Paul McCann: Take Grimaldi Off the Board

That's fine. I knew other teams would have some interest in Rocco, but I doubted anyone would offer anything worth actually trading him for. Good contract for a guy whose earned one, without over-committing too much term or money just in case he's a one-hit wonder. (I have a feeling Rocco dictated the term though)

A great KEEP... Now if we can get a good coach, I'm not feeling this new guy...
I'm betting Polie stands pat and doesn't make any moves...

Great money...Good term... Rocco is awesome sauce and he deserved an extension. Lovin' It.

That's fine. I knew other teams would have some interest in Rocco, but I doubted anyone would offer anything worth actually trading him for. Good contract for a guy whose earned one, without over-committing too much term or money just in case he's a one-hit wonder. (I have a feeling Rocco dictated the term though)
- Squatchy

Good signing and I am basing that not just on his smart play on the ice (and his hustle) but also on the intangibles that Rocco appears to have on those around him. He seems to lead by example. The few interviews I've seen also show a focused and intelligent player, one who appears to always be in an even-keeled mode.

After his playing career is over I'd bet that he'd make a good fit for some team if he were to choose to go that route - player development, a coach at some other level - somewhere in hockey ops.

He Seems to have MORE drive and true grit to be successful, maybe not the most talented but will out work you.... Good Guy Good Keep. If we could dump Turis, Ellis and Hammy...

Good signing and I am basing that not just on his smart play on the ice (and his hustle) but also on the intangibles that Rocco appears to have on those around him. He seems to lead by example. The few interviews I've seen also show a focused and intelligent player, one who appears to always be in an even-keeled mode.

After his playing career is over I'd bet that he'd make a good fit for some team if he were to choose to go that route - player development, a coach at some other level - somewhere in hockey ops.
- blueline

Good signing and I am basing that not just on his smart play on the ice (and his hustle) but also on the intangibles that Rocco appears to have on those around him. He seems to lead by example. The few interviews I've seen also show a focused and intelligent player, one who appears to always be in an even-keeled mode.

After his playing career is over I'd bet that he'd make a good fit for some team if he were to choose to go that route - player development, a coach at some other level - somewhere in hockey ops.
- blueline

If we're being honest he probably has a fairly defined ceiling, but I also see potential for continued growth and improvement in his game above it. He's perfect for the role the Preds have him right now, the spark plug on the bottom six. The only problem I see with his game is that we've seen him get eaten alive defensively by more skilled players... Just can't hang with them yet, but that's to be expected. That's a part of his game he'll have to work on if he ever wants to be more than just a solid 3rd line role player.

Rocco has two glaring problems..
Size
Physicality

Little teams don't win Stanley Cups.

Ok...I mean he's earned it, but why some are celebrating this as a trade day victory is surprising. Much like Ellis last year against the Stars in the playoffs, he'll be tossed around like a ragdoll once April rolls around. I guess they got bigger with the Irwin trade, but I still don't see how that makes the team better.

And by not dealing Granlund and/or Smith, it's likely one or both are gone July 1st and, just like Suter, nothing in return. Good job Poile. When I see some of the returns yesterday, and then what could've been, I am firmly on the "Poile should retire/resign" bandwagon. He's been great (at times) but I think it's time to move on. This team, as built, is going nowhere.

Ok...I mean he's earned it, but why some are celebrating this as a trade day victory is surprising. Much like Ellis last year against the Stars in the playoffs, he'll be tossed around like a ragdoll once April rolls around. I guess they got bigger with the Irwin trade, but I still don't see how that makes the team better.

And by not dealing Granlund and/or Smith, it's likely one or both are gone July 1st and, just like Suter, nothing in return. Good job Poile. When I see some of the returns yesterday, and then what could've been, I am firmly on the "Poile should retire/resign" bandwagon. He's been great (at times) but I think it's time to move on. This team, as built, is going nowhere.
- FoxMulder

Not sure who is celebrating the Grimaldi signing as a trade day victory. (I have not been following trade deadline chatter nor the often off-the-wall comments that are thrown around.)

As for not trading Smith or Granlund, I defer to (and agree with) the post Squatchy made yesterday in Paul's previous blog. Late 3rd or 4th round picks don't impress much and Poile may have already come to some kind of resolution as to their future, not to mention that he was apparently not in selling mode.

As I see it, the org has not given up on the team squeaking into the playoffs which means that both those guys are important pieces. I feel confident that the goal (including the owners) is to still somehow reach the playoffs and generate additional revenue if nothing else.

I will agree that something is better than nothing, especially if re-signing either player is overpriced as will probably be the case. But this seems to be a one or the other situation - either continue pushing to make the playoffs or give up. The latter is bad in every way - it's not happening, so you keep both. Time will tell if the decision was a good one or not.