The Blues basically paid around $300k for Redden to play for us for 20 or so games and a 7th round pick. Not bad, especially since Redden was no longer needed this year.

A fleecing would be Pominville to Min for Hackett, Larsson, and a 1st and 2nd

I wouldn't be shocked to see Cole moved during the summer. Perhaps depending on how much the Blues like Leopold.

Remember, during that draft special that was televised, it was Jarmo that had the man-crush on Cole. Would anyone be surprised to see him dealt to Columbus at some point?
- bcallaway

I would be unless the Blues got one of their left shot Dmen from them. So actually not at all as Clumbus will need to balance their books in the off season.

That's certainly good news.

It'll be an interesting call as to who Hitchcock taps on the shoulder for tomorrow's game in goal.

If I were to guess, based on the way he finished the game the other night, I would expect to see Elliot but personally I'd throw the kid into the deep end of the water and see how he responds.

But, I'm almost always wrong on goalie guesses.
- bcallaway

Yeah like the son in law of a former senator's team is going to have visa problems.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Cole moved during the summer. Perhaps depending on how much the Blues like Leopold.

Remember, during that draft special that was televised, it was Jarmo that had the man-crush on Cole. Would anyone be surprised to see him dealt to Columbus at some point?
- bcallaway

Even more so now that Columbus is moving to the East. I could see us dealing with Columbus for sure, and everybody knows how much Jarmo loved Cole. I wonder if that has changed now that everyone has seen more of him?

Even more so now that Columbus is moving to the East. I could see us dealing with Columbus for sure, and everybody knows how much Jarmo loved Cole. I wonder if that has changed now that everyone has seen more of him?
- carcus

Personally, I'd like the Blues to hang on to him a bit longer.

We're always told it takes defensemen longer to develop. With him coming from college where they only play on weekends to a smattering of games in Peoria to sitting in the press box here, he simply hasn't logged much ice time.



To Guru's post:

I was shocked to see Tampa trade Cory Conacher.....

Big deal in Washington might be with Buffalo but might not be. Could be 2 seperate trades. Reports of Drew Stafford to Washington..

Off Topic: N. Korea army says it has final approval for nuclear attack on US

Don't be so sure. With the FA market already thin and likely to get more thin, McDonald could be back on a 1-year deal at something like $1.5M plus incentives. I could even see Leopold brought back, knowing that Redden is definitely gone. But, it's way too early to guess on that kind of stuff because there's 29 other teams who are going to have to make decisions this offseason - and several of them are going to have to do it with cap constraints. It's why I think the period leading up to the draft is going to be an exciting time for roster movement.
- Chip McCleary

Those are all valid and great points Chip. Especially when the dust settles and we start seeing who is going to have cap issues and how they are able to deal with it.

The vultures are waiting and that's why Toronto didn't trade for Lou today. THe vultures are waiting teams out. If they won't trade them for cheap and swallow some pay roll or say in Toronto cap space then let them use one of their two buy outs and the guy's a free agent you can sign with no player cost and on the cheap.

Personally, I'd like the Blues to hang on to him a bit longer.

We're always told it takes defensemen longer to develop. With him coming from college where they only play on weekends to a smattering of games in Peoria to sitting in the press box here, he simply hasn't logged much ice time.



To Guru's post:

I was shocked to see Tampa trade Cory Conacher.....
- bcallaway

`
I was not compeltely shocked. Since Cooper who was his coach in the AHL last year took over COnchar was playing well under ten minutes a game which is crazy crap. He was one of the guys giving it his all every game there. He's a heart soul little guy. Good for the Senators. Though watching Lehner play last night it would make my knees shake a bit as a GM. They had an extra asset and got great value for him. They essentially received a goaltender who stole games for them, was good in the lockerroom and as a teammate then got one of the best rookies this season at forward and picks. Wow.

Yzerman finally got it right this time. I like their goalie but last year he started playing inconsistent and it makes you wonder when last year Nashville was mostly good defensively.

Amazing deadline really. Luongo says his contract sucks. Might be something for the Blues to kick the tires on in the off season. Either way unless Halak gives up a goal or less in route to winning a Cup I think you look to recoup a first rounder for him.

`
I was not compeltely shocked. Since Cooper who was his coach in the AHL last year took over COnchar was playing well under ten minutes a game which is crazy crap. He was one of the guys giving it his all every game there. He's a heart soul little guy. Good for the Senators. Though watching Lehner play last night it would make my knees shake a bit as a GM. They had an extra asset and got great value for him. They essentially received a goaltender who stole games for them, was good in the lockerroom and as a teammate then got one of the best rookies this season at forward and picks. Wow.

Yzerman finally got it right this time. I like their goalie but last year he started playing inconsistent and it makes you wonder when last year Nashville was mostly good defensively.

Amazing deadline really. Luongo says his contract sucks. Might be something for the Blues to kick the tires on in the off season. Either way unless Halak gives up a goal or less in route to winning a Cup I think you look to recoup a first rounder for him.
- BluemanGuruu

Do you think Ben Bishop has figured out who one of his new defenseman is yet?

I think having JayBo and god foresake me for saying it, Jackman you can feel more comfortable playing Cole or Russell. Leopold could make the Blues think twice and likewise the Blues for him.

The Blues also have some other developing prospects that could make it interesting. I wouldn't be surprised considering that and other things as far as RFAs that the Blues might trade with COlumbus to get a first round pick or even Calgary. Or other teams.

Do you think Ben Bishop has figured out who one of his new defenseman is yet?



- bcallaway

The same guy who left him out to dry for like five goals in a game once upon a time? The broken Robot. Brew-tal-er???

Looks like you couldn't have been more wrong concerning this deadline Chip.
- BluemanGuruu

How? There were 14 total trades - and really, it's Gaborik, Pominville, Bishop/Conacher (if you consider trading a backup goalie for a rookie putting up big points with Stamkos and St. Louis a big move) and then a lot of other people who either mean nothing now or evoke memories of "oh yeah, I remember years ago when he was good, unlike now." Not terribly impressive - there was nothing in the first 4 hours and change, and aside from the "wow, didn't expect that" factor of the Gaborik trade and maybe Conacher going to Ottawa, it really was more ho-hum, "yeah that's not a surprise - and nothing that happened really blows me away" day.

Armstrong said their were no hockey trades to be made. He should have said none that he liked because I'll be damned if I so far I haven't seen two: The Bishop trade and Brassard trade. So COlumbus fleeces the Rangers in the summer and then the Rangers fleece Columbus. Really a center and others for a winger and some picks? But it's a hockey trade both teams got better.
- BluemanGuruu

The Rangers and Blue Jackets had been talking about that trade for days prior; not everyone gets a "hey, we're trading _____, if interested call me at 727-555-HELP" memo when someone's on the block. Besides, Dave Nonis was looking for a "hockey trade" and couldn't find one; did the Leafs just not look hard enough either? Perhaps it was "couldn't find a hockey trade where someone else was willing to offer pieces that matched up well enough to pull the trigger." I'm sure if the criteria was "just flip pieces on the roster," those deals were out there - but was that really the goal, to do something for the sake of doing something?

There were trade coming out of Phoenix and some of the picks coming back weren't particularly great and that is always strange when you consider the NHL runs Phoenix.
- BluemanGuruu

Let's clarify: the league runs the financial operations for Phoenix. It did not install a GM, coach, etc. to operate the team on the ice; if those guys still want to screw up the team, they're free to do so - but if they want to add payroll, then they have to go to the NHL with "pretty please, may I .... ?" Besides, this is not the 30-year old Sullivan who was putting in 31-37-68 with Nashville after the '05 lockout; this is the 38-year old Sullivan who started off on a 40-point pace but has nada in the last 10 games. He's getting way out toward the end of his career - and no one is going to pay a ton for that, especially if he's not a real difference-maker.

How about Philly trying to sure up some goaltending holes by snagging Steve Mason

The Penguins trading for a guy a couple of days ago was placed on waivers???????????????? Would have been for free. Though they get money back for Crosby missing games that may have helped them.

The pick for Redden is a conditional 7th. If he plays in 1 or more Bruins playoff games, it becomes a 6th rounder.

You know what? I think I am glad Jarmo is not our GM. I'm looking at that trade and scratching my head more than a bit. That's a lot for a guy over 30 years old, one year at a whopping $7.5 million cap hit who is inconsistent and injury prone.

I know Torts probably affected his production but that is a ton of money and assets o give up. I guess I ask myself would I rather have Brassard or Gaborick on my team and I can't say it's an automatic response. So that tells me giving away a 2009 first rounder is a bit pricey. He's a Dman and can take some time. Dorestt is a solid player. And you get only a sixth round pick in return with Gaborik?? Hmmm.... Time will tell.

Armstrong is one of the better GMs.

The pick for Redden is a conditional 7th. If he plays in 1 or more Bruins playoff games, it becomes a 6th rounder.


- carcus

Wow. I guess we could get lucky with that pick.

How? There were 14 total trades - and really, it's Gaborik, Pominville, Bishop/Conacher (if you consider trading a backup goalie for a rookie putting up big points with Stamkos and St. Louis a big move) and then a lot of other people who either mean nothing now or evoke memories of "oh yeah, I remember years ago when he was good, unlike now." Not terribly impressive - there was nothing in the first 4 hours and change, and aside from the "wow, didn't expect that" factor of the Gaborik trade and maybe Conacher going to Ottawa, it really was more ho-hum, "yeah that's not a surprise - and nothing that happened really blows me away" day.


The Rangers and Blue Jackets had been talking about that trade for days prior; not everyone gets a "hey, we're trading _____, if interested call me at 727-555-HELP" memo when someone's on the block. Besides, Dave Nonis was looking for a "hockey trade" and couldn't find one; did the Leafs just not look hard enough either? Perhaps it was "couldn't find a hockey trade where someone else was willing to offer pieces that matched up well enough to pull the trigger." I'm sure if the criteria was "just flip pieces on the roster," those deals were out there - but was that really the goal, to do something for the sake of doing something?


Let's clarify: the league runs the financial operations for Phoenix. It did not install a GM, coach, etc. to operate the team on the ice; if those guys still want to screw up the team, they're free to do so - but if they want to add payroll, then they have to go to the NHL with "pretty please, may I .... ?" Besides, this is not the 30-year old Sullivan who was putting in 31-37-68 with Nashville after the '05 lockout; this is the 38-year old Sullivan who started off on a 40-point pace but has nada in the last 10 games. He's getting way out toward the end of his career - and no one is going to pay a ton for that, especially if he's not a real difference-maker.
- Chip McCleary

Dude slow down man. I'm just having some fun. You take stuff too serious man. They got a third rounder for Torres which is amazing. The other trade seemed solid. I never assumed you had anything to do with Phoenix either man. I know you work in insurance.


You need to laugh more. I know sarcasm doesn't translate on the internet so well. But geeze let go of this persecution thing. Believe me if I wanted to rip into you, you would feel it.

Btw never assume you're the smartest guy in the room. Heck be careful about assuming anything. assume-ass-u-me.

NOW LAUGH DAMN YOU!!!!!!! And smile.

I am enjoying this. Blueman telling others to relax.

You know what? I think I am glad Jarmo is not our GM. I'm looking at that trade and scratching my head more than a bit. That's a lot for a guy over 30 years old, one year at a whopping $7.5 million cap hit who is inconsistent and injury prone.

I know Torts probably affected his production but that is a ton of money and assets o give up. I guess I ask myself would I rather have Brassard or Gaborick on my team and I can't say it's an automatic response. So that tells me giving away a 2009 first rounder is a bit pricey. He's a Dman and can take some time. Dorestt is a solid player. And you get only a sixth round pick in return with Gaborik?? Hmmm.... Time will tell.

Armstrong is one of the better GMs.
- BluemanGuruu

I'm sure that Jarmo and JD are hoping that Gaborik can give them a scoring punch that will help them creep into the playoffs this year.

Credit to you, BTW Guru, you said before the season started that Columbus was improving. I didn't buy it. Good on you.

But, yeah. That's a big cap hit for next year. When he's healthy, he's a stud. But he breaks easy.

Doug Armstrong is a freaking genius........

I wouldn't be shocked to see Cole moved during the summer. Perhaps depending on how much the Blues like Leopold.

Remember, during that draft special that was televised, it was Jarmo that had the man-crush on Cole. Would anyone be surprised to see him dealt to Columbus at some point?
- bcallaway

"He's a MAN"

With CBus moving east, seems like a natural fit since the current regime doesn't seem to care for the cut of Cole's jib

You know what? I think I am glad Jarmo is not our GM. I'm looking at that trade and scratching my head more than a bit. That's a lot for a guy over 30 years old, one year at a whopping $7.5 million cap hit who is inconsistent and injury prone.

I know Torts probably affected his production but that is a ton of money and assets o give up. I guess I ask myself would I rather have Brassard or Gaborick on my team and I can't say it's an automatic response. So that tells me giving away a 2009 first rounder is a bit pricey. He's a Dman and can take some time. Dorestt is a solid player. And you get only a sixth round pick in return with Gaborik?? Hmmm.... Time will tell.

Armstrong is one of the better GMs.
- BluemanGuruu

The best analogy I can come up with is this: imagine the Blues have a chance to trade Berglund, Russell, Reaves, and a 6th for Gaborik. Do you do it?

Dude slow down man. I'm just having some fun. You take stuff too serious man. They got a third rounder for Torres which is amazing. The other trade seemed solid. I never assumed you had anything to do with Phoenix either man. I know you work in insurance.
- BluemanGuruu

We're going to have to pay more for colored font to help communicate sarcasm.

BTW, lots of rumors right now about a potential deal by the Capitals - and one of Nashville's beat writers says he's not getting straight answers from the Preds FO like he always gets ... so this may get interesting yet.

The best analogy I can come up with is this: imagine the Blues have a chance to trade Berglund, Russell, Reaves, and a 6th for Gaborik. Do you do it?
- Chip McCleary

For 1 year of Gaborik? Probably not.