There Will Be Trades
"Ladies and gentlemen? Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for visiting with us this evening. Now, I've traveled across half our state to be here and to see about this team. Now, I daresay some of you might have heard some of the more extravagant rumors about what my rebuilding plans are; I just thought you'd like to hear it from me. This is the face. There's no great mystery. I'm hockey team GM, ladies and gentlemen. I have numerous concerns spread across this organization."
- Daniel Plainview channeling Garth Snow
If there is anything completely obvious, it is that the Isles organization, especially in lieu of being 2nd worst in the league at this juncture, will be sellers real soon. With players like Jeremy Colliton, Ben Walter who are on a shortlist to be called up from Bridgeport, and Blake Comeau up along with Jeff Tambellini now coming off a conditioning stint, there needs to be some questions asked this season and next as to who stays and who goes.
The problem with many is their value isn't quite much and the timing just isn't right. Mike Comrie and Mike Sillinger have both question marks in many eyes. There are two in the past who would have value at least for a 3rd round draft pick if healthy and showing some consistency. Meanwhile Snow has a crowd on his hands, unable to get anyone interested in Jon Sim who went through waivers. But, by doing so, he announced his intentions, or at least repeated what was likely said at the GM meetings in Florida: Take some players, please!
Captain Bill Guerin has showed some scoring prowess this season, and might be worth a look for a team that needs some vet savvy punch for a run. Doug Weight, who has thrived in Gordon's system is having a boffo year and might be the biggest candidate with the most potential return.
As for Andy Hilbert, Richard Park and Trent Hunter: my best guess is that these all remain. All of whom have shown ability to do what Gordon needs, and be the type of vet presence that would need to remain.
On defense, Brendan Witt, who did not want to stay on the Caps for a rebuild, was tied into an extension for the Isles in a savvy move by Garth Snow. However, Witt has seemed to be slow-footed in the Gordon schemes, and one might wonder if he might be a potential candidate. Or simply is banged up and needs to heal. What of Andy Sutton? Someone with size and a mean streak. Or Bruno Gervais, who seems to really have hit his ceiling as a depth guy.
The Isles need to ask some deep and fundamental questions soon. For the trade deadline is not as far off as you think, where value will heighten and perhaps the Isles get more picks to add to their real focus:
this upcoming draft to add more to the fold. With what might be very early in the first round, and already 3 2nd round picks, the Isles are poised to target a few that might be able to make that corner to be turned be closer.
You can be assured that the scouting has been to the hilt this season, in lieu of this draft. The Isles will likely deal off vets for more chances to grab picks who they feel will be the way to success. Whatever be the case, the Isles will not be buyers this trade deadline unless they take on a contract where they can reap the benefits with a goal scorer or someone they feel they can turn a corner with. So the likely scenario is that they jettison who they can for value and a younger team will be onhand next season.
Just my thought on the subject. What do you think? Who should stay and who should go?
- BD
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