Canes wouldn't move Gleason in a deal for Markov. We need +1 top 4 defenseman. That just swaps 1 for another. It also subtracts big/physical and adds more puck-mover/offense which is the wrong direction. And with Markov being UFA next summer, it could just recreate the same problem next summer. As someone noted, the challenge here is for the Canes to offer enough futures when their system is light right now. If they can't, maybe Mon is better off just using him and waiting until the deadline and then getting similar return.

I really think McBain coud be interesting in Montreal. He has played stretches where he looked like a solid top 4 who could skate. But mixed in, he has really struggled at times and looked like a borderline #6 if you need second-unit power play help. But in a stricter defensive system like Montreal's might he adjust and thrive? I don't know for sure obviously, but with his skill set there is at least potential for significant upside.
- CarolinaMatt63

I agree for Gleason. I can't see the logic behind trading him.

But i Disagree for McBain. What we need is a physical defensman, which he is not. If we can't get a physical specimen in exchange for Markov, we better get a pick or prospect (ala Ouellet) and try and sign one UFA.

They tried him. Didnt work. Next?!?
- BernieKorch

They didn't tried hard enough.

They didn't tried hard enough.
- Frank0721

I agree for Gleason. I can't see the logic behind trading him.

But i Disagree for McBain. What we need is a physical defensman, which he is not. If we can't get a physical specimen in exchange for Markov, we better get a pick or prospect (ala Ouellet) and try and sign one UFA.
- soad_live

markov won;t be dealt. No trade clause and he's a lifer. If a D is moved it is going to be Emelin or Diaz

markov won;t be dealt. No trade clause and he's a lifer. If a D is moved it is going to be Emelin or Diaz
- willey101

I hope not. If he is a lifer, i can't see any defensman being dealt, except for Gorges.

4) Trade the #5 pick plus Jamie McBain for the #7 pick and Ladislav Smid (Edm).

I think that is close

The Canes need more Gleasons, not less of them. I don't see him being traded this offseason.

6) Trade Jeff Skinner for Erik Johnson (Clr).
If Colorado takes Seth Jones #1 overall, would they then consider trading Johnson? The Avs are not overly deep defensively and are not desperate for offense so nothing is imminent, but who knows. Johnson has not lived up to Norris Trophy type of expectations, but he has found his way to be a decent all-around serviceable top 4 defenseman who is just entering his prime. I have no idea what else gets pulled into a deal like this, but Skinner for Johnson is the foundation.
- CarolinaMatt63

This is an awful proposal, Skinner is so much better than Johnson. Johnson is oft injured and under productive, plus he almost 26 and hasn't had a 30 point season since 2009-10.

This is an awful proposal, Skinner is so much better than Johnson. Johnson is oft injured and under productive, plus he almost 26 and hasn't had a 30 point season since 2009-10.
- tomburton99

On the flip side, how many hits is skinner away from retiring? Kid has suffered alot of concussions

Maybe wideman but no way gio goes for that low
- RedC21

The original analysis and Whippers offer seem off to me. Gio comes off a subpar year and is suddenly undervalued by a long shot. For Whipper: I don't see moving from 6th to 5th and gaining a 2nd as worth losing Gio. For Matt, your offer and analysis of Gio is way off. Gio is way more offensively special than Wideman, guy has wheels and can really transition and bring it in to the offensive zone (god he would look good with Eric and Jordan). That being said, his leadership value is worth a ton to us down the line, he has been through thick and thin (KHL and back) and would be great for the young guys in the next 5 years. I don't see many teams offering what we would need for him, nor do I blame them. His value is too much for us and overvalued to anyone who would make an offer. Long story short, he's worth more to us than anyone else.

How about Johnny Boychuck? Bruins will need to clear cap space to resign Horton, and they have Hamilton, Krug and Bartkowski waiting to take on bigger roles.

Staal bros for the Sedin Bros.
- yaktalksback

I would make that swap in a heart beat. I'm not hating on the Nucks, the Sedins are outstanding, but two 32 yr olds for a 28 yr old and 24 yr old? Not to mention I see the Staals as playoff warriors. That deal would be a (frank)ing steal.

I appreciate all the visitors chiming in with thoughts on their teams.

For a blog like this, I go out on a limb a bit because frankly I don't know the ins and outs of teams that I watch here and there versus a full 82-game viewing slate for the Hurricanes. So it is great when people add a ton of other team insight even if my blog has to kicked around a bit to do so.

I appreciate all the visitors chiming in with thoughts on their teams.

For a blog like this, I go out on a limb a bit because frankly I don't know the ins and outs of teams that I watch here and there versus a full 82-game viewing slate for the Hurricanes. So it is great when people add a ton of other team insight even if my blog has to kicked around a bit to do so.
- CarolinaMatt63

Props to you bud. This blog is great, reminds me a lot of Colin Debrauskus(sp?). Injects interesting discussion. I apologize if my remarks were a bit aggressive, wasn't meant to be. I think your analysis of Wideman is spot on but If I were you, I'd look into Gio a bit closer. The guy would fit Car. so well it's amazing, but his value is much higher than you had him at. Anyway, thanks for the read, kept me occupied this morning. keep it up.

How about Johnny Boychuck? Bruins will need to clear cap space to resign Horton, and they have Hamilton, Krug and Bartkowski waiting to take on bigger roles.
- fudd1689

I put Boychuk sort of in the same category as Ference. Boston's incredibly solid system-wise defense, arguably the best defensive forwards in the league and solid goaltending make it difficult to evaluate someone like Boychuk by himself. Is he capable of being a top 4 in a lesser system? I honestly have no idea and am scared to risk the Canes 2013-14 season trying to find out.

Yeah, it is very common to see 19 year old 6'8" #1 Defenseman that can skate like the wind. Happens all the time.

Once again, he was brutal last year. He will be great again.
- Slump Buster

Skate like the wind?

Man, I agree the guy can rebound to become a #1 worthy Defenseman, but you are really stretching it with these statements.

I put Boychuk sort of in the same category as Ference. Boston's incredibly solid system-wise defense, arguably the best defensive forwards in the league and solid goaltending make it difficult to evaluate someone like Boychuk by himself. Is he capable of being a top 4 in a lesser system? I honestly have no idea and am scared to risk the Canes 2013-14 season trying to find out.
- CarolinaMatt63

Boychuk is important to bruins and I guess we have to ask, how many years does Z have left in him. You can see his age right now. Still dominant but he's definitely lost a step or 2.

4) Trade the #5 pick plus Jamie McBain for the #7 pick and Ladislav Smid (Edm).

I think that is close
- saskoil21

Fail!! Not even close...the trade should be #5 for Smid, #7, and another pick or prospect! Matt you underrate severely the #5 VALUE! NICHUSHKIN would make the Oilers 1st line nearly unstoppable! Smid (while a good Dman) isn't a gamechanger! No way JR would trade the #5 unless he gets a homerun return, and i haven't seen more than a double...!

Fail!! Not even close...the trade should be #5 for Smid, #7, and another pick or prospect! Matt you underrate severely the #5 VALUE! NICHUSHKIN would make the Oilers 1st line nearly unstoppable! Smid (while a good Dman) isn't a gamechanger! No way JR would trade the #5 unless he gets a homerun return, and i haven't seen more than a double...!
- randycane

And you sir are overvaluing DRAMATICALLY the idea of moving up two spots in the draft. Good luck getting that return. Any GM that does that should be fired on the spot.

Skate like the wind?

Man, I agree the guy can rebound to become a #1 worthy Defenseman, but you are really stretching it with these statements.
- TommyDeVito

Skate like the wind is clearly a stretch, however, his skating is tremendous, and especially for someone of his size. It is probably his best attribute.

Fail!! Not even close...the trade should be #5 for Smid, #7, and another pick or prospect! Matt you underrate severely the #5 VALUE! NICHUSHKIN would make the Oilers 1st line nearly unstoppable! Smid (while a good Dman) isn't a gamechanger! No way JR would trade the #5 unless he gets a homerun return, and i haven't seen more than a double...!
- randycane

What would get us to 3rd base?

And you sir are overvaluing DRAMATICALLY the idea of moving up two spots in the draft. Good luck getting that return. Any GM that does that should be fired on the spot.
- kingcong39

Gotta agree with you here. That would be a win-win for both teams.

Matt, i think your Phx. trade for Yandle is the closest to being fair and also the best option! My suggestion would be to offer #5 and Mcbain for OEL! as an otpional way to go!

Matt, i think your Phx. trade for Yandle is the closest to being fair and also the best option! My suggestion would be to offer #5 and Mcbain for OEL! as an otpional way to go!
- randycane

I think the only way the #5 pick is moved is if its part of a deal where we get a pick in return. Otherwise this would make 2 years in a row that JR traded away a top 10 pick thus leading to our farm system being barren.

Matt, i think your Phx. trade for Yandle is the closest to being fair and also the best option! My suggestion would be to offer #5 and Mcbain for OEL! as an otpional way to go!
- randycane

I don't think PHO trades OEL, unless it absolutely knocks their socks off.