Offseason Options
by Kevin Riach on Jun 9, 2011 10:27 PM PDT
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PrintAs the Stanley Cup playoffs come to a close it seems that everyone not named Vancouver or Boston (including Anaheim Calling) has begun talking about offseason trade and free agent predictions. Rather than specifically focus on one player or issue I thought I'd do a general overview of the duck's financial situation, designated team needs, and potential options looking forward.
Part 1: Current Finances
Let's start with the ducks current financial situation. If you haven't already I recommend looking at Capgeek as I got all of my information from their site. This last year the ducks had 26 players, and paying $55,676,424 which was just over 3.5 million UNDER the cap. Now if you don't know already, the Ducks are not a big spending team and will not be spending up to the cap next season. Currently the ducks have 17 players under payroll for next season and about 9.5 million in cap space. If we take away the 3.5 "buffer" that ownership had last year, we're looking at around 6 million in cap space for about 6-9 players. The only contracts over a million dollars are Teemu's (at 4.5 mil), Ruutu (at 1.3 mil), and Marchant (1.125 mil).
Full list of Duck free agents: Teemu Selanne, Jarkko Ruutu, Marchant, Sexton, Brad Winchester, Kyle Chipchura, Nick Bonino, Andreas Lilja, Jason Jaffray, Ray Emery
Part 2: Team Needs
Forwards: Bottom 6 Depth and potentially 2nd line sniper. There are only 9 forwards who had substantial time in the NHL last year signed for next season. Teemu Selanne is not one of those forwards, and if he chooses not to return would put the Ducks in need of a highly talented second line sniper. If he does return that dips into that 6 million in free space, and is probably looking for a contract between 3-4 million. The Ducks also need to greatly improve their bottom 6 forwards, as Carlyle rarely used them last year which led to fatigue for the heavily used top 6 forwards. Among those returning include 4th line enforcer George Parros, 3rd line two-way center Brandon McMillan, and inconsistently used young forwards Matt Beleskey and Kyle Palmieri.
Defense: Top 4 Defenseman if possible. Unlike last year, the defensive core of the team will remain intact for next season. Visnovsky, Lydman, Beauchemin, Sbisa, and Fowler are all locks for the top 5 defenseman next year. Much like last season, the question remains who will win the 6th spot. Still under contract are Sheldon Brookbank and Andy Sutton, neither of who were able to find success in the team's rotations last year. Without an upgrade to the defensive corps, someone who can play top 4 minutes, the team will once again have to rely too much on young players like Sbisa and Fowler to win games.
Goaltending: Complicated. Easily the most difficult situation the Ducks will have to address over the off-season is the health of Hiller and the future goaltender of the team. If Hiller's health improves then the team will most likely keep his as their number 1 option. Dan Ellis is also under contract for next year, and late season starter Ray Emery becomes a free agent. If Hiller's health doesn't improve then the club will have to find another goaltender to play for the team with Ellis.
Part 3: Options
Forwards: The team will mostly focus on re-signing Teemu Selanne and signing at least one two-way forward to play on the 3rd line. If Selanne does retire, the Ducks will likely go for UFA's Simon Gagne, Jussi Jokinen, or Micheal Ryder. Carlyle and Murray have expressed their desire to build a shutdown third line much like the one the Ducks had during the cup year. UFA Two-way Forwards include: Maxim Talbot, Rob Niedermayer, John Madden, Brooks Laich, Brendan Morrison, Kyle Wellwood, Eric Belanger, Jeff Halpern, Marcel Goc
Defense: Defensemen always seem to be a premium during the off season (see last year) and this year will be no difference. The Ducks could get involved in who ever Vancouver doesn't sign (Salo, Ehrhoff, and/or Bieska) but they could be too expensive for them. James Wisniewski is an option, but there is still some bad blood probably between him and the organization. Ian White and Anton Babchuck are also options but are likely to resign with the Sharks and Flames respectively. The Duck's best option could come in the form of Joni Pitkanen, 27 year old two way vet, who is Finish and in his prime.
Goaltending: We all have our fingers crossed that Hiller returns 100% next season, but if not the Ducks will most likely just sign Emery and continue with him and Ellis until a younger goaltender is ready to take over.
Now I specifically did not mention trades or RFA's because I don't want to get any Ducks fan's hope up. The likely hood of the Ducks making any sort of major trade or offer towards a high end RFA are slim to none. That means no Doughty and no trading Bobby Ryan. The team has expressed a strong desire to keep together the "best line in hockey" and aren't looking to make any radical changes.
Part 4: Prediction
Forwards: The Ducks resign at least one of their younger forwards (Sexton, Chipchura, Bonino) and one of their big checkers (Winchester or Ruutu) to cheap contracts and then make a move for a 2-way forward. Todd Marchant probably retires, but if not definitely resigns with the team (Carlyle loves him!). This gives the team the combination of Palmari/Beleskey - McMillan - (2 way UFA) and (Checker) - (Young Guy) - Parros. The team will also resign Selanne......there is no way he retires after a season like that!
Selanne: 3.5 million
Sexton/Chipchura/Bonino: 950,000
Checker: 750,000
Two Way: 1.5 million
Defense: The Ducks wont be able to be bigger spenders, but could grab a guy like Pitkanen, or someone similar, for around 3-4million. But unless the Ducks are able to shed unnecessary salaries (Sutton and Blakes) the team will have to settle for a Brookbank/Sutton combination as the 6th and 7th defenseman.
Goaltending: If Hiller returns, then they let Emery walk and give him a chance to get a starting job else where. If Hiller doesn't then the Ducks sign Emery to a 2-3 million deal and have a little bit more spending room.
Well I hope this was helpful for anyone looking to get into the conversation about the Duck's offseason and heres hoping everything works out for the team!!!
This article is user-generated. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Anaheim Calling. Please do not link this article as representative of Anaheim Calling content or viewpoints . . . unless it's really really good.
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A couple things from my opinion.
I don’t think Brookbank would be a terrible 6th d-man. He showed potential last year in my mind. He just needs to be able to get more consistency. It doesn’t help that he’s not in lineup all that often (see 40 GP) because of other guys blocking his way like Sutton. I think Brookbank could do well in that 6th spot. If that’s going to be the case and we don’t improve our D at all though, Fowler and Sbisa are going to have to step up their games to pick up those minutes. But I don’t think it’s out of question.
As far as Emery goes, I don’t see him getting 2-3 million. After all, Niemi, coming off his cup win with Chicago, only got 2 million last year. And he is far more proven than Emery. Emery still has questions regarding his health. I think Emery will be lucky to get 1.5 million from any team (not named the Rangers, they always make stupid signings).
Agreed on the part of Brookbank. He’s not Sutton terrible, but he’s not really going to be better than anyone we had last year. That being said he’s not going to be able to play top 4 minutes.
As far as Emery goes, I agree that Niemi is an interesting comparison. But also think about this, he had no history before the cup run and Emery does. His health will be a question, but at the same time his skills aren’t in question as much as Niemi’s was. Also Niemi was an RFA and Chicago couldn’t match that price due to their cap issues. The only goaltenders really above Emery’s skill level are Bryzgalov, Vokoun, and Roloson. Llya looks to be signing with Philly and Roloson will probably sign with Tampa again, or might even retire. That leaves Vokoun and Emery for teams like Phoenix, Colorado, Islanders, Columbus, Edmonton, Washington, Tampa, Florida, and maybe New Jersey. He might still have questions about his health, but I think to expect him to get 2 million isn’t out of the question due to the demand for goaltending and lack of goalies on the market.
Fair enough about Emery. I also think some teams might still be hesitant about his attitude ala his time in Ottawa and Russia. He was perfect here, but we’re also not a hockey hotbed with media swarming all around and watching your every move. But I see your point. I don’t think all those teams on your list though are looking for a goalie. Phoenix just signed Labarbera (I’ll let you finish laughing… Take your time). Colorado has Elliot and Budaj, both of whom they seem to be okay with. The Islanders have a bunch of goalies including DiPietro (if he doesn’t pull his groin walking across the street), and maybe even Nabokov. Columbus has young Mason. Edmonton has Khabibulin. Washington has too many young goalies. And New Jersey still has Brodeur under contract for another year. In my opinion, not as many teams are truly looking for goalies. Just my opinion though.
I’d agree that the teams you mention probably aren’t looking at Vokoun or Bryzgalov, but none of those teams or situations sound like ones that wouldn’t be willing to spend 2 million on Emery. Labarbera, DiPietro, Mason, Brodeur, Khabibulin would all still be option A for those teams, but to spend a little and have someone who can take over if those guys falter? That sounds like someone all of those teams would want. Its not like any of those guys are rocks to be great, or even good, next year.
I think Colorado will be looking, both Elliot and Budaj proved that they can’t handle a starting role. Labarbera is a backup or a time share type player. Florida will need someone to replace Vokoun if he walks. It might be prudent to sign Emery for a nice 1.5 1 way deal. if Hiller can play we can trade either Ellis or Emery and possible get a nice little return for them, though Emery would probably be the more attractive of the two. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vokoun in Colorado next year.
I would be surprised, just because it makes so much sense. Often I feel like the things during Trade Deadlines and Free Agency that make the most sense (ie Colorado has the money, cap space, and desperate need for Vokoun) don’t happen. Instead something either puzzling or lackluster will happen instead (ie Vokoun stays in Florida or signs with a team like Ottawa even though they just resigned Anderson).
How do we feel about...
Goc, Dupuis, McMillan 3rd line while we let some of the young guys fill in the top 6 and use some other assets to acquire that top 4 D. Move Sutton/Blake to clear up some salary. For instance do we need both Bonino and Holland, or both Palmeiri and Sexton, or even DSP and Etem. we could probably put a nice looking package together for that D-man. Though I’ll be honest, I see Murray making about 1 or 2 depth signings and that will be about it. He’ll let Blake and Sutton fulfill their contracts and move them at the trade deadline if the Ducks aren’t doing well (which is my guess).
Moving either DSP or Etem would be 120% STUPID. I hope the caps lock really emphasized my feelings about it. I mean, it would be so stupid, I might have a hunger strike in front of the Ponda Center until Murray is fired. I might seriously consider becoming a red wings fan if that happened. Not a Kings fan, or a Sharks fan, but a wings fan.
Ok, hyperbole aside, except it would be really, really, STUPID; the Ducks need to be careful about jettisoning forwards right now. They have one more year of Koivu, and Holland is still a question mark. We hope he’ll be a second line center, but he’s sill just Getzlaf-lite. I haven’t seen that kid make a power move in the past two camps. He’s a waste of a big body. Moreover, the Ducks need a top pair guy, not a top 4 guy. This isn’t like the trade deadline when we could sacrifice a prospect for the top 4 guy we were missing, because we aren’t missing that top 4 guy.
As for Goc, or Dupuis, I think I’d prefer Dupuis.
I love Dupuis and Goc, but I think DSP has a very similar tool set to Goc and would hate to see someone like that signed more than a year. I completely agree with trade Etem or DSP, as I think both of those guys will be huge in the future. It saddens me to say this, but I could see Murray letting Sexton walk during the offseason in order to make room for Etem and Palmari. Carlyle never seemed to like him and only used him when others weren’t playing the way he wanted. I still don’t know why you think we need a top pair guy though Daniel? Lydman and Visnosky weren’t doing well enough during the season?
Ya I thought Lubo and Lydman were great up until they both got hurt near the end of the year. Lydman isn’t really a top pairing talent but he has great chemistry with Lubo and I think they should be kept together. I think we should be looking for a top 4 defender to play with Fowler.
Lubo and Lydman were a top pair by default. They did great, but they can’t be the shutdown pair tar carries this team to a Cup. More importantly, a top pair guy can anchor this team going forward. Lubo is gone in 3 seasons, and Lubo and Beauchy are gone in 2. That leaves usenet Fowler at the end of an entry level deal as the anchor of the blue line. It would be better to have a top pair guy now, who can play with Beauchemin and then be a core player in the furrier when Schuyz and Clark cone up they’ll be a cheaper bottom lair instead of getting tossed into the fire. This D is old. We need a mid age defender to bridge the gap.
This D can hold up, or even dramatically improve, next season with a top pair guy playing with Beauchemin. It’ll let Lubo and Lydman slide down to the second pair and limit the wear and tear on their bodies. Moreover, if someone does go down, there will be less pressure for one pair to do everything. We need a stronger top to bottom D because if we lean on the same top pair we did this season, they’re going to breakdown again at the end of the year.
by Daniel AC on Jun 11, 2011 6:57 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think I just misunderstood what you meant by top pairing. Because I consider Ehrhoff and Edler Vancouver’s top pair even though Bieksa and Hamuis were their shut down line. I agree that Beauchemin needs someone to play with that can become a shut down pair for this team. I don’t think thats Sutton or Brookbank, and while i think Sbisa COULD be that guy next year I know he probably wont be ready yet. Which brings me back to Pitkanen. I think this guy could be huge for this team and would fit in nicely. I don’t think he’s going to be going for an insane price and I hope Murray takes a look at him. He’s 27, he’s big, proven defensive guy, and brimming with offensive talent. Him and Beauchemin could be that shut down line……or we can play Sutton and Brookbank another year. But at the same time I don’t think he’s going to be considered a “number 1” guy. I think that’s Fowler and Sbisa. Those two guys in 2 years are going to be 2 of the best defensive players in the league, and we will be paying them top money too probably. Meaning I don’t think we need a top guy, but rather someone who can be a defensive shutdown player, but doesn’t need to be paid top guy money.
Top pair is a definition of a type of player. Just because a guy plays top pair minutes doesn’t mean he’s a top pair talent. A top pair guy is a game changer. The reason I emphasize a top pair guy is that the acquisition on any top 4 guy means shaking up the roster, or to be more accurate moving money.
We have five of our six D spots set, which means if we acquire the top 4 guy, Fowler and Sbisa get bumped down the depth chart. My argument is that we should only do that for a truly unique talent. pitkanen probably isn’t a bad choice. It’s possible his time in Carolina has masked his true talent, and he is that kind of guy. Unfortunately, Robby is reporting that Murray said he will not pursue another D man this offseason.
by Daniel AC on Jun 12, 2011 11:34 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Just to clarify
He said he didn’t see them acquiring a Top 4 d-man this season. He didn’t outright say that he wouldn’t look at other d-men at all, but his focus is definitely on center depth.
by PhantomPretender on Jun 12, 2011 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
It sounded more like we wouldn’t be looking at D because of finances, but at the same time he said they really want Paul back. So what if Paul decides to play again? Where does that leave Blake? Do they keep both? I guess that gives the team some more depth, but it also clogs up time for young guys and Murray seemed to be high on Etem and DSP getting some quality playing time next year. I think if Kariya decides to return to the Ducks, that could drastically change his view on Blake and the teams financial situation.
I feel that in order to sign Kariya and address the 3rd line center, we’ll have to move Blake, just because of the Salary. the difference would just be pocketed, assuming there was any. Maybe Murray can sign both Kariya and Selanne for near what Selanne was making last year, we still wouldn’t have opened up salary for a real upgrade at center. I think I would rather have a younger bottom 6 forward then an old top 6 who’s skills have been on the decline. I don’t know if Blake really works as a 3rd line guy. I wasn’t all that inspired last year by his performance there. Id rather have a guy who’s better 2way and can prevent the other team from scoring then who’s focus s putting up points themselves. If DSP is a checker give him that chance, use Blakes Salary to sign that Center, we just need a player that can step up and be a number 2 if we need them to.
Having said all that, there is not much room for Sexton in that line up so maybe, just maybe, Murray can get the center that way. Maybe we can steal Kelly or Peverly from Boston.
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