Speculation: 2018 Off-season Thread

[moosemeister]

Trade #1 I like. Trade #2 I think CGY scoffs at. Trade #3 is a tough pill to swallow.

Lets say OEL is telling Chayka he has no intention of signing his contract. Boston offers that. Do you take it? Do we have them add another moderate piece? The conditional 1st is obviously if they resign OEL.

 

[rt]

Lets say OEL is telling Chayka he has no intention of signing his contract. Boston offers that. Do you take it? Do we have them add another moderate piece? The conditional 1st is obviously if they resign OEL.

It kicks the can down the road a year and keeps us from getting too much worse. Not sure Boston would pay a whole lot more. Krug fills a need for them. OEL would be nice, but I don’t see their motivation, really.

 

[SniperHF]

Apparently all four teams in on Sutter are in the Pac division.

Interesting, hadn't heard that part.
If we're one of the tire kickers, wonder if we could swing some retention if we overpay a bit. Pi said a 3rd, would 2 3rds get us 15% retained? A 2nd? or is his deal too long for Vancouver to bite on retention.

Capfriendly says he has an NTC which is weird. Also seems like the rumor if true has the calls going to Vancouver so they may not really want to move him at all. Or they might want a roster player instead of picks which I don't think we can do.

 

[rt]

I don’t want to win a bidding war for Sutter. Haha.

 

[IPreferPi]

Yeah, I’ll add something like Kyle Wood or a C prospect to one of our 3rds but not too much more than that for Sutter.

 

[Mosby]

I want to trade down, not up. Haha.

Anyway, I’d simply tell MTL that I’ve got Zadina ranked 3rd and Kotkaniemi ranked 4th. If they want Kotkaniemi they dare not trade down any lower than 5th. So, knowing that their options are to simply take Kotkaniemi 3rd overall, or get a free 2nd rounder from us, and take him 5th instead, which do they choose?

55th overall is no paltry thing. That’s a nice free asset. We pay it for fear that they take Kotkaniemi 3rd and Ottawa takes Zadina 4th. That’s all. It’s a block Ottawa fee. Shouldn’t cost more than that. If they don’t want to take the free 2nd, they can enjoy picking the Finn 3rd.

Would also give Montreal a fifth (!) 2nd-round pick. Some nice pieces if they want to bundle a few together for a late 1st.

 

[Mosby]

I’d be alright with Sutter if he could be had relatively cheaply. Apparently all four teams in on Sutter are in the Pac division. Given that Vancouver doesn’t count and Vegas probably isn’t concerning themselves with such things, that leaves ANA, ARI, CGY, EDM, LAK, SJS. Can probably cross EDM off the list, too.

His uncle, Duane Sutter, is VP Player Personnel for the Oil. They're in for sure. Another uncle, Ron Sutter, is Dir. of Player Development for the Flames.

I'd be more interested if we didn't already make the Kruger move.

 

[Jamieh]

Was thinking about OEL and talk of the Leafs for awhile now. Although I'm not sure the talk has any truth involved I wonder if a deal could be made with OEL going to Toronto and Gardiner plus maybe a Connor Brown type going the other way?? Assuming both OEL and Gardiner have both agreed to new deals.

 

[BUX7PHX]

We are still rebuilding and OEL has stated he likes where the team is headed. What do you mean by constantly playing the waiting game? This is truly our first rebuild by doing it the right way thru the draft. We can't trade our core kids for vets at this point, it just does not make any sense. IF we do, I believe our team being a playoff contender will be a short run.

It means exactly what it means Jake.

There are no guarantees with prospects and we happen to have the perfect storm of most of our young players being ready for that next step. It just so happens that players like Keller, Domi, Fischer, Perlini, and others are kind of all hitting their stride in the NHL at the same time. I consider that a good thing, but an extreme rarity. Most times, we are looking at a 2-3+ year window before a draftee sees noticeable NHL time, not what we are experiencing now.

So OEL, signs his deal, and we have those players above, but we also have to wait on players like Strome to live up to their potential. We have to wait on POJ, wait on the #5 OA pick, whomever that may be. We have had so much success in the draft recently that people are forgetting that we could just as soon be the team that whiffs on our next two 1st round picks. This is what I mean by playing the waiting game - why sign a deal only to continue to hope that some of these other prospects pan out when we have so much young cost-controlled talent to already start pushing things forward? Wouldn't you want to know that we were trying to establish ourselves as a playoff worthy team now, and not waiting on the remaining prospects to jump start that, assuming those prospects pan out? We just happened to get very lucky that most players whom we picked up were able to play almost immediately and play meaningful minutes. Not every Wahlstrom that is picked up can automatically be penciled in from the start, but we lose sight of that b/c Chychrun did it. Keller did it after a year at BU. Domi immediately stepped in after being in London as a 20 year old (another example of how long it may take - many thought that we should have just kept him in the NHL at 19).

Right now, I think we are at a little bit of a crossroads, b/c we have all of the proper pieces except for maybe a true #1 C and a top line RW. That is why I think that the first preference of management is to use the #5 pick to do one of two things:

1. Trade up to get either Zadina or Svechnikov. That solves the top line RW issue, but doesn't really help on the veteran side and getting a player who may have been around the block a time or two and knows the nuances of the game. This is a plausible scenario and we can get some veteran help for the bottom 6 to assist with that, so while it doesn't fit the mold of adding veteran help, we did become a better team for both now and future.

2. Trade the #5 pick for a top/2nd line RW who has been in the NHL at least 2-3 years, but is not above the age of say, 28. That may mean moving back spots in order to compensate properly. That may mean just the #5 OA. This solves both the attempt to find a top (or as close to top) line RW and add someone who has been a part of the league and essentially proven themselves more than a draft pick may have. This is a little more of a solve now situation, but has ramifications for the future if we want to get a longer term deal worked out.

If I am OEL and I like the direction that the team may be headed with regards to picks and players, I want to know that we are starting to look bigger picture and toward being a playoff team. So if you tell me that we are primarily looking at the draft to build, I am going to have a slight pause over signing, because there are a lot of unknowns and hope involved. If there is a plan to go after that top line player, that also shows me a greater commitment to identifying and prioritizing some of our biggest weaknesses. I am being given the impression that looks like we are intent on improving our top line.

Keep in mind, we were 17-12-3 over the last 3 months of the season, which would put us on pace for 95 points - Colorado made the playoffs at 95 points, so we are certainly in the realm of playoff discussion if we add the right pieces. If we don't add the right pieces and stick to the draft, we may be less likely to make the playoffs this year. Now, playoff hopes are pinned to unknown 18-20 year old players that may or may not develop at the rate we need them to for a consistent playoff team.

 

[hbk]

Was thinking about OEL and talk of the Leafs for awhile now. Although I'm not sure the talk has any truth involved I wonder if a deal could be made with OEL going to Toronto and Gardiner plus maybe a Connor Brown type going the other way?? Assuming both OEL and Gardiner have both agreed to new deals.

Until OEL refuses an extension AZ won't trade him. Even then there are better packages out there.

 

[Jamieh]

Until OEL refuses an extension AZ won't trade him. Even then there are better packages out there.

Sorry in my thought I was assuming that already happened. Could also be Kapanen from Toronto.

 

[hbk]

Sorry in my thought I was assuming that already happened. Could also be Kapanen from Toronto.

OEL is vacationing in France right now. We likely get clarity next week.

 

[Jamieh]

OEL is vacationing in France right now. We likely get clarity next week.

Sorry again my assumption was only based on the scenario I presented not that I assume he isn't going to stay. I have zero knowledge on OEL or what he wants.

 

[RABBIT]

Was thinking about OEL and talk of the Leafs for awhile now. Although I'm not sure the talk has any truth involved I wonder if a deal could be made with OEL going to Toronto and Gardiner plus maybe a Connor Brown type going the other way?? Assuming both OEL and Gardiner have both agreed to new deals.

Definitely not interested in that package. If I'm trading OEL, I'm adding to him to acquire a better/equal player. Not accepting a package of good, but not great players.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Right now, I think we are at a little bit of a crossroads, b/c we have all of the proper pieces except for maybe a true #1 C and a top line RW. That is why I think that the first preference of management is to use the #5 pick to do one of two things:

1. Trade up to get either Zadina or Svechnikov. That solves the top line RW issue, but doesn't really help on the veteran side and getting a player who may have been around the block a time or two and knows the nuances of the game. This is a plausible scenario and we can get some veteran help for the bottom 6 to assist with that, so while it doesn't fit the mold of adding veteran help, we did become a better team for both now and future.

I think it might be somewhat plausible with Montreal, but even then I think it's unlikely. Based on everything that's been said from Dundon and Waddell, I don't think it's plausible at all from a Carolina POV. They've both publicly stated in the last 2 days that, while they'd still entertain offers, Svechnikov is their pick and they've stated this publicly. And Waddell has repeated multiple times that any offer for the #2OA would have to be a "Wow, they'd really do that?" type of offer.

 

[IPreferPi]

Right now, I think we are at a little bit of a crossroads, b/c we have all of the proper pieces except for maybe a true #1 C and a top line RW. That is why I think that the first preference of management is to use the #5 pick to do one of two things:

1. Trade up to get either Zadina or Svechnikov. That solves the top line RW issue, but doesn't really help on the veteran side and getting a player who may have been around the block a time or two and knows the nuances of the game. This is a plausible scenario and we can get some veteran help for the bottom 6 to assist with that, so while it doesn't fit the mold of adding veteran help, we did become a better team for both now and future.

2. Trade the #5 pick for a top/2nd line RW who has been in the NHL at least 2-3 years, but is not above the age of say, 28. That may mean moving back spots in order to compensate properly. That may mean just the #5 OA. This solves both the attempt to find a top (or as close to top) line RW and add someone who has been a part of the league and essentially proven themselves more than a draft pick may have. This is a little more of a solve now situation, but has ramifications for the future if we want to get a longer term deal worked out.

Chayka has just indicated that #2 is more or less not going to happen. #1 will probably not happen, either.

"It's wide open and we'll just have to see how the first four picks evolve, but that's not really of our concern... We feel strongly about that group of players (at the top of the draft) and we know there's going to be a player at No. 5 that we're really excited to get … Last year, obviously, we traded our first-round pick, and part of that was we didn't feel as strongly or as passionately about that pick as we did say Clayton Keller (at No. 7) the year before, and not as passionately as we do this year. There's a lot of conviction in our scouts and their beliefs in the players that we believe are going to be there when we pick fifth, so we plan on holding the pick and taking the pick and getting a great player."

 

[rt]

Was thinking about OEL and talk of the Leafs for awhile now. Although I'm not sure the talk has any truth involved I wonder if a deal could be made with OEL going to Toronto and Gardiner plus maybe a Connor Brown type going the other way?? Assuming both OEL and Gardiner have both agreed to new deals.

Are you sure you're actually a fan of both teams?

 

[Alberta Yote]

Are you sure you're actually a fan of both teams?

Not with that suggestion he isn’t.

And it sucks that most of what is being suggested in this thread lately ends up with this team being even worse.

 

[rt]

Not with that suggestion he isn’t.

And it sucks that most of what is being suggested in this thread lately ends up with this team being even worse.

Haha. Well, that’s what happens when nobody wants to play for your team.

 

[doaner]

Yeah. I’d just as rather keep what we have and build through the draft and UFA then sell the team for one player. As much of a fan I am for Mathews, we need the other players just as much.

 

[rt]

I want to trade for one of these guys:

PIT-Schultz
CGY-Brodie
MTL-Petry
CAR-Faulk
WPG-Myers

I want a vet D that is capable of top four minutes at even strength if necessary, that can contribute meaningfully to our PP from the right-side. I know that Brodie is LHS but he plays RD. The rest are RHS.

 

[Grimes]

Faulk worries me. He seems to have really fallen out of favor after his breakout season. I can't see Montreal moving Perty because it really weakens their blueline.

Brodie, man why is Calgary spending so much on their blueline with such a great pipeline of prospects knocking at the door? They absolutely could move any player on it, call up a kid, save 4-6m and they wouldn't take a step back. Hell of a situation to be in, but also one that they should capitalize on. Sign me up for Brodie or even Hamonic (even though I think he would be hard to obtain since he is still shiny and Calgary would look pretty bad to trade him the season after acquiring him). I know Brodie has struggled recently, but much like Demers, I think it is the right time to make a move for him and that his play can only go up from where it is. Feels more like a coaching mismatch and pairing mismatch than talent issue.

Schultz would be great on this team and would immediately improve the PP. I have to imagine Pitt would like to start shedding some cap and moving him or Maata would be a good way to do so. I would be worried about the cost to acquire either. I think Schultz would be a better fit in RT's system, but a worse overall player than Brodie. Brodie could be a homerun, where Schultz would be a solid double. He also reminds me of a speedier Demers, so is he too much of what we already have but more of a PP specialist?

Myers is really intriguing. He brings a lot of what is lacking on our blueline. Adds size, skill and I still feel like he has another level he can reach much like Chara. He is only 28 and these giants on skates seem to take longer to really hit their prime, especially if they play defense. He looked great for the Jets in the playoffs and they are another team that is absolutely jammed on their blueline, especially RHD. He is my favorite out of the list as I still think there is a slight chance he become a true top pairing guy. Injuries are a concern but could help bring his value down. What do our Jets friends think of him, his trade value and if he is even a movable asset?

 

[XX]

I want to trade for one of these guys:

I want a vet D that is capable of top four minutes at even strength if necessary, that can contribute meaningfully to our PP from the right-side. I know that Brodie is LHS but he plays RD. The rest are RHS.

Those guys will cost something not insignificant in trade. There isn't a lot of trade ammo to go around. I would look for a Demers style bargain.

 

[SpaceCoyote]

Honestly probably not realistic that we would acquire any of these D men. Myers has only one year left and won't be worth the assets, Faulk/Schultz would be the highest paid D man on our team next season which we likely couldn't afford (without retention, meaning more assets from us), and the rest(plus Schultz) have the ability to submit no trade lists which we would likely be on.

 

[rt]

What about a specialist? Someone who hasn't yet been able to earn a ton of trust 5v5 at the NHL level but has solid PP production per minute? Maybe with a minor-league track-record of solid PP production? Looking for a DeAngelo that is not DeAngelo.