The Official 2011/2012 Armchair GM thread

[bustaheims]

You really think there's zero chance, eh?

I think the chances are extremely slim, yes, and what you call for basing the hope on doesn't change that. I mean, to my knowledge, he also hasn't said he wouldn't consider Columbus or the Islanders, but, that doesn't mean they have any hope of signing him either.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

Combining Corn's and my thoughts;

Out; Gardiner, 1st round pick (5-10), Kadri.
In; Schneider, 1st round pick (25-30), the rights to Parise.

I'm sorry but I'd just have to do this if possible.

So we move our top defensive and offensive prospects and a potential franchise prospect that's very cost effective for the next 5 years for a goalie that's #1b on the best team in the league, a middling 1st rounder and an outside chance at a player that can hold us over a barrel for 8-10M?

It's very possible that Schneider gets exposed a la Toskala on a weak defensive team like ours, Parise walks, or signs for way too much (thus restricting us from building further), and we've traded a good chunk of our youth for the 23rd overall.

The problem with this team isn't necessarily that it's too young (Kadri, Gardiner, 5th overall), it's that it's overpriced and underperformed (Komi, Armstrong, Lombardi, Phaneuf).

This trade doesn't really address the fundamental problem with the roster, and yet trades the tools we have that are cost effective, young and potentially elite talents for older what will be overpriced ones (what we already have).

Count me out.

Well, if all this happened, Mac and Reimer probably become available and I think you could spin them off for help in the areas you think need to be addressed.

And Reimer has value why? We just traded a top 5 pick and Gardiner to get the services of another goalie to replace him.

Mac also isn't hugely attractive @3M for 40 odd pts. The issue is we're trading the only best pieces we have, and we'll be left with relative scraps. We hope Kulemin turns it around, Komi finds his game, Connolly/Lombardi/Armstrong contribute something, Phaneuf learns to play D again, Reimer remembers how to play goal etc.

I'd be happier moving Phaneuf and Kadri (or something to that effect) for a slightly decent return and using some cap relief to sign a Weber or take a legitimate shot at Parise.

In your trade we move what 2M in contracts and take on 9 or 10M? Is that about right?

Again, we have way too much salary tied up in this roster and moving Kadri and Gardiner does nothing to alleviate the problem. Moving Lombardi/Armstrong and replacing them with Kadri helps. Moving (burying) Komi and giving Holzer a shot helps.

We've seen what a re-tool did for us last time. If we want Parise then we take a shot at him in UFA (although like Richards we can NEVER offer more than 5 years  :) and if he's gonna sign here then he does.

 

[maplesyrup]

Well, I like your ideas too , Chev. Though the cap problems you note with the other can also be dealt with. 

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I'd love to be proven wrong, but I honestly can't think of a single reason Parise would want to sign here. We're far, far away from being a Cup contender. Considering Burke's position on long-term contracts we're unlikely to be offering the most money. Zach doesn't have any ties to the city or team. And with the chemistry between Lupul and Kessel there's a decent chance he doesn't even play on the top-line here.

 

[maplesyrup]

I'd love to be proven wrong, but I honestly can't think of a single reason Parise would want to sign here. We're far, far away from being a Cup contender. Considering Burke's position on long-term contracts we're unlikely to be offering the most money. Zach doesn't have any ties to the city or team. And with the chemistry between Lupul and Kessel there's a decent chance he doesn't even play on the top-line here.

I was thinking about what the combos might be and wouldn't a line of Parise / Grabovski / player X be the top line and Lupul / Bozak / Kessel be the second? - Understanding of course that they're probably more like 1A/1B.

Edit: Also, there's probably a decent chance the line combos would change from time to time (as they normally do.)

 

[maplesyrup]

I know I've mentioned Gardiner in a couple trade ideas but man, do I love this kid.  He's a player for sure... I really wish I had a crystal ball to see what his ceiling is.

 

[maplesyrup]

What in addition to our #5/6 pick would you figure Edmonton would want for their #2 so we could slide in front of Montreal and take Grigorenko?

 

[princedpw]

What in addition to our #5/6 pick would you figure Edmonton would want for their #2 so we could slide in front of Montreal and take Grigorenko?

I just asked that in another thread.  Edmonton needs defense.  Give them anyone they want other than gardiner.

 

[Deebo]

I can't think of a time where a player has been included in a deal to move up, its usually a package of picks.

 

[rdowdall]

I can't think of a time where a player has been included in a deal to move up, its usually a package of picks.

When Florida dropped down to take Horton instead of Fleury.

 

[Etiam Vultus]

I can't think of a time where a player has been included in a deal to move up, its usually a package of picks.

Brian Burke traded Brian McCabe and Vancouver's 2000 first round pick to Chicago for their 1999 first round pick so that he could draft both Sedins.

 

[Deebo]

I can't think of a time where a player has been included in a deal to move up, its usually a package of picks.

Brian Burke traded Brian McCabe and Vancouver's 2000 first round pick to Chicago for their 1999 first round pick so that he could draft both Sedins.

That's not moving up.

 

[Deebo]

I can't think of a time where a player has been included in a deal to move up, its usually a package of picks.

When Florida dropped down to take Horton instead of Fleury.

Forgot that one, Mikael Samuelsson.

 

[Corn Flake]

Keeping in line with looking to add size, physicality and intimidation to the lineup, I'm looking a level down at where in the lineup it's needed...

1. 1st line centre: top line needs some size and aggressiveness
2. 2nd line LW or RW: Grabbo needs a winger to crash the net
3. 3rd line centre: shutdown guy to distract, agitate and wear down opponents
4. 4th line RW: a big lug who will forecheck like a demon and can fight if needed
5. 3rd pairing d-man: stay at home guy who grinds down opponents and can be fully trusted out there every night.

Probably more roles than possibly can be filled in one off-season, bring in that much physical play, stay below 28 years old, provide leadership, and not overstuff the lineup with veterans and choke off the kids moving up, but for fun I'm trying to think of who can be had that fits the bill and try to fill as many as possible:

Targets:

1. 1st line centre: Ryan Getzlaf -  There really isn't another centre I can think of who brings the physical game but with the soft hands and ability to run the top line.  Burke has to either go this direction or look at a change to the top line to take out Lupul or Kessel and bring in a physical winger.  The cost would be high and the age/contract are a question but inserting Getzlaf solves a boat load of problems the top six faces in one fell swoop. 

2. 2nd line LW or RW: David Clarkson - scored 30 mopping up the garbage goals.  Provides little playmaking but very physical player to help push back on the intimidation crap that happens to our top lines all the time.  Grabbo would play even bigger with Clarkson on his wing.

3. 3rd line centre: Steve Ott - mega pest who will put up 30-40 points and distract the hell out of the other team.  Darcy Tucker II.  54% on faceoffs very valuable.  Would replace Bozak in that area who is no doubt on his way out, IMO.  If you can get Getzlaf I would worry a lot less about this role but still an option that only costs money.

4. 4th line RW: Ben Eager - is completely insane and build like a barn.  Will cost some bad penalties but will also go through walls for his teammates.  Gets that 2nd Mike Brown in the lineup as well since he can't be counted on to play more than half the season.

5. 3rd pairing d-man: Bryan Allen - highly physical blueliner has some of the better advanced stat numbers for d-men in the league.  Gone under the radar as an underrated guy.  Big upgrade on Komisarek in the stability dept but will cost to sign. 

 

[princedpw]

I suspect it is impossible to trade for a first-line center this off-season.  They are too valuable.  No team gets better by dealing their first-line (ie: all-star or near all-star) center.  Maybe a team will trade a pending UFA at the trade deadline if they can't sign the guy and they are out of the playoff race.

 

[sneakyray]

someone might become available with a disappointing early playoff exit.
For instance, one of Pitts or Philly will be sitting down after the first round so if its pitts then J staal might be a target.  San Jose has some nice players to start a retool by dealing if they are out early. etc.

There are rumblings that Iggy and Kipper might be had out of calgary.

there are ways this team can get better outside of drafting and waiting.

 

[Corn Flake]

My other approach was to go get a centre like Matt Duchene who had a terrible season and seems to have been passed over in the depth chart by Stastny who regained his form and O'Reilley who came out of nowhere.  He's also RFA and after a weak year things could get challenging to find a deal they can agree on. 

Duchene doesn't bring the size but has legit 1st line potential.  Defense could entice Colorado.  From different worlds but he and Schenn in a trade makes some sense.. both high end picks who have struggled the past year.  Both still loaded with potential. 

Risk would be he doesn't get back to his old form and we would be no further ahead than we were with Bozak.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I've said before I think Schenn would be a nice fit in Colorado. For whatever reason defensive defencemen seem to do better in the West. We'd have to add to a Duchene-Schenn swap but I think it's something that could help both teams.

 

[maplesyrup]

I have a hard time believing Duchene might be available but hey, I'd love to have him.

 

[Corn Flake]

I've said before I think Schenn would be a nice fit in Colorado. For whatever reason defensive defencemen seem to do better in the West. We'd have to add to a Duchene-Schenn swap but I think it's something that could help both teams.

Schenn + Bozak for Duchene.  Might do it.  Bozak is better than Duchene was this year.