Player Discussion: official trade deadline 2025 // discussion thread

[CBJWerenski8]

Waddell is not expected to be one of the league’s high-rollers on Friday. He’s already made it clear he’s not in “go-for-it” mode, stating several times that he has no interest in trading a first-round draft pick for a “rental” player who is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer.
But he would like to add a top-nine forward with a history of providing offense, especially with lingering injuries to first-line center Sean Monahan (wrist surgery) and third-line center Cole Sillinger (shoulder), who are both likely out until late March.

“If we can add (to our lineup) around the edges, certainly we’re going to try that,” Waddell said. “I’m more interested in hockey deals with players who have term remaining on their contracts. We’re exploring, obviously, as many of those as we can.”

Then speculates the guys we will be in on: Rakell, Tuch, McCann, Palmieri, Armia, Reilly Smith, Brandon Tanev, and Zucker

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I'd rat

Then speculates the guys we will be in on: Rakell, Tuch, McCann, Palmieri, Armia, Reilly Smith, Brandon Tanev, and Zucker

I'd rather any of those guys than Donato.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I'd rat

I'd rather any of those guys than Donato.

If we’re looking for a good swing, I’m more than fine with McCann or Tuch. Not sure of those prices though

If we’re just looking for a small add, then I’m fine with Zucker.

I think donato would be a good add too but with him being the top rental out there I think that’s going to cost more than what we want to give.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

If we’re looking for a good swing, I’m more than fine with McCann or Tuch. Not sure of those prices though

If we’re just looking for a small add, then I’m fine with Zucker.

I think donato would be a good add too but with him being the top rental out there I think that’s going to cost more than what we want to give.

I was just talking player value in a vacuum. Cost to acquire is certainly an important consideration. Not gonna rank 'em with that in mind because truth is we're not likely in on all of those guys.

 

[Nanabijou]

I agree with Waddell's strategy here. Provorov is essentially the trade deadline 'buy' as CBJ are giving up the first rounder they were likely planning earlier in the season to get for him.

If Fabbro wants to kick the tires on free agency, so be it. The big carrot CBJ can offer him, besides money, is the chance to play with Z. Not sure there is an opportunity like that elsewhere. Circle back to him after the season with an offer.

Keep this year's first. If an additional forward makes sense and doesn't break the bank, go for it.

As I said, I think this is the best approach. Let the current team see how far they can go.

 

[Misfire Puck]

I would still ask Boston about Coyle.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

I would still ask Boston about Coyle.

wouldn't mind this (I assume he'd come cheap) but zacha would be a bigger target for me personally. could either put him at 2LW or at 3C and anchor a true matchup line.

probably a bigger swing than waddell wants to take, but calling up boston and saying "we'll take zacha and coyle both for a futures package" would be fun. boston would free up $10m the next two years, and the jackets would get two good veteran middle six forwards.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

If Fabbro wants to kick the tires on free agency, so be it. The big carrot CBJ can offer him, besides money, is the chance to play with Z. Not sure there is an opportunity like that elsewhere. Circle back to him after the season with an offer.

I'm gonna be heartbroken if fabbro walks. he's been really impressive and this seems to be a perfect fit for him as a player. wouldn't be shocked though if he ends up getting something like $7m AAV on the open market with the projected cap growth.

Keep this year's first. If an additional forward makes sense and doesn't break the bank, go for it.

the interesting thing to note from waddell's recent comment is that he said they won't give up a first for a rental – I bet either of this year's firsts would be on the table for someone like jared mccann or rikard rakell. both of those guys would be dynamite fits long-ish-term with fantilli.

unpopular opinion but I don't think I would've parted with either of those picks for bjorkstrand. if they're gonna put a first on the table it's gotta be for a guy with at least two more years after this one (bjorkstrand only has one) – teams that break out the way CBJ did this year are often regression-prone the following season.

bjorky's going to go absolutely gangbusters in the stamkos spot on TBL PP1 though

 

[Xoggz22]

You think we would have been upset with trading our Minnesota pick and a 2nd in 2029 for Bjorkstrand? It's something like that value wise. I think people would have been happy with it here.

I wouldn't have been happy. Not because I don't like Bjorkstrand (I've met him, like him and think he's still a good player), but I view late 1sts as something you do when you are competing for a cup, not for a possible playoff spot. I don't hold Bjorkstrand in the same mold that you do. I mean I wouldn't be livid, but I wouldn't endorse such a move either. Not at this point and for only one additional year. Very unlikely he's a guy you extend so, to me, I wouldn't put that type of asset to him given we aren't a strong cup contender.

 

[koteka]

unpopular opinion but I don't think I would've parted with either of those picks for bjorkstrand. if they're gonna put a first on the table it's gotta be for a guy with at least two more years after this one (bjorkstrand only has one) – teams that break out the way CBJ did this year are often regression-prone the following season.

I agree with both parts of this.

I could see being a wild card team this season and then missing the playoffs next year. Growth isn’t linear and part of making the playoffs this season is watching other teams like the Rangers underperform. Look at New Jersey who is a few years ahead of us in the rebuild - 3rd in the East 2 seasons ago and then 13th in the East last season.

I wouldn't have been happy. Not because I don't like Bjorkstrand (I've met him, like him and think he's still a good player), but I view late 1sts as something you do when you are competing for a cup, not for a possible playoff spot. I don't hold Bjorkstrand in the same mold that you do. I mean I wouldn't be livid, but I wouldn't endorse such a move either. Not at this point and for only one additional year. Very unlikely he's a guy you extend so, to me, I wouldn't put that type of asset to him given we aren't a strong cup contender.

Also, I think some people overrate Bjorkstrand here. Compare his numbers to Frank Vatrano over the last couple of seasons. How much would people give up for Vatrano? There is a familiarity with Bjorkstrand, but he sort of peaked here in the 2019-2020 season when he was 24 and never really reached another level beyond that.

 

[Napoli]

I would throw the kitchen sink at Buffalo for Tuch. Dude is a gamechanger and would carry any line you put him on. That's the kind of player that makes a serious difference. If you're going to make a splash, make a big one, otherwise just save the assets.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I would throw the kitchen sink at Buffalo for Tuch. Dude is a gamechanger and would carry any line you put him on. That's the kind of player that makes a serious difference. If you're going to make a splash, make a big one, otherwise just save the assets.

Also brings a RH shot in the lineup which we need. Hes going to be quite expensive though.

I’d trade a first,Brindley + for him.