Speculation: What moves could McPhee try, if he is looking to make them?

[paine]

So safe to assume they're scouting Ducks players.

But who on the Ducks are available that would be good additions to the team? Pretty much only Silfverberg(cheaper RW fallback if Stone is a no-go?) unless the Dhcks are willing to trade one of their top 4 defenders.

I think Fowler, Henrique, Silfverberg, and Shore are available. Maybe Montour.

 

[CupInSIX]

So safe to assume they're scouting Ducks players.

But who on the Ducks are available that would be good additions to the team? Pretty much only Silfverberg(cheaper RW fallback if Stone is a no-go?) unless the Dhcks are willing to trade one of their top 4 defenders.

Rowney

I think they may be scouting the Capitals however. Karpan was at another Capitals game IIRC. Maybe Djoos.

 

[LadyStanley]

I think Fowler, Henrique, Silfverberg, and Shore are available. Maybe Montour.

Ducks trying to re-sign Silfverberg

 

[LadyStanley]

31 Thoughts: Could a stealth suitor emerge for Matt Duchene? - Sportsnet.ca

Friedman updates
Nothing specific on VGK trade interest, but Subban workload mentioned.

 

[Vegan Knight]

I don't think Vegas should be a big buyer this season. As a team they aren't close to winning where it would be worth it.

 

[willy702]

If he can't pull off a big deal to get the right piece, like Stone with an extension, then GMGM should look to sell a bit. Not any key pieces and nothing that's going to change the team, but sell off the underbrush that you can generally replace with AHL talent or just hope you stay relatively healthy in the playoffs. A move now is not likely to change the team's playoff slot and the kinds of small moves are unlikely to increase the chances of winning any particular series, so why not get some minor assets to fill out the lower ranks? Trade off guys you don't think will be here next year and with it you open up a chance for guys a level below to possibly contribute. Work on that age pyramid so many are talking about.

Look, we just need to get some bounces in the playoffs. That's really it. We got some last year and went far, but we could have just as easily lost a bunch of one-goal games to the Kings or Sharks and the magic never would have happened. The Jets could have scored during one of those late furious rallies they had and the story is different. This year we are getting zero bounces and everything is skewing against the Knights and yet they'll still get to the playoffs and can still beat any team they play. I'm worried about this being the case 3-4 years from now, but take steps today to make sure it doesn't happen and we still see the same proposition in the playoffs.

I mean if we trade Carpenter and Nosek plays every game as a result, is that a big deal? If we have to get a player off the AHL roster to fill a third line role, are we much worse off? I'd even argue if a team is desperate enough to take Eakin from us and give us some decent value in return, you'd have to consider it. Maybe now's the time to trade Miller and start up the Brannstrom train, it should all be on the table as much as going for the big deadline asset everyone is focused on.

 

[CupInSIX]

Right now I'm most concerned with Pirri. If he can be signed he would be a great asset...ok a decent asset. OK some kind of asset. Can it be done?

Most likely no room for him next season (barring a heroic playoff performance) if Gusev comes over.

If he can't pull off a big deal to get the right piece, like Stone with an extension, then GMGM should look to sell a bit. Not any key pieces and nothing that's going to change the team, but sell off the underbrush that you can generally replace with AHL talent or just hope you stay relatively healthy in the playoffs. A move now is not likely to change the team's playoff slot and the kinds of small moves are unlikely to increase the chances of winning any particular series, so why not get some minor assets to fill out the lower ranks? Trade off guys you don't think will be here next year and with it you open up a chance for guys a level below to possibly contribute. Work on that age pyramid so many are talking about.

Look, we just need to get some bounces in the playoffs. That's really it. We got some last year and went far, but we could have just as easily lost a bunch of one-goal games to the Kings or Sharks and the magic never would have happened. The Jets could have scored during one of those late furious rallies they had and the story is different. This year we are getting zero bounces and everything is skewing against the Knights and yet they'll still get to the playoffs and can still beat any team they play. I'm worried about this being the case 3-4 years from now, but take steps today to make sure it doesn't happen and we still see the same proposition in the playoffs.

I mean if we trade Carpenter and Nosek plays every game as a result, is that a big deal? If we have to get a player off the AHL roster to fill a third line role, are we much worse off? I'd even argue if a team is desperate enough to take Eakin from us and give us some decent value in return, you'd have to consider it. Maybe now's the time to trade Miller and start up the Brannstrom train, it should all be on the table as much as going for the big deadline asset everyone is focused on.

Too little too late with Brannstrom. The time to give him a chance was when Schmidt was out and they had a losing record. Now it's too hard to justify burning off a year of his ELC by playing him more than 9 games.

IMO he would have been a real shot in the arm, I don't care what Wolves fans say about his NHL-readiness. I've seen it before with players like PK Subban. Some kids play up or down to the level of their competition.

 

[Vegan Knight]

Right now I'm most concerned with Pirri. If he can be signed he would be a great asset...ok a decent asset. OK some kind of asset. Can it be done?

Most likely no room for him next season (barring a heroic playoff performance) if Gusev comes over.



Too little too late with Brannstrom. The time to give him a chance was when Schmidt was out and they had a losing record. Now it's too hard to justify burning off a year of his ELC by playing him more than 9 games.

IMO he would have been a real shot in the arm, I don't care what Wolves fans say about his NHL-readiness. I've seen it before with players like PK Subban. Some kids play up or down to the level of their competition.

Hasn't Brannstrom had his career trajectory mirror Erik Karlsson's up until we refused to play him in 60 NHL games and he didn't rack up 45 points this season?

EDIT: I agree about Pirri seemingly being a decent back up plan if Gusev stays in Russia next season.

 

[Knightmare]

I don’t think we should be trading right now. I feel like our team is in a bad funk. I feel like Artemi Panarin and Mark Stone could come over here and they would only score 2 more goals each for the rest of the season. It just isn’t happening here right now. The guys just aren’t clicking. So no point in losing more picks and prospects.

I think GMGM should focus on the top 6 in the offseason, not the 3rd line. In all honesty our whole team is 3rd liners playing in the top 6. Put more in the top 6 and move guys down and we’ll be solid.

With all that being said, I do still believe we are a good team and when they start clicking we’ve seen what can happen. We saw what happened last year and I would argue with anyone that adding Stats and patches is, or I guess I’ll say should be an upgrade over Neal and Perron.

 

[hangman005]

I don’t think we should be trading right now. I feel like our team is in a bad funk. I feel like Artemi Panarin and Mark Stone could come over here and they would only score 2 more goals each for the rest of the season. It just isn’t happening here right now. The guys just aren’t clicking. So no point in losing more picks and prospects.

I think GMGM should focus on the top 6 in the offseason, not the 3rd line. In all honesty our whole team is 3rd liners playing in the top 6. Put more in the top 6 and move guys down and we’ll be solid.

With all that being said, I do still believe we are a good team and when they start clicking we’ve seen what can happen. We saw what happened last year and I would argue with anyone that adding Stats and patches is, or I guess I’ll say should be an upgrade over Neal and Perron.

I think that's been the most frustrating part this year, we've seen games every now in then we were see what we can do.... but most the time we don't even come close.... Playing somewhere in the middle would be great.

 

[Vegan Knight]

I think that's been the most frustrating part this year, we've seen games every now in then we were see what we can do.... but most the time we don't even come close.... Playing somewhere in the middle would be great.

Is this closer to some of our players actual levels?

Marchessault could pick it up and get to 60 points. Karlsson could get between 50 and 55. Smith could get 50. That wouldn't be too far off their current pace. Miller is another possible example of this.

Maybe this is what we should be expecting and we feel they're playing more disappointing because of expectations from their play last season.

 

[theslatcher]

I don’t think we should be trading right now. I feel like our team is in a bad funk. I feel like Artemi Panarin and Mark Stone could come over here and they would only score 2 more goals each for the rest of the season. It just isn’t happening here right now. The guys just aren’t clicking. So no point in losing more picks and prospects.

I think GMGM should focus on the top 6 in the offseason, not the 3rd line. In all honesty our whole team is 3rd liners playing in the top 6. Put more in the top 6 and move guys down and we’ll be solid.

With all that being said, I do still believe we are a good team and when they start clicking we’ve seen what can happen. We saw what happened last year and I would argue with anyone that adding Stats and patches is, or I guess I’ll say should be an upgrade over Neal and Perron.

That's some grade A hyperbole.

 

[Knightmare]

That's some grade A hyperbole.

Is it? Other than Patches, what players were top 6 from their former teams? If Marchessault, Smith or Karlsson got traded to another playoff team, do you think they’d be on that teams 1st line? Look, I love the knights, they can be a great team. They were fantastic last year and I think they can be great next year. But do we have any elite superstars? No. So to call that a grade A exaggeration, is a bit of a stretch no?

 

[CupInSIX]

Rowney

I think they may be scouting the Capitals however. Karpan was at another Capitals game IIRC. Maybe Djoos.

DSP left Washington practice today.

 

[theslatcher]

Is it? Other than Patches, what players were top 6 from their former teams? If Marchessault, Smith or Karlsson got traded to another playoff team, do you think they’d be on that teams 1st line? Look, I love the knights, they can be a great team. They were fantastic last year and I think they can be great next year. But do we have any elite superstars? No. So to call that a grade A exaggeration, is a bit of a stretch no?

Not that what they've done before Vegas matters, but to answer the question of which players were top 6 before Vegas: Patches, Stastny, & Smith. Which leaves Marchessault, Tuch, & Karlsson. Marchessault had 1 full season as a middle-6 player before coming here, Tuch had 6 NHL games played, and Karlsson was stuck as a shutdown center.

So yes, both exaggeration, & a stretch to call them "third line players". I can understand calling them all 2nd line players, but 3rd is hyperbolic bull.

To add: I would call one of the guys who did play top 6 before Vegas the worst of our top 6: Reilly Smith.

 

[Vegan Knight]

Not that what they've done before Vegas matters, but to answer the question of which players were top 6 before Vegas: Patches, Stastny, & Smith. Which leaves Marchessault, Tuch, & Karlsson. Marchessault had 1 full season as a middle-6 player before coming here, Tuch had 6 NHL games played, and Karlsson was stuck as a shutdown center.

So yes, both exaggeration, & a stretch to call them "third line players". I can understand calling them all 2nd line players, but 3rd is hyperbolic bull.

To add: I would call one of the guys who did play top 6 before Vegas the worst of our top 6: Reilly Smith.

I think saying we have two second lines is accurate. I would say Tuch is the only one who could be considered top line potential but probably is not quite there yet.

Really, the team may have to hope Glass, Gusev and Brannstrom slot in the team and show superstar potential to get this team closer to the top tier.

 

[Knightmare]

Not that what they've done before Vegas matters, but to answer the question of which players were top 6 before Vegas: Patches, Stastny, & Smith. Which leaves Marchessault, Tuch, & Karlsson. Marchessault had 1 full season as a middle-6 player before coming here, Tuch had 6 NHL games played, and Karlsson was stuck as a shutdown center.

So yes, both exaggeration, & a stretch to call them "third line players". I can understand calling them all 2nd line players, but 3rd is hyperbolic bull.

To add: I would call one of the guys who did play top 6 before Vegas the worst of our top 6: Reilly Smith.

Fair enough. I did say with the exception of Patches. So ya Smith was a 2nd line guy. Maybe I’m remembering wrong, but I thought Marchy was 3rd line on Panthers. I still believe you put any of those guys (except Patches) on any other playoff team, they’re not playing top 6.

I believe there are maybe 4 or 5 times left right now that still don’t have a 20 goal scorer. We’re one of them. . That’s not ideal.

The whole point I was trying to make was I don’t think we need a 3rd line winger like others have suggested. I think we need a legitimate 1st line guy and we can move our own down a line and we’d be good. But yes, maybe you’re right and saying “all 3rd liners” was a bit harsh. And maybe. Just maybe. . . A slight, teeny bit hyperbole

 

[CupInSIX]

I think there's a 90% likelihood of Gusev joining the team next season

 

[IceNeophyte]

I think there's a 90% likelihood of Gusev joining the team next season

Think, or hope?

I still firmly believe that the sole reason Zykov was claimed and remains on the team is for Gusev. He isn't a bad hockey player, he's middling, and we have lots of those.

 

[theslatcher]

Fair enough. I did say with the exception of Patches. So ya Smith was a 2nd line guy. Maybe I’m remembering wrong, but I thought Marchy was 3rd line on Panthers. I still believe you put any of those guys (except Patches) on any other playoff team, they’re not playing top 6.

I believe there are maybe 4 or 5 times left right now that still don’t have a 20 goal scorer. We’re one of them. . That’s not ideal.

The whole point I was trying to make was I don’t think we need a 3rd line winger like others have suggested. I think we need a legitimate 1st line guy and we can move our own down a line and we’d be good. But yes, maybe you’re right and saying “all 3rd liners” was a bit harsh. And maybe. Just maybe. . . A slight, teeny bit hyperbole

Yeah I don't like the idea of acquiring a 3rd liner either, even if he's a PP specialist(looking at you Simmonds). If we do acquire a forward the only one I want is Stone, and I'd be willing to give up Smith, & Miller for him if we could get him signed here. Add in an acquired good bottom pairing D, and imagine us having this team next year:

Gusev - Karlsson - Stone
Marchy - Stastny - Tuch
Patches - Glass - Haula
Carrier - Eakin - Reaves

McNabb - Theodore
Brännström - Schmidt
X - Good bottom pairing D
X = Hague/Holden/Merrill/Bischoff

Also, you should take a look at the other playoff teams' top 6 if you think Marchy, Karlsson, or Smith wouldn't make the top 6, heck, Marchy would be Tampa's(!) best LW. Just for fun, here's me mapping out who one could argue would be which (currently in the) playoffs teams' top 2 player in his respective position, * = would be the teams' best player in his respective position:

Islanders: Marhy, Karlsson, Smith
Washington: Marchy, Smith*
Pittsburgh: Marchy
Tampa: Marchy*, Smith
Boston: Marchy, Smith
Toronto: Marchy*, Smith
Montreal: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith
Columbus: Marchy(* if Panarin gets traded), Karlsson
Winnipeg: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith
Nashville: Marchy, Karlsson*, Smith
St. Louis: Marchy*, Karlsson
Calgary: Marchy, Karlsson
San Jose: Smith
Dallas: Marchy*, Karlsson, Smith
Minnesota: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith*

 

[Knightmare]

Yeah I don't like the idea of acquiring a 3rd liner either, even if he's a PP specialist(looking at you Simmonds). If we do acquire a forward the only one I want is Stone, and I'd be willing to give up Smith, & Miller for him if we could get him signed here. Add in an acquired good bottom pairing D, and imagine us having this team next year:

Gusev - Karlsson - Stone
Marchy - Stastny - Tuch
Patches - Glass - Haula
Carrier - Eakin - Reaves

McNabb - Theodore
Brännström - Schmidt
X - Good bottom pairing D
X = Hague/Holden/Merrill/Bischoff

Also, you should take a look at the other playoff teams' top 6 if you think Marchy, Karlsson, or Smith wouldn't make the top 6, heck, Marchy would be Tampa's(!) best LW. Just for fun, here's me mapping out who one could argue would be which (currently in the) playoffs teams' top 2 player in his respective position, * = would be the teams' best player in his respective position:

Islanders: Marhy, Karlsson, Smith
Washington: Marchy, Smith*
Pittsburgh: Marchy
Tampa: Marchy*, Smith
Boston: Marchy, Smith
Toronto: Marchy*, Smith
Montreal: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith
Columbus: Marchy(* if Panarin gets traded), Karlsson
Winnipeg: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith
Nashville: Marchy, Karlsson*, Smith
St. Louis: Marchy*, Karlsson
Calgary: Marchy, Karlsson
San Jose: Smith
Dallas: Marchy*, Karlsson, Smith
Minnesota: Marchy, Karlsson, Smith*

Holy shit. Dude those lines would be deadly next year! Also, speaking of willing to trade Miller, hes scratched for tonight’s game. Sooo... I dunno. Would be nice.

As far as the other stuff. . That’s interesting. I appreciate you laying it out like that. Kind of nice to see. . But.. we’ll have to agree to disagree on the Calgary lines. Marchy and Karlsson over Gaudreau and Monahan?

Let’s hope we win tonight! And would love to hear some news about Stone soon. I just can’t see him resigning with Ottawa.

 

[CupInSIX]

Think, or hope?

I still firmly believe that the sole reason Zykov was claimed and remains on the team is for Gusev. He isn't a bad hockey player, he's middling, and we have lots of those.

Belief.


Depending on the cost, Ryan Miller would be a good add if there's still a roster spot open.

 

[theslatcher]

Holy ****. Dude those lines would be deadly next year! Also, speaking of willing to trade Miller, hes scratched for tonight’s game. Sooo... I dunno. Would be nice.

As far as the other stuff. . That’s interesting. I appreciate you laying it out like that. Kind of nice to see. . But.. we’ll have to agree to disagree on the Calgary lines. Marchy and Karlsson over Gaudreau and Monahan?

Let’s hope we win tonight! And would love to hear some news about Stone soon. I just can’t see him resigning with Ottawa.

Marchy and Karlsson over Frolik, & Backlund, as they don't have *'s next to their names.

 

[Vegan Knight]

Think, or hope?

I still firmly believe that the sole reason Zykov was claimed and remains on the team is for Gusev. He isn't a bad hockey player, he's middling, and we have lots of those.

I think Gusev almost has to come over this year in order to prove he's worth a massive contract as soon as he can.

 

[LadyStanley]

DSP left Washington practice today.

On waivers.

Have to think that some team will put a claim in on him.