Hey guys,

Thanks JJ, avid reader and first time poster. To transition away from the rumor front (sorry), what do you think AA's impact has been on this years team. Do you feel like Kane and Bread man would be just as good with anyone centering them? It seems to me like AA plays a smart game and always heads to the net to create space for the other two to work their magic.
- DC134

In addition to the couple of responses earlier, there was some good discussion on this on the last blog (which was up a millisecond before more rumor info came in). You're absolutely right that AA gives the two playmakers on his wings the ability to do what they do best. He checks and fights in the corners to get them the puck, creates the space they need, and screens at the net to give them more shot opportunities than they would have otherwise. Defense does definitely concentrate on the wingers, but they can't afford to leave AA all alone, either. Very hard match up for other teams.

Hopefully Stan is smarter than to take on MacDonald's $5M cap hit for 4 more years.
- EbonyRaptor

Agreed.

Thats why I figure it is going to be paying toronto to take him with a higher draft pick. Bickell I would guess would be an add on to whatever deal they were looking at. IE: Hawks trade player A + a 3rd for Toronto player B but if you take Bickell as well Toronto gets a 2nd. Something like that basically letting Toronto pay off the end of Bickell and getting it off Chicago's books as Toronto has some cap space.
- Roadrunner75

i can't see the leafs being a dumping ground for bad contracts with term.

something like, idk, taking horcoff's expiring contract as a dump to improve a return makes sense to me for the leafs.

no way they do a favor to chicago by taking bickell's contract for next year now, even for a slightly better return - especially without knowing what next year's cap will be.

with so much salary cap uncertainty heading into to next year, it's way better to wait to see if chicago can be squeezed during the offseason when they get into their annual cap culling exercise.

Thanks for the updates JJ, if there was some way the Hawks could package Bickell and Scuds with draft picks with no salary coming back that would put us in a great position going forward with the RFA contracts coming up. I actually feel like the Hawks have enough to win the Stanley Cup so long as Krugs is back and every one else is healthy.
- BetweenTheDots

Have a feeling Scuderi will be on the team as a 7th-8th dman come playoff time (ala Timmonen)

Bickell - Who the heck knows? If he can get rid of him or add him to a bigger deal and pay half or a third of salary, then do it. Better than a buyout committment for another 2 years.

"Today @ 11:01 AM ET
Hey guys,

Thanks JJ, avid reader and first time poster. To transition away from the rumor front (sorry), what do you think AA's impact has been on this years team. Do you feel like Kane and Bread man would be just as good with anyone centering them? It seems to me like AA plays a smart game and always heads to the net to create space for the other two to work their magic."

DC134

Think you pretty well summed it up. Huge impact, his net front presence is fantastic very seldom see him get pushed out of the crease. Board battle, defensive play and complete all around player. The biggest surprise for me was he's a legitimate scoring threat, which open even more ice. Also does a good job protecting the puck.

In addition to the couple of responses earlier, there was some good discussion on this on the last blog (which was up a millisecond before more rumor info came in). You're absolutely right that AA gives the two playmakers on his wings the ability to do what they do best. He checks and fights in the corners to get them the puck, creates the space they need, and screens at the net to give them more shot opportunities than they would have otherwise. Defense does definitely concentrate on the wingers, but they can't afford to leave AA all alone, either. Very hard match up for other teams.
- pdx2ord

AA is an almost perfect compliment for PK and AP. Defensively responsible and battles for the puck along the boards. Net front presence and a big body to help pick players off the other 2 in the cycle. Once again, Stan really knew what he was doing getting him and locking him up immediately. The quick contract confused some (myself included) but it looks great right now. Stan was just decisive.

In addition to the couple of responses earlier, there was some good discussion on this on the last blog (which was up a millisecond before more rumor info came in). You're absolutely right that AA gives the two playmakers on his wings the ability to do what they do best. He checks and fights in the corners to get them the puck, creates the space they need, and screens at the net to give them more shot opportunities than they would have otherwise. Defense does definitely concentrate on the wingers, but they can't afford to leave AA all alone, either. Very hard match up for other teams.
- pdx2ord

Spot on and if they can get a 1LW that fits well a la Saad with Toews/Hossa, you pretty much improved last year's Cup winning team with the one exception being sans Oduya. You also then have 2 lethal lines up top and 2 solid deep lower lines, not to mention 4 lines rolling constantly. If/when Shaw gets bumped back down, this team that limped into the AS break rolling 3.25 lines a game can take less mins and still be fresh for playoffs and add Krugs as well. D-man depth add wouldn't be a bad idea too imo.

Not that I was ever for it, but what we saw Tuesday makes Teuvo even more untouchable. The kid's a center... and we are going to need affordable centers.
- jjcbeme

I think a center in today's game needs to be big and strong in front of and behind the net on both ends of the ice. Like Toews, Anisimov, Getzlaf, etc... TT's is at his best in space or on the right half board. Even if he bulks up do you think he is a good match for Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and the likes. Will he stand up to the constant cross checking. Like Shaw he is best at wing.

Have a feeling Scuderi will be on the team as a 7th-8th dman come playoff time (ala Timmonen)

Bickell - Who the heck knows? If he can get rid of him or add him to a bigger deal and pay half or a third of salary, then do it. Better than a buyout committment for another 2 years.
- stan-ley-cups

I'd love to see Scuderi gone in one of the TDL deals. Better depth from Svedberg. Svedberg could go too though in a deal. Then Scuds may be needed.

Scuderi gone would essentially mean Sharp's entire cap hit is cleared.

.....what about Keith Yandle?

Wish my blogger has the sources to provide rumors......

JJ, ur one of the best on this site hands down, keep up the good work....

i can't see the leafs being a dumping ground for bad contracts with term.

something like, idk, taking horcoff's expiring contract as a dump to improve a return makes sense to me for the leafs.

no way they do a favor to chicago by taking bickell's contract for next year now, even for a slightly better return - especially without knowing what next year's cap will be.

with so much salary cap uncertainty heading into to next year, it's way better to wait to see if chicago can be squeezed during the offseason when they get into their annual cap culling exercise.
- Tumbleweed

Good point. However, taking on a bad contract or two with a season left isn't the worst thing in the world - especially if the Leafs are going to stay the course and rebuild. Lou might be able to pick up a better prospect, or extra prospects or picks by making a deal like that.

Bickell sucks and VAN is definitely trying to rebuild/retool.

How about Bickell and McNeil (or mid pick) for the recently waived Brandon Prust. Gritty guy that actually could be a useful bottom 6 option and good PKer

Prust at $2.5 mil and UFA at end of year. Gets Bicks off the books and clears cap this year and next

Good point. However, taking on a bad contract or two with a season left isn't the worst thing in the world - especially if the Leafs are going to stay the course and rebuild. Lou might be able to pick up a better prospect, or extra prospects or picks by making a deal like that.
- EKB13

i just think it's better to wait until the offseason to take a contract on like bickell's (unless sending something similar back), once the cap is set.

Good point. However, taking on a bad contract or two with a season left isn't the worst thing in the world - especially if the Leafs are going to stay the course and rebuild. Lou might be able to pick up a better prospect, or extra prospects or picks by making a deal like that.
- EKB13

I wonder if the heat Lou is getting (as reported by MexicoHawk) about the Panik deal would impact discussions with the Hawks on a subsequent deal. In any event, I just can't see Toronto (or any other team, for that matter) taking on the Bickell contract right now.

Bickell sucks and VAN is definitely trying to rebuild/retool.

How about Bickell and McNeil (or mid pick) for the recently waived Brandon Prust. Gritty guy that actually could be a useful bottom 6 option and good PKer

Prust at $2.5 mil and UFA at end of year. Gets Bicks off the books and clears cap this year and next
- hawkeytalkman

vancouver doesn't even have room to take hamhuis off of LTIR right now...

...can't see them adding salary.

I think without a doubt AA brings more value to the team than Saad. First of all, he's only 2 goals shy of Saad's total (19-17) halfway through the season, and the fact that he's a scoring threat in his own right surely impacts on how teams defense Panarin and Kane, who, btw, are the filthiest players on the team.

Not understanding the hype for either Boedker or Drouin. Would either of these two be DECISIVE acquisitions? IMO impact players are just that, the rest of the league is "ok" in Q speak. If Hoss were scoring as a top liner RW, would we even be having this discussion? Assuming who you slot into the 1LW is not an out and out liability, Toews and Hossa should be supplying enough by themselves to make that line work. Would either Boedker or Drouin on that line make it happen? Not at all sure.

vancouver doesn't even have room to take hamhuis off of LTIR right now...

...can't see them adding salary.
- Tumbleweed

I dont think adding salary will be an issue for them. They project to be sellers at the deadline. They will likely be shedding a lot of cap between now and TDL

Tampa is in a pretty tight spot, lots of decisions to make. Six RFA's and three UFA's.

I dont think adding salary will be an issue for them. They project to be sellers at the deadline. They will likely be shedding a lot of cap between now and TDL
- hawkeytalkman

Vrbata probably as good as gone. No way they hold on to him post TDL. Thats an easy $2.5 to $5 mil off the books depending on if they max retain or retain nothing. Bartkowski probably gone too and a long shot Miller could get moved as well

Toews/AA already man the top 2 lines long term. TT has to be stronger with the puck to make it in the NHL as a center, needs to bulk up a bit. One game is too small of a sample size to judge how he'd do as an NHL center, but Stan could likely sell that to other teams. He could be showcased further by taking 3C and bumping Danault to 4C with Moose pushed out to wing. Krugs is someone who could play wing or center when he comes back imo.

Bottom line, as far as trade value, TT just boosted his value for the Hawks to other teams. Stan can sell the small sample size and that he did come up as a center. I don't see him as untouchable, more of a blue chip that could stay or go and not hurt this club's chance for the Cup.
- Assman22

I dont think adding salary will be an issue for them. They project to be sellers at the deadline. They will likely be shedding a lot of cap between now and TDL
- hawkeytalkman

idk, they look like a rudderless team to me.

i expect some sideways moves. so maybe they are good landing spot for bickell.

idk, they look like a rudderless team to me.

i expect some sideways moves. so maybe they are good landing spot for bickell.
- Tumbleweed

They know theyre not good and need to restock and they have made mention of it indirectly to the media.

They are trying to stay competitive for the Sedins but they certainly arent adding to improve. They will try to get by with what they have but they stink

The fact that they play 3 on 3 overtime like a penalty kill because they suck so bad and would rather roll the dice in the shootout just shows they dont have any horses. Its basically the Sedins and thats it at this point

Assman, I screwed up above, but I bolded your comment. That is exactly how I feel about TT. He can help you win a cup either way. If he stays, he has the stuff to be a contributor over time. If he goes, we should be able to market his potential and bring back the right return at the right time.

Bickell sucks and VAN is definitely trying to rebuild/retool.

How about Bickell and McNeil (or mid pick) for the recently waived Brandon Prust. Gritty guy that actually could be a useful bottom 6 option and good PKer

Prust at $2.5 mil and UFA at end of year. Gets Bicks off the books and clears cap this year and next
- hawkeytalkman

I like this idea, but I think that if the hawks make some type of deal to get rid of Bicks, they will try and get something to sure up their 3rd pairing, especially if they can get 1LW, that will move Shaw down, their won't even have room for Rasmussman and Sakac...so just think another bottom 6 is the thing they need. Unless someone else gets traded.

However, anything to get rid of Bicks salary would be worth it.