Nonis using depth to go shopping....

[Tigger]

Sometimes the best move is no move. we are what we are and I believe this seasons playoffs will be just to gain expierence for going forward. so any deal made in haste would be just plain stupid.
The young makeup of this team is not in need of an over priced trade at this point. I for one think we can hold our own. And if Nunis was to bring in someone, you can take it to the bank that it would be a stay at home defenceman. We dont need anything else.

I always get those two mixed up... you must use the back of your tongue...

Anywho, adding some depth wouldn't hurt but I think you really have to have a solid idea of what the impact of trading some of these players would have on the team. Yeah, they'd get over it but they're looking at finally getting to the post season and team morale is important, reminds me a little of the Sundin situation, only in reverse.

Losing Bozak and MacArthur for nothing wouldn't be ideal but then giving these guys a shot in the playoffs together could have a real 'team' benefit.

Fwiw I'd like them to pick up some cheap depth this year to insure against injuries, defense and goaltending. Unless something juicy comes along, which seems pretty unlikely, a couple expiring contracts would probably suit fine or even just standing pat. 

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Bozak is in a similar spot that Matt Stajan was - a guy who isn't a 1st line center benefiting from 1st line center ice time. I suspect it will be the only time in his career he will have a such shot to cash in on that and I don't blame him. I just don't want my team to be the sucker who overpays.

I just can't see a GM looking at Bozak and saying "well he's put up 3rd line points in 1st line ice-time, so he's probably worth 1st line money" or something.

 

[cw]

Really? I thought the trades Pittsburgh made indicated the market was pretty soft.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that. A pair of 2nd round picks (or a 2nd and a 3rd if he doesn't re-up with the Pens) for a guy pending UFA defensive defenceman who had not played well was pretty steep. The Morrow deal is roughly where the market would have been most seasons, and the Iginla deal, as you point out, was a situation where the Flames had little leverage to work with. I think the market might be a little softer in terms of prices for forwards, but, considering how many teams are reportedly looking for help on the backend, I imagine the prices there will remain pretty steep.

Among the forwards, I think respectable centers and power forwards (if there are any available) will command a decent price as well.

 

[bustaheims]

Among the forwards, I think respectable centers and power forwards (if there are any available) will command a decent price as well.

Well, some of the rumoured asking prices are certainly extreme. A 1st and a quality prospect for Clowe? He's been completely ineffective this season and showed signs of regressing last season.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Sell Bozak, MacArthur and Kostka to the highest bidder. 

I suspect there is a couple of first rounders to be had for the above come deadline day.

 

[gilmourthegreat]

Bozak is in a similar spot that Matt Stajan was - a guy who isn't a 1st line center benefiting from 1st line center ice time. I suspect it will be the only time in his career he will have a such shot to cash in on that and I don't blame him. I just don't want my team to be the sucker who overpays.

I just can't see a GM looking at Bozak and saying "well he's put up 3rd line points in 1st line ice-time, so he's probably worth 1st line money" or something.

I agree completely. I think Bozak will get paid like a premium third line centre, which is IMO what he is. My guess is that he will refuse an extension if he doesn't get more than that. He will probably go to free agency, and if his agent or Nonis haven't burned the bridges by then, he may very well end up back in Toronto at around 3.5/4 million per season over 2/3 years.

I think that privately, Bozak is aware of how much playing with Kessel has benefitted him. He seems to like it here, and probably recognizes that this team is on its way up. I wish him all the best, and hopes he gets every dollar he can. I also hope it's not too much, so we can still afford him.

I just had a thought, do you think the fact that Burke originally snagged him would lean him towards signing in ANA? Koivu might be retiring at the end of the season.

 

[cw]

Bozak is in a similar spot that Matt Stajan was - a guy who isn't a 1st line center benefiting from 1st line center ice time. I suspect it will be the only time in his career he will have a such shot to cash in on that and I don't blame him. I just don't want my team to be the sucker who overpays.

I just can't see a GM looking at Bozak and saying "well he's put up 3rd line points in 1st line ice-time, so he's probably worth 1st line money" or something.

His agent can say he's put up .57 ppg over his career - which is top 6ish and .61ppg got Grabbo, who is not as good on faceoffs, 5 yrs x $5 mil.

Here's some very rough comparables to Stajan:
http://capgeek.com/comparables/?player_id=177&year_id=2012

It really comes down to his cap hit and term. If they can keep the cap hit low - maybe in exchange for slightly longer term, then he's be ok to sign because they can move him when a better 1st line center comes along. But I doubt that's going to happen and fear a Stajan-Liles type deal that means he can't be traded for much talent value and without eating some of his contract.

 

[caver]

Among the forwards, I think respectable centers and power forwards (if there are any available) will command a decent price as well.

Well, some of the rumoured asking prices are certainly extreme. A 1st and a quality prospect for Clowe? He's been completely ineffective this season and showed signs of regressing last season.

Agreed. I think Nonis should hang on to everyone he has now, unless an obvious upgrade becomes available for a decent price. It could be an interesting ride with the current roster. They are playing inspired hockey and probably got the best addition in the NHL by having Lupul return. Forget paying a high price for a Clowe or Luongo. Maybe a guy like Clarkson makes it to UFA and comes on in the summer. That would make sense. 

 

[Jalili]

I think a lot of people knew Parise was leaving. They had two top left wingers and one was signed for a gazillion years at big money, I mentioned it after Kovalchuk was signed there.

Kessel has no need to flee Toronto, he's having a lot of success here and from everything I can see, likes it in Toronto. Sure, we don't know what's being said through his agent to the team, but I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe he wants to chase big dollars somewhere else.

I'm not concerned at all that Kessel would not wish to stay. I just don't get the feeling that he's eager to forego his chance of testing the market.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Bozak is in a similar spot that Matt Stajan was - a guy who isn't a 1st line center benefiting from 1st line center ice time. I suspect it will be the only time in his career he will have a such shot to cash in on that and I don't blame him. I just don't want my team to be the sucker who overpays.

I just can't see a GM looking at Bozak and saying "well he's put up 3rd line points in 1st line ice-time, so he's probably worth 1st line money" or something.

His agent can say he's put up .57 ppg over his career - which is top 6ish and .61ppg got Grabbo, who is not as good on faceoffs, 5 yrs x $5 mil.

Grabbo is also a much stronger two-way forward, and the Leafs were likely paying for his production since coming to Toronto, which (before this season) was 0.66 ppg as a Leaf.  His agent can say what he likes, but any GM should have these numbers in their head: http://hockeyanalysis.com/2013/02/16/the-terrible-tyler-bozak/

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I'm not concerned at all that Kessel would not wish to stay. I just don't get the feeling that he's eager to forego his chance of testing the market.

And where does this concern come from? I've never heard anything from Kessel or his agent that would give that impression.

 

[Jalili]

I'm not concerned at all that Kessel would not wish to stay. I just don't get the feeling that he's eager to forego his chance of testing the market.

And where does this concern come from? I've never heard anything from Kessel or his agent that would give that impression.

The first sentence may have been confusing. I think Kessel wants to stay. I just don't think his desire to stay will negate his desire for getting the best deal possible.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I think the fact that Phil has been here through the development of this team might play a part in his decision, I think he might want to be here to reap the fruits of his labour through the rebuild so to speak.

I think he signs for 5 for 6 per surprising some people with a home town discount.

 

[gilmourthegreat]

So what's the most you would be willing to pay Kessel? I would be ok with about 51 million over 7 years, AAV of about 7.3. I think offering him maximum term could soften the cap hit, and Phil is very likely to have another 7 years of elite hockey left in him.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I think the fact that Phil has been here through the development of this team might play a part in his decision, I think he might want to be here to reap the fruits of his labour through the rebuild so to speak.

I think he signs for 5 for 6 per surprising some people with a home town discount.

This is what I believe also. Not only do I think he wants to be here for the playoff runs, I also thought he would take a discount to stay around, but only on a long term deal. I don't think we'll get him for any less than 6 million a season though.

 

[gilmourthegreat]

I think the fact that Phil has been here through the development of this team might play a part in his decision, I think he might want to be here to reap the fruits of his labour through the rebuild so to speak.

I think he signs for 5 for 6 per surprising some people with a home town discount.

This is what I believe also. Not only do I think he wants to be here for the playoff runs, I also thought he would take a discount to stay around, but only on a long term deal. I don't think we'll get him for any less than 6 million a season though.

I don't think there is a chance we get him for less than 7. He is a better version of Semin playing with worse teammates.

 

[Kin]

Really? I thought the trades Pittsburgh made indicated the market was pretty soft.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that. A pair of 2nd round picks (or a 2nd and a 3rd if he doesn't re-up with the Pens) for a guy pending UFA defensive defenceman who had not played well was pretty steep. The Morrow deal is roughly where the market would have been most seasons, and the Iginla deal, as you point out, was a situation where the Flames had little leverage to work with. I think the market might be a little softer in terms of prices for forwards, but, considering how many teams are reportedly looking for help on the backend, I imagine the prices there will remain pretty steep.

I don't know. I know it's not the best comparison to make all the time but considering pending UFA Paul Gaustad fetched a 1st last year? Morrow and Murray deals seem pretty reasonable in light.

 

[cw]

Among the forwards, I think respectable centers and power forwards (if there are any available) will command a decent price as well.

Well, some of the rumoured asking prices are certainly extreme. A 1st and a quality prospect for Clowe? He's been completely ineffective this season and showed signs of regressing last season.

Asking prices are just rumours though. There haven't been a lot of 1st rounders move since the 2005 lockout. The 2011 version of Clowe could have landed one but I have real doubts about that from his performance this season. In the wake of Cheechoo, maybe he's another SJ winger with a short wick.

 

[TML fan]

I'm not concerned even a little bit about Kessel leaving. He's not.

If I had to bet on it, I'd bet he's not on the Leafs roster after 2013-14.

Well, I think that's incredibly paranoid of you. I believe the only reason he hasn't been signed to an extension already is that the rules prevent it.

 

[caver]

or... it could be his opinion... not paranoid... not incredibly paranoid...

Happy easter