Trade and Free Agency Thread - 2021/22 Part XI - Deadline Looming

[TMLAM34]

Here’s our experience with Toronto kids coming home

Remember david clarkson
Tavares and marner
Just think of their contracts and what they have done to our team

I’m done with the Toronto kid coming home experience

What about Bunting, Hyman previously? You can argue even Brown to a certain extent…

 

[hockeywiz542]

Minnesota Wild trade tracker: More details on the Marc-André Fleury deal — Wild were on his ‘very, very short list’

Michael Russo brings you everything you need to know about the Minnesota Wild as we count down to the NHL's trade deadline on March 21.

theathletic.com

Could Boston College’s Jack McBain be in play?

Even as recently as a few weeks ago, all indications were that the Wild were not only planning to sign Boston College senior Jack McBain after his NCAA season was complete, but also that they were also willing to burn the first year of the 6-foot-4 center’s two-year entry-level contract by putting him directly into their lineup.

It appears that’s now changed.

As Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek first reported Saturday night on “Hockey Night in Canada,” The Athletic has confirmed that it’s now unlikely that McBain signs with Minnesota. If that turns out to be the case, as Marek reported, it’s likely that general manager Bill Guerin would trade McBain’s rights in advance of the March 21 trade deadline.

Otherwise, McBain would become a highly coveted unrestricted free agent Aug. 15.

Sources say Guerin has given permission to McBain’s adviser to talk to other teams, determine which McBain would be willing to sign with and give Guerin a list. The Wild could then use McBain as part of a trade for a rental from one of those teams or trade him for a draft pick. McBain was a third-rounder in 2018, and it’s likely the Wild would want a pick higher than that in return.

McBain, who leads Boston College with 29 points in 22 games and is second with 18 goals, plays a single-elimination game against the University of New Hampshire in the opening round of the Hockey East tournament Wednesday night. The Eagles are unranked with a 14-17-5 record, and if they lose to UNH, McBain’s college career will be over. At that point, a trade could happen any time. If the Eagles win, they’ll advance to play Saturday night.

The Wild considered signing McBain at the end of his junior season, but after scoring six goals and 19 points in 24 games, he chose to return to school to continue his development and attempt to fulfill his dream of winning a national championship. McBain likely looks at the Wild as now being hard to crack up the middle, with Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek and Freddy Gaudreau in place as 1-2-3 and first-round pick Marco Rossi potentially on his way next season.

Two dozen teams have called the Wild to ask about McBain, sources say, and it wouldn’t be surprising if division rivals like the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets have interest. McBain’s father, Andrew, incidentally, played six seasons for the former Jets franchise in the 1980s. (March 8)

 

[McSnypsky]

Minnesota Wild trade tracker: More details on the Marc-André Fleury deal — Wild were on his ‘very, very short list’

Michael Russo brings you everything you need to know about the Minnesota Wild as we count down to the NHL's trade deadline on March 21.

theathletic.com

Could Boston College’s Jack McBain be in play?

Even as recently as a few weeks ago, all indications were that the Wild were not only planning to sign Boston College senior Jack McBain after his NCAA season was complete, but also that they were also willing to burn the first year of the 6-foot-4 center’s two-year entry-level contract by putting him directly into their lineup.

It appears that’s now changed.

As Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek first reported Saturday night on “Hockey Night in Canada,” The Athletic has confirmed that it’s now unlikely that McBain signs with Minnesota. If that turns out to be the case, as Marek reported, it’s likely that general manager Bill Guerin would trade McBain’s rights in advance of the March 21 trade deadline.

Otherwise, McBain would become a highly coveted unrestricted free agent Aug. 15.

Sources say Guerin has given permission to McBain’s adviser to talk to other teams, determine which McBain would be willing to sign with and give Guerin a list. The Wild could then use McBain as part of a trade for a rental from one of those teams or trade him for a draft pick. McBain was a third-rounder in 2018, and it’s likely the Wild would want a pick higher than that in return.

McBain, who leads Boston College with 29 points in 22 games and is second with 18 goals, plays a single-elimination game against the University of New Hampshire in the opening round of the Hockey East tournament Wednesday night. The Eagles are unranked with a 14-17-5 record, and if they lose to UNH, McBain’s college career will be over. At that point, a trade could happen any time. If the Eagles win, they’ll advance to play Saturday night.

The Wild considered signing McBain at the end of his junior season, but after scoring six goals and 19 points in 24 games, he chose to return to school to continue his development and attempt to fulfill his dream of winning a national championship. McBain likely looks at the Wild as now being hard to crack up the middle, with Ryan Hartman, Joel Eriksson Ek and Freddy Gaudreau in place as 1-2-3 and first-round pick Marco Rossi potentially on his way next season.

Two dozen teams have called the Wild to ask about McBain, sources say, and it wouldn’t be surprising if division rivals like the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets have interest. McBain’s father, Andrew, incidentally, played six seasons for the former Jets franchise in the 1980s. (March 8)

Seems like he wants to play, so it would be hard for the Leafs to fit him in especially since he's never played and NHL game. But he would be intriguing as a 3rd line centre and Kamf moves to 4th.

 

[TMLAM34]

McBain would be a solid addition. He’s got the size and tools to become an effective 3rd line center.

 

[OVO16]

Not only would getting Middleton help the Leafs...but it would also take him away from our rivals who are also interested (Tampa/Boston)

 

[ShaneFalco]

McBain would be a solid addition. He’s got the size and tools to become an effective 3rd line center.

 

[LeafSteel]

McBain would be a great addition. Anyone else to look at to expand the deal? Was hoping we could snag Fiala when he wasn’t fitting in but it looks like they’ve figured out where he fits there….

 

[SprDaVE]

Not only would getting Middleton help the Leafs...but it would also take him away from our rivals who are also interested (Tampa/Boston)

I will say, I'd rather have Middleton over Chiarot if the Leafs are going to go out and get a physical defenseman.

But the rumoured price of a 2nd + pick/prospect is absurd for Middleton.

 

[dubplatepressure]

What about Bunting, Hyman previously? You can argue even Brown to a certain extent…

It works out just as often as it doesn't. Maybe moreso.

 

[dubplatepressure]

I will say, I'd rather have Middleton over Chiarot if the Leafs are going to go out and get a physical defenseman.

But the rumoured price of a 2nd + pick/prospect is absurd for Middleton.

I mean that's been the rumoured ask for pretty much all defenseman so far. Only Manson has actually gone for that.

 

[Mugzy97]

All-in with Kallgren

 

[SprDaVE]

McBain would be a great addition. Anyone else to look at to expand the deal? Was hoping we could snag Fiala when he wasn’t fitting in but it looks like they’ve figured out where he fits there….

I don't think the Leafs and Wild are good trading partners in that sense. They have similar needs and similar goals.

They will probably hope they can include McBain in a package trade by the deadline. I hope the Leafs get aggressive though and talk to McBains camp to make sure he pulls a Hyman.

 

[SprDaVE]

I mean that's been the rumoured ask for pretty much all defenseman so far. Only Manson has actually gone for that.

Do you prefer Holl or Middleton in the lineup? If the answer is Middleton, is he worth spending 2 good assets for that "upgrade"? Do you sit Sandin or Liljegren instead?

I have serious doubts about him being a better defenseman than our current top 7-8 but Middleton is a RFA at the end of the year so at least the investment isn't wasted. I'm all in for physical players so I think it might be a good fit.

 

[dubplatepressure]

Do you prefer Holl or Middleton in the lineup? If the answer is Middleton, is he worth spending 2 good assets for that "upgrade" that will probably walk at the end of the year?

Do you sit Sandin or Liljegren instead?

Their asking price is not the sale price. Admittedly, I haven't seen enough of Middleton to make that call. But I'd love a little more piss and vinegar in the lineup and Holl's nothing special.

 

[SprDaVE]

Their asking price is not the sale price. Admittedly, I haven't seen enough of Middleton to make that call. But I'd love a little more piss and vinegar in the lineup and Holl's nothing special.

Yeah that's fair. I had edited my post to include that Middleton is a RFA at the end of the year so the investment might be ok.

I just don't know where he plays when we're healthy. I'd be fine pushing Sandin or Liljegren out of the lineup for a physical player but... they are really really good. Spending good assets just for a press box player isn't worth it at all either.

Rielly - Lyub
Muzzin - Brodie
Sandin - Liljegren
Dermott - Holl

 

[Gary Nylund]

Remember david clarkson
Tavares and marner
Just think of their contracts and what they have done to our team

I’m done with the Toronto kid coming home experience

What about Bunting, Hyman previously? You can argue even Brown to a certain extent…

Ritchie's been playing well lately. Oh that's right, he started playing when left town, never mind.

 

[Skullz]

Not a trade, but calling up Anderson and playing him in for Simmonds would make us better in my opinion. At this point he has a lot more juice and can score, in the AHL anyways. Simmonds is great to have around but does not need tp play every game. Did like what Clifford brought yesterday, but would still like to see anyone with at least a chance to score on the fourth line. I'd be willing to give up a lot for McBain. He's 22, and a big strong center that can score does not come available that often. Don't take the chance of waiting till August 15, if he wants to sign then trade for him. We need center depth desperately.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Middleton would be nice to extend to a Mayfield-type deal, but the right side should be a greater priority.

 

[Holls Blackmail]

Prolly be the signing since I think Hyman actually...

I can't wait for the McBain gifs if he comes, but the caption in your is wrong. It's "ICE to see you".
The only thing that could make this better is if the toilet seats can sign Mendoza.

 

[Bloomberg]

Yeah that's fair. I had edited my post to include that Middleton is a RFA at the end of the year so the investment might be ok.

I just don't know where he plays when we're healthy. I'd be fine pushing Sandin or Liljegren out of the lineup for a physical player but... they are really really good. Spending good assets just for a press box player isn't worth it at all either.

Rielly - Lyub
Muzzin - Brodie
Sandin - Liljegren
Dermott - Holl

It'd probably be

Rielly - Lyub
Muzzin - Brodie
Middleton - Liljegren

Not sure what happens to Sandin in this situation though, maybe he gets moved for a top 6 forward

 

[SprDaVE]

It'd probably be

Rielly - Lyub
Muzzin - Brodie
Middleton - Liljegren

Not sure what happens to Sandin in this situation though, maybe he gets moved for a top 6 forward

Sandin has been a staple on the 2nd PP and generally loved by the Leafs coaching and management group. He hasn't sat out when healthy despite the carousel of experimentations over the last few weeks and months. I'd be shocked but it's a possibility. Let's not forget how Sandin is pretty physical and gets engaged a lot there. Middleton plays harder minutes on the Sharks and he's getting ok results, so playing easier minutes he'd probably look a whole lot better.

Trading Sandin would be pretty risky. The trade would have to be exceptionally too good to say no to.

 

[nuck]

It'd probably be

Rielly - Lyub
Muzzin - Brodie
Middleton - Liljegren

Not sure what happens to Sandin in this situation though, maybe he gets moved for a top 6 forward

Lyub is an 18:00 guy. Nice at 3rd pairing but he plays there for a reason. If they want some sand with the top 4 RD that doesn't happen until Brodie is gone if you assume Lilly is going to move into Brodie's role. If they don't have that level of confidence in Liljegren's future then they may as well move him now along with Holl and get that guy that can play hard top 4 minutes. Thing is they don't really have the money for anyone more expensive than Holl,

 

[Leaf Rocket]

I can't wait for the McBain gifs if he comes, but the caption in your is wrong. It's "ICE to see you".
The only thing that could make this better is if the toilet seats can sign Mendoza.

I know man but I didnt make it...someone else did wish i had the talents.

 

[Havoc]

Do you prefer Holl or Middleton in the lineup? If the answer is Middleton, is he worth spending 2 good assets for that "upgrade"? Do you sit Sandin or Liljegren instead?

I have serious doubts about him being a better defenseman than our current top 7-8 but Middleton is a RFA at the end of the year so at least the investment isn't wasted. I'm all in for physical players so I think it might be a good fit.

My first glance at Middleton, it looks like they're not looking at it in a tier way. Whose 5/6/7/8 D etc. It just comes down to our D not having one of those 100+ hit / 100+ block combo types. Check out his game log right now he's on a blocks rampage. These guys are beast. Muzzin is one but it seems like we can't depend on him moving forward. Gotta re-stock. I'd prefer more than one in the lineup. Shot suppression (specific types, we have 2nd least blocks), cycle stopping, crease clearing needs to be addressed.

I don't know much about Middleton, his current paces could be a hoax, hence first glance. Above is more theory as to why they would want him.

 

[SprDaVE]

My first glance at Middleton, it looks like they're not looking at it in a tier way. Whose 5/6/7/8 D etc. It just comes down to our D not having one of those 100+ hit / 100+ block combo types. Check out his game log right now he's on a blocks rampage. These guys are beast. Muzzin is one but it seems like we can't depend on him moving forward. Gotta re-stock. I'd prefer more than one in the lineup. Shot suppression, cycle stopping, crease clearing needs to be addressed.

I don't know much about Middleton, his current paces could be a hoax, hence first glance. Above is more theory as to why they would want him.

It's quite clear they want him for those reasons. I'm all for it. I just don't know how you can remove Sandin or Liljegren out of the lineup with how they are playing. So it makes for a bit of a weird acquisition, especially if the price is a 2nd + prospect/pick. You can find a Middleton level player (blocks, hits, etc) for the press box without having to pay the premium price.

I'd easily go for Middleton if Muzzin was out for the regular season.