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LeBrun: Lightning, Bruins, Blues, Leafs interested in Jacob Middleton

Dicdonya

Dicdonya

Registered User
Jul 21, 2011
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2,614
rocketdan9 said:
Reason why they would dangle him then?
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Any number of reasons:

1- We already have Ferarro, Simek and Vlasic on the left side. Middleton is/has been better than both Simek and Vlasic, but Vlasic almost assuredly is not going anywhere, and Simek is already signed so if we cannot trade him instead of Middleton do we really want to spend cap to keep Middleton and then put either him or Simek on the bench most of the year?

Obviously the best plan would be to trade either of Vlasic or Simek, but assuming that does not happen which I think is most likely, getting future assets for Middleton makes the most sense.

2- Branching off from number 1, we have prospect depth on the left side, so if we expect any of them to take the next step by next season, having 4 signed defenseman ahead of them creates a logjam issue. A couple of those prospects also have assumed higher ceilings than a guy like Middleton.

3- Someone in the organization thinks Middleton is just a flash in the pan, playing well but ultimately will fade off in the coming years, and so getting assets for him while he is playing well and getting ice time pretty much only because of Covid/Injuries makes logical sense.

4- Hell has frozen over, and our GM/Owner finally decide a rebuild is the best course of action. Getting a pretty decent asset for a 26yo first time NHL player that most likely is playing about his ceiling makes a lot of sense if you are trying to accumulate draft picks and prospects and not specifically win games.
 
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rocketdan9

rocketdan9

Registered User
Feb 5, 2009
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Dicdonya said:
Any number of reasons:

1- We already have Ferarro, Simek and Vlasic on the left side. Middleton is/has been better than both Simek and Vlasic, but Vlasic almost assuredly is not going anywhere, and Simek is already signed so if we cannot trade him instead of Middleton do we really want to spend cap to keep Middleton and then put either him or Simek on the bench most of the year?

Obviously the best plan would be to trade either of Vlasic or Simek, but assuming that does not happen which I think is most likely, getting future assets for Middleton makes the most sense.

2- Branching off from number 1, we have prospect depth on the left side, so if we expect any of them to take the next step by next season, having 4 signed defenseman ahead of them creates a logjam issue. A couple of those prospects also have assumed higher ceilings than a guy like Middleton.

3- Someone in the organization thinks Middleton is just a flash in the pan, playing well but ultimately will fade off in the coming years, and so getting assets for him while he is playing well and getting ice time pretty much only because of Covid/Injuries makes logical sense.

4- Hell has frozen over, and our GM/Owner finally decide a rebuild is the best course of action. Getting a pretty decent asset for a 26yo first time NHL player that most likely is playing about his ceiling makes a lot of sense if you are trying to accumulate draft picks and prospects and not specifically win games.
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What do you expect for Middleton?
 
Jared Dunn

Jared Dunn

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Dec 23, 2013
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ThorNton Apologist said:
Worth knowing that San Jose doesn’t have a pick in the 2nd round so that is likely what they cover as a return
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Where should he be playing in the lineup realistically? Gotta think if he's a capable 4/5 at that caphit and entering RFA without a huge track record to get him really paid someone would likely give up a first
 

Mattb124

Registered User
Apr 29, 2011
6,810
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rocketdan9 said:
Reason why they would dangle him then?
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I doubt the Sharks are dangling him, more likely other GM's are asking because they think the Sharks will be sellers. Why might the Sharks listen? He may not fit within the window and could potentially garner an attractive return. He is the sort of player GM's have overpaid for in the past when looking for playoff toughness.
 
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JuJu Mobb

JuJu Mobb

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Dec 9, 2009
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A guy thats's 26 years old with 52 career NHL games, never played in the playoffs will get a first round pick? Did I just read that of HFBoards?

Hopefully no GM is as insane as some posters on here.
 
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Pavelski2112

Pavelski2112

Bold as Boognish
Dec 15, 2011
14,774
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San Jose, California
JuJu Mobb said:
A guy thats's 26 years old with 52 career NHL games, never played in the playoffs will get a first round pick? Did I just read that of HFBoards?

Hopefully no GM is as insane as some posters on here.
Click to expand...
Maybe one person said a first. There are definitely far worse takes on HF.

Most of us expect a 2nd+small add at the very best, if the Sharks even sell at the TDL, which they probably won't because they're delusional.
 

Mattb124

Registered User
Apr 29, 2011
6,810
4,403
JuJu Mobb said:
A guy thats's 26 years old with 52 career NHL games, never played in the playoffs will get a first round pick? Did I just read that of HFBoards?

Hopefully no GM is as insane as some posters on here.
Click to expand...

The Sharks got a 1st in a package for a 4th liner who they had been benched in the playoffs, so.....
 
Mick Riddleton

Mick Riddleton

May these gates never be closed
Apr 24, 2017
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Middleton name on a jersey in Boston would be great to see again. He would be a fine addition.
 
Pinkfloyd

Pinkfloyd

Registered User
Oct 29, 2006
71,532
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Folsom
JuJu Mobb said:
A guy thats's 26 years old with 52 career NHL games, never played in the playoffs will get a first round pick? Did I just read that of HFBoards?

Hopefully no GM is as insane as some posters on here.
Click to expand...

There's a reason why these contenders are reporting interest in Middleton. The experience doesn't matter. The contract situation and potential for high value at a depth position is what they're gunning for. Middleton on his own doesn't deserve a 1st round pick of course but they pulled off a similar deal with Goodrow going to Tampa with a 3rd round pick for a 1st round pick. That deal makes sense here too. However, if all they got is a 2nd for him, that would be acceptable as well.

The Sharks have a lot of guys on the left side and limited options on how to deal with it. They need to re-sign Ferraro. They have Vlasic who has negative value and will either ride it out or be bought out. A move like this might give them an excuse to stall buying him out for another season. They have Simek who is a bottom pairing d-man making 2.25 mil for another two seasons. Probably someone they could move with retention and get a late pick back but not a guarantee. They have Knyzhov who has missed all of this season, needs to be re-signed, and had a solid rookie season playing with Karlsson. They also have Santeri Hatakka and Artemi Kniazev as players in their system they may need to find room for.

Middleton is the only option they have that allows them to get positive future assets, allow them to burn another year on bad contracts on defense, and open up a spot for Ryan Merkley who is earning his way into the lineup. Everyone else is either likely to return little of value or nothing at all.
 
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