It's Official: Niclas Wallin Gets Traded to Sharks
by Bob Wage on Feb 7, 2010 5:39 PM EST
116 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes finally completed the trade sending Niclas Wallin to the San Jose Sharks.
The trade, which was "pending" on Thursday, then was pronounced "dead" on Friday, is now official as the Hurricanes sent their defenseman to the Sharks for a 2010 second round draft pick. The second rounder used to belong to Buffalo, so the Canes will make their choice based upon where the Sabres finish in the standings.
The Hurricanes also sent a fifth rounder back to San Jose.
General Manager Jim Rutherford had this to say:
"We thank Nic for his time in Carolina," said Rutherford. "He has been a key part of the Hurricanes for the past nine seasons, and we wish him and his family well."
Wallin was the ultimate team player for Carolina and he will be missed. We will have more about this later tonight.
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Thanks Nikki! You will be missed, ya big Swede!
And this is for ADawg:
tweet from Kevin Allen, USA Today
Hurricanes send Wallin and fifth round pick to San Jose for 2nd round pick. Good move for Sharks to bolster defense.
This is win/win I’d say….
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
Wallin Trade
I am very, very pleased for everybody involved. Carolina will benefit from the second round pick and will benefit from revamping the defense toward faster, bigger, quicker, and more physical defensemen. Wallin gets the chance to be on a team making a serious Stanley Cup Run. San Jose gets an experienced, solid citizen, excellent teammate, defenseman.
It is a trade that definitely helps the Hurricanes. I read that the second round pick was the Buffalo second round pick? Is that accurate?
2nd rounder....
That is accurate – we got two 2nds from Buffalo for Rivet. This is for 2011 draft I think.
Good Luck Nicky!!
Now everyone should know when JR says the deal is DEAD he means they’re still trying to work through the details. Now are the UNTOUCHABLES really untouchable.
And now we move on to the next trade…………
Staal + Jussi = GOAL
Thanks Nic, and goodluck!
sportstalkbuzz.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Feb 7, 2010 5:44 PM EST reply actions
From the Sharks site:
"Niclas is a playoff-hardened, veteran player with lots of postseason experience and a Stanley Cup ring," said Wilson. "Good, solid character players are hard to come by and we think he will complement our existing group very well. He has a history of playing his best when the games mean the most."
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
I wish him well...
But I CANT belive we got a SECOND rounder for him. And not even the sharks second rounder, we have BUFFALO’S!!! As of today San Jose’s pick is 7 spots later and Buffalo is on a downward skid ATM (which is always nice IMO).
I would be extreamly disappointed if JR were to trade for Nic and give up that much to get him.
A second rounder is in no way a gimme pick, but I like it!!
This just excites me more if the Wizard gets traded. I’d hate to see him go, but if we can get a first rounder an something for him. I’d pull the trigger. Hopefully we can resign him after the year is over.
Agreed CarolinaCanes a second rounder for Wallin at this stage of his career is huge and Whitney has to be worth a 1st rounder plus more in mostly all of our agreed upon views here on the blog. Whitney is going to cost some team a couple of highly valuable picks for sure if he is dealt away. I agree with you though I do want him to resign with us after this season is over.
Go Canes ~ stay tuned more deals are coming. Look for Cullen, Whitney, Corvo and more to be dealt a fire sale is coming.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Feb 7, 2010 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Good luck.
Maybe this is the Secret Weapon the Sharks need to get over their post season misfortunes.
Thanks Nic.
All good things must end. His contribution will never be forgotten but its time for this franchise to write a new chapter with a new cast. I hope he experiences a long playoff run in San Jose and got the contract he wanted. Remember, he had a NTC, he didn’t have to do this.
I am very disappointed to hear this news. I understand this is just part of the game… these things happen when the team sucks… but i feel like we just shot the family dog :-(
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 7, 2010 5:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
We’ll miss him, but heck, he’s going to play with an awesome team. Should be fun. Great goalie, huge fans. Good for him. I’ll bet he’s excited to know he’ll be playing hockey in April (and May? and June?).
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
We sent the family dog to a new home where he will have the freedom to run around, eat nice food, and play with other dogs.
News article
found on the Fear the Fin (SB Nation) site:
This article reports that a contract extension was not an element of the deal.
The deal does not involved [sic] a contract extension.
I was going to ask if anyone had seen if there was an extension involved. I wonder if the deal got re-worked over the last couple of days.
Also, don’t the Canes have an additional fifth round pick because of the Darcy Hordichuk deal? Was it Carolina’s fifth or Nashville’s fifth?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
So, what's the motivation for the deal?
You know, it’s hard to see Nicci’s motivation in agreeing to waive the NTC with no extension in hand.
Maybe he’s auditioning, with some kind of verbal assurances that they know him and like him and will work on an extension or signing this summer.
Otherwise, why move? Same money, as he’s now just playing out the contract we signed with him.
Is it so he can at least play instead of sit? Perhaps.
But, maybe he does now want another year in the NHL and needs a place to showcase the talent.
Better role and stage there (with a longer season) than here.
Or, maybe it’s just one last hurrah through a legitimate NHL playoff run?
“loyal to a fault” “taking one for the team”
If we traded him to the Blues, I’d say you were right. We are trading him to San Jose in the winter time!! A team that is leading their confrence and has better weather. He is at the end of his road and diserves this. Did Ronnie “take one for the team” when we shipped him to Toronto? No he went off to try to win a cup. The canes are the one’s doing the favor. I’d have to say Nic got the good part of this deal.
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
Ron Francis went to the Leafs bc it had always been his dream to play for the Leafs. To suggest the Leafs had a team that was capable of making a cup run within the last decade is laughable, at best.
yes and
they lost in the second round of the playoffs….
I’m failing to understand your point. Obviously Ron Francis didn’t know they were going to bow out when he went to Toronto; if he did then he was an even more impressive player than I thought. He went to Toronto because he wanted one last chance to win the Cup with the uncertainty of the upcoming labor dispute. The fact that he got to get the chance with a team he grew up watching was icing on the cake, and he said so at the time.
well said Dale
If he wanted to be a leaf that bad he would have signed there when he was a free agent instead of Carolina. You apparently dont remeber the leaf teams of that era. (or you are a little new to the hockey world). If you remeber we played the leafs in teh Eastern Conf. Finals a year or two before that. Eddy the Eagle anyone?
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
francis has been my favourite player since I was a kid. In all the interviews surrounding the trade that I remember from the time, he talked about how playing for the leafs had been a dream of his his entire life, and that rutherford was able to make that happen for him as a way to end his career. that’s my ‘point.’ just because wikipedia says he was traded ‘for one last run at the cup’ doesn’t make it gospel.
I am far from new to the hockey world. I’ve played in both North American and Europe. As someone who grew up in Quebec, I’ve got a lot of leafs hatred to work through, but come on – they haven’t had a serious contender for the cup since 1993.
It’s not on Wikipedia, but I can add it for you if you would like.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1754970
Francis said Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford began talking to him about waiving his no-trade clause Monday, and he told the team he was willing to consider a move Tuesday morning.
By early afternoon, the deal was done.
“Certainly, they’ve got a good team and hopefully I can find a little niche to sort of help them out,” Francis said. “I certainly know a lot about that organization and I’m looking forward to trying to help them.”
In 68 games this season, Francis has 10 goals and 20 assists. In 1,719 career games, he has 546 goals and 1,242 assists.
“It really wasn’t important to me what we got,” Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford said. “Quite frankly, if we didn’t get anything for Ron Francis at this point to accommodate him … that would’ve been fine with me. I told Toronto once Ron had said he would go that I’m not going to hold them up or squeeze them hard on a trade.”
Francis is moving to the team he rooted for while growing up.
“Every kid grows up dreaming of playing for them,” Francis said of the Leafs.
With the uncertainty surrounding the NHL’s labor situation, Francis said he wanted to make a final run at a Stanley Cup.
by DaleCooper on Feb 7, 2010 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
btw serious contender for the cup...
Making the Eastern Conf. Finals is quite an achievement. The Leafs in 01-02 you would have to say where more of a contender than we were last year. both teams made the the finals, but the leafs were constantly competeing in the east for a couple years before/after. Hell they put up a better showing in that series than we did against Pits. I see you hate the leafs and thats all good, but you can’t say that they were not the very least contenders. we are getting caught up on something small. I respect you opinion, but I have to respectfully disagree.
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
Do you really think that wikipedia is where I get the hockey information from? I teard up Ronnie was traded there. I was happy and sad all at the same time. The fact that leafs where his favorite team had to do with it, but he left to win a cup. If Carolina was in position to make a cup run, he wouldn’t have left. If Toronto wasn’t in position to make a cup run, he would have stayed. There is no way you can convince me that that trade was just so he could “retire a leaf”. I guess we just remember it differently.
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
well now for a dead trade it seems that those who claimed such a thing should NOT be trusted with telling the truth…well all that aside i too wish him well and sucess the rest of this season…
If you think you can't, you won't !
More like the hyperbole of negotiations. I suspect the two GMs wanted to make a deal; but the agent was a little too much in love with himself and was overplaying Wallin’s value to San Jose. Rutherford’s comments were intended to shake some sense of reality into the discussions — as well as to suggest if other teams were interested now would be a good time to call him.
The second rounder used to belong to Buffalo, so the Canes will make their choice based upon where the Sabres finish in the standings.
It is not like I needed another reason to pull for the Sabres to tank, but who am I to complain. That’s the best of both worlds. That’d be like hooking up with a hot chick and going back to her place, only to have her twin sister join in…
That does make it even sweeter.
Every loss they now incur just means a slightly better pick for us.
Every misery they suffer becomes our joy.
Sweet, indeed.
That might be the best analogy ive ever heard. its JUST like her twin sister joining in….
how bout that? My second favorite team used to be who ever was playing the Devils. I think I now have a new favorite second team.
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
At the speed of light (and fingers on keyboards)
Ladies and gentlemen, with the speed of the Internet, Wallin is no longer on our roster, and his Wikipedia entry has already been altered, within minutes of the announcement.
Guess they’ll be replacing his picture soon :(
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by LTD on Feb 7, 2010 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
“The toughest thing in my life was getting off that flight last night,” Wallin said.
I understand Wallin, its got to be hard being with the same team your entire career and then being moved.
Staal + Jussi = GOAL
I need a tissue.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by LTD on Feb 7, 2010 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
hurricanes heroes
our ring of honor
gelinas; battaglia; o’neill; wallin ; irbe; hedican; adams;
please add to this list
only wallin belongs on that list
irbe, are you kidding me? what about francis?
by brass bonanza on Feb 7, 2010 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
all the above have a speacial memory or two attached to them.
but I’m guessing you mean Kevyn Adams. I was never a big fan of the his, Craig was my favorite. The Canes have had a few fourth lines that hold a special spot in my heart.
I’m sure everyone knows how big a fan I am of Willy. His button hook move is my favorite. I would agree with the Cult Hero’s with No National Recognition Ring of Honor. But as ChuckandtheletterK said “JUSTIN WILLIAMS HAS WON THE STANLEY CUP….. JUSTIN WILLIAMS HAS WON THE STANLEY CUP FOR THE CAROLINA HURRICANES!!!!!”
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Wallin's Trade Value Impact on Whitney, Corvo, Cullen trade
If Wallin is valued at a second round pick, then surely Whitney, Corvo, and Cullen are valued as a #1 draft choice.
Motivation revealed
Chip’s latest blog post contains the quote canescup posted above.
But, it also reveals that the motivation was indeed “one last run”:
“Right now, I’m excited about being with the Sharks. This is like winning the lottery. I’m with a team obviously that has a chance to go all the way. I’ve been there and there’s nothing like it.”
So, SJ says we want you, but we have to have a two-year extension to do the deal.
Wallin balks (too long). They blinked. Deal done with a little change back from JR (fifth-rounder).
If Wallin is valued at a second round pick, then surely Whitney, Corvo, and Cullen are valued as a #1 draft choice.
No chance of Cullen fetching a 1st Rd pick
Corvo for a 1st rounder….only if JR can find a dumbass GM…Sutter, Sather, who ever is running Edmonton. Most likely a mid end prospect or 2nd round pick.
Whitney would nets us a 1st round but then JR would have to give up on a mid to high end prospect with it. But all it takes is one desperate GM to ovepay. They are out there!
It was Wallin and a 5th for Buffalo’s 2nd. It’s still unreal.
This is an interesting situation because San Jose had an extra 2nd and limited cap room to add anyone. Wallin was still relatively cheap for a guy with cup experience.
I could see Whitney getting us a 1st and prospect. Cullen and Corvo could possible get us a 1st or a prospect – depends on the team we’re trading them to.
by PackPride17 on Feb 7, 2010 8:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It’s a seller’s market. I would be surprised if Jim Rutherford agreed to give up a prospect and Whitney for a first round pick. In fact, I think there is a 50-50 chance Whitney will command a first round pick and a prospect. If Wallin is worth a second round pick — even with a fifth round pick coming back — Corvo and Cullen may well command first round picks. As a GM, I would not have valued Wallin as worth a second round pick (even with a fifth round coming back). Statistically, few fifth round picks wind up in the NHL — but I don’t know that statistic.
ADoug,
I think the new guy is going to be difficult. I think he is related to Paladin :)
I know we have had different opinions at times, but I respect how you have argued/supported your ideas.
by PackPride17 on Feb 7, 2010 8:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Presenting Ideas and Prespectives
I realize I am usually going to be wrong about everything hockey-related; and I appreciate the way people at Canes Country discuss their views without creating a blood bath.
Florida's perspective as a buyer
Y’all seen this article on the Florida GM’s perspective as a buyer?
He says:
“If you’re going to acquire a player, what teams want from you in return is ridiculous,” Sexton said. “I don’t mind paying a fair price for a player we’re going to keep, but for some of the rental players that are out there, some of the prices being asked are ridiculous.”
Then this (ready for a photoshop with Rutherford appropriately accessorized, RF?)
As for teams talking possible deals with the Panthers, “there are a lot of [teams] out there with guns and masks.”
He also wants 1- a good forward for the PP and 2 – beef up the D, plus 3 – some grit.
1 – Cullen
2 – AWard
3 – Don’t even think about it.
Plus he hopes to re-sign Seids…
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
Panthers in a Bind
The Panthers are in a serious bind. Seidenberg is an UFA after this season. If Panthers think that GMs have high asking prices now, just wait to see the cost of obtaining talent at the March trade deadline. The Panthers are in bad shape if they miss the playoffs; and they need to add talent. Teams more talented than the Panthers will likely be upgrading their teams as they prepare for the Stanley Cup Run.
It’s a classic case of either run with the big dogs or sit on the porch.
Statistically, few fifth round picks wind up in the NHL — but I don’t know that statistic.
I can’t find that statistic either, but since the Canes moved to Raleigh, only one draft pick above the fourth round has made the team: Jaroslav Svoboda (8th round in 1998)
The odds aren’t good. Still, stocks the minors team at some improved odds, I suppose, so worth something.
Niklas Nordgren was drafted in the 8th round and made the team.
I think Nicolas Blanchard (6th 2005), Kyle Lawson (7th 2005), Stefan Chaput (5th 2006), Nick Dodge (6th 2006), Chris Terry (5th 2007), and Mike Murphy (6th 2008) all have fighting chances to play in the NHL some day.
If we ever get back to the affordable, yet efficient, fourth energy line concept, I could see a couple of those names fulfilling that role for us (two of Chaput/Dodge/Terry).
Murphy might indeed make it to a backup role for us, despite size issues.
And, yes, maybe there’s a third-pairing D-man lurking out there down the line.
So, thanks to some better drafting in recent years, those odds may improve.
Fourth Lines for the Hurricanes
I think with all the talent in Albany, the Hurricanes can and should go to a hybrid fourth line that tends to mirror the Boychuk/Sutter/Tlusty or Boychuk/Sutter/Dwyer line. If I were in charge I’d be working toward a fourth line that was slightly bigger than what I think it will be, but which has skill and size and some meanness (usually called grit in hockey).
Samson/Dwyer/Kostopoulos seems like the kind of fourth line that hits and plays solid defense, but also can score. I have been impressed with Chaput and Samson as that kind of player. I also liked how Goertzen has been battling.
In my view, a hybrid fourth line can bring that intensity while still maintaining a high skill level. I’d like to see Jim Rutherford draft some freight-train sized forwards to add to the system; and some later round picks could be used to add some project players with high upper end potential but a little rough around the edges.
Have to disagree with the whitney idea
If Wallin can land a 2 with only a 5th attached to him, in my book that puts whitneys value at a solid 1st AND something. I’m not saying Whit is worth it or not, I’m just saying judging by Wallin’s return I would have to say that is so.
Corvo is worth a 1st. Think about it, only contenders are trading for players right now. It would be a late first. Like I said if wallin is worth a second corvo is well worth a first. Corvo has as much defensive upside (IMO) and lets not even talk about puck moving and shooting. I would be OK with trading for corvo If we were leading the league in points and making a run. There really isnt much difference between a bad teams second and a good teams first. Not every late first round pick turns into cam ward (25th i think)
by CarolinaCanes on Feb 7, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
What About...
Cullen + Whitney to Pens for Jordan Staal? Then we sign at least Whit back in off-season?
to gain what? Basically Jordan has the sames stats as Cullen, that would be a lateral trade at best, and then give them Whitney as a bonus? just to clear some cap space??/ That trade doesn’t make any sense IMO.
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Jordan Staal vs Matt Cullen
I respectfully disagree. Jordan Staal is one of the most talented, large, fast, and intense young centers in the NHL. I think Jim Rutherford would make that trade in a nanosecond.
I am not saying he’s not talented, what I AM saying is that their stats tell a similar story: Cullen – 11G, 26A=37 pts J Staal 16G, 22A =36 pts thats why I say a lateral move at best. I am saying that Cullen + Whitney is entirely too much to give up for him. Plus there is already too much Staal love in my house, if we picked him up I may have to move… ;)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
But we’d have Staal’s contract for 3? more years. Whitney and Cullen are rentals. Not much value in that to the franchise after this season.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
That deal would, if fact, be sweet. Pens do need to shed some cap I think. J Staal is younger and bigger and then we would have the family factor…it would really be STAAL good. Not gonna happen though. I am hearing that Boston wants to deal Ryder. Could we get Ryder and a pick for Whitney and A Ward?
Exnihilo
If Jim Rutherford would accomplish that trade, there should be a statute of him placed in the entry way to the RBC. Jordan Staal would make an amazing difference if the Canes could get him.
Sorry, Jen, I’m with ADawg on this one. I think that JStaal hasn’t yet reached his amazing potential, he’s only 21 1/2. He’s like Sutter, but bigger and stronger (6-4, 220), and more experienced with 200 games already (youngest ever in the NHL) and a ring.
Cullen is awesome, but at 33, his best days are now, or in the past.
Last – ADawg, I do dispute one suggestion. Hopefully it would be a statue of Rutherford, because a Rutherford statute would unfortunately almost certainly contain wording providing for equal opportunity NTC’s for all.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
I figures you, as an attorney, would like the idea of drafting a Rutherford Statute…… (or….maybe not?) ;)
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
+10000000000000000000000000000 I hate football BORING
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I am here at a hotel with the Superbowl on and the game is amazingly boring despite having two All World quarterbacks battling it out.
too much OV/Crosby love fest for me, according to that broadcast you would think they are the only two players in the olympics
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I agree but if you take out the commentary it was a great game to watch. It was high energy between 2 teams that don’t like each other.
by Spanky31 on Feb 7, 2010 10:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, J Staal’s and Cullen’s numbers are similar, but I would love to get Jordan. He’s younger, could be a force in front of the net, and center is a position of need next year. That said, it isn’t going to happen. J Staal is one of Pittsburgh’s building blocks and I think we could get more for less for both Whit and Cully.
by PackPride17 on Feb 7, 2010 8:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It would be a good rumor to start just to get the Pens fans riled up!
by Spanky31 on Feb 7, 2010 9:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I dont know about all this “not gonna trade J. Staal” stuff. They’ve got Crosby and Malkin at the center spots on the top 2 lines. What kinda money do you think J. Staal is gonna command to be a 3rd line center? Can the Pens afford to keep all 3 of those guys and still have wingers? Likewise if Sutter continues to progress, like we all hope he will, is J. Staal gonna work for us? J. Staals gonna be too good to put on a 3rd line, as is Sutter if he keeps it up. I’d love to have J. Staal as well, but it may come at the expense of Sutter down the road, and thats the same reason it wouldnt suprise me to see the pens trade him and bring up someone more suited for 3rd line play/pay
An Odd Take on the Reason for the Delay
Here is a report that seems very odd to me. Supposedly, San Jose did not want to discuss a contract extension with Wallin; and if so, Wallin is a pure rental player. That is the first I have heard that reason suggested.
Feb 07, 2010
Wallin invokes NTC to get an extension with San Jose, Wilson stands firm on set rules
Wallin invokes NTC to get an extension with San Jose, Wilson stands firm on set rules
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN sheds a little light on the Wallin situation, which was one of the weirdest non-trades in Sharks history.
Previous reports stated that trade talks stalled when an extension couldn’t be ironed out. That didn’t make any sense, since Wilson has a consistent rule of not talking contracts during the regular season.
That was the case, as it appears as if Wilson would not extend Wallin as part of this trade. Wallin wasn’t too keen on that, and with Wilson’s refusal on an extension, the trade never went through.
[Update]: WTC reports trade talks are back on.
It seemed to be written from a Sharks’ media perspective and sounded like a rationalization for why the trade was stalled. Then I read one place that the reason for the delay was that it required NHL approval; but even if it did, what would make the NHL delay a nanosecond in approving this trade. There was nothing odd or unusual about the trade.
In any event, I am glad it worked out well for the Canes, for Wallin, and for the Sharks. As much as I really wanted to see Wallin traded, I admire him as a person and he is the ultimate class act as a Canes player. This move may well extend his NHL playing career and the Sharks have an excellent organization. Now if Jim Rutherford will use the second round pick to add the freight train sized power forward for whom I have been relentless advocating, I will be happier than words can express.
For a San Jose take on the deal...
…read this blog post over at San Jose’s SB Nation blog.
Pure depth on the third pairing and insurance against injuries within the D-corp, just as suspected.
However, there’s a hint that there may be an injury amongst that D-corp right now, which may have been the impetus for both the timing and the price for the deal.
Remember, he who is time-constrained loses.
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