Players who might be available due to teams cap issues

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

Public GM comments to keep the fans interested. Nothing more. They want to get better. Ok. What is better? Who are they going to get that is better than (pick your expensive vet) that is also cheaper? No one of course. The goal is to be a better team. That means you make moves, as in plural. maybe a Dman for a F or a F for a Dman. These things happen all of the time. Once they make their moves, whatever they end up being, most of us will be surprised at the moves-like we always are......

Well they could simply bring back Sobotka (cheaper and better) and deal Berglund for a pick or even waive him.

They're not trading their captain and leader. No chance.

Much like Chicago isn't dealing Seabrook just because their feeling the pinch.

[Richdg 267]

Well they could simply bring back Sobotka (cheaper and better) and deal Berglund for a pick or even waive him.

They're not trading their captain and leader. No chance.

Much like Chicago isn't dealing Seabrook just because their feeling the pinch.

Sobotka is already being considered back by many and makes like 2.7 million. They have to resign Tarasko (spelling) and that may take 8-10 million to do it. Point is, they may not have to 5-6 million needed to resign Backus. Which means they lose him for nothing next summer. This is when guys get traded.

Now to be clear, I am not saying he is GOING to be moved, just could be. But even if he is, the chance its to the RW's is very very very small. But it would be nice.....

[Mckinley25 677]

Tarasenko is going to make 8 million?

[amato 3,210]

Tarasenko is an rfa. Yes, he's really good.. no doubt about that. But that'll still work against him and he won't make close to 8 mill. I'm guessing some sort of 2-3 year deal around 5 mill per

Edited May 7, 2015 by amato

[kipwinger 8,522]

Tarasenko is an rfa. Yes, he's really good.. no doubt about that. But that'll still work against him and he won't make close to 8 mill. I'm guessing some sort of 2-3 year deal strong 5 mill

Agreed. I think he'll get a deal similar to the one Ryan Johansen signed a year ago.

[BottleOfSmoke 5,965]

They've publicly stated their not making a deal that makes them worse. So who exactly are you giving up for Backes that's going to make them better now?

A KNUCKLE SAMMICH

Backes is a guy I've always dreamed of having on the Wings, he reminds me of Shanny kind of. Was super disappointed in his playoff performance this year.

[DRW Dominance 255]

I think tarasenko is going to get a lot more than 5 mil...

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

I think tarasenko is going to get a lot more than 5 mil...

Hell either get a bridge deal for a few years worth around that, or they'll just lock him up for the 8yrs closer to 7m,imo.

Which they should do the latter, they don't have many good playoff performers, and he is that.

[Richdg 267]

If you go read the various RUMOR sites, the sports writers in STL think Taresenko is going to eat up HALF of the Blues 17 million they are under the cap for next year. Keep in mind, he is a great Russian player. if they don't play ball with him, he can go home. get the same 5-6 million per year there. That is always the risk. Not saying he will, just a risk that is out there. besides, long term it is cheaper to lock him up now. If they can sign him for 8 years 64 million that will be less than 3 at 5, then 8 at 10+. If he worth it? No player is. But what would you want Kenny to do if he was ours and a RFA this year? We would want him signed long term!

[Richdg 267]

Now like I said, I don't think Backus is coming here even if he gets moved. But that is Kenny's job. Make the Blues tell him no. Several times.

Just imagine if Backus and Phanaef( maybe I will learn to spell him name correctly) were added to this team....

Tatar-Datsyuk-Backus

Nyquist-Z-Abby

Jurco-Sheahan-Pulk

Anderson-Glendening-Miller

dekeyser-Phanaef.....

Kronwall-Ericsson

Oullett-Marchencko

Howard/Mrazek

That isn't bad at all. Can it be done while hangin onto Mantha, Larkin and AA? If it could we would be set up very nicely for a long time.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Shanahan also was an A that brought in about forty goals a season.

There is a difference between a tough power forward and just a plain idiot. Shanahan was the former. Lucic is the latter.

No doubt that the Wings fortune changed when a disgruntled Primeau, and an aging Coffey were sent packing for Shanny (arguably this was the final piece that was needed for the Wings championship teams).

As much as a goof Lucic is - I still believe he has the ability to score 30 per year, and be that d-bag/tuff guy on the ice when needed (much of his issue is maturity - whether he grows up or not remains to be seen).

Lucic won't ever come close to Shanny's production - then again not many players in todays game ever will.

If Douchecic could score like that still, he would. He's one of those guys who have a couple good years then stop doing what it was that got them there.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

If Douchecic could score like that still, he would. He's one of those guys who have a couple good years then stop doing what it was that got them there.

He's only 26.

I'm certain he can get 25 to 30 goals on a consistent basis.

He got paid, he stopped playing the way he did that got him paid.

[Richdg 267]

He got paid, he stopped playing the way he did that got him paid.

His scoring goes up and down, which is true of most players. parise scored 40 in his walk year and everyone wanted him. Then had 26 or so the next year. Would many still want him? I think so. Lucic is not a self creating goal scorer. he depends on others to set him up. Those types of players have less stable results.

You also have to wonder what he was told to do. It is very possible he was told to fight less and spend less time in the box. Which of course changes his whole game.

[ben_usmc 253]

What if he secretly likes 'Golden Girls', and has every season on VHS?

why would he keep that a secret!?

[Mckinley25 677]

why would he keep that a secret!?

Doesn't want anyone to know he still uses VHS?

[Richdg 267]

Ok, some of the teams with cap issues as of today: Blackhawks, Blues, Rangers, Habs, Caps, Philly, Kings....

Here are some players that are UFA;s in 2016. Guys that these teams are going to struggle to be able to keep:

Dmen: Seabrook, Yandle, Schenn, Gunnarsson, I would add E Johnson of the Avs as well..

Forwards: E Staal, Stamkos, Kopitar, O'Reilly, Lucic, Kesler, Gagner, Backus, Ladd, Eriksson, Voracek, Perron, Okposo

This is a pretty good group to target. We have the cap space, lots of good young prospects/cheap players and need some stars. I would love to see (but not holding my breath) us get a couple of these guys.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Do you really think it's even remotely possible that these teams are just going to let their star players walk?... Chicago WILL re-sign Seabrook, Tampa WILL re-sign Stamkos, Los Angeles WILL re-sign Kopitar, etc, etc...

In saying that, one interesting name that I have wanted on this team for a few years now is Erik Johnson. I would give up a significant amount to get him here...

[Richdg 267]

Do you really think it's even remotely possible that these teams are just going to let their star players walk?... Chicago WILL re-sign Seabrook, Tampa WILL re-sign Stamkos, Los Angeles WILL re-sign Kopitar, etc, etc...

In saying that, one interesting name that I have wanted on this team for a few years now is Erik Johnson. I would give up a significant amount to get him here...

Of course those teams will want to resign their stars. But they don't have the cap space to do it. That is the point. Some teams will make moves and get it done. Others will strike out and some of these guys will become UFA's. Others will trade. It happens all the time. Now which is which? No idea. But this is a starting point.

Lets take LA as an example. Kopitar is a UFA next year. His current cap hit is 6.8 IIRC. For his next contract that will be 8 million or so. Maybe more. They are cap tight now and have to resign RFA Toffoli-another very good young C. They also have carter who was their leading scorer and is signed to a big money contract. That is 3 good C's all are or will be making big money. There is an opportunity here for a GM with some insight and guts. I would take anyone of those 3 guys. All would be a major upgrade to our team.

Same is true with the Hawks. They have several guys to resign, no cap room, and a couple big time stars hitting UFA soon. They want to move Sharpe and his contract. Not sure they can without "paying" someone to do it. If they can't move him, they will not be able to keep Seabrook. Again a window of opportunity is open here. This is where kenny needs to be on the phone and make some offers. Make these teams tell us no multiple times.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Of course those teams will want to resign their stars. But they don't have the cap space to do it. That is the point. Some teams will make moves and get it done. Others will strike out and some of these guys will become UFA's. Others will trade. It happens all the time. Now which is which? No idea. But this is a starting point.

Lets take LA as an example. Kopitar is a UFA next year. His current cap hit is 6.8 IIRC. For his next contract that will be 8 million or so. Maybe more. They are cap tight now and have to resign RFA Toffoli-another very good young C. They also have carter who was their leading scorer and is signed to a big money contract. That is 3 good C's all are or will be making big money. There is an opportunity here for a GM with some insight and guts. I would take anyone of those 3 guys. All would be a major upgrade to our team.

Same is true with the Hawks. They have several guys to resign, no cap room, and a couple big time stars hitting UFA soon. They want to move Sharpe and his contract. Not sure they can without "paying" someone to do it. If they can't move him, they will not be able to keep Seabrook. Again a window of opportunity is open here. This is where kenny needs to be on the phone and make some offers. Make these teams tell us no multiple times.

Then list Carter or Sharp as possible cap issue cast offs. They are more likely to get than Kopitar and Stamkos. There is no chance we're getting those guys

[e_prime 1,936]

Stamkos is going "home" to Toronto now that Babs is there.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Stamkos is going "home" to Toronto now that Babs is there.

Who would you rather keep, stamkos, or their triplets line?

[marcaractac 3,963]

Who would you rather keep, stamkos, or their triplets line?

I will be one happy camper if our kids break out like that next years playoffs.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

I will be one happy camper if our kids break out like that next years playoffs.

If we have kids who break out and all score around 70 points, more than just you are going to be happy.

Ha.

[marcaractac 3,963]

If we have kids who break out and all score around 70 points, more than just you are going to be happy.

Ha.

No doubt!

[e_prime 1,936]

Who would you rather keep, stamkos, or their triplets line?

Luckily Tampa will have a little bit of time before having to make that decision... also, we'll see if Stamkos is willing to take a discount to stay.