]

If Lupol is really cheap, I guess. But, once again, he's been injured some this season. I want someone who is reliable throughout the playoffs.

 

[Bringer of Jollity]

If Lupol is really cheap, I guess. But, once again, he's been injured some this season. I want someone who is reliable throughout the playoffs.

He also has $5.25M per and 3 years left on his contract. Even if the cost of acquisition is cheap, that's a pretty big commitment to make to a guy that will be on IR half that time.

 

[TootooTrain]

He also has $5.25M per and 3 years left on his contract. Even if the cost of acquisition is cheap, that's a pretty big commitment to make to a guy that will be on IR half that time.

No doubt. I'd exhaust all other avenues before going that route. If he's cheap, and Poile is willing to live with the next few years of inconsistency health wise, then it could be a decent gamble. When he's healthy, he's got a great "motor". Protects the puck well. You don't have to tell him twice to go to the net. Not a great two-way player, but since Smith isn't either, you're getting an upgrade anyway. Plays both wings. Again, would be yet another "worthy" addition, but not the first option I'd look to.

 

[AtlantaWhaler]

He also has $5.25M per and 3 years left on his contract. Even if the cost of acquisition is cheap, that's a pretty big commitment to make to a guy that will be on IR half that time.

Yeesh...I had no idea (I miss Capgeek ). Big pass. Three years left?! I wouldn't want him at 50%.

 

[Bringer of Jollity]

Yeesh...I had no idea (I miss Capgeek ). Big pass. Three years left?! I wouldn't want him at 50%.

I use Hockey Buzz's cap site most of the time now. I can't vouch for the accuracy of info in comparison to Capgeek, but it does give both cap number and real salary. Hate to give HB more hits of any kind though.

 

[token grinder]

Thanks for drinking my Kool Aid.

dude, i made that flavor a while back. stop eklunding me

 

[MrJoshua]

I don't understand why Nashville would have any interest in Franson unless Ellis has been declared out for the season or there is a trade involving Jones or Ellis. And frankly I can't really picture Poile wanting to move Ellis or Jones, or any roster defender except possibly Volchenkov/Bartley if he can upgrade them.

I think the only moves we see will involve futures and prospects moved for depth scoring. Improve the third and fourth line and this team has a really good makeup. But don't touch the D (unless it's to improve the third pair left D). It's too good and will be too important in the playoffs.

 

[Privy]

Maybe Franson or his defensive partner would play their off hand.

Josi - Weber
Franson - Ellis
Ekholm - Jones

 

[Dave is a killer]

Maybe Franson or his defensive partner would play their off hand.

Josi - Weber
Franson - Ellis
Ekholm - Jones

I don't think I'd change the top 4

Josi - Weber
Ekholm - Jones
Franson - Ellis (has anyone heard anything new on Ellis?)

 

[predfan24]

Winnick is a big body and would be an upgrade over Beck, Cullen, Bourque.

Lupul is risky but could reap high rewards. I would imagine if healthy he could bump Smith down.

Franson - he would help the PP but ughhh I just get a feeling he would be a disappointment in general, especially defensively, and cost to much to acquire and I was a Franson defender when he was here. People were so adamant he would never become anything more than a third pairing PP specialist.


I like the idea of Winnick and Lupul to be honest as long as the price is right.

 

[dougie1107]

Maybe Franson or his defensive partner would play their off hand.

Josi - Weber
Franson - Ellis
Ekholm - Jones

I don't think I'd change the top 4

Josi - Weber
Ekholm - Jones
Franson - Ellis (has anyone heard anything new on Ellis?)

Have to keep Eks and Ellis together when Ellis gets back (knock on wood).

 

[BigFatCat999]

I am so glad the Preds aren't looking for a LW

 

[jwhouk]

The only reason we trade for Franson is if Ellis is out. Winnik would just be to exchange for a current forward.

 

[TootooTrain]

I don't think I'd change the top 4

Josi - Weber
Ekholm - Jones
Franson - Ellis (has anyone heard anything new on Ellis?)

Franson has enough hiccups as is on his regular side which he's been playing the last few years. Wouldn't want him adjusting on the fly tbh. If Ellis comes back, then yeah you think about it.

 

[Byrddog]

Its really a little comical that many would not want Franson for the playoff run and playoffs. Sure he has a few gaffs but everyone does the guy is 17th among defensemen in scoring. Would be an upgrade over Ellis and Jones on the PP. So what if Bartley and Volch sit in the pressbox. There will be more games missed by a defenseman this season you can pretty much count on that. This team is going to have to add depth to the blueline and a depth forward reguardless. Bringing up kids for playoffs is about as bad a plan as Hutton as the back- up.

 

[Flgatorguy87]

Its really a little comical that many would not want Franson for the playoff run and playoffs. Sure he has a few gaffs but everyone does the guy is 17th among defensemen in scoring. Would be an upgrade over Ellis and Jones on the PP. So what if Bartley and Volch sit in the pressbox. There will be more games missed by a defenseman this season you can pretty much count on that. This team is going to have to add depth to the blue line and a depth forward regardless. Bringing up kids for playoffs is about as bad a plan as Hutton as the back- up.

I agree with this. Put me on the Franson and Santorelli list.

 

[Mypetrobot]

I'd add that volch has been the SCF twice in 2007 and 2012 so he adds veteran presence and has "been" there before.

Come playoffs 23 man roster doesn't matter and most coaches just ride the hot hand and only change when they lose or an injury. So adding franson doesn't hurt especially if Ellis is out for a period of time.

 

[Im Old Gregggg]

Toronto's organizational weakness' are at forward and goal.
Toronto has been in Milwaukee while Hellberg has been playing, might be an option.

Leafs fan coming in peace (Smashville has been my bandwagon go to the past several years)....

Goaltending is arguably our biggest organizational strength (Bernier is a solid starting goalie, Reimer is a serviceable starter albeit needs a change of scenery, Bibeau is quickly becoming a legitimately exciting prospect to replace Reimer.

Forwards isn't a flaring weakness..... centermen are (a case could be made for Kadri and Holland be converted into wingers, Nylander too) but we are looking pretty decent on the wings.

Defence is our major Achilles heel, some decent #4-5 guys in the pipeline but Reilly is the only guy with legitimate top pairing potential (Gardiner I don't see ever turning the corner into becoming that guy). I'm sure Jones is the make our break target if Kessel is being discussed. Would make for a potentially great deal for both teams IF Nashville go's all in for a cup run this season and the next 2 (imo they should go for it with Weber and Rinne in their prime's and the team firing on all cylinders, Kessel is also locked up to a reasonable contract and will balance the team out.If the deal is made bigger Franson could be a current replacement for Jones. Jones is a stud but gotta give to get and elite goalscorer (who would thrive in a team like Nashville where the biggest spotlight won't be solely on him) IMO a late 1st/Smith/Watson, stuff like that wouldn't cut it. Jones looks capable of taking the torch from Weber when he begins to decline, but trading him now for a guy like Kessel very well could be the final piece to land a Stanley cup in the near future instead.

This heavy smoke COULD just be Santa/Winnik/Franson but I really hope its a blockbuster for both teams.... just feels like the right time and place for these 2 teams to make franchise defining moves....I can't see the leafs pro scout so hard right now if it was just for those secondary pieces (who should be individually dealt for draft picks).

 

[LeafChief]

Winnik, Santorelli and Franson

Hi Guys,

It's been noted in the media that Nashville and Toronto may soon be discussing trade revolving around there three players.

Nashville is tops in the league and the Leafs suck the big one. I'm curious to see what Nashville fans would find as fair market value for these three players.

What do you guys think?

 

[RCola88]

Leafs fan coming in peace (Smashville has been my bandwagon go to the past several years)....

Goaltending is arguably our biggest organizational strength (Bernier is a solid starting goalie, Reimer is a serviceable starter albeit needs a change of scenery, Bibeau is quickly becoming a legitimately exciting prospect to replace Reimer.

Forwards isn't a flaring weakness..... centermen are (a case could be made for Kadri and Holland be converted into wingers, Nylander too) but we are looking pretty decent on the wings.

Defence is our major Achilles heel, some decent #4-5 guys in the pipeline but Reilly is the only guy with legitimate top pairing potential (Gardiner I don't see ever turning the corner into becoming that guy). I'm sure Jones is the make our break target if Kessel is being discussed. Would make for a potentially great deal for both teams IF Nashville go's all in for a cup run this season and the next 2 (imo they should go for it with Weber and Rinne in their prime's and the team firing on all cylinders, Kessel is also locked up to a reasonable contract and will balance the team out.If the deal is made bigger Franson could be a current replacement for Jones. Jones is a stud but gotta give to get and elite goalscorer (who would thrive in a team like Nashville where the biggest spotlight won't be solely on him) IMO a late 1st/Smith/Watson, stuff like that wouldn't cut it. Jones looks capable of taking the torch from Weber when he begins to decline, but trading him now for a guy like Kessel very well could be the final piece to land a Stanley cup in the near future instead.

This heavy smoke COULD just be Santa/Winnik/Franson but I really hope its a blockbuster for both teams.... just feels like the right time and place for these 2 teams to make franchise defining moves....I can't see the leafs pro scout so hard right now if it was just for those secondary pieces (who should be individually dealt for draft picks).

Ya know, this is a Poile type thing to do. Not to mention, he could be retiring soon. Im all about Kessel to Nashville. Wonder if its a large trade like, Kessel + Winnik or Franson? Bet you 10 bucks Stalberg is going back the other way, with bigger pieces obviously.

 

[Flgatorguy87]

Hi Guys,

It's been noted in the media that Nashville and Toronto may soon be discussing trade revolving around there three players.

Nashville is tops in the league and the Leafs suck the big one. I'm curious to see what Nashville fans would find as fair market value for these three players.

What do you guys think?

Watson, Budish, 2nd

 

[PredsHabs]

I am only interested in Winnik. Unless Ellis is out longer then maybe Franson.