Matt Ross: Is Vatrano (+ Pick) Part of the Driedger Deal?

This blog makes as much sense as a EK blog.

Dreidger is unprotected as a UFA. It makes 0 sense for Seattle to add a piece to take him just to take another piece..


Here is my popsicle, I will give you this sticky hand to take my popsicle and another sticky hand.

Just hear to say that your blog makes perfect sense. I hadn’t thought about that avenue, but it’s a smart approach from Francis if he is handling the situation this way.

This blog makes as much sense as a EK blog.

Dreidger is unprotected as a UFA. It makes 0 sense for Seattle to add a piece to take him just to take another piece..


Here is my popsicle, I will give you this sticky hand to take my popsicle and another sticky hand.
- wreckage

Haha. I know what you mean. My first thought was Florida tells Seattle too bad, you get Driedger and that’s your pick.

But, let’s say Florida wants to move Vatrano now since he and some others will need new contracts after this year - why not work something out with Seattle to take him as well and get something in return that’s cheaper than what they would end up paying for a new Vatrano contract?

Just hear to say that your blog makes perfect sense. I hadn’t thought about that avenue, but it’s a smart approach from Francis if he is handling the situation this way.
- habtastic62

Thanks. I mean, it could be a case of Francis knowing the Cats need/want to move Vatrano (if that’s what’s going on) and he throws it out there that they can do a deal now and get it done with.

In return, the Kraken will pick/send over a cheaper option to Florida.

I think it’s an interesting development. Do the Cats want something in return in a way for an NHL-ready guy (someone Seattle takes from another team), or do the Panthers let one of the young guys come up and fill Vatrano’s spot?

Haha. I know what you mean. My first thought was Florida tells Seattle too bad, you get Driedger and that’s your pick.

But, let’s say Florida wants to move Vatrano now since he and some others will need new contracts after this year - why not work something out with Seattle to take him as well and get something in return that’s cheaper than what they would end up paying for a new Vatrano contract?
- Matt Ross

Well than it takes Vatrano, and a SOLID piece. To tell them to take Vatrano, the solid piece, and hope Dreidger isn't approached by another team, when we know probably 10ish other teams have interest in him.

Idk if frankie trade has anything at all to do with Driedger. Vatrano rumor is new (only hearing of it after all teams protected lists were released), while Driedger being Seattle’s target has been speculated on since before the playoffs started. Just seems like reporters trying to tie the two together and make a story out of nothing. Then they can bring up Vegas expansion draft and everyone can have a good laugh about that fiasco. Zito is not Tallon.
Zito sees someone left available for Seattle to pick that he wants. Vatrano has only one year left before needing a new deal, and FL has replacements for him already in their system.

Idk if frankie trade has anything at all to do with Driedger. Vatrano rumor is new (only hearing of it after all teams protected lists were released), while Driedger being Seattle’s target has been speculated on since before the playoffs started. Just seems like reporters trying to tie the two together and make a story out of nothing. Then they can bring up Vegas expansion draft and everyone can have a good laugh about that fiasco. Zito is not Tallon.
Zito sees someone left available for Seattle to pick that he wants. Vatrano has only one year left before needing a new deal, and FL has replacements for him already in their system.
- Ratsreign

Yep. Could be nothing at all, Rats. But it gives us something to chat about until tomorrow’s draft, haha.

I don’t think it’s totally out of the realm of possibility that he gets moved with Driedger as some kind of package thing.

Curious to see what all unfolds tomorrow!

The only way I see it is if the Panthers want a player from a team that wouldn't do a deal with them directly. Not sure who that would be.

If Seattle waits to sign Driedger, other teams could get in on the action because the exclusive window would close. Supposedly, many teams inquired about Driedger and theoretically could throw a few extra bucks at Driedger or promise him the #1 spot for next year. Francis would have to be pretty sure of a strong position if he waits. Plus, Driedger would have to go along, sort of sticking it to the Panthers after giving him the big opportunity. That doesn't seem like him.

Go Panthers!

Yep. Could be nothing at all, Rats. But it gives us something to chat about until tomorrow’s draft, haha.

I don’t think it’s totally out of the realm of possibility that he gets moved with Driedger as some kind of package thing.

Curious to see what all unfolds tomorrow!
- Matt Ross

But it just seems so unnecessary, Zito can just tell Francis to wait and try to sign FA Driedger after the expansion draft and just take Vatrano, who is unprotected, before making a silly trade with Seattle. The only possible reason I see for making any kind of overtures to Seattle is to try to steer them away from taking Gudas. Other than that possibility, I think this is a separate deal with Vatrano for someone FL wants Seattle to pick in expansion. We’ll find out more tomorrow

The Dreidger pick by Seattle Is reckless and just plain bad. He's 27, Was drafted 9 years ago, He's no longer even considered a prospect and just because he had a an okay season or part of a season doesn't make him suddenly good at goaltending. This Is Nick Foles catching lightning In a bottle all over again.

Thanks. I mean, it could be a case of Francis knowing the Cats need/want to move Vatrano (if that’s what’s going on) and he throws it out there that they can do a deal now and get it done with.

In return, the Kraken will pick/send over a cheaper option to Florida.

I think it’s an interesting development. Do the Cats want something in return in a way for an NHL-ready guy (someone Seattle takes from another team), or do the Panthers let one of the young guys come up and fill Vatrano’s spot?
- Matt Ross

18 goals from a 3rd/4th lines is pretty good. He was tied for 3rd on the team for goals. Even if he gets a raise he’s considered cheap. What young guy you think can replace his production? He’s a keeper in my book

Seattle should absolutely not be able to negotiate with free agents and then hold teams over the barrel because they have reached an agreement.

Seattle should absolutely not be able to negotiate with free agents and then hold teams over the barrel because they have reached an agreement.
- Mahewman

I know what you mean. Although Driedger isn’t technically a FA yet.

If I remember correctly, many teams were upset at how the rules allowed VGK to hold teams for ransom during their draft.

If this Vatrano stuff is real, then I think it’s one of two things happening:

1. The Panthers would be throwing in Vatrano in on their own accord to get something back from Seattle in some kind of speculated rumored deal.

2. The Kraken are saying throw in Vatrano and we’ll take Driedger for some kind of return, or else we’ll pass on Driedger and take someone you really want to keep but didn’t protect.

The Dreidger pick by Seattle Is reckless and just plain bad. He's 27, Was drafted 9 years ago, He's no longer even considered a prospect and just because he had a an okay season or part of a season doesn't make him suddenly good at goaltending. This Is Nick Foles catching lightning In a bottle all over again.
- Shady1962

I’ll be honest with you…I’m curious how he’ll do if he’s drafted by Seattle and made the true #1.

He played stellar for the Panthers. Certainly looking better than Bob the majority of the time - making a fraction of the Bob money made it look even worse for Bob, too.

But how will he do if given the #1 spot, regular starts, etc.? Obviously other factors like why kind of team Seattle puts together comes into play, but I’m really curious to see how it all works out.

When’s the last time or maybe the first time we ever did a “Seth Jones” type trade? Keeping picks and prospects hasn’t gotten us very far in the past.
How about Jones to fla for Huberdeau, Lundell and this yrs 1st?

When’s the last time or maybe the first time we ever did a “Seth Jones” type trade? Keeping picks and prospects hasn’t gotten us very far in the past.
How about Jones to fla for Huberdeau, Lundell and this yrs 1st?
- harveykline

Ay chihuahua

When’s the last time or maybe the first time we ever did a “Seth Jones” type trade? Keeping picks and prospects hasn’t gotten us very far in the past.
How about Jones to fla for Huberdeau, Lundell and this yrs 1st?
- harveykline

You want to trade Huberdeau and a first for Seth Jones? Jesus.

You want to trade Huberdeau and a first for Seth Jones? Jesus.
- Mahewman

Have you watched our d?

Thank all the gods harv aint in charge. Lundell, hubie and a 1st???? For jones??? Thats a terrible trade. I dont even think jones is that good to be honest. There is a reason he fell to 4th pick or whatever it was. We could have had him

If that were the case, the Panthers would have Seattle trade them a defenseman. Luke Schenn, or David Savard. maybe a Jake Bean or a Calvin De Haan.

Trade Huberdeau, Lundell and a first? Better get young McDavid back.

Seattle’s picks are slowly leaking out to the public. Looks like they were right in saying Driedger would be the choice. If all reports are accurate, Seattle is taking a lot of LH dmen. Maybe one of them was chosen with Zito’s offer in mind, and the Vatrano rumor will be confirmed tonight.

Seattle’s picks are slowly leaking out to the public. Looks like they were right in saying Driedger would be the choice. If all reports are accurate, Seattle is taking a lot of LH dmen. Maybe one of them was chosen with Zito’s offer in mind, and the Vatrano rumor will be confirmed tonight.
- Ratsreign

I’m wondering what kind of trades we’ll see. Feel like Seattle is taking some guys to flip in deals.

Pumped for tonight!

I’m wondering what kind of trades we’ll see. Feel like Seattle is taking some guys to flip in deals.

Pumped for tonight!
- Matt Ross

Close your eyes, what do you see? Also the NHL dropped the ball by leaking the list earlier today. What an uneventful show