Rumor: 2024-2025 Trade Rumors and Free Agency Talk | Part Deux

[Foppa2118]

When Larkin retires he can sit down with Shane Doan and do a podcast together talking about how it was worth it to stay on one team that sucked for 20 years. Could be the highlight of their career.

 

[Valushkin]

Here is a wild idea. If Crosby is not gonna leave Pittsburgh, how about Malkin? He can still play, and would help us this year and next. After that his contract expires and he probably retires and we can go back to center shopping, and someone good might become available then.

I like the idea of Malkin and Val on the 2nd line

 

[RoyIsALegend]

All these teams in the East should be selling. Detroit, CBJ, Ottawa, Boston, Montreal, Rangers, Philly, Isles.

WTF are they gonna do in the playoffs? Win a round or two maybe? Just start making your team better next year and beyond, so you might be able to challenge for a Cup one day. That's the goal of all of this.

Of the teams you mentioned, if we put ourselves in their shoes, only 2 of them should realistically accept themselves as sellers.

Boston and the New York Islanders.

These two teams should accept their aging group won’t be getting any better. They need to tear it down and rebuild.

Rangers - They won the President’s Trophy last year and will believe they can do some damage if they can get some consistency and make the playoffs.

Philly - Not much to sell other than a few depth pieces. Their better players are at a good age… Konecny, Sanheim, Tippett, etc. They believe they can turn the corner pretty soon and have enough youth already.

Ottawa - They think they have a good team, full of youth in key positions, and should simply be better than they have been. They won’t want to rebuild or sell off pieces.

Columbus/Montreal/Detroit - They will believe they have done enough rebuilding and are ready to compete. They don’t want picks or prospects. They would want hockey trades for NHL ready or established talent that will push them into consistent playoff contention now and for the upcoming seasons. Their fans don’t want anymore rebuilding.

This is the reality.

 

[Foppa2118]

Parayko's back is broken

How bad is his back really? I haven't kept up on that. It was strong enough for him to drop the gloves with Miller at the 4 nations and he scored a goal today.

He hasn't missed many games in his career. Only missed 5 the last three years and 2 this year.

Also saw this quote from him saying he felt strong at the 4 nations.

“I felt strong,” he said. “I just wanted to be steady more than anything. I wasn’t trying to go there and be a player I wasn’t. I just tried to play good defense, move the puck up to the forwards. But mainly, just trying to play steady. I think that was the biggest thing. Lots to take from it and keep building on it.”

 

[CobraAcesS]

How bad is his back really? I haven't kept up on that. It was strong enough for him to drop the gloves with Miller at the 4 nations and he scored a goal today.

He hasn't missed many games in his career. Only missed 5 the last three years and 2 this year.

Also saw this quote from him saying he felt strong at the 4 nations.

“I felt strong,” he said. “I just wanted to be steady more than anything. I wasn’t trying to go there and be a player I wasn’t. I just tried to play good defense, move the puck up to the forwards. But mainly, just trying to play steady. I think that was the biggest thing. Lots to take from it and keep building on it.”

Yeah, if we can get him you do it. Try with Mitts this year if needed, and then try to upgrade if needed.

Parayko is the monster 2nd pair RD we need for fkn 6.5M. You go all in on that if it's possible.

That dude is a more physical EJ, with better offensive instincts at his age.

If you want Rob Blake, he's it.

 

[Foppa2118]

Of the teams you mentioned, if we put ourselves in their shoes, only 2 of them should realistically accept themselves as sellers.

Boston and the New York Islanders.

These two teams should accept their aging group won’t be getting any better. They need to tear it down and rebuild.

Rangers - They won the President’s Trophy last year and will believe they can do some damage if they can get some consistency and make the playoffs.

Philly - Not much to sell other than a few depth pieces. Their better players are at a good age… Konecny, Sanheim, Tippett, etc. They believe they can turn the corner pretty soon and have enough youth already.

Ottawa - They think they have a good team, full of youth in key positions, and should simply be better than they have been. They won’t want to rebuild or sell off pieces.

Columbus/Montreal/Detroit - They will believe they have done enough rebuilding and are ready to compete. They don’t want picks or prospects. They would want hockey trades for NHL ready or established talent that will push them into consistent playoff contention now and for the upcoming seasons. Their fans don’t want anymore rebuilding.

This is the reality.

The reality is those teams aren't doing shit in the playoffs even if they make it and their GM's know it. Not selling is just for PR to the fans at the expense of improving their team in the future.

The only team that might do something if things start to click is the Rangers, and they've got 4 teams to leap frog to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Rags are 5-5-0 in their last 10, which includes a loss to the Leafs yesterday, split two games against the Pens who suck, split two games against the Bruins who they're chasing, an 8-2 loss to the garbage Sabres, and the deadline is 6 days away.

 

[dahrougem2]

The reality is those teams aren't doing shit in the playoffs even if they make it and their GM's know it. Not selling is just for PR to the fans at the expense of improving their team in the future.

The only team that might do something if things start to click is the Rangers, and they've got 4 teams to leap frog to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Rags are 5-5-0 in their last 10, which includes a loss to the Leafs yesterday, split two games against the Pens who suck, split two games against the Bruins who they're chasing, an 8-2 loss to the garbage Sabres, and the deadline is 6 days away.

Those teams shouldn't sell just because they might not do something in the playoffs, though. You never know in the playoffs. We've seen so many cinderalla runs from unexpected teams.

Plus, the potential for playoff revenue is huge to those owners, especially in a place like Columbus.

I don't see any of those teams selling except for maybe Montreal.

 

[Foppa2118]

Yeah, if we can get him you do it. Try with Mitts this year if needed, and then try to upgrade if needed.

Parayko is the monster 2nd pair RD we need for fkn 6.5M. You go all in on that if it's possible.

That dude is a more physical EJ, with better offensive instincts at his age.

If you want Rob Blake, he's it.

Parayko has goals in 3 of his last 4 games too. Seems like he may be excited at the possibility of joining a new team for another Cup run. Decent chance he'd waive his NTC if he's playing this way right at the deadline.

14 goals on the season already, a career high. Sitting on 33 points, three away from a career high. Playing pretty well at his age it seems.

A motivated, big, physical, hard to play against, 3RD, that has a big shot, and can chip in some offense, is exactly what this team needs. Pair him with Girard to skate the puck out of the D zone and that's a pretty good second pair.

 

[forsbergavs32]

That would be a solid D-Core

Toews - Makar
Girard - Parayko
Lindgren - Manson

That could help mitigate some of the issues up front as long as Drouin and Nuke can help carry Mitts

 

[Foppa2118]

Those teams shouldn't sell just because they might not do something in the playoffs, though. You never know in the playoffs. We've seen so many cinderalla runs from unexpected teams.

Plus, the potential for playoff revenue is huge to those owners, especially in a place like Columbus.

I don't see any of those teams selling except for maybe Montreal.

IMO that's a sucker's strategy for a GM. A scared strategy IMO. What did all those years on the bubble not selling get the Avs? More years on the bubble with a mediocre team that took decades to go deep in the playoffs.

If we've seen one thing over the years about teams outside the playoffs, it's very, very hard to leap frog multiple teams late in the season to make it. One, maybe two teams you gotta beat out with a better record to make it, maybe. But 4 teams? Just to make it in? That's a very tall task you shouldn't be betting on as a GM.

You want to make the owner money in the playoffs, you build a team that can go on a deep run. Hopefully win it all and get all that extra revenue.

Year to year, you still have about the same chances of maybe making the playoffs, and maybe winning a round or two going with the strategy I advocate, versus being stubborn with a mediocre roster that isn't playing like it believes it can win anything.

You buy with a contending team in the years you think you can go deep or win. You sell in the years of a team that hasn't done anything recently, and you're out of the playoffs again with a roster full of holes.

 

[Richard88]

No need for paying retention price for Lindgren if they aren’t planning to use the cap space in another trade

People were saying the same thing about Eller (50% retained) and he ended up being the only move.

There's a lot more capspace this time around though so I'd be surprised if there isn't another move coming.

 

[RoyIsALegend]

The Blues would never trade Parayko to us, especially with half a decade left on his contract.

No chance. Let’s be real.

 

[shadow1]

I know ROR is slow but RoR + Nuke could work and at very least be a night mare to play against.. would RoR just shrivel up and die in Bednars system though ?

I doubt it. He's been a 2C (or better) for 14 years straight on half a dozen different teams/coaches.

The underlying numbers are all good-very good and his 36pt/53pace is respectible considering he's on the NHL's lowest scoring team.

IMO, he'd be a fine solution. Not a sexy one, but Colorado just needs someone who can handle the job. Mitts hasn't been 2C level since October. I can pull a million splits out of my butt: 2pts in his last 10gp, four straight months with only 1 goal, four straight months under .5 ppg, etc. It's beyond ugly.

 

[Foppa2118]

The Blues would never trade Parayko to us, especially with half a decade left on his contract.

No chance. Let’s be real.

If they're planning on committing to a rebuild, where they won't make the playoffs the next five years, and Parayko is willing to be traded, what's the difference?

 

[Richard88]

I still think :

Mitts, C
Malinski, RD
1st 2026
2nd 2025

for

Kadri, C
R.Andersson, RD

Is the way to go. I think this would make us the team to beat in the West.

Now check this out :

Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Necas
Drouin-Kadri-Nichushkin
Colton-Drury-O'Connor
Wood-Kelly-Kiviranta

Toews-Makar
Girard-R.Andersson
Lindgren-Manson

Blackwood
Wedgewood

That bottom pairing is going to kill somebody. (Hopefully #14 in green)

If we got Andersson as well it would stylistically be a better fit to do this:

Girard - Manson
Lindgren - Andersson

Balance the puck moving and physicality on each pairing.

Not sure its worth acquiring Andersson to play 3rd pairing minutes though so you'd have to manage that. Maybe deploy the pairings evenly rather than as a traditional 2nd/3rd pair TOI split.

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Too bad the Avs couldn't get Jones. Must've heard they were out today and went for plan B.

It really sucks though. Miller and Jones were good market opportunities and we got Lindgren instead. We would have been much better team with Miller and Jones.

Yeah, Carolina put themselves in a horrible spot.

 

[Richard88]

Avs current cap space: $3.25m ($4m if we go to 7D instead of 8D)

Mitts + Sammy M: $6.6m

Naz + Andersson: $11.55m

We would need to shed another $1m or have the Flames retain. Latter will cost more.

I also don’t like the idea of Lindgren-Manson together. Just my own opinion.

Rumor: Post in thread '2024-2025 Trade Rumors and Free Agency Talk | Part Deux'

Thursday at 9:43 AM

Utah has a bunch of pieces I wouldn't mind.

C Barrett Hayton - LHS - 6'1" 201 lbs. - 24 y/o - $2.65m AAV x 2 years - 59GP-15G-17A-32P
W Lawson Crouse - LHS - 6'4" 216 lbs. - 27 y/o - $4.3m AAV x 3 years - 58GP-9G-4A-13P
C/W Nick Bjugstad - RHS - 6'5" 208 lbs. - 32 y/o - $2.1m AAV x 1 year - 51GP-5G-10A-15P
C/W Kevin Stenlund - RHS - 6'3" 215 lbs. - 28 y/o - $2m AAV x 2 years - 59GP-7G-6A-13P
D Sean Durzi - RHS - 6'1" 198 lbs. - 25 y/o - $6m AAV x 4 years - 7GP-0G-3A-3P
D John Marino - RHS - 6'1" 202 lbs. - 27 y/o - $4.4m AAV x 3 years - 17GP-0G-6A-6P
D Olli Maata - LHS - 6'2" 209...

• RoyIsALegend

• 

With a 22 man roster the Avs sit at $4.124m in capspace. Just short of adding Crouse ($4.3m) or Marino ($4.4m) without retention.

Ejecting Kylington ($1.05) for a league minimum Dman would bridge that gap though so its probably doable.

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Think Kadri only makes sense if they trade for him for this Cup run IMO.

He turns 35 next October. That's the age where things can change in one off season. There's a chance Mitts might be better than him next year, but getting him for this Cup run makes the risk worth it IMO.

Exactly. Kadri is just too old. Even Marchand started looking cooked at that age and I rate Marchand as a bit better player.

 

[Richard88]

Avs current cap space: $3.25m ($4m if we go to 7D instead of 8D)

Mitts + Sammy M: $6.6m

Naz + Andersson: $11.55m

We would need to shed another $1m or have the Flames retain. Latter will cost more.

I also don’t like the idea of Lindgren-Manson together. Just my own opinion.

Rumor: Post in thread '2024-2025 Trade Rumors and Free Agency Talk | Part Deux'

Thursday at 9:43 AM

Utah has a bunch of pieces I wouldn't mind.

C Barrett Hayton - LHS - 6'1" 201 lbs. - 24 y/o - $2.65m AAV x 2 years - 59GP-15G-17A-32P
W Lawson Crouse - LHS - 6'4" 216 lbs. - 27 y/o - $4.3m AAV x 3 years - 58GP-9G-4A-13P
C/W Nick Bjugstad - RHS - 6'5" 208 lbs. - 32 y/o - $2.1m AAV x 1 year - 51GP-5G-10A-15P
C/W Kevin Stenlund - RHS - 6'3" 215 lbs. - 28 y/o - $2m AAV x 2 years - 59GP-7G-6A-13P
D Sean Durzi - RHS - 6'1" 198 lbs. - 25 y/o - $6m AAV x 4 years - 7GP-0G-3A-3P
D John Marino - RHS - 6'1" 202 lbs. - 27 y/o - $4.4m AAV x 3 years - 17GP-0G-6A-6P
D Olli Maata - LHS - 6'2" 209...

• RoyIsALegend

• 

Also, the fact that the Avs just acquired Lindgren despite terrible metrics the past two seasons indicates that they are willing to overlook current performance if they like a player. Just something to bear in mind regarding Crouse who despite having a down year would be a nice fit on the Avs stylistically.

 

[Richard88]

It's starting to feel like another year of wasted 29 and 8. 3rd year in a row that has been a waste.

Unfortunately Mitts crapped out hard and their aren't many options for a 2C. Too many teams think they still have a shot and aren't going to sell.

Maybe I'm wrong, but don't think they'll make any more moves, think this will be the roster.

CMac said they are all in; they still have $4.1m in capspace with a 22 man roster; and still have a 2nd round pick in this year's draft which you know they love to use at TDL's. I'd be very surprised if there isn't another move coming.

All these teams in the East should be selling. Detroit, CBJ, Ottawa, Boston, Montreal, Rangers, Philly, Isles.

WTF are they gonna do in the playoffs? Win a round or two maybe? Just start making your team better next year and beyond, so you might be able to challenge for a Cup one day. That's the goal of all of this.

Playoff revenue >>> mid-round draft pick(s)

 

[Richard88]

Of the teams you mentioned, if we put ourselves in their shoes, only 2 of them should realistically accept themselves as sellers.

Boston and the New York Islanders.

These two teams should accept their aging group won’t be getting any better. They need to tear it down and rebuild.

Rangers - They won the President’s Trophy last year and will believe they can do some damage if they can get some consistency and make the playoffs.

Philly - Not much to sell other than a few depth pieces. Their better players are at a good age… Konecny, Sanheim, Tippett, etc. They believe they can turn the corner pretty soon and have enough youth already.

Ottawa - They think they have a good team, full of youth in key positions, and should simply be better than they have been. They won’t want to rebuild or sell off pieces.

Columbus/Montreal/Detroit - They will believe they have done enough rebuilding and are ready to compete. They don’t want picks or prospects. They would want hockey trades for NHL ready or established talent that will push them into consistent playoff contention now and for the upcoming seasons. Their fans don’t want anymore rebuilding.

This is the reality.

You really think Lou is going to stop stockpiling aging players and commit to a rebuild?

 

[Foppa2118]

Playoff revenue >>> mid-round draft pick(s)

How about playoff revenue in the next few years potentially with a better team? Isn't that just as important?

I'm not talking about just a mid round pick, I'm talking selling in general as a strategy when you're out of the playoffs, versus not selling.

Good chance all those teams miss the playoffs this year. If they have a better team in the following years, then they have a better chance at making more money selling than not selling.

As a bubble team, maybe they make the playoffs one year they wouldn't have by not selling. Not to mention they improve their chances at building a team that could actually go deep, or win down the line, and make even more money.

Owners aren't just looking at revenue in one year.

 

[Richard88]

If the Blues are willing to trade Parayko to Colorado, and he is willing to waive his NTC for Denver, then that just needs to get done.

Toews - Makar
Girard - Parayko
Lindgren - Manson
Kylington - Malinski

That's a perfectly balanced group for the playoffs, with tonnes of size in the bottom 4.

Then in the offseason you trade Manson ($4.5m X1 year) to recoup some trade capital lost in the Parayko trade.

Kinda hard to see the Avs getting that done without a 2025 1st though. And regardless of that it would be very unlike CMac to trade two 1sts and a prime prospect to begin with, especially a player on the wrong side of 30 (he's 31).

 

[Richard88]

If Florida can't afford or don't want to re-sign Bennett at the number he wants this off-season as an UFA perhaps they'd be interested in a Mittelstadt/Bennett swap.

They get a middle 6 C with term for a pending UFA. And the Avs extend Bennett right after acquiring him, just as they did with Blackwood.

Drouin - MacKinnon - Necas
Lehkonen - Bennett - Nichushkin

That 2nd line

 

[Foppa2118]

If Florida can't afford or don't want to re-sign Bennett at the number he wants this off-season as an UFA perhaps they'd be interested in a Mittelstadt/Bennett swap.

They get a middle 6 C with term for a pending UFA. And the Avs extend Bennett right after acquiring him, just as they did with Blackwood.

Drouin - MacKinnon - Necas
Lehkonen - Bennett - Nichushkin

That 2nd line

I've been wondering about this scenario of keeping Mitts and signing Bennett in the off season too.

Always thought Bennett would be a good fit on the Avs, but his injury history makes me hesitant. His chances of getting injured are probably even higher on the Avs.