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

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Rob Kunz ‏@Rob10TVSports 9s
Interesting that #CBJ scouting the Bruins and Stars tonight. Done with Boston this season, and don't play Dallas until March.

Bruins safely in the playoffs. Stars 6 points out in the west. Could go either way.

I'm curious t know how a sports producer from channel 10 has this information and nobody else does.

 

[Fro]

Bruins safely in the playoffs. Stars 6 points out in the west. Could go either way.

I'm curious t know how a sports producer from channel 10 has this information and nobody else does.

agreed...really weird that no one else reported it...and do i think there's something to it? prob not...but it is pretty weird that we don't play either in the near future...so there's someone they're checking in on...

 

[punk_o_holic]

agreed...really weird that no one else reported it...and do i think there's something to it? prob not...but it is pretty weird that we don't play either in the near future...so there's someone they're checking in on...

I wonder if Boston wants Nikitin(or any of our defensemen). Isn't Seidenberg out for a long time for them? What would they ask for in return? Assuming forward but half of their forwards aren't getting traded and/or has a NTC and the other half seems like they won't help out Columbus.

From Dallas, you asked earlier but maybe they do have interest in Whitney.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

I wonder if Boston wants Nikitin(or any of our defensemen). Isn't Seidenberg out for a long time for them? What would they ask for in return? Assuming forward but half of their forwards aren't getting traded and/or has a NTC and the other half seems like they won't help out Columbus.

From Dallas, you asked earlier but maybe they do have interest in Whitney.

As much as i love Ray Whitney, he has 18 points this year and 4.5 cap hit. I don't see any way he can fit under the cap space without making significant roster moves that aren't needed to that extent.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

As much as i love Ray Whitney, he has 18 points this year and 4.5 cap hit. I don't see any way he can fit under the cap space without making significant roster moves that aren't needed to that extent.

I agree. Why would we want Ray at this point? Pass.

 

[blahblah]

I agree. Why would we want Ray at this point? Pass.

Because he's a veteran that can still contribute at this level and he would add to the scoring depth in case of a top six injury? You know, things that front office's always consider down the stretch?

At this moment in time, we really can't afford him so I don't know why it's a question. To move him we'd have to shed cap space. So unless something else happens, we wouldn't even consider it anyway.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

Because he's a veteran that can still contribute at this level and he would add to the scoring depth in case of a top six injury? You know, things that front office's always consider down the stretch?

At this moment in time, we really can't afford him so I don't know why it's a question. To move him we'd have to shed cap space. So unless something else happens, we wouldn't even consider it anyway.

I am well aware of Front Office considerations, but imo, an old Whitney makes no sense for the CBJ at this point.

 

[blahblah]

I am well aware of Front Office considerations, but imo, an old Whitney makes no sense for the CBJ at this point.

Strange response.

 

[pete goegan]

We're always focused on offense, since that has historically been the Jackets major weakness. This year, though, they are middle of the pack in both goals for and against. To me, the needs look like a scoring left wing, a true top-pairing defenseman, and a better backup goalie (though Curtis has been adequate). Is it realistic to think either of the first two would become available for a trade we'd be willing to see go down at this point of the season? I see, perhaps, a minor tweak, or two, but I'll be surprised if anything major happened before the off-season, if then. I suspect that the team we see on the ice, now, is pretty much what we'll see for the rest of the season.

 

[blahblah]

We're always focused on offense, since that has historically been the Jackets major weakness. This year, though, they are middle of the pack in both goals for and against. To me, the needs look like a scoring left wing, a true top-pairing defenseman, and a better backup goalie (though Curtis has been adequate). Is it realistic to think either of the first two would become available for a trade we'd be willing to see go down at this point of the season? I see, perhaps, a minor tweak, or two, but I'll be surprised if anything major happened before the off-season, if then. I suspect that the team we see on the ice, now, is pretty much what we'll see for the rest of the season.

Deadline deals, obviously, aren't always about filling long term needs. I don't think we'll do anything about goal tending; nor do I think the Jackets are actively searching for a #1 dman. They could very well think that long term solution is in the organization.

Some things that are going to influence other things. If we get a good offer for Gaborik, we may simply move him and get more depth in to replace him with that extra cap space at the deadline. That could very well come in the form of an inexpensive (asset wise) veteran forward that can contribute.

Some have minimized Whitney, but his 18 points in 40 games is till around a 40 point pace. That is roughly on pace with guys like AA, RJ, and Atkinson. Whitney also give you a play maker type that we don't have a lot of and a real solid asset on the PP (I think the PP could use all the help we can send it). All that and the guy can still play in all three zones.

I'm not saying we need him or should make the deal if it was offered. I'm saying that I could easily see the front office looking at a guy like that at the deadline and a guy like that could help this team. He would add to the room, not subtract.

 

[CapnCornelius]

We're always focused on offense, since that has historically been the Jackets major weakness. This year, though, they are middle of the pack in both goals for and against. To me, the needs look like a scoring left wing, a true top-pairing defenseman, and a better backup goalie (though Curtis has been adequate). Is it realistic to think either of the first two would become available for a trade we'd be willing to see go down at this point of the season? I see, perhaps, a minor tweak, or two, but I'll be surprised if anything major happened before the off-season, if then. I suspect that the team we see on the ice, now, is pretty much what we'll see for the rest of the season.

Jarmo has shown himself capable of being creative. No one saw the Gaborik trade coming. So, you could see a similar deal before the deadline. Or you could just see a playoff push rental. Difficult to say.

I'd say you pretty much have hit the nail on the head as far as needs, though I'd be satisfied with a shutdown, second pairing d-man. I'm quite content with Murray and Wiz as the #1 pair going forward. But I don't see how we keep both Johnson and Tyutin. Neither one of them is a "shutdown" guy nor is their offensive contribution great enough. Erixon really should be on this team next year, but, again, he's more of a offensive-minded d-man. I think the Jackets should move one of Tyutin or Johnson and use them to get the forward they need. Spend money in the off-season on a shutdown d-man.

The thing is, I actually like the Nikitin-Savard pairing and I'd be tempted to keep Nikitin in the off-season. But if you do that, add Erixon and an acquisition, Dalton is back healthy...you still have too many d-men. Which means there is still an option to trade another d-man in the right scenario to acquire an asset.

I see a backup goalie either as a cheap UFA acquisition or a reasonable trade opportunity. With teams like Anaheim with a log jam, they'd probably like to acquire another asset for one of their guys...but there is a glut of goalies so they can't ask for too much. So, Jarmo will have a choice of a cheap veteran or making a trade for a younger guy with upside.

Overall, I think the Jackets are in a much better position to make the changes they need to make than they were a few years back.

 

[GoJackets1]

We're always focused on offense, since that has historically been the Jackets major weakness. This year, though, they are middle of the pack in both goals for and against. To me, the needs look like a scoring left wing, a true top-pairing defenseman, and a better backup goalie (though Curtis has been adequate). Is it realistic to think either of the first two would become available for a trade we'd be willing to see go down at this point of the season? I see, perhaps, a minor tweak, or two, but I'll be surprised if anything major happened before the off-season, if then. I suspect that the team we see on the ice, now, is pretty much what we'll see for the rest of the season.

A solution to the scoring left wing issue would be Vanek, not that we'd be in the running, but I think he's worth a shot. I very loosely ran some numbers just now, and if we retain Mackenzie at his current salary, Prout and Savard at a slight raise, and Johansen at about 3.5-4 mil, as well as acquire a veteran backup at 1.2 mil, we'll still have around 11-12 mil in cap space for next season with the estimated salary cap raise.

Vanek-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Foligno-Anisimov-Jenner
Letestu-Mackenzie-Umberger
Boll

That would be ideal, but probably too good to be true.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Jarmo has shown himself capable of being creative. No one saw the Gaborik trade coming. So, you could see a similar deal before the deadline. Or you could just see a playoff push rental. Difficult to say.

I'd say you pretty much have hit the nail on the head as far as needs, though I'd be satisfied with a shutdown, second pairing d-man. I'm quite content with Murray and Wiz as the #1 pair going forward. But I don't see how we keep both Johnson and Tyutin. Neither one of them is a "shutdown" guy nor is their offensive contribution great enough. Erixon really should be on this team next year, but, again, he's more of a offensive-minded d-man. I think the Jackets should move one of Tyutin or Johnson and use them to get the forward they need. Spend money in the off-season on a shutdown d-man.

The thing is, I actually like the Nikitin-Savard pairing and I'd be tempted to keep Nikitin in the off-season. But if you do that, add Erixon and an acquisition, Dalton is back healthy...you still have too many d-men. Which means there is still an option to trade another d-man in the right scenario to acquire an asset.

Current NHL contracts are Johnson, Tyutin, Murray, Nikitin, Savard, Prout. In the AHL or elsewhere is Erixon, Goloubef, Weber, Madaisky, McNeill, Larkin, Parlett, St. Denis, and Blomqvist. Unsigned prospects are Reilly and Curcuruto.

There's a definite lack of true shutdown defensemen in the pipeline, assuming that we're using someone in the Jan Hejda mold as the standard. I'm more curious to see not what happens in free agency or at the top of the system, but with the guys in the system. If half those guys aren't going to be re-signed or qualified, I can see someone else's redundant prospect coming in and making a difference. As much as everyone's tired of hearing me mention Winnipeg's washouts, I think of someone like Arturs Kulda, who's a mobile shutdown type with a huge shot and otherwise-limited offensive skills. His KHL contract expires in a few months, and Winnipeg never gave him a chance and likely never will.

Of course, you also raise the other question, which is how much offense is needed from someone to offset their defensive deficiencies. Someone like Phil Housley would outscore every forward on his team but two or three, and someone like Andy Delmore could outscore every forward except five or six.

Overall, I think the Jackets are in a much better position to make the changes they need to make than they were a few years back.

I'm torn on whether to post "you're finally coming around to what I've been saying for years" or "gee, I wonder why".

 

[blahblah]

There seems to be some perceptions going around and I hate to address it here.

However, Tyutin and JJ have a combined 18 points in the last 38 games and are combined +11. I am very content to keep both of them no matter how we seem to perceive them in shutdown roles. Currently they are doing the job, certainly for the last quarter season.

I still have no appetite for Nikitin's next contract, but whatever they decide - so be it.

Wiz as a top pairing guy? More open to it than I was, but I still think he's ill suited to that for an entire season. I would rather wait another couple of season before I turn over that responsibility to Murray.

 

[CapnCornelius]

There seems to be some perceptions going around and I hate to address it here.

However, Tyutin and JJ have a combined 18 points in the last 38 games and are combined +11. I am very content to keep both of them no matter how we seem to perceive them in shutdown roles. Currently they are doing the job, certainly for the last quarter season.

I still have no appetite for Nikitin's next contract, but whatever they decide - so be it.

Wiz as a top pairing guy? More open to it than I was, but I still think he's ill suited to that for an entire season. I would rather wait another couple of season before I turn over that responsibility to Murray.

Huh? Why are we cherry picking 38 games? JJ and Tyutin are both negative plus/minus players on the season. JJ to the tune of -8 and Tyutin at -1. Murray and Prout are the only other defensemen with a negative plus/minus.

Worse yet, Tyutin is clearly losing a step this year. At age 30, with several years left on a pricey contract, now is the ultimate time to "sell high" to a team that views him as a top 4 defenseman who can solve their defensive woes.

This team still needs to upgrade its defense beyond simply waiting for Murray to develop. We're not going to do that by trotting out the same 7 guys next year.

 

[bizzz*]

Taking 38 out of 46 games is cherry picking?
Tyutin CLEARLY loses a step?!
His contract is pricey for a top pairing defenseman?!!! Are you aware of how much 100 years old Gonchar got on the open market this off-season? And he wasn't even considered for a spot on the Olympics roster (injury has nothing to do with it).

Looks like nothing has changed since you would have been happy to trade Joey away for overpriced garbage and wanted to run Bob out of town.

 

[cslebn]

So I going to make an assumption about the summer here, we keep Gaborik for the PO push and then let him walk due to $$$ demands for a product made of cheap plastic.

There may be some move for a young forward but I htink we'll be surprised by a lack of much happening in the way of top 6 forwards to me that leaves pursuing UFA.

Vanek will likely be the top paid UFA this summer. But what about guys like Moulson or Michalek who have a history as goal scorers and are both younger and (likely) cheaper than bringing Gabby back. Thoughts?

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

FWIW

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/cbj140120.html

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is actively scouring the market looking for help at both ends of the rink. While the Blue Jackets are 11th in the NHL in goals per game (2.79), they're also 19th in the League in goals-against per game (also 2.79), an area in which the team would like to address, as well as help up front.
Kekalainen is interested in adding a top-six winger to his lineup and a defensive-minded forward, and could look to bolster his blueline by the March 5 trade deadline.

 

[Fro]

the TFP piece isn't anything we havent' discussed...just will be interesting what we go after...not a lot of space to put someone unless we are moving 18 down to put in a better winger...or maybe 4th line upgrades over Tropp and insurance for MacKenzie's back...

 

[major major]

So I going to make an assumption about the summer here, we keep Gaborik for the PO push and then let him walk due to $$$ demands for a product made of cheap plastic.

There may be some move for a young forward but I htink we'll be surprised by a lack of much happening in the way of top 6 forwards to me that leaves pursuing UFA.

Vanek will likely be the top paid UFA this summer. But what about guys like Moulson or Michalek who have a history as goal scorers and are both younger and (likely) cheaper than bringing Gabby back. Thoughts?

Michalek's time as a goal scorer is likely over. He's become Ottawa's RJ with the usual complaints that he can't finish or handle the puck, and doesn't belong with a guy like Spezza. Moulson wouldn't be much of an upgrade, and he's no good outside of scoring. It's frustrating.. we have enough to pay Vanek $8m if Gabby is let go, but so do a dozen other teams. With the cap going up, they're all going to be loaded with no one to pay.

 

[Crede777]

I am afraid of what JK may move to bring in a guy like Ruutu.

 

[EspenK]

I am afraid of what JK may move to bring in a guy like Ruutu.

I don't know if Ruutu is what he is looking for but you got to give to get.

My untouchables are Joey, Murray ,Bob, Horton and the Dubi line. Other than that I can see trading anybody IF the return is good enough.

Interesting to see who others see as untouchables.

and probably Jenner but he could go for the right return.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

I wonder what the team is going to do with Gaborik. He gets lots of attention among hfboards posters (FWIW) and is viewed as one of those "missing pieces" types.

I think his best days are behind him. In the past two seasons, he's scored 17 goals in 65 games......21 goal pace for an 82 game season.
Both Johansen and Atkinson are scoring well above that pace this season and I would assume Horton will as well.

OTOH, Garborik is a proven scorer who could get hot.

Still, I don't think that the Jackets will sign Gaborik in the off season. I would think that any tradeline deal that the CBJ might pull off would include MG going out of town.

 

[Derby]

I don't know if Ruutu is what he is looking for but you got to give to get.

My untouchables are Joey, Murray ,Bob, Horton and the Dubi line. Other than that I can see trading anybody IF the return is good enough.

Interesting to see who others see as untouchables.

and probably Jenner but he could go for the right return.

I put Joey, Horton, Bob, and Jenner as well. I'd give Murray if return is right. In my opinion, Tyutin is a guy we keep. He's rock steady. And with a young team we need that quiet confidence. Dubi adds fire, Tyuts adds calm confidence.

 

[JKinCLE]

I put Joey, Horton, Bob, and Jenner as well. I'd give Murray if return is right. In my opinion, Tyutin is a guy we keep. He's rock steady. And with a young team we need that quiet confidence. Dubi adds fire, Tyuts adds calm confidence.

Have to strongly disagree, can't give up the future of our defense that's only 20 years old compared to an aging defenseman on the wrong side of 30. That's not taking anything away from Tyuts, his value is often under appreciated but nothing compared to the years of stability Ryan Murray will provide going forward.