Majsheppard

I dug into this a bit more with Bob Duff, he tells me (via twitter conversation) that the source was inside the organization, and Holland inquired upon the price. Obviously, this is too high for him if it didn't move forward. I think this might be the best shot at any move though, we will have to wait and see. Here is his twitter page.

Yes we can afford it, as far as I can tell. I dug into this a bit more with Bob Duff, he tells me (via twitter conversation) that the source was inside the organization, and Holland inquired upon the price. Obviously, this is too high for him if it didn't move forward. I think this might be the best shot at any move though, we will have to wait and see.

Side note, Bob Duff is getting defensive about this on twitter with me. I just would like to know if there was any actual chance at this...

Both of those guys have upside, I just don't expect to hear from them for years. Even then, I would expect them to be third pairing guys at best. Almqvist strikes me as a Brian Rafalski type. He won't be ready for three more years, but when he is I could see him on our second pairing. I just want another top four guy to fall into our laps. A trade isn't the only way to get that accomplished. Yet Zach Bogo could be the guy. If this rumor about Jack Johnson that wouldn't die had any thread of truth to it, I would imagine Holland would make a move for Zach. I can't imagine Kindl and Hudler hold such a dear place in his heart to keep him from getting a two-way defensemen who is very young. Especially considering it would be like getting a player upgrade from just a mobile big guy, to a mobile big guy who has all star potential and can move the puck and shoot hard.

I don't know if we have to stay pat. We could always waive people left and right. Maybe Modano would like to play in GR then we could trade for someone. Isn't that right Chicago?

Son of a gun... Oh well, I thought he was a righty. Oh well just means we need to trade for Weber even more now! Honestly makes me want Zach even more. I thought Pyett would have been a good number seven a few years ago, but he just didn't come around. I honestly think Almqvist Smith and Ericson will provide us half of our Defensive puzzle in the upcoming years. I would love for us to bring in someone to boost that as our top two guys retire or slow down. Would love to see that happen.

You and me both. Honestly, it would require more than that. I do remember hearing that Atlanta wanted a dman back. Kindl could satisfy that... Hudler would be a nice addition, but the both of them alone wouldn't swing that... I want to know what Holland thinks Emmerton holds for us, because that and a pick could be enough to make this happen. I would guess that Bogo would be on the top PP and second pairing for years using that right hand shot that is so important in the new league. Could you imagine him being the second right hand shot, behind Ralf and the third being Smith? That would be a great set up, especially if Lids decided to stay around... EDIT: Mistake, Smith is lefty, so of course now he is going to be on the top line with Zach.

Without a doubt. It would be a very healthy trade for us. Change a top six forward and a number 6 defensemen into at worst a third defensemen? Yeah I would do that.

It is a loophole because they can undo their cap mistakes. I understand that there is nothing wrong with it in the rules, and it is an okay waiver claim and everything. Just something about it makes me feel uneasy. It is a way to get out of their contracts they made. It isn't the worst thing in the world, but it makes me feel worse about the process of building a team when you can just waive players like that. I actually hope they amend the rules so you would always still have some of their salary on your payroll. Maybe something like 20%. That is math I could get behind. Also, just want to make it clear I am not fighting with you. You are right of course, I just am getting sick of seeing all this waving of players. To allow teams to play hopscotch with the cap. Not really a loophole in the sense of cheating or anything. But a loophole in the sense of getting a do-over with your money. Like a tax credit... It bugs me more when the players just sit in the AHL. When they get claimed it isn't really a big deal to me. Strum will most likely just sit in Manchester until the playoffs and then come back to the team. That is a loophole imo. EDIT: I missed that Strum was claimed. I don't get how that helps Washington, unless Semin is on the market...

I still would make that move if I though I could resign him. He remains the most interesting UFA for next year, and getting a crack at him early is worth it. Agreed. This trade seems pretty fair. Which really stinks for Florida, they need to steal something from someone if they are ever going to get better... What am I thinking... Florida good would require the second coming of Vanbiesbrouck.

Agreed, and at a cheap price IMO. Kennedy and a third is a good deal. Wonder how this affects their Richards hunt?

There was a rumor started from Bob Duff of the Windsor news paper, and it was that there was a deal on the table for Hudler, Kindl or Ericson and a high pick for Zach Bogosian. It sounded too good to be true, and Pierre LeBrun said that Holland confirmed there was ZERO truth to it. Too bad, I would have given way more than that up for Bogo.

I would add more, but that is me. I don't think we need forwards much, and I think adding one more Defensemen of his caliber would be a big move. Emmerton a first Hudler and Kindl should be enough, but I would even throw another pick if necessary. Unfortunately I just confirmed via twitter of LeBrun that there is ZERO truth to this rumor. Holland said he has not talked to Atlanta, and thinks he will make no moves. I wish he would be like, hey maybe I should call and ask...

I think that is all we can do now. Unless we want to cheat and try to use the waivers like the Hawks do and sneak players through only to make cap space I don't see how we can be active. Unless that Atlanta deal can work out that is rumored in the tweetosphere. tm.

Thanks for getting back to me and letting me know, I appreciate it good sir. As for the salary, that is how I read it myself. I just was not sure whether or not it would HAVE to count towards next year. Moving that salary would make it work IMO. Might I ask what would be the maximum price you would pay for Bogo?

Exactly, how the hell does that work?!? I hope that something is done to fix that loophole. I bet they do add someone.

I would love to see that Atlanta rumor come true, but I have only like 15% faith that it could happen. Just because I don't think it would hurt the team at all.

Definitely, the wings have only ~500k in space and Conks makes 1.3 Nabs signed on minimum to make that number work.

I would give them Hudler, Kindl and a high pick for him. I wouldn't give Ericsson. I think Hudler is expendable as Mursak and Tatar can fill his role in both the short and long term. I would make it in a second. I don't think they would take that low of a deal. Yet if they wanted Emmerton and Meech I would throw them in too, but this is all pipe dreams. Kindl could end up being good, but I would rather take Bogo. Is there any real source to this? I saw someone say tweet... I just want to know who was suggesting this. I know I brought it up before but dismissed it because I didn't think they would take so little for him. I would give them way more than what that link suggests... which makes me think it is complete bull. Oh btw, big problem with this possible trade. I guess Zach is getting 2.5 million in bonuses. I am unsure as whether the wings could give that to him as a part of this years salary or if it would have to be on the books next year. That could really hurt us next year if that was the case.

If this deal gets done... I imagine that they are going to move Hossa. ... or Campbell hitting the waivers?

Clearly Osgood is the guy, and it sounds like he might be better than the last couple of years due to the extent of the injuries repaired. That is a far better dream IMO anyways! Smith has always impressed upon me pure mediocre play. The way Yzerman has been working, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he tries to improve the team more by picking up Ty.

Ty isn't coming here. I am really confused though... Why get rid of Dan for McElhinney and then put him on waivers... unless Steve wants cap to make a bigger move... Maybe Ty will be a bolt soon. I would have picked up Commodore at half price if I had the cap room. For about 1.8 that would have been a great depth guy for a run. As for Sturm... it just blows my mind how these contracts are becoming so double edged. It seems trades are being completed, in spite of no one having cap room because of this loophole. I have to imagine the next CBA is going to have a better buyout system and/or a penalty for stashing guys in the AHL. And once again Chicago is bailed out by waivers...

Worth losing one man game for one future man. (or woman) Congrats, and hopefully congrats on having another generation of Mules and Wizards wearing the Red Wing.

Weber.

Smith most likely will be on next year's roster, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they left him down and gave Kindl the ice time to start to see what they have. As for IFlip. There are players who break into the league late. As of right now he is out playing Emmerton in the Minors. I keep looking at Emmerton thinking what he would really bring to our team... I don't even think he makes our team next year if every single player is still in the system. If Kris and Mike disappear, then two spots are open. I think Mursak makes it for sure. Emmerton and Iflip fight for the final one. It comes down to whoever wins Babcocks approval... If you read what I wrote, I said all three have a shot. If there is only one spot I think Jan gets it. That guy has all the upside. Either way you are supporting my point, that signing someone else isn't really necessary. That is my line of thinking anyways.