Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura

Detroit, even with the loss last night, holds their spot and the Lightning are probably not very happy at the lost chance to get back within 1 point (Detroit has 2 in hand) while Toronto widened the gap and grabbed a defenseman. I’d posted a (now 5 day old) link to a Leafs round table where it was stated that Toronto wanted Tanev or Dumba. When Tanev went to Dallas, based on what the round table was saying and the fact that AZ was in town I was waiting to see if Dumba was traded. He wasn’t. So, what happened?

As the rumor mill fills up in an attempt to draw eyeballs, reported prices are being “leaked”. If it’s true, the rumor of Toronto not getting Tanev was an asking price of a first round pick. What turned the tables for Dallas was the prospect Grushnikov that is going to Calgary that lowered the price to a 2nd.

Here’s a quote from Josh Erickson about the moves and prices:

Calgary’s decision to forego a first-round pick may have a domino effect on other sellers, too, TSN’s Chris Johnston added on “Insider Trading.” The Flyers are looking for one in return for shutdown blue-liners Nick Seeler and Sean Walker, while the Coyotes are hoping for one in exchange for Matt Dumba. Johnston added that the Flyers may be inclined to hold onto Seeler and Walker past the deadline and continue holding extension talks if they don’t get an offer they like. Meanwhile, the Coyotes are more likely to ship out Dumba for the best available offer regardless of whether a first-rounder is included.
*you can read the whole article at prohockeyrumors.com

We’ve talked about price shifts. If the asking price for Tanev, Seeler, Walker and Dumba originally included (or may still include) a first round pick that seems a bit high. Now there are rumors mentioning three of Detroit’s defensemen (thanks HenryHockey) out of ESPN. Holl and Gostisbehere are amongst the names. So, I’ll go ahead and give my thoughts (which are only speculation).

Holl is a tough sell. However, if a team really wants Berggren and he truly wants to move on it’s a big maybe that you could staple Holl to the NHL tested player. It still seems a bit silly to move JB unless he’s made it clear that he is not going to play for the team. You don’t need that in the locker room even if you did force arbitration and the player accepted. There is no report or even rumor to support that, just the feeling that JB was none to happy being replaced and sent back down for the year. It feels like deployment and value are an issue. Several fans of other teams have chimed in that JB would be a welcome addition.

So, if Holl moves, would the Wings consider Dumba who will be in town in a few days? Then there’s Gostisbehere. This really doesn’t make sense unless there’s an asset available and Ghost wants to move on.

The Walmart model of “watch for dropping prices” may well kick in. Hanifin is likely the top price and desirable get if an extension can be worked out. Chycrun can’t stay out of the mill. Calgary is moving on and rebuilding. Ottawa wants to cut budget and move players. Add the Penguins and Capitals to the mix of teams on the fence about moving a player. (Guentzel seems to be in play and if Vegas can’t get Pacioretty healthy that may make some sense.) *correction - Pacioretty not in Vegas, he’s in DC and I don’t see Pens dealing to caps and having to face JG. Vegas or COL may want the player. He would be a big add for a contender, just have to make $ work)

I’ll give you the most boring outlook ever. I’m fine with doing “nothing”. Let this team either make it or miss it. If there’s a player you know you can’t get back and the right deal comes up, fine. There seems to be a split on chemistry being an issue, but it is something I still think relevant. Teams will have less than 20 games in some cases for a player to get in and acclimated. That may be rough sledding.

Let me know your thoughts. Will first round picks be in play or is the desire to get ELC players on the roster make that much more difficult? How busy will the weekend be and do you think Detroit will have a new face in the lineup in the next week?

Join the Discussion: » 10 Comments » Post New Comment

» It’s not news, but Kane is moving on

» Free Agency boomerang theory and signing bonuses take a hit

» Detroit’s need at center and league cap crunch coinciding

» Larkin and Lyon on preliminary USA 2024 championship roster

» The “other” broadcast partner, ESPN, now facing outside bids