Post-Trade Deadline Thread

[EspenK]

Yakupov would be another Marian Gaborik type situation. I get the flash and the attraction, because he's still young and has a history of using his body. But he would be exactly what Gaborik was here, not a fit. Nty

So, out of curiosity, has Gabby poisoned the well for any type of skill player? Patrick Kane floats a bit-how about him? MSL in his prime? Phil Kessel? I think the automatic exclusion of a finesse, skill player is wrong. Passing on Yak because of attitude or no D I'm okay with but I sense that you and probably many others are anti the "skill" guy. Not necessarily wrong, just wrong in my opinion.

 

[pete goegan]

So, out of curiosity, has Gabby poisoned the well for any type of skill player? Patrick Kane floats a bit-how about him? MSL in his prime? Phil Kessel? I think the automatic exclusion of a finesse, skill player is wrong. Passing on Yak because of attitude or no D I'm okay with but I sense that you and probably many others are anti the "skill" guy. Not necessarily wrong, just wrong in my opinion.

More skill, please, Yakupov or someone else. All grinders won't get it, the Jackets need to maintain the blue-collar attitude and mix in some guys whose skill can threaten the goal and open the ice. In my opinion, it was not Gaborik's style that didn't fit, nor his personality, it was the fact that his game had deteriorated due to injury (and his salary, as well). In order for the CBJ to be a legitimate Cup contender, they need to add that top-level scoring threat. Johansen needs a partner to his left. The defense looks like it will get better through added maturity and some young scorers may be on the way from the system, but I'd like to see an addition or two in the off-season to bolster the attack. I'd take a flyer on Yakupov if the price was right; but, if not, I think the first round draft pick might be in play for a young, proven, left-wing scorer. Please? Thank you.

 

[CBJRzeznik]

More skill, please, Yakupov or someone else. All grinders won't get it, the Jackets need to maintain the blue-collar attitude and mix in some guys whose skill can threaten the goal and open the ice. In my opinion, it was not Gaborik's style that didn't fit, nor his personality, it was the fact that his game had deteriorated due to injury (and his salary, as well). In order for the CBJ to be a legitimate Cup contender, they need to add that top-level scoring threat. Johansen needs a partner to his left. The defense looks like it will get better through added maturity and some young scorers may be on the way from the system, but I'd like to see an addition or two in the off-season to bolster the attack. I'd take a flyer on Yakupov if the price was right; but, if not, I think the first round draft pick might be in play for a young, proven, left-wing scorer. Please? Thank you.

Well said! We still need elite speed/finishing ability to combine with our gritty/forechecking style. Using a combination of free agency (Ex. - Statsny, Callahan) and potential trade targets (Eberle, ROR, Yak, Erikson), we could add both high end skill and add to the existing identity without losing too many assets that undermine that established identity. I would absolutely take a flyer on Yak at the right price.....w/our depth at D and C we likely have the pieces to make that happen. I believe the environment we have cultivated together with the russian leadership core in place (funny to say that about CBJ isn't it?) could make this the ideal place for him to thrive. He could be that player that brings dynamic speed and sniping while developing the other parts of his game that most young players almost always need to improve. Reports I have read is that he has a tremendous work ethic....1st on the ice, last off, lives/breathes hockey. He may be a better fit than he appears at 1st glance. I don't believe he is lazy and could be a tremendous pick up for the right team.

 

[major major]

It's very possible that he'd get into a positive and demanding atmosphere and really rise to the occasion. It's also possible that what we've seen isn't confined simply to Edmonton, and that he'd continue to float around no matter where he was. Young players in every sport have shocked the establishment before, where the lazy floater becomes a fire-breathing leader or the future captain becomes disillusioned and bombs out of the league in short order.

Do you know of any example of a hockey player who refused to play defence (publicly) then later went on to become a leader?

 

[major major]

So, out of curiosity, has Gabby poisoned the well for any type of skill player? Patrick Kane floats a bit-how about him? MSL in his prime? Phil Kessel? I think the automatic exclusion of a finesse, skill player is wrong. Passing on Yak because of attitude or no D I'm okay with but I sense that you and probably many others are anti the "skill" guy. Not necessarily wrong, just wrong in my opinion.

Yeah this Gabby = Yakupov thing is a total red herring. Gabby was dinged up and ineffective and a floater but was a good teammate. Yakupov can absolutely fly and just refuses to do anything but float, not someone you bring into the locker room.

 

[major major]

If Yakupov comes out and says he's ready to do everything he can to become a complete player, and Larionov says Yak can get whatever minutes the coach wants as Yak matures, then I'm open to acquiring him. But you can't take him on in the hope that change will occur.

 

[Mayor Bee]

If Yakupov comes out and says he's ready to do everything he can to become a complete player, and Larionov says Yak can get whatever minutes the coach wants as Yak matures, then I'm open to acquiring him.

Like Filatov?

 

[major major]

Like Filatov?

Right, he has to at least be as open to it as Filatov. Right now he's below the Filatov level.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Do you know of any example of a hockey player who refused to play defence (publicly) then later went on to become a leader?

Give me a few days and I might be able to find someone. The "publicly" part is a big variable.

 

[Viqsi]

Yakupov would be another Marian Gaborik type situation. I get the flash and the attraction, because he's still young and has a history of using his body. But he would be exactly what Gaborik was here, not a fit. Nty

Part of Gaborik not being a fit was that he's old enough and injured enough that his game is what it is. Yakupov's young enough that he can still potentially be molded.

In principle, I'd be interested.

 

[EspenK]

I'm guessing that the environment in Edmonton isn't, how shall I say, conducive to developing a young player. Kind of reminiscent of the Jackets in days gone by. Maybe, Yak can develop here;maybe not, but I think if the price is right and with the Russian influence that is present here and the Jackets a better team than Edmonton I would definitely take a chance on him. Throw in the more wide open style in the East and he could be great.

 

[db2011]

I'm very apprehensive about Yakupov but not outright against the idea. As a couple of you have mentioned, I think it's possible that the Russians already established here could help him along.

But bad attitudes are toxic. I'd trust management to determine whether he's a fit or not. I think it would be great to have a skill player, and hopefully the Gabby experiment (which should still be ongoing on this team) hasn't soured JK on bold moves for skill players.

 

[SuperGenius]

So, out of curiosity, has Gabby poisoned the well for any type of skill player? Patrick Kane floats a bit-how about him? MSL in his prime? Phil Kessel? I think the automatic exclusion of a finesse, skill player is wrong. Passing on Yak because of attitude or no D I'm okay with but I sense that you and probably many others are anti the "skill" guy. Not necessarily wrong, just wrong in my opinion.

If Yakupov were a truly skilled NHL player, I might agree with you. Until he does something, he's nothing but hope in a bottle.

 

[Fro]

would much rather make a deal for Eberle than Yakapov

 

[cslebn]

So, out of curiosity, has Gabby poisoned the well for any type of skill player? Patrick Kane floats a bit-how about him? MSL in his prime? Phil Kessel? I think the automatic exclusion of a finesse, skill player is wrong. Passing on Yak because of attitude or no D I'm okay with but I sense that you and probably many others are anti the "skill" guy. Not necessarily wrong, just wrong in my opinion.

What about a Toews, Sharp, Bergeron, Krecji, Marchand kind of guy? None of them are known for floating. There's lots of different types of skill in the league.


On other topics:

Nikitin:
Nikitin is the most interesting UFA in my opinion. I think he's very underrated but I also look at the teams that want to build on him like he's a rock. I think he's still young enough that he needs someone like Tyutin to be in the room as a mentor for him rather than him becoming a mentor like Tyutin is now. With that, I don't think he'd be as valuable to a rebuilding team as he is to a playoff team needing depth. I think space has to be created with our logjams in several places in the lineup and the defensive one will certainly hinge around how management views Nikitin.

Yakupov:
Kick the tires and see what you can do, but I'd worry about him even if we got him for right price. I could seem him take a shift off and then end up in the press box like Cam has ala Richards this year. It's really all about risk with him and for the price you'd pay I wonder if you couldn't get someone less dynamic but who might be more of a sure bet in the long run by gelling well with the team.

 

[Kev22]

I guess at this point, my biggest post-deadline impression is that Atkinson's days seem like they might be numbered. I'm totally speculating, since he's been a healthy scratch and Richards seemingly fine with making him earn his ice time (I don't have a problem with that), I think this screams either Cam's "Come to Jesus" moment or he could be off-season trade bait. I wonder what kind of return GMJK could get for our 1st and Atkinson. If he could get an upgrade on Cam that better fits a physical system, I wouldn't be shocked to see Cam traded.

 

[blahblah]

If the team is going to improve; it needs to decide which player slots to upgrade. It's obvious we're in the second tier of teams and I'm not sure simple development of existing roster players will get to move up to a tier 1 team (competing with Boston and the Pens) over the next couple of years.

Cam might be one of those slots that the team decides needs and upgrade.

 

[EspenK]

If the team is going to improve; it needs to decide which player slots to upgrade. It's obvious we're in the second tier of teams and I'm not sure simple development of existing roster players will get to move up to a tier 1 team (competing with Boston and the Pens) over the next couple of years.

Cam might be one of those slots that the team decides needs and upgrade.

This sums up my feelings. We have to get better. We're good but not good enough.

 

[cslebn]

If the team is going to improve; it needs to decide which player slots to upgrade. It's obvious we're in the second tier of teams and I'm not sure simple development of existing roster players will get to move up to a tier 1 team (competing with Boston and the Pens) over the next couple of years.

I think this is the best point that can be made. There is the potential for a very good team here. But can they be elite, don't know. And then, where do you make the changes to get to be elite?

At some point, the players we love are going to get a ride to the airport.

 

[blahblah]

Let's phrase this a different way (not addressed to those that responded to me, just a thought of mine).

If we can trade Rich Nash and can get better; we can certainly trade Cam Atkinson. I know there has been a lot of talk about "a goal scorer like Cam"; but to be honest with you he's not in the same league as a true goal scorer. Not yet at least. I think he'll end up a steady 25-30 goal guy. Not too bad; a second line kind of guy.

Right now he's a bit one dimensional. If he's not producing he's a bit of a liability. He's not that great on the defensive end and not much of a PK'er. He's production on the PP has been ok; but not great.

Overall; mixed results from a young kid. We'll see where he career takes him. But he'll have a career.

 

[pete goegan]

Let's phrase this a different way (not addressed to those that responded to me, just a thought of mine).

If we can trade Rich Nash and can get better; we can certainly trade Cam Atkinson. I know there has been a lot of talk about "a goal scorer like Cam"; but to be honest with you he's not in the same league as a true goal scorer. Not yet at least. I think he'll end up a steady 25-30 goal guy. Not too bad; a second line kind of guy.

Right now he's a bit one dimensional. If he's not producing he's a bit of a liability. He's not that great on the defensive end and not much of a PK'er. He's production on the PP has been ok; but not great.

Overall; mixed results from a young kid. We'll see where he career takes him. But he'll have a career.

I agree.

 

[CBJRzeznik]

Apparently Dreger reported last night that he believes Carolina is putting Ward, E. Staal, and Skinner on the block. Looking to have a major shake-up and shed salary. Lots of roadblocks (within the division trade, NMC, etc) but Skinner is a young, skilled LW, signed to a long term deal at 5+ million a year, and would seem to fit our needs and the JD/Jarmo criteria as a key "brick" to be added. Could be an ideal fit on Joey's wing for years to come..... Hmmmmm...Johansen to Skinner....Score! Like that sound of that

 

[blahblah]

Apparently Dreger reported last night that he believes Carolina is putting Ward, E. Staal, and Skinner on the block. Looking to have a major shake-up and shed salary. Lots of roadblocks (within the division trade, NMC, etc) but Skinner is a young, skilled LW, signed to a long term deal at 5+ million a year, and would seem to fit our needs and the JD/Jarmo criteria as a key "brick" to be added. Could be an ideal fit on Joey's wing for years to come..... Hmmmmm...Johansen to Skinner....Score! Like that sound of that

Skinner and/or E. Staal would be amazing for this team; depending on what we would have to give up.

Fascinating development even though I don't think we'll be in play.

 

[CBJRzeznik]

Skinner and/or E. Staal would be amazing for this team; depending on what we would have to give up.

Fascinating development even though I don't think we'll be in play.

Agreed on both points. Staal and Joey down the middle would also be amazing...though the $8 million/yr for Staal is huge. I still like to envision the possibilities of either Skinner or Staal in union blue despite how unlikely it may be.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Apparently Dreger reported last night that he believes Carolina is putting Ward, E. Staal, and Skinner on the block. Looking to have a major shake-up and shed salary. Lots of roadblocks (within the division trade, NMC, etc) but Skinner is a young, skilled LW, signed to a long term deal at 5+ million a year, and would seem to fit our needs and the JD/Jarmo criteria as a key "brick" to be added. Could be an ideal fit on Joey's wing for years to come..... Hmmmmm...Johansen to Skinner....Score! Like that sound of that

Then take my idea of trying to snag Burmistrov from Winnipeg, and there can be an entire line of 2010 top-10 picks.

I think I just blew my own mind.