OFFICIAL HOCKEY THREAD: NHL, KHL, NCAA, IIHL

The NHL Experts blog is a collaboration of voices from around and inside the game of hockey. With viewpoints ranging from the press box to the front office, the Experts blog will offer unique perspectives through the playoffs to keep readers informed of significant storylines in all aspects of the game.

The offseason begins the moment a team is eliminated, and for the Washington Capitals, that moment came much too soon. Alex Ovechkin's disappointment was deep, and he looked into changing his offseason training program as a means of ensuring a better playoff result next year. I don't think Alex needs to make drastic changes to his training program, nor do I think the Caps have to make drastic changes to their roster. What they do need to do is clearly assess their team and make changes that will get them on the path to winning the Stanley Cup.

There are always plenty of trade ideas being thrown around, but I want to focus on ones that address needs and also involve a likely trading partner, all while keeping an eye on salary cap dynamics. With these parameters in place, here are a few trade possibilities for the Caps:


Washington has an embarrassment of riches at the goaltending position. Seeing as how three goalies can't be part of a roster, and Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby are all more than capable, the Caps should look to make a deal. One potential trading partner is the Philadelphia Flyers. Scott Hartnell is a rugged winger who would make Washington harder to play against, and perhaps expanding the trade to include defensemen -- Jeff Schultz for Braydon Coburn, perhaps? -- could benefit both teams.

A big, excellent-skating defenseman like Coburn would help the Caps. Schultz is a steady blueliner who could add a little salary cap relief to the Flyers.

Washington acquired Jason Arnott to fill the hole at the second line center position, but with Arnott's pending unrestricted free agent status, this gap may open again.

It's a great thing for a team to be able to address two needs at once; both the actual position and add some winning experience. When I was the GM of the Calgary Flames, I looked to do this and found a fit with the Colorado Avalanche, trading Derek Morris for Chris Drury and Stephane Yelle.

I think the Caps might be able to work a deal like this with the Detroit Red Wings. Valtteri Filppula is the guy they should target, as he would fit in nicely with Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson down the middle. Washington could offer Mike Green, who would be a nice addition to the aging Detroit defense. With John Carlson looking more and more confident in his play, and prospect Dmitri Orlov getting ready to push for a spot in the lineup, Green may be expendable for the right player -- and Filppula fits for a lot of reasons. Looking ahead to free agency, Jonathan Ericsson could be a target of Washington's as well.

The Dallas Stars are another team that could have interest in Green, as they've been looking for a replacement for Sergei Zubov. Washington might want to look to swap Green for Brenden Morrow or Mark Fistric, a hard-nosed defenseman who would make the front of the Caps' net a very unpleasant place for opponents.

Looking north of the border, the Flames are in something of a transition and Green, who hails from Calgary, could be a catalyst for some offense from the blue line. The Flames have a big, strong defenseman in Robyn Regehr who terrorizes opponents and would be a nice addition to the Capitals' roster. Perhaps talk of trading a young western Canadian prospect like Cody Eakin could open up possibilities to discuss players such as Rene Bourque or David Moss, who would add skating, scoring and size to the Washington lineup.

And finally here's an idea for a blockbuster deal -- albeit one that may be a little fanciful. Trade one of the young goalies, Green and Alexander Semin to the Anaheim Ducks for Francois Beauchemin -- who fits the definition of the rugged defenseman with Stanley Cup winning experience -- and Bobby Ryan. How would Ryan, Backstrom and Ovechkin look together?

Some of these trade proposals might seem like stretches, but if the Capitals want to improve to a championship-caliber level, they are going to have to be bold in their attempts to upgrade their roster.


via ESPN (from another MB)

The NHL Experts blog is a collaboration of voices from around and inside the game of hockey. With viewpoints ranging from the press box to the front office, the Experts blog will offer unique perspectives through the playoffs to keep readers informed of significant storylines in all aspects of the game.

The offseason begins the moment a team is eliminated, and for the Washington Capitals, that moment came much too soon. Alex Ovechkin's disappointment was deep, and he looked into changing his offseason training program as a means of ensuring a better playoff result next year. I don't think Alex needs to make drastic changes to his training program, nor do I think the Caps have to make drastic changes to their roster. What they do need to do is clearly assess their team and make changes that will get them on the path to winning the Stanley Cup.

There are always plenty of trade ideas being thrown around, but I want to focus on ones that address needs and also involve a likely trading partner, all while keeping an eye on salary cap dynamics. With these parameters in place, here are a few trade possibilities for the Caps:


Washington has an embarrassment of riches at the goaltending position. Seeing as how three goalies can't be part of a roster, and Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby are all more than capable, the Caps should look to make a deal. One potential trading partner is the Philadelphia Flyers. Scott Hartnell is a rugged winger who would make Washington harder to play against, and perhaps expanding the trade to include defensemen -- Jeff Schultz for Braydon Coburn, perhaps? -- could benefit both teams.

A big, excellent-skating defenseman like Coburn would help the Caps. Schultz is a steady blueliner who could add a little salary cap relief to the Flyers.

Washington acquired Jason Arnott to fill the hole at the second line center position, but with Arnott's pending unrestricted free agent status, this gap may open again.

It's a great thing for a team to be able to address two needs at once; both the actual position and add some winning experience. When I was the GM of the Calgary Flames, I looked to do this and found a fit with the Colorado Avalanche, trading Derek Morris for Chris Drury and Stephane Yelle.

I think the Caps might be able to work a deal like this with the Detroit Red Wings. Valtteri Filppula is the guy they should target, as he would fit in nicely with Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson down the middle. Washington could offer Mike Green, who would be a nice addition to the aging Detroit defense. With John Carlson looking more and more confident in his play, and prospect Dmitri Orlov getting ready to push for a spot in the lineup, Green may be expendable for the right player -- and Filppula fits for a lot of reasons. Looking ahead to free agency, Jonathan Ericsson could be a target of Washington's as well.

The Dallas Stars are another team that could have interest in Green, as they've been looking for a replacement for Sergei Zubov. Washington might want to look to swap Green for Brenden Morrow or Mark Fistric, a hard-nosed defenseman who would make the front of the Caps' net a very unpleasant place for opponents.

Looking north of the border, the Flames are in something of a transition and Green, who hails from Calgary, could be a catalyst for some offense from the blue line. The Flames have a big, strong defenseman in Robyn Regehr who terrorizes opponents and would be a nice addition to the Capitals' roster. Perhaps talk of trading a young western Canadian prospect like Cody Eakin could open up possibilities to discuss players such as Rene Bourque or David Moss, who would add skating, scoring and size to the Washington lineup.

And finally here's an idea for a blockbuster deal -- albeit one that may be a little fanciful. Trade one of the young goalies, Green and Alexander Semin to the Anaheim Ducks for Francois Beauchemin -- who fits the definition of the rugged defenseman with Stanley Cup winning experience -- and Bobby Ryan. How would Ryan, Backstrom and Ovechkin look together?

Some of these trade proposals might seem like stretches, but if the Capitals want to improve to a championship-caliber level, they are going to have to be bold in their attempts to upgrade their roster.


via ESPN (from another MB)

if Filthadelph gets Bryz...

easy cup

unless....



Jagr, Kovalev, Crosby, Malkin....

if Filthadelph gets Bryz...

easy cup

unless....



Jagr, Kovalev, Crosby, Malkin....

What kind of moves are the Ducks looking to make?

What kind of moves are the Ducks looking to make?

They have $41 MIL cap space.  That's insane.  

They have $41 MIL cap space.  That's insane.  

checking in


bruins issues to deal with:
- savard's future
- re-signing marshmont
- do you re-sign kaberle and ryder
- use the cap space on a big time blue liner or forward, or a little on both areas

checking in


bruins issues to deal with:
- savard's future
- re-signing marshmont
- do you re-sign kaberle and ryder
- use the cap space on a big time blue liner or forward, or a little on both areas

#@#?!?!?

#@#?!?!?

Red Wings need:
Top 6 forward
Top 4 Defencemen
Bottom pairing Defencemen
Backup goalie
Defencemen and gritty power forwards in the draft.

I look for Mursak and one of Kindl and Smith or possibly both to be full timers next year. Emmerton has an outside shot.

Would love to get Wisniewski for around 4 mil and then be able to get Suter next year when Lids hangs it up after hoisting the cup.

Red Wings need:
Top 6 forward
Top 4 Defencemen
Bottom pairing Defencemen
Backup goalie
Defencemen and gritty power forwards in the draft.

I look for Mursak and one of Kindl and Smith or possibly both to be full timers next year. Emmerton has an outside shot.

Would love to get Wisniewski for around 4 mil and then be able to get Suter next year when Lids hangs it up after hoisting the cup.

itsa wrap... hes too soft... hopefully watching what patrice was able to do will motivate him but i jus dont see him ever returning to near elite status

kaberle prob doesnt get resigned although IMO he was a major reason u guys won... blue line depth is huge

what are the other big name defenders floatin around out there? not too many... i mean hell dallas gave us James Neal for Alex Gologoski

itsa wrap... hes too soft... hopefully watching what patrice was able to do will motivate him but i jus dont see him ever returning to near elite status

kaberle prob doesnt get resigned although IMO he was a major reason u guys won... blue line depth is huge

what are the other big name defenders floatin around out there? not too many... i mean hell dallas gave us James Neal for Alex Gologoski

RYAN SMYTH TELLS KINGS HE'D PREFER TO REJOIN OILERS

BOB MCKENZIE

6/20/2011 6:50:59 PM

Could Ryan Smyth be returning to the Edmonton Oilers in order to finish his career with the team that selected him in the first round of the 1994 entry draft?

A deal certainly isn't imminent and won't necessarily be an easy transaction for either the Los Angeles Kings or Oilers to close, but sources tell TSN the 35-year-old left winger has indicated to the Kings his preference would be to play next season in Edmonton if a trade can be worked out.
 
As much as the potential return of Smyth, a.k.a. Captain Canada, to Edmonton might warm the hearts of sentimentalists who so closely identify the mop-haired veteran with the Oiler franchise, there are some practical reasons why it won't be an easy deal to facilitate and there's no guarantee it will happen at all.
 
For starters, Smyth is an integral part of the Kings' offence. He scored 23 goals and 47 points in 82 games this past season. He's fourth on the team in goals and points and he still averaged 18:02 of icetime per game last season, third most (behind only Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown) amongst L.A. forwards.
 
In other words, the Kings, who are desperately seeking to upgrade their top-six forward positions, aren't about to give away Smyth for nothing. Yet they also realize market value for a 35-year-old, even one as productive is Smyth, is fairly limited.
 
Smyth is on the final year of a contract that will pay him $4.5 million this season although the cap hit is $6.25 million. The finances of all of this may also be an issue for the Oilers.
 
Sources say the Oilers' management team may only be lukewarm to the idea of Smyth returning "home." The reality is that the Oilers are in a major rebuilding phase and going with a youth movement. Adding $4.5 million to the payroll, with a $6.25 million cap hit, for a 35-year-old forward, even one with the local marquee value of Smyth, isn't a slam dunk unless the Oilers can offload some salary.
 
But financial considerations aside, the Oilers ultimately have to decide whether they want Smyth at this stage of his career. Some believe he's precisely the type of veteran mentor who would do a good job working alongside the Oilers' youngsters. Others aren't so sure of the merits of a potential homecoming.
 
The Kings and Oilers have not had substantive trade talks by any means, but both organizations are well aware of the existing situation. That is, in a perfect world, Smyth has indicated he would like to return "home" to the Edmonton Oilers.
 
Where it goes from here, if anywhere, remains to be seen.

RYAN SMYTH TELLS KINGS HE'D PREFER TO REJOIN OILERS

BOB MCKENZIE

6/20/2011 6:50:59 PM

Could Ryan Smyth be returning to the Edmonton Oilers in order to finish his career with the team that selected him in the first round of the 1994 entry draft?

A deal certainly isn't imminent and won't necessarily be an easy transaction for either the Los Angeles Kings or Oilers to close, but sources tell TSN the 35-year-old left winger has indicated to the Kings his preference would be to play next season in Edmonton if a trade can be worked out.
 
As much as the potential return of Smyth, a.k.a. Captain Canada, to Edmonton might warm the hearts of sentimentalists who so closely identify the mop-haired veteran with the Oiler franchise, there are some practical reasons why it won't be an easy deal to facilitate and there's no guarantee it will happen at all.
 
For starters, Smyth is an integral part of the Kings' offence. He scored 23 goals and 47 points in 82 games this past season. He's fourth on the team in goals and points and he still averaged 18:02 of icetime per game last season, third most (behind only Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown) amongst L.A. forwards.
 
In other words, the Kings, who are desperately seeking to upgrade their top-six forward positions, aren't about to give away Smyth for nothing. Yet they also realize market value for a 35-year-old, even one as productive is Smyth, is fairly limited.
 
Smyth is on the final year of a contract that will pay him $4.5 million this season although the cap hit is $6.25 million. The finances of all of this may also be an issue for the Oilers.
 
Sources say the Oilers' management team may only be lukewarm to the idea of Smyth returning "home." The reality is that the Oilers are in a major rebuilding phase and going with a youth movement. Adding $4.5 million to the payroll, with a $6.25 million cap hit, for a 35-year-old forward, even one with the local marquee value of Smyth, isn't a slam dunk unless the Oilers can offload some salary.
 
But financial considerations aside, the Oilers ultimately have to decide whether they want Smyth at this stage of his career. Some believe he's precisely the type of veteran mentor who would do a good job working alongside the Oilers' youngsters. Others aren't so sure of the merits of a potential homecoming.
 
The Kings and Oilers have not had substantive trade talks by any means, but both organizations are well aware of the existing situation. That is, in a perfect world, Smyth has indicated he would like to return "home" to the Edmonton Oilers.
 
Where it goes from here, if anywhere, remains to be seen.

All I care about is Sid. If he isn't right it doesn't matter who is signed


Sigh, conference could be a beast next year

All I care about is Sid. If he isn't right it doesn't matter who is signed


Sigh, conference could be a beast next year

Winnipeg needs (most of this is based on scouting reports because I've actually never seen a former-Thrashers game )

-a team name, hopefully the Jets
-a head coach, Craig Ramsey has been told he will not be returning
-lock up Andrew Ladd to a long-term contract

jewsee...i actually think we re-sign kaberle. his 11 points in very limited ice time during the playoffs didn't go unnoticed. and the GM has a hard on for him as well. just depends if he's willing to take a pay cut

as far as savy...i can't call him soft. short term memory loss is no joke. it's not like he's symptom free and choosing to sit out. he couldnt even make a flight to VAN due to headaches and dizziness...months removed from playing. but yeah, don't see him coming back as you said.

jewsee...i actually think we re-sign kaberle. his 11 points in very limited ice time during the playoffs didn't go unnoticed. and the GM has a hard on for him as well. just depends if he's willing to take a pay cut

as far as savy...i can't call him soft. short term memory loss is no joke. it's not like he's symptom free and choosing to sit out. he couldnt even make a flight to VAN due to headaches and dizziness...months removed from playing. but yeah, don't see him coming back as you said.

Winnipeg needs (most of this is based on scouting reports because I've actually never seen a former-Thrashers game )

-a team name, hopefully the Jets
-a head coach, Craig Ramsey has been told he will not be returning
-lock up Andrew Ladd to a long-term contract