Caps play tough in Gonchar talks

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

A 19-year-old U.S. college star and future New Jersey Devil may prove to be the key to the Sergei Gonchar sweepstakes.

Zach Parise, a Devils prospect playing at the University of North Dakota, is reportedly the player who stands between the Devils and Washington Capitals in a deal for Gonchar.

Capitals GM George McPhee has reportedly insisted that Parise be part of any deal involving Gonchar and the Devils are insistent they won't part with their first-round pick from last June's entry draft....

..."If I'm Washington, draft picks are the last thing I'd be worried about," said one NHL executive. "They need a couple of guys who are at least on the cusp of being NHL players. They've already traded (Jaromir) Jagr and (Peter) Bondra. What league do they plan on playing in next year?"

- article

[MTLMan]

I think they will be playing with Pittsburgh. Trying to win the Crosby lottery.

[HFTO]

At some point they are going to have to get some value back for all this talent in the form NHL ready players.
Although there maynot be hockey and the Caps maybe counting on that,they will have to stay fairly competitive to stay alive in a brutal hockey market.
The question being can they survive regardless?
HFTO

[blaise]

MTLMan said:

I think they will be playing with Pittsburgh. Trying to win the Crosby lottery.

Pittsburgh has already accomplished most of its stripping and has a big lead over Washington in the quest for the most favorable lottery drawing.

[jkr]

This is going to be interesting. Quinn came out last Saturday & stated that Toronto was not going to trade their young players & essentially the Devils have said the same thing - when it comes to Parise at least.. But if young talent is the key to the deal, I would think Jersey has the edge. You can't trade players like Parise away unless you are absolutely sure Gonchar's presence will get you to the finals - and I don't think it does.

I also think the reporter is too quick to dismiss Colorado. Lacroix always seems to come out of nowhere with a big trade.

George McPhee is just sitting back and waiting as the price goes up and this guy gets built up like a Norris Trophy candidate. It should be interesting to see who blinks first.

PS: If Gonchar is RFA at the end of the season does Washington have to trade him - or just qualify him and maybe trade him during the off-season?