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Post by BadCompany on May 13, 2015 7:29:13 GMT -5
AKA, the "How I would spend my summer if I was Marc Bergevin" thread.
My first priority would be to try and sign Jeff Petry. For me anyways, he's a key player in changing the entire dynamic in the way team played. He's a great #3 defenseman, and a good #2. Which is EXACTLY what we need, moreso with Markov getting up there. If he plays as a #2 next season, and Markov is our #3, then we are in great shape. I personally think that he is almost directly responsible for turning us into a puck possession team, simply by pushing everybody else into a more natural spot in the lineup. He is everything we hope Nathan Beaulieu will turn out to be. I think he should be priority #1.
And then... well, I'd almost be tempted to stop just there. Sign Torrey Mitchell I suppose, assuming he takes a big paycut. But that might be just about it.
Huh??
Here me out; this is still a very good team. A VERY good team. Any team with Carey Price in nets is going to be a very good team. And with a top three of Subban, Markov and (hopefully) Petry, it's going to have a VERY good blueline too. So we just need goals. But unfortunately, there just aren't any of those to be found this offseason. The free agency market sucks, and trades are going to be costly. Not impossible, but costly, and usually the guy who is on the market has... "question marks" shall we say. Like Phil Kessel. There is no doubt he is on the market, and there is no doubt he would add goals. But... he's Phil Kessel. Do you give up Petry (because of the cap), Beaulieu, Scherbak and a 1st for him? Who else is out there? Malkin? Pure speculation, and the cost would be astronomical. Do you make a lateral move, for say Joe Thornton? Okay, but is it a difference maker? Antoine Vermette?? When Antoine Vermette is one of, if not the best UFA forward then you know it's a bad year for free agency. The type of year where the smart GMs keep their wallets shut.
So I would wait. Patience being a virtue and all that. Which isn't to say that I would take the team as it is presently constructed into next year's playoffs, but I wait to see what shakes free over the next 8 months or so. Maybe somebody panics around Christmas time because they are floundering. Maybe there is more available at the trade deadline next year. Maybe Scherbak or McCarron take huge strides forward. Maybe Galchneyuk does. Maybe the power-play scores at it's regular season home rate, which was 22%, sixth best in the league, and not it's horrible road and playoff rates. Maybe Gallagher breaks 30, and Pacioretty breaks 40. Lots of maybes, for sure, but like I said with Price in nets and a solid blueline we can afford to wait and see. I don't think we have to panic into overhauling the team just because we hit too many posts against Tampa.
I am not saying this team doesn't have flaws, or that moves shouldn't be made, or need to be made. I'm just saying that we have the luxury of time to wait for the right ones.
That will be my suggestion to Marc Bergevin, when he calls me up and asks for it.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 13, 2015 8:00:06 GMT -5
I don't have the solutions, but I think if we didn't have the world's no.1 goaltender, we might have either bowed out in the 1st round, or we could have been where Boston ended up ... I'd really like to see Jeff Petry re-signed ... what a find he was ... both Brendan Gallagher and Tom Gilbert was a +5 in the playoffs ... honourable mention to Torrey Mitchell at +4 ... I don't know how to solve the lack of goals, but I think trading up for a player like Nail Yakupov would be akin to swinging for the fences ... I'd look at Jordan Eberle, but then I think there will probably be several teams talking with Edmonton ... for me, it doesn't matter who they bring in; one of David Desharnais or Tomas Plekanec must go ... if it's up to me it would be Desharnais ... he's not a bad player and he sees the ice better than most; I just think there's no room for both him and Pleks in the lineup ... I'd also look at moving Jared Tinordi out if it meant improving the team (like, make a decision on this kid) ... I'm sort of glad Brandon Prust has one more year left on his deal ... he doesn't wear a letter, but he is a leader on that team ... room must be made for Greg Pateryn ...
Cheers.
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Post by Gogie on May 13, 2015 8:03:29 GMT -5
In most sports it's strength down the middle that wins. That's where were just a bit short. Our goaltender is unquestionably the best and our defence is pretty good. Where we're weak is at centre. We need to get a big play-making centre without giving up too many assets (at least NHL assets). Don't know who or how, just think that's the biggest missing piece of the puzzle.
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Post by CentreHice on May 13, 2015 8:06:55 GMT -5
Status quo, there is still too much emphasis on Price, even with Petry….who I agree should be heavily encouraged to sign with us.
I don't know if it's our overall skill level or the systems in place….but we were completely stymied when it really mattered.
Therrien said, after being eliminated, "We were physically and mentally drained." Not even half-way through the playoffs and THAT excuse comes out?
It didn't help that we fell behind 3-0 in the series….but it's because we couldn't finish. And a putrid PP didn't help matters.
Of our 110 pts., how many were directly on Price's back? He had a CAREER year….but the overall skill/depth of the team hasn't yet joined him. Yet we have Price taking the blame at the end. "I didn't play well enough….we were in a lot of close games….and I didn't make that one save…."
We wouldn't have even made the playoffs without his spectacular season. He's the least of our worries.
We need legit threats up front….starting with strength down the middle. It's amazing Pacioretty does as well as he does with the centres in place.
It was clear after LAST YEAR'S playoffs (and for the last 18 or so years) that we needed upgrades at centre. Galchenyuk was given a shot in Dec./Jan….did very well…..but was moved back to the wing.
If we start the season with Desharnais and Plekanec as our #1 and #2 centres, I won't watch. We'll just be burning Year #3 of Price's brilliance.
GOALS BERGEVIN GOALS!
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Post by Boston_Habs on May 13, 2015 8:38:53 GMT -5
The focus MUST be on production. We were an awful even-strength team in the 2013-14 season, which was somewhat papered over by a strong run to the conference finals. We were better this year, actually 6th in the conference and 16th overall in 5v5 goals, but the power play was a joke so that cost us in terms of overall production. Price was a big factor this year in our results and point totals. We shaved 15 goals off our goals allowed from the prior season because Price was outstanding. You can't expect that next year. You can expect top 5 performance but not necessarily #1 goalie stats. So personnel: 1) This team is largely signed through next year, so Berg doesn't have many spots to fill unless he creates them. 2) I put the odds of signing Petry at slim to none. I believe Berg will try but Petry will get bigger and longer money someplace else. 3) Galchenyuk. Huge year, but if he's a centre it needs to happen now. And then Berg needs to figure out how to deal with Pleks, Eller, Galchenyuk, Desharnais. One of them should go. 4) Be aggressive in trade talks. I would dangle any combination of Pleks, Eller, Beau/Tinordi, draft picks, prospects to add another top 6 offensive threat. Above all, the talk of transition and and "we are not there yet" is OVER. Enough downplaying expectations both externally and internally. This will be year 4 of the Bergevin regime, we have a franchise goalie, a franchise dman, an elite scoring forward, and very good complementary pieces. There is no savior on the immediate horizon, so Berg needs to take stock of this roster and this coaching staff and figure out what needs to happen to get more production and less reliance on Carey Price.
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Post by CentreHice on May 13, 2015 9:10:00 GMT -5
Above all, the talk of transition and and "we are not there yet" is OVER. Enough downplaying expectations both externally and internally. This will be year 4 of the Bergevin regime, we have a franchise goalie, a franchise dman, an elite scoring forward, and very good complementary pieces. There is no savior on the immediate horizon, so Berg needs to take stock of this roster and this coaching staff and figure out what needs to happen to get more production and less reliance on Carey Price. That's something else Therrien said last night….that it's important to remember that we are a transitioning team. i.e. a team in transition. Well, yes…it's clear that we're not at the elite level yet…..but I agree, BH….ENOUGH of that excuse. We all know that Bergevin can't pull Top 6 forwards out of his butt. It's going to cost us. But he has to make something happen. Our Top 6 has at least 2 huge holes to fill before we become a legit contender…which has been an unaddressed situation for years. Yzerman is, rightly so, getting a lot of credit for building around Stamkos and Hedman (1st overall, and 2nd overall picks as compensations for putrid seasons)….and finding a coach who agrees with an offensive philosophy. Our #3 overall, Galchenyuk, is being mishandled IMO.
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Post by blny on May 13, 2015 9:36:03 GMT -5
1. I don't see Petry playing as a #2. He's a rhd. Ideally, he'd slot in right behind PK, but play almost as many minutes. Taking some PP and PK time, he might end up #2 in minutes played. He's a huge priority though. I've got a spread sheet at home with some numbers crunched. My guess would be that it takes $4.5 million to sign him. If there's a bidding war, maybe $5 million. He'll fit under the cap if it's set at $68.1 million.
2. Goals are THE priority. If Berg feels it's Petry OR goals, then he has to go with goals. He can, and should, make some room by buying out PAP. It didn't work. PAP is over 26, which means his buy out is 2/3 the salary owed over twice as many years as is left. In other words, $4 million x .67 / 2 years. It works out to $1.34 million a year, and creates $2.66 million in cap space for next season. IMO, the best goal scorer who'll be available this summer is Sharp. Hands down. Chicago needs to move him. He's got 2 years left at $5.9 million. This season wasn't great for him, but he had over 30g last year, and he's been clutch again in the playoffs. Hawks can't take money back, so it will be picks and prospects; likely upwards of 3 pieces. I'd offer 2016 1st, choice of Andrighetto/Hudon/Bozon/Lehkonen/Dumont and a third - just because it's going to take that many assets imo.
3. Make a decision between Plekanec and Desharnais. One goes. At least. Eller can provide much of the penalty killing that Tomas does. A 4th line center like Mitchell can do the rest of that. If there's a way to move one of them and land the goal scorer, great. Don't see it though.
4. Mitchell would be nice to keep, but he's too expensive. His expiring contract was for over $2 million a year. It's too much. No more than $1.5 million. He skates well, uses his size, wins a lot of draws, etc. Everything you need from that role.
5. Move Galchenyuk to center. Short of adding a veteran center with size to mentor him, he's got to move there. Now.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 13, 2015 9:53:34 GMT -5
Above all, the talk of transition and and "we are not there yet" is OVER. Enough downplaying expectations both externally and internally. This will be year 4 of the Bergevin regime, we have a franchise goalie, a franchise dman, an elite scoring forward, and very good complementary pieces. There is no savior on the immediate horizon, so Berg needs to take stock of this roster and this coaching staff and figure out what needs to happen to get more production and less reliance on Carey Price. I never thought my expectations were too high this year ... I expected, at the very least, another appearance in the conference final and, for me anyway, that was reasonable ... you're right about Year 4 and I agree ... what sticks with me, though, are Marc Bergevin's words at last season's post-season presser ... he said two things (paraphrase); 1. "in order for us to be a true contender" ... that's all I needed to hear, there, and ... 2. "Every team (in the conference) will be better" ... I can't remember the teams he mentioned, but both of these statements suggested to me that there's a lot of parity in the league now and getting to the finals (and staying around that level) is extremely tough ... that's not a pass by any means, but Bergevin must know what he needs in order to make the team better ... does that equate to bringing in a scorer, or is it the time to open up coaching systems ... me, I had no problem with the system Michel Therrien used against Tampa ... we probably wouldn't be talking about a lack of goals had a few of those goal posts gone the other way ... just as an aside, how did Dale Weise get open for two breakaways in the series ... the first one he tried to go 5-hole on Bishop (Game 5, I think) the way he did (with success) in the past ... the second one was right into Ben Bishop's glove (last night) ... anyway, who else other than Weise and Max Pacioretty (Game 4) had breakaway chances ... I really don't want to tag one player ... so I'll tag two ... but, I'm very disappointed in both Tomas Plekanec and David Desharnais ... Anon quoted Pleks from last year, but we got the same thing from him this year ... I really like Desharnais, but it's that size issue and I really think he'd be more successful on a bigger team ... Cheers.
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Post by CentreHice on May 13, 2015 10:11:11 GMT -5
I'm very disappointed in both Tomas Plekanec and David Desharnais ... Anon quoted Pleks from last year, but we got the same thing from him this year ... I really like Desharnais, but it's that size issue and I really think he'd be more successful on a bigger team ... Cheers. When has Pleks ever stepped up in the playoffs? He's not that type of player. Never has been. 1G 3A in 12 games. DD has been neutralized in our last two playoff oustings. Not his fault….he's just not good/big enough. 1G 2A in 11 games. Futile to hope for a Cup with them as our Top 2 centres. Then again, Therrien couldn't even get the job done with Crosby and Malkin as his Top 2. At the time of MT's firing in Pittsburgh: "I didn't like... the direction the team was headed," Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero said on a conference call. "I've watched for a number of weeks and, at the end of the day, the direction is not what I wanted to have here. I wasn't comfortable, and that's why the change was made."
Sunday's move comes a day after the Penguins suffered an embarrassing 6-2 loss in Toronto on Saturday night, a game that saw the Maple Leafs score four third-period goals.
Asked how much the Penguins collapse entered into the decision to fire Therrien, Shero said, "It wasn't so much the outcome, it was how the game was played." ========================================================================== I'm not on a FIRE THERRIEN rant….but that "mentally/physically drained" excuse is simply not acceptable. He followed it up by saying, "It's disappointing, but that's the way it goes." A comment like that puts all the blame on the players.
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Post by Skilly on May 13, 2015 10:35:43 GMT -5
GOAL
Undoubtably, we have the best goalie in the League. Which is great, but it isn't great enough. For evidence, just look at the numbers. Price's career GAA and S% are 2.44 and 0.919 respectfully. This year he was phenomenal with 1.96 and 0.933. We rode his dominance to 3rd in the entire NHL, and 2nd in the conference. However, his playoff number dipped ever so slightly to 2.23 and 0.920. We were only able to muster a 6W-6L record, with numbers that were still above Price's average performances.
So, if we go into next year with the same team, Price will be expected to match his career year to make us competitive. I'm not one that believes that performances linearly get better year to year. Some dip in Price's number should be expected. If Price hovers around the 2.20 and 0.920 mark, the odds are we will be close to a 0.500 team. We rely on him THAT much.
DEFENSE
The key to a good offense, is a good defense Ummm no. We had the best defense in the league (even prior to acquiring Petry) and still struggled to score goals. Moreso, we struggled to score goals on the PP with offensively talented defense like Subban, Markov, and later on Petry. The powerplay is the one area of the game where a good, puck moving, transition defense would show its value. Ours, did not.
Our defense, in my opinion, is very good at defending. Even if Petry is not signed, I am quite comfortable with a defense that includes Subban, Markov, Beaulieu, Emelin, Tinodi and Pateryn next season. Therrien will have to let Beaulieu eat up minutes to allow Markov some rest. I'd even pair Subban with someone else, but that's just me.
The problem on defense, is that there isn't anyone there capable of quarterbacking the powerplay. It is a sad comment, when our best QB was Petry and the Beaulieu. There were times were Pateryn was effective as well. But Markov and Subban was simply ineffective. Ineffective on getting shots on net, ineffective on distributing the puck, ineffective on being patient and getting the box moving, ... if I didnt know better, I'd swear this was the first year they ever had PP minuntes. Our penalty killing scored almost as much as our powerplay!!
FORWARDS
If this year didn't shine light on the fact that we do not have any "go-to" guys, then nothing ever will. We are still about 25-30 goals deficient. That is one player, one good scoring player. While I understand that these players don't grow on trees, we are not going to develop them either. So it is imperative that our GM find those goals. There were players available throughout this year (Thornton, Jagr, Kane, Moulson, etc)and there will be players available throughout next. But our window is starting to shrink. I've often asked, when do you go for it ... we've seen now twice in the last three years where we had a top 2 team in the conference and we did not acquire the one missing piece - goals. But when we were a lower ranked team, we did.
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Post by Polarice on May 13, 2015 10:41:37 GMT -5
I wouldn't mind see Therrien moved, he has done us well, I just don't like the style of game he plays. And to be honest what minor league coach couldn't coach a 2-1-2 system or a dump and chase. I want to see someone who likes offensive systems. No Babcock please!!
As for player personnel, I would want to sign Petry and Mitchell, trade DD and Pleks, Also I would make Tinordi available. If Edmonton is looking for defence and goal tending, we have both we could part with for a good offensive forward like RNH or Eberle.....maybe look at Yakupov. Maybe a nice package like Pleks, Tinordi/Beaulieu and Condon/Fucale. Maybe throw in an Andrighetto or Thomas for a package coming back.
No sure what available for offensive forwards, but I'm up to my eyes with these two way forwards.
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Post by BadCompany on May 13, 2015 10:42:13 GMT -5
He can, and should, make some room by buying out PAP. It didn't work. PAP is over 26, which means his buy out is 2/3 the salary owed over twice as many years as is left. In other words, $4 million x .67 / 2 years. It works out to $1.34 million a year, and creates $2.66 million in cap space for next season. I think there can be a market for Parenteau, and that we wouldn't have to buy him out. Not a good market, mind you, but a market nonetheless. He only has one year left on his deal, and he might have some marginal value at the trade deadline next year, so a bottom feeder might think they can dump a bad contract, AND maybe get a late pick at the deadline next year. But it might have to be for a similar contract coming back, in much the same way that we dealt Briere for Parenteau himself. Having said that, if they could deal Parenteau for a player making slightly less, even by only a couple of hundred thousand, that could make a big difference when it comes to signing Petry and still fitting everybody else in under the cap. Guys like Tuomo Ruutu, or Steve Ott for example, will save you a couple of hundred thousand in cap space. Parenteau may actually be the better player in those deals (!), but you're going for the space, and the freedom of having them completely off your books after next season (as opposed to still having Parenteau eating up cap space with a buy-out). Let's also not forget that you can retain salary now too. Instead of buying out Parenteau at a cost of $1.34 million over the next two years, you could retain 33% of his salary for next year ($1.34) and then be done with him. Parenteau at $4 million I don't think anybody wants. Parenteau at $2.66 million? Might be a little more attractive. Heck, you could retain $2 million of that contract and arguably still be ahead. Retain $2 million of Parenteau's salary, add in a million dollar player (or less) to replace him, like Bournival, and you've saved at least a million in cap space. Not as much as you would save in a buy out situation, but it would only be for one year. A team like Edmonton, for example, might be interested in this scenario. Or Buffalo. I also think that if you were to pair Parenteau with say Tinordi, then maybe you could look at higher class of player. Add in a 1st rounder and it could get very interesting. Not because of Parenteau of course, but because Parenteau would be part of the cost to get Tinordi and the 1st. Which is a long-winded way of saying that I don't think Bergevin has to buy out Parenteau.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 13, 2015 11:09:00 GMT -5
He can, and should, make some room by buying out PAP. It didn't work. PAP is over 26, which means his buy out is 2/3 the salary owed over twice as many years as is left. In other words, $4 million x .67 / 2 years. It works out to $1.34 million a year, and creates $2.66 million in cap space for next season. I think there can be a market for Parenteau, and that we wouldn't have to buy him out. Not a good market, mind you, but a market nonetheless. He only has one year left on his deal, and he might have some marginal value at the trade deadline next year, so a bottom feeder might think they can dump a bad contract, AND maybe get a late pick at the deadline next year. But it might have to be for a similar contract coming back, in much the same way that we dealt Briere for Parenteau himself. Having said that, if they could deal Parenteau for a player making slightly less, even by only a couple of hundred thousand, that could make a big difference when it comes to signing Petry and still fitting everybody else in under the cap. Guys like Tuomo Ruutu, or Steve Ott for example, will save you a couple of hundred thousand in cap space. Parenteau may actually be the better player in those deals (!), but you're going for the space, and the freedom of having them completely off your books after next season (as opposed to still having Parenteau eating up cap space with a buy-out). Let's also not forget that you can retain salary now too. Instead of buying out Parenteau at a cost of $1.34 million over the next two years, you could retain 33% of his salary for next year ($1.34) and then be done with him. Parenteau at $4 million I don't think anybody wants. Parenteau at $2.66 million? Might be a little more attractive. Heck, you could retain $2 million of that contract and arguably still be ahead. Retain $2 million of Parenteau's salary, add in a million dollar player (or less) to replace him, like Bournival, and you've saved at least a million in cap space. Not as much as you would save in a buy out situation, but it would only be for one year. A team like Edmonton, for example, might be interested in this scenario. Or Buffalo. I also think that if you were to pair Parenteau with say Tinordi, then maybe you could look at higher class of player. Add in a 1st rounder and it could get very interesting. Not because of Parenteau of course, but because Parenteau would be part of the cost to get Tinordi and the 1st. Which is a long-winded way of saying that I don't think Bergevin has to buy out Parenteau. Well, if he can find buyers for Rene Bourque and Travis Moen ... Cheers.
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Post by Boston_Habs on May 13, 2015 11:23:09 GMT -5
I don't see Petry playing as a #2. He's a rhd. Ideally, he'd slot in right behind PK, but play almost as many minutes. My guess would be that it takes $4.5 million to sign him. If there's a bidding war, maybe $5 million. I think the bidding for Petry starts at $5 million and could hit $6 million a year, especially give his age of 26. Look at the comps: Wisniewski ($5.5), Wideman ($5.25), Staal ($5.7), Girardi ($5.5), Carle ($5.5), Streit ($5.25), Leddy ($5.5). None of these guys are elite, some better than others, but this is basically the market for a top 4 D in his prime. Plus there is the growing media revenues..... I think it takes at least 6 years and $6 million a year to keep Petry in Montreal.
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Post by jkr on May 13, 2015 11:53:48 GMT -5
I don't see Petry playing as a #2. He's a rhd. Ideally, he'd slot in right behind PK, but play almost as many minutes. My guess would be that it takes $4.5 million to sign him. If there's a bidding war, maybe $5 million. I think the bidding for Petry starts at $5 million and could hit $6 million a year, especially give his age of 26. Look at the comps: Wisniewski ($5.5), Wideman ($5.25), Staal ($5.7), Girardi ($5.5), Carle ($5.5), Streit ($5.25), Leddy ($5.5). None of these guys are elite, some better than others, but this is basically the market for a top 4 D in his prime. Plus there is the growing media revenues..... What do you mean by media revenues?
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Post by Boston_Habs on May 13, 2015 11:57:38 GMT -5
The new long-term broadcast contracts from Rogers and NBC. The weak CAD dollar will depress the cap a bit for next year, but otherwise the revenue pie is growing nicely for the NHL.
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Post by blny on May 13, 2015 12:18:52 GMT -5
BH you may be right with Petry. Hard to say. He certainly played himself up the list, and the list isn't very deep. IMO, Wiz has more offensive upside to his game, and that may be what holds teams back. I think Petry is something like a Bouwmeester. He'll eat minutes, skate well, pass well, but it won't necessarily translate into direct points.
Berg may well find a buyer for PAP, my buyout proposal is a worst case scenario.
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Post by Polarice on May 13, 2015 12:21:01 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high.
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Post by Tankdriver on May 13, 2015 12:31:23 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. Would you trade Galchenyuk and plus for him?
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Post by Gogie on May 13, 2015 12:37:10 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. I'd prefer the Kid, but Malkin might be a nice booby prize. My only concern is his health. He's missed a lot of games over the last 6 years (15, 39, 7, 17 out of 48, 22, 13).
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Post by blny on May 13, 2015 13:04:40 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. I'd prefer the Kid, but Malkin might be a nice booby prize. My only concern is his health. He's missed a lot of games over the last 6 years (15, 39, 7, 17 out of 48, 22, 13). So has Sid. From a Pitt pov, one of the two has to be moved for them to go forward. Sid certainly makes a lot of sense, but either player would be a big upgrade for us. Imagine either with Max.
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Post by UberCranky on May 13, 2015 13:14:33 GMT -5
AKA, the "How I would spend my summer if I was Marc Bergevin" thread. My first priority would be to try and sign Jeff Petry. For me anyways, he's a key player in changing the entire dynamic in the way team played. He's a great #3 defenseman, and a good #2. Which is EXACTLY what we need, moreso with Markov getting up there. If he plays as a #2 next season, and Markov is our #3, then we are in great shape. I personally think that he is almost directly responsible for turning us into a puck possession team, simply by pushing everybody else into a more natural spot in the lineup. He is everything we hope Nathan Beaulieu will turn out to be. I think he should be priority #1. And then... well, I'd almost be tempted to stop just there. Sign Torrey Mitchell I suppose, assuming he takes a big paycut. But that might be just about it. Huh?? Here me out; this is still a very good team. A VERY good team. Any team with Carey Price in nets is going to be a very good team. And with a top three of Subban, Markov and (hopefully) Petry, it's going to have a VERY good blueline too. So we just need goals. But unfortunately, there just aren't any of those to be found this offseason. The free agency market sucks, and trades are going to be costly. Not impossible, but costly, and usually the guy who is on the market has... "question marks" shall we say. Like Phil Kessel. There is no doubt he is on the market, and there is no doubt he would add goals. But... he's Phil Kessel. Do you give up Petry (because of the cap), Beaulieu, Scherbak and a 1st for him? Who else is out there? Malkin? Pure speculation, and the cost would be astronomical. Do you make a lateral move, for say Joe Thornton? Okay, but is it a difference maker? Antoine Vermette?? When Antoine Vermette is one of, if not the best UFA forward then you know it's a bad year for free agency. The type of year where the smart GMs keep their wallets shut. So I would wait. Patience being a virtue and all that. Which isn't to say that I would take the team as it is presently constructed into next year's playoffs, but I wait to see what shakes free over the next 8 months or so. Maybe somebody panics around Christmas time because they are floundering. Maybe there is more available at the trade deadline next year. Maybe Scherbak or McCarron take huge strides forward. Maybe Galchneyuk does. Maybe the power-play scores at it's regular season home rate, which was 22%, sixth best in the league, and not it's horrible road and playoff rates. Maybe Gallagher breaks 30, and Pacioretty breaks 40. Lots of maybes, for sure, but like I said with Price in nets and a solid blueline we can afford to wait and see. I don't think we have to panic into overhauling the team just because we hit too many posts against Tampa. I am not saying this team doesn't have flaws, or that moves shouldn't be made, or need to be made. I'm just saying that we have the luxury of time to wait for the right ones. That will be my suggestion to Marc Bergevin, when he calls me up and asks for it. Maybe NOT. It's as obvious as a big fat pimple on a nose that we need to improve scoring. If that means giving up an asset or two, then by all means. More of the same next year is not forward, it's repeating the same thing and expecting different results. Great goal-tending plus very good defense depends on luck to win a cup. Sorry, I don't have that many decades left in my life.....
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Post by Boston_Habs on May 13, 2015 13:19:24 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. Now you're talking. Ideally you try and get that done without Galchenyuk. Pittsburgh needs to realize that you never get full value back in a trade like that, but we could offer them a pretty nice package: To MTL: Malkin To PIT: Eller, Beaulieu, Scherbak or Fucale, 1st round pick, Parenteau The Pens get a solid 2nd/3rd line centre under a good contract in Eller, a budding top 4 dman and RFA in Beaulieu, a very good prospect, a 1st, and Parenteau to balance out the money. If we can manage to sign Petry then I would LOVE this deal. Pacioretty/Plekanec/Gallagher Galchenyuk/Malkin/DSP Prust/DLR/Hudon/Bournival Weise/Mitchell/Flynn/etc. Markov/Subban Emelin/Petry Tinordi/Gilbert We lose a solid puck-mover in Beaulieu and some future potential, and we could maybe sign another winger, but we need to maximize the window RIGHT NOW.
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Post by UberCranky on May 13, 2015 13:19:44 GMT -5
I don't see Petry playing as a #2. He's a rhd. Ideally, he'd slot in right behind PK, but play almost as many minutes. My guess would be that it takes $4.5 million to sign him. If there's a bidding war, maybe $5 million. I think the bidding for Petry starts at $5 million and could hit $6 million a year, especially give his age of 26. Look at the comps: Wisniewski ($5.5), Wideman ($5.25), Staal ($5.7), Girardi ($5.5), Carle ($5.5), Streit ($5.25), Leddy ($5.5). None of these guys are elite, some better than others, but this is basically the market for a top 4 D in his prime. Plus there is the growing media revenues..... I think it takes at least 6 years and $6 million a year to keep Petry in Montreal. I rather have Petrie then Markov. Beau will step up where Markov left off offensivly and Petrie will add too.So overall, we have better defense next year.
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Post by BadCompany on May 13, 2015 13:40:52 GMT -5
Ideally you try and get that done without Galchenyuk. Pittsburgh needs to realize that you never get full value back in a trade like that, but we could offer them a pretty nice package: Never mind Galchenyuk... I'd be happy if we got out of that deal without giving up Pacioretty. The Pens don't have a huge window here, less so if they deal Malkin. Crosby is still young, granted, but he's got of lot of miles on that head body. I don't know if there is an overlapping Crosby/Galchenyuk window. And that doesn't even take into account the rest of the core, like Fleury and Letang. I don't know if they're going to want "potential" so much, or try to keep themselves in this window.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 13, 2015 13:49:23 GMT -5
I think the bidding for Petry starts at $5 million and could hit $6 million a year, especially give his age of 26. Look at the comps: Wisniewski ($5.5), Wideman ($5.25), Staal ($5.7), Girardi ($5.5), Carle ($5.5), Streit ($5.25), Leddy ($5.5). None of these guys are elite, some better than others, but this is basically the market for a top 4 D in his prime. Plus there is the growing media revenues..... I think it takes at least 6 years and $6 million a year to keep Petry in Montreal. I rather have Petrie then Markov. Beau will step up where Markov left off offensivly and Petrie will add too.So overall, we have better defense next year. Can't forget about Greg the-RH-d-man Pateryn ... I figure he's earned a starting job ... at who's expense, I do not know, but he played very, very well in the playoffs ... besides, the year before last, Pateryn had 15 goals in Hamilton and many of those (from what I understand) came on the PP ... odd they wouldn't try him on the PP in Montreal ... would love to have Jeff Petry (also RH) back, but if those numbers BH cited are comparable, then I'm not so sure Marc Bergevin will be able to afford him ... Cheers.
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Post by Willie Dog on May 13, 2015 14:36:38 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. Now you're talking. Ideally you try and get that done without Galchenyuk. Pittsburgh needs to realize that you never get full value back in a trade like that, but we could offer them a pretty nice package: To MTL: Malkin To PIT: Eller, Beaulieu, Scherbak or Fucale, 1st round pick, Parenteau The Pens get a solid 2nd/3rd line centre under a good contract in Eller, a budding top 4 dman and RFA in Beaulieu, a very good prospect, a 1st, and Parenteau to balance out the money. If we can manage to sign Petry then I would LOVE this deal. Pacioretty/Plekanec/Gallagher Galchenyuk/Malkin/DSP Prust/DLR/Hudon/Bournival Weise/Mitchell/Flynn/etc. Markov/Subban Emelin/Petry Tinordi/Gilbert We lose a solid puck-mover in Beaulieu and some future potential, and we could maybe sign another winger, but we need to maximize the window RIGHT NOW. BH, where is DD in all this?
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Post by seventeen on May 13, 2015 14:44:00 GMT -5
Now you're talking. Ideally you try and get that done without Galchenyuk. Pittsburgh needs to realize that you never get full value back in a trade like that, but we could offer them a pretty nice package: To MTL: Malkin To PIT: Eller, Beaulieu, Scherbak or Fucale, 1st round pick, Parenteau The Pens get a solid 2nd/3rd line centre under a good contract in Eller, a budding top 4 dman and RFA in Beaulieu, a very good prospect, a 1st, and Parenteau to balance out the money. If we can manage to sign Petry then I would LOVE this deal. Pacioretty/Plekanec/Gallagher Galchenyuk/Malkin/DSP Prust/DLR/Hudon/Bournival Weise/Mitchell/Flynn/etc. Markov/Subban Emelin/Petry Tinordi/Gilbert We lose a solid puck-mover in Beaulieu and some future potential, and we could maybe sign another winger, but we need to maximize the window RIGHT NOW. BH, where is DD in all this? That's a rhetorical question, right?
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Post by seventeen on May 13, 2015 14:50:25 GMT -5
Hearing the Habs may be in play for Evgeni Malkin....long shot for sure....the cost would have to be very high. Now you're talking. Ideally you try and get that done without Galchenyuk. Pittsburgh needs to realize that you never get full value back in a trade like that, but we could offer them a pretty nice package: To MTL: Malkin To PIT: Eller, Beaulieu, Scherbak or Fucale, 1st round pick, Parenteau The Pens get a solid 2nd/3rd line centre under a good contract in Eller, a budding top 4 dman and RFA in Beaulieu, a very good prospect, a 1st, and Parenteau to balance out the money. If we can manage to sign Petry then I would LOVE this deal. Pacioretty/Plekanec/Gallagher Galchenyuk/Malkin/DSP Prust/DLR/Hudon/Bournival Weise/Mitchell/Flynn/etc. Markov/Subban Emelin/Petry Tinordi/Gilbert We lose a solid puck-mover in Beaulieu and some future potential, and we could maybe sign another winger, but we need to maximize the window RIGHT NOW. BH, do you really think there's a spot for Smith-Pelly on the team? He was acquired for a guy some comments equate with bilge water, and we're expecting him to be Perrier? The talent scouts in Anaheim aren't that bad, so if they were willing to give him up, just how high is his upside? I wouldn't be surprised if McCarron passes him by the middle of next season, if not earlier. PS. I don't equate Sekac with bilge water. Trying to figure out why he didn't score more and all I can come up with is that he was impressive individually, but may not have been good at using the other guys on the ice. It's still a mystery to me as he certainly had good skills and was in tremendous shape.
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Post by del on May 13, 2015 14:54:59 GMT -5
I don't think anybody here has yet made mention of the fact that Petrie may not want to return to MTL........no matter what.
I get the impession that most here just assume he would do so if MB made the right pitch ie term and money.
My foggy memory seems to recall that when Petrie was dealt to MTL, the media said that his wife wanted to move to the states at seasons end with his pending UFA status......doesn't that sound familiar. We had the same discussion about MB signing Vanek last year and in the end, when all was said and done.......wifey won out.......no Vanek, no goal scorer.......and I'm Petrie sure this year, no Petrie either!
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