Carolina Hurricanes Trade Deadline Projections
by Bob Wage on Mar 1, 2010 7:00 AM EST
98 comments
The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching and many teams will be looking to tweak their lineups before the final push to make the playoffs. The Hurricanes are one of just a few teams who are certified sellers and several of their players could be wearing a different jersey within a matter of two days.
Chip Alexander reported on Sunday that team general manager Jim Rutherford had received calls from as many as 10 teams asking about certain players. Usually, players without a contract at year end are most apt to be traded, but in this case, Rutherford said that teams are even asking about players under contract for next year.
It will be an extremely tense two days here in Raleigh.
Matt Cullen and Niclas Wallin have already been traded. There is no reason to think that management will stop dealing now. Who else will go, and what might the Hurricanes receive in return? Let's take a quick look at some of the free agents for next year.
Ray Whitney seems to be at the top of several team's wish lists right now. The only problem is that "The Wizard" has a "no movement" clause in his contract and can refuse any possible trade. The team is looking to receive the equivalent of a first round and second round pick for the talented winger's services and it's not everyday a franchise can add assets like that for a rental. The Canes will be pushing Whitney very hard to make this happen.
Possible destinations are: Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Boston. (Some of you have thrown Phoenix out there, but I can not see him waiving his no trade clause to go to Phoenix.)
Will he get a contract extension included in the trade or will he be a true rental? According to Rutherford, he has already vetoed one agreement with another team, will he continue to kill any and all subsequent deals as well? This one will be interesting to follow right through the deadline. Fans can only hope that his reluctance to be traded does not end up costing the franchise a valuable prospect. He could very easily be traded and then re-signed for next season.
____
Aaron Ward's name has been coming up more and more often, and one might believe that management would love to move the remainder of his 2.5 million dollar contract, regardless of the return. Although the defenseman has played very well lately and could garner a draft pick at this point in time. Ward's name was the first rumor Tweeted at the end of the gold medal game, so there is genuine interest out there.
Possible destinations are: Boston, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh.
_____
Joe Corvo has not been mentioned in the rumor mill much, but he would certainly be a nice addition for any team looking to improve their powerplay down the stretch. He also has good playoff experience as he helped the Canes through their successful run last season and was a major player for Ottawa when they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals not too long ago.
Possible destinations: Phoenix ?
_____
If Scott Walker had not been injured, he certainly would have gotten some keen interest around the league. But the gritty winger has not played in a few weeks and is coming off minor shoulder surgery. He is healthy and ready to go now and could probably be acquired for a late round pick if anyone wanted to take a chance.
Possible destinations: Would Nashville like to have their former captain back for a final push?
_____
Stephane Yelle is an experienced player who is an excellent penalty killer and shot blocker. His price tag is very reasonable and it would not be a shocker to see him on another roster after Wednesday.
Possible destination: unknown
_____
We will not bother to look at the players who are under contract next season and beyond right now, but anything might happen. The above players could also be packaged in a deal with a more desirable player under contract.
There have been great conversations about this in the sidebars in recent days. Let's discuss this topic here now and we will try to address all your questions and conjecture.
0 recs |
98 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
No Midnight Deals
For all the talk and the conjecture during the break it doesn’t appear as if there were any trades made last night after the deadline ended. If there were, there’s no mention of it yet.
On the Whitney front, what are the chances he plays in Toronto Tuesday night? 0%? Less than 0%?
Greensboro was a black hole.
Well, on the first point, the trade freeze officially ended at 11:59 yesterday. There had been quite a bit of talk that a few deals around the league would go through immediately after that. So far, I’ve seen none.
As to the second point, I’m curious if there is any way that Whitney plays for the Hurricanes tomorrow night. I doubt seriously that he will play, hence the 0%.
Greensboro was a black hole.
I feel much the same way. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this is the first deal I’ve heard.
TSNBobMcKenzie Florida trades Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh for a 2nd round pick in 2010, pending trade call with NHL.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Well there’s something. I also wonder if that means Pittsburgh is done dealing. They’ve said they want to hold on to their first round pick.
Greensboro was a black hole.
I believe TSN/Bob McKenzie said they would move out a d-man before this was all said and done.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 11:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That keeps coming up … I don’t know why they would, unless they plan on re-signing Gonchar. But with him coming off the books, that may give them some cap relief and give Letang and Goligoski a bigger role going forward.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah sorry, it’s Pittsburgh. McKenzie said not Goligowski (sp?) but I can’t remember who he said instead.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 11:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He said Skoula.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 11:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
i would agree
because if any team was that serious about Ray Whitney JR would have had to be up half the night…but we just need to sit back and wait & see…but my feelings are sometime in the next 24hours Ray Whitney well be traded…and most likely a couple of others as well…but again,we shall see…any word of Gleason & Staal meeting the team in Toronto or will they go through the hassle of coming to Raleigh first ? have a good day all…Go Canes !!!
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
The team is saying they will fly directly to Toronto.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I looked for at least half an hour but couldn’t find one. Just Parise, Kane and Miller.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 11:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Panthers’ Jordan Leopold to Penguins for their 2nd round pick. Leopold is big 29-yr old, stay at home dman.
Will Pens trade away their 2st rounder for Whitney?
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
Posted this above, but
I’m wondering if the Pens aren’t done dealing. They’ve said before they want to keep their first round pick. This may move things along with the Whitney trade if Pitt is done.
Greensboro was a black hole.
Guess they won’t be pursuing AWard too. I could see Whitney ending up in Boston or even Buffalo?
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 1, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
TSN’s Dreger keeps saying Andrew Alberts is available, as well as Corvo and AWard.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 1, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
I’d be really surprised to see him go, but his payout nearly doubles next season ($800K to $1.3M next year).
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
He’s also saying that “the return for Corvo [is] expected to be high.” I’m happy to hear that. Corvo hasn’t been mentioned a lot in the rumor mill. I was worried the injury had lowered his value too much. This does seem to point against the ability of the Canes to re-sign him at a reasonable value which I had suggested may be possible else where.
Greensboro was a black hole.
I’d like to keep Alberts.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 11:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 1, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Mackenzie says:
TSNBobMcKenzie
I won’t be too surprised if Carolina’s Aaron Ward is the next veteran D-man on the move.
but ice_chip says he’s at practice, with Whitney and Corvo.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
I can see Aaron Ward being traded, but I hope someone is paying attention to next years needs on defense! We don’t have the depth to be trading away our defense. I know Corvo is on an expiring contract, but who do we have to replace him next year?
Pitkanen
Gleason
Carson
Alberts
Picard
There’s five. You have McBain and Rodney as possibilities (Borer needs more time), plus the team could add someone in free agency.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
LOL
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 1, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
I’m guessing there is a damn good chance we get a young, highly touted, and skiled defenseman with a ton of potential in the Whitney deal.
Are you suggesting Jack Johnson, L.A. Kings? For some reason, I have had a hunch Jack Johnson was the player the Hurricanes were trying to get for Whitney. Sounds crazy, I know. We’ll see soon.
I don’t think so … he’s due a contract this offseason. My gut tells me he’ll go to Pittsburgh this offseason.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
and LA has lots of ‘em. I’d love to know what that agreement was before Ray nixed the deal. Teubert? Hickey? Voynov?
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Not a trade, but . .
Ott has signed an extension in Dallas. I don’t believe he was in direct competition with any players the Canes may trade with the exception of Walker, but it is one less person on the market.
Greensboro was a black hole.
Everyone seems to think Whitney will waive his NTC, but I’m still not sold on that. Heavy price tag.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
by canescup on Mar 1, 2010 11:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions
It’s in his best interest. He can drive up his salary next year being on a playoff team. If he wants to come back here he can improve the team he’ll be on. Not waiving his NTC is his only losing move.
Greensboro was a black hole.
Not really, he can stay here and get what he wants. The only plus would be for him playing in the playoffs. Whitney only cares about a long term deal at this point, don’t be so sure his dedicated to the Canes. If LA would have given him a three year deal he’d already be gone and not back in Carolina next year. JR kmows if Whitney does agree to waive there’s a good chance he won’t be back next season.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
If he’s not loyal to the team, then how does not waiving his NTC help him?
Greensboro was a black hole.
Doesn’t have to pack up his wife and kids, that a big enough reason, and for what a few months not knowing where your going next.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
Players on expiring contracts that are traded don’t move their families with them.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
I guess if I was a pro hockey player I would leave my family behind too, cramps the style. Easier to have girl friends when the wife and kids are across country. I’m kidding……sort of.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
I agree with you canescup…. except for the kidding part.
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 2, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Any word on Cam Ward
Whoever is in charge of injury information needs to get a job at the Pentagon! We know more about covert operations in Afghanistan than Cam Ward’s injury. I assume with the recall of Justin Peters, Ward will be out for a while.
Chip had an article about this last week. JR said surgery isn’t necessary and Cam may return this season, but they wouldn’t rush him. Apparently he made a lot of progress during the break.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Mar 1, 2010 12:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Cole back in the lineup
So, not only does Cole shed the “Don’t Touch Me!” yellow jersey for practice this weekend, he’s now available for play tomorrow.
I sincerely hope that his extended stay on the IR list was the subject of a telephone call from Gary Bettman to JR (“Just what the heck’s going on down there, Jimmy?”). :-D
Glad to see perhaps the rumors of career-ending injuries were unfounded.
And, is this the guy being inquired about that’s under contract?!?
I thought that “under contract” player was Andrews, but is Cole being showcased?
Ths is funny from Down Goes Brown on web sales techniques the GM’s use to lose their deadweight.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
Loved the Amazon.com listing for Redden
The “Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed” is priceless!! Pylon, Turnstile….all rated higher than Redden…genius!!
I still think we shoud keep corvo. Having him and Joni on different pairings is just awesome. Both paired with a stay at home D man, for more than 2/3’s of the game we have a quality offensive minded dman. I think both Joni and Joe are good deals at their price, hopefully we can resign joe to something close to what he is already making (i think 3 or 4 mill/year).
Flyers news
Emery has been put on the IR and Cote has been waived. This is no doubt to open available cap space. I’m guessing it’s for Biron in Buffalo. Any other guesses?
Greensboro was a black hole.
What does Biron to Buffalo have to do with the Flyers making room?
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Doh!
I keep getting that mixed up in my head. Biron is with the Islanders now.
Personally, I blame Eklund for linking him to Buffalo over the last few weeks.
Although, I just saw that DiPietro may be injured again, so maybe it’s not Biron Philly would bring in..
Greensboro was a black hole.
Here’s a wild idea. Maybe the Canes keep Whitney and make a push for the 8-seed? We’re nine points back as of right now, and despite the return we could get for Raymond, we have a lot of good youth as it stands now. Why is this not even a remote possibility in most people’s eyes?
Sure, Camo is injured but the way we were playing before the Olympic break, it’s not impossible to think Legace or Peters could play adequately enough to get us through.
Am I crazy to think 9 points is too much to make up in 21 games?
YES AND NO
you’re not crazy if we can win the one game that we are playing and not worry about the other games.
but you’re crazy to think that we can win 17 out of 21
but i am crazy too!
by jej on Mar 1, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
that’s exactly what i was thinking! keep Whitney and make a push for it
by silent_shadow36 on Mar 1, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think the number of points is a problem, it’s the number of teams you’d have to climb over. You’d be counting on a lot of teams to stumble. Florida made that mistake last year (Keeping Bouwmeester) and got nothing back for him — and they were right in the thick of the playoff hunt. They didn’t make the same error with Kovalchuk this year.
If Legace or Peters and everyone else is playing well enough to make up that kind of ground, they should be able to do it w/o Whitney too. Also, let’s not overestimate the talent in the system. Yes, it’s the best it’s been in years, but it’s still nowhere near the top of the league. Plus a lot of these young guys will graduate to the NHL soon, and the farm system needs replenishing.
It’s nice to have hope, but the reality of the situation is the team is best served to get what they can for these assets.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
is keeping Whitney such a bad thing? he’s still good, why not keep him?
by silent_shadow36 on Mar 1, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re looking to maximize your profits, trading him now (when we’re not guaranteed of making the playoffs, miracle run not included) is the smartest move. That being said, trading and then resigning him is something I would love to see happen. But to risk losing him for nothing would be hands down one of the worst decisions JR has made.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
yeah i wouldn’t mind if JR traded him as a rental and got him back in the offseason, that would be alright. i just hate the risk of losing him for a crap player.
by silent_shadow36 on Mar 1, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
We have to sign him this summer (or extend him now, which is very un-JR-like) to “keep” him anyway (price unknown, so this deal is NOT a given).
So, why not rent him out for return, and then sign him this summer if we want him next season. Just someone else uses his talents over the next six weeks (and beyond), not us.
BUT…if Whitney wants an extension from some other team to be traded at all…well, then we may indeed “lose” him (and will get better return, too).
If so, this doesn’t bother me. One of the benefits of depth (and we certainly have that on the left wing) is we now have options.
Right now we are one of a very few number of teams that are sellers at this years trade deadline and we could make out like a bandit. I wouldn’t sacrifice all the assets you could get from dealing Whitney and Corvo for a miracle shot at going 17-4 the rest of the season our #1 goalie out.
In my opinion we could just as likely make these trades to shore up our future and then win 17 of the next 21 without Whitney, Corvo, Ward, ect.
My point being why do we need Whitney, Corvo, and Aaron Ward to go 17-4? We have played consistently better this season when veterans were out and Rats were brought up. Why not give Boychuk, Bowman, or Mcbain a chance to come up and step into a top-6 Forward or top-4 D role to see if they can make some magic happen.
I just don’t want to see another 2-3 years of rebuilding when the core we have is solid now. If not for a terrible start we’d be in the thick of the playoff hunt. If we can resign Whitney in the offseason, I wouldn’t be opposed to dealing him as a rental. But he’s the kind of guy you want to keep around, and if he wasn’t a UFA, I seriously doubt we’d think twice about dealing him.
Then you should want them to trade those guys … getting assets for them expedites the “rebuilding” process.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Also, there’s no guarantee even if the Canes don’t trade Whitney that they’ll be able to re-sign him. Bill Guerrin’s contract in Pittsburgh is up after this season and Ray Whitney would fit real nice in to that spot. There’s no doubt that Ray wants to go the Penguins. It’s one reason he nixed the Kings deal. If you don’t move him now there’s a very real chance he leaves July 1 to go to Pittsburgh for nothing.
Greensboro was a black hole.
Hard to Golf in Pittsburgh
I still say LA is the favorite for Ray……What’s not to love with the LA weather….Especially to a Golfer.
Pittsburgh Weather:
TonightSnow Showers Early Low27° F Precip: 30%
Tomorrow PM Snow Showers High34° F Precip: 30%
Tomorrow Night Few Snow Showers Low28
I think he wants to go to the place where he’s least likely to golf, if you catch my drift.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Reality check
We’re all hoping for great return for someone as valuable as Whitney could be for a playoff-bound team.
But, just to review history, when we traded for Doug Weight (one of the top pending free agents available at the time) for the 2006 Cup run, other than our first-rounder (which turned into Patrik Berglund for them at 25th overall), we didn’t send very much their way in additional talent.
The other two picks that went their way were Toronto’s fourth-rounder that year (turned into a Swiss goalie that is still in Europe and likely to remain so, and Chicago’s fourth-rounder in 2007, who is playing for the USHL and has 19 points in 52 games.
So, the only thing of value was probably that first-rounder that turned out well for them (20-goal scorer).
For salary dumps, we also sent the following players:
Jesse Boulerice
Mike Zigomanis
Magnus Kahnberg
But, none of those players stuck with the St. Louis org at all. Maybe they got something else good for them, but I quit following the trail, if so.
Especially dealing with a player that has a no-movement clause, the return may not be much more than a first-rounder and some salary back as far as talent acquisition. If JR can also get us a bona-fide prospect out of this…well, I’ll be impressed.
FWIW, Kahnberg was a pretty good asset. The Canes couldn’t get him over from Europe b/c he wanted to play in the NHL, not the AHL. He almost made the Blues but got sent to Peoria, then left for Sweden b/c he was disgruntled.
Also, I think Whitney is the prime asset of this deadline (with Kovalchuk gone). At the beginning of the year I speculated he should be worth a first, but with the market set as high as it is, he should garner a little more (if he waives his NTC).
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 1, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Kahnberg was a good goalie prospect, all right. We were just too loaded to make room for him, and apparently the Blues were also. Good point about his value, however. At least they got their shot at him, and having a bona-fide goalie somewhere in the system is always a good thing.
Maybe Whitney brings over-value due to competition from other suitors, but his no-movement clause is a real asterisk on the whole deal.
May have to take less, just because he won’t agree to what’s the best deal for the Canes.
There were more sellers that year and fewer buyers. Not to mention the Canes were the only buyer with the cap space to acquire Weight at the start of February. This cost the Canes an extra million, or saved St. Louis and extra million if you want to think of it that way. That was a pretty significant piece for the Blues and one of the reasons the Canes were able to make that deal.
Greensboro was a black hole.
I keep on seeing all of these remarks that the asking price for Whitney is to high. I don’t think it will happen, but I hope we don’t overvalue Ray and end up getting a bunch of nothing at the last minute. I also feel Ray must be moved for the sake of the franchise. If he is or is not resigned in the offseason, fine. But we need to get something for Ray. You never know about draft picks, but I feel this is a shallow draft and all of our 2nds aren’t going to do a whole lot for the organization. We need Ray to return an elite prospect or a 1st rounder.
The Triple Golden One, Eric Staal!
by PackPride17 on Mar 1, 2010 9:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I agree! I think that JR needs to sit down with Whitney and present it as such: We can get something for you right now and if you don’t want to sign a contract with the team that we have a proposed trade with, that’s fine. However, I hope he doesn’t use his NTC because he can’t get a desirable contract. He could at least go for the spring and then see what other options are out there in the summer. From on the rumblings, it appears though that Whitney and JR are both aware of this. Further, I have read that a lot of GM’s understand that the asking price for players is high, but understandably high as there are a lot more teams still in the playoff hunt than in years past. I just hope we get good value for any players we are able to choose and don’t just trade them to get something rather than nothing.
DEFENSE!!!
We need defense!!! the d we have now like ward and alberts are not getting it done. alberts can hit but thats about it. pitkanen and corvo are good but they need some defensive minded d partners.
im definitely thinking something will happen with our defense during free agency. JR likes older d compared to drafting young d. i think he will go for alot of picks from trades in the next couple days and stock up our system in the “off season”.
looking forward to it.
Defense and the Off-Season
I think Jim Rutherford will take Cam Fowler if neither Hall or Seguin are available and if Cam Fowler is available. I would also not be shocked at all to see Seidenberg re-signed in the off-season if Corvo is traded and then not re-signed. The defense is going to look vastly differently next season. I like Alberts and think he has an important role, but others have pointed out very articulately that the Hurricanes have excellent defensive prospects ready to play a 5-6 role; but it is the 3-4 defensive slots that may need bolstering. I think Jim Rutherford would love to have the luxury of using Gleason with another puck-moving defenseman as #1-#2; and would like a heavy-hitter who is quick, fast, and mentally agile to go with Pitkanen as #3-#4. Carson, Picard, Rodney, McBain, all should be ready for at least a #5-#6 slot; and the hope is one of them can play with Pitkanen on the #3-#4. Perhaps Carson is ready for that position. I have been very impressed with Carson’s approach to defense. In 33 games, Carson is a +/- +1. By contrast, Aaron Ward is +/- -17. If Cam Fowler is taken, the defensive picture gets even more interesting. Borer may be able to help in 2011-2012; but his injuries appear to have put his time table to the NHL back a year at least.
I also have a pure, speculation only, based hunch that Jim Rutherford might trade Whitney for Jack Johnson, strange as it seems. Things are about to get very interesting in Caniac-land.
Article on Whitney on ESPN
Here’s a link to an article on Whitney.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/blog/_/name/nhl/id/4958535/whitney-price-too-steep-some-clubs
Here’s a portion:
There had been rumors Shero coveted Carolina’s Ray Whitney, who would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have added top-six forwards the past two trade deadlines in Marian Hossa (2008) and Chris Kunitz (2009) and Bill Guerin (2009). But Carolina GM Jim Rutherford is believed to be asking for at least a first-round pick and possibly a roster player for Whitney.
Further complicating the issue is Whitney, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, has a no-movement clause. He already nixed a deal that would have sent him to Los Angeles when the Kings refused to give him a three-year contract extension.
It’s believed the Penguins, who gave up a second-round draft pick for Leopold, will not meet Rutherford’s asking price. They are also not interested in adding salary beyond this season; so unless Whitney is prepared to go to Pittsburgh without an extension, any possible deal there is likely dead.
@@@@@#######
My take is that there is a game of chicken going on for a number of the GMs with regard to Whitney. Jim Rutherford’s asking price is a 1st round pick and a roster player. They aren’t in love with asking price; but they hate the idea that one of their competitors would upgrade by getting Whitney. Whitney ultimately is worth the price of acquisition. He can score big goals in clutch situations and has an amazing ability to put the puck onto the tape of his teammates’ stick in tight places. He also has shown he rises to the occasion in the playoffs. Whitney is a proven winner and no GM wants to face a team that has added Whitney in the early rounds of the Stanley Cup. For example, Boston would be hating life if Whitney is obtained by Pittsburgh.
I predict Pittsburgh, Boston, (and if not them, then L.A.) obtain Whitney at the final minutes of before the trade deadline. Whitney will bring a high return. Also, I continue to believe Whitney is a rental and will re-sign for around $3 million for a one year contract that will be renewed as long as he and Rutherford feel he is capable of producing $3 million numbers.
Good points all, I hope you are right about Whitney signing a series of one year deals with the Canes.
After all, he can still produce at a high level. My gut tells me that JR either gets his 1st rounder and roster player or Whitney plays out the year in a Canes sweater. As far as Jack Johnson goes…we could certainly do worse than acquiring him, not sure how he would be received by the Caniacs though.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
Game of chicken is right
and JR knows that waiting will only increase the odds of getting the best deals. Best case scenario? The Wizard picks up two assists tonight with all the scouts watching in Toronto, Award and Corvo each get goals, and Scott Walker knocks a couple Leafs into their bench.
I think today will be quiet for the Canes. Stay close to some media source on Wednesday, especially between noon and 3pm.
I have a bad feeling people are whistling past the graveyard with this idea Whitney’s going to sign with the ‘Canes after his Playoff-team trade.
The strong rumor he wanted a 3 year deal with LA can’t be ignored. That’s not something someone does that can’t bear the thought of leaving Raleigh. It’s about the money, and rightly so.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
I think more than anything, AWard’s trade value would be solidified or maybe improved not by scoring a goal tonight, but making crisp outlet passes and playing sound defense. Any team willing and wanting to acquire him isn’t looking for a scoring defenseman, rather someone who is reliable in the d-zone and can make solid defensive plays. We’re talking about Aaron Ward, not a notorious scoring defenseman over his career.
I agree, that Corvo and Whitney’s value will both be improved if we get some points out of them tonight. I am still hoping for a Corvo for Mueller trade with the Coyotes and Whitney to either LA or Boston for Hickey and a pick or Wheeler and a midlevel prospect. Personally I think Walker’s value is at a stand still between the length his current injury has taken to recover and the uncertainty that surrounds his durability for the remainder of the season. I agree, that his value would be key for a playoff bound team looking for grit and leadership, but its hard to see who know how much interest there is for a recent and often injured player that provides grit and leadership, without a significant amount of upside.
I hope we see some deals soon!!!! Also, interested to see Picard play tonight
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
Related FanShots on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
