Armchair GMs: What moves would you make to maximize the roster?

[Actual Thought*]

33?! You have no basis for saying that, Shane Doan is 39...

And where have I, or anyone else, even come remotely close to comparing him to Lidstrom? Byfuglien is very physical, but he's got the size and mass to protect himself. He's got a rocket of a shot. He can clear net front forwards like no one else on our team, etc., etc., etc. In addition to being a top pair dman, Byfuglien would bring a lot of sorely needed elements to this team.

I think he was referring to Lidstrom playing beyond 40. In any case Doan is a forward and defencemen tend to play longer than forwards. It is unlikely Buff will be washed up at 33. If we are buyers at the deadline I would rather a proven veteran rental over a project that may or may not pan out.

 

[Actual Thought*]

Seriously? Jagr is 40, So Big buff will def play good until he is 40. Same with Datsyuk. He is 37/38 So big buff must last at least 8 years. I can name many many more players who fall off in the mid 30s

Yeah, Im saying might be worth it. In fact he probably is. But a 6 year contract is not good for a 30/31 year old dman who plays Physical. which he will lose over time progresses. It just happens.

See Jonathan Ericsson? *cough* Though he was never really that good to begin with, People raved about him being Physical and clearing the front of the net. I never really see him do that. Ever. And the only reason he does it is cause he turns the puck over when he does clear the front.

I'm not saying Big Buff is a bad player. Just that contract extension you said.

It depends on how the contract is structured.

 

[BinCookin]

BTW Big Buff is taking alot of bad penalties in the games I am watching. He seems to be an out of control penalty machine.

Also if you are going to argue about 6-7 year contracts. it is NEVER a good move for an organization to sign ANYONE for that long, EVEN if they are 22-23 yrs old.

But hey, sometimes you have to do it to get the player. It is what it is.

I do not necessarily think Buff is the best we could do... but he will improve our team if the price is right.

 

[Actual Thought*]

BTW Big Buff is taking alot of bad penalties in the games I am watching. He seems to be an out of control penalty machine.

Also if you are going to argue about 6-7 year contracts. it is NEVER a good move for an organization to sign ANYONE for that long, EVEN if they are 22-23 yrs old.

But hey, sometimes you have to do it to get the player. It is what it is.

I do not necessarily think Buff is the best we could do... but he will improve our team if the price is right.

I agree but if a player is in demand and you want him you will have to pay market price. Often times stability and commitment is a selling feature. It helps to illustrate you are a winning team as well. I don't love long term deals but somebody will hand one out if you don't.

I also agree it isn't Buff or bust.

 

[Hobnobs]

If his contract ended THIS season I wouldnt have mind bringing in Iginla.

Our biggest problem is defense. If we could get someone like Gunnarsson I would be ok with that. Pretty good puck mover and better defensively than 2/3 of our current core.

 

[Winger98]

BTW Big Buff is taking alot of bad penalties in the games I am watching. He seems to be an out of control penalty machine.

Also if you are going to argue about 6-7 year contracts. it is NEVER a good move for an organization to sign ANYONE for that long, EVEN if they are 22-23 yrs old.

But hey, sometimes you have to do it to get the player. It is what it is.

I do not necessarily think Buff is the best we could do... but he will improve our team if the price is right.

Trades could be interesting if some teams don't start pulling themselves out of their holes. Anaheim could be sellers. I have to think Columbus will look to move someone if their season continues to crash and burn. I wouldn't be surprised to see Calgary move someone (specifically, Wideman, who I'd like here). If St. Louis burns out again, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make some more significant moves after the season.

 

[Run the Jewels]

Our biggest problem is defense. If we could get someone like Gunnarsson I would be ok with that. Pretty good puck mover and better defensively than 2/3 of our current core.

Exactly. I don't get how people are seriously considering Byfuglien being available. The Jets are 2 points out of first place and Buff is their top scorer on defense. I know there was some friction between Maurice wanting to play him at forward and Buff preferring defense but it doesn't seem nearly as toxic as the situation with Evander Kane who supposedly asked for a trade every offseason and had several years left on his contract. So I can see the Jets hold onto Buff through the playoffs and then probably trade his rights before he hits UFA. He would be a good get if you can sign him short term but that's probably going to be tough to accomplish. I'd still take my chances and sign him to a new deal since our defense is so bad and we have zero prospects coming up through the minors. I hold out hope for Saarijarvi but he's a few years away at best.

The Wings could have had Zach Bogosian for Jakub Kindl and Jiri Huder. They could have had Tyler Myers for Anthony Mantha and a 1st. You could also add Jay Bouwmeester for Ericsson, Filppula and a prospect. So you could have massively upgraded your defense with guys who are no longer on the club. Your defense would probably look something like this:

Bouwmeester - Myers
Kronwall - Green
DeKeyser - Bogosian

Myers is signed for three more years.
Bouwmeester is signed for three more years.
Bogosian is signed for four more years.

That's a huge improvement over the current defense. No, there's not a Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith or Erik Karlsson level defender there, but those guys are almost never available via trade. It's too bad Holland is petrified of making trades because all of these guys were reportedly available to Detroit via trade.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

if we dont address the defence then everyone who has played the game of hockey for any significant length of time knows without a doubt that we are not going anywhere

defence wins championships

who gives a rats as.... how many tomas tatar lookalikes we have now or in our future if we do not have a strong, mobile elite puck moving backend arranged properly from 1 thru 6

 

[Lil Sebastian Cossa]

Exactly. I don't get how people are seriously considering Byfuglien being available. The Jets are 2 points out of first place and Buff is their top scorer on defense. I know there was some friction between Maurice wanting to play him at forward and Buff preferring defense but it doesn't seem nearly as toxic as the situation with Evander Kane who supposedly asked for a trade every offseason and had several years left on his contract. So I can see the Jets hold onto Buff through the playoffs and then probably trade his rights before he hits UFA. He would be a good get if you can sign him short term but that's probably going to be tough to accomplish. I'd still take my chances and sign him to a new deal since our defense is so bad and we have zero prospects coming up through the minors. I hold out hope for Saarijarvi but he's a few years away at best.

The Wings could have had Zach Bogosian for Jakub Kindl and Jiri Huder. They could have had Tyler Myers for Anthony Mantha and a 1st. You could also add Jay Bouwmeester for Ericsson, Filppula and a prospect. So you could have massively upgraded your defense with guys who are no longer on the club. Your defense would probably look something like this:

Bouwmeester - Myers
Kronwall - Green
DeKeyser - Bogosian

Myers is signed for three more years.
Bouwmeester is signed for three more years.
Bogosian is signed for four more years.

That's a huge improvement over the current defense. No, there's not a Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith or Erik Karlsson level defender there, but those guys are almost never available via trade. It's too bad Holland is petrified of making trades because all of these guys were reportedly available to Detroit via trade.

False
False
False

You would not have been able to make those trades. Maybe,maybe you could have swung Myers for Mantha and a 1st.

The other two have either have been proven as specious rumors or were simply not anywhere in the neighborhood of reality.

If you want to complain about moves not being made, how about you focus on ones that were actually offered?

Tatar and Nyquist for Bouwmeester wouldn't have made the rounds if the price was Ericsson, Filppula, and a prospect.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

They will get better offers to move him than what is being offered here...

Time will tell, but St. Louis isn't starved for a move, especially in regards to Shattenkirk. They will be methodical when it comes to that move and get an extremely high value in my opinion.

For instance they could land Eberle or something like that more than likely if they were truly interested in moving him right now.

Other than that season where Eberle put up about a ppg, which was what, 2012? I'd say his value is about the same as Tatar's. Tatar has a better contract situation, similar production while being a better production player.

 

[WingedWheel1987]

I have no issue trading Nyquist or Tatar for a defenseman since the Wings have proven they can draft quality forwards with some consistency.

 

[odin1981]

I have no issue trading Nyquist or Tatar for a defenseman since the Wings have proven they can draft quality forwards with some consistency.

Neither do I. Unfortunately I have major issues with our pro scouting group people that have been in the ****ter performance wise for close to 5 years. Almost ever single player we bring in ****ing sucks.

Green is a incomplete grade atm. New system and health troubles make judging him this year almost impossible. Richards is terrible. I was worried about him on signing day and he looks comatose damn near every shift. His back acting up is a blessing.

Outside of Green the only player that has looked well we have brought in from another team has been Alfie all things considered. And Alfie is a borderline HOF player so it is a bit hard to miss on a mark like that. But through 5 years every single other player that has been brought in from another team has been a nightmare.

I would feel more confident if some of the people where let go and new people where brought in. But moving Nyquist/Tatar is all but a given I feel sometime over the next 2-3 years as part of a package to bring in a #2 that we need. Sadly though when that happens 13, 55, and 40 might be retired/no longer able to lead by example to get another cup.

 

[The Zermanator]

Neither do I. Unfortunately I have major issues with our pro scouting group people that have been in the ****ter performance wise for close to 5 years. Almost ever single player we bring in ****ing sucks.

Green is a incomplete grade atm. New system and health troubles make judging him this year almost impossible. Richards is terrible. I was worried about him on signing day and he looks comatose damn near every shift. His back acting up is a blessing.

Outside of Green the only player that has looked well we have brought in from another team has been Alfie all things considered. And Alfie is a borderline HOF player so it is a bit hard to miss on a mark like that. But through 5 years every single other player that has been brought in from another team has been a nightmare.

I would feel more confident if some of the people where let go and new people where brought in. But moving Nyquist/Tatar is all but a given I feel sometime over the next 2-3 years as part of a package to bring in a #2 that we need. Sadly though when that happens 13, 55, and 40 might be retired/no longer able to lead by example to get another cup.

That's why the time is now. While they're still elite.

As for the garbage that has come in, it's more a reflection of what Holland ultimately gave up. Hard to get quality players when you're rarely willing to give up more than a 2nd rd pick. Sometimes a 1st.

We've heard the rumours of offers involving Nyquist or Tatar, etc. for Bouwmeester or whoever but this was 2-3+ years ago before those two had really built any tangible value. They have the value now to bring in a major piece, provided we package them with the right assets.

 

[odin1981]

That's why the time is now. While they're still elite.

As for the garbage that has come in, it's more a reflection of what Holland ultimately gave up. Hard to get quality players when you're rarely willing to give up more than a 2nd rd pick. Sometimes a 1st.

We've heard the rumours of offers involving Nyquist or Tatar, etc. for Bouwmeester or whoever but this was 2-3+ years ago before those two had really built any tangible value. They have the value now to bring in a major piece, provided we package them with the right assets.

I'm not for moving both players. I am however for moving one of them in 1-2 years to find that true #2 we need if we cannot snag Buff or Shattenkirk to a good termed contract this year in UFA. Buff to me I wouldn't want past 35 to a first pairing term due to his nature as a player and the fact that outliers aside (Pronger, Chara, Weber type players) most crease clearers take a sharp decline in play around 32-33. Shatts would be a safer bet to stay relevant as a player.

But really with Seabrooke being resigned those are the only 2 options we have to look at as bonafide top 2 options. And given the Peg's situation they probably won't move him unless there is a severe overpayment with them being in playoff contention.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

I'm not for moving both players. I am however for moving one of them in 1-2 years to find that true #2 we need if we cannot snag Buff or Shattenkirk to a good termed contract this year in UFA. Buff to me I wouldn't want past 35 to a first pairing term due to his nature as a player and the fact that outliers aside (Pronger, Chara, Weber type players) most crease clearers take a sharp decline in play around 32-33. Shatts would be a safer bet to stay relevant as a player.

But really with Seabrooke being resigned those are the only 2 options we have to look at as bonafide top 2 options. And given the Peg's situation they probably won't move him unless there is a severe overpayment with them being in playoff contention.

Byfuglien is probably leaving Winnipeg, from what I read, they have to choose between Ladd and Buff, and it looks like they are choosing Ladd.

 

[WingedWheel1987]

I think Tatar has tremendous value if you can find a team that has some quality defensive prospects and thinks it's on the cusp of contending, but lacks cap space and could use another top six winger to solidify their top six.

Kinda like Nashville.

 

[Claypool]

They could have had Tyler Myers for Anthony Mantha and a 1st.

You mean Larkin and DeKeyser?

 

[SpookyTsuki]

False
False
False

You would not have been able to make those trades. Maybe,maybe you could have swung Myers for Mantha and a 1st.

The other two have either have been proven as specious rumors or were simply not anywhere in the neighborhood of reality.

If you want to complain about moves not being made, how about you focus on ones that were actually offered?

Tatar and Nyquist for Bouwmeester wouldn't have made the rounds if the price was Ericsson, Filppula, and a prospect.

Bouwmesster would have been traded for that if they were prospects and thats what calgary needed.

It has been proven that top dmen (at the time) Don't really cost the whole farm. Unless they are like Ekblad or something

And I wont even get into how easy it would be to get a Danny D type dman

 

[Run the Jewels]

You mean Larkin and DeKeyser?

Nope, last October Bob McKenzie said the Sabres wanted Mantha or Nyquist.

 

[PerdFan]

I think Tatar has tremendous value if you can find a team that has some quality defensive prospects and thinks it's on the cusp of contending, but lacks cap space and could use another top six winger to solidify their top six.

Kinda like Nashville.

Cap space is not an issue for Nashville....they are $11.5mil under with some contracts coming off the books and only two important RFA contracts to re-up, and they certainly don't need anymore wingers. There is a glut of good quality wingers in the system and no where to put them now as it is. Not to mention Poile isn't giving up any of his prize collection of D for anything other than a young #1C.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

Nope, last October Bob McKenzie said the Sabres wanted Mantha or Nyquist.

Mckenzie said one of Mantha or Larkin, there were a lot of reports about Larkin being the deal breaker for Holland.

 

[Winger98]

Byfuglien is probably leaving Winnipeg, from what I read, they have to choose between Ladd and Buff, and it looks like they are choosing Ladd.

Do they have an internal cap? Because looking at their cap numbers, and I don't see why they couldn't fit both if they really wanted to.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

Do they have an internal cap? Because looking at their cap numbers, and I don't see why they couldn't fit both if they really wanted to.

Maybe? This is what I read in the offseason.

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-12...ce-jets-sign-both-ladd-and-byfuglien-1.335516

 

[19 for president]

If the Wings could land a youngish top 2 dman in a trade everyone not named Z, Dats, Larkin, Kronner, Petr and DD should be available. I mean I love Tats and Gus but neither are probably franchise players and they are wingers. We have no future top 2 dman in the system atm. Heck well be lucky if we have a top 4, and none are really offensive guys.

 

[The Zermanator]

If the Wings could land a youngish top 2 dman in a trade everyone not named Z, Dats, Larkin, Kronner, Petr and DD should be available. I mean I love Tats and Gus but neither are probably franchise players and they are wingers. We have no future top 2 dman in the system atm. Heck well be lucky if we have a top 4, and none are really offensive guys.

That's my position exactly. And because of our surplus of quality assets, I don't mind overpaying to get it done either.