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buyout candidates
My step dad was from England, and Sunday’s growing up would see a proper British feast rolled out. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, broiled potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. The spread was impressive, but dad’s preference on beef was for it to be rare. Really rare. A slice of that roast looked like a WWI field dressing that was just horrible to a 6 year old palate. However, there were always leftovers (not shocking). The next night would see reheated roast beef on a French baguette with au jus gravy. French dip sandwiches!! They were amazing.
Like dad’s Sunday dinner, some players end up in a role where they are underdone, or underprepared. A change of scenery can make a world of difference.
If you take a look at my last article
here It’s obvious that I’m looking for any moves the team will or could be making. Detroit’s sole possession of the basement has been humbling, and a quiet front office isn’t very encouraging for now. However, my guess is that there are “potential” deals on the table. For anyone who took analysis or any advanced algebra, we’re talking about if/then statements. For example, IF the season is over, THEN Yzerman will announce extensions for a few key players. You get the gist.
So, in the above article from pro hockey rumors, a list of the first several potential buyout candidates is given. These players may want to go to a contender at league minimum, but let’s assume they could be available at a discounted rate. There are at least one or two that could be beneficial as mentors or even stop gaps allowing prospects to develop another year or two if needed. I’m listing them in the same order as the post
1)Adam Henrique - a center who racked up 26 And 17 assists in 71 games. I would take a shot if he was available, so long as Nielsen or Filppula were on the way out. He could be a solid second line center for Fabbri and Zadina.
2)Phil Kessel - the scoring winger failed to crack 20 goals for the first time since ‘08-‘09. At 32, he may finally be slowing down. I’d pass on Phil simply because the situation in Detroit may not help him do what he does best in scoring. I would not be surprised if he returned to Pitt IF bought out. With an all world center, Phil can still perform.
3)John Moore - a 29 year old D man, I’d take him on board. He could stabilize the D, possibly even as a line mate for Seider. Boston has a glut of D men that need new contracts, I wouldn’t mind seeing JM in the winged wheel at all.
4)Kyle Okposo - pass. Throughout his career, I’ve loved Okposo’s game. A throwback power forward who could score. However, injuries may have caught up with him. I don’t think the situation would benefit either player or team. It stinks because he seems like a great teammate, just not the best fit.
5)Milan Lucic - pass. Ironically, the Boston Bruins championship film has been on several times, and looking back that was Lucic at his best (or worst if you don’t like him). He was a beast on the ice and could make life miserable for the opposition and help with scoring. His contract with LA seemed to be the beginning of the end. He wasn’t able to find his game in Edmonton or Calgary at this point. Just not the player Detroit needs right now.
6)Jake Gardiner - I’d take him on. Yes, Gardiner has been on the wrong side of the highlight reel in Toronto. Things have not worked out well in Carolina. If he’s available at a low number due to buyout, I still feel he’d be an upgrade on what Detroit has in defense.
7)Brent Seabrook - pass. Not so much from a production standpoint as injury. As it stands, Seabrook was out for the season already. Once a bane to Detroit, he’s put on a lot of hard miles and has 3 cup rings for his trouble. If he’s bought out, he may just retire.
8)Erik Johnson - though his buyout would be a bit of a surprise, if it did happen EJ would be a welcome addition. In watching the few games I’ve seen, he still has a skill set that would be helpful to Detroit. However, he would likely want to go to STL or possibly BOS on a league minimum to try and win a cup.
9)Alexander Wennberg - drafted 6 spots ahead of Anthony Mantha, Wennberg converted a strong start to a big contract. Now, the Swedish Center has seen his game diminish and not lived up to the 6 yr 29.44M contract that still has three years left. If bought out and willing to sign for a low number, this could be a Fabbri like acquisition. It could also be a Perlini like acquisition. Short term would be key, but I’d take a shot.
10) Andrew Cogliano - pass. A few years ago, I would have been in on this player. However, at 32 you may be seeing more and more decline as the years add up.
Those are the first 10 possible buyout candidates. Are there any I passed on that you would take? Keep in mind, this is based on a “theoretical” list, and these players may not all become available. This is therefore a hypothetical-hypothetical. Far reaching, meant for entertainment and an exercise in trying to figure out Detroit’s thinking. Give it your best shot!!
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