2014 Trade Deadline Thread (All General Deadline Talk/Proposals/Blog Rumors in here)

[Jackets16]

With his history, someone almost certainly will offer that. Forty goal scorers don't come cheap and, though his injury history is worrisome, he's not that old. I'm not, however, advocating the Jackets offer that much money or term. I'll be pleased if he stays or if he goes, as long as he contributes to a serious playoff run, this season.

I didn't say no one would offer him that. I said I wouldn't and I don't know how any Columbus fan would want us too. Let some other team make the mistake of giving him big money and big years.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

The whole fear of "losing a guy for nothing if he walks as UFA" is part of the process. You can't trade every pending UFA, you just can't, even the ones with some value. Those players also have some value to your team. It's one thing if your team is out of the playoff hunt, but this team obviously isn't.

Two guys in particular I wouldn't trade are Gaborik and Nikitin. Gaborik has a chance to be a dynamic presence that would be a big lift heading into the playoffs. If he plays well and you want to discuss bringing him back fine, and you can probably get a little something for his rights if not. Nikitin is not a guy I'm wedded to, and his play has tailed off a little, but I have probably more confidence in him than and of the three in-house replacements, for the rest of this season, just because he's been in there. I'd rather throw in Erixon or Savard in a package deal if they want to make one, and if he walks in the offseason so be it.

I know, bad asset management. But "assets" are also "players" who play the games being played right now. I'd rather ride it out with these two and see what results.

 

[blahblah]

Two guys in particular I wouldn't trade are Gaborik and Nikitin. Gaborik has a chance to be a dynamic presence that would be a big lift heading into the playoffs.

I agree with your premise in principle. I've mentioned that you can get a decent return just trading their rights in the off season. This isn't Nash we are talking about here, it's Gaborik. Nikitin's value probably isn't high enough, in a trade, to worry too much about unless a desperate team, like the Oiler's, want him bad enough to overpay.

Having said that Gaborik is an interesting case. If you are looking to add a building block (not a rental), you might need to move Gaborik to free up the dollars to acquire the other player - in that same trade or another. That team might even be able to flip Gaborik a second time before the deadline. The Sabres as an example of a team that might consider it with a deal for Moulson - not that I necessarily want Moulson mind you. They might even end up with more assets going down that route.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Having said that Gaborik is an interesting case. If you are looking to add a building block (not a rental), you might need to move Gaborik to free up the dollars to acquire the other player - in that same trade or another. That team might even be able to flip Gaborik a second time before the deadline. The Sabres as an example of a team that might consider it with a deal for Moulson - not that I necessarily want Moulson mind you. They might even end up with more assets going down that route.

Yes I've thought about that and agree. Point is, I'm not moving Gaborik just to move him because he's UFA or because he's always hurt or because he hasn't earned his seven mil or whatever.

 

[Bobcat110]

Gaborik conundrum. While I agree that Gaborik is probably the best player not named Johansen or Murray on the roster (when healthy) the issues with him and his future are numerous. First his health and fragility (on display this year) are difficult to deal with as he is in and out of the lineup which can cause chemistry problems. Second is his contract which is way to much cap room and real dollars for what he has brought to the team. Third is the fact he is a ufa which means that we could lose him for nothing, particularly because we are not desperate enough for his services to pay him what he could get in free agency Finally is age, gaborik will likely be in his mid 30s and in serious decline by the time we are competing for cups. This is why I'm an advocate of trading gaborik.

Ok....but what do you realistic expect to get for him. From the "other" GMs perspective...one would assume the other GM would be a GM in the playoff hunt. No GM out of playoff hunt would want to rent Gaborik. If they want him, they can just try to go after him July 1st without giving up anything, or they could trade something minimally (4th round pick) for rights to negotiate with him between the draft and July 1st.

So, if the other GM is in the playoff hunt, the other GM would not likely want to give up a roster player, especially a roster player under contract next year or beyond. The "other" GM is looking to add to his current roster, not subtract. Based on that, Jarmo probably would only be able to ask for a prospect, a draft pick or maybe a depth player. The value of that prospect or draft pick would be based on the value the other GM thinks Gaborik could bring to his team. You just listed a lot of reasons why Gaborik's value is low for us, would that not lower his value in the mind of another GM?

What, as the "other" GM, would you give up knowing that you would (1) have a player who hasn't played a full game since Mid-November; (2) Will likely miss the Olympics and, AT BEST, play 4 NHL games before the trade deadline to evaluate; (3) often injured; (4) aging; (5) have to pay $1.83 Million (prorated salary); and (6) will be a Free Agent at end of the year?

I personally think the most optimistic expectation would be a late 2nd round pick, a mid-level prospect or depth player.

Now, back to Jarmo. He's got a team that is going into Olympic break in a playoff spot or just a point or two away from playoff spot. A team that has only 1 playoff series in its history and a suffering fan base. You currently have a guy on your roster that scored 76 points in 2011-12 and 27 points out of 47 games in a 48 game lock-out shortened 2013 season. Are you going to trade away that player for a late-2nd round draft pick or down-the-road mid-level prospects with the potential to lose a player than might help a playoff run this year? Keep in mind, trading Gaborik admits he failed in his first major action as a GM AND may reflect even worse on him if Gaborik does stay healthy and helps another playoff team make a run.

Finally, to Gaborik. You've pissed away most of your last contract year on the injured reserve. You have maybe 20 regular season games and maybe few playoff games to market yourself. If you're healthy enough to play, wouldn't you be busting your ass to prove your worth? Seems to me it's there's little reward in trading him. There's a lot for Jarmo and Gaborik yet to prove that makes it worth us keeping him.

 

[Xoggz22]

The way I see it, Gaborik is the guy you CAN trade for futures to a contender if the CBJ was so inclined. He could be a valuable addition but based on the last 40 games he hasn't been involved with the on ice performance so we aren't necessarily losing a piece. He's one of my favorites and I would like to see him stick around but if I'm the GM, I have to look at short and long term and Gaborik could provide some future help too.

I still look to upgrade the on ice product and we do have some young depth too. Like most of you I'd like nothing more than to see Atkinson scoring 30 goals a year, Calvert being the plus 3rd liner, Rychel becoming a future snipe, Jenner becoming a star - all with the CBJ. However, some of that talent could add a "now" AND "core" piece potentially. For the first time I feel as though the CBJ has flexibility and ability to make moves and not talk about draft position.

It's a fun time to be a CBJ fan. I haven't said that all that much in recent years.

 

[blahblah]

Yes I've thought about that and agree. Point is, I'm not moving Gaborik just to move him because he's UFA or because he's always hurt or because he hasn't earned his seven mil or whatever.

Obviously I agree.

 

[blahblah]

The way I see it, Gaborik is the guy you CAN trade for futures to a contender if the CBJ was so inclined. He could be a valuable addition but based on the last 40 games he hasn't been involved with the on ice performance so we aren't necessarily losing a piece.

The front office generally considers things like this as a "free" dead line move; much like Horton coming off IR in January. Teams are generally looking for help at the deadline, partly to improve depth in case of injury down the stretch. You try and not use inexperienced call-ups when the games become playoff in nature.

I would say that they only move Gaborik in the event they've brought in another forward. You can send the wrong message to the locker room otherwise.

 

[EspenK]

The front office generally considers things like this as a "free" dead line move; much like Horton coming off IR in January. Teams are generally looking for help at the deadline, partly to improve depth in case of injury down the stretch. You try and not use inexperienced call-ups when the games become playoff in nature.

I would say that they only move Gaborik in the event they've brought in another forward. You can send the wrong message to the locker room otherwise.

I would agree if he had been playing. But,because they have been doing well without him (in fact better than the few games he played not that it was his fault they weren't playing well then) might him returning to the lineup and bumping a guy who has contributed to the success of the team also run the risk of sending the wrong message or disrupting team chemistry? I don't know and there are arguments to consider both ways. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[CBJx614]

My gut feeling is that they give Gaborik a chance to be a difference maker when he returns.

If he plays great and helps propel them into the play-offs, and do well in the play-offs, they try and re-sign him. If he is a bust they offer him less money and if he does not accept they let him walk.

Exactly. Things didnt go as planned but it doesnt mean all is lost. Even if Gaborik becomes nothing at the VERY least, we opened up 7mill in cap space and roster spots for the future.

 

[Xoggz22]

The front office generally considers things like this as a "free" dead line move; much like Horton coming off IR in January. Teams are generally looking for help at the deadline, partly to improve depth in case of injury down the stretch. You try and not use inexperienced call-ups when the games become playoff in nature.

I would say that they only move Gaborik in the event they've brought in another forward. You can send the wrong message to the locker room otherwise.

I agree that Gaborik could be the "added piece" simply by being healthy and joining the lineup. What concerns me a little is that we have an identity and style of play that is not exactly the make up of Gaborik. I'm not implying he couldn't fit in or play but there is an adjustment period for any modification to the lineup. If he were to stick and play I think the adjustment could be significant - and maybe not ever adjust. Now your faced with dropping someone from the top 6 which a) could strengthen the bottom 6 or b) create some disruption. We obviously won't know until we see him play but there is a limited time. Gaborik is the only piece on the CBJ that I see, in my opinion, can be moved without disruption to the lineup.

Also, given the CBJ injury issues this year I would venture to say we have the "just in case" injury depth for the bottom 6. Boll, Comeau and Skille can help in an assortment of roles come late season or playoffs. I also think the bottom pair on D could also be covered internally. Where we lack the depth is in the top 6. Gaborik would definitely help with that, so NOT moving him might be the addition to help that aspect.

We'll just have to see how it plays out. Probably not like any of us would think. Thanks for the feedback

 

[CBJSlash]

I'd be willing to bet that Gaborik is only going to be moved if we need to free up salary cap space for a longer term acquisition.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

IWhat concerns me a little is that we have an identity and style of play that is not exactly the make up of Gaborik. I'm not implying he couldn't fit in or play but there is an adjustment period for any modification to the lineup.

Thank you for mitigating your first sentence (in what I've quoted) with the second. The whole "Gaborik doesn't fit" mindset is a little oversimplified. It's not like the team didn't have this identity last season when it went on a significant run with him in the lineup, or that it wasn't the ID of the club throughout this season, even when he was in the lineup. It's not like the team all of a sudden discovered something when Gaborik was out.

 

[blahblah]

I agree that Gaborik could be the "added piece" simply by being healthy and joining the lineup. What concerns me a little is that we have an identity and style of play that is not exactly the make up of Gaborik.

Seemed to do ok with similar style at the end of last season. I'm not sure I subscribe to that theory. I really don't think this style is new or foreign to him.

I do think he'll have some issues getting into game shape and playing at the proper pace, but I don't see it being disruptive.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Adam Kimelman ‏@NHLAdamK 1h

2 scouts from Stars in Philly tonight plus scouts from Tampa, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Detroit and Washington

 

[CalBuckeyeRob]

I could envision a deal where they move Gaborik and a good prospect for a younger ,high-priced, piece that has a longer deal. But that becomes difficult if he hasn't played a few games to show he is healthy. I suspect it is more likely that he will just plug-in for Tropp and potentially give this team 4 lines with some scoring punch--a luxury in the NHL that can make you very dangerous at playoff time.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

There a mutual commitment of some kind made when he waived his NMC to come here last year. Can't see him waiving it or even being asked to waive it with the team on the rise. Also can't see him being traded to a team in the east where he could come back to haunt if we reach the postseason this year. trade to the west; no way his game doesn't fit there.

If there is a move it will likely be one of our young D and possibly a 3rd/4th liner and possibly a prospect. We want someone long term, thinking we won't trade any of the current core; but instead look to push talent down into lines 3/4. In less than 24 hours we'll know if Jarmo is true in wanting to get something done prior to the deadline. Maybe something not on the radar like Stempniak from Calgary?

 

[Columbus Jack]

Adam Kimelman ‏@NHLAdamK 1h

2 scouts from Stars in Philly tonight plus scouts from Tampa, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Detroit and Washington

Most likely scouting Colorado.

 

[Viqsi]

The front office generally considers things like this as a "free" dead line move; much like Horton coming off IR in January. Teams are generally looking for help at the deadline, partly to improve depth in case of injury down the stretch. You try and not use inexperienced call-ups when the games become playoff in nature.

I would say that they only move Gaborik in the event they've brought in another forward. You can send the wrong message to the locker room otherwise.

Speaking of Horton... here's a cautiously optimistic thought, since we're all being all conservative and such.

How was the team doing before Horton returned from injury? Kinda so-so, sort of in the mix but not really, right? And things started really coming together after he arrived, right?

What if Gaborik's return has a similar boosting effect?

What would we be getting to see then?


Just a thought.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

There a mutual commitment of some kind made when he waived his NMC to come here last year. Can't see him waiving it or even being asked to waive it with the team on the rise. Also can't see him being traded to a team in the east where he could come back to haunt if we reach the postseason this year. trade to the west; no way his game doesn't fit there.

If there is a move it will likely be one of our young D and possibly a 3rd/4th liner and possibly a prospect. We want someone long term, thinking we won't trade any of the current core; but instead look to push talent down into lines 3/4. In less than 24 hours we'll know if Jarmo is true in wanting to get something done prior to the deadline. Maybe something not on the radar like Stempniak from Calgary?

CBJ are so close to the cap limit, a deal like that won't fit under the cap for anyone of significance.

Goloubef, Savard, and Erixon all make under a million, a 3rd or 4th liner will around a million or less, and the prospects have no cap hit.

That would entail giving up 3 things for maybe only 3 million in cap space. Unless they can get someone on only an entry level deal who is contributing, I don't of anyone of significance who would fit at that space.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

CBJ are so close to the cap limit, a deal like that won't fit under the cap for anyone of significance.

Goloubef, Savard, and Erixon all make under a million, a 3rd or 4th liner will around a million or less, and the prospects have no cap hit.

That would entail giving up 3 things for maybe only 3 million in cap space. Unless they can get someone on only an entry level deal who is contributing, I don't of anyone of significance who would fit at that space.

Good point, can't disagree with that. especially if we are looking to make a monster move.

 

[The Mars Volchenkov]

Your scouts have been basically following Colorado for a long time now.

 

[CBJx614]

Your scouts have been basically following Colorado for a long time now.

Maybe they really want to be sure about a player before trying to make something big happen?!

 

[plong123]

Speaking of Horton... here's a cautiously optimistic thought, since we're all being all conservative and such.

How was the team doing before Horton returned from injury? Kinda so-so, sort of in the mix but not really, right? And things started really coming together after he arrived, right?

What if Gaborik's return has a similar boosting effect?

What would we be getting to see then?


Just a thought.

That's a good point, V. It also kinda ties into what blahblah said earlier on this page - It's like a free roster addition. The more I think about the situation, the more I'm convinced that keeping MG through the end of the current season is the correct choice. I'd much rather have to reply on a proven goal scorer in this league if things go sideways (and they always do in the playoff hunt!) than hope Comeau can somehow start scoring.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

That's a good point, V. It also kinda ties into what blahblah said earlier on this page - It's like a free roster addition. The more I think about the situation, the more I'm convinced that keeping MG through the end of the current season is the correct choice. I'd much rather have to reply on a proven goal scorer in this league if things go sideways (and they always do in the playoff hunt!) than hope Comeau can somehow start scoring.

I have been in the trade Gabby camp. However, I think you and some others are correct. We have a scorer coming that is, to just about any team, a great deadline acquisition. Keeping the team together is a feather in the in the cap for everyone. Down the stretch, JD and JK find out who stays and goes in the offseason. It will be fun to see how the team plays with Gabby back aboard (assuming that happens).