2010 Devils Offseason: Who on the Chicago Blackhawks Should New Jersey Target?
by John Fischer on Jun 4, 2010 8:32 PM EDT
in Devils Issues, Views & Analysis
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PrintLet's think a little outside the box. For most of May and in the past week, I've been focusing on who the New Jersey Devils should sign as free agents; from explaining why re-signing Paul Martin is important to detailing why Ilya Kovalchuk may not be a good signing to looking at a number of unrestricted free agent centers by GVT and on-ice stats. However, I've been thinking largely of free agents until ILWT user Zelepukin suggested to me by email about realistic trade targets, namely a center. I started pondering it until a proverbial lightning bolt struck my mind today.
The Chicago Blackhawks are over the salary cap for 2010-11, with $57,598,003 committed to 14 players per CapGeek. That's right. They're short at least 3 forwards, 2 defensemen, and a back-up goaltender. Even if the salary cap goes up a bit (say, $2 million), they'll likely be up against the ceiling;so much so that there wouldn't be any space to fill the whole roster with just league-minimum-paid players. Chicago truly is a win-now team and if they win the Stanley Cup now - as I hope considering the opposition - then it would all be worth it. Until management realizes all of their free agents, including their 15 restricted free agents (e.g. Antti Niemi, Nicklas Hjalmarsson, Andrew Ladd), can't be retained at all without clearing significant space.
Let me put it this way: It's a Western Conference team; they are already over the cap for next season right now; and they need to sign players just to have a full roster. They need to dump salary and have practically no leverage.
What better trade partner for the New Jersey Devils? I decided to take a look through CapGeek and did some quick research at Behind the Net to see who would be a good target should Lou want to make a deal this summer. I focused on defensemen and potential centers, as those are the Devils' needs. Read on to see what I think of the possibilities of the Devils picking up a Blackhawk in a deal.
What about an offer sheet if they have so many RFAs?
The Devils don't have a first round draft pick, so any offer sheet the Devils would offer would have to be low so they could meet potential compensation. If it's going to be a low amount, some other team with a first rounder could just offer more and beat the Devils to a signing.
Not to mention that offer sheets tend to burn bridges with other team's management; and if there's one thing that Lou does well, it's ensuring he has options at all times.
Besides, I'm more interested in the players the Devils could get via trade. No offer sheet would be needed, no hope that Chicago couldn't qualify a player, and . Sure, the Devils will have to take on some salary and possibly give up a few prospects. Yet, known assets are better than unknown assets if only for knowing what you'll get in return.
Speaking of, just for reference, here's Chicago's GVT from this past season at Behind the Net.
Who the Chicago Blackhawks (probably) Won't Dump
I can't imagine the Blackhawks dumping any of their players who have no trade or no movement clauses. You shouldn't hope that the Devils could somehow swing Jonathan Toews (NMC), Patrick Kane (NMC), Brian Campbell (limited NTC), or Duncan Keith (NMC). They are Chicago's most important players and they're signed to huge deals anyway per the links to CapGeek in the prior sentence. Blackhawks fans should be protesting if they go anywhere else - even if they do raise Lord Stanley's Cup this month. The Devils don't even need Toews as Travis Zajac is the top center; and New Jersey really doesn't need another winger unless some other right wing is going the other way.
Personally, I would love Keith in a Devils uniform, but he would bring a cap hit of roughly $5.5 million through 2022-23. Really, the contract is that long. Why not just re-sign Martin for that amount and not commit to such a long contract. Campbell has a list of 8 teams he can be traded to, but who knows if New Jersey is one of them and I don't want the Devils to add $7.1 million to their hit in the season prior to a making a necessary Zach Parise contract extension.
The only other contract Chicago probably can't dump is Marian Hossa given that his deal is a $5.275 million cap hit running through 2021. The Devils don't need a winger anyway and definitely not someone who's going to take up a large part of a team's salary cap for a decade.
Possible Targets: Who the Chicago Blackhawks Might Dump
Defensemen (CapGeek page in parentheses)
Brent Seabrook ($3,500,000 cap hit, RFA in 2011) - Keith's normal partner, the more defensive-minded Seabrook knows how to bring the pain and has some good offensive instincts. His contributions on defense, by defensive GVT, was second only to Keith. In 2009-10, the SA/60 and GA/60 increased when he came on the ice at even strength; but only 1.3 from 21.1 to 22.4 shots against per 60, and 0.09 in GA/60 to 2.45. Not bad when you consider he had the highest quality of competition at even strength on the team per Behind the Net. In 2008-09, the impact was only 0.3 more in SA/60 and 0.04 more in GA/60; an on-ice SA/60 of 25.0 and a GA/60 of 2.11. Those are solid numbers that are even more impressive when you consider he faced the highest quality of competition in 08-09 too. He's been great in Chicago; my main question is whether he would be as effective on a different team. He's talented, but how much of is his work due to being next to the amazing Keith? My second question, how much better could he get on a blueline given he's only 25?
Probability: Somewhat low. He'd help strengthen the backend of the Devils blueline, but perhaps not so much on offense. Still, he could still breakout. In any case, Seabrook is going to look for more money, but after next season. If I were Chicago, I wouldn't mess with the Keith-Seabrook connection unless absolutely necessary.
Brent Sopel ($2,333,333 cap hit, UFA in 2011) - Sopel is a more experienced defenseman who had some nice offensive numbers. In Vancouver. As a Blackhawk, his production dropped largely because his ice time dropped. In this past season, he only averaged 14:51, the fifth most of Chicago defensemen who played at least 20 games. A positive for Sopel is that he's played 77 games in 09-10 as his player page has a long list of injuries for Sopel. Durability is a concern on top of the fact that he's not really a two-way defenseman anymore. Maybe he would be if he wasn't on such a loaded blueline.
Probability: Below-average. Chicago could save some decent space by dumping Sopel. Would the Devils necessarily gain from having Sopel on their team? I'm not so sure, but if his time in Chicago is evident of anything, then he'll probably not add many points to the Devils' defense.
Centers
Patrick Sharp ($3,900,000 cap hit, UFA in 2012) - Now here's a center - sort of. He's taken 400-500 faceoffs for Chicago in recent seasons, so he's likely split time at wing and center; but he has been in both roles. He was primarily a center when he took over 1,000 draws in 06-07. Since then he's broken out as a hybrid winger, but I'm willing to put him at center for New Jersey. Sharp's been productive to the tune of 87 goals and 172 points in 223 games over the past three seasons. In 09-10, only Kane and Toews has been on the ice for more even strength goals than Sharp, who was present for 61; and Sharp did it with a lower quality of competition than both per Behind the Net. In fact, a quick look at the past three seasons finds Sharp outscoring opponents at even strength in all three, and against a quality of competition around zero (average) in the last two. Plus, his defensive GVT of 5.5 last seasons suggests he knows how to play a little defense too. Speaking of GVT, his shootout results is the only reason why his total GVT is fifth on the team instead of fourth.
$3.9 million is a little pricey, but I think he would be excellent as a #2 center behind Zajac. Zajac can take the tough minutes, Sharp can clean up behind him, and that Sharp has two seasons on his deal provides some stability at the position.
Probability: Above average. Clearing close to $4 million would help Chicago out, and the Devils could use Sharp at center on a scoring line. Provided Chicago doesn't ask for too much in terms of prospects, I would definitely be interested in trying to get him if I were Lou.
Dave Bolland ($3,375,000 cap hit, UFA in 2014) - Bolland is tough to figure out. In 08-09, he had a good sophomore season in Chicago with 19 goals and 49 points. His on-ice and off-ice numbers at Behind the Net show that when he was on the ice at even strength, the goals for per 60 and shots for per 60 went up big time (while the shots against and goals against went up too). Yet, this past season wasn't so good for Bolland, as he missed 41 games due to back surgery. Therefore, his GVT was low in 2009-10, his on-ice numbers aren't as impressive, and that he's only 23 and had back surgery has to raise a question or two. That said, he's been pretty good in the playoffs so far with 6 goals and 12 assists and he's definitely not playing like someone who's hurt. A fully healthy season should hopefully see him back to producing like the player that earned his current contract. Maybe even better since Bolland's only 23. At least he out-scored his opposition with a fairly high quality of competition in 08-09 and 09-10 seasons at even strength.
One thing is certain, however, he is definitely a center having taken 1,177 faceoffs in his last full season; and his ice time could suggest he was the #2 center in Chicago. I am assuming that Hawks played checking center Sami Pahlsson in a checking role, of course.
Probability: Low. Bolland's young and the Hawks committed to him for 5 years when they signed him. Given that he's still developing as a player at age 23 and he could very well be their #2 center, I doubt Chicago would want to give him up now. Especially if they think he'll be better than Sharp soon. As for the Devils, Bolland wouldn't be such a bad idea for a target as he's definitely a center and he has experience playing against tough competition. I'd rather see the Devils take in-his-prime and clearly more offensive Sharp over Bolland.
Your Take
Again, here's the whole list from CapGeek for Chicago. There are other forwards Chicago could move. Yet, Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien, Tomas Kopecky, and Troy Brouwer were wingers this past season and will likely continue to be wingers. A position the Devils really don't need unless they're swapping winger for winger. Perhaps I am mistaken and you feel the Devils should at least kick the proverbial tires on obtaining such players.
I'd also keep a close eye on whether Chicago doesn't qualify some of their pending restricted free agents. Unless I'm mistaken, that would make the unrestricted free agents. Someone like Colin Fraser or Niklas Hjalmarsson wouldn't be terrible ideas; though I wouldn't immediately demand that the Devils must jump on them if available.
Of course, it's entirely possible the Hawks dump players the Devils don't need, like Cristobal Huet and his contract with a $5.625 million cap hit, to get to safety. Plus, while Chicago won't have much leverage since their need to dump salary is no secret to anyone in the NHL, some players may draw great deals. Still, if the Devils want to make a trade or two to improve the team, then I believe there's no better partner in a better position (for NJ) than the Chicago Blackhawks.
If nothing else, they are an example of how "now" a "win-now" team can possibly be.
In any case, let me know what you think in the comments. Who on the Blackhawks would you want in Devils red through a trade? Who would you be willing to give up for someone like Patrick Sharp or Dave Bolland? Can you make a better case for the Devils to trade for these players? Can you make a case as to why the Devils shouldn't trade for any Hawks this summer?
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RFAs
Keep in mind free agency is after the 2010 draft, so offer sheets bring 2011 draft picks into play, so we do in fact have a first rounder. That said, I believe as well a trade is the way to go. The Blackhawks are obviously going to want picks or prospects if they are dumping salary.
Ah, I didn’t know that! Thanks for that. So the Devils could make a good offer sheet. I still doubt Lou would want to go down that road.
I do agree that a trade with Chicago may mean giving up a good prospect since that’s all Chicago will want in return. I’d be willing to see that happen: known assets are more valuable than unknown assets.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
I wouldn't like the idea of another 1st round pick getting away.
It’s no way a waste, but I would prefer building within with the development and farm programs the Devils have. I wouldn’t mind a trade though. If the devils fail to wrap up Clarkson, I would mind trading for Byfuglien. He has really impressed me this postseason. His GFON and GFImpact aren’t very good but he’s got a big body and plays the boards well. Three straight 30+ point seasons is nice too and 4 GW playoff goals this year (3 against SJ). He’ll be in a contract year and a RFA, so a gd chance to resign him if he plays well. And with a hit of only $3 million, he may be worth trading for say Palmieri and Zharkov and a maybe a late draft pick.
Ha ha… I love the title when I first read it. I absolutely love Patrick Sharp as a player especially now that he just scored but Chicago blew it. (Now 3-1). He would be excellent with or without Kovalchuk and Patty. A one two punch of Parise and Kovalchuk and Zajac and Sharp would be dominant. I don’t see any defenseman coming here in a trade. I love Teith (Keith) though. What would it take for Sharp though. Thats a big question..
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 4, 2010 9:21 PM EDT reply actions
I would love to see Patrick Sharp come to NJ. But the cost to acquire him frightens me a little bit. The players that Chicago would most likely be most interested in would seem to be Zharkov, Tedenby, and Josefsen, all players who I would not want to see sent to Chicago.
I think the Devils’ best chance might be to take another contract, say Brent Sopel, off the Blackhawks’ hands to lower the asking price a bit. In that case, I’d be willing to part with Halischuck, Eckford, and one other minor leaguer or a draft pick ranging from a 2nd rounder to a 4th rounder.
(As an aside, Zubrus’ contract runs one season longer than Sharp’s at a slightly lower cap hit. If Chicago could be persuaded to take him as well, that would be awesome.)
Duncan Keith just signed a new deal, the one that starts next year and runs through 2022-2023. Chicago intends to build their blue line around him — if they didn’t, there wouldn’t be a reason to give him a thirteen-year deal in the first place. I’d consider him completely untouchable, along with Toews and Kane (who also got new deals that start next season).
As for Brian Campbell, I think Chicago would be willing to rid themselves of him just for some cap relief. He’s a good player, and I’d take him on my team if not for that ridiculous contract. He got that deal because he was the top defenseman on the market, and it is quite evident that he’s overpaid and has too much length left, both of which seriously compromise his value. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — I believe Chicago would do a Campbell-for-Rolston deal if you offered it to them.
Chicago is over a barrel with their cap situation, and they know it. There’s no reason to offer them a premium prospect or good draft picks to take salary off their hands, unless you’re worried about another team swooping in and getting to a player before you. Remember the situation the Devils were in a few years back, and how they had to give San Jose a first-round pick just to rid themselves of Vladimir Malakhov’s contract. Chicago isn’t going to have an easy time, because they’re just entering their window of opportunity to win multiple Cups, and the rest of the league isn’t going to be inclined to do charity work and help them out of their own bungling.
Patrick Sharp is a nice player, but don’t go overboard for him. You’re looking at a $4 million cap hit for a guy who has had two above average seasons (this one, and ‘07-’08)…. and I’d say he certainly benefits from playing with a great supporting cast that doesn’t require him to do too much. Frankly, he screams “Dainius Zubrus” at me, and while Zubrus is a pretty nice player as well, there’s no need to put close to $8 million of cap space into a pair of forwards who are chronic underachievers. Take Sharp off Chicago’s hands at the right price, but make the Blackhawks pay the premium in return for getting the contract off their books, rather than making a pure “hockey trade”.
Wait, Sharp’s an underachiever? How? He’s been quite good in the last three seasons, 08-09 cut a little short due to injury.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jun 4, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
My recollection is that he was expected to do more than he did during his Philadelphia days…. and when he didn’t, they got rid of him for the first half-decent offer (a prospect I’ve never heard from since and a mid-round draft pick) that came along.
I could be wrong, and remembering things that weren’t the case…. but the better source to ask on that one would be a faithful Flyers follower who might remember his run with the club.
I believe Chicago would do a Campbell-for-Rolston deal if you offered it to them
The Hawks need to make some serious room and trading for a player like Rolston at just over $5 million for 2 years just hinders it. If they have a chanse to trade Campbell for some prospects and draft picks and open up $7 million for six years ($42 million cap space total), why would they agree to trade for Rolston and lose over $10 million in space (total). Plus, you can’t say the Hawks would trade an overpaid defender for an overpaid (and an older) forward.
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 4, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
i don’t see why they would do that deal. campbell may not be earning his full contract, but swapping him for rolston only gives them a net of 2 mil of space. they need a lot more space than that and campbell still provides better value for his contract that rolston does. chicago could do a lot better.
And as for the Devils getting Campbell’s contract; you can say goodbye to at least 2 of of these 3 (Martin, Kovy and Parise). The Devils will now have some cap problems next season (if you trade Campbell for Rolston right now and with no signings this off season, the Devils would have just over a $32 million payroll for 8 players )
And like you said:
Remember the situation the Devils were in a few years back, and how they had to give San Jose a first-round pick just to rid themselves of Vladimir Malakhov’s contract.
No one wants that situation again for the Devils..
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 4, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t say the Devils should do a Rolston-for-Campbell swap. If I were Lou, and Chicago called to offer me that, I’d start laughing and hang up the phone. I wholeheartedly believe that Chicago would look at trades like that, both for the short-term savings and because of the long-term cap relief it would provide by getting Campbell’s albatross of a deal off their backs. When you compare the two deals, neither one is very good but the pain of Rolston’s deal is almost done. Whomever gets Brian Campbell is stuck with that money for a long, long time.
Also, look at the trade as one step of a multi-step process. I imagine many teams looking at Chicago for salary dumps are more interested in their forwards. If the Blackhawks could trade Campbell for a forward, even an overpaid one with a (not quite as) bad contract like Rolston, it makes it more palatable to shed a few forwards and not necessarily worry about picking up forwards in return.
Again, I don’t do a Rolston/Campbell trade if I am Lou Lamorello, but that’s the sort of thinking I might employ if I were Chicago’s GM, trying to solve one problem and helping another team out by offering to take one of their problems in return. Fire sale/salary dump type of deals are not always “hockey trades”…. sometimes they’re just lopsided transactions where one side is desperate to shed salary and the other gets talent in return for taking on some problems.
You don't have to say it twice...I never said you said the Devils should make the trade either...
I was just offering my opinion on why the Hawks wouldn’t offer that trade (Campbell for Rolston), because they aren’t opening as much space for the next 2 years as they would if they traded him for some prospects and draft picks instead (it opens up over 10 millions over 2 years). That’s in my previous reply to your original comment.
As for your reply to my comment; It’s necessary to look at both sides of the deals and I felt it was needed to realize the problems the Devils would have if Campbell for Rolston trade rumors emerged and even worse, done.
Overall though, we agree that the Devils shouldn’t and won’t agree to that trade. We’re in disagreement about the Hawks actually offering it.
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 5, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Sharp was one of the Hawks best players in 07-08, when both Toews and Kane were rookies. Kane had a strong season but I really don’t think they were the reason Sharp scored 36 goals, including 7 SHGs. Perhaps we can find more info on who his linemates were and/or some kind of analysis on his impact (and the impact of Toews and Kane on his performance).
Frankly, he screams "Dainius Zubrus" at me
I don’t see Sharp as being the next Zubrus. Sharp is a way better player than Zubie with more offensive skill.
Here’s Zubrus’ numbers over the past 3 years.
07-08:
GP- 82
G- 13
A- 25
P- 38 points
08-09:
GP- 82
G- 15
A- 25
P- 40 points
09-10:
GP- 51
G- 10
A- 17
P- 27 points
Here’s Sharp’s numbers the last 3 seasons
07-08:
GP- 80
G- 36
A- 26
P- 62 points
08-09:
GP- 61
G- 26
A- 18
P- 44 points
09-10:
GP- 82
G- 25
A- 41
P- 66 points
You can say the linemates and the missing games but Zubus was on the second line with Patty most of the 2 years.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 4, 2010 10:04 PM EDT reply actions
Patrick Sharp has certainly put up better numbers than Zubrus the last couple of years. Still, I don’t believe that he’s worth both the cap hit and the price in prospects and picks that are being discussed here. Frankly, I think Sharp has had two good years, and a third that was interrupted by injury but looked like it might be good. Before that, however, he was a disappointment in Philadelphia (66 games, 10-5-15 over parts of three seasons, before being traded to the Blackhawks).
Which Patrick Sharp do you get if you trade for him? Do you get the guy that didn’t perform in Philly, and who was unceremoniously dumped on Chicago? Do you get the guy scoring and killing penalties in Chicago? Do you get something in between?
He doesn’t put up huge numbers on the power play, and never really has. Either he isn’t being asked to play that important role, or he isn’t performing up to those standards. If it is the former, will he continue to put up points if you ask him to play a regular shift with Parise or Elias? If it is the latter, why would you expect his numbers to suddenly improve when the weight of expectations are greater and the team around him not as offensively gifted or inclined?
For $4 million on the cap, it seems an awfully big risk to me…. especially when we already have Rolston and Zubrus clogging cap space and not giving you numbers you’d equate with their paychecks.
I think it must be said that Sharp was just starting out his career in Philly and he’s in his prime now with Chicago. He’s a developed player now, back then, he was still a work-in-progress. You’re right that who he’s around is an important question to ask. But he’s not like Zubrus, who never even topped 30 goals or 60 points in a season and came close largely because he was often on a line with some guy in Washington named Alex Ovechkin in 05-06.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jun 4, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
we don’t get to see much of sharp now that he’s in the western conference, but he seems to be a different player since he left philly. players develop at different rates and you can never be sure exactly when a young player will have a breakout season, but i’d imagine sharp’s improvement in play is substantially due to maturation of his game and a pro’s understanding of what it takes to succeed day in and day out. 66 games over 3 seasons? he wasn’t given much of an opportunity to play consistently in philly, it seems.
you mentioned “the price in prospects and picks that are being discussed here”. only Hockeyweasel has put together a tangible proposal of Sharp and Sopel for Halischuk and Eckford plus a little more. i think the point of this article is that given the exigence of the blackhawks’ cap situation (which wouldn’t even be fully relieved by dumping sharp and sopel given the raises that niemi and hjalmarsson have earned themselves), the blackhawks may well be GIVING away players. you yourself mentioned how the devils gave away a first round pick to rid themselves of malakhov.
it’s hard to predict what it would take to acquire sharp. on the one hand, teams love acquiring players who have just won the cup (as i believe the hawks will do despite their loss tonight). on the other hand, everyone recognizes the incredible bind that the hawks are in and will want to take advantage of that rather than get into an expensive bidding war. i don’t think it’s inconceivable that chicago will have to throw in a 1st or 2nd rd draft pick to sweeten a deal for any team to take on huet’s contract. sopel’s contract is more palatable, especially because it’s only got one year left, but some team may well be able to get sopel for (basically) free. sharp’s contract is more palatable still, but i think he could be had for very cheap.
i would put in a pretty lowball bid of say, matt halischuk or a third round draft pick straight up, or a swap of 2nd round picks. i don’t expect chicago to take back any of our bad contracts. if we get outbid, so be it, i won’t be crying a river – i refuse to get into a bidding war for a player that they MUST dump.
Thats when he started off in Philly when they were terrible..
Sharp has blossomed since he went to Chicago. He’s worth a top 4 prospect, a draft pick, and a deph player. What center would you want then?
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
sopel is godawful, it’s like lyle odelein was his coach in junior. i have no clue how he is a top 4 defenseman on this team because he is simply a disaster. i’ll be shocked if anyone pays anything for him. he will go for a non-prospect or a 7th round pick, if they can even find a place for him.
in general though, chicago will have people bidding on these players – not high bids, but there will be bids. chicago won’t be overly desperate – they only have to get rid of 1 or 2 guys if they decide to put huet in the minors.
i think someone will overpay for sharp if chicago manages to win the cup. he’s an interesting piece but he is overpaid and he’s another non-center who plays center – the devils have two of these in elias and zubrus, i’m not convinced they need another one.
He would be better than Skoula..
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 10:36 AM EDT reply actions
My girlfriend is from Chicago so I speak often with a lot of Hawks fans …
From what they’ve said, one of the first things the Hawks do this offseason is waive Huet and bury him in the minors, if someone actually claims then that’s even better for them. This removes almost $6 million from their cap, of course they still have to pay the $6 million but thats not an issue for Chicago.
Defensemen: Campbell is viewed as their #4 defenseman (behind Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson) but given his contract he is not going anywhere. I like Seabrook but I think they’ll be able to retain him by waiving Huet. As noted above Sopel is an average player at best (probably more a below average player) so he won’t provide the upgrade we need on the back end. Hjalmarsson is young and is quickly moving up their depth chart, don’t think the Hawks will move him.
Forwards: The names Ive heard the Hawks fans toss around the most for potential trades are Sharp and Byfuglien. I like both players, although Byfuglien is a bit streaky and not as consistent. He could add a nice element to the Devils power play and would bring more of a physical presence but his contract is a bit high for what he does (I think its about $3.5 mil). I think Sharp on the other hand would fit in nicely and there is a good possibility he gets traded. His versatility could be helpful – center or wing and can play the point of the power play. Based on his play in Chicago I think he is a solid 2nd liner (I agree with John that he was a young player on a bad Flyers team) who brings speed and a decent two-way game (he had a number of SHGs a few years ago, 07-08 I think). If the Blackhawks are trying to dump salary it likely requires a prospect and/or pick(s) to get him.
Byfuglien cap hit and salary is $3 million; He's a RFA after next season.
So they want to waive Huet? He’ll most likely be picked up on waivers IMO. I wonder what Niemi will ask for (he’s a RFA), win of lose this series? They could gain only about $2 to $3 million in net cap space, still far from what they need.
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 5, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't understand why we'd take Byfuglien?
We have a David Clarkson. You want to argue that Big Buff is a better player, go ahead. However NJ doesn’t need two players who play the same physical game.
I think Sharp is a great trade target. Anyone bringing up his record in Philly needs to just let it go… for the past 3 seasons he’s proven who he is as a player consistently. My only concern is Sharp reminds me a lot of Zajac, which is not necessarily a bad thing. But it’d be nice to add a playmaker in the middle in my opinion, opposed to having two solid two-wayers. But this is NJ and Lou love two-way players.
Also when I emailed John some other possible trade targets I threw out there were: Mikhail Grabovski and Nathan Horton. Yes somewhat damaged goods and under-achievers… but both are young and maybe a fresh start is what they need. Kind of like the one Sharp got in Chicago?
I said this a little further up on a previous comment....
I wouldn’t mind a trade though. If the devils fail to wrap up Clarkson, I would mind trading for Byfuglien.
by Matthew Ventolo on Jun 5, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
He’ll most likely be picked up on waivers IMO
I doubt it. A better UFA goalie like Theodore can be had for less. Plus, Huet has what, 2 more years at $5.5 million per season? Ouch.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Red Line Station: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
(note name change)
by red army line on Jun 6, 2010 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions
What if Clarkson signs elsewhere for ridiculous money?
Then Buff daddy is useful. I would still take Sharpie over Buff since we need a center more than another winger. If Chicago waived Huet does that mean they have to pay his salary? If so, I don’t see why the Devils shouldn’t be interested
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 1:00 PM EDT reply actions
How exactly would Clarckson sign elsewhere?
He’s a RFA, coming off an injury that sidelined him for half the season. He’s not going or signing anywhere.
If Chicago waives Huet and he’s claimed, whoever clams him is on the hook for 2.8mill (as is Chicago). While that may be enticing for some team in desperate need for a starting goaltender, I don’t see (nor would I want) NJ paying Huet almost 3 million a year to be a back-up.
If Chicago waives Huet and he’s claimed, whoever clams him is on the hook for 2.8mill (as is Chicago).
That’s only if Huet is claimed on re-entry waivers coming back from the Minors. If the Blackhawks put him on waivers, and he’s claimed directly in that process, the team making the claim is on the hook for everything.
This is why Our Hated Rivals waited before putting in a claim on Sean Avery when they re-acquired him from Dallas at the 2009 trade deadline. If they claimed him when Dallas first banished him, they’d be on the hook for close to $4 million on the cap. By waiting and cutting the deal with the Stars, they only absorb half the hit (although they pay the entire salary).
If we can get Huet for nothing it would be a steal.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Why in the world the Devils pick up Huet and eat half of his $5+ million cap hit when they can get a back-up for close to league minimum?
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
I said for nothing. As in his salary would be eaten by the Hawks. Like the Gary Mathews Jr. pickup. LA ate his salary.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 6, 2010 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Under the current NHL rules, you cannot retain salary (i.e. eat cap space) as part of a trade. Brian Burke keeps proposing to allow teams to carry “dead cap” by eating part of the contract they wish to trade away, as a tool by which to facilitate more trades and give teams some options to unload the really putrid deals. While I don’t think very highly of Burke in general, this is one of his ideas I think would be very good for the game.
Alas, the Board of Governors has never taken this idea seriously enough to even propose it to the Players Association and amend the salary cap. Maybe in the next CBA. As things stand now, the only way the Devils could get Huet for the league minimum is for him to be claimed in re-entry waivers on several different occasions (each time, the receiving team would pay half of the cap hit the previous team took by claiming him by that method) …. and I don’t think that’s a likely scenario.
Alright thanks.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 7, 2010 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Clarkson can still receive offers from another team and if say Toronto comes with a 4 milion dollar contract do you think Lou would match that? Alright now I know for Huet. I wouldn’t do that. Thanks.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
It would be more than $4 million, the Devils would get Toronto’s picks in the next draft if that was the case. I like Clarkson but if Toronto wants to give him that much, then goodbye Clarkson – take the picks and run with them.
In any case, no, Clarkson only has to be qualified to ensure his rights would stay with NJ as a RFA. He will be.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Thanks
I would have to takes their pick given it would probably be in the top 10 in the draft. This clears things up.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Toronto doesn’t have their #1 pick in the 2011 draft, so they can’t make a high-end offer like that. Boston has that from the Phil Kessel thing.
According to Burke when he traded for Kessel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeIQetktOSg&feature=related
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh and I don’t think Clarkie will sign elsewhere. I was just putting it as a possibilty.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
We need Marleau, no he will demand too much. We need Plekanec, no he will want to much. The only other name that entices that me that we can have a realistic chance at getting is Sharp.
This guy is good. He is responsible on the ice and can rack up good points.
by Marty's Better #30 on Jun 5, 2010 6:42 PM EDT reply actions
The only thing is that he is not a FA. It will take players and prospects to get Sharp. Who would you trade for him?
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
Under the circumstances, Sharp is worth a pick or a prospect, maybe a combination of both, but nothing exorbitant. Chicago is also earning cap space so the price comes down. In fact, if JVB were so inclined for the $$, I’d take Sopel along with Sharp to lower the asking price and if he doesn’t pan out in NJ, bury him in the minors for the year. I’d trade – as an example – Vasyunov and a 4th rounder – for Sharp and Sopel. Under normal circumstances that’s insane. Considering the cap space in play I think it’s pretty fair.
Its a fair deal since they are shedding cap. Chicago would get screwed over but hey it works out for us!
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 5, 2010 8:40 PM EDT reply actions
Sign me up for...
Seabrook or Sharp. The problem is, Chicago will likely be after the best draft picks for 2010 and 2011, which is out the door, the Devils gave up enough picks for Kovalchuk. But Brent Seabrook would be absolutely phenomenal to pick up.
Yankees in baseball, Giants in football and Devils in hockey. It's that simple. I have no off-season.
I disagree with your D. Keith comment
He’s making $5+ M through 2023 or something, and he’s worth it. You don’t sign Martin that long because Keith is 10000000x better. He’s second only to Doughty, and even that is debatable. If they shipped Keith out, you take the deal.
Yankees in baseball, Giants in football and Devils in hockey. It's that simple. I have no off-season.
Chicago’s immediate cap crisis was created by signing Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith to these long-term deals a few months ago. I think it is safe to say that none of those three are available in a trade as a salary dump…. after all, if Chicago didn’t believe in them and want to build around them, they would have shopped them as RFAs instead.
We Need Star D-Man!
We need a star d-man. We have to elite fowards right now, in Zach Parise and Travis Zajac.
Were missing that guy who just dominates the ‘d’ game.
Look at Hawks.
Kane, Tpews, Keith
Look at Pens
Crosby, Malkin, Gonchar
Look at Wings
Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lindstrom.
We need that D-Man. I was hoping Dion Phaneuf would have been that guy. Say all you want about him being a “cancer” in the locker room. Thing is, this guy is a hitter, can get dirty sometimes with hits occasionally which entices me, and can score.
Oh, what could have been if we had him.
by Marty's Better #30 on Jun 5, 2010 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
Sorry, but Gonchar is not a dominating defenseman.
And Phaneuf is not only statistically not good enough to warrant his salary, but no good for the other reasons you mention.
What could have been if we had him is a situation in which we would all currently be lamenting having picked him and his $6.5m cap hit up, and complaining about how it’s hamstringing our other options.
I’m not saying Martin is the best defenseman out there, but consider how he might be perceived if he played on a different team. “Star Power” is as much perception based as it is performance based.
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." -Mark Twain (?)
What about Parise- Zajac- Kovalchuk- Martin?
How many teams would take that?
We have a stud defenseman in Martin if he signs. We have (2) potential all-star bona fide goal scorers. Given Kovy signs. Even if he doesn’t we have Parise and Zajac. Seabrook would be a helluva addition to defense. I like Phaneuf and hoped he would be traded here but what Toronto gave Stajan, White, and other players. A Seabrook trade would probably take Eckford and another defenseman. If I was Lou and I saw a Sharp and Seabrook trade for Eckford, Walter, and whoever it takes I would accept it in a second. In my mind it would put the Devils over the top.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 6, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree, but if it is a deal that you can’t turn down, you’ll have to do. Think of winning now not later.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 7, 2010 9:37 PM EDT reply actions
Sharp, Plekanec
To be realistic, I would LOVE to have Brent Seabrook on our back end, as well as re-signing Martin (which I believe to be our biggest priority after finding a coach). But I honestly think we have a better shot at Plekanec than Sharp. Everyone and their momma is looking at Sharpie right now with the Hawks on the cusp of winning the Cup. For those of us who want more of a playmaker at Center, Plekanec is a better fit. I disagree, with the reason that Elias is enough of a playmaker for the 2nd line on his own, to the end that Sharp playing with Elias would give us a VERY dangerous pair of players. I’ve watched Sharp from when he was playing for the Phantoms (won a Championship, collecting 8G, 21 pts), thru Philly, and now in Chicago. He is a goal-scorer. When he has a shot in the slot, he takes it, unlike Plekanec necessarily. I think Sharp would be a better fit in Jersey for that reason. We need more shooters, less pass-first players (other than Zach, who shoots first, passes 2nd?).
So I say Sharp, but Plekanec is more likely, even though he will require a salary most likely higher than Sharp’s current $3.9 million
The Devils would have to give away prospects too. You have to think… Is Plekanec worth the 5 million or trade for Sharp’s 3.9 million and give away top prospects.
"Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps."- Tiger Woods
by RolliePollieKovy on Jun 8, 2010 5:04 PM EDT reply actions
like the idea of sharp a lot as a no.2 center. he is a complete player who can play multiple positions and play in every situation effectively. I would give a good prospect or two for him. Him and elias would be good together on line 2. They should also deal rolston and zubrus to free up cap room and maybe add a checking winger for rolston.
Rolston can’t be traded.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jun 13, 2010 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
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