Interesting..... Hmmmmm possibly a trade on the horizon
- BGKarras

2 more weeks of speculation, debate and absurdity...

...likely, concluding in disappointment or simply a yawn.

Correlation does not imply causation.

I would suggest that Versteeg's absence would NOT have altered the outcome of the Cup runs.
- ArlingtonRob

I would take Versteeg back , no complains . He played well last year before the hand injury .And was good in the final , hitting skating hard ..

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports a trade market flooded with forwards makes it difficult to determine who will move before the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos tops the list, though Garrioch doubts he’ll be moved. “Carolina’s Eric Staal, Winnipeg’s Andrew Ladd, Boston’s Loui Eriksson, Arizona’s Mikkel Boedker, Columbus’ Scott Hartnell, Kyle Okposo of the Islanders and Tampa holdout Jonathan Drouin” are among those being watched right now. Garrioch expects the Bruins will move pending UFA Eriksson before the deadline, while suggesting the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks as possible destinations for Ladd.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d also add the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild among possible destinations for Ladd, as those clubs also need some offensive help.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports a trade market flooded with forwards makes it difficult to determine who will move before the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos tops the list, though Garrioch doubts he’ll be moved. “Carolina’s Eric Staal, Winnipeg’s Andrew Ladd, Boston’s Loui Eriksson, Arizona’s Mikkel Boedker, Columbus’ Scott Hartnell, Kyle Okposo of the Islanders and Tampa holdout Jonathan Drouin” are among those being watched right now. Garrioch expects the Bruins will move pending UFA Eriksson before the deadline, while suggesting the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks as possible destinations for Ladd.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’d also add the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild among possible destinations for Ladd, as those clubs also need some offensive help.
- walleyeb1

Doubt very much Laad wpuld waive for Minnesota since they suck and as much as people say he wouldnt accept a deal to the Hawks becuase of percieved issues , you think he would ok a deal to the Ducks just to fight Kesler every practice ? Lol

I don't disagree there, but just amazing to me how quickly people forget how good he was with Richards and Kane until he broke his hand against the Capitals, and how good he was again with Vermette and Teuvo in the playoffs.

he's a risk, makes stupid decisions, is a horrible rapper, but he's a great versatile option to have on a team. Can play bottom 6 as easily as top 6 and not be uncomfortable. Lots of other guys have a MJAOR problem trying to do that. Fish out of water..........
- SteveRain

I'd love to have Versteeg back. Back on a 3rd line with Danault and Teuvo. Shaw can stay with Toews and Hossa, Desi-Kruger-Panik/Sekac 4th line. That would be very solid.

I'd love to have Versteeg back. Back on a 3rd line with Danault and Teuvo. Shaw can stay with Toews and Hossa, Desi-Kruger-Panik/Sekac 4th line. That would be very solid.
- SimpleJack

I still think a defenseman is the top priority for the trade deadline. The teams best assets (i.e. first round pick) will likely be given up in the acquisition of another blueliner. That will leave Stan looking at the 2nd or 3rd tier of free agent LWs and that's where Versteeg would be.

Doubt very much Laad wpuld waive for Minnesota since they suck and as much as people say he wouldnt accept a deal to the Hawks becuase of percieved issues , you think he would ok a deal to the Ducks just to fight Kesler every practice ? Lol
- mrpaulish

Correct me if I am wrong, but Ladd's issues with here were with someone who now plays for Dallas, no?

Correct me if I am wrong, but Ladd's issues with here were with someone who now plays for Dallas, no?
- furso27

No one knows


It doesnt mater who they were with back in 2010. These guys all have grown up some plus Ladd hasnt wont a playoff game since he left. Im sure hed waive his NTC to be on the Hawks.

Bidding for Ladd will be high ., even if there is only 2 teams hed waive for

John Torchetti coaching the Wild might attract Ladd?

John Torchetti coaching the Wild might attract Ladd?
- artlarson

Winning a title will attract Ladd. Not happening in MIN

Winning a title will attract Ladd. Not happening in MIN
- furso27

Ladd coming here would greatly ease the top 6 LW problem, but so would Erickson and Boeds. Gonna be an interesting next 2 weeks.

Ladd coming here would greatly ease the top 6 LW problem, but so would Erickson and Boeds. Gonna be an interesting next 2 weeks.
- z1990z

Even thought Erickson is a UFA doubt Boston deals him , they are in the play offs

Even thought Erickson is a UFA doubt Boston deals him , they are in the play offs
- mrpaulish

If Stan does run with a LW, Boeds is my guess. His speed and hands will make that top line even better. Yes he might be a rental, but the goal is to win the Cup. He helps with that.

If Stan does run with a LW, Boeds is my guess. His speed and hands will make that top line even better. Yes he might be a rental, but the goal is to win the Cup. He helps with that.
- z1990z

We need a New Blog.....

Even thought Erickson is a UFA doubt Boston deals him , they are in the play offs
- mrpaulish

My guess...and it's only a guess...

Loui is gone...

We need a New Blog discussing our new acquisitions.....
- BGKarras

Fixed.

My guess...and it's only a guess...

Loui is gone...
- ArlingtonRob

WOULD LOVE LOUIiI , .... Think a team like Boston is ready to sell ?

Doubt very much Laad wpuld waive for Minnesota since they suck and as much as people say he wouldnt accept a deal to the Hawks becuase of percieved issues , you think he would ok a deal to the Ducks just to fight Kesler every practice ? Lol
- mrpaulish

One of the reasons I am leaning towards Ladd again as a hopeful trade pickup. There was no push back at all Saturday. Q touched on it some. Maybe a Feb game etc... but it really can become a trend when no one confronts a team taking liberties almost every shift. Sekac and Panik may have been the only ones to show any fire. When a Russian rookie and 2 new aquisitions are the only players showing some fight there is a problem.

I know the response will be there come playoff time but more would help. Ladd would recognize his role in responding to that garbage and know how to do it without hurting the team.

WOULD LOVE LOUIiI , .... Think a team like Boston is ready to sell ?
- mrpaulish

Not sure sell is the right word, but I'm guessing the B's will make a strategic move or two.

Loui has value, and the Bruins are retooling, and having loui walk for zip is risky for a club that likely won't take the cup this season...playoffs sure, but a cup? Nahhh.

One of the reasons I am leaning towards Ladd again as a hopeful trade pickup. There was no push back at all Saturday. Q touched on it some. Maybe a Feb game etc... but it really can become a trend when no one confronts a team taking liberties almost every shift. Sekac and Panic may have been the only ones to show any fire. Ladd would recognize his role in responding to that garbage and know how to do it without hurting the team.
- tredbrta

Ladd would be almost a perfect add. Not holding my breath though

Not sure sell is the right word, but I'm guessing the B's will make a strategic move or two.

Loui has value, and the Bruins are retooling, and having loui walk for zip is risky for a club that likely won't take the cup this season...playoffs sure, but a cup? Nahhh.
- ArlingtonRob

Yea Robbi could def see that if Boston thinks they can get something for him that can play this year. Sometimes you just gotta keep a guy and run though .

Ladd would be almost a perfect add. Not holding my breath though
- mrpaulish

One thing Garrioch got right is there is a glut of forwards out there available. Yet the need for most contenders is D. I think Stan will get an adequate wing but D may be more expensive. I really hope Gus is just getting some time to think/recover and Q isn't writing him off.

That does it. What the heck happened to Chris Block? He didn't kick the bucket and not tell anyone did he? Anyone?
- hocktock

i just heard from him yesterday, not sure what's up with him. He is a great blogger, BTW

Probably not but the hump ths team and others before it that do NOT win cups is simple.....the depth scoring is non existent. 2010,2013,2015 all had great productive 3rd lines.

If the Hawks roll into the playoffs with this team as is, they an 11 win max possibility. Probably closer to 8 depending upon the seeding and central division matchup. This team is solely reliant on 2 lines to produce, and anyone thinking that Sekac or panik are going to alter that is wishful thinking.

This is not a bring back Versteeg crusade but if the Hawks can't find a 1LW to play with 81/19 and have to keep Shaw up there, then they better find a suitable depth piece with a proven track record to help the bottom 6.
- SteveRain

THIS (and in bold x1000). Versteeg should be on the list of potential pieces, though clearly not at the top of the list, even if he is brought in to play 3LW. Then Versteeg-Danault-Teravainen is 2/3 the same as Versteeg-Vermette-Teravainen from last spring.