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Quick update -
Arizona is losing 2 draft picks due to the violation of the NHLs “combine testing policy”. This year’s second and next year’s first. AZ doesn’t have this year’s first due to the Taylor Hall trade. This is potentially very interesting, and I’m betting JR in Pitt is regretting making the deal to TOR.....
Robby Fabbri’s 2 year extension was met with one of two types of responses. I don’t mind it, or I don’t like it. I do like the move, but most of you are in the “meh, why not” or the “dear Lord no” camp. I love the diversity of thought. It always gives me a chance to re evaluate my own thoughts.
We are close to the next in my “potential trade partner” series ( sorry for the delay, the piece is written) but some interesting moves have happened and it’s worth examining.
Pittsburgh’s reacquisition of Kapanen has already gotten some attention from this board, as it should. Toronto acquiring the 15th pick in a deep draft feels a bit like an overpayment (G, you pointed it out well). Rutherford is undaunted by public opinion, for better or worse. Jack Johnson is still his guy (do they still make the “best friends” heart necklace that splits in two?) and a retread is no problem. It’s hard to say that this “sets the table” for the offseason, as I just don’t see too many other GMs sending a first rounder in a deal like this. I’ve been wrong before, I’d love to be wrong again and see Yzerman grab some more firsts.
St Louis and Arizona are hitting the rumor mills, and with some fascinating “ifs”. For St Louis to keep their captain, salaries will have to be moved around.
A quick glance at Cap Friendly shows about 2 million in space. I assume Pietrangelo would do a “team friendly” deal to stay. The above article cites Roman Josi’s 8 year 9 million pact as a “comparable”. There are two things to take into account. The flat cap is going to shave deals a bit, and if a player wants to stay, they’ll work it out. If AP would take 7 million, it would mean that 5 million + has to move out. Steen, Schwartz and Bozak are all around that number and UFA(thanks to K for spotting) in a year. Unless a draft pick is attached, I’m not sure Yzerman would bite on that. The unlikely moving of Parayko (5.5 for 2 more seasons) would be intriguing at least. His name was in the rumor mill last year before St. Louis turned things around, but I’m not sure what Detroit could offer to offset that loss of defense. I wouldn’t mind seeing him sport the Winged Wheel at all. Kooleus has picked through these contracts fairly thoroughly, I’m interested in your take K.
The same article above shows a “rumor” that OEL maybe/might/who knows/ find his way out. The Captain has a full no trade and 7 more seasons at 8.25 million. With that type of control, a trip to Motown seems highly unlikely. Arizona has been a bit all over the map, going from a team with a ton of cap space to being right up against the ceiling and new ownership demanding better results. I don’t think OEL can get “fair value” in a trade. It’s either an overpay or underpay. Regardless, Detroit can be available as a third party banking partner, making the dollars flow smoothly for the low low price of a draft pick.
High expectations are hitting the fan right now for AZ, STL, WASH, PITT, TOR and possibly WPG. I don’t think Carolina should be discouraged, as they have a young stud core that can still get better. They’re in the right direction. Chicago needs to make decisions about how to proceed. They have high end players needing raises and some future hall of fame players. At some point they have to turn the page.
As far as Arizona and St Louis, do you see a fit? If it’s an expiring veteran, it probably needs a draft pick or a prospect. Could Arizona really move on from its captain, and where do they get fair value? Will Detroit factor in for either team? Hit me with it guys.
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