Ed Stein: Vats Up? It's all about the D

That's what she said.

Hey Ed. Sounds like a fun vacation. Wish I'd could go on one. Yeah sitting around waiting for bad news. Hope it's not as bad as everyone says. I thought having bieska waive his NMC and getting a extra year was the worst thing that could happen. I might be wrong though. Sometimes things can't be fixed. And you hust have to take your medicine. I mean it's an expasion draft. We're going to lose something.

Yeah if an unproven D man who couldn't even crack Habs starting D gets you Drouin... Sami should be worth top 3 wing -

Hate to see Shea go ... however he is easily replaceable and to shed Stoners 3.25 .. genius... Murray again reminding people that he is one of the top GM's

Now use Stoner money to entice Eaves or another wing to sign ...

Yeah if an unproven D man who couldn't even crack Habs starting D gets you Drouin... Sami should be worth top 3 wing -

Hate to see Shea go ... however he is easily replaceable and to shed Stoners 3.25 .. genius... Murray again reminding people that he is one of the top GM's

Now use Stoner money to entice Eaves or another wing to sign ...
- dozerD10

Losing shea isn't genius. At best it's a deperate move. Theodore is worth way more than 3.25 in cap space. And just because we have a replacement doesn't make him expendibale. We should have got a foward for him.

Doesn't Stoner only have 1 more year left? Seems they could have made a better deal.

Other commenters are only talking about one piece or the other: the total deal is looking like it'll be a high pick, Theodore, and Stoner as Vegas' selection to not take Manson or Vatanen. Calling Murray a genius for this is a stretch. This is a lot to give up but unless Vegas gets a 1st rounder out of this, the win goes to Anaheim. They should've had to pay more than these to keep Vegas from choosing one of two defenders who are fringe top pairing D men.

Other commenters are only talking about one piece or the other: the total deal is looking like it'll be a high pick, Theodore, and Stoner as Vegas' selection to not take Manson or Vatanen. Calling Murray a genius for this is a stretch. This is a lot to give up but unless Vegas gets a 1st rounder out of this, the win goes to Anaheim. They should've had to pay more than these to keep Vegas from choosing one of two defenders who are fringe top pairing D men.
- WSCTeton17

Manson isn't fringe top pairing D man just for clarification...
he is a top pair D man... He with Hampus are studs.. circumstances dictated he be exposed... so the Stoner/Shea deal to keep Vegas away from him is smart ...

Manson isn't fringe top pairing D man just for clarification...
he is a top pair D man... He with Hampus are studs.. circumstances dictated he be exposed... so the Stoner/Shea deal to keep Vegas away from him is smart ...
- dozerD10

And a high draft pick.

And a high draft pick.
- poisondhearts37

Then so be it -

Sergachev is only 18 and he still almost made the Habs roster. He is super talented and that trade is going to look very different in a couple of years.

Sergachev is only 18 and he still almost made the Habs roster. He is super talented and that trade is going to look very different in a couple of years.
- Dcoms

Drouin is super talented as well. It was a hockey trade.

We got a glimpse into what Murray was planning when the protection lists were released. I don't think anyone had heavily pushed a compensation scenario, but it looks like that'll be the case. Of course this is all contingent on a handshake deal between Murray and McPhee, so all we can do is wait for the time being.

We'll have a much better idea of what the Ducks management was thinking in regards to the expansion draft within the next 24 hours (hopefully less then that). Based off the speculation of losing Stoner and Theodore, when Anaheim already bought out Despres last week, a reasonable solution to Anaheim's defensive logjam could be in the works. If that were the case, Anaheim would still have Lindholm, Vatanen, Bieksa, Fowler, Manson and Montour. Also, most importantly, re-signing Holzer becomes a feasible scenario.

Perhaps I wasted more of my time writing up another speculation piece, but this is Hockeybuzz after all. We just have to wait a little bit longer.

I'm waiting for the details before I pitch a female dog.

I'm waiting for the details before I pitch a female dog.
- quackup

Not sure why. But this made me laugh.

As rumored, Stoner and Theodore going to Vegas. Vegas not touching Vatanen or Manson.

No pick announced so that's good. Now we'll see what moves are forthcoming. Should be interesting. Feel bad for Theodore but with Montour, Marcus Pettersson, and now Larsson in the wings there wasn't room for Theo (evidently).

Also, with Despres bought out, Stoner gone, and Bernier UFA a significant salary dump just occured. Since Vats is out until maybe the first of the year, I'm not so sure he's going to be traded pre NHL Draft. Time will tell.

Rumor is Ducks getting Ryan Miller. We'll see.

Yes! It's over! The expansion draft is over and done with! Somehow, someway, Anaheim's starting roster remained intact for the price of Shea Theodore and Clayton Stoner. Not bad when considering the hefty price other teams paid to keep their depth guys protected. It could be said having a fringe NHL blue chip prospect was an ideal situation for a contending team. Nevertheless, this wasn't some "get out of jail free" card. Shea Theodore brings a lot to the table, and could return to haunt the Ducks. The guy proved time and time again his ability to get the job done in the offensive zone. Nevertheless, this team has always put emphasis on defensive responsibility for defensemen. Between that and the logjam Anaheim had on defense, the Ducks made for a very difficult organization to make the permanent transfer.

As for Clayton Stoner, what is there to say? I haven't written the nicest things about Stoner. I always felt bad for Brian Hayward trying to talk Stoner up. How many times did we hear, "Anaheim got Stoner because they were impressed with his playoff play in Minnesota?"His cap hit aside, he was a good Duck. The guy stood up for his teammates. Nevertheless, this was one of the worst signings in Ducks history. Furthermore, if it wasn't for him and Despres being put on LTIR, his contract could have seriously jeopardized the Ducks future. I'm sure Clayton is a good teammate to have around, but given the situation I'm glad he's gone.

Just like that 3 defensemen are gone, and this team has found themselves with a little over $10M in cap space. However, before you get $ signs for eyes, a lot of guys need to be re-signed within the next year. Cogliano, Ritchie, Fowler, Manson and Montour all need new contracts. A few of them will be due for a significant raise. A backup goalie needs to be addressed, and I'm hoping they're able to work something out with Eaves. Also, it seems like the planets have aligned to bring back Holzer as the #7 guy. With all that being said, my biggest hopes for the offseason is re-signing Eaves and getting a young LW that can skate, is strong on the puck and can find the back of the net. The transition and breakout game is so critical, and having another option of a guy being able to protect the puck on the left side of the ice would give this team more options, and theoretically make things more difficult for the oppositions defense.

In closing, I'm glad this expansion draft is done. Did Bieksa waive his NMC? No. Therefore, I was wrong. To the Ducks fans I offended with my condescending belittlements, I'm sorry. Turns out Murray's "long term semantics" conversation never happened, but it was fun writing it.

Yes! It's over! The expansion draft is over and done with! Somehow, someway, Anaheim's starting roster remained intact for the price of Shea Theodore and Clayton Stoner. Not bad when considering the hefty price other teams paid to keep their depth guys protected. It could be said having a fringe NHL blue chip prospect was an ideal situation for a contending team. Nevertheless, this wasn't some "get out of jail free" card. Shea Theodore brings a lot to the table, and could return to haunt the Ducks. The guy proved time and time again his ability to get the job done in the offensive zone. Nevertheless, this team has always put emphasis on defensive responsibility for defensemen. Between that and the logjam Anaheim had on defense, the Ducks made for a very difficult organization to make the permanent transfer.

As for Clayton Stoner, what is there to say? I haven't written the nicest things about Stoner. I always felt bad for Brian Hayward trying to talk Stoner up. How many times did we hear, "Anaheim got Stoner because they were impressed with his playoff play in Minnesota?"His cap hit aside, he was a good Duck. The guy stood up for his teammates. Nevertheless, this was one of the worst signings in Ducks history. Furthermore, if it wasn't for him and Despres being put on LTIR, his contract could have seriously jeopardized the Ducks future. I'm sure Clayton is a good teammate to have around, but given the situation I'm glad he's gone.

Just like that 3 defensemen are gone, and this team has found themselves with a little over $10M in cap space. However, before you get $ signs for eyes, a lot of guys need to be re-signed within the next year. Cogliano, Ritchie, Fowler, Manson and Montour all need new contracts. A few of them will be due for a significant raise. A backup goalie needs to be addressed, and I'm hoping they're able to work something out with Eaves. Also, it seems like the planets have aligned to bring back Holzer as the #7 guy. With all that being said, my biggest hopes for the offseason is re-signing Eaves and getting a young LW that can skate, is strong on the puck and can find the back of the net. The transition and breakout game is so critical, and having another option of a guy being able to protect the puck on the left side of the ice would give this team more options, and theoretically make things more difficult for the oppositions defense.

In closing, I'm glad this expansion draft is done. Did Bieksa waive his NMC? No. Therefore, I was wrong. To the Ducks fans I offended with my condescending belittlements, I'm sorry. Turns out Murray's "long term semantics" conversation never happened, but it was fun writing it.
- IGotTheMemo

I doubt they re-sign Holzer. Right now they have Fowler, Lindholm, Manson, Bieksa, Montour, Vatanen, and Larsson. It is true that Vatanen will be out for the first half of the season so MAYBE they sign him as insurance but it won't be for more than $1 mil. If they keep Sami they'll have half of his cap hit for LTIR so now they're $12 mil under. Plenty of room for Fowler's raise and to give Eaves something to think about.

I doubt they re-sign Holzer. Right now they have Fowler, Lindholm, Manson, Bieksa, Montour, Vatanen, and Larsson. It is true that Vatanen will be out for the first half of the season so MAYBE they sign him as insurance but it won't be for more than $1 mil. If they keep Sami they'll have half of his cap hit for LTIR so now they're $12 mil under. Plenty of room for Fowler's raise and to give Eaves something to think about.
- duxcup07

Unfortunately, that's not how LTIR works. They would not get any cap relief from Vatanen unless they were within $4.875mil of the salary cap (prorated of course, and there are daily cap numbers but I'm simplifying), and even then they would get $4.875mil - (cap space). The only way to get the full amount is if they are at the cap with a healthy Vatanen, which means they could not use that relief to sign anyone. They could only use it for a call up replacement.

Well now that the expansion draft is over we can look foward. One thing though.

To:bob murry.
Now that the deed is done. Id like to ask you a favor. Please let it be. Don't go through more money after bad money. We lost big. Sure we got cap space. But that doesn't mean you have to use it on a big expesive contract thats going to hurt is cap wise for years to come. Sign some of our RFAs. By the way. This is going to hurt wstching shea become a top fight dman for our division rivals. But please just let it be.

Well now that the expansion draft is over we can look foward. One thing though.

To:bob murry.
Now that the deed is done. Id like to ask you a favor. Please let it be. Don't go through more money after bad money. We lost big. Sure we got cap space. But that doesn't mean you have to use it on a big expesive contract thats going to hurt is cap wise for years to come. Sign some of our RFAs. By the way. This is going to hurt wstching shea become a top fight dman for our division rivals. But please just let it be.
- Eman87654

Losing one of our D was inevitable. What may have hurt more was watching Vats or Manson leave for nothing. I think Bob has set us up with a very very good D for the foreseeable future.

Too bad we're not privy to player evaluation discussions. I would love to know their thoughts on Sam Steel and Max Jones (projected trajectory with the club).

Losing one of our D was inevitable. What may have hurt more was watching Vats or Manson leave for nothing. I think Bob has set us up with a very very good D for the foreseeable future.

Too bad we're not privy to player evaluation discussions. I would love to know their thoughts on Sam Steel and Max Jones (projected trajectory with the club).
- quackup

At select a seat, Murray said they are very very high on Steel. They love Jones ability, but think he is still very immature. Both are expected to spend all of next season in SD.

At select a seat, Murray said they are very very high on Steel. They love Jones ability, but think he is still very immature. Both are expected to spend all of next season in SD.
- sniper11

Thanks for the info. At select a seat, after the usual talk we headed to our seats. We noticed a group of people talking with Murray for what seemed like a good amount of time. Figure we missed out on some good team info.

I could see Steel getting a taste of the NHL this season. Especially with the AHL club so close by.

Losing one of our D was inevitable. What may have hurt more was watching Vats or Manson leave for nothing. I think Bob has set us up with a very very good D for the foreseeable future.

Too bad we're not privy to player evaluation discussions. I would love to know their thoughts on Sam Steel and Max Jones (projected trajectory with the club).
- quackup

Well since we are in such a giving mood. Why not give montour to the kings and Larsson to the sharks. F it right. We are on day going to lose them anyways.

Well since we are in such a giving mood. Why not give montour to the kings and Larsson to the sharks. F it right. We are on day going to lose them anyways.
- Eman87654

Long time reader but first time posting cause I just had to say it.

You're an idiot.