Leverage. If Karlsson was a pending UFA he would have gotten closer to 7.5 or 8.0. Just watch the Subban situation play out.
- Ryan_Wilson

I can't wait to watch that one... He has two more seasons of restricted free agency, so while he's going to get paid, he doesn't have all of the leverage.

I don't think that he gets over $7.5, but who knows... The top 2 defencemen (Weber at $7.8+ & Suter at $7.5+) got those numbers because of an offer sheet and on the open market.

Any thoughts on the following:

Neal + Niskanen rights + 1st <-> EDM Eberle + 1st
- mventres

Seems like a pretty good deal. Leaves us a little thin at d though.

Seems like a pretty good deal. Leaves us a little thin at d though.
- dbell646

Niskanen is a goner anyway...we could turn around and deal the #1 from EDM for a D, winger, drop back to get more picks, or make that selection. EDM gets bigger up front, assumed to sign Niskanen and still has a #1 pick...

I can't wait to watch that one... He has two more seasons of restricted free agency, so while he's going to get paid, he doesn't have all of the leverage.

I don't think that he gets over $7.5, but who knows... The top 2 defencemen (Weber at $7.8+ & Suter at $7.5+) got those numbers because of an offer sheet and on the open market.
- rival22

I think he will get his big money right now

Any thoughts on the following:

Neal + Niskanen rights + 1st <-> EDM Eberle + 1st
- mventres

At first glance, it seems like too much to give up, but thinking about it, I'm in. You'll get a near NHL ready player at #3 (if not ready).

You'd have to have Niskanen work out a deal with them first, and I don't know if he does to go there without seeing what else is out there.

At first glance, it seems like too much to give up, but thinking about it, I'm in.

You'd have to have Niskanen work out a deal with them first, and I don't know if he does to go there without seeing what else is out there.
- rival22

I don't see the Oilers even entertaining that offer. I wouldn't.

At first glance, it seems like too much to give up, but thinking about it, I'm in. You'll get a near NHL ready player at #3 (if not ready).

You'd have to have Niskanen work out a deal with them first, and I don't know if he does to go there without seeing what else is out there.
- rival22

I don't understand the fetish for Eberle. Good player indeed. Not what we need IMO.

At first glance, it seems like too much to give up, but thinking about it, I'm in. You'll get a near NHL ready player at #3 (if not ready).

You'd have to have Niskanen work out a deal with them first, and I don't know if he does to go there without seeing what else is out there.
- rival22

It also moves out a one dimensional player for one with more leadership and all around abilities, which was the direction put forth by ownership. Niskanen deal would have to be worked out, but EDM has lots of money to play with...5.5-6 can be expected, and he'd be the #1 guy on EDM (vs a #2,3 on another team).

I don't see the Oilers even entertaining that offer. I wouldn't.
- Ryan_Wilson

Why so? Even if Niskanen comes signed? Note too, Eberle has a higher cap hit than Neal...

Why so? Even if Niskanen comes signed? Note too, EDM has a higher cap hit than Eberle...
- mventres

Eberle probably is worth more than Neal (slightly younger and has a higher ppg average...not playing with Malkin or Crosby) Edms 1st is worth more than Pitts 1st, and Nisk isnt even signed. The draw isnt there. Pitts gets the 2 best pieces and Oilers take all the risk and gamble

Eberle probably is worth more than Neal (slightly younger and has a higher ppg average...not playing with Malkin or Crosby) Edms 1st is worth more than Pitts 1st, and Nisk isnt even signed. The draw isnt there. Pitts gets the 2 best pieces and Oilers take all the risk and gamble
- DDM-Coga

But what if Niskanen is signed? Maybe PIT needs to add Despres too?

But what if Niskanen is signed? Maybe PIT needs to add Despres too?
- mventres

But I'd also do, Neal+Niskenen rights (usigned) for Eberle.

But what if Niskanen is signed? Maybe PIT needs to add Despres too?
- mventres

If you take the Edm 1st out of it, for a prospect or the 2nd rounder...maybe but the number 3 is huge. You would be trading Neal and Nisk for Eberle and potentially Ekblad. Thats just crazy

But I'd also do, Neal+Niskenen rights (usigned) for Eberle.
- mventres

That's def a no go for Edmonton. Niskanen would need to be signed for any sort of deal. They aren't trading Eberle for Neal (and an outside shot at Niskanen).

If you take the Edm 1st out of it, for a prospect or the 2nd rounder...maybe but the number 3 is huge. You would be trading Neal and Nisk for Eberle and potentially Ekblad. Thats just crazy
- DDM-Coga

OK. How about my other idea: Neal+Niskenen rights (usigned) for Eberle

OK. How about my other idea: Neal+Niskenen rights (usigned) for Eberle
- mventres

trading for rights is basically a 4th round kicker. No guarantee he signs. So Neal and a low pick for Eberle? Cant see Edmonton fans going nuts over that when they can take their chance a signing Nisk july 1st

That's def a no go for Edmonton. Niskanen would need to be signed for any sort of deal. They aren't trading Eberle for Neal (and an outside shot at Niskanen).
- rival22

OK, let Niskanen be signed and throw in a 2nd or 3rd rounder from EDM...

OK, let Niskanen be signed and throw in a 2nd or 3rd rounder from EDM...
- mventres

So, it's: Neal + Niskanen (signed) for Eberle+EDM 2nd round??

Any thoughts on the following:

Neal + Niskanen rights + 1st <-> EDM Eberle + 1st
- mventres

Never. No. Nope. Nuh uh. Nay. No no no NONONONONONO.

No.

If we are talking Eberle/Neal Swap, I can see a deal like this:

Eberle + 4th rounder + 2015 2nd for Neal + Niskanen's rights + Despres

Eberle-Neal are close in value, as DDM said maybe more to Eberle as he does not have a Malkin or Crosby and the point totals are the same. Neal has the size we need.

Rights to a player are typically mid to low round picks, depending.

A 2nd for Despres can be debated, maybe you'd want a bit more than that, which i understand. Maybe a prospect added to that.

You won't get our 3rd overall in that deal though. We have a chance to get a centre or right shot D, so we would have to get that back in order to include the third in anything IMO.

Seems like a pretty good deal. Leaves us a little thin at d though.
- dbell646

I feel for you man... So sad...

I'd much rather have Letang at $7.25 mil than Niskanen at $6 mil.
- rival22

this year... and even worse next year... are gonna show letangs contract to be the potential steal it is... sorry... will be... just got to ride out the rough year or two

So you're saying you think Subban will get in the 7.5 to 8.0 mil range?
- sjsharks92

Without a doubt

I think he will get his big money right now
- Ryan_Wilson

He can always go offer sheet if he wants/need to. He'll get his money.

If MacT trades away a #3 overall + Eberle and doesn't get back a bona fide top pairing defenseman under contract, he deserves to be fired on the spot.