2010 Devils Offseason: What Teams the New Jersey Devils Should Consider for a Trade
by John Fischer on Jun 14, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
in Devils Issues & Views
43 comments
Earlier this month, I got a request from In Lou We Trust user Zelepukin asking about realistic trade targets. My initial reaction was straight-forward: go after Chicago. They are currently over the current salary cap ceiling; they have to dump player salaries just have enough money to qualify their restricted free agents and fill the rest of their roster. Their situation just got worse, actually. Since Jonathan Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy, another $1.3 million will be added to next season's cap count according to James Duthie of TSN.
In other words, get Patrick Sharp. Or really put the screws to the Blackhawks and give a small offer sheet to Nicklas Hjarmalsson after the draft.
Since then, however, I've been stumped. Unless I'm not recalling something in recent history, Lou doesn't usually make a big trade in the offseason. During the season? Sure. Just look at last February for an example of a huge trade.
My point is that this is all very much hypothetical. I honestly don't expect too many deals to happen at all, much less to see Lou go out and make one. But given how much Lou plays his hand close to his chest, I'm sure he's at least thinking about available deals. While Chicago cannot literally add salary at this juncture (and so they should be exploited), there are a few teams who don't enjoy a lot of cap space and could be sellers prior to July 1. Yet, who should be traded and for what? That, I cannot answer and that's why I'm being more general rather researching certain players in depth.
I do apologize to Zelepukin for essentially punting on his request, however, I still feel it's worth discussing. My thoughts continue after the jump.
Using CapGeek as a guide, let's rule out who would be unlikely candidates for a trade. Please visit CapGeek to view each team's current chart so you can see their current situation.
Division Rivals: Philadelphia, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh
I highly doubt Lou would trade with an Atlantic Division rival to begin with; and I doubt these teams would want to deal with New Jersey anyway. Pittsburgh and the Islanders already have nearly full rosters with tons of cap space to fill their last few spots - they have no reason to make a trade. The Flyers have a few players who would look nice in Devils red; but neither team
If anything, if Lou wants to be real harsh and want to improve the second pairing defense, then he should consider giving an offer sheet for Braydon Coburn in Philly or a dual offer sheet for Marc Staal and Dan Girardi from the Rangers (thanks to Derek Zona for the idea) in the hopes of getting one of them. Neither team is in a great situation cap-wise and at least it would put the screws to their management to make a hard decision about matching the offer. Again, it's not like the Devils are going to be trading them anyway and what would they get as compensation? Late picks in 2011? Feel free to disagree, but I'm willing to see the Devils give up potential assets for known assets.
Of course, I'd honestly be shocked if Lou would bring out an offer sheet on anyone. If it's one thing Lou does very well, it's that he doesn't burn any potential bridges. This may mean he says things publicly that are unlikely - e.g. Rod Pelley as a third line center - but it's worked out well for the most part.
Teams with More Cap Space than New Jersey: Atlanta, Islanders, St. Louis, Phoenix, Colorado, Tampa Bay, San Jose, Anaheim.
I don't think the Devils should deal with these teams. Namely because the Devils won't have cap leverage in a possible deal. I'm not saying these teams don't have some fine players that could be had; it's just that the deal itself won't be driven cheaper since New Jersey would have less room to play with. Besides, they'll have the space to fill in who they moved anyway unless it's a position-for-position swap.
"Mirage" Teams (Teams that look ripe for deals but aren't): Los Angeles, Florida, Columbus, Ottawa, Detroit, Calgary
At first, you may see that these teams have less cap space than the Devils and think, "OK, maybe Lou can work out something with them." However, a closer look shows that either does not have a need to make a deal. Los Angeles only has 5 RFAs, a roster need to add forwards and could do so via RFAs and their prospects. If anything, they need a #2 center as much as the Devils do, so it's not like either could benefit much from a deal.
Florida, Ottawa, Columbus, and Detroit each have less than $10 million in cap space, but all nearly have full rosters. Detroit only has to add two depth forwards and even with that meager cap space they can do so via their RFAs. It appears Columbus is in the same spot as Detroit but with more cap space. Florida can use their cap space on their RFAs to their currently-19-man roster and call it a summer; ditto for Ottawa.
This isn't to say they won't make deals, it's just that I don't see where those five teams would have the urgency to move a player. Therefore, I wouldn't focus too much attention on hoping Lou can bring someone, for examples, Jiri Hudler, Nathan Horton (NTC kicks in after July 1, 2010), Fedor Tyutin (among other Jackets), or Justin Williams. Yes, I know I named a few wingers there, but again, this is hypothetical.
Calgary is actually a team pressed right up against the cap as-is, but looking at the chart, there really isn't anyone desirable that the Devils could think about making an offer for a signed Flame. Not even an offer sheet except for Ian White, but he'll surely be matched unless it's a hilariously terrible overpayment.
OK, enough about teams that wouldn't be good for potential deals, how about teams who would be? Other than Chicago? There are a few (warning: baseless speculation abounds):
Washington: 14 players signed for 10-11; $13.3 million in cap space; 9 RFAs
While the Capitals locked up Nicklas Backstrom, they still need a goaltender, another defenseman, and four more forwards. They can qualify most, if not all, of their RFAs; but they're likely going to be up at the cap ceiling when it's all said and done. For relief purposes, they may want to consider moving an expiring contract like Brooks Laich (would be a 3rd line center) or Mike Knuble (2nd line caliber winger). Should they want to make a big move, they can drop Alexander Semin and his $6 million cap-hit that expires in 2011, but I doubt they'll move him within the conference, if at all.
Would the Devils greatly benefit with either? I don't think so. The Devils could pick up a third line winger on free agency for cheaper and they'll only need a winger if they move one in response. I don't see why the Devils would want to add $6 million, when Jamie Langenbrunner can handle the first line RW spot for half that amount. Still, I wouldn't ignore the Capitals as partners.
Montreal: 14 players signed for 10-11; $11.2 million in cap space; 15 RFAs
Les Habs are in a worse spot than the Capitals. Less cap space, and no goalies under contract. Worse, their desirable players have a NTC of some sort. Andrei Kostitsyn's $3.25 million deal expires next summer and I'm sure Montreal will want to shop that contract, but I'd stay away if I were the Devils. I don't think he has produced like his salary, despite what flashes of greatness he has shown as a forward. As far as the defense goes, I look at Hal Gill and Josh Gorges and go, "No and definitely not." The Devils would not really benefit from adding either a slow defensive defensemen or another depth defenseman to their blueline.
Weirdly, most of the RFAs aren't really all that desirable: there's a lot of depth players and, of course, Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak. The Devils do not need to pay a lot for a backup goaltender, so there's no need to go after them.
Vancouver: 17 players signed for 10-11; $9.5 million in cap space; 9 RFAs
This is a bit of a stretch because it seems that the Canucks may be set for 2010-11 largely as-is. However, they may be up against the ceiling when they commit to anyone, and so the Devils can "ease their concern," so to speak. That said, there are more than a few good defenders I wouldn't mind seeing in Devils red. Kevin Bieksa and Christian Erhoff are good defenders with good expiring deals, I wonder if Vancouver would consider parting with either? I doubt Alexander Edler is all that available given the length he has left, but he could be a good addition as well. They don't have much in the way of forwards that they could move for some decent cap space.
Toronto: 17 players signed for 10-11; $10 million in cap space; 6 RFAs
I only put the Maple Leafs here because of one player: Mikhail Grabovski. He's a $2.9 million cap hit and is coming off a injury-shortened season in Toronto. The people at PPP are currently rating his 09-10 as "decent." Given that the Devils need a #2 center to play well behind Travis Zajac taking tough minutes, Grabovski may fit this perfectly. The only problem is that Toronto really needs to sign forwards and may not be willing to give up on Grabovski so easily. Still, he's a pretty good option for the role and it's not like Toronto has acres of space to play with this summer.
And before you ask, no, I don't think taking Tomas Kaberle and his inferior-defense-compared-to-Paul Martin would be wise at $4.25 million. Even with an expiring contract. Now, if Martin is also retained along with acquiring Kaberle, then that's a little better. Certainly the blueline would be more offensively productive. But such a move would force Lou to be cheaper up front. Depending on the deal itself, that's not ideal.
Boston: 18 players signed for 10-11; $4.3 million in cap space; 10 RFAs
Boston's not a "mirage" like Detroit because those RFAs include Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Dan Paille among others. Should Boston want to retain them, their qualifying offers for those three alone could put Boston over the limit. Therefore, they could become sellers very soon.
A FanPost was written a few days ago by user dr d)evil about whether Patrice Bergeron could be traded to the Devils. In the comments, I wasn't keen on the idea, but it's certainly a realistic possibility. The Bruins moving Bergeron means they can give more time to Marc Savard and David Krejci and it would seriously help the Devils at center for less than $5 million. I still think it's not ideal to move Zajac or Bergeron down to a second line, but that's from a salary/cap standpoint. Hockey-wise, it could work out well. Bergeron would only cost $4.75 million to the cap for next season only.
While young, I wonder if David Krejci would be available as well? Certainly, he can continue to develop on the second line; provide a lot more size in between Patrik Elias and the Lithuanian Freight Train, Dainius Zubrus. I think the Bruins would look for suitors interested in Michael Ryder ($4 million, expires in 2011), Dennis Wideman ($3.9375 million, expires in 2012), and Andrew Ference ($2.25 million, expires in 2013) before thinking about trading Krejci, though. However, when you're a seller, you don't always have the luxury of choosing what you sell.
Conclusions
This is ultimately scratching the surface. This is not an end-all, be-all list of teams or players the Devils should consider making trade for. I didn't think of who on New Jersey would be ideal to send away in a trade. Draft picks and prospects, sure, but in terms of players it really does depend on the other team. There are other possibilities and just because I said that most of the league would not make for ideal trade partners doesn't mean that Lou can't make something happen anyway. Feel free to make your case for who would be a good team that the Devils could trade with, and name a potential target in the comments.
Note: This does not mean posting stupid trade rumors from Hockeybuzz; or coming up with proposals that trade Devils who have NTCs and NMCs.
At the end of this punting attempt, I can't help but think the real team to target is Chicago because they truly have no leverage. Of course, when it comes to transactions, Lou and New Jersey have a tendency to surprise and sometimes amaze outside observers with what they are able to put together. I don't think we should expect a notable trade, holding your breath or demanding one isn't advisable. Still, it's certainly something to consider as free agency lurks ever closer.
Please leave your thoughts and questions in the comments, and to user Zelepukin, I hope this was an acceptable response even if it was more generalized than probably what you intended.
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the devils don’t have many trade assets these days. i can’t see what they have to get patrice bergeron. i think a langenbrunner to vancouver deal could make sense for one of their defensemen with an expiring contract – the devils can send a defenseman there along with langenbrunner. something like:
langenbrunner, salvador, eckford for bieksa, shirokov – something like that.
langenbrunner, salvador, eckford for bieksa, shirokov
I think this deal would be a complete non-starter, for a couple of reasons.
- Jamie Langenbrunner has a no-trade clause. I don’t know that he’d waive it to go to Vancouver…. sure, they’re a playoff team, maybe even a dark horse contender, but I don’t see how he’d augment his value there. I don’t know that he’d get a premiere role there, and unless he was willing to sign an extension when he arrived, I don’t see what he gains by the deal. I suspect Jamie has a big 2010-2011 in him, because he can parlay that into his last big contract.
- Vancouver does not appear to have a compelling reason to make this trade from a hockey standpoint. I think Salvador for Bieksa is essentially a wash, although I believe Bieksa is the better player. I don’t see a compelling reason for Vancouver to trade Shirokov for Langenbrunner, either. Unless they’re really, really high on Eckford, I don’t see why the Canucks would make this kind of trade. The only remaining reason for them to do so is to shake things up after another 2nd-round playoff departure…. and they probably have better options than this.
- Vancouver has no reason to make this trade from a salary-cap point of view. Bieksa and Salvador’s contracts are similar enough in terms of cap hit (not length) that Vancouver won’t gain a whole lot by a swap. Langenbrunner makes enough money to be a concern, whereas Shirokov will be relatively cheap if he’s even on the NHL roster. If the Canucks have cap issues, I don’t see why they’d take on an extra million dollars in cap to make this deal (assuming Shirokov is on the NHL roster otherwise).
- Looking further down the road, Vancouver probably benefits from having all these expiring contracts. Right now, they have eight players under contract for 2011-2012, at a total cap hit north of $31 million. I can’t imagine they’d like to eat into that space further on a player like Bryce Salvador. Nothing wrong with Bryce, except his $2.9 million cap hit could compound any headaches coming up for the Canucks.
I like the concept of working with Vancouver (and Lou certainly doesn’t mind banishing players in poor odor to the Canadian wilderness), but I think the deal has to be a little more even before they’d start thinking seriously about it.
Jamie Langenbrunner has a no-trade clause. I don’t know that he’d waive it to go to Vancouver…. sure, they’re a playoff team, maybe even a dark horse contender, but I don’t see how he’d augment his value there. I don’t know that he’d get a premiere role there, and unless he was willing to sign an extension when he arrived, I don’t see what he gains by the deal. I suspect Jamie has a big 2010-2011 in him, because he can parlay that into his last big contract.
this is obviously the biggest stumbling block to the deal. but any RW can get a premiere role there – if the coach is feeling a certain way, he gets to play with the sedins. also, if langenbrunner doesn’t get to play with zajac and parise, his numbers will decline a great deal this coming season. no matter what happens, langenbrunner will be 35+ after this contract and with his injury history and style of play i don’t think he’s parlaying that into a big contract.
Vancouver does not appear to have a compelling reason to make this trade from a hockey standpoint. I think Salvador for Bieksa is essentially a wash, although I believe Bieksa is the better player. I don’t see a compelling reason for Vancouver to trade Shirokov for Langenbrunner, either. Unless they’re really, really high on Eckford, I don’t see why the Canucks would make this kind of trade. The only remaining reason for them to do so is to shake things up after another 2nd-round playoff departure…. and they probably have better options than this.
compelling, no. but they don’t have much D depth in their system. and they have 4 expiring contracts next season.
Vancouver has no reason to make this trade from a salary-cap point of view. Bieksa and Salvador’s contracts are similar enough in terms of cap hit (not length) that Vancouver won’t gain a whole lot by a swap. Langenbrunner makes enough money to be a concern, whereas Shirokov will be relatively cheap if he’s even on the NHL roster. If the Canucks have cap issues, I don’t see why they’d take on an extra million dollars in cap to make this deal (assuming Shirokov is on the NHL roster otherwise).
vancouver doesn’t have salary cap issues, nor do they really have impending salary cap issues.
Looking further down the road, Vancouver probably benefits from having all these expiring contracts. Right now, they have eight players under contract for 2011-2012, at a total cap hit north of $31 million. I can’t imagine they’d like to eat into that space further on a player like Bryce Salvador. Nothing wrong with Bryce, except his $2.9 million cap hit could compound any headaches coming up for the Canucks.
but again, there are no real issues. and while the abstract ‘cap space’ sounds great, having to re-make your defense doesn’t sound great to me; they have one guy signed through next season. i imagine they re-sign one or two of these guys this summer, that would make things look quite a bit rosier.
maybe the deal works better with sami salo, but i don’t think new jersey deals langenbrunner for salo.
I look at Vancouver’s contract situation going forward (per CapGeek), and I see a team that has a good chunk of their cap tied up beyond next season in a small handful of players. $31 million for eight guys means more than half your cap (unless the number shoots wildly higher) in the core of your team. Sure, there’s plenty of dough to go around for other guys, but the money has to stretch a little to fill everything out.
Bryce Salvador might well make sense for them, maybe even more sense than Bieksa from that point of view. I still don’t see a compelling reason why they’d trade less expensive (Bieksa and Shirokov = $5.1 mil) for more expensive (Langenbrunner and Salvador = $5.7 mil) and also young (24 and 28) for old (34 and 34) unless there’s something else we don’t know.
having to re-make your defense doesn’t sound great to me
I think they have to do that even if they ship out Bieksa for Salvador. Some of those guys listed under contract on CapGeek were depth guys last season — they’re losing Willie Mitchell and Brad Lukowich to unrestrcted free agency, and while neither guy had a real prominent role (Mitchell was hurt, Lukowich spent time in the Minors after being acquired in a San Jose post-Heatley salary dump), they were counted on for something. Given they only have the one d-man under contract past next season, they’ve got decisions to make, with the guys on the roster and some of their prospects both.
maybe the deal works better with sami salo, but i don’t think new jersey deals langenbrunner for salo
I like Sami Salo, and I think he’d help the Devils out with offense from the blueline. But is he willing to waive his no-trade clause to come to New Jersey? When we start hypothesizing deals with multiple NTC players involved, things can get awfully tricky.
This was perfect. But i’d like to point out one thing about Chicago… you keep mentioning they don’t have much leverage because of heir Cap situation, but I disagree. I think the Hawks have more leverage than any team in their situation could ever hope to have and let me explain.
Their cap situation and excess of quality players is no secret to the rest of the league and I think there is going to be a feeding frenzy of offered thrown at the Hawks, allowing them to not be as cornered into a wall as we’d hope. They’re going to end up going with the best deal thrown at them AND the suitors may even start outdoing one another when they realize who else is involved and what’s being offered for the same assets.
When I emailed you, i mentioned Grabovski and I still think he’s the most realistic trade target for a 2nd line center. Yes Toronto needs offense, but Grabovski has i many way worn out his welcome and doesn’t seem to be a favorite of Burke’s. Burke has systematically been purging all traces of the team prior to him and I think Grabovski will be next on that list.
No Grabovski may be a bust, but maybe with a change of scenery and capable winger he lives up to his potential. He’s still young.
it’s not that it’s a feeding frenzy so much as chicago isn’t trying to offload bad contracts. campbell is a player i can see bringing no return at all, but versteeg will at least bring something back; sharp certainly would. these are players still basically in the prime of their careers. were they trying to offload veterans and/or players with no-trade clauses, things would be different.
Toronto is looking for centers not wingers…. They traded Stajan and really only have Grabovski and Wallin that I could recall. I think Mitchell is in there too. If they are trading Grabovski for some odd reason, they would get back probably 2 AHL centers like Walter or Sestito and a defenseman like Taormina.
"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you." - Jacques Plante
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 14, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Souray
What do you guys think about trading for Souray? Realizing that he has a hefty contract ($5.4 million), yes, but it has been confirmed by Steve Tambellini that he will be trying to trade Souray at the Draft. So trading teams should have the upper hand when negotiating with Edmonton.
Doesn’t hurt that Souray was of course drafted by NJ and that he could really help the PP.
This is not to say we should not sign Martin, I think he is the Devils 1st Priority after signing a Coach.
The big issue with Souray is his durability. He’s played regularly in the NHL since the 1997-1998 season. In those 12 seasons, he’s played 70+ games 5 times. (http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=256) $5.4 million for two more seasons is an awful lot of money to have tied up in a player who is such risk to miss significant time.
Would you rather see that money over two years put to a question mark like Souray, or would you rather see it go towards an attempt to re-sign Kovalchuk or acquire a #2 center or a more durable defenseman?
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
i’d take souray if he were traded to us for a bad contract of ours (salvador). i’d do this only after other options were extinguished. still, it’s really those long-term contracts that burn you – how much better would it be if rolston were only signed for 3 years, for instance? i’d rather have souray for 2 years than kubina at 4.x million for 4 years and gonchar at 4.x million for 3 years.
I think Gonchar will fetch more than $5 million for a couple years. Souray has two years left and can potentially fill two holes on our back end. I think if the Devils offered Bryce Salvador and maybe something like a 3rd rounder, the Oilers would happily take the deal to be honest.
Again, all of this is predicated on Martin signing and the Devils getting a viable Number 2 Center
gonchar is 36 and missed most of one season and a good part of this last one. he’s never been the strongest defensive player. and 35+ players tend to get less money. the market for players like gonchar is shrinking because of the disparity in this league between the haves and the have-nots – there’s a lot of have-nots who could afford gonchar, but why would they even want him? by the time their team is good, gonchar no longer will be.
I agree that shorter term deals are better than longer term deals . And on that note, I’d suggest that Zubrus’ contract is more of a thorn in the Devils’ side than Salvador’s contract. If we could work out a trade with Edmonton that somehow centered on Zubrus for Souray, I’d be all for it.
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
i disagree. zubrus is a much more valuable component than salvador. salvador has ended up on the back pairing both seasons since he got signed, playing not-hard minutes and not doing well with them. can he be replaced by corrente or fraser? maybe. zubrus is a guy who can play center or wing and so do adequately. he’s obviously signed for too much, but by the time he begins to seriously decline, it won’t matter – brodeur and rolston will be gone and the team will almost certainly be in much better cap shape.
Back pairing? Salvador and Greene were the #1 pairing this past season, and prior to that, he’d been playing mostly with Paul Martin.
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It is an awful lot of money, I agree. I am just thinking that the reward on that investment could potentially be large. He can clearly be an offensive-defenseman, and has the size and mean streak to be able to be a crease-clearer.
I honestly do not think Kovalchuk belongs on this team, so re-signing him would not be in my plans. With him not signing, a Number 2 Center after signing Martin and trading for Souray would still be quite possible. Im certainly open to every suggestion regarding Defenseman, just trying to think of who else could be had on the Market.
You may want to look at Vancouver’s defensemen for a potential trade target. Five of the six D that they have under contract are UFA after next season, so they may be willing to listen to offers for Christian Erhoff ($3.1 million cap hit) or Kevin Bieksa ($3.75 million cap hit).
And speaking of Vancouver, maybe Lou could take a shot at Pavol Demitra on a one year deal for the #2 center position. He’s missed a good bit of time the last three years, but he’s still been reasonably productive when he’s played (123 points in 165 games over the last three years). There’s no way anyone is going to give him near the $4 million per season he made the past two years…
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think Bieksa (-5, 85 PIM with 55 GP) is much more valuable than Salvador, and wouldnt necessarily want his character on our team. Erhoff would be great, but I dont see Vancouver giving him up.
Demitra is interesting, dunno how Lou would feel about Pavol though. But statistically (offensively at least), he would work. However, he also hasn’t managed to play more than 71 games since 2002-2003 where he tore it up in St Louis. I think there are more viable Number 2 options at Center
hasn’t demitra played most of his career at LW?
bieksa has a much more offensive game than salvador – he easily has the ability to score 10 goals and 30 assists in a season. i haven’t heard that he has character issues, though.
On the NHL’s website, he’s listed as a RW, but he’s certainly taken a fair number of draws.
This past season, he took 86 draws in 28 games, with a winning percentage of 53.5%.
In 2009-2009, he took 242 draws in 69 games, with a winning percentage of 54.6%
Unfortunately, the faceoff stats start to dim when you look back to his two years with the Wild in 2006-07, and 2007-08. He won 47.8% of 513 draws in 06-07, and 45.3% of 890 draws in 07-08.
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Only that many draws alone tell me that he was largely used as a winger. Not exactly desirable for the position. The Devils already have two options for 2nd line center who are better at wing: Elias, Zubrus. Adding a third would not be wise.
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by John Fischer on Jun 14, 2010 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Great point
That’s a really good point zelepukin. If three or four teams are trying to get in on Patrick Sharp, for example, then certainly Chicago is going to have some options as opposed to having their backs against the wall as we are all assuming they will.
I think another factor that we have to discuss, as in any trade scenario, who does New Jersey truly have that is marketable (and doesnt have a NTC).
The two players who would bring the most back are Parise and Zajac, but I think we can all agree that regardless of what you get in return, trading those two players is just ridiculous and would make our team worse.
So who else is there?
Zubrus, at age 31, is still in his “prime” and can play on the top three lines and has good size, but I don’t know if his production and salary match up. Plus, if you are going to make a trade with a team that has salary cap problems, then this player does not work.
Clarkson is a RFA, and technically isn’t signed at this point, so I don’t know how that works in any potential trade, but I think David brings something to this team with his size and tenacity that would be difficult to replace. Even if he maxes out as a 20-25 goal scorer, his size and toughness is something I wouldn’t want to give up.
Andy Greene Honestly, he may be one of our better trade options but if we don’t resign martin, then greene is an absolute must keep because he would then be our only true offensive defenseman. I suppose if we were to make a trade for kaberle and involved greene in the package, it might not be a bad trade but I doubt toronto would go straight up greene for kaberle.
Outside of that, it comes down to draft picks and prospects or a couple young guys like Fraser and Corrente who had playing time and at this point have low salaries and “unlimited” potential.
I imagine that Vladimir Zharkov would also draw some interest, and possibly Tyler Eckford as well.
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be all for Lou trading for Krejci. A $3.75m/yr for 2 more seasons, and then he’s a RFA sounds attractive. He was just over 50% on faceoffs the last 2 seasons. He’s Czech and may have some good chemistry with Elias and Zubrus on the 2nd line.
I wouldn’t mind trading a couple good developing players and a draft pick. Zharkov or Palmieri along with a defender like Fraser or Eckford. Maybe throw in a 3rd or 4th round draft pick. The Devils have plenty of wingers and stay-at-home defensemen in the farm system. The Bruins will save some cap space, giving these players another year in the AHL. The Devils take care of their center worries for the next 2 seasons, where they severely lack depth at, and giving their few centers more time to develop.
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 14, 2010 12:20 PM EDT reply actions
Shoot the Moon?
Not that I’d be likely to pay the necessary price, but has anyone considered Jason Spezza of Ottawa? It seems likely that the Senators will trade him before July 1st (he has an NTC that kicks in then), and his contract makes it likely you could get him for something of a discount.
He’d certainly solve some of the problems many of us fans on this blog want addressed — he’d center either the first or second line, he is very good on face-offs, and he can play in all situations. Given his cap hit ($7 million per season through 2014-2015) and that he has more-or-less asked out of Ottawa, I think there’s possibly something to be had there. Perhaps trading a prospect or two, plus one of your bigger contracts — Brian Rolston would be most ideal, but I’d settle for moving Zubrus or Salvador (each of whom I’d prefer to keep around, but the money has to work somewhere) — would be enough to get into the discussion.
No Thanks To Spezza!
So, acasser, you want the turnover king, Jason Spezza. Granted he dangles, but he also gives up the puck A LOT.
I’d love Patrice Bergeron.
by Marty's Better #30 on Jun 14, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
So does Kovalchuk but were not getting Spezza under the cap. You can’t have Parise, Kovalchuk, Elias, and Spezza unless they trade someone like Zubrus or Langenbrunner which has a NTC. There are teams with better return right now then the Devils have now.
"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you." - Jacques Plante
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 14, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus doesn’t have an NTC. And if Spezza was brought in, that would certainly mean the end of Kovalchuck’s time with the Devils
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m saying I’d do my due diligence and at least explore the possibility. He would fill the gaping hole we all believe we have at 2nd-line center, and I think he’d mesh reasonably well with Elias on the left and Zubrus on the right. Sure, he has warts, such as turning the puck over, but what player in this league doesn’t have some flaw in their game? Consider:
- He puts up very good numbers. Throughout his career, he’s been in the vicinity of a point-per-game. You can certainly attribute some of that success to the talent he’s had around him (most notably when Ottawa’s #1 line was Spezza-Alfredsoon-Heatley), but he’s been consistent since the NHL came back from the lost year. More than that, he has shown the ability to put the puck in the net (three 30-goal seasons, plus two 20s and a 19 in his last six NHL seasons).
- He’s reasonably young (27), so you can build for the long term around him.
- He puts up terrific numbers on the power play. Again, a lot of that can be given a healthy assist from the talent around him, but the PP is another spot where the Devils could use some help.
- His playoff numbers are also noteworthy. Outside Ottawa’s first-round demolition in 2008 (at the hands of the Penguins, IIRC), he’s produced at a point-per-game pace since the lockout there as well.
- Sure, he turns over the puck a lot, but so do many players who carry the puck all the time. Could he be more careful with the puck? Lots of players can do that, too. I imagine that if he were skating with Elias, Patty might do some of the lugging.
If you re-sign Kovalchuk, there’s no good reason to bring in Spezza (or any high-priced FA for that matter), given the potential cap issues and the like. I’m considering Spezza as an alternative to that. As much as I love Ilya and will bang the drum for his return, I’m starting to believe it isn’t going to happen — and I’m convinced that if he hits the open market, he’s gone.
I don’t know that the Devils have the pieces to make a trade with Ottawa work, either. I don’t know that I’d be willing to meet whatever Ottawa’s asking price is going to be. I still think it should be explored.
the thought of spezza crossed my mind. the only way the devils would make such a trade would be if they could unload rolston in the process, but i sincerely doubt ottawa would be willing to do that. if the sens really want to get rid of spezza, they will be able to find a team that is willing to take spezza without giving back another bad contract.
as big and bad as spezza’s contract is, he is that good – centers with his playmaking and passing ability are rare. that he might be able to rebound and perform up to the level demanded by his salary isn’t out of the question.
I still think he won’t be dealt. Ottawa is to good to let their number 1 center go like Spezza. I know they have Fisher but he isn’t the same type of caliber of Spezza. The only deal that would I would accept for Spezza would be the Edmonton one from the Heatley trade. Cogliano, Penner, and Smid?NJ wouldn’t draw must interest unless it was Zajac and another rookie. I would take Zajac over Spezza any day.
"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you." - Jacques Plante
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 14, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Spezza is an issue in Ottawa for two reasons. His contract could turn into a headache, especially with a no-trade kicking in July 1st. Also, he’s supposedly unhappy, and numerous reports claim he’s asked to be dealt. It may not be a case of Ottawa wanting to deal him, but having their hand forced for other reasons. The draft is the obvious time to do it, given the other GMs are there, and Ottawa still has leverage, most of which they’ll lose when Spezza can veto deals.
If I’m Ottawa, and I’m obliged to deal him, I’m banishing him to the West anyhow similar to Heatley. I don’t know that Edmonton would be a good landing spot, after their most recent season and with Heatley having burned them last year…. but I could see some of the other teams out West that want to make a splash putting in a bid.
I brought Spezza up because I think he’s just as likely a candidate to fill the #2 center position as some of the guys discussed in other threads. I think the idea of Plekanec or Marleau is iffy at best, because I doubt the Devils will overpay compared to other clubs that will view one or the other as their savior. Those who have advocated Tedenby or Josefson I believe are putting too much pressure on unproven kids. As for second-tier choices like Lombardi or Malhotra…. maybe, but I imagine other teams will see much the same thing we have and put in competitive bids.
Krejci
I like the idea of Krejci, though I admit to being a bit worried about what the cost to acquire him would be.
I also like that he’s RFA after his contract expires rather than UFA. With Zajac to re-sign, and Josefsen and Henrique on the way, there doesn’t seem to be a roster spot for Krejci long-term. But since he’s only RFA, it seems like it would be easier to flip him either during or after the 2011-2012 season.
I say trade with Boston. They’re stacked at center, they’ve got 4 centers deep+ prospects like Colbourne and Hamil as well, while the Devils have a ton of wingers on the roster and prospects at wing. A trade for Krejci/Bergeron involving Zharkov or Clarkson going the other way might work for both teams
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 14, 2010 3:59 PM EDT reply actions
So, David Krejci the 52 point scorer who is in Boston’s plan for the future and Bergeron who we haven’t heard anything about trade bait as I recall, the other 52 point scorer for Zharkov, the 10 point scorer and Clarkson who will have a great career. It just doesn’t seem equal to Boston. There potentially giving away a future 1st line center and a 2nd line center for a tough guy that could put up 50 points and a winger that hasn’t proven anything yet as in goals.
"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you." - Jacques Plante
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 14, 2010 4:13 PM EDT reply actions
I think that was supposed to mean Krejci OR Bergeron, not both.
by HockeyWeasel on Jun 14, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
O yeah. Sorry. I would think Bergeron would be the one traded since Krejci is the younger one.
"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you." - Jacques Plante
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 14, 2010 4:55 PM EDT reply actions
Offseason trades
Just re-read John’s post, and noticed this line.
Since then, however, I’ve been stumped. Unless I’m not recalling something in recent history, Lou doesn’t usually make a big trade in the offseason. bq
I can only recall two trades offseason trades that could be remotely classified as “big.” The first was after the Cup win in 1995 when Claude Lemieux was shipped out and Steve Thomas came in. And the second is the one prior to the 2002-2003 season when Lou sent Petr Sykora and Mike Commodore to Anaheim for Jeff Friesen and Oleg Tverdovsky.
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