LOL, if I had the skills I'd definitely make one of those for us. Maybe someone will.
I don't see why any team that's ahead of us would look at a player like John Mitchell, given the season he's had, and give up a single asset for him. He looks like a 4th line AHL centre out there this year.
Others may be different. Tyutin has been "ok". Bourque started off hot, maybe he can catch fire (and has a history of being very, very streaky). Gelinas is young enough and has a booming shot that a team may think he can really help their PP. Wiercioch hasn't been awful.
Really, if I'm a GM on 28 other teams, the three players I'm staying the hell away from are Jarome Iginla, Francois Beauchemin, and John Mitchell.
I'd prefer Kruger over Smith personally even with the more limited offensive game. Plus I think you could get a little extra value back (or less value out i.e.: Gelinas/Mitchell/etc) to take on Kruger.
Hey the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning are the 3rd & 4th worst teams in the NHL right now.
I guess that means their core players suck?
Really, if I'm a GM on 28 other teams, the three players I'm staying the hell away from are Jarome Iginla, Francois Beauchemin, and John Mitchell.
Mitchell isn't likely going to get anything worthwhile at the deadline. As Ivan said, who needs that 4th liner in the playoffs? A team wanting Mitchell would want him for his depth scoring ability, which has disappeared under Bednar. Without that, Mitchell is useless.
I disagree, especially about Mitchell. I think given his previous stats, its obvious that he's playing well beneath his abilities this season. He's an upcoming UFA, no team is obligated to keep him, and he's more likely than not going to play better for his new team than he has for the Avs.
If I'm a contending team in need of depth, Mitchell is an attractive 4th line center and probably worth gambling a 4th round pick on.
It's Beauchemin's salary of $4.5 million next year that really looks scary at this point.
My Mitchell optimism is based on a Mitchell for AHL depth guy like deal. Avs need bodies to bring up the kids.
The guy was placed on waivers for a reason. Maybe to send a message but I'm of the belief that Sakic/Bednar see what we see: A player who is finished, and they simply wanted to rid themselves of him.
I'd take anything for him right now.
My dream scenario is for the Avs to trade Iginla, Bourque, Mitchell, Martinsen, Tyutin, and one of Wiercioch/Gelinas. Outside wishes of them trading Beauchemin, not holding out hope for that one.