I am a big Despres fan I wouldn't trade him for Ladd. I'd prefer to hold on to him even though I would like to see Ladd here.
- dbell646

It's basically just a fantasy scenario right now and will likely remain that, but I think Niskanen could be packaged for him. I say that because they would likely want an NHL player in return. I am comfortable for now with Letang, Depres, Orpik, Martin, Bortuzzo and Engelland. I like Niskanen a lot and I think there would be plenty of interest around the league in him if he were made available. He's grown plenty in his time here and his salary isn't out of control yet. He's a guy that could be important in any deal that could be made for a top 6 type player.

Where would Cullen play 5 on 5?
- dbell646

They could figure out between Sutter/vitale/Cullen who are the 2 centers for the 3rd and 4th lines. Remaining guy could play wing. If Bennett is returned to ahl then Cullen could maybe see top 6 wing somewhere.

It's basically just a fantasy scenario right now and will likely remain that, but I think Niskanen could be packaged for him. I am comfortable for now with Letang, Depres, Orpik, Martin, Bortuzzo and Engelland. I like Niskanen a lot and I think there would be plenty of interest around the league in him if he were made available.
- HopintheCordoba

I like Nisk as well but I think he is the piece that goes the other way in any trade this season that has any value.

They could figure out between Sutter/vitale/Cullen who are the 2 centers for the 3rd and 4th lines. Remaining guy could play wing. If Bennett is returned to ahl then Cullen could maybe see top 6 wing somewhere.
- nelson911

Sutter won't get moved off 3rd line center. Vitale is a well liked guy by everyone. Not many work as hard as he does to make things happen, with so little pure talent. Cullen fits the bill as more of a winger on the 3rd or 4th than a center. Not saying Vitale couldn't move up a line or over to a wing spot but it seems less likely than Cullen playing wing.

Sutter won't get moved off 3rd line center. Vitale is a well liked guy by everyone. Not many work as hard as he does to make things happen, with so little pure talent. Cullen fits the bill as more of a winger on the 3rd or 4th than a center. Not saying Vitale couldn't move up a line or over to a wing spot but it seems less likely than Cullen playing wing.
- HopintheCordoba

At 3.5 mill that's an expensive 3rd or 4th line winger. I know it would be prorated but still. I'd pass on him I just don't see how he improves this team by much if any.

I like Nisk as well but I think he is the piece that goes the other way in any trade this season that has any value.
- dbell646

That's what I basically am saying. All signs point to him being bait if they go high end in a trade. Could be a prospect involved or a mid/high pick too. But out of our NHL defenseman he'd be the one I see going.

At 3.5 mill that's an expensive 3rd or 4th line winger. I know it would be prorated but still. I'd pass on him I just don't see how he improves this team by much if any.
- dbell646

Faceoffs and PP.

EDIT- and leadership.

At 3.5 mill that's an expensive 3rd or 4th line winger. I know it would be prorated but still. I'd pass on him I just don't see how he improves this team by much if any.
- dbell646

It's a tad steep, but if TK were going the other way that would cut it down considerably...

That's what I basically am saying. All signs point to him being bait if they go high end in a trade. Could be a prospect involved or a mid/high pick too. But out of our NHL defenseman he'd be the one I see going.
- HopintheCordoba

Ha I wrote that incorrectly I was agreeing with you. My apologies sir

It's a tad steep, but if TK were going the other way that would cut it down considerably...
- HopintheCordoba

That's the only way it could work, and he'd have to play wing when he's not taking draws.

Faceoffs and PP.

EDIT- and leadership.
- canadianpenfan

2nd PP yes we should upgrade that immediately. Faceoffs? Who are you benching for him? Vitale or Sutter? And do you think this team is a lot better with him in the line up? I don't.

Ha I wrote that incorrectly I was agreeing with you. My apologies sir
- dbell646

Not necessary.

That's the only way it could work, and he'd have to play wing when he's not taking draws.
- canadianpenfan

Works perfectly for me. Yeo would love having TK challenge Parise for shot taking totals too. But seriously, there isn't much that Cullen would be bad at on this team. Shero could easily pitch it in a conference like: "Brandon is a bit of a concern in the faceoff circle as well as Glass. They just haven't quite---learned to avoid---playing the puck with their hands yet"

2nd PP yes we should upgrade that immediately. Faceoffs? Who are you benching for him? Vitale or Sutter? And do you think this team is a lot better with him in the line up? I don't.
- dbell646

Kennedy, and yes i do.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports sources claim Senators GM Bryan Murray has held talks with Colorado Avalanche GM Greg Sherman about Avalanche holdout center Ryan O’Reilly, but it appears the asking price is quite high (a roster player who can help the club right now, plus a prospect and a draft pick). Garrioch claims the Maple Leafs, Bruins, Penguins and Rangers have also held talks with the Avs about O’Reilly.

Has to be due dilligence, right? I'm sure he has talent enough to be good for plenty of teams but what I've heard he can play a similar role as Sutter and that's not something we should be giving up top prospects for especially for negotiating rights. If we were seriously interested, we would have thrown an offer at him.

Cullen has no term after this year, perfect depth pickup, we have no centers that could ever step in case, I see him as valuable, Kennedy would be my first subtraction as well.

Cullen has no term after this year, perfect depth pickup, we have no centers that could ever step in, in case, I see him as valuable, Kennedy would be my first subtraction as well.

This may be a bit far fetched but if the Caps end up toppling, would Ribeiro be someone anyone would be interested in???

He's making $5 million, but he's an RFA after this season.