2014 CBJ Offseason Thread II (All proposals, "blog" rumors, speculation in here)

[Kev22]

I think the trade market is going to get real interesting in the next couple of weeks. With the rumors swirling about who might be available, I think there's going to be a big surprise (not necessarily here) and a player is going to be traded that will make everyone take notice. Just look at the teams wanting to shake things up (San Jose, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, possibly St. Louis). There are going to be teams looking for cap relief this offseason even though the number is going up. To me, this is the type of situation that GMJK is probably looking to exploit (along with 29 other GM's).

 

[Kev22]

This is the most believable projected lineup I've seen. I do not see us bringing in any big name UFA's.

...and while I created it, it is the most underwhelming. Might squeak into the playoffs, but won't make much of a step.

 

[Nordique]

...and while I created it, it is the most underwhelming. Might squeak into the playoffs, but won't make much of a step.

I give it a strong chance at the playoffs, and I don't mean a wild card. When you are good and young, you should track upwards, and I doubt injuries are as bad next season as they were this past.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

I think GMJK will pull off at least one surprise with a top 6 move. I just hope it's not Callahan.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I still disagree. I think we are 2 top six forwards short of being a real contender. Foligno and Jenner are both #2-3 line types. Jenner is capable of top line duty as evidenced in the playoffs, but I think would flourish on the second line. Moving Calvert down with MacKenzie and Letestu might make that the best fourth line in the league.

They may hold pat since they have to re-sign Johansen, Prout, Erixon, Goloubef and Savard this year and begin to look at extending Dubinsky, Foligno and Bobrovsky. They might want to solidify the core and then see what's left. If they do stand pat, what does the lineup look like?

Jenner-Johansen-Horton
Foligno-Anisimov-Atkinson
Calvert-Dubinsky-Skille
Boll-MacKenzie-Letestu

I like your lineup, save for replacing Umberger with Skille on the third line. I like him on the fourth with Mackenzie and Letestu. But I don't like Boll there either, so I guess Boll as 13th. Leaves a spot for...? Someone.

I start to think back on the Umberger for Stalberg discussion.

 

[EspenK]

I like your lineup, save for replacing Umberger with Skille on the third line. I like him on the fourth with Mackenzie and Letestu. But I don't like Boll there either, so I guess Boll as 13th. Leaves a spot for...? Someone.

I start to think back on the Umberger for Stalberg discussion.

Remember he's still overpaid and not what we need. I will be tremendously disappointed with that line-up. It just isn't going to get it done. I hear the stuff about the young guys will improve-true but I don't see many of them becoming that much better save hopefully Joey and Jenner.

 

[Arch City Zach]

I still disagree. I think we are 2 top six forwards short of being a real contender. Foligno and Jenner are both #2-3 line types. Jenner is capable of top line duty as evidenced in the playoffs, but I think would flourish on the second line. Moving Calvert down with MacKenzie and Letestu might make that the best fourth line in the league.

They may hold pat since they have to re-sign Johansen, Prout, Erixon, Goloubef and Savard this year and begin to look at extending Dubinsky, Foligno and Bobrovsky. They might want to solidify the core and then see what's left. If they do stand pat, what does the lineup look like?

Jenner-Johansen-Horton
Foligno-Anisimov-MASON RAYMOND
Calvert-Dubinsky-ATKINSON
SKILLE-MacKenzie-Letestu

I made my changes that I'd like to see.

 

[major major]

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com...-decisions-due-as-draft-free-agency-near.html

No surprises there. Actually I'm surprised that there's nothing surprising.

 

[major major]

I still disagree. I think we are 2 top six forwards short of being a real contender. Foligno and Jenner are both #2-3 line types. Jenner is capable of top line duty as evidenced in the playoffs, but I think would flourish on the second line. Moving Calvert down with MacKenzie and Letestu might make that the best fourth line in the league.

They may hold pat since they have to re-sign Johansen, Prout, Erixon, Goloubef and Savard this year and begin to look at extending Dubinsky, Foligno and Bobrovsky. They might want to solidify the core and then see what's left. If they do stand pat, what does the lineup look like?

Jenner-Johansen-Horton
Foligno-Anisimov-Atkinson
Calvert-Dubinsky-Skille
Boll-MacKenzie-Letestu

I don't think we are short 2 top six. We need 1 top line guy to slide every one down. If we add two top six we have to move Calvert to the fourth line and that's a waste. Calvert needs ice time - he'd be a plus third liner on all the best teams in the league.

 

[Kev22]

I don't think we are short 2 top six. We need 1 top line guy to slide every one down. If we add two top six we have to move Calvert to the fourth line and that's a waste. Calvert needs ice time - he'd be a plus third liner on all the best teams in the league.

If you just want to be a playoff team, I agree. But if you want to be a contender, I strongly disagree. Since we've been eliminated and watching the other clubs, without moves to add top notch skill to the top two lines, we're not that close, yet.

Also, I read on ESPN's rumblings from the GM meetings that Buffalo would like to acquire a second first round pick. The Sabres have three 2nd round picks. How about Umberger and our first to Buffalo for 2 second round picks. That would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

 

[FreeBoomer61]

This is the most believable projected lineup I've seen. I do not see us bringing in any big name UFA's.

If Free Agency isn't the way to go, then I could definitely see JD and Jarmo going after someone via trade - whether that is Perron, Eberle, etc. They have made it clear that they want to get faster, smarter and more skilled, and I believe that they will stick to their word. You have to give to get, so assets will get moved - whether it be roster players like Anisimov or Atkinson who can be replaced by a bigger piece coming back or picks or prospects.

 

[pete goegan]

Also, I read on ESPN's rumblings from the GM meetings that Buffalo would like to acquire a second first round pick. The Sabres have three 2nd round picks. How about Umberger and our first to Buffalo for 2 second round picks. That would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

A first and a roster regular for two seconds? What am I missing?

 

[Crede777]

How about Umberger and our first to Buffalo for 2 second round picks. That would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

If we're paying just to move Umberger, we're going about it wrong.

Besides, Jarmo sees himself as a draft guy so I doubt we give up our 1st round pick.

It is alarming how much love Corey Tropp has been getting from the team, though. Dude should be in the AHL or at most a plug until someone more talented comes along.

 

[Kev22]

A first and a roster regular for two seconds? What am I missing?

Buffalo needs to get to the salary floor. Umberger wants out and while most of us think we'll eat some of his salary, why not consider an option that allows you to cut all ties. If you acquire the two seconds, you can trade back into the first round if needed.

 

[Kev22]

If we're paying just to move Umberger, we're going about it wrong.

Besides, Jarmo sees himself as a draft guy so I doubt we give up our 1st round pick.

Had we not made 3 first round selections last year, I would agree. This year I have a different opinion. I still think the first rounder is as good as traded. I would prefer that the pick be used to acquire a top-six forward, but I could live with a scenario like spelled out above.

 

[Crede777]

Buffalo needs to get to the salary floor. Umberger wants out and while most of us think we'll eat some of his salary, why not consider an option that allows you to cut all ties. If you acquire the two seconds, you can trade back into the first round if needed.

How about just Umberger for a 2nd? That's assuming Umberger would even waive to go to Buffalo. His value isn't negative, or if it is we may as well just hold onto him or buy him out. No point in blowing a quality asset to move him.

Our past draft doesn't really impact his enthusiasm for this one. Kekalainen has been geeking out over the draft for the past few months. It's honestly like Christmas for him.

 

[Kev22]

How about just Umberger for a 2nd? That's assuming Umberger would even waive to go to Buffalo.

If Buffalo would be willing to take all of his contract, sure. Put yourself in Tim Murray's shoes. Would you take on the entirety of Umberger's contract without an incentive?

 

[EspenK]

If you just want to be a playoff team, I agree. But if you want to be a contender, I strongly disagree. Since we've been eliminated and watching the other clubs, without moves to add top notch skill to the top two lines, we're not that close, yet.

Also, I read on ESPN's rumblings from the GM meetings that Buffalo would like to acquire a second first round pick. The Sabres have three 2nd round picks. How about Umberger and our first to Buffalo for 2 second round picks. That would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

How about Umberger (some salary retained if necessary) and our first and our lowest second and some other pick for their highest 2nd and Buffalo's 1st next year? That could be a special pick. Of course I am on drugs here but if we could somehow get their #1 next year I'd be all over it.

 

[pete goegan]

How about just Umberger for a 2nd? That's assuming Umberger would even waive to go to Buffalo.

Right. I don't get the idea of a first as a sweetener to Buffalo for them to take Umby. The team moving up to the first round usually gives more, not the other way around!

 

[Crede777]

If Buffalo would be willing to take all of his contract, sure. Put yourself in Tim Murray's shoes. Would you take on the entirety of Umberger's contract without an incentive?

No, but I also wouldn't use up an asset just to get rid of Umberger. He wants moved, big deal. If you can't get value, tell him you tried and that he needs to play hard and raise his stock so you can trade him in the future.

It's especially not worth it if you plan on using his roster spot to sign an overpaid free agent in a lukewarm FA pool. Using the 1st to move Umberger just to sign Callahan (for instance) would be insanely stupid.

 

[Kev22]

No, but I also wouldn't use up an asset just to get rid of Umberger. He wants moved, big deal. If you can't get value, tell him you tried and that he needs to play hard and raise his stock so you can trade him in the future.

You're asking for trouble there IMO. It would be Nash fiasco 2.0. This organization needs to be finished with putting up with players that don't want to be here.

 

[JKinCLE]

I think Skille will provide around 15-20 goals if given a full time third line role. Dude can skate, drive the net, shoot a wicked wrister, play the body, and draw penalties. Watching him play, I can't believe he never caught on in either Florida or Chicago as a bottom 6er. He seemed to be one of the more dangerous players on the ice when he played. Im really hoping we give him a legitimate shot.

 

[EspenK]

You're asking for trouble there IMO. It would be Nash fiasco 2.0. This organization needs to be finished with putting up with players that don't want to be here.

Absolutely. If there is no interest in Umbie sooner rather than later
I think you have to compliance him. Just be done with him.

 

[Jackets16]

if you just want to be a playoff team, i agree. But if you want to be a contender, i strongly disagree. Since we've been eliminated and watching the other clubs, without moves to add top notch skill to the top two lines, we're not that close, yet.

Also, i read on espn's rumblings from the gm meetings that buffalo would like to acquire a second first round pick. The sabres have three 2nd round picks. how about umberger and our first to buffalo for 2 second round picks. that would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

No Thank You

 

[major major]

If you just want to be a playoff team, I agree. But if you want to be a contender, I strongly disagree. Since we've been eliminated and watching the other clubs, without moves to add top notch skill to the top two lines, we're not that close, yet.

Top notch skill, yes. Two Mason Raymond level players? No. That's not top notch skill, that's just more second liners (we already have 6-7 of those guys). Calvert is on the cusp of that group. He'd still be third liner on the best teams, and cutting his minutes and moving him to the 4th line doesn't really make us better.

What separates us from the best teams is not "top six talent". It's "top line talent". It's an important distinction.

Also, I read on ESPN's rumblings from the GM meetings that Buffalo would like to acquire a second first round pick. The Sabres have three 2nd round picks. How about Umberger and our first to Buffalo for 2 second round picks. That would give us 3 and possibly 4 second round picks. Plus more cap space to potentially make moves with.

2 seconds for a mid-first is usually bad value, so this only works if Jarmo's preferred picks are deeper down.