Next Seasons Needs/Team Future

[dirtydangles 1,328]

Crazy upside and potential, IMHO. I feel like he could be a superstar on a more skill-based team...like ours. Really big body. Sick puck skillz. Defensively responsible. I'm just pipedreaming here, because we're not adding a 2C, let alone one we'd have to pay out the ass to acquire (Berglund probably fits that mold, hence me saying this), but...the thought of Zetterberg and Berglund on the same line, and it's our second line, and Mantha's a 30-goal-scorer on the first line, on Datsyuk's right wing...oh man.

While I'm pipedreaming about Blues players, let me say that Shattenkirk is probably #1 on my list of desirables. I'd even take him over Wayne Simmonds.

The problem is - the Blues are looking for young talented top 6 C's if they are moving Shattenkirk - we don't have any available for trade. The reason I think Letang might be a good option is that 1) he is at his all time cheapest value, 2) the Pens are looking for top 9 Wingers to compliment Crosby and Malkin and we have a surplus of those 3) the Pens will be looking to re-sign Niskanen in all likelihood.

[Guest DeGraa55]

The problem is - the Blues are looking for young talented top 6 C's if they are moving Shattenkirk - we don't have any available for trade. The reason I think Letang might be a good option is that 1) he is at his all time cheapest value, 2) the Pens are looking for top 9 Wingers to compliment Crosby and Malkin and we have a surplus of those 3) the Pens will be looking to re-sign Niskanen in all likelihood.

Ya but why would WE WANT LETANG...lol. Crap I forgot...serious injuries bad contract ....duh that's why we want him.

[BottleOfSmoke 5,965]

Ya but why would WE WANT LETANG...

Um, sick flow? DUH

[dirtydangles 1,328]

Ya but why would WE WANT LETANG...lol. Crap I forgot...serious injuries bad contract ....duh that's why we want him.

Because he is about as cheap as a top pairing Dman will come. Also he produces loads of points. We aren't getting a bulletproof Shea Weber.

[Dabura 12,207]

I've decided we should do this:

Kronwall Ericsson

DeKeyser Niskanen

Smith Marchenko

I'll have a change of heart tomorrow, of course.

[kipwinger 8,524]

I've decided we should do this:

Kronwall Ericsson

DeKeyser Niskanen

Smith Marchenko

I'll have a change of heart tomorrow, of course.

That's the most reasonable set of defense pairings you've posted in a while. I'm proud of ya kid!

[Dabura 12,207]

The problem is - the Blues are looking for young talented top 6 C's if they are moving Shattenkirk - we don't have any available for trade. The reason I think Letang might be a good option is that 1) he is at his all time cheapest value, 2) the Pens are looking for top 9 Wingers to compliment Crosby and Malkin and we have a surplus of those 3) the Pens will be looking to re-sign Niskanen in all likelihood.

I have a hard time believing Letang's trade value is anything less than superb, even with the health scare and scary contract. They may need a couple good wingers, but even on that front, I'm not really convinced. Dupuis was a huge loss, but he'll be back (I think?) Kunitz had a career year. Neal is one of the more lethal scorers in the game. Sign, say, Pouliot and Setoguchi with the funds you save by not re-signing Niskanen (who, from what I'm hearing, is probably going elsewhere, for big money). What you have then is, I think, a very competitive team, one with a #1 defenseman in his prime. Dunno why they'd move that #1 defenseman, unless they're getting something great in return. (Kesler?) You can't win the Cup without a Kris(topher) Letang, and they don't have another Kris(topher) Letang on their blue line.

Not that acquiring Shattenkirk is any less implausible. Just saying. I like Shattenkirk a whole lot and I think he'd be a perfect fit as a really good second-pairing guy who could transform our transition game. We can't offer a legit top-six center, but, like you said, we have a number of sexy wingers on cheap, early contracts. The Blues need scoring depth, badly. Maybe Nyquist would interest them? Mantha?

[wings4thecup06 504]

I think we'd be better served making a legit offer to Niskanen instead of trading a massive amount away for a top 2 D man (say Shattenkirk). It'd make more sense and we wouldn't have to sacrifice important pieces to get what we need and solidify the back end.

I have a hard time believing Letang's trade value is anything less than superb, even with the health scare and scary contract. They may need a couple good wingers, but even on that front, I'm not really convinced. Dupuis was a huge loss, but he'll be back (I think?) Kunitz had a career year. Neal is one of the more lethal scorers in the game. Sign, say, Pouliot and Setoguchi with the funds you save by not re-signing Niskanen (who, from what I'm hearing, is probably going elsewhere, for big money). What you have then is, I think, a very competitive team, one with a #1 defenseman in his prime. Dunno why they'd move that #1 defenseman, unless they're getting something great in return. (Kesler?) You can't win the Cup without a Kris(topher) Letang, and they don't have another Kris(topher) Letang on their blue line.

Not that acquiring Shattenkirk is any less implausible. Just saying. I like Shattenkirk a whole lot and I think he'd be a perfect fit as a really good second-pairing guy who could transform our transition game. We can't offer a legit top-six center, but, like you said, we have a number of sexy wingers on cheap, early contracts. The Blues need scoring depth, badly. Maybe Nyquist would interest them? Mantha?

You would seriously offer Mantha?

[BadgerBob 297]

The Blues need scoring depth, badly. Maybe Nyquist would interest them? Mantha?

No. Way.

[Dabura 12,207]

No. Way.

Nyquist has had one good season and Mantha's a prospect. Shattenkirk's 25 and his value is somewhat comparable to Kronwall's. We have a crying need for a Shattenkirk on our second pairing. I don't feel losing Nyquist or Mantha would cripple us.

If anything, I just explained why Doug Armstrong would say, "No. Way."

[wings4thecup06 504]

Nyquist has had one good season and Mantha's a prospect. Shattenkirk's 25 and his value is somewhat comparable to Kronwall's. We have a crying need for a Shattenkirk on our second pairing. I don't feel losing Nyquist or Mantha would cripple us.

If anything, I just explained why Doug Armstrong would say, "No. Way."

Proven or not, the return would have to be a bit more than just Shattenkirk if you want me to give up Mantha and Nyquist. Our need isn't that glaring that I think we should sacrifice two potential 30 goal scorers. Yes you have a point on the unproven part, but these 2 have got tons of potential IMO, especially Mantha, who looked like he responded quite aptly to his critics this season about his inconsistency.

Nyquist isn't done yet either, the guy is 24, he's played 97 games and has 32 career goals. I accept we need an upgrade on D, but I don't think this is the solution

[Shaman 713]

The Globe is reporting Detroit was at least 3 million over cap last year and will be penalized this year for exceeding the cap. It'll reduce this year's cap.

[Euro_Twins 4,476]

The Globe is reporting Detroit was at least 3 million over cap last year and will be penalized this year for exceeding the cap. It'll reduce this year's cap.

how? With ltir I thought we were always fine.

[DannyD 79]

Rumors online from Bob McKenize that Winnipeg may be looking to trade anyone, including Evander Kane. Thoughts? I would LOVE to see him on Pav's Wing. Big kid (6'2" 200lbs, 22 years old) isn't afraid to stick up for his teammates or himself, has speed, can create for himself and has a great shot.

I would give up Tatar, Ouellet, Almquist and a pick.

I'm only giving up Ouellet because I think the brass wants Sproul up in a bad way and with how well Bäckman played for the Griffs I think Ouellet is more expendable.

Z-Pav-Kane

Franzen-Weiss-Goose

Jurco-Sheahan-Pulks

Abby-Helm-Glendening

If Mantha makes the team I'd put him in Franzen's spot and put Franzen down on the 3rd line with Sheahan and Jurco.

A team in a year or two with Kane, Goose, Pulks and Mantha would be pretty nice. All guys who aren't afraid to shoot the puck. Just to put things into a little perspective Kane played 10 fewer games than Tatar did this year and still shot the puck 92 time more than Tatar.

[kipwinger 8,524]

Rumors online from Bob McKenize that Winnipeg may be looking to trade anyone, including Evander Kane. Thoughts? I would LOVE to see him on Pav's Wing. Big kid (6'2" 200lbs, 22 years old) isn't afraid to stick up for his teammates or himself, has speed, can create for himself and has a great shot.

I would give up Tatar, Ouellet, Almquist and a pick.

I'm only giving up Ouellet because I think the brass wants Sproul up in a bad way and with how well Bäckman played for the Griffs I think Ouellet is more expendable.

Z-Pav-Kane

Franzen-Weiss-Goose

Jurco-Sheahan-Pulks

Abby-Helm-Glendening

If Mantha makes the team I'd put him in Franzen's spot and put Franzen down on the 3rd line with Sheahan and Jurco.

A team in a year or two with Kane, Goose, Pulks and Mantha would be pretty nice. All guys who aren't afraid to shoot the puck. Just to put things into a little perspective Kane played 10 fewer games than Tatar did this year and still shot the puck 92 time more than Tatar.

If Winnipeg is willing to trade anyone, I'd rather have Wheeler. He's a MUCH better player than Kane, though I've got nothing against Kane either.

Also, I'd be reluctant to put too many eggs in Pulkkinen's basket. He's got a monster shot but he seems to be a one trick pony. I know you've got to give talent to get talent so I'm not going to shut down people's suggestions, but if it were humanly possible I'd MUCH rather trade Pulks than Tatar.

[Shaman 713]

how? With ltir I thought we were always fine.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/mirtle-plenty-of-buyouts-expected-to-kick-off-nhls-silly-season/article19176028/

At least three teams had huge overages this season that will hurt them in free agency and beyond. The Bruins, Devils and Red Wings are all believed to have exceeded the cap by at least $3-million primarily due to bonuses for Jarome Iginla, Jaromir Jagr and Daniel Alfredsson.

The one thing all three had in common is they were 35 or older and on one-year deals, which is the cut-off for allowing these kinds of “performance” bonuses.

What these contracts really are is a type of gamble where a GM can use some of next season’s payroll for a small advantage in the current year, but they only make sense for teams like Boston that are contending for a Cup.

For New Jersey and Detroit, these were ill-advised bets that will leave them with substantially less to spend next season.

[Guest DeGraa55]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/mirtle-plenty-of-buyouts-expected-to-kick-off-nhls-silly-season/article19176028/

LOL

If it's true it made my point of how foolish it was to sign Alfie even better!!

As for Kane I'd love to get him but idk if that'd be enough. He is team controlled for awhile yet and it's ultimately depend on who prioritize in our system/team. I do think 3 players and a first could be enough but I think almquist would need to be like a marchenko or something maybe a Sheahan or pulk etc etc.

[Euro_Twins 4,476]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/mirtle-plenty-of-buyouts-expected-to-kick-off-nhls-silly-season/article19176028/

All that's saying I'd that alfies bonuses were deferred to next seasons cap, which we already knew was going to happen. We're not being punished like you said. We still have money to spend this off season and it doesn't put us into "cap trouble"

[Dabura 12,207]

To be clear...1) I meant Nyquist or Mantha. Not both. And 2) Shattenkirk is my guy *if it has to be a trade, as opposed to a signing*. If we're serious about getting a young, proven high-end defenseman who shoots right and can play a full season (averaging 20+ minutes a night) and play in all situations and score 10+ goals and put up 40+ points and run a power play and drive an efficient and effective transition game and is on a very agreeable contract (three years left on his deal, cap hit is $4.25M) and is only now knocking on the front door of his prime years and is, in many ways, perfectly suited for the kind of game we want to play and the basic systems we use and the personnel we have...Kevin Shattenkirk is my guy. I love Nyquist, but Nyquist for Shattenkirk, straight up? That would be incredibly tempting.

It's not a knock on Nyquist. I just believe our '08 team - The Model - was as dominant as it was primarily because our top three was Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall. Our top defenders were, together, the engine that drove our lethal attack. We're struggling to score these days because we've done nothing to compensate for the offensive prowess Lidstrom and Rafalski took with them when they retired. Shattenkirk would help that cause in a profound way, and we might actually have an outside shot at him because the Blues - who are no longer in our division and conference - need scoring depth and Euroskill and our guys are all very familiar with the Western powers, especially the Blackhawks, whose fans absolutely loved (hated) Nyquist in last season's seven-game series because he gave them fits.

Kronwall Ericsson

DeKeyser Shattenkirk

Smith Marchenko

But this is all unrealistic. So, whatevz.

On a more realistic note - Cody Franson. Thoughts? Huge frame, shoots right, 26 years old, can move the puck, can run a power play, has a great shot, and he plays under Randy Carlyle (so he's probably better than he seems). Not the most mobile guy, and he's a work in progress in his own end - but, again, The Carlyle Factor looms large. Maybe Andersson, Kindl/Almqvist, and Legwand's rights for Franson and a pick?

Kronwall Ericsson

DeKeyser Niskanen

Smith Franson

Just spitballing.

[DannyD 79]

If Winnipeg is willing to trade anyone, I'd rather have Wheeler. He's a MUCH better player than Kane, though I've got nothing against Kane either.

Also, I'd be reluctant to put too many eggs in Pulkkinen's basket. He's got a monster shot but he seems to be a one trick pony. I know you've got to give talent to get talent so I'm not going to shut down people's suggestions, but if it were humanly possible I'd MUCH rather trade Pulks than Tatar.

I agree that Wheeler is better at the moment, but he is also 5 years older than Kane. Give Kane a few more years and I think you'll see him reach that level and exceed it.

I like Pulks. I like Tatar, I just think Tatar has much more trade value right now because he has shown what he can do in the league. I just don't see him ever becoming a top 6 winger on the Wings. He didn't register a single point in the playoffs (of course not many did) but he got roughed up a lot. We haven't had someone like Pulks on the Wings in a long time. He would easily be an upgrade at the point on the PP and would add another guy to the roster who isn't afraid to shoot. Tatar isn't the best in the D zone so we wouldn't really be losing much there.

I'm ok with Pulks being a one trick pony because that trick is scoring goals and he is pretty darn good at it lol.

I still think in say 2-3 years Mantha, Jurco, Nyquist and AA if kept at LW or Pulks would be a really good set of top 6 wingers.

[e_prime 1,936]

MacT has said he's willing to make some trades:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=454926

Who from that team would make a nice addition?

They could use a guy like Kindl or Lashoff, right?

[Dabura 12,207]

The one pretty legitimate knock on Nyquist is that he rode a ludicrous shooting percentage this season. What ended up being two shy of 30 probably would've been 15-20. So, his current trade value might be the best it'll ever be. ("This guy might score 40 goals next season on a contender! Look at Gaborik!")

I don't like the idea of moving Nyquist. But if we're going to trade for a really good defenseman (and man do we ever need one of those), it's going to cost us. If we didn't have Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen and - more to the point - Tatar, Jurco, Pulkkinen, Mantha, and the obligatory UFA (Alfredsson/Vrbata/Hemsky/Kulemin...), I'd be even less inclined to part with Nyquist. But, as it stands, I don't think Nyquist for That Top-Four Defenseman We Need would be a devastating blow that we'd live to regret.

[Shaman 713]

All that's saying I'd that alfies bonuses were deferred to next seasons cap, which we already knew was going to happen. We're not being punished like you said. We still have money to spend this off season and it doesn't put us into "cap trouble"

Actually what it's saying is since he's 35+ the bonuses might not be deferable and will cause the team to be assessed penalties

[LeftWinger 4,961]

From Edmonton? Taylor Hall...

Trade them Helm, Kindl, Andersson and our 1st....

Edited June 16, 2014 by LeftWinger

[Dabura 12,207]

Evander Kane may be on the market

Like said a couple weeks ago, kid is a gem. His production thus far puts him where Patrick Kane was at his age, and Patrick Kane has always been surrounded by quality players, whereas Evander Kane has played with plugs. I don't care about his attitude or whatever. Patrick Kane's a ****** nozzle but he's white and he plays for an elite team and he's, like, totally reformed. (SHOWTIME!)

As for the Oilers...pass on all their forwards, unless they're thinking about moving Hall or RNH. I love Klefbom and Nurse.