Blue Jackets new GM, Don Waddell, on possibly trading Elvis Merzļikins: “Let’s be honest, nobody is going to trade for that contract.”

[Gregor Samsa]

There’s a difference between being candid and being an asshole. Sometimes it’s best to just keep your mouth shut instead of “keeping it real”. Everyone would have a problem if at a big company meeting your boss singled you out and said you’re overpaid and not worth it

 

[67 others]

Elvis to the sharks for Columbus 1st rounder this year might do it.

We need to meet the cap floor anyways and his contract will expire by the time we are competing

 

[Viqsi]

Elvis to the sharks for Columbus 1st rounder this year might do it.

Counterproposal: Vlasic and the #1 overall for future considerations.

 

[TheNumber4]

Jarmo thought someone would if he just hid Elvis in the pressbox and a sucker GM would just take him on without seeing him play. Unfortunately the shady plan didn’t work, and guys like Holland didn’t bite.

Bye Jarmo!

 

[belair]

If Columbus was willing to add Adam Boqvist to it, I don't see why Toronto wouldn't consider it. They're going to need a split starter with Woll next season and the goalie market is barren unless they're willing to pay the toll on Ullmark or Saros and ultimately extend them at a much higher AAV.

I thought Toronto's transition game was weak in the Boston series and their PP really lacked an effective point option. Enter Adam Boqvist.

If they could add a contract like Reaves to offset, they're addressing two big roster needs for a net $6.7m. Leaves them with a lot of flexibility.

 

[MoneyManny]

Someone said publicly that you are not worth that money

What a shame.

 

[Ice9]

There’s a difference between being candid and being an asshole. Sometimes it’s best to just keep your mouth shut instead of “keeping it real”. Everyone would have a problem if at a big company meeting your boss singled you out and said you’re overpaid and not worth it

Not everyone is a milquetoast in 2024. Some of us have a skin like leather. Who knows what Elvis will do. I'd vow to prove Waddell wrong. Not sure he has that make-up though...

 

[Esq]

Once a jerk, always a jerk.

 

[dgibb10]

Elvis was above .900 hockey for about 3/4 of last year. I really don't believe that he couldn't be moved with retention. I think Waddell's statement is just about interest in Elvis' full contract, and I'd presume it's because Waddell refuses to do retention.

Over the last 3 years only Jack Campbell has a worse GSAx (by about half a goal)

 

[BelovedIsles]

I like when coaches, players, managers are candid. We need more of that (eg Ullmark’s comments).

 

[PensandCaps]

Putting a chip on his shoulder, smart move by waddell. Elvis will show up wanting to prove himself more than ever.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

I guess Elvis will not be leaving the building. Also, lol at all the hand wringing over the comment.

beautifully done

 

[lanceuppercut75]

If Columbus was willing to add Adam Boqvist to it, I don't see why Toronto wouldn't consider it. They're going to need a split starter with Woll next season and the goalie market is barren unless they're willing to pay the toll on Ullmark or Saros and ultimately extend them at a much higher AAV.

I thought Toronto's transition game was weak in the Boston series and their PP really lacked an effective point option. Enter Adam Boqvist.

If they could add a contract like Reaves to offset, they're addressing two big roster needs for a net $6.7m. Leaves them with a lot of flexibility.

Toronto has no interest in a goalie signed past 2026 unless it's a top 15 goalie in the league.

 

[belair]

Toronto has no interest in a goalie signed past 2026 unless it's a top 15 goalie in the league.

Top 15 based on stats accrued from another team? Or top 15 based on GSae without taking into account workload?

The Leafs are rumored to be looking at Brossoit. They'd be running a tandem if two goalies who've never played 30 games in a season.

 

[lanceuppercut75]

Top 15 based on stats accrued from another team? Or top 15 based on GSae without taking into account workload?

The Leafs are rumored to be looking at Brossoit. They'd be running a tandem if two goalies who've never played 30 games in a season.

Brossoit is an ideal option for Toronto IMO. 1 year contract GREATLY preferred to 2 years. 3 years is a deal-breaker. Hopefully they don't chase a big fish.

 

[ijuka]

There’s a difference between being candid and being an asshole. Sometimes it’s best to just keep your mouth shut instead of “keeping it real”. Everyone would have a problem if at a big company meeting your boss singled you out and said you’re overpaid and not worth it

Except they do that all the time. The difference is, rather than telling you this, they simply fire you.

Because normal employees don't have the infinite job security a guy like Merzlikins does. If you're bad and not worth the money, you should be able to be fired, or your pay should be able to be re-evaluated.

 

[Cancuks]

Sounds like a forthcoming buyout.

 

[Hurricane Hugo]

People in here acting like Elvis & Don aren’t two grown ass men in a professional career. GMDW didn’t say anything that Elvis wasn’t already keenly aware of. Waddell is being transparent and honest with the fans about the team that just hired him. In my mind, that’s a huge positive, but you do you.

I like when coaches, players, managers are candid. We need for of that (eg Ullmark’s comments).

It’s too bad that everyone gets their feelings hurt so easily now. I guarantee there’s people in this thread far more hurt about Don’s comment than Elvis is. What a world.

 

[67 others]

There’s a difference between being candid and being an asshole. Sometimes it’s best to just keep your mouth shut instead of “keeping it real”. Everyone would have a problem if at a big company meeting your boss singled you out and said you’re overpaid and not worth it

If that doesn't motivate you to prove them wrong, then well, you aren't the sort of person a lot of teams will want.

Folks who take adversity and use it to fuel their fire to earn respect through performance are the sorts of people you want. Especially in a competitive sports environment. The ones who will let it get to them and go "woe is me" are the weaklings who call in sick when they have the slight sniffles or a minor headache.

 

[habsterr]

I respect the honesty but some team just acquired Goodrow and another took PLD, so who knows?

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

Not everyone is a milquetoast in 2024. Some of us have a skin like leather. Who knows what Elvis will do. I'd vow to prove Waddell wrong. Not sure he has that make-up though...

Just outta curiosity, on a scale of 10 to 11, how outraged were you when Colin Kaepernick took a knee? The mere mention of Greta Thunberg does what to your blood pressure?

It’s about not being a prick and having a decent work environment. That quote doesn’t make trading Elvis or dealing him any easier, so Waddell should keep his jowls from flapping by shutting up. ..see how that’s maybe not the most effective communication?

 

[stevo61]

Are we supposed to pretend none of us including Elvis didnt know this?

 

[Epictetus]

I like the bluntness.

 

[FrozenKing18]

*Brian MacLellan has entered the chat*

 

[SomeDude]

Waddell missed a great opportunity to gain some major HF cred if he said "Let's be reality..." instead

He’s 65 years old. He thinks HFboards is something you use to build a Hugely Fantastic house.