Starting this week answering some of your questions from yesterday...
Doogs Asks... Is there any avenue that ends with the Penguins being able to move Jack Johnson? Ek... Not looking likely, especially when you realize that Rutherford is about as creative as they come. The only real possibility would be a move to a team like Detroit, but the Penguins would have to give a first-rounder along with Johnson to sweeten the pot.
Devils622 asks.. What will NJ get for Hall? Will it be a first pair Dman and a first-rounder or has Hall looked so bad this year his trade value has dropped to an all-time low? Also, will NJ finally fire Hynes and his staff or is NJ hoping for a third #1 overall pick in 4 years?
Ek... His play this year isn't likely to hurt his value as much as you'd probably think.. Other GMs out there feel his play will increase with a change of scenery. I do think the Devils will work hard to trade him and they will be able to demand at least a first-rounder and a D man. What I fully expect to see is the Devils secretly allow other teams to talk extension... As for Hynes...I do believe his days are numbered. Shero isn't looking for another #1 overall...
Gsyms17 asks... I don’t think it’ll happen. But are the Leafs actively taking calls on Barrie? I feel like what we’d get back considering our limited cap space wouldn’t equal what we’re giving up. I feel like he’s 100% getting moved on draft day.
Ek... I have heard they will give him a month under the new coach. They would like to keep him...but they need him extended and of course only if he is producing. Otherwise...by the Draft for sure. doktordave asks... Who realistically has both the cap space and the chance of making an impact trade? I figure that teams who are looking at a lottery pick will be reluctant to add, and may have trouble with stars who have NTC anyway. So out of the contenders, who has cap space and assets to move for an upgrade? Who are the salaries that teams might move to free cap space?
Ek... That is the 5 million dollar question and I will be using the rest of the week to answer this question...a source did tell me that "There is more maneuverability than one might think..." also, the next question on here addresses one team who will be adding.
Dan42 asks... The Islanders currently have over 5 mil in cap space, the best record in the league right now, and are proving last year was no fluke. Do you see them upgrading anywhere, and whom might they target? Ek... Without question they will be adding..Lou regretted not adding more last year at the deadline, but it is also risky to mess with something that is working.. I believe Lou will add what I know he wished he did last year...Some players who are playoff tested and can help more mentally than even on the ice..
I'mjustafan asks... since jim rutherford is in win now mode and draft picks burn a hole in his pocket, does he spent it this year? Or keep it? Does he trade jarry or desmith? Ek... yes indeed. He will move one of the goalies...and likley Johnson plus a pick to upgrade..
mgriffen asks... Well if St Louis is shopping Pietrangelo then why not for Hall? Ek.... First off...I am not sure they are actually shopping AP. but they would only move him for a D man...
grivard asks... Everyone knows the Islanders need a top line winger....streak or no streak, chemistry or no chemistry....does Lou make it happen? ek... not a given, but I don't think it will be chemistry that he is afraid of like he was last year. This team is too good and he will make it better for the playoffs...
Next up...
The Rumor Chart and we start looking at the divisions...
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