Jeremy Laura: Vancouver and Minnesota are ready to deal, should Yzerman call?

It will be an interesting off-season for so many teams (and leagues) as they navigate through this unprecedented landscape. I'm a Leafs fan through and through, but have always liked Detroit. They have a number of high quality RFAs of their own to sign, and it's been completely silent on that end...a guy I wouldn't mind seeing in Blue and White, but that I'm sure Detroit wants to see in Red and White long-term is Tyler Bertuzzi. Any update on his/Anthony Mantha's contracts? Seems to be the two most important to Detroit (or am I wrong?)

It will be an interesting off-season for so many teams (and leagues) as they navigate through this unprecedented landscape. I'm a Leafs fan through and through, but have always liked Detroit. They have a number of high quality RFAs of their own to sign, and it's been completely silent on that end...a guy I wouldn't mind seeing in Blue and White, but that I'm sure Detroit wants to see in Red and White long-term is Tyler Bertuzzi. Any update on his/Anthony Mantha's contracts? Seems to be the two most important to Detroit (or am I wrong?)
- dclanglois

You are absolutely right! The wall of silence has been deafening. Yzerman locked up Fabbri, but no word at all on Big mo or little Bert. My “gut feeling” is that Yzerman wants to know, as much as possible, the EXACT financial landscape. I would expect him to at least qualify both, but haven’t heard that yet. The league is keeping playoff financials a bit close to the vest. I just saw that Kyle Clifford is going to go test free agency. Dubas must also be testing the waters a bit. Crazy days ahead! Thanks so much for commenting and stopping by!

Jeremy Laura: Vancouver and Minnesota are ready to deal, should Yzerman call?
- Jeremy Laura

Markstrom is 30 years old. Do we really want to sign him for 5 years? It's likely what he's looking for as a UFA. Wings have lots of cap space so I'm not worried about AAV.

I'd stay away from Dumba. He has a big shot but I think he's a bit overrated. He's only 26 though. He'll definitely be traded.

Markstrom is 30 years old. Do we really want to sign him for 5 years? It's likely what he's looking for as a UFA. Wings have lots of cap space so I'm not worried about AAV.

I'd stay away from Dumba. He has a big shot but I think he's a bit overrated. He's only 26 though. He'll definitely be traded.
- gergeswillems

That 30+ mark is my biggest concern on the FA goalie market. Holtby and Markstrom will both want term and trade protection. Until the market gets “established”, the ask is probably going to be way too high. Agents have to be “tempering” expectations. “Remember that 6 mil i thought you could get? How does 4 sound?” Etc

Markstrom is 30 years old. Do we really want to sign him for 5 years? It's likely what he's looking for as a UFA. Wings have lots of cap space so I'm not worried about AAV.

I'd stay away from Dumba. He has a big shot but I think he's a bit overrated. He's only 26 though. He'll definitely be traded.

I agree with this 100%

I would wait for NY Isles. They will need to clear cap and because they spent most of their good draft picks, whoever "helps" them out could latch on to a prospect that is NHL ready! Oliver Walhstrom, Kiefer Bellows, or Bode Wilde may be in play!! Walhstrom may be a reach, but having Bellows or even Wilde for taking on Ladd or Hickey may be well worth it!

Markstrom will be too expensive. Virtanen is a bum. Dumba can (frank) off.

I agree with this 100%

I would wait for NY Isles. They will need to clear cap and because they spent most of their good draft picks, whoever "helps" them out could latch on to a prospect that is NHL ready! Oliver Walhstrom, Kiefer Bellows, or Bode Wilde may be in play!! Walhstrom may be a reach, but having Bellows or even Wilde for taking on Ladd or Hickey may be well worth it!
- HenryHockey

I’m very interested to see what Tampa Bay does once they’re finished. If they win it all, it may be easier to get a guy like Johnson. They’ll have to make moves at some point

Markstrom will be too expensive. Virtanen is a bum. Dumba can (frank) off.
- Feds91Stammer

Markstrom, yeah. could Virtanen be successfully “rehabbed” on a short and cheap deal? Dumba? I have no idea. It goes from Hype to disdain awfully quick around the player. I’ve heard people drool over him and now am seeing a lot more of the “move on” school of thought. We’re just getting started, and things are already weird

Markstrom, yeah. could Virtanen be successfully “rehabbed” on a short and cheap deal? Dumba? I have no idea. It goes from Hype to disdain awfully quick around the player. I’ve heard people drool over him and now am seeing a lot more of the “move on” school of thought. We’re just getting started, and things are already weird
- Jeremy Laura

If you can get Virtanen for like a 5th sure I will take him. But he’s just a bottom 6 winger.

Dumba is overrated and I don’t want that kneeling clown on my team.

Dumba may be distracted as his mind isn't on hockey lately so should teams may be wary he will not become totally focused in the future?

You are absolutely right! The wall of silence has been deafening. Yzerman locked up Fabbri, but no word at all on Big mo or little Bert. My “gut feeling” is that Yzerman wants to know, as much as possible, the EXACT financial landscape. I would expect him to at least qualify both, but haven’t heard that yet. The league is keeping playoff financials a bit close to the vest. I just saw that Kyle Clifford is going to go test free agency. Dubas must also be testing the waters a bit. Crazy days ahead! Thanks so much for commenting and stopping by!
- Jeremy Laura

Appreciate the reply! The days/weeks and months ahead will be interesting for all involved. Feel (somewhat) bad for those who didn't sign their contracts before the pandemic. Huge financial impact for that group, and may squeeze out some quality role players as well!

If you can get Virtanen for like a 5th sure I will take him. But he’s just a bottom 6 winger.

Dumba is overrated and I don’t want that kneeling clown on my team.
- Feds91Stammer

I agree on getting a Virtanen for a 5th any deal similar to Perlini or Fabbri is fine as well. Low risk

Appreciate the reply! The days/weeks and months ahead will be interesting for all involved. Feel (somewhat) bad for those who didn't sign their contracts before the pandemic. Huge financial impact for that group, and may squeeze out some quality role players as well!
- dclanglois

I just saw that Pietrangelo turned down an offer from the Blue a while ago. The economic turn probably won’t improve that a ton

I just saw that Pietrangelo turned down an offer from the Blue a while ago. The economic turn probably won’t improve that a ton
- Jeremy Laura

If they sign AP, someone else will become available in St Louis. Taresenko is not expected to start the season and their cap is too tight. They may look for more offensive help to help replace VT's offence.

I think I would entertain the idea of trading for Dumba under the right circumstances.

Yeah he’s a bit overrated and the $6 million is an overpay but I don’t think the Red Wings are going to be that tight against the cap anytime in the next couple of years, and the remaining term (three years, ages 27-30) is reasonable. Plus even if he is overrated he’d still probably be, like, our second best defender regardless.

Wild might be motivated to get rid of him due to both cap concerns and the expansion draft. Detroit needs competent defenders and has cap space. And if we're going to weaponize cap space and bring in an overpriced vet or two it'd be nice if that guy could at least actually still play a bit and not just be another complete waste of a roster spot like Abdelkader or Nielsen.

Seems like there could be a fit depending on the price.

If they sign AP, someone else will become available in St Louis. Taresenko is not expected to start the season and their cap is too tight. They may look for more offensive help to help replace VT's offence.
- HenryHockey

Interesting point!

The middle d pairing is set with Edler and Myers not going anywhere. The bottom pairing is going to be Stetcher and/or youth. So, that means we need a top pair D man to play with Quinn Hughes.

Basically, if we looked at this like an ordinary job and there was a posting for the position it would look kinda like this.

The player must be:
- Right shot
- Trustworthy defensively/stay home
- Able to hold their own in case of a 2 on 1 or turn over if QH gets caught pinching
- Patient and experienced enough to mentor a young superstar

Bonus points for:
- Being a good penalty killer (none of the other D are really A level PK guys)
- Wanting to actually play/stay in Vancouver without it being the biggest paycheck

The role is basically custom made for Tanev. I dont think we could replace him in that spot with anyone better suited for that role. At least not on the budget we have to work with. We already have the right guy for the job.

Are there better players than Tanev. Yes. Are there any available players that fit the role we need them to? No. Unless he is looking for a large raise or wants 7-8 year term, sign him. If he is willing to sign for a 6x6 just get it done.

Everyone is so focused on what Tanev ISNT, that they forget what he is.

The defense needs to improve as a unit. But it wont happen by trying to upgrade Tanev. He is dollar per dollar way better than anyone else we could fit into that slot that is available

I think I would entertain the idea of trading for Dumba under the right circumstances.

Yeah he’s a bit overrated and the $6 million is an overpay but I don’t think the Red Wings are going to be that tight against the cap anytime in the next couple of years, and the remaining term (three years, ages 27-30) is reasonable. Plus even if he is overrated he’d still probably be, like, our second best defender regardless.

Wild might be motivated to get rid of him due to both cap concerns and the expansion draft. Detroit needs competent defenders and has cap space. And if we're going to weaponize cap space and bring in an overpriced vet or two it'd be nice if that guy could at least actually still play a bit and not just be another complete waste of a roster spot like Abdelkader or Nielsen.

Seems like there could be a fit depending on the price.
- Sven22

The hard reality is that almost everything is an “upgrade”. The wait is now while teams figure out internal spending. Buffalo wants to be in the low 70s. If that becomes normative a lot of players are going to be shifted around

The middle d pairing is set with Edler and Myers not going anywhere. The bottom pairing is going to be Stetcher and/or youth. So, that means we need a top pair D man to play with Quinn Hughes.

Basically, if we looked at this like an ordinary job and there was a posting for the position it would look kinda like this.

The player must be:
- Right shot
- Trustworthy defensively/stay home
- Able to hold their own in case of a 2 on 1 or turn over if QH gets caught pinching
- Patient and experienced enough to mentor a young superstar

Bonus points for:
- Being a good penalty killer (none of the other D are really A level PK guys)
- Wanting to actually play/stay in Vancouver without it being the biggest paycheck

The role is basically custom made for Tanev. I dont think we could replace him in that spot with anyone better suited for that role. At least not on the budget we have to work with. We already have the right guy for the job.

Are there better players than Tanev. Yes. Are there any available players that fit the role we need them to? No. Unless he is looking for a large raise or wants 7-8 year term, sign him. If he is willing to sign for a 6x6 just get it done.

Everyone is so focused on what Tanev ISNT, that they forget what he is.

The defense needs to improve as a unit. But it wont happen by trying to upgrade Tanev. He is dollar per dollar way better than anyone else we could fit into that slot that is available
- djlarose

I appreciate the point. However, with arbitration rights management will have to decide ahead of time if the concern is that the award will be outside of their internal budget. Thanks for chiming in on this!

The hard reality is that almost everything is an “upgrade”. The wait is now while teams figure out internal spending. Buffalo wants to be in the low 70s. If that becomes normative a lot of players are going to be shifted around
- Jeremy Laura

Well yeah, when your second best defender is a guy who couldn't lock down a permanent spot on Colorado's top six the year before, obviously almost any competent NHL defender is going to be an upgrade.

Dumba's 26 years old and cost controlled through his age 29 season. His contract expires the same day as Seider's ELC. DeKeyser is off the books the year before that. As far as stopgaps with some upside go we could do a lot worse.

Well yeah, when your second best defender is a guy who couldn't lock down a permanent spot on Colorado's top six the year before, obviously almost any competent NHL defender is going to be an upgrade.

Dumba's 26 years old and cost controlled through his age 29 season. His contract expires the same day as Seider's ELC. DeKeyser is off the books the year before that. As far as stopgaps with some upside go we could do a lot worse.
- Sven22

I appreciate the thinking there. Well done Sven!

Jeremy Laura: Vancouver and Minnesota are ready to deal, should Yzerman call?
- Jeremy Laura

Interesting - MN sent Staal to Buffalo for Johansson. I guess they are wheeling and dealing

Interesting - MN sent Staal to Buffalo for Johansson. I guess they are wheeling and dealing
- Jeremy Laura

I 'spouse Guerin's phone is ringing steady now as other GM's are hoping for a similar deal!
Stevie, see what you have to give for Greenway.......Cholo? DONE!!!

I 'spouse Guerin's phone is ringing steady now as other GM's are hoping for a similar deal!
Stevie, see what you have to give for Greenway.......Cholo? DONE!!!
- HenryHockey

Good grief, if any negotiation leads with, “what do you want for Cholo”, that’s going to be a sweet deal. Sorry, that was probably really awful of me to say