Speculation: II. 2014 Stars Offseason Thread: Tomahawk Steaks For Everyone

[BigG44]

It was reported by Garrioch that Spezza was working with Bryan Murray on the trade. (Garrioch has literally broken every piece of news regarding Spezza so far)

I don't think a deal gets done without one of Dillon/Eakin/Ritchie. The other pieces can be adjusted, but Murray said that the draft pick and prospect are more important than the top 6 forward/top 4 D.

I wasn't questioning the source ... you didn't give one. I'm cool if Garrioch said that honestly because he's been solid even about some Dallas stuff in the past. Knowing that it was him is a bonus ... although a link would still be nice. I searched his articles quickly and still have not noticed anything referring to what you're claiming. I'm being a stickler about it because without that information the discussion is a waste of everyone's time. Not knowing for certain obviously, I think most would agree a team in Dallas' position isn't going to move any of the assets discussed for a rental.

Should be a pretty easy to identify trading Dillon makes little to no sense for a center. Dallas doesn't have D to spare. Just from a betting standpoint, I wouldn't put any money down that Nill is the type a guy to deal a weakness for a strength. Dallas' forward aren't great but their miles better than the D, and the closest two players in the AHL to making the jump to the NHL are forwards (most consider Nemeth in the NHL as a forgone conclusion).

I can't see Nill trading an NHLer and a prospect that is NHL ready together for anything less than a top pair D. Dallas' beat reporter also just said Ritchie is untouchable in the team's eye.

Eakin's got some potential honestly to be a piece. He's not a guy Nill acquired, and they've said he's more of a 3rd line center. There's still the issue that the trade just fills one hole and creates another one. My guess is Nill wouldn't trade him, but my certainty about that being true is significantly less than Dillon or Ritchie. You can pretty easily fill Eakin's hole via free agency for a few years until Faksa got a shot at that spot ... or Dickinson/Shore. I personally don't believe Spezza is worth it, and my guess would be the goal is to find a compliment to both Seguin and Eakin ... not subtract Eakin and be left with Seguin and journeyman center.

The key issue though is Dallas isn't backed into a corner to make this work. I'd like to see him in Dallas, and Murray's stated asking price could be reasonable. Anything beyond Chiasson, a 1st, and a prospect doesn't make much sense to continue to pursue Spezza. I wouldn't rule out Eakin being available for an elite center, but I'd be surprised for sure. Seems like Dallas' best interest would be to explore the other center options if Murray is hoping for too much.

 

[BigG44]

I think I'd do that.

Unfortunately probably not reasonable to assume Cole waives to go to Ottawa.

 

[BigG44]

Nill has explicitly stated numerous times that Eakin and Dillon are part of the core that he's building around with Benn and Seguin. It's safe to assume they are going nowhere.

Are we sure about that? Nieuwy use to frequently list the core members of the team, but I can't recall a time Nill was specific about anyone other than Benn and Seguin. The only comments I can recall were more vague about ages. I've got to leave for a bit, but I'll see what I can find.

EDIT: I do hope it's true though at this point. There really isn't much of a reason to trade either IMO.

 

[Starry Knight]

Are we sure about that? Nieuwy use to frequently list the core members of the team, but I can't recall a time Nill was specific about anyone other than Benn and Seguin. The only comments I can recall were more vague about ages. I've got to leave for a bit, but I'll see what I can find.

EDIT: I do hope it's true though at this point. There really isn't much of a reason to trade either IMO.

He said Eakin and Dillon when he was on Sportsnet at the Memorial Cup

 

[FirstRowUpperDeck]

If Nil wants a center, he has to pay reasonable, to full to slightly overpaid value.

If we can't get the Caps dude (can't spell his name, but Grabowski, maybe?) as UFA (read he is working on a deal with WSH) then I feel Spezza is a more logical choice than Joe T (although he could rake it in with a restaurant endorsement deal here.....) or Kessler. Just my personal ranking, some may vary, of course.

Sens have set the bar of 1st, Prospect and young roster player. Probably about right, providing there is an extension.

So, I am on board with the first this year, since the quality falls of by our pick, and we get a known quantity for crap shoot, one of Chaisson or Eakin, and one of Jamie O, Shore, Faksa, Dickenson. Maybe we get some kind of mid round pick back to balance if we give up three good assets. (Might depend, for instance if we give up Eakin, we keep Faksa, being groomed for 3C)

Yes, it hurts, but most trades do, and most fans want to trade spare parts for quality players. It doesn't work that way. And, we have to trade from strength, which right now is our prospect pool.

I agree that other teams could probably put together a better deal. The question is who will want him most?

 

[glovesave_35]

It was reported by Garrioch that Spezza was working with Bryan Murray on the trade. (Garrioch has literally broken every piece of news regarding Spezza so far)

I don't think a deal gets done without one of Dillon/Eakin/Ritchie. The other pieces can be adjusted, but Murray said that the draft pick and prospect are more important than the top 6 forward/top 4 D.

As has been mentioned, Dillon and Eakin are NHL players. They aren't prospects.

Guptill, Stransky, Faksa is probably the bulk of the prospect pool we would dip into in any trade. I fully realize that Spezza is a great player and will be highly sought after, so the chances of us having the best offer is pretty low. I just don't see us trading our top forward prospect, an established young NHL player, and a 1st round pick.

For an extended Spezza I would offer Chiasson, Guptill/Stransky, and 2015 1st. I just don't see a world where we offer Ritchie as the prospect in addition to a young NHL player and a 1st.

 

[glovesave_35]

He said Eakin and Dillon when he was on Sportsnet at the Memorial Cup

He also said Daley and Goligoski "will be here next year", but I don't think that means either are untouchable, it means he isn't shopping them. Core members of a team can be traded for other players that would then in turn be considered core members. Spezza, while 30, would still be a core member of this team for at least the next 4 years.

 

[Hull Fan]

That price for Spezza just isn't going to fly. Not when there are other options like Stastny out there. Hell for that I'd rather just pay Legwand and I'm not a fan of that move either.

 

[Primetimey*]

Tim Panaccio of csnphilly.com lists the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators as possible landing spots for Vincent Lecavalier north of the border and also mentions the Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars.

Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen believes that the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues are the favourites to get centre Jason Spezza from the Senators, with Nashville and Dallas as possibilities as well.

From: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=454729

 

[BigG44]

He also said Daley and Goligoski "will be here next year", but I don't think that means either are untouchable, it means he isn't shopping them. Core members of a team can be traded for other players that would then in turn be considered core members. Spezza, while 30, would still be a core member of this team for at least the next 4 years.

I think we're on the same page, but just to make sure ...

For sure I could see Eakin traded, but I think that Dallas is a better team adding a 2nd line center to Seguin and Eakin rather than Seguin and let's say Fiddler or McClement.

I don't see this being universally true of the fan base, but I'd much rather have Seguin-Grabvoski/Legwand-Eakin than Seguin-Spezza-Fiddler/McClement. That's not to say the first group is superior in a 3 vs. 3 discussion, but they are hands down when you consider the first one means those 3 and you still have Chiasson, a prospect, and a first round pick.

With so many reasonable options at center I just find it hard to give up your best assets that you could use to fix the defense ... especially when your only option is a trade to get the type of D you truly need. Considering Nill has stated that's his best course of action to fix the D, I can't see him blowing those assets either.

 

[BigG44]

I think I'd rather take a chance on Lecavalier right now and hope that it really was just a poor system fit for him than take a risk on Brad Richards now after watching him more and more in these playoffs.

They're going to be begging to dump him, and he has a NMC. I would put Nashville as the front runner as others have mentioned in the press. They seem to think Laviolette was a big draw for Vincent originally to Philadelphia. However, I think based on reports of what he prefers, he might not have realized just how different Dallas would look (I was honestly a big caught of guard by how quickly they changed), and I think he'd jump at an opportunity to play in this system.

4 more years of him would be just about damn perfect, and you'd only have to pay him $16.5 million.

 

[BigG44]

This isn't an attempt to bash Nashville, but another plus would have to be Nichushkin and Ritchie. I think you tell him ... and mean it ... it could be a great plan ... you'll have Val on your wing. That's a potential two headed monster B pair.

I think he'd have a better opportunity to play with better linemates and also a better situation where he's more supported rather than being the focus of the offense. I'm biased for sure, but I think Dallas looks like a better spot on paper for a guy like Lecavailer.

To take a bit further ... and this could for sure be a stretch ... maybe being the guy in Dallas is why he wasn't so keen on signing in the first place. He's always been part of a big time, 2 center team. It was him and Richards, then Stamkos, and then he chose to be the guy behind Giroux. His latest top center partner could be Seguin.

 

[glovesave_35]

I think we're on the same page, but just to make sure ...

For sure I could see Eakin traded, but I think that Dallas is a better team adding a 2nd line center to Seguin and Eakin rather than Seguin and let's say Fiddler or McClement.

I don't see this being universally true of the fan base, but I'd much rather have Seguin-Grabvoski/Legwand-Eakin than Seguin-Spezza-Fiddler/McClement. That's not to say the first group is superior in a 3 vs. 3 discussion, but they are hands down when you consider the first one means those 3 and you still have Chiasson, a prospect, and a first round pick.

With so many reasonable options at center I just find it hard to give up your best assets that you could use to fix the defense ... especially when your only option is a trade to get the type of D you truly need. Considering Nill has stated that's his best course of action to fix the D, I can't see him blowing those assets either.

I think I'd rather take a chance on Lecavalier right now and hope that it really was just a poor system fit for him than take a risk on Brad Richards now after watching him more and more in these playoffs.

They're going to be begging to dump him, and he has a NMC. I would put Nashville as the front runner as others have mentioned in the press. They seem to think Laviolette was a big draw for Vincent originally to Philadelphia. However, I think based on reports of what he prefers, he might not have realized just how different Dallas would look (I was honestly a big caught of guard by how quickly they changed), and I think he'd jump at an opportunity to play in this system.

4 more years of him would be just about damn perfect, and you'd only have to pay him $16.5 million.

Agreed on all counts.

 

[OttMorrow]

I think I'd rather take a chance on Lecavalier right now and hope that it really was just a poor system fit for him than take a risk on Brad Richards now after watching him more and more in these playoffs.

They're going to be begging to dump him, and he has a NMC. I would put Nashville as the front runner as others have mentioned in the press. They seem to think Laviolette was a big draw for Vincent originally to Philadelphia. However, I think based on reports of what he prefers, he might not have realized just how different Dallas would look (I was honestly a big caught of guard by how quickly they changed), and I think he'd jump at an opportunity to play in this system.

4 more years of him would be just about damn perfect, and you'd only have to pay him $16.5 million.

My spidy sense is telling me that there are character issues with Lecavalier. Makes me really hesitant. He has underachieved for several years now on the back 9 of his career at 34. My guess is that he never truly returns to form.

 

[Henderson33]

This is what Nill said when asked about interest in Lecavalier when he was a free agent

"We're very interested, Vinny is a great player, he's been a great player for many years, and he's a good person. He's going through the process, he has that opportunity to decide where he wants to play and were just hoping were one of the teams"

I doubt that opinion has changed over the course of the season, especially still with the need for a 2C.

I hope he doesn't go to Nashville, they scare me. In a year where they lost Rinne they were still only 3 points out of playoffs (albeit they did go something like 9-1 to end the season). But they're only going to get better with a new coach, Jones and Forsberg (Stupid Washington) progressing, and other acquisitions.

 

[piqued]

Lecavalier was brutal at even strength last season... he would essentially be a PP specialist. I'd only consider taking him if he came essentially free from an asset cost perspective.

There are very few situations where trading Eakin isn't taking a step backwards for the future of the franchise.

 

[OttMorrow]

Lecavalier was brutal at even strength last season... he would essentially be a PP specialist. I'd only consider taking him if he came essentially free from an asset cost perspective.

There are very few situations where trading Eakin isn't taking a step backwards for the future of the franchise.

Agreed. I'm willing to be patient with the 2c hole with our prospect pool at C right now if the right acquisition at the right price isn't happening for us. As long as we improve the D or add some top 6 wings to the mix in the offseason, we will be keeping up with the Joneses assuming that Nichushkin, Chiasson, Eakin put up equal or better numbers next season than they did this year. I'm betting that most of them will. With such a young team like the one we have, I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to fill all the holes this season/offseason. I don't want to be the team that has to sign the biggest named, over the hill FA, and the one that trades away their youth for experience due to impatience. This TEAM has just started to gel, and I hope that we give it some more time to see what we've got before making too many changes. I'm not saying we shouldn't make a deal or pick up a guy if it really makes sense, but the first priority has got to be the defense because this young offense can already score, their not going to get anything but better, and reinforcements from the arguably best AHL team in the league are on their way.

 

[Dr Pepper]

Lecavalier was brutal at even strength last season... he would essentially be a PP specialist. I'd only consider taking him if he came essentially free from an asset cost perspective.

There are very few situations where trading Eakin isn't taking a step backwards for the future of the franchise.

Fantastic, because our PP is godawful.

I think one of Lecavalier or Spezza would be huge additions for the team going forward, and it would let the team/fans know that the goal is to build off of last season's success.

 

[piqued]

They're totally different classes of players though, Lecavalier would be an expensive placeholder while Spezza would be the guy you're committing yourself to try to compete with.

 

[Satan]

I don't think Spezza has the word compete in his vocabulary.

 

[Bluesoma]

*Begins chanting "Dowling"*

 

[Stars90]

Throwing assets for Spezza I just have a gut feeling is a mistake. He's a big body but his boots are getting heavier and he's never played out West. Fantastic hockey player, obviously, but there's too many question marks to me for the price.

I'm not sold on Vinnie, but as has been mentioned, Hextall is going to be giving him away, so maybe it's a smart move.

Most importantly though, if somehow we get a good backup goalie and a significant improvement on D, then I'll forget about all these centre names anyway and convert to the Church of Eakin.

 

[SixthSens]

If Spezza is dealt to the Stars I will have a new second favourite team

You will be getting a very under appreciated player. Don't judge him based off of what our fickle fan base spews on our board and the main boards about him.

PPG centres don't grow on trees, and if he's put in a situation where he's the #2 guy behind Seguin, he'll be even harder for other teams to contain.

I mean, the guy made Milan Michalek a 35 goal scorer in 2012. We're talking about a guy whose previous career high was 26.

Sure, he has his moments. No player is perfect though, and if you don't think that adding Jason Spezza makes your team a better hockey club, I don't know what to tell you...

 

[StoneColdGMJN]

I'm already the high priest of the Church of Eakin.

 

[NFKappaB]

Acquiring Spezza would be amazing as a fan of the Dallas Stars.

Benn - Seguin - Ritchie*
X - Spezza - Nichushkin

*I hope Ritchie really impresses at camp along with Klingberg. The season would be so excited to watch the two rookies (Ritchie & Klingberg), along with Spezza as our 2C.