Armchair GM: Deadline Wish List
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 12:09 AM PST
Email
PrintAs we near the trade deadline and the team's playoff hopes still in flux, I thought now might be an interesting time to throw out my trade deadline wish list before everyone else does. Now I know if the team continues to win Bob Murray will probably not be inclined to buy or sell at the deadline, and just let the chemistry of this current group take us to the playoffs (or not). But recently I have this weird feeling that Bob Murray might actually read this blog from time to time. Maybe its the plea for Beauchemin and Hagman that were answered, or maybe its the recent revelation by the Washington Wizard's owner that he reads his own team's fan blogs regularly. If you are reading this Murray (or any of the trade proposal's mentioned on this blog) don't take them too seriously, but at the same time don't dismiss them either. Fan's can be idiots some times, but there are times when we can offer good insight. So without further ado hear are my 3 dream trade deadline deals:
1) Lubomir Visnosky to the Chicago Blackhawks for their 2012 1st round pick, 3rd round pick, and prospect Dylan Olsen
Analysis: I'm basing this trade's frame work off of the Tomas Kaberle trade last deadline. In that trade Toronto got a 1st, a high to mid-level prospect, and a conditional 2nd round pick. Now Tomas was having a better season and the market was very slim at that time so the return was slightly better. But, Lubo still has a year on his contract and is coming off of a very nice season. The trade helps Chicago by supplying the PP quarterback and top 4 dman that they have been missing since trading away Brian Campbell. The Ducks get 2 picks and a great prospective 2-way Defenseman (something lacking right now in the minors). The Ducks also get some cap relief and space on the blue line for Schultz to come and play once his NCAA season is done.
2) Jason Blake to the Pittsburgh Penguins for their 2012 3rd round pick
Analysis: The team is most likely going to let Blake go at the end of the season and it makes sense to clear his salary while getting something in return for him. The Penguins are always looking for wingers who can score, and Blake is a low risk option for them. They have the cap space and really need some depth scoring with Crosby out for the foreseeable future. Blake is having a good year (when healthy) and has shown the ability to produce on multiple lines.
3) Sami Vatanen, a 2012 3rd round pick, and Toni Lydman to the Buffalo Sabers for Robyn Regehr
Analysis: I already brought up the idea of acquiring Regehr in the comments of another post, but if there is one of these moves Murray should go for its this one. I am coming to the quick conclusion that waiting for Suter is a terrible idea for this franchise. There are many scenarios where Suter will not be available: he could resign with Nashville if they decide they can afford him and Suter, we could get outbid by one his many other (probably more attractive) suitors, or we could end up having to give him a massive contract that will look terrible in a few years. Regehr is a big (same size as Weber!!!!) Dman, who loves shutting down the other team's best players and clearing the crease. He is affordable and will not demand a large salary if we extend his contract. And if it doesn't work out its only for one more year and then we go after a different FA to fill the need. On the other side Buffalo gets a high tier Dman prospect, a draft pick, and a Dman who has worked well with their coach as top pairing guy for a million dollars less than Regehr. And again if it doesn't work out for Lydman, he's only there for one more year.
Projected line up after the deadline:
DSP-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Koivu-Selanne
Beleskey-Bonino-Cogs
Hagman-Pelley-Parros
Beauchemin-Regehr
Sbisa-Fowler
Brookbank-Guenin
Again I'm sure these deals (and others) will not be made because the team will be competing for a playoff spot. But Murray should really consider moving some of the pieces on this team right now (Blake, Lydman, and Lubo especially) in order to make this team better for next season. Sound off in the comments with your own trades or comments on mine, and make sure to answer the poll too.
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.
49 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I think you’re dreaming on the Regehr deal. You’re offering a tiny offensive defenseman who has never played on NHL sized ice, an early-ish pick, depending on how the Ducks finish, and a defenseman that Buffalo was apparently willing to let walk away. Regeir isn’t Murray. If Robyn becomes available, he’s instantly the best defensive defenseman on the market. You’re looking at a package closer to what you’re asking for visnovsky and that’s a wash for us. If that’s the case, you might as well see if you can do Visnovsky for Regehr and a third round pick. As is, you’re essentially offering them, a risky prospect, a pick, and a lesser version of what they already have.
Reaching
It might be a reach. I was looking at the trade Buffalo used to get him as a foundation. The problem is that Calgary used that trade to dump around 6 million in salary and all they got in return was a bottom level Dman and a low to mid-level prospect. They also gave a 2nd round pick to Buffalo and a really good Dman in Regehr. So while Regehr is good, Buffalo is in a difficult spot because they just traded for the guy and now they want to dismantle their team. Not a lot of teams are looking for more than a rental, nor can a lot of teams take on the salary. So what did Buffalo give up to get him? Salary, a young talented defenseman, and a low level prospect. So what can they hope to get back? A better prospect that they shipped out, and decent pick (should probably bump that up to a 2nd or 1st round) and a defenseman that has worked in their system. Lydman’s contract is the same length as Regehr’s but they will save 1mil next year and have someone that can play in their top 4 for the short term.
I didn’t offer Lubo, because I don’t think they want Lubo nor is it a fit. You say that Buffalo was willing to let Lydman walk away, but that was before the new owner came in and we had offered him a rather large contract that they were not willing to match. Doesn’t mean they didn’t want to keep him, nor they wouldn’t want him back (see Beauchemin for us). Finally, I’m not sure what the situation in Buffalo is like but if they are serious about shedding salary maybe we have to add someone like Drew Stafford or Derek Roy to the deal. The Sabers don’t have a ton of long term contracts that they would part with (Leino being the exception) and so maybe the trade becomes bigger adding in more assets to acquire Roy/Stafford and Regehr. Do either of those explanations make sense?
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
They let Lydman walk because they couldn’t afford to keep him at fair market price. They were a budget team before the new owner. Honestly I think the influx of money hurt more then it helped. The GM didn’t know what to do with all the extra cash. Though you have to imagine that they are looking to dump some salaries especially with Myers deal taking effect next year.
I have a feeling they would love to move any of their UFA’s as well as Leino, Stafford, Roy, Regehr, Leopold, and Sekera maybe?
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
I think Roy may have been a good fit as a second line center, I heard something interesting though on a TSN video I think about how some people felt that he has gotten too slow for the game. That he hasn’t been able to keep up with it. Honestly I have started to think this about Getzlaf as well. Though his recent play has really impressed me.
I can’t see Buffalo doing a full dismantle. They’ll want to move pieces, but I think Regehr is a guy that alway has some value. The Sabres are better served holding onto him and hoping someone blows them away. That deal wouldn’t blow me away. I’m not opposed to Regehr, but with the shifts that have happened in the market I can’t imagine he’ll be had for this cheap.
by Daniel AC on Feb 20, 2012 1:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think you're right
I talked to some people at the Sabres blog, and it really seems like he’s one of the guys their organization is absolutely going to keep. I still believe Lydman might fit there for a guy like Stafford or if they decide to dump salary else where maybe a prospect/pick.
I don’t know, i can’t see who this team is going to target as a tough, crease clearing Dman in the offseason. I just don’t see anyone available and I don’t see us getting them if they were available.
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 1:50 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Let’s not give up on Clark just yet. He’s a giant of a defender and we spent a second round pick on him. There’s a chance he can do that for us. If not, Shane O’Brien is cheap and does that surprisingly well.
by Daniel AC on Feb 20, 2012 1:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I see Obrien more as a 6th Dman that bumps Brookbank to a 7th. Im not sure if this team can handle playing Sbisa Fowler Schultz and Clark next year. Especially since Clark would be required to play top 4 minutes probably. I honestly think we should be shopping Vatanen and other assets for someone like Clark but with NHL experience.
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 2:45 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Let’s not give up on Clark just yet. He’s a giant of a defender and we spent a second round pick on him. There’s a chance he can do that for us. If not, Shane O’Brien is cheap and does that surprisingly well.
by Daniel AC on Feb 20, 2012 1:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Honestly at this point I am not sure we want to mess with anything. I think we could survive moving Blake. If we could swap Blake for Penner, I would do it. LA might like the speed and to just be rid of penner and they save money. I noticed in the Florida game that Blake got beat knocked around behind the net and the PG really need a big solid guy back there to win those battles.
I think Lydman has pulled his game together. I haven’t noticed him that much, which is the sign of a good defensive defenseman right? As for Lubo, he had 12 points in 18 games after the new year. He has gone on a 4 game pointless streak though. I guess I am just reluctant to give him up for an unproven prospect. Now if Schultz comes in and dominates I think he becomes expendable. I guess I don’t much like messing with the blue line when they seem to have finally figured out what they are doing. No need to make Hiller second guess himself again. I think getting our top 2 lines producing regualarly is the main concern at the moment. I think Ryan on the second line will help there as I feel he is better on that line. That leaves a the Top LW available. Now maybe DSP can fill in there and we can move Blake for Saraly relief and maybe a decent pick. Or maybe we can find someone who compliments them better, Like Penner, or maybe even Morrow.
As I said at the beginning, I don’t think Murray will make any trades for the sake of not messing with chemistry. As for the “Blake for Penner” swap people have mentioned in the past, I’m not exactly on board with that idea. While it literally costs us nothing, Penner is not the type of player that should be playing with the twins. I know it worked out before, but watching him play the last two years Penner has a serious conditioning problem and doesn’t skate fast or hard enough to be effective in either zone. DSP, Hagman, or Blake all present better options for that LW slot due to the fact that they skate hard and give speed to a line that doesn’t have a lot. Since Blake joined the top line, there have been so many times where he is the only one in the Offensive zone because Perry and Getzlaf are still making their way up the ice. Plus, does Perry really need another player who’s been called “lazy” on that line?
As far as your Lydman and Lubo concerns they are a bit short sighted. Yes those guys are playing well, and yes it would be tough to recompose this Defense again just as they are starting to click. But both of those guys only have another year on their contracts, and Lydman (while playing better) is not playing up to his contract. This is a move that could greatly shore up our Defense for years to come. Sbisa, Fowler, and Schultz are going to be around for a while (hopefully). Regehr is the same age as Beauch and Brookbank, those three have a good 3-4 years left in the tank, and by then our defensive prospects have hopefully panned out and can replace them.
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
Its also a move that is probably better left till the offseason. It can be better structured, and gives us a better idea of what we really need. For instance, last year we played great in the second half to get to 4th but the first round showed us without a doubt that our depth needed improvment. We’ve improved there and now we may be seeing where this team is truley at. If a glaring hole reveals itself we can address it in the offseason. I’ll be honest I would prefer to let DSP have a shot at the top line and see what happens. My guess is that during practice he’s not giving BB a reason to stick him in the line up. Hes not playing good enough for that top spot but doesn’t fit in the bottom either because he doesn’t want to mess with the 3rd lines chemestry. I can see maybe a Parros scratch to get him in a game though.
I could see us moving Blake or Hagman and DSP filling in one of their roles. I think the organization loves him and wants him to play, but in the meantime they might scratch Parros to make that 4th line even more dangerous.
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
Blake should be off the table
For some God-forsaken reason, his presence on the roster determines whether or not we win games
Fight on!
You know we have never had Hagman, DSP, and Blake on the roster at the same time before? I don’t believe that Hagman or DSP in line up can’t replace his production and work ethic. Plus if we trade him, maybe the curse of the rat leaves with him?
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 11:43 AM PST up reply actions
I don't like the Regher trade
For Lyman and a pick.. Yes! Regher is on the back end of his prime.. So giving up vatanen I don’t think is a good idea.. But if we sign a top-tier defenseman in the offseason.. We are set.. Beauch, sbisa, fowler, schultz, where viz and lyd become expendable.. We have 14 + mil coming off the books.. I really don’t think we need to make trades unless it returns a #2 center or a top 2 d.. But not blowing up our future that should hit the ice in 2-3 seasons.. Vatanen is risky yes but he’s the guy that everyone is asking for.. He’s a cheaper viz.. The development is over for sbisa he’s here.. Fowler needs 2-3 more seasons with beauch.. So we need that game changer..
by ShamuSalami on Feb 20, 2012 11:50 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
I think Schultz is that game changer. You have Schultz, Sbisa, Fowler, Beauch. What you really need is a big, physical Dman. Regehr answers all those needs, and at a fairly low cost. I will put big money down right now, that we will not have Ryan Suter on this team next season. On top of that there isn’t much else out there after Suter. So you have an experience top pairing Dman, on a very affordable contract, that expires after one year. I don’t know if there is a better situation out there, and I don’t see any realistically younger options either?
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
How about Willie Mitchell of the LA Kings?
He’s an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, and every time we play against them he plays against Getzlaf and Perry, and always impresses me. I’d like to see them trade Lubo and Lydman, and sign Mitchell this Summer. Defensive pairings would look like this:
Beauchamin-Fowler
Mitchell-Schultz
Sbisa-Brookbank
This gives us a veteran for Schultz to learn with, and it lets Fowler develop into the future franchise D-man while playing with Beauch for another year. Thoughts?
OHHHHH dream weavehh
by halosfan4ever on Feb 20, 2012 12:55 PM PST up reply actions
I believe Mitchell is older and tends to be less aggressive than Regehr. Also there is no way Sbisa isn’t in the top 4. Him and Beauch are the only legit top 4 guys right now on this team.
by Kevin Riach on Feb 20, 2012 1:38 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Mitchell is injury prone too. He has missed significant time over the last 3 years, Hes only missed about 6 games so far this year, but missed 25 and 32 the years before. I was going to suggest Brad Stuart as another option but he looks like hes missed more time than Mitchell overall.
Brad Stuart is a GREAT option, and as he is looking to come back to Cali might be had at a very good price. So he could upgrade our defence and do it at a reasonable price.
by BennyLightning on Feb 20, 2012 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
Brad Stuart
Seems like a stop gap. Due to his injury history earlier in his career I can’t see him playing past 33-34 years old. Which means we would sign him to a 1 year or 2 year deal. I feel like this team needs a somewhat longer term solution in terms of defense. Someone we can sign to a 3-4 year type deal and play top 4 minutes during that time.
from what I have read, he wants to come to the west coast, which may bring down the cost for the Cali teams.
I’m sure we could get him for somewhere in the 1.5-3 million range. I don’t think cost is really the question. It comes down to A) will he choose us over LA and SJ? and B) how well will his body hold up here in Anaheim? To answer the first many people have chosen those two sites over us in the past few years, and with both teams with holes to fill going into next offseason (Mitchell and White) you have to wonder if they will resign those guys or go for Stuart. The second question is impossible to predict, but he has held up well in Detroit, who has a very hard travel schedule, and Anaheim has been very blessed with health to their stars recently so maybe it will work out.
To answer your (and Daniel’s comments) about Clark, from what I understand Clark has not played well in the AHL in his almost 2 years there and is projecting to be more Brookbank than Beauchemin right now. What this team really needs is a clear top pairing guy, and I don’t think we will find that in the offseason via FA. I think trade might be our best route, but what we will have to give to get one I have no idea.
The last update from Allokago had good things to say about Clark’s progression. I still have high hopes for him. Sometimes it takes kids a while to raise their game. When they figure it out, the results are usually worth it.
True
But expecting a guy to make that type of jump vs being pleasantly surprised when it happens is a different story. I was just saying that at this time Clark doesn’t seem poised to be a top 2 Dman (or even 4) next season, and that is what this team needs. If he exceeds expectations then you have a surplus and can make some moves, but Murray needs to assume Clark isn’t coming in to save the day.
I thunk we are having different thoughts. I’m not saying Clark will save anyone’s day. I’m saying he can be a solid physical presence on the backend. That is all I’m saying. If he can do that we can alter what we need from that top 4 acquisition and expand our options.
by Daniel AC on Feb 20, 2012 5:22 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Unless he is going to play top 4 minutes and be a stud, then I don’t really think he changes the team’s need for an impact, top pairing Dman. Right? He might slightly less the need for someone like Weber/Suter but we still need a big acquisition on the back end.
We still do need somebody, but we won’t need a Regehr type. It gives us more options, and maybe he can play top 4 minutes.
by Daniel AC on Feb 20, 2012 8:02 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
hmm
Its a fair point, but its a risky way to look at things. There is little to no information right now to support that idea. I still think we could send a package of picks and prospects (palmari or vatanen we could definitely part with) to a team for a proven top guy vs hoping Clark develops into a dependable contributor
Stuart would be a sweet pick up but I don’t think Detroit would really let him go with lidstrom being questionable.. Mitchell could be a great mentor like what o’donnel has been over the last few seasons.. Regher just might be slightly too expensive for a d-man towards the end of his prime.. Save the money to resign perry Getz fowler and probably one big name D or winger
by ShamuSalami on Feb 20, 2012 8:47 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I believe Stuart already stated he did not want to stay after this season, and maybe even Detroit said they did not intend to sign him. Mitchell would have to play in order to mentor and he is hurt quite often. Why again is Regehr “towards the end of his prime” such a big deal? Beauch was towards the end of his prime when we acquired him, and hell there are a ton of Dmen far older and still playing well. I think you might overvalue how much Fowler will be demanding.
Sauer & Valentenko of the Rangers are defensemen unable to move up in the Ranger organization.
Sauer is about ready to come back from a concussion & Valentenko has finished his 2 nd year as
a starter in the AHL. Both have good size, young, and are shutdown type defensemen.
Sauer
I’d love to get Sauer, but they seemed determined to use their depth at D in a trade for a scoring forward. I just don’t see us getting involved in that area.
So, I was looking for possible trade targets if Murray somehow decided to actually add and I didn’t see much that I liked.
As for D there didn’t seem like much we could add. Schultz really did look like the best option for us. Hes big and a solid D and fills our depth needs.
I did wonder if Chris Stewart might fit with the twins. He would have to try playing his off wing. Hes still a RFA after this year and hasn’t quite played himself into a big raise. depending on the cost he and Ryan could form the second line next year or if he fits on the top we still win. Now he may just be having a rough season and I don’t know how available he is or how much he would cost. Just a thought.
Interesting thoughts. I actually really like Stewart, but putting another forward (or Dman) into playing their off side seems like something we should shy away from.
As far as D moves, I mentioned Chicago above for Lubo but apparently Chicago really wants Lydman. Murray has supposedly been reluctant to trade him and I hope that is because he is driving the cost up. If we can get Olsen and a pick I would consider that a huge win. I’m not sure though what the asking price is, or if its anywhere near that high right now.
Heres the article on Chicago, the Murray part is at the bottom: http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/sports/nhl/blackhawks/chicago-blackhawks-concussion-an-issue-for-nhl-and-now-for-jonathan-toews-20120223
Brown
Apparently Dustin Brown is available on the trade market. Now I don’t see him being traded to the same division but he’s a great role Guy who likes to hit people. Opinions?
by DavidBL on Feb 24, 2012 10:47 AM PST via mobile reply actions
I don’t think we need someone whose only skills are hitting, diving and not scoring
by dontmesswiththestache on Feb 24, 2012 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure he plays right wing…….so no. Also I hate him and same division so as you said there is no way. Also he makes a ton of money for someone with such limited skills.
his cap hit isnt too bad for a top 6 guy. He does everything pretty well. and can you imagine a line with him one wing and DSP on the other? that line would crush teams. Alternatively, either he or DSP goes and plays on the top line with the Getz and Perry, the other with bobby on the second. Hes also a character guy, and has been the captain of the club.
Whats not to like? He would be perfect for this club going forward.
by BennyLightning on Feb 24, 2012 3:15 PM PST up reply actions
I think Dustin Brown is an interesting option to put on the top line. He gives you the positives of Blake, but without the falling down, and holding the puck too much.
or....
Holland learns to be physical, and we can get DSP and Brown on one line, with him. Total mayhem baby!!
The more i think about it, the more i like it. But having said that LA would be crazy to move him for all of those reasons
by BennyLightning on Feb 24, 2012 4:39 PM PST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Anaheim Calling
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
CK Photo Galleries
