Jeremy Laura: Edmonton looking to trade A.A., final thoughts On the trade

You mistook Tony Duclair for Tony DeA.

Yes Anthony Duclair, did redeem himself. AA will too, maybe trade him to NJ for a 4th round pick, they could use some speed, and the Oilers need the savings.

You mistook Tony Duclair for Tony DeA.
- redseerpf

Oh man, thank you so much! I was looking at his name while i typed and STILL did it wrong! You win the daily double

Yes Anthony Duclair, did redeem himself. AA will too, maybe trade him to NJ for a 4th round pick, they could use some speed, and the Oilers need the savings.
- HenryHockey

Very possible on both. Although, people will credit Holland turning 2 2nd rounders into a 4th. Math magic!!!

Oh man, thank you so much! I was looking at his name while i typed and STILL did it wrong! You win the daily double
- Jeremy Laura

No biggie! They pretty much have the exact same trajectory 😅

Holland likely thought AA's speed would mesh perfectly playing with McDavid and Draisaitl. Or with Nuge. But as we all know AA must have the puck to be effective. In Edmonton, McDavid and Draisaitl have the puck. AA's not a confident player without the puck.

It's like he doesn't know where to go or what to do. He's all speed and not much else. He has good hands and can score goals. His defense is horrible. For every goal he creates, he's giving up 2 or 3. It's not entirely his fault. He played on a very bad Red Wings team.

But he has to own his own horrible and inconsistent play. I don't know which team will take a chance on him but some team certainly will. They'll believe they can fix his defensive shortcomings but that rarely happens at his age.

A leopard rarely changes its spots. I recall being disappointed in Yzerman not getting a 1st round pick back when the trade happened. But it's clear now that Yzerman knew exactly what he was doing. Selling high on Athanasiou. Two seconds is a pretty good return.

No biggie! They pretty much have the exact same trajectory 😅
- redseerpf

Duuuuuude...

Holland likely thought AA's speed would mesh perfectly playing with McDavid and Draisaitl. Or with Nuge. But as we all know AA must have the puck to be effective. In Edmonton, McDavid and Draisaitl have the puck. AA's not a confident player without the puck.

It's like he doesn't know where to go or what to do. He's all speed and not much else. He has good hands and can score goals. His defense is horrible. For every goal he creates, he's giving up 2 or 3. It's not entirely his fault. He played on a very bad Red Wings team.

But he has to own his own horrible and inconsistent play. I don't know which team will take a chance on him but some team certainly will. They'll believe they can fix his defensive shortcomings but that rarely happens at his age.

A leopard rarely changes its spots. I recall being disappointed in Yzerman not getting a 1st round pick back when the trade happened. But it's clear now that Yzerman knew exactly what he was doing. Selling high on Athanasiou. Two seconds is a pretty good return.
- gergeswillems

I think you’re on it. The pressure of playing with an all word player is being able to do exactly what they need you to do. My favorite “makes everyone better” player is Bergeron. He can settle guys down, help them find their spots. A.A. Needs to fall in with someone who can “sit on him” a bit and help him find that next level of compete. Wings are total sink or swim right now. Tough sledding

Yzerman knew exactly what he was doing. Selling high on Athanasiou. Two seconds is a pretty good return.

He didn't sell high on him, AA was having his worst season ever. His value was probably the lowest it has ever been with the Wings. If he had traded him last summer, i assume he could have gotten more for him coming off the 30 goal season without the disaster of last season.

That being said, his value is likely lower now given he couldn't produce in Edmonton (even though it is a small sample size) and they are trying to move on from him already. Teams might not want to qualify him either and just wait for the Oilers to cut him loose so they can sign him for cheaper without having to give anything.

Maybe Yzerman should offer Holland their 4th round pick back for him, sign AA for 1 year and hope he has a great season and deal him at the deadline

Yes Anthony Duclair, did redeem himself. AA will too, maybe trade him to NJ for a 4th round pick, they could use some speed, and the Oilers need the savings.
- HenryHockey

I hope he does find his footing somewhere

He didn't sell high on him, AA was having his worst season ever. His value was probably the lowest it has ever been with the Wings. If he had traded him last summer, i assume he could have gotten more for him coming off the 30 goal season without the disaster of last season.

That being said, his value is likely lower now given he couldn't produce in Edmonton (even though it is a small sample size) and they are trying to move on from him already. Teams might not want to qualify him either and just wait for the Oilers to cut him loose so they can sign him for cheaper without having to give anything.

Maybe Yzerman should offer Holland their 4th round pick back for him, sign AA for 1 year and hope he has a great season and deal him at the deadline
- dcz28

If he takes 2.5 on a 1, I’d do it.

If he takes 2.5 on a 1, I’d do it.
- Jeremy Laura

If traded would't he still have to have a qualifying offer of $3M AAV???

If he takes 2.5 on a 1, I’d do it.
- Jeremy Laura

Even at 3 mil for one year i would do it. Wings don't have the cap space problems Edmonton have plus Yzerman could do what i wanted him to and hold onto him for next season hoping he has a bounce back season and then deal him for a 1st and or a prospect at the deadline if he doesn't think AA has a future with the Wings. At worst AA bombs again and the Wings get a mid to late pick back for him or let him walk after the season and they lose nothing since they got two 2nd round picks trading him the first time.

If traded would't he still have to have a qualifying offer of $3M AAV???
- HenryHockey

Teams can offer below qualifier. If they don’t qualify player becomes FA. Would have to have deal in place (verbal) or it’s a crap shoot.

Even at 3 mil for one year i would do it. Wings don't have the cap space problems Edmonton have plus Yzerman could do what i wanted him to and hold onto him for next season hoping he has a bounce back season and then deal him for a 1st and or a prospect at the deadline if he doesn't think AA has a future with the Wings. At worst AA bombs again and the Wings get a mid to late pick back for him or let him walk after the season and they lose nothing since they got two 2nd round picks trading him the first time.
- dcz28

I’m fine with that. Yzerman is developing a “culture”. As corny and overused as that sounds. He managed it in TB. It’s hard to believe a players attitude can screw things up. But when Matt D left Colorado things got better for the team. Yzerman drafted guys who want to work. He’s letting contracts expire and trying to get rid of the comfort zone. I’m not sure if AA butted heads but it may be a case where he wants to move on. No clue

If traded would't he still have to have a qualifying offer of $3M AAV???
- HenryHockey

Yes but you can sign the player before having to qualify him. AA's agent likely would just wait for the qualifying offer and accept it though instead of taking less unless he thinks if he became a UFA he could do better than that on the open market.

With the cap and financial situation of the league, it might be a big gamble to think he can get 3mil or more if he hits the open market.

Yes but you can sign the player before having to qualify him. AA's agent likely would just wait for the qualifying offer and accept it though instead of taking less unless he thinks if he became a UFA he could do better than that on the open market.

With the cap and financial situation of the league, it might be a big gamble to think he can get 3mil or more if he hits the open market.
- dcz28

This is where it gets interesting. A few GMs have noted that several RFAs will go unqualified. Internal budgets are still being figured out. Pietrangelo was offered 7.7, but the bonus schedule wasn’t what he wanted. Guys in AAs position may need to take a lower offer. Just a weird time where the cap isn’t the biggest factor.

I’m fine with that. Yzerman is developing a “culture”. As corny and overused as that sounds. He managed it in TB. It’s hard to believe a players attitude can screw things up. But when Matt D left Colorado things got better for the team. Yzerman drafted guys who want to work. He’s letting contracts expire and trying to get rid of the comfort zone. I’m not sure if AA butted heads but it may be a case where he wants to move on. No clue
- Jeremy Laura

I'm not really sure how much impact Duchene leaving had vs guys like MacKinnon, Rantanen, Landeskog taking it to another level. It is possible that behind the scenes Duchene was detrimental just like it could be possible AA is also...no way for us to really know this.

It could be AA butted heads with Blashill but i wouldn't really blame any player for that. Blashill irritates me and i don't even have to listen to him or play for him.

This is where it gets interesting. A few GMs have noted that several RFAs will go unqualified. Internal budgets are still being figured out. Pietrangelo was offered 7.7, but the bonus schedule wasn’t what he wanted. Guys in AAs position may need to take a lower offer. Just a weird time where the cap isn’t the biggest factor.
- Jeremy Laura

Yeah i think AA's best bet would be to accept a qualifying offer if he gets one. If he hits the open market i think he will have to take less to prove he is worth more. With cap space and money being tight around the league, now is not the best time to think big payday as a UFA unless you are a star player and even then. Lots will likely have to take less and maybe much less if they are set on signing on contending teams. RFAs might feel the squeeze even more too given their lack of options.

I'm not really sure how much impact Duchene leaving had vs guys like MacKinnon, Rantanen, Landeskog taking it to another level. It is possible that behind the scenes Duchene was detrimental just like it could be possible AA is also...no way for us to really know this.

It could be AA butted heads with Blashill but i wouldn't really blame any player for that. Blashill irritates me and i don't even have to listen to him or play for him.
- dcz28

For a moment on Duchene. His last season in COL was kicked off with his “frowning” picture session. When he left, MacKinnon made some not subtle comments about “guys wanting to be here”, and the team really came together. It may not be the only issue, but it was a significant one. As for Blashill, I feel like everything is “in flux”. Most coaches put their “stamp” down. I can’t see that definitive mark. Yes, the roster is lacking, but i just don’t feel any “flow” to this team

Yeah i think AA's best bet would be to accept a qualifying offer if he gets one. If he hits the open market i think he will have to take less to prove he is worth more. With cap space and money being tight around the league, now is not the best time to think big payday as a UFA unless you are a star player and even then. Lots will likely have to take less and maybe much less if they are set on signing on contending teams. RFAs might feel the squeeze even more too given their lack of options.
- dcz28

I agree. The problem now is arbitration. If the team qualifies and the player chooses to take it to the arb, it’s a crap shoot. You’d have to have the agent give the thumbs up before you make that qualifier. “My client will sign this” needs to be made clear

Athana-see-you-later Andreas! Thanks for... uhhh...

*youtriedgoldstar*

I agree. The problem now is arbitration. If the team qualifies and the player chooses to take it to the arb, it’s a crap shoot. You’d have to have the agent give the thumbs up before you make that qualifier. “My client will sign this” needs to be made clear
- Jeremy Laura

Yeah his agent seems like a problem to deal with at the best of times.

He didn't sell high on him, AA was having his worst season ever. His value was probably the lowest it has ever been with the Wings. If he had traded him last summer, i assume he could have gotten more for him coming off the 30 goal season without the disaster of last season.

That being said, his value is likely lower now given he couldn't produce in Edmonton (even though it is a small sample size) and they are trying to move on from him already. Teams might not want to qualify him either and just wait for the Oilers to cut him loose so they can sign him for cheaper without having to give anything.

Maybe Yzerman should offer Holland their 4th round pick back for him, sign AA for 1 year and hope he has a great season and deal him at the deadline
- dcz28

You couldn't get 2 second round picks for AA now. Yzerman fleeced Holland before AA's value went down. The summer before is irrelevant. AA wasn't available to be traded then.

You're assuming that Yzerman could've received more in an AA trade. I can assume no GMs offered Yzerman a first round pick. What I do know is that he received 2 seconds.