Proposal: Free agency edition Trade Rumours/Proposals - 2025/26 Part II

[HSF]

I said Whitecloud and Schneider would be more lateral moves, but I would understand the logic.

You have Sanderson and Chabot as the primary puck movers and PP guys in the top 4, and Yakemchuk (another puck mover) will likely need a couple years on the third pair as he breaks in. It would make sense to add some size and PK ability to the mix. Sanderson/Chabot/Yakemchuk and then Zub/Schneider/Kleven would be good balance.

Ristolainen is no doubt a better player than Spence. But yes, he does need a new contract, which would certainly be something that has the be considered. I'm not trading for him without an extension.

Spence needs a new deal as well, though. And what hasn't been reported is what his asking price is. I like him a lot at $4.5M AAV. I don't like him so much at $5.5M AAV.

I wouldn't worry about balance. I would worry more about skill and actually having guys who can play top 4 mins.

If they deal Spence to get Schneider or whitecloud there is risk involved. You have to hope that Whitecloud and Schnieder are better than last year

Spence for Risto? I think its debatable whose better. One is def younger and has more contract control

 

[commentsense]

Alright, let's play it out. Parayko waives his NTC to come to Ottawa. We send back Spence + pick + prospect.

Starting D core is

Sandy/Zub
Chabot/Parayko
Kleven/Yak
Matinpalo

What's the plan if Chabot or Sanderson get hurt or Yak isn't ready yet? Who is moving the puck out of the zone on one or two of the pairings?

Lassi is gone btw, we can't call him up to fill in. It's Crotty or Donovan coming up as the 6th/7th.

This team will be in a world of hurt. And we're down another pick and a prospect. In a really bare pipeline.

Those guys are also way older as well. More prone to injuries and cost more money. And if we're being honest, are better than Spence at some things, but also worse than him at other things.

The situation is even more dire if it's someone less good than Parayko or Risto.

I posted a bunch of Spence's stats in his thread, who are we getting that's going to be better than that in a significant way? Not many players.

If we trade Spence we only have one puck mover on the right side, and he's a rookie. Seems like a terrible gamble to take on a hockey team that is just starting to figure it out.

Sure, but say you keep Spence. The inverse becomes true. We lack strong defenders who can PK, so if Zub goes down, we're screwed (see first round of this year's playoffs).

Also, both Parayko and Ristolainen can move the puck. These guys were Olympians on top-end teams. They're both legit top 3 defenseman on almost every NHL roster who can play ES, PP and PK.

We're not talking about replacing Spence with Luke Schenn or Erik Gudbranson.

If Parayko were willing to come here (he won't be), we'd be INSANE to pass on him so we can play Spence with Chabot instead.

 

[HSF]

Sure, but say you keep Spence. The inverse becomes true. We lack strong defenders who can PK, so if Zub goes down, we're screwed (see first round of this year's playoffs).

Also, both Parayko and Ristolainen can move the puck. These guys were Olympians on top-end teams. They're both legit top 3 defenseman on almost every NHL roster who can play ES, PP and PK.

We're not talking about replacing Spence with Luke Schenn or Erik Gudbranson.

If Parayko were willing to come here (he won't be), we'd be INSANE to pass on him so we can play Spence with Chabot instead.

Kesselring just went for a team looking to move up 7 spots in the draft.

If you want a guy to play the PK there are better options out there then trading a valuable player for an inconsistent one who is much older and has no contract security

 

[commentsense]

I wouldn't worry about balance. I would worry more about skill and actually having guys who can play top 4 mins.

We're talking about Colton Parayko and Ristolainen here. Not Luke Schenn.

Holy smokes.

 

[HSF]

We're talking about Colton Parayko and Ristolainen here. Not Luke Schenn.

Holy smokes.

I already said Parayko is better (though he is older now)

Risto is debatable. You keep saying Risto is defacto better which is actually not true from what we saw last year I would say they were close but one guy is much younger and more controlled

 

[commentsense]

I already said Parayko is better

Risto is debatable. You keep saying Risto is defacto better which is actually not true from what we saw last year I would say they were close but one guy is much younger and more controlled

I think if you polled 32 NHL GMs, 32 of them would take Rasmus Ristolainen over Jordan Spence.

And yes, I agree, the contract matters. I'm not trading for Ristolainen as a rental. And I doubt he extends here immediately after a trade, so this is all a moot discussion.

But Spence needs an extension as well. And we don't know what he's looking for. Maybe his agent drifted a 5x5.5M proposal in Staois' direction, and upon receiving it, Staios started making some phone calls.

Spence at 3x4.5M? Awesome, sign me up.
Spence at 5x5.5M? Let's start gauging his value around the league.

 

[HSF]

I think if you polled 32 NHL GMs, 32 of them would take Rasmus Ristolainen over Jordan Spence.

And yes, I agree, the contract matters. I'm not trading for Ristolainen as a rental. And I doubt he extends here, so this is all a moot discussion.

But Spence needs an extension as well. And we don't know what he's looking for. Maybe his agent drifted a 5x5.5M proposal in Staois' direction, and upon receiving it, Staios started making some phone calls.

Spence at 3x4.5M? Awesome, sign me up.
Spence at 5x5.5M? Let's start gauging his value around the league.

LOL You think Risto will be easier to sign than an RFA Spence ?

What if we polled them and they chose Spence? the numbers show:

 

[commentsense]

LOL You think Risto will be easier to sign than an RFA Spence ?

No need to poll anyone. the numbers show:

Did you bother to read my post?

"I'm not trading for Ristolainen as a rental. And I doubt he extends here immediately after a trade, so this is all a moot discussion."

Also LOL at JFresh "cards". Meaningless drivel. Leafs fans were all hyped yesterday because Emil Andrae's card made them think he's going to step into their top 4. Nonsense stuff.

BTW, I like Spence. I've said many times in this thread. If he's here next season, that's not a bad thing. He's a good player.

But there are scenarios where it would make sense to trade him. So of course Staios would be listening.

 

[HSF]

Did you bother to read my post?

"I'm not trading for Ristolainen as a rental. And I doubt he extends here, so this is all a moot discussion."

Also lol at JFresh "cards". Meaningless drivel. Leafs fans were all hyped yesterday because Emil Andrae's card made them think he's going to step into their top 4. Nonsense stuff.

BTW, I like Spence. I've said many times in this thread.

But there are scenarios where it would make sense to trade him. So of course Staios would be listening.

Okay so what showed that Risto was by far better than Spence this year?

at this rate you gotta change your username cause you are not making sense.

Risto will be more expensive than Spence on the next contract cause Risto has a ton of leverage. Risto is going to be 32 in Oct. Are we sure we want to move Spence out so that we can have Risto?

 

[MiscBrah]

Sure, but say you keep Spence. The inverse becomes true. We lack strong defenders who can PK, so if Zub goes down, we're screwed (see first round of this year's playoffs).

Also, both Parayko and Ristolainen can move the puck. These guys were Olympians on top-end teams. They're both legit top 3 defenseman on almost every NHL roster who can play ES, PP and PK.

We're not talking about replacing Spence with Luke Schenn or Erik Gudbranson.

If Parayko were willing to come here (he won't be), we'd be INSANE to pass on him so we can play Spence with Chabot instead.

Spence stepped up really well in an all-around role with the injuries. Is he the ideal shutdown PKer? Of course not, but he's able to get by and the rest of his skillset makes up for any deficiencies.

I agree with you that Parayko and Risto won't come here. But who will? What are the actual names of players we can get that will be an improvement on Spence and won't tank the rest of the line-up or prospect pool?

 

[commentsense]

Okay so what showed that Risto was by far better than Spence this year?

Watching the players play? I don't know what kind of number or spreadsheet you expect me to produce?

I like his ability to skate. I like his size and reach. I like his shot. I like his ability to play both PK and PP. I like that he can move guys from the front of his net.

I also like Spence. I like his transition game. I like his first pass and shot. I like his ability to mesh with multiple partners.

But if I had to choose, I'd take Ristolainen.

 

[commentsense]

Spence stepped up really well in an all-around role with the injuries. Is he the ideal shutdown PKer? Of course not, but he's able to get by and the rest of his skillset makes up for any deficiencies.

I agree with you that Parayko and Risto won't come here. But who will? What are the actual names of players we can get that will be an improvement on Spence and won't tank the rest of the line-up or prospect pool?

It'll be difficult, no doubt. Staios will have to be creative.

Could we see something like:

Halliday + Hensler to NYR for Schneider
Spence + 2nd + something to SJS for Eklund (say if they decide to draft Stenberg)

I have no idea, but those are the types of moves I think we're probably exploring. Bring in a more defensive, PK type D to replace Spence, and use Spence in a deal to get a forward that can play in the top 6.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

Risto has missed so many games it makes me nervous. Over the last 6 seasons, 3 of them were basically half the season played. He's missed significant amount of games every year with the Flyers other than arguably year 2 at 74 gp. The last 2 in Buffalo same thing. Not really a 32 year old I want to back the brinks truck up for with that kind of track record.

 

[HSF]

Watching the players play? I don't know what kind of number or spreadsheet you expect me to produce?

I like his ability to skate. I like his size and reach. I like his shot. I like his ability to play both PK and PP. I like that he can move guys from the front of his net.

I also like Spence. I like his transition game. I like his first pass and shot. I like his ability to mesh with multiple partners.

But if I had to choose, I'd take Ristolainen.

So you are just going off of vibes? Check the Flyers board dude is a super polarizing player. I would add him but not at the expense of Spence. Risto is also very injury prone

 

[commentsense]

Risto has missed so many games it makes me nervous. Over the last 6 seasons, 3 of them were basically half the season played. He's missed significant amount of games every year with the Flyers other than arguably year 2 at 74 gp. The last 2 in Buffalo same thing. Not really a 32 year old I want to back the brinks truck up for with that kind of track record.

What's funny is there's a world we could keep Spence and bring in Risto! That's likely what the plan was last deadline, if the reports are true that we were "far down the line with Philly" on him.

My question is what were we offering? If it got close, it had to be something. But there's no way it was a Cozens or Pinto type player, and Philly would have zero interest in Spence.

Maybe Greig? But even that I doubt. And we didn't have a 1st to trade.

Perhaps Briere loves loves loves Halliday?

Who knows, but it might not take a brinks truck.

 

[commentsense]

So you are just going off of vibes? Check the Flyers board dude is a super polarizing player. I would add him but not at the expense of Spence. Risto is also very injury prone

Yeah, watching hockey games with your own eyes is vibes. Looking at colorful stats pictures fans make on Twitter is what the real scouts do.

I think we can just disagree. It's okay to prefer Spence to Ristolainen. I don't. And I'm guessing if Staios could make the swap, he would. So I'll leave it at that.

 

[JackieDaytona]

Risto is a good player, don’t get me wrong. But so is Spence. Spence is just entering his prime. Risto is just leaving his.


If we’re looking to have someone to pair with chabot, who has his own injury-prone issues, who’s actually going to play? Risto is equally injury prone, if not more injury prone. He’s missed a ton of games - like almost half of games available as a flyer, and his injury history doesn’t bode well for a signing. I’d rather take Spence.

Give up all those assets just for this guy to sit in the pressbox. I think Risto has too many risks.

 

[HSF]

Yeah, watching hockey games with your own eyes is vibes. Looking at colorful stats pictures fans make on Twitter is what the real scouts do.

I think we can just disagree. It's okay to prefer Spence to Ristolainen. I don't. And I'm guessing if Staios could make the swap, he would. So I'll leave it at that.

nah I doubt Staois makes that swap

more likely Halliday is the guy they want

 

[commentsense]

nah I doubt Staois makes that swap

more likely Halliday is the guy they want

Well the current "rumor" is that we'd be bringing in a guy like Ristolainen and moving out Spence.

So even if it's not in the same trade, it's a swap in the sense that Ristolainen (or Parayko or Schneider) would be replacing Spence in the lineup.

But hey, maybe Yakemchuk is the guy that's dealt in a blockbuster and Spence extends long-term.

We'll see what happens!

 

[OttawaSenators11]

I don’t even know how or why we even have interest in Risto exactly ? Like someone already mentioned he’s like Josh Norris on D he’s never healthy so it’s kinda surprising Staios would have interest in this player who is 31, due for a pretty substantial contract in a year, and not readily available tons of the time throughout his career?

Mind boggling tbh considering Staios traded away at the time the “better player” in Norris for someone that is usually always available in Cozens.

Just doesn’t seem like a Staios type player.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

What's funny is there's a world we could keep Spence and bring in Risto! That's likely what the plan was last deadline, if the reports are true that we were "far down the line with Philly" on him.

My question is what were we offering? If it got close, it had to be something. But there's no way it was a Cozens or Pinto type player, and Philly would have zero interest in Spence.

Maybe Greig? But even that I doubt. And we didn't have a 1st to trade.

Perhaps Briere loves loves loves Halliday?

Who knows, but it might not take a brinks truck.

That would have been ideal. Kleven-Spence as the 3rd pairing gives the team an advantage over many teams. Maybe that's why it didn't get done though, because I also struggle to see how they could have pulled that off without subtracting too much from the active roster. Halliday + picks doesn't seem like it would cut it. Maybe Hensler in there, but not sure how valuable he is.

 

[JackieDaytona]

I really hope all this talk of trading Spence is just media posturing by Staios in order to establish parameters of a deal. Unless Spence is traded with other assets for clearly better player, it seems like a no win situation for them. They won’t get the value of what he’ll bring as a player imo.

 

[MiscBrah]

It'll be difficult, no doubt. Staios will have to be creative.

Could we see something like:

Halliday + Hensler to NYR for Schneider
Spence + 2nd + something to SJS for Eklund (say if they decide to draft Stenberg)

I have no idea, but those are the types of moves I think we're probably exploring. Bring in a more defensive, PK type D to replace Spence, and use Spence in a deal to get a forward that can play in the top 6.

Schneider is cheeks man come on. And he's RFA too.

Spence is much better player than him. The contracts they get this year will show that.

Chabot with Schneider is another anchor and we already know how that goes.

Eklund is a forward, so we still need a RD. Unless you mean do both trades. And our entire pipeline is now gutted and we're relying on Schiender to carry the second pariing with Yak as a rookie. Terrifying d-core, and not in a good way.

 

[commentsense]

That would have been ideal. Kleven-Spence as the 3rd pairing gives the team an advantage over many teams. Maybe that's why it didn't get done though, because I also struggle to see how they could have pulled that off without subtracting too much from the active roster. Halliday + picks doesn't seem like it would cut it. Maybe Hensler in there, but not sure how valuable he is.

That's why I think fans should be prepared to part with players. Every thread I open up it seems like it's "No you can't trade Spence!", "No you can't trade Greig!", "No you can't trade Pinto", "No you can't trade Kleven!".

If Staios is calling on the likes of Colton Parayko and Robert Thomas, he's probably willing to trade a lot more than people would think.

He's not calling Doug Armstrong and offering Zetterlund + Hensler.

 

[commentsense]

Schneider is cheeks man come on. And he's RFA too.

Spence is much better player than him. The contracts they get this year will show that.

Chabot with Schneider is another anchor and we already know how that goes.

Eklund is a forward, so we still need a RD.

The logic would be that Schneider could be turned around being coached by Green and playing in this system (just like Spence was), and if you want a good forward like Eklund, you're going to have to give something good up.

It's probably something I would do.

Even if Schneider proves to be a downgrade on Spence, adding a creative offensive forward is worth that downgrade.