http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-wrapping-up-the-nhl-trade-deadline/
EF’s 30 thoughts…most of the thoughts on the deals that happened and those that didn’t,why and the ones that almost did. Some interesting stuff.
On Drouin
2. GM Steve Yzerman clarified his Drouin comments to WDAE Radio on Tuesday, saying if Drouin wanted to come back, it would be at AHL Syracuse and not in Florida. Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, would not comment. Thought
Mark Messier was really good on our trade deadline coverage,
saying, “Just play.” It’s the smart thing to do. It’s time. I remember what it’s like to be 20, stubborn as heck because you feel the world is against you. Sometimes you have to step back, admit defeat and use it as fuel for later. Go play.
He’s right.
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Several points on Hamhuis…mentions that the Hawks and Stars both tried and the Hawks were annoyed (good) they didn’t get him. Once Dallas picked Russell, Bowman tried again to get Hamhuis. Why didn’t it go
6. After the Flames and Stars shook hands, signed papers and kissed babies, Nill and Chicago compatriot Stan Bowman went back to Benning. My guess is the Dallas offer was something like a third-round pick. The Canucks GM knew that wouldn’t fly, and invoked the Brian Burke/Mike Cammalleri rule of, “I’m not trading a good player for nothing, because then other teams will think they can do that forever.” The Blackhawks’ package was more complex. It involved unwanted contracts like Bryan Bickell and Chris Higgins. Remember when Toronto and Vancouver tried to make a Robert Luongo trade tight to the end? It didn’t work because things were too complex. Same here. Chicago wanted Hamhuis, too.
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And why did Nill take Russell over Hamhuis…(aside from the fact he’s 5 yrs younger )
8. Okay, let’s move from the pitchforks in British Columbia to the ones online. Marco Rubio vs Donald Trump did not have the passion of the Dan Hamhuis/Kris Russell debate. Analytic acolytes could not believe Nill preferred Russell over Hamhuis. I’ve got no dog in this fight, either guy could play for me anytime, but searched for reasons why Nill might feel this way. I’ve mentioned this season I’m down on analytics, moving toward a preference for player tracking, although one advanced stat proponent I respect warns me to discount Corsi for defencemen at my own peril.
Several teams have said they put great focus on the bluelines — how they exit their own zones and enter the opponents’. So that’s what I do. According to sportlogiq data, Russell is excellent at getting out of his own zone. If you count all of his outlet passes, stretch passes and carry-outs from there, he’s in the top 30 of all NHL defenders. His issues are offensive. He’s nowhere near as involved in that zone. Since TJ Brodie and Mark Giordano faced the toughest competition, that makes Russell’s numbers look worse. An offensively potent club could be a great fit. Time will tell. But, Nill’s earned enough capital in Detroit and Dallas to say, in the hockey battle of Jim Nill versus the Internet, I’ll go with Nill.
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He said the Kings were disappointed they didn’t Schultz.
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Eriksson price was too high…and some info on the gap between contract term and $$
19. Boston’s ask for Loui Eriksson was big. At least a first-rounder and another strong player/prospect. The Bruins know Eriksson fits well, so only a Corleone-style “offer you can’t refuse” was going to pry him loose. It’s going to be hard to close this gap. No one’s talking, but Eriksson and agent JP Barry initially asked for six years, with the club offering three. The Bruins moved to four last week, but Eriksson won’t be going in that direction unless the average annual salary moves up to offset lower term. Boston’s current number is believed to be in the low 5s. No doubt the player and agent would like it to start with a six.
