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Z Michalek back to Phoenix

bustaheims

bustaheims

Well-known member
Real_ESPNLeBrun: Pitt has dealt Z. Michalek to Phx in exchange for prospect Harrison Ruopp plus a 3rd-round pick this year (81st) and goalie Marc Cheverie.

Changes in Pittsburgh continue
 
Just a thought - the word is Yandle is available. I know he and Michalek are very very different types of guys, but, could it be that this move might have something to do with that situation?
 
bustaheims said:
Just a thought - the word is Yandle is available. I know he and Michalek are very very different types of guys, but, could it be that this move might have something to do with that situation?
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It's the first thing that came to my mind.
 
bustaheims said:
Just a thought - the word is Yandle is available. I know he and Michalek are very very different types of guys, but, could it be that this move might have something to do with that situation?
Click to expand...

It sounds like they'd be looking to replace Yandle from within the organization if they trade him. But a guy like Michalek would replace his veteran presence. Pittsburgh has also been very keen to unload a contract on their blueline.
 
Shero sure cleared the deck a bit yesterday - I'm hearing both Parise & Suter are in Pittsburghs crosshairs.
 
I don't know why Phoenix would want to part with Yandle who just signed there for a bunch of years and played pretty darn well for them. They need offence and a good offensive dman significantly helps an offensively challenged group of forwards. The rumour doesn't make sense to me because they'd have to replace him.
 
cw said:
I don't know why Phoenix would want to part with Yandle who just signed there for a bunch of years and played pretty darn well for them. They need offence and a good offensive dman significantly helps an offensively challenged group of forwards. The rumour doesn't make sense to me because they'd have to replace him.
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The idea is that they'd be replacing him from inside the organization. Many feel that OEL is ready to take on the role that Yandle occupies, and that Rundland could take over the secondary duties. Plus they have Brandon Gormley ready to make the jump to professional hockey this coming season. With that type of depth it's being speculated that they'd trade Yandle for an improvement up front. Obviously, it'd have to be a very attractive offer to make them move him though.
 
CarltonTheBear said:
cw said:
I don't know why Phoenix would want to part with Yandle who just signed there for a bunch of years and played pretty darn well for them. They need offence and a good offensive dman significantly helps an offensively challenged group of forwards. The rumour doesn't make sense to me because they'd have to replace him.
Click to expand...

The idea is that they'd be replacing him from inside the organization. Many feel that OEL is ready to take on the role that Yandle occupies, and that Rundland could take over the secondary duties. Plus they have Brandon Gormley ready to make the jump to professional hockey this coming season. With that type of depth it's being speculated that they'd trade Yandle for an improvement up front. Obviously, it'd have to be a very attractive offer to make them move him though.
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They also have Michael Stone who has been progressing nicely. Gormley probably needs AHL seasoning.

I'm guessing they won't re-sign Aucoin who served them well but is well past his best-before-date. I also expected they'd part with Rozsival with his knee injury following his head injury. Michalek replaces one of them.

So you're right. It's getting crowded with young talent.

I didn't see Rundblad after he departed the Sens but he impressed me when I saw him.

It's just a little shocking to see Yandle on the block because he's been a key player for their recent successes. Maybe they're seeing the UFA market something like Burke: after Suter & Parise, there's not a lot there and they need some top 6 help.
 
cw said:
It's just a little shocking to see Yandle on the block because he's been a key player for their recent successes. Maybe they're seeing the UFA market something like Burke: after Suter & Parise, there's not a lot there and they need some top 6 help.
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I'm also sure they're aware that UFAs might not be so keen on signing long-term contracts with the team considering everything going on.
 
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