Things aren't as bad as they seem...
In my opinion, the positives of RJ Umberger requesting a trade heavily outweigh the negatives.
For starters, he's an aging middle-6 forward who is being easily surpassed by younger, quicker, more skilled options. Secondly, his contract ($4.6 million per year hit over the next three years) is ugly for a guy of his production. Certainly, the dollars were right when he was signed, but we all knew the term was too long and that he would be too old when it expired. So in essence, he's an overpaid third line player for us.
The bright side? Well, he's 32 years old, at the end of his prime, but still has maybe 4-5 years left in the league. So, he will (barring injury) at least play out the rest of his contract with some level of productivity. Unfortunately for us, he (clearly) wasn't a fit here, but we do have an asset that is a good powerplay performer, can still pot 20-30 goals, and plays in every situation. So, if we can do a salary swap with another team needing to move a guy to a new situation, or find a team in need of a middle-6 powerplay specialist, we're in good shape. We'll get some sort of return, and I don't think we'll have to give up any core assets to do it. Some thoughts on potential trade destinations:
I have to think that RJ's list of 10 teams that he won't go to includes Calgary (rebuild), Edmonton (rebuild), Florida (rebuild), Nashville (rebuild), New Jersey (Rebuild), New York Islanders (rebuild), and Vancouver (Ryan Kesler) ... that's my guess at 7 of them. The others, take your pick.
As for potential fits, the first name that comes to mind is Anaheim. They have the cap space to fit him, and it seems like it's been an eternity that they've been looking for a fit alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Umberger could be that fit; a guy that can be a finisher and plays a style similar to their own. Carolina and Pittsburgh seem like obvious choices as well, but would we trade him within the division? And on that note, why not our old trade partners in New York (Rangers) or Philly? Detroit has a knack for finding guys in their silver years and turning them into quality players, so there's potential that they would show interest. Montreal may show interest - especially if they don't win the Cup this year. San Jose is doing a complete overhaul, might they be in the market for a big bodied, veteran forward? Toronto, maybe.
As for what the return would be, it's hard to speculate on that. One thought that came to mind may be a potential UFA that we're looking to get in on; for example perhaps Ryan Callahan? Maybe trade Umberger conditionally to the Lightning for Callahan, and if he doesn't sign with us, make the condition a middle-round pick. Umberger could do quite well in front of the net with Stamkos firing one-timers that way. Realistically, I think we're looking at a middling prospect, a similar player/contract to Umberger's own, or a mid-round draft pick.
Unfortunately, with this request being broadcast to the entire league, I think the value goes down a little bit.
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