Trades and Free Agency - 2022 Off-season

[Mess]

Made up garbage as usual, Mess.

Aube-Kubel was 11th in playoff games and 12th in ATOI amongst colorado playoffs forwards.

13th forward my sweet butt.

You just cant stop this stuff, eh?

You probably missed the fact that he only played in 14 of Colorado's 20 playoff games He only dressed for 2 of the 6 Stanley Cup Final games against TB, and only 2 of the games against Edmonton in the Western final), which makes him the 13th forward as a healthy scratch and got into the line-up with injuries to Kadri/Burakovsky earlier.

"His play was a little up and down in the playoffs, but he still suited up for 14 games. That said, it was clear by the end of the Stanley Cup Finals that Aube-Kubel was on the outside looking in on Avalanche lineups".

You also probably missed the fact that Philadelphia one of the weakest teams last year cut Aube-Kubel loose on waivers, were he was claimed by Colorado as depth player. The Colorado Avalanche non-tendered him, making him a free agent, without a qualifying offer.

Here is how a Colorado paper described this.

Colorado Avalanche claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points.

Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut, and partially because they probably have a longer-term roster spot now open because of the concussion protocol for D-man Bo Byram.

He played in 50 of the Flyers games last season, with 3 goals and 12 points. He had 44 penalty minutes with the Flyers last season in the 50 games, which explains some of why I got very mixed reviews on his play from a couple of people who have seen him play a lot with Philly.

“Straight-line player who has zero hockey IQ,” said one former player and current analyst. “Has speed and some skill. Just straight-line meat and potatoes. Makes a play now and again.”

Said another: “He’s a good skater. A lot of energy. Total numbskull. Takes dumb penalties at the worst times.”

OK then. Sounds like Avs coaches have some work in front of them here. Let’s see how this plays out.

Avs claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points. Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut...

coloradohockeynow.com

 

[Phion Keneuf]

Wouldn’t mind swinging a deal for someone like Liam Foudy. 22 years old, Toronto kid, showed he can put up numbers in the A, former high draft pick & has decent size.

Worst case we just waive him, but worth a shot for what should be an extremely cheap price.

 

[lanceuppercut75]

I know I'm repeating myself but here we go...

Toronto has an extremely top-heavy cap structure compared to most teams, so keeping guys like Nylander and Rielly with bargain cap hits for as long as possible (their entire contract) is important if you want cap space to build a winning team. It's even more important when you consider that we won't trade Matthews or Rielly (roster reasons) and we can't trade Tavares (No Move Contract that he won't waive).

Everybody here is salivating over moving Nylander out for Kane. What you're doing is moving an underpaid good player on a 2 year contract for an underpaid (50% retained Kane) good player on a 1 year contract. You're making our time window of having savings on our cap move from 2024 to 2023.

Are we a top contender that should go all in this year? If not, screwing our cap situation a year earlier than we need to is NOT smart.

What's smart is moving Tavares for an Trochek or Strome level of 2nd line center and good picks and prospects and opening up our cap space by 5 million dollars. Since that's impossible, we might have to look at moving Marner for a 6 or 7 million dollar high quality winger and good picks and prospects. Don't want to have to move Marner to open cap? Shouldn't have given Tavares a 7 year NMC. Too late.

Ultimately, we can just keep Marner, that's also an option. But actively screwing ourselves over by swapping Nylander for Kane isn't wise.

 

[ACC1224]

You probably missed the fact that he only played in 14 of Colorado's 20 playoff games He only dressed for 2 of the 6 Stanley Cup Final games against TB, and only 2 of the games against Edmonton in the Western final), which makes him the 13th forward as a healthy scratch and got into the line-up with injuries to Kadri/Burakovsky earlier.

"His play was a little up and down in the playoffs, but he still suited up for 14 games. That said, it was clear by the end of the Stanley Cup Finals that Aube-Kubel was on the outside looking in on Avalanche lineups".

You also probably missed the fact that Philadelphia one of the weakest teams last year cut Aube-Kubel loose on waivers, were he was claimed by Colorado as depth player. The Colorado Avalanche non-tendered him, making him a free agent, without a qualifying offer.

Here is how a Colorado paper described this.

Colorado Avalanche claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points.

Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut, and partially because they probably have a longer-term roster spot now open because of the concussion protocol for D-man Bo Byram.

He played in 50 of the Flyers games last season, with 3 goals and 12 points. He had 44 penalty minutes with the Flyers last season in the 50 games, which explains some of why I got very mixed reviews on his play from a couple of people who have seen him play a lot with Philly.

“Straight-line player who has zero hockey IQ,” said one former player and current analyst. “Has speed and some skill. Just straight-line meat and potatoes. Makes a play now and again.”

Said another: “He’s a good skater. A lot of energy. Total numbskull. Takes dumb penalties at the worst times.”

OK then. Sounds like Avs coaches have some work in front of them here. Let’s see how this plays out.

Avs claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points. Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut...

coloradohockeynow.com

‘Total numbskull’
Thankfully Dubas only brings in the high iq players.

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

You probably missed the fact that he only played in 14 of Colorado's 20 playoff games He only dressed for 2 of the 6 Stanley Cup Final games against TB, and only 2 of the games against Edmonton in the Western final), which makes him the 13th forward as a healthy scratch and got into the line-up with injuries to Kadri/Burakovsky earlier.

"His play was a little up and down in the playoffs, but he still suited up for 14 games. That said, it was clear by the end of the Stanley Cup Finals that Aube-Kubel was on the outside looking in on Avalanche lineups".

You also probably missed the fact that Philadelphia one of the weakest teams last year cut Aube-Kubel loose on waivers, were he was claimed by Colorado as depth player. The Colorado Avalanche non-tendered him, making him a free agent, without a qualifying offer.

Here is how a Colorado paper described this.

Colorado Avalanche claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points.

Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut, and partially because they probably have a longer-term roster spot now open because of the concussion protocol for D-man Bo Byram.

He played in 50 of the Flyers games last season, with 3 goals and 12 points. He had 44 penalty minutes with the Flyers last season in the 50 games, which explains some of why I got very mixed reviews on his play from a couple of people who have seen him play a lot with Philly.

“Straight-line player who has zero hockey IQ,” said one former player and current analyst. “Has speed and some skill. Just straight-line meat and potatoes. Makes a play now and again.”

Said another: “He’s a good skater. A lot of energy. Total numbskull. Takes dumb penalties at the worst times.”

OK then. Sounds like Avs coaches have some work in front of them here. Let’s see how this plays out.

Avs claim Nicolas Aube-Kubel on waivers. What kind of player is he?

So, the Avalanche acquired a new player today. His name is Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 5-11 right winger who has played 102 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted 10 goals and 28 points. Why did the Avs do this? Partially because of the longer-term injury to Martin Kaut...

coloradohockeynow.com

They got him to replace Mik:

“Straight-line player who has zero hockey IQ,” said one former player and current analyst. “Has speed and some skill. Just straight-line meat and potatoes. Makes a play now and again.”

Is literally Mikheyev who is so overrated here.

Zero gain but zero loss either so helps remain a top 5 team. (wrong about gain, he helps us move toward having a 4th line for the first time under dubas so might contribute to a net gain, and he plays physical)

 

[Dreakmur]

Made up garbage as usual, Mess.

Aube-Kubel was 11th in playoff games and 12th in ATOI amongst colorado playoffs forwards.

13th forward my sweet butt.

You just cant stop this stuff, eh?

If Colorado had a fully healthy lineup, does he dress? I suppose it would depend, but two of him, Sturm, and Newhook sit and only one gets to dress.

I like the addition, but calling him Colorado’s 13th forward isn’t unfair.

 

[Americanadian]

Rasmussen is another name that would be a great addition

Unfortunately Rasmussen is actually bad.

 

[Dreakmur]

They got him to replace Mik:

“Straight-line player who has zero hockey IQ,” said one former player and current analyst. “Has speed and some skill. Just straight-line meat and potatoes. Makes a play now and again.”

Is literally Mikheyev who is so overrated here.

Zero gain but zero loss either so helps remain a top 5 team. (wrong about gain, he helps us move toward having a 4th line for the first time under dubas so might contribute to a net gain, and he plays physical)

Mikheyev to Aube-Kubel is a significant downgrade. He’s a hard forechecking forward - probably better than Mikheeyev in that regard - but he doesn’t defend nearly as well and I can’t see him scoring at a 32 goal pace.

Even keeping Mikheyev would have been a downgrade, since he likely doesn’t repeat his career year.

 

[Americanadian]

I'd probably prefer Sandin over either of them at this point. Interesting names though.

Given Toronto’s current leverage with Rasmus I think a trade would appear as a loss at first.

I’d prefer McMichael because he has been better in the AHL and he has 2 years remaining on his ELC. Hayton would be a fine addition though.

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

Mikheyev to Aube-Kubel is a significant downgrade. He’s a hard forechecking forward - probably better than Mikheeyev in that regard - but he doesn’t defend nearly as well and I can’t see him scoring at a 32 goal pace.

Even keeping Mikheyev would have been a downgrade, since he likely doesn’t repeat his career year.

can't argue there.

 

[A1LeafNation]

Bunting Matthews Marner
Knies Tavares Nylander
Engvall Kerfoot Jankrok
Aston-Reese Kampf Aube-Kubel
Clifford

Rielly Brodie
Giordano Liljegren
Sandin Subban
Benn Holl

Murray
Samsonov

This should be enough to get through the first round. Move Muzzin once the Sandin contract is finalized.

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

Bunting Matthews Marner
Knies Tavares Nylander
Engvall Kerfoot Jankrok
Aston-Reese Kampf Aube-Kubel
Clifford

Rielly Brodie
Giordano Liljegren
Sandin Subban
Benn Holl

Murray
Samsonov

This should be enough to get through the first round. Move Muzzin once the Sandin contract is finalized.

3rd line is too soft for playoffs. One of Engvall or Kerfoot has to go. Engvall was one of the worst depth players seen in the entire playoffs this season and gives no reason to get benefit of the doubt that it will be any better.

Kerfoot can go as low as 30% on faceoffs in the playoffs that's who we want as 3C?


The cap space to finish the team exists in some combination of muzzin/engvall/kerfoot/holl. Dubas last chance to form winning depth.

 

[A1LeafNation]

3rd line is too soft for playoffs. One of Engvall or Kerfoot has to go. Engvall was one of the worst depth players seen in the entire playoffs this season and gives no reason to get benefit of the doubt that it will be any better.

Kerfoot can go as low as 30% on faceoffs in the playoffs that's who we want as 3C?


The cap space to finish the team exists in some combination of muzzin/engvall/kerfoot/holl. Dubas last chance to form winning depth.

Kerfoot Jankrok and Engvall call all play C. Wasn't it Engvalls first full season and playoffs last year?

Anyone on the 4th line can jump up and play 3rd line minutes.

We are short on RD and scoring forwards, so we really can't trade a top 9 forward or a RD. Once Sandin is signed there is a logjam on LD, so Muzzin really is the only guy that should go.

 

[LeafChief]

If you were to think logically/rationally, Jarnkrok is the Mikeyev replacement, not NAK. Mikheyev never played on the 4th line at a consistent clip. NAK is expected to play there for most, if not all of this coming season.

Logic/rationality is not something we often find here though.

It's far more fun to have the Global Moderator cherry-pick a few negative quotes from a handful of 'scouts' to post here to try to cause a reaction.

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

Kerfoot Jankrok and Engvall call all play C. Wasn't it Engvalls first full season and playoffs last year?

Anyone on the 4th line can jump up and play 3rd line minutes.

Having lower depth chart players move up is moving even more backwards. We are 100% missing something we don't currently own for the bottom 6.

 

[A1LeafNation]

Having lower depth chart players move up is moving even more backwards. We are 100% missing something we don't currently own for the bottom 6.

I think being able to push guys down like Kampf and ZAR gives us more depth...

 

[Dreakmur]

I think being able to push guys down like Kampf and ZAR gives us more depth...

Pushing Kampf down is going to be tough. He was a top-6 forward last year.

 

[LeafChief]

Pushing Kampf down is going to be tough. He was a top-6 forward last year.

He was a consistently strong 3rd line centre last year. He should play in that spot again this year.

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

I think being able to push guys down like Kampf and ZAR gives us more depth...

your 4th line is fantastic and should remain that way with nobody moving. "push down" imply your 4th line can be a 3rd line in it's own right. I don't think that's true. It could be true but not for a team whose goal is the stanley cup. (Excluding kampf, but needs better wingers if hes 3C)

Outlined why 3rd line is no good once playoffs roll around. We are in no position to trust a engvall/kerfoot duo. 3rd line is important.

 

[Leafed]

Sandin
Kerfoot
Holl
1st 2023

for

JT Miller
Schenn
3rd 2023

 

[Hoglund4MvP]

Pushing Kampf down is going to be tough. He was a top-6 forward last year.

For record I am talking about the line as an entire unit that he proposed. Individually Kampf can move around 3C/4C yes depending on your depth.

 

[Americanadian]

This week's armchair GM:

Trade 1: Sandin for Hayton

The reasoning for this trade for both sides has been discussed at length in here.

Trade 2: OTT 2023 3rd OR Holmberg to NJ for Zetterlund

This is probably an overpayment. I am a believer in Zetterlund. I love his unique profile (5'11, 220 lbs) and his production last season. He will likely be forced onto waivers because the Devils have a glut of bottom 6 forwards (Wood, Bastian, Johnsson, Tatar, Mcleod, Foote, Haula, Boqvist, Zetterlund). This trade could probably be made for Holmberg straight up because he is the same age but waivers exempt which would allow New Jersey to stash him in the AHL for a year until Johnsson, Tatar, Haula expire.

Trade 3: Kerfoot to WPG for 2023 5th

Kerfoot might be dumped for future considerations at this point. I have no clue if he has value. Winnipeg seems like a good fit. They are lacking NHL forwards and they might deal any of Scheifele, Wheeler, Dubois before the season even starts.

Signings:

Hayton 1.5M x2
ZAR 1.25M x2
Zetterlund 900k x1

This roster leaves 1.5M to spare which allows the Leafs to carry 2 of Benn, Mete, Anderson, Gaudette, Malgin.

 

[Havoc]

If your only options for bottom 6 centers are kerfoot and kampf, you will most likely find Kerfoot on the 4th line. Kampf has jumped him on the C depth chart. Kerfoot needs to be on the wing to stay ahead of Kampf.

Even more reason to free up Kerfoot's cap space now. We need our Lars Eller. Yes Kampf has earned our respect as a 3C, but it's a fact that if Kampf can be pushed to 4C, your C depth is now perfect. He will continue to have the majority share of PK time for forwards so still a significant part of the team even though he lives on the 4th line.

 

[TMLAM34]

Unfortunately Rasmussen is actually bad.

Rasmussen took a huge step in his development this past season. I do agree, his first two years in the league were very underwhelming but he’s learning to use his huge body better and it’s helping his overall game at both ends of the ice.

 

[A1LeafNation]

If your only options for bottom 6 centers are kerfoot and kampf, you will most likely find Kerfoot on the 4th line. Kampf has jumped him on the C depth chart. Kerfoot needs to be on the wing to stay ahead of Kampf.

Even more reason to free up Kerfoot's cap space now. We need our Lars Eller. Yes Kampf has earned our respect as a 3C, but it's a fact that if Kampf can be pushed to 4C, your C depth is now perfect. He will continue to have the majority share of PK time for forwards so still a significant part of the team even though he lives on the 4th line.

I don't see how you trade kerfoot and expect to replace his 50 points for cheaper.