Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes blog: Trade options-Part 2 ---9 possible deals

Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes blog: Trade options-Part 2 ---9 possible deals
- CarolinaMatt63

Nice blog, Matt, I will address the Rangers points here.

1) As of right now, the operative word being now, MDZ is not on the table as he reportedly was just pulled off. Tlusty has had one good season and appears to have turned back into a pumpkin this season. As mentioned, he is a mid-tier option, to me at best, which the Rangers right now others that can fill that role. I agree MDZ has struggled, but in terms of talent, he is either the most - or second most behind McDonagh - offensively minded d-man in NY, so he wont come cheap despite his uneven performance.

2) The Staal-Skinner deal came up this past offseason. With Skinner having another in a seemingly long list of injuries, to me his value, especially given his contract, has dropped. Staal is finally healthy, and behind McDonagh, has been the team's second best d-man. In addition, if Carolina continues to struggle, there is no guarantee he comes there in two years to join his brothers as everyone has predicted. While this deal has a bit more legs than the others, it's still one I doubt happens.

Re: Backlund, you're likely correct on your potential return for him. That said I don't think CGY is in any position to feel urgency about moving him.

Also, rumor was that Feaster already told you guys to piss off. I wonder what Rutherford actually offered?

Nice blog, Matt, I will address the Rangers points here.

1) As of right now, the operative word being now, MDZ is not on the table as he reportedly was just pulled off. Tlusty has had one good season and appears to have turned back into a pumpkin this season. As mentioned, he is a mid-tier option, to me at best, which the Rangers right now others that can fill that role. I agree MDZ has struggled, but in terms of talent, he is either the most - or second most behind McDonagh - offensively minded d-man in NY, so he wont come cheap despite his uneven performance.

2) The Staal-Skinner deal came up this past offseason. With Skinner having another in a seemingly long list of injuries, to me his value, especially given his contract, has dropped. Staal is finally healthy, and behind McDonagh, has been the team's second best d-man. In addition, if Carolina continues to struggle, there is no guarantee he comes there in two years to join his brothers as everyone has predicted. While this deal has a bit more legs than the others, it's still one I doubt happens.
- airjan23

Hey Jan. Thanks for stopping by and offering your thoughts. I am surprised that you are holding to MDZ that tight. I do not track the Rangers nearly as closely as you, but from what I have read around the web I figured he might be more available.

Though I fear that Rutherford will get impatient, the best thing for the Canes is to wait out the MStaal situation. If/when it becomes clear that MStaal will be testing free agency in summer of 2015 (which happens at the earliest next summer), I think the Rangers get a little extra incentive to get something for him at which point Rutherford steps up and overpays for him (reference Sutter + a good prospect + a 1st round pick for JStaal).

Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes blog: Trade options-Part 2 ---9 possible deals
- CarolinaMatt63

Being that Tim Gleason is not substantially different from Ladislav Smid except that he's older, less durable and more expensive, I don't see the Oilers being interested in Gleason at all. Maybe before they brought in Ference, but certainly not now.

Don't get me wrong, Oilers D needs work, but the general consensus is that a true top pairing guy is what they need, and likely a two-way player at that.

The Canes are approaching that point in their franchise timeline when a culture change is required. That's not going to be accomplished by trading Gleason for salary cap relief or moving Tlusty for a decent offensive dman.

Either the Canes are going to need to shuffle the front office or shuffle the core of the team.

Assuming the former is not on the table, then we're looking at a major trade.

If you assume the core of this current team is Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Alex Semin, Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Cam Ward...then who goes? Who would you be the most willing to move? Who would net the best return? This the situation the team has backed themselves into at this point with 4 years of futility.

Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes blog: Trade options-Part 2 ---9 possible deals
- CarolinaMatt63

Matt,

I agree with the Rangers blogger regarding your possible deals with the blueshirts. I really don't see any deal involving Gleason to allow the Canes to 'unload' the contract. JR will need to eat part of the contract to move him. I think he can fetch a 3C. I think ideally, you want to fill the 3C on a short term basis. Bringing in a 3C with a bad contract (2 or 3 years remaining) will really hamper what happens with Lindholms development, and I personally, wouldn't risk that. Short version, Gleason should be able to bring a 3C in, but probably with a lot of contract baggage. The Brian Campbell deal isn't happening. Florida just ate 1/2 of Versteegs contract to move him, and since BC is paid $7.1 in actual $$$(for 2 more years), Tallon will need to eat a lot more for JR to bring him over( and fit under the Canes internal budget). I would still try and move Tlusty, I think he has more trade value than Gleason and Ruutu, maybe not as much as Peters, but I think the only proposition you made that might work would be Tlusty for Cullen. I'd hate to lose the youth with a lot of potential to bring back the elder, but that may be what needs to happen. Dallas could be interesting... I heard a lot about Fiddler not liking his role their and wanting to move, but if Gleason goes over I see a bad contract coming back (Horcoff?).. I would like to see Whitney come back as he would help just about everything, but that isn't happening either. Maybe it's premature to say this, but thankfully JR still has both of his Compliance BO's to use. Does anyone know if you can buyout a contract that you retain in a trade?? And if not, does anyone know the math involved with Gleason being BO vs how much we would need to keep to move him??

wtf are you smokin Karash

these trades are incredible lobsided in Caronlina's favour save for (oddly enough) the Leafs deal

Just checked Capgeek... Gleason's Comp Buyout would look like this:
2014-15: $833,333
2015-16: $1,833,333
2016-17: $1,333,333
2017-18: $1,333,333

Having played only 7 games and not being able to stay healthly this year have really made this a tough contract to move. It's moveable, but probably only in taking another bad contract in return.

I wouldn't do either of those Oilers deal.

Gagner for Gleason:

You're vastly overestimating the struggles Gagner has had this season. Sure he sucked (and boy he sucked hard) to start the season, but I chalk that more up to returning from injury too early. Since then, he's been performing well offensively (7P in 8GP). Still lacks defensive presence, but he's at least an average 2C. We already have one or two Gleason(s) and we can't really afford to trade away from a position we already lack depth in. I think I'll take a pass.


Nuge for Ward (and whatever else):

Again arises the issue of trading from a position of weakness. Nuge is a 1C at this young age and he's only getting better. The other issue I have is with Ward. If he hasn't truly been great behind the Canes for a number of years, why would he be any better behind Edmonton? If I were to wager, I'd say he'd be worse. Ward is also a UFA in a few years.

Until this team gets a complete D corps, I don't think they ought to go looking for a proven #1 goalie. A #1 goalie with a lack of defense is what Buffalo, Dallas, and you guys have right now. Exploring recent history, it's evident that such team structure is not conducive to success.

Assuming the former is not on the table, then we're looking at a major trade.

If you assume the core of this current team is Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Alex Semin, Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Cam Ward...then who goes? Who would you be the most willing to move? Who would net the best return? This the situation the team has backed themselves into at this point with 4 years of futility.
- Gossler1

To answer that... Skinner, and Ward would be the first out the door.

Have to think that Eric will remain the face of the franchise and with the the deal Jordan received you have to think they have committed to the Staal family. Im surprised Henry hasn't been offered a job yet.

Semin is the Wing that Eric has needed and the wing that JR has searched so long for. I cant imagine abandoning that project not even a whole 82 games in.

Franchise D are rare and Faulk is a beast. He may or may not compete for the Norris some day but he will be a top 10 D in this league at some point. Those guys dont grow on trees.

I wouldn't do either of those Oilers deal.

Gagner for Gleason:

You're vastly overestimating the struggles Gagner has had this season. Sure he sucked (and boy he sucked hard) to start the season, but I chalk that more up to returning from injury too early. Since then, he's been performing well offensively (7P in 8GP). Still lacks defensive presence, but he's at least an average 2C. We already have one or two Gleason(s) and we can't really afford to trade away from a position we already lack depth in. I think I'll take a pass.


Nuge for Ward (and whatever else):

Again arises the issue of trading from a position of weakness. Nuge is a 1C at this young age and he's only getting better. The other issue I have is with Ward. If he hasn't truly been great behind the Canes for a number of years, why would he be any better behind Edmonton? If I were to wager, I'd say he'd be worse. Ward is also a UFA in a few years.

Until this team gets a complete D corps, I don't think they ought to go looking for a proven #1 goalie. A #1 goalie with a lack of defense is what Buffalo, Dallas, and you guys have right now. Exploring recent history, it's evident that such team structure is not conducive to success.
- MaximumBone

Holy crap I didn't even see the Nuge proposal.

Let's say Cam Ward has 10 more years at this (and that's being generous). I'll bet you the Oilers find three goalies that give the output that Ward has the potential to give over his last 10 years before they find another Centre that has Nuge's potential.

Over valuing Skinner maybe.. but then again I dont think all of you understand who this Skinner guy is. He can flat out take over games.

I have said we should look at potential deals for him for 2 years... so I undervaulue him as well. He is slow for a smaller forward. He is somewhat childish, retaliates and whines when it doesn't go his way. He is starting to develop the reputation of being often injured. He gets to concerned with offense and leaves the zone early and is lazy in the D zone. Has a lack of chemistry with anybody on the current roster.

He is only 21 and is still 5-6 years away from his prime. The kid can score. He can dazzle and dangle. Make vet D look like turnstiles.

I enjoy watching the kid play but If we were to improve our team long term I would part ways with him.

Gleason... that guy might be untradable at the moment. Contract alone makes it difficult and if he was a top 4 right now we would be riding him. Unfortunately I dont think JR can do much until Tim or Ruutu are moved.

Tlusty is struggling but he is still doing the right things. He has always been responsible first and then worried about offense. Have to think that because he is a RFA and can score. He has some value. He is only hurting himself at the moment and his next contract. He still would have trade value.

Matt, almost any deal in the new division would be highly unlikely. You just dont see it.

Tallon and JR are close friends so if there is a deal in Florida available then that might be possible.

Keep an eye on Jamie McGinn trade front as we already have brother Brock in the system and we know how the Canes like Relatives...

Trade Jordan Staal back to Pittsburgh for Brandon Sutter and Matt Niskanen. Please? I'll even throw in Engelland at no extra charge. How about a draft pick or two? Please! Dammit I hate the Penguins third line now. They don't do poop! At least when Staal was there I didn't fear the Pens were going to get schooled by 3rd and 4th liners. Now...sigh...I don't even want to talk about it.

So...

J. Staal for Niskanen, Sutter, and Engelland. Maybe a draft pick in the 4th or 5th round if you have to play hard ball.

Mayor Rob Ford blogging for the Hurricanes ....

COOL

First is with all of the trades that you have come up with it would seem that JR has done a very poor job over the last few years. The answer is yes.

The J Staal deal was one of the top 5 worst deals in hockey in the last 10 years. Not to mention what they are paying him.

1st fire JR it is time to go in a different direction.

2nd give Gleason away to whoever wants him with a bag of pucks. Just get rid of his contract.

3rd. If the Canes can get a top young forward from the oilers for Ward. Take it. It does not have to be RNJ even though it would be nice. I would rather sign Khudobin for a couple more years cheap and take my chances with him.

4th there is no way that we need another Staal. The Canes already have one to many

5th Honestly I would try to trade both Staal's or trade Eric and by out Jordan and get some high draft picks.

Good read...

To go over all the scenario's over a bad cold ,and Vodka/tonic cure would blow my stopped up mind right now ,but the scenarios that make the most sense for either club's would be Imo:

1.Gleason for Del Zotto ,and Tlusty (aka the invisible man) along with Justin Peter's for Sam Gagne

2.or flip that for Gleason & Peter's to EDM for Gagne ,or Tlusty and a 4th rnd pick to NYR for Del Zotto

3.Tlusty & Gleason to NYR for Del Zotto and Stephan ,or Brassard straight up ,and the $$$ cap wise is pretty close except #1 which in most scenario's is a deal breaker ,but the Canes have $3.2m to work with ,and JR can't be to choosey If it makes sense with a situation he knew before the season started by Gambling Lindholm would be a #3 center along with Pit's still in a cast?


JR won't give anything for M.Staal knowing he'll get him for nothing in 2yrs anyway to play with his brothers ,and any GM would balk at NYR trying to shop him over this anyway he's a Cane sooner or later.

Mayor Rob Ford blogging for the Hurricanes ....

COOL
- .HOHO.

And caught on camera poaching Buffalo Bills seats from a STH!

Hey Jan. Thanks for stopping by and offering your thoughts. I am surprised that you are holding to MDZ that tight. I do not track the Rangers nearly as closely as you, but from what I have read around the web I figured he might be more available.

Though I fear that Rutherford will get impatient, the best thing for the Canes is to wait out the MStaal situation. If/when it becomes clear that MStaal will be testing free agency in summer of 2015 (which happens at the earliest next summer), I think the Rangers get a little extra incentive to get something for him at which point Rutherford steps up and overpays for him (reference Sutter + a good prospect + a 1st round pick for JStaal).
- CarolinaMatt63

See my previous post NO GM will give a puck for M.Staal knowing he'll sign with the Canes in 2015 ,so IF NYR offered a GREAT deal with Staal/Del Zotto and Stephan/Brassard JR might listen however would you give something for a player that's coming anyway?..Meh even Sather knows this scenario.

First is with all of the trades that you have come up with it would seem that JR has done a very poor job over the last few years. The answer is yes.

The J Staal deal was one of the top 5 worst deals in hockey in the last 10 years. Not to mention what they are paying him.

1st fire JR it is time to go in a different direction.

2nd give Gleason away to whoever wants him with a bag of pucks. Just get rid of his contract.

3rd. If the Canes can get a top young forward from the oilers for Ward. Take it. It does not have to be RNJ even though it would be nice. I would rather sign Khudobin for a couple more years cheap and take my chances with him.

4th there is no way that we need another Staal. The Canes already have one to many

5th Honestly I would try to trade both Staal's or trade Eric and by out Jordan and get some high draft picks.
- obxfrank

All I can say is WOW! The Canes are not playing great but they are not hockey's version of the Titanic either. They are one five game winning streak away from second place in the Metro. Personally, I think Muller is the change that needs to be made.