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Trade deadline 2014 is finally here. What will the Penguins do? What should they do? The best part about a day like today is that there can be many different paths and many different philosophies, which is what makes it so much fun.
My opinion on what the Penguins need to do today is keep the bigger picture in mind more so than saving the 2013-2014 season. Pouring assets into fixes that are specific to this season will not end well for the Penguins. I believe there is too much uncertainty and too many holes in their lineup to be aggressive with rentals. Sure the Penguins could go on a run but I view rentals as a high risk low reward situation in 2013-2014.
Given that the Penguins are currently without their two best defensemen and their top line right winger, it makes things really difficult to fix. The lowered salary cap makes the job of replacing those players all the more difficult especially in a volatile setting like the trade deadline.
Trades that would include higher end assets would have to make sense in the big picture. I do believe a Ryan Kesler trade fits that bill. I do not believe a trade for a pending UFA like Thomas Vanek or Matt Moulson really helps the Penguins out enough in the short term and it would drain the Penguins asset pool for the longer term.
Perhaps if a player like Ales Hemsky were to move for a 3rd round pick that would be something that would make sense. Given how many teams are inquiring about Hemsky I don’t believe that his trade value is that low.
Yesterday I wrote about the idea of trading Brooks Orpik away, today I have a modest proposal for moving him.
The Penguins would receive Nikolai Kulemin and the Maple Leafs would get Brooks Orpik. Straight up one for one deal with two UFA players. Orpik is a perfect fit for the Leafs with how Dave Nonis and Randy Carlyle like their hockey players, they can’t resist “grit….
Penguins desperately need bottom 6 help, Kulemin certainly provides that.
I think the upgrade at the LW spot on the 3rd line with Kulemin far outweighs the potential loss of Orpik on defense.
Just something to think about.
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Some random thoughts:
I don't think it will happen but it would be funny if return for Moulson is bigger than Vanek's. That would be most Islander thing ever
If Vancouver elects to make a trade within their division and the Ducks acquire Ryan Kesler, look out. Anaheim has many more expendable pieces than the Penguins and having Kesler backing up Getzlaf would create some matchup nightmares even in the loaded Western Conference.
Andy Macdonald was dusted on a regular basis by Crosby as an Islander, he can certainly be dusted as a Flyer.
I have no idea why anybody would give up assets to have Martin Brodeur play goalie for them. He isn’t good. If his name was Joe Smith he would be closer to the waiver wire than a potential trade.
Roberto Luongo deserved to move on from Vancouver. I don’t really understand the Mike Gillis regime. Nothing like trading for your franchise goalie, signing him long term, grooming his backup as successor, trade the younger successor away , and then trade the original franchise goalie away. Brilliant.
Rumors of Justin Williams being shopped by LA. I have no idea why they would want to do that but if they are the Penguins should definitely inquire about obtaining his services. Great cap value with Williams, terrific possession player who loves to score big playoff goals.
Sabres should be a really fun team to track today. Tons of potential moves and directions they could take. Tim Murray will be looking to put his stamp on the Sabres today.
Tampa Bay is getting the best player at the trade deadline, Steven Stamkos has been cleared to play. Huge boost for them. If St. Louis could regain some proper perspective the Lightning could make a run in the East.
The Rangers should trade Ryan Callahan, they will never get good value out of a contract extension for him. It sucks to lose a player and a captain but managing the salary cap and getting proper value is more important.
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Some poll results from the past day:
That is all for now, new blog if anything big breaks.
Thanks for reading!
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