The Sharks popped up in the bi-weekly discussion between Pierre Lebrun and Scott Burnside on ESPN.com...
One thing I liked was that they hadn't heard of a current Shark that they were shopping. The flip side of that is the likelihood of some of these guys: Couture, McGinn, Joslin, Ferriero, Stalock, Greiss, Tommy Wingels, and Petrecki disappearing are high. Poop.
View entire article here
"LeBrun: First of all, there's no doubt in my mind the Caps are privately married to the idea that Varlamov is their man come playoff time, but they like having Theodore around as a veteran presence. Moving on to Chicago, here's what I heard from there Wednesday night: they'd like to add a defenseman. That may seem surprising given their star quality there, but that's what I was told.
And here's the kicker: I'm told the team is still toying with the idea of adding a goalie. Huet has never won a playoff round and there's apparently some nervousness there. Given his $5.625 million salary, I can't believe the Hawks can even try this given how tight they are under the cap, but I was told if they can move a $3 million player and add a $2.5 million goalie, who knows. Dwayne Roloson's cap number is $2.5 million, although the Islanders would rather move UFA-to-be Martin Biron ($1.4 million), as we discussed Wednesday. Roloson has one more year on his deal. Seems amazing there's still concern about the goaltending in Chicago, but apparently that's the case. [Begin talk about the Sharks] As for the Sharks, it is absolutely clear Wilson is canvassing the rest of the league looking for a D-man. No question. That's where his move will be.
Burnside: We all know how these deadline deals can turn out. The Sharks have known their fair share of deadline misery, having jettisoned a ton of assets in prospects and draft picks since the lockout and never advancing beyond the second round. I would think Wilson will be very cautious. And frankly, there just aren't a lot of defensemen out there; Marek Zidlicky and Kim Johnsson if Minnesota falters, and then there's Nashville GM David Poile's dilemma about what to do with Dan Hamhuis if he doesn't think he can re-sign him. But you can forget Poile trading him to San Jose for a host of reasons. I think Hamhuis would look pretty good in Washington, and the Caps have some assets they could move, including Alexander Semin, who was brought under contract this season but could be expendable given the team's offensive depth. Of the "big three," which most needs to make a move to solidify a trip deep into the playoffs?
LeBrun: I think the Sharks really need a defenseman. I get worried after Dan Boyle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic (injured right now), Rob Blake and the underrated Douglas Murray. Niclas Wallin of the Hurricanes is another available blueliner. Frankly, if I'm Wilson, I phone up GM Brian Burke in Toronto and tell him to inform the Tomas Kaberle (no-trade clause) camp that the Sharks are interested. It just so happens Wilson and the Sharks are in Toronto on Monday. Perhaps the two GMs can grab lunch. Until Friday, my friend."
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Wallin Trade Drinking Game!
I'll put a round of Long Islands down on this prediction (or closest):
To Sharks:
Wallin
2d rd pick
To Canes:
Huskins
Joslin
We'll all agree who was closest and who wasn't. I retain McVet as my counsel.
To Sharks:
Wallin
2d rd pick
To Canes:
Huskins
Joslin
We'll all agree who was closest and who wasn't. I retain McVet as my counsel.
It sucks to be St Louis...
The next seven games for the St Louis Blues:
3rd Vs. Blackhawks
4th Vs. Sharks
6th Vs. Blackhawks
8th @ Avalanche
9th Vs. Red Wings
12th Vs. Maple Leafs
13th Vs. Capitals
They were already a bottom-three team in the Western Conference. Yikes.
UPDATE::::::::
Just a post-script to this post. The Blues posted some surprising wins in this stretch.
Record:
3rd Vs. Blackhawks
4th Vs. Sharks
6th Vs. Blackhawks
8th @ Avalanche
9th Vs. Red Wings
12th Vs. Maple Leafs
13th Vs. Capitals
They were already a bottom-three team in the Western Conference. Yikes.
UPDATE::::::::
Just a post-script to this post. The Blues posted some surprising wins in this stretch.
Record:
3rd Vs. Blackhawks (win!, 3-2)
4th Vs. Sharks (loss! 2-4)
6th Vs. Blackhawks (loss! 2-1)
8th @ Avalanche (loss! 2-5)
9th Vs. Red Wings (win! 4-3(so))
12th Vs. Maple Leafs (win! 4-0)
13th Vs. Capitals (win! 4-3 (so)).
Overall, they finished 4-3. Not bad! Bad news: they are still at the bottom of the conference. Sorry boys.
Niclas Wallin to San Jose?
At the expense of a more formal introduction (my name is Matt), I wanted to get this out there as soon as possible for anyone reading the blog.
About a half hour ago, TSN's James Duthie, who is usually as reliable as they come in the hockey world, reported that the Carolina Hurricanes were considering moving defenseman Niclas Wallin. He tweeted that San Jose was a possibility here-
http://twitter.com/tsnjamesduthie/status/8607868766
He went on to say that Wallin, who has a NTC, has likely waived it.
http://twitter.com/tsnjamesduthie/status/8608192001
It was just now confirmed that Wallin is indeed a healthy scratch for tonight, so this looks like it could be a done deal.
I'm guessing a 3rd round pick, or possibly a mid level prospect and a 7th.
Details and analysis to follow.
UPDATE #1 4:20pm
TSN is now reporting that a deal is imminent n their site.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308812
Wallin's cap hit is $1.725m, and the Sharks can only afford a cap hit of $1.095m, so it would appear a roster player will be dealt if this trade is going to go through.
UPDATE #2 4:45pm
With a roster player having to go back, I'm starting to get the impression that this trade could be akin to the "trade someone with positive value (Wallin) for someone they don't want to take on plus a positive value draft pick/prospect" that has been popularized in the cap-ridden NHL.
If that is the case, I can see a few possibilities. The player would have to be earning at least $650k salary in order for the Sharks to have the cap space.
In order of my perceived likelihood (nothing is official)-
1. Wallin for Shelley (750K) + 3rd round pick
-Shelley is redundant with younger Staubitz and McLaren, and those two do not make enough (500K & 543K respectively) to clear
2. Wallin + 4th round pick for McGinn (997K)
-McGinn was sent to Woostah today, although as we all know, could definitely just be routine shuttling.
3. Wallin + 3rd round pick for Mitchell (1.357m)
-Mitchell hasn't regained form yet and has a high cap hit, and Carolina will likely be looking for a young player.
4. Wallin for Huskins (1.7m) + 5th round pick
-I'm going to say there is a very outside chance of this happening only because it would enable another move based on the wash in salary, and it would save salary next year (Wallin is going to retire at the end of the year).
UPDATE #3 5:15pm
So, a little backstory on Wallin while we're waiting for more information.
Wallin holds a NTC because there were a lot of rumors going around that after Carolina won the Stanley Cup in 05-06, Wallin (who was an impending UFA) wished to return home to Sweden to raise his family. It came down to him either staying in Carolina or moving home to Sweden, so Carolina offered him a three year contract with a NTC to entice him to stay.
This is relevant for any Sharks historians, who remember Wallin opting not to waive his NTC to come to San Jose in the 07-08 season, when the Sharks were offering Ehrhoff in return.
Flashing forward to the present, Wallin has stated that he will retire at the end of his contract, in which this is his final year. When this rumor first surfaced a few days ago, he also stated that he is honored that a team (SJ) thinks that highly of him, and that Carolina wants to give him a last shot at a Stanley Cup (of which they are nowhere close to).
About a half hour ago, TSN's James Duthie, who is usually as reliable as they come in the hockey world, reported that the Carolina Hurricanes were considering moving defenseman Niclas Wallin. He tweeted that San Jose was a possibility here-
http://twitter.com/tsnjamesduthie/status/8607868766
He went on to say that Wallin, who has a NTC, has likely waived it.
http://twitter.com/tsnjamesduthie/status/8608192001
It was just now confirmed that Wallin is indeed a healthy scratch for tonight, so this looks like it could be a done deal.
I'm guessing a 3rd round pick, or possibly a mid level prospect and a 7th.
Details and analysis to follow.
UPDATE #1 4:20pm
TSN is now reporting that a deal is imminent n their site.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308812
Wallin's cap hit is $1.725m, and the Sharks can only afford a cap hit of $1.095m, so it would appear a roster player will be dealt if this trade is going to go through.
UPDATE #2 4:45pm
With a roster player having to go back, I'm starting to get the impression that this trade could be akin to the "trade someone with positive value (Wallin) for someone they don't want to take on plus a positive value draft pick/prospect" that has been popularized in the cap-ridden NHL.
If that is the case, I can see a few possibilities. The player would have to be earning at least $650k salary in order for the Sharks to have the cap space.
In order of my perceived likelihood (nothing is official)-
1. Wallin for Shelley (750K) + 3rd round pick
-Shelley is redundant with younger Staubitz and McLaren, and those two do not make enough (500K & 543K respectively) to clear
2. Wallin + 4th round pick for McGinn (997K)
-McGinn was sent to Woostah today, although as we all know, could definitely just be routine shuttling.
3. Wallin + 3rd round pick for Mitchell (1.357m)
-Mitchell hasn't regained form yet and has a high cap hit, and Carolina will likely be looking for a young player.
4. Wallin for Huskins (1.7m) + 5th round pick
-I'm going to say there is a very outside chance of this happening only because it would enable another move based on the wash in salary, and it would save salary next year (Wallin is going to retire at the end of the year).
UPDATE #3 5:15pm
So, a little backstory on Wallin while we're waiting for more information.
Wallin holds a NTC because there were a lot of rumors going around that after Carolina won the Stanley Cup in 05-06, Wallin (who was an impending UFA) wished to return home to Sweden to raise his family. It came down to him either staying in Carolina or moving home to Sweden, so Carolina offered him a three year contract with a NTC to entice him to stay.
This is relevant for any Sharks historians, who remember Wallin opting not to waive his NTC to come to San Jose in the 07-08 season, when the Sharks were offering Ehrhoff in return.
Flashing forward to the present, Wallin has stated that he will retire at the end of his contract, in which this is his final year. When this rumor first surfaced a few days ago, he also stated that he is honored that a team (SJ) thinks that highly of him, and that Carolina wants to give him a last shot at a Stanley Cup (of which they are nowhere close to).
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
In game thread
Its a good thing nobody reads this thing.....
its 2-0 10mins into the first period and my goat, Joe, has 2 goals. Nicceeee.
oh! maybe not...2-2
Okay, I don't like to highlight every blown call out there but holy hell the refs tonight were incompetent. They missed at least four calls against the Wings by my count in the third period. They were completely oblivious to holding the stick twice, an interference, and a slash.
its 2-0 10mins into the first period and my goat, Joe, has 2 goals. Nicceeee.
oh! maybe not...2-2
Okay, I don't like to highlight every blown call out there but holy hell the refs tonight were incompetent. They missed at least four calls against the Wings by my count in the third period. They were completely oblivious to holding the stick twice, an interference, and a slash.
It's time to consider who we can deal away
As GBF and I gchatted about today, when it comes to the deadline DW gets things done. Why? Because DW will pay retail price for his rentals.
As we get to the topic of the deadline, we should know what it is we have in our wallet, how much value they carry, and how much we're willing to pay for what we need.
I'll start crafting this. Brown, feel free to repost any HF boards postings on this topic. I don't need to do work that's already been done.
As we get to the topic of the deadline, we should know what it is we have in our wallet, how much value they carry, and how much we're willing to pay for what we need.
I'll start crafting this. Brown, feel free to repost any HF boards postings on this topic. I don't need to do work that's already been done.
Quietly, It's Confirmed That The Sharks Are Listening to HF Boards...
Taken from tsn.com's chat with Darren Dreger this afternoon:
"Trevor, Barrie: Darren, how much 'tweaking' do powerhouse teams like San Jose and Washington have to do? They seem unstoppable on most nights!
"Trevor, Barrie: Darren, how much 'tweaking' do powerhouse teams like San Jose and Washington have to do? They seem unstoppable on most nights!
Darren Dreger: Trevor, I know the Sharks had considerable interest inIan White, an inexpensive defenceman with tons of upside, before the Flames scooped him in the Phaneuf blockbuster. That's an example of the type of deal San Jose will be in the market for. As for the Capitals, it's going to be intriguing to watch George McPhee play his hand. Does Washington need some help on the backend? Maybe a shutdown forward or PK specialist? McPhee has the cap space to add some bodies and with consistant goaltending, there is a growing sense the Caps should be considered the favored team in the East."
Well, that's what we've all thought the Sharks should do. Now, we know it's what they think too. And now, we wait.
Predictions for Tonight
I have a bad feeling about tonight's game against the Wings.
The Sharks this season have shown a characteristic best described as "failing to get up for a big game." Most recently, the Sharks looked like Mike and Trent from Swingers at the blackjack table getting schooled by grandma for the first period of the game against the Blackhawks. Before that, the Sharks ruined my christmas present by taking a dump on the logo in their locker-room in their 4-1 loss to the Wings. Before that, the Sharks were lucky to beat the Wings in Chicago and before that, the Sharks completely embarrassed any Sharks fan in their 7-2 whoopdown at the Tank. Before that, the Sharks got manhandled by the Kings, 6-2 in the Tank and way way before that the Sharks lost two in a row to surging Kings and Coyotes.
What does this mean? Doesn't every team lose a big game? Well, of course every team has a disappointing loss.
What this means to me is that the Sharks are very even keel and that they have a tough time coming out amped up to get their feet moving and get the game off to a good start. Recently, Nabby said that this team has a very even keel. This is good and bad, in my mind. It's bad because it means you can be overwhelmed by a more keyed up opponent. Excitement is a friend early on. Not too much, but some excitement is very good to have on your side. The even keel is good because it allows you to play a little more mistake free than the excited team, it allows you to not get too down on yourself if you give up an early goal and allows you to come back. This is all stuff any basic athlete knows, I don't need to expound the benefits here.
Anyways, I have a bad feeling about the Sharks tonight. Their weak D also inspires zero confidence. I hope that I am proven wrong and that later tonight I write some post extolling the benefits of a prolonged absence for Boyle and Vlasic to the rest of the D-Corps.
Actually, come to think of it, this is a good thing. What better way to push your D men and allow them to grow by letting them get in a big game playing in a bigger role, to a man? Also, the trade deadline is coming up (two days after the NHL resumes post-Olympics) and there have already been a few trades in the past few days. If the Sharks get smoked tonight and their D looks just out of place and awful.... Well, I'm not DW.
But I wish I was.
The Sharks this season have shown a characteristic best described as "failing to get up for a big game." Most recently, the Sharks looked like Mike and Trent from Swingers at the blackjack table getting schooled by grandma for the first period of the game against the Blackhawks. Before that, the Sharks ruined my christmas present by taking a dump on the logo in their locker-room in their 4-1 loss to the Wings. Before that, the Sharks were lucky to beat the Wings in Chicago and before that, the Sharks completely embarrassed any Sharks fan in their 7-2 whoopdown at the Tank. Before that, the Sharks got manhandled by the Kings, 6-2 in the Tank and way way before that the Sharks lost two in a row to surging Kings and Coyotes.
What does this mean? Doesn't every team lose a big game? Well, of course every team has a disappointing loss.
What this means to me is that the Sharks are very even keel and that they have a tough time coming out amped up to get their feet moving and get the game off to a good start. Recently, Nabby said that this team has a very even keel. This is good and bad, in my mind. It's bad because it means you can be overwhelmed by a more keyed up opponent. Excitement is a friend early on. Not too much, but some excitement is very good to have on your side. The even keel is good because it allows you to play a little more mistake free than the excited team, it allows you to not get too down on yourself if you give up an early goal and allows you to come back. This is all stuff any basic athlete knows, I don't need to expound the benefits here.
Anyways, I have a bad feeling about the Sharks tonight. Their weak D also inspires zero confidence. I hope that I am proven wrong and that later tonight I write some post extolling the benefits of a prolonged absence for Boyle and Vlasic to the rest of the D-Corps.
Actually, come to think of it, this is a good thing. What better way to push your D men and allow them to grow by letting them get in a big game playing in a bigger role, to a man? Also, the trade deadline is coming up (two days after the NHL resumes post-Olympics) and there have already been a few trades in the past few days. If the Sharks get smoked tonight and their D looks just out of place and awful.... Well, I'm not DW.
But I wish I was.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Phoenix Coyotes will be a buyer very soon...
Now reaching the checkout stand at every NHL firesale, the Phoenix Coyotes:
Scottie Upshall just tore his ACL
Scottie Upshall just tore his ACL
Big Moves in Both Conferences!
The immediate impact of the big deals today (see: here for the trades made) will be felt in the Western Conference.
Calgary got...different with the acquisitions of White, Stajan, Hagman, and Mayers and the peace-outting of Phanuef. You have to wonder if this might be the trade that has the Flames fans saying "Really?! We made that deal?!" three years from now.
I'm not going to pretend be a Leafs expert. Frankly, I know relatively little other than their names for many players who have played exclusively in the Eastern Conference. Some of that has to do with a lack of curiosity about random dudes in the East, some has to do with the lack of a National TV deal for the NHL, and all of it has to do with never seeing these guys. So, when I analyze this trade I will frame it from a "what I learned about these dudes" standpoint.
Calgary:::
Obviously, something was going to happen. I had been privately speculating since the Sharks 9-1 beating of the Flames that either Brent or Darryl had one foot out the door in Calgary. I was wrong but I had heard from various sources (ESPN's Scott Burnside was the loudest voice, I think) that Darryl was looking at dealing one of the big three D up in Calgary. I think there was some talk up there privately that some people were both unhappy with him and that he was visa versa unhappy in Calgary. We all knew they were going to do something, so here it is:
Nick Hagman: ESPN Player Card
Not bad second line numbers! I remember Hagman being a name on the Stars but I don't really remember him making much of a difference on the ice. His career high of 27 goals came with a very strong Dallas team. I want to say that I don't remember Hagman being much defensively on the ice but I dont think Calgary could give a shit about his defense. They need scoring in the lineup, especially in the top-six. This will help Calgary compete with Vancouver.
Matt Stajan: ESPN Player Card
This guy is an example of a name that I know and the numbers that I don't. So, he has 16g and 25a for a center. Those are pretty good! Perhaps Stajan was Hagman's center? Idk. But, these are the kinds of numbers the Flames need in their top six to compliment Iginla and Bourque as the only people there capable of registering a point.
Ian White:
Surprisingly, Darryl only got back one Alberta born player from the Leafs. To those who are unaccustomed to Darryl's ways, he has a reputation for building a psuedo-supremacist organization chock-a-block full of Honky's from Alberta. No matter what the position, his players are 6' 2" 200+ lbs. White, a young D man, whom I am almost wholly unfamiliar with is having a career year. He's young, seems to be agile but not quick, and (as youtube shows) has a knack for rushing the net to dunk the puck. This could be a great help the Flames to give JayBow some offensive help along the points.
Jamal Mayers:
Quick note: In my mind, Jamal Mayers has been a complete jackass since the 2004 playoffs (the same series when his linemate and current ex-con Mike Danton was arrested for plotting to kill...somebody). Why you ask?? Because to follow up with the usual headshaving bonding exercise, Mayers shaved his eyebrows in STRIPES. Who the hell is going to be intimidated by a dude with tiger striped eyebrows? Anyways, another grinder for Darry's fourth line. Maybe he'll crack the lineup here.
Overall, a depth building trade for Calgary. It should help keep them in the playoff picture but I dont think they have enough star power up front to make a difference in the playoffs.
Toronto::::::
Nice move from Brian Burke, you knew he'd pull something before the Olympic break because he's been screaming loud and clear that he was going to do just that.
No surprise that he picked up Jiggy, that should help solidify their goaltending sitch. Kind of surprising that he ditched a fair amount of the middle of his lineup but he could be shaping up to acquire some mid-lineup salaries from other teams as the deadline approaches.
NHLNumbers says that Hagman had a hit of 3 mil, Stajan was 1.750, white was 850, Mayers was 1.333. With Phaneuf and Sjostrom and Aulie coming to Toronto, the Leafs add 7.25 in salary while subtracting 6.850. So, overall they are nearly a salary wash and the Leafs retain around 1.5 mill in cap space.
Anaheim:::::
No surprise seeing them turn the reigns over to Hiller and acquiring a real backup goalie. Jason Blake should help their depth but to be honest, he kind of sucks now. Anaheim took back more salary than they gave up which would handcuff them greatly moving forward. I think Blake and Tosk are both UFA's after this season and this would open up the Ducks for some big moves in the UFA season.
For much better, more professional analysis, I turn you over to the people I read:
Bob Mackenzie
The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy
Burnside at ESPN
Calgary got...different with the acquisitions of White, Stajan, Hagman, and Mayers and the peace-outting of Phanuef. You have to wonder if this might be the trade that has the Flames fans saying "Really?! We made that deal?!" three years from now.
I'm not going to pretend be a Leafs expert. Frankly, I know relatively little other than their names for many players who have played exclusively in the Eastern Conference. Some of that has to do with a lack of curiosity about random dudes in the East, some has to do with the lack of a National TV deal for the NHL, and all of it has to do with never seeing these guys. So, when I analyze this trade I will frame it from a "what I learned about these dudes" standpoint.
Calgary:::
Obviously, something was going to happen. I had been privately speculating since the Sharks 9-1 beating of the Flames that either Brent or Darryl had one foot out the door in Calgary. I was wrong but I had heard from various sources (ESPN's Scott Burnside was the loudest voice, I think) that Darryl was looking at dealing one of the big three D up in Calgary. I think there was some talk up there privately that some people were both unhappy with him and that he was visa versa unhappy in Calgary. We all knew they were going to do something, so here it is:
Nick Hagman: ESPN Player Card
Not bad second line numbers! I remember Hagman being a name on the Stars but I don't really remember him making much of a difference on the ice. His career high of 27 goals came with a very strong Dallas team. I want to say that I don't remember Hagman being much defensively on the ice but I dont think Calgary could give a shit about his defense. They need scoring in the lineup, especially in the top-six. This will help Calgary compete with Vancouver.
Matt Stajan: ESPN Player Card
This guy is an example of a name that I know and the numbers that I don't. So, he has 16g and 25a for a center. Those are pretty good! Perhaps Stajan was Hagman's center? Idk. But, these are the kinds of numbers the Flames need in their top six to compliment Iginla and Bourque as the only people there capable of registering a point.
Ian White:
Surprisingly, Darryl only got back one Alberta born player from the Leafs. To those who are unaccustomed to Darryl's ways, he has a reputation for building a psuedo-supremacist organization chock-a-block full of Honky's from Alberta. No matter what the position, his players are 6' 2" 200+ lbs. White, a young D man, whom I am almost wholly unfamiliar with is having a career year. He's young, seems to be agile but not quick, and (as youtube shows) has a knack for rushing the net to dunk the puck. This could be a great help the Flames to give JayBow some offensive help along the points.
Jamal Mayers:
Quick note: In my mind, Jamal Mayers has been a complete jackass since the 2004 playoffs (the same series when his linemate and current ex-con Mike Danton was arrested for plotting to kill...somebody). Why you ask?? Because to follow up with the usual headshaving bonding exercise, Mayers shaved his eyebrows in STRIPES. Who the hell is going to be intimidated by a dude with tiger striped eyebrows? Anyways, another grinder for Darry's fourth line. Maybe he'll crack the lineup here.
Overall, a depth building trade for Calgary. It should help keep them in the playoff picture but I dont think they have enough star power up front to make a difference in the playoffs.
Toronto::::::
Nice move from Brian Burke, you knew he'd pull something before the Olympic break because he's been screaming loud and clear that he was going to do just that.
No surprise that he picked up Jiggy, that should help solidify their goaltending sitch. Kind of surprising that he ditched a fair amount of the middle of his lineup but he could be shaping up to acquire some mid-lineup salaries from other teams as the deadline approaches.
NHLNumbers says that Hagman had a hit of 3 mil, Stajan was 1.750, white was 850, Mayers was 1.333. With Phaneuf and Sjostrom and Aulie coming to Toronto, the Leafs add 7.25 in salary while subtracting 6.850. So, overall they are nearly a salary wash and the Leafs retain around 1.5 mill in cap space.
Anaheim:::::
No surprise seeing them turn the reigns over to Hiller and acquiring a real backup goalie. Jason Blake should help their depth but to be honest, he kind of sucks now. Anaheim took back more salary than they gave up which would handcuff them greatly moving forward. I think Blake and Tosk are both UFA's after this season and this would open up the Ducks for some big moves in the UFA season.
For much better, more professional analysis, I turn you over to the people I read:
Bob Mackenzie
The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy
Burnside at ESPN
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