This is just me, but I would deal Crawford and Lalonde (or a pick) for Anderson. Even though Crawford is having a good year and is a good goalie, I have always felt, and still feel, Craig is the better goalie and especially come playoff time.
- John Jaeckel

In the next week, Ottawa will move one of Anderson, Bishop or Lehner.

Murray will do the deal that gives him the best long term return. Don't forget how decisive Murray was a couple of years ago when he moved out Fisher, Kelly and the rest in order to expand his draft base.

I believe Murray goes very big. He has great support from Ottawa fans. There is only 10 weeks left in the season. Murray can go very big because there is already so much talent in their system.

In the next week, Ottawa will move one of Anderson, Bishop or Lehner.

Murray will do the deal that gives him the best long term return. Don't forget how decisive Murray was a couple of years ago when he moved out Fisher, Kelly and the rest in order to expand his draft base.

I believe Murray goes very big. He has great support from Ottawa fans. There is only 10 weeks left in the season. Murray can go very big because there is already so much talent in their system.
- spatso

What are you expecting? Picks, prospects or established players in return?

You mention Anderson, Gonchar and Mochalek as trade bait, what is the value of each?

Not denying that - is lower-line wingers an area that we are so desperate to upgrade?

All the holes everyone was complaining about prior to the season were center and goal - and those are still really the two big quesitons marks (goalie to a lesser extent if Crawford continues his high level of play).

Don't see a Stalberg-for-Neil trade really making any sense for what this team is critically lacking.
- FredoXV

Yes and no. Center is kind of a problem thanks to the love hate relationship had with enigmatic Dave Bolland.

However, Stalberg/Whoever + 2nd coming back so they can offer sheet O'Reilly (if possible mid season). May make sense. Then Kooga OR Shaw can be moved around a bit more freely. That is probably above Stan's level of competence / ingenuity but would be a sexy culmination of events.

Can Neil play in front of the net on a power play? Because we need that. And if it comes in the form of a guy 5yrs younger than Jamal Mayers, who can suitably replace Mayers in a checking/fighting/leadership role, then it's no brainer to want that guy. The challenge is what do you give up. Stalberg? Well, if he can forecheck on the 3rd line, and help power play, and replace an aging Mayers, then yes. You do that trade. Saad's speed and future upside make up for loss of Stalberg, in my opinion if Neil also brings the aformentioned benefits.

Can Neil play in front of the net on a power play? Because we need that. And if it comes in the form of a guy 5yrs younger than Jamal Mayers, who can suitably replace Mayers in a checking/fighting/leadership role, then it's no brainer to want that guy. The challenge is what do you give up. Stalberg? Well, if he can forecheck on the 3rd line, and help power play, and replace an aging Mayers, then yes. You do that trade. Saad's speed and future upside make up for loss of Stalberg, in my opinion if Neil also brings the aformentioned benefits.
- DirkGraham

Yes

What are you expecting? Picks, prospects or established players in return?

You mention Anderson, Gonchar and Mochalek as trade bait, what is the value of each?
- riceroni

I would send Anderson and Neil to St. Louis for Jaden Scwartz, a 1st and Brian Elliot.

I am certain the Flyers would offer up a 2nd for Gonchar, the Penguins can offer a solid defensive prospect from the minors or junior. Not sure what Michalek would bring. He scores real well when he plays with a top center (Thornton, Spezza). He could be the missing piece for a team like Pittsburg or Carolina that are very strong down the middle. I think Murray would want a first.

Yes and no. Center is kind of a problem thanks to the love hate relationship had with enigmatic Dave Bolland.

However, Stalberg/Whoever + 2nd coming back so they can offer sheet O'Reilly (if possible mid season). May make sense. Then Kooga OR Shaw can be moved around a bit more freely. That is probably above Stan's level of competence / ingenuity but would be a sexy culmination of events.
- fattybeef

This O'Reilly talk seriously needs to stop. The guy is asking for $5M per year - or likely at least $4M. Anyone thinking that the 'Hawks will (or should) make a run at him under these circumstances, quite frankly, is high.

Yes and no. Center is kind of a problem thanks to the love hate relationship had with enigmatic Dave Bolland.

However, Stalberg/Whoever + 2nd coming back so they can offer sheet O'Reilly (if possible mid season). May make sense. Then Kooga OR Shaw can be moved around a bit more freely. That is probably above Stan's level of competence / ingenuity but would be a sexy culmination of events.
- fattybeef

Takes tons of intelligence to think that Colorado would love to trade one of their Jewels, who they can't sign, for a Pending UFA, who they probably would not sign as well....

Then they are left with whoever and a 2nd, which we don't have anyways, but Stan probably does not know that either.

Wow what a sexy idea....cmon man!

In the next week, Ottawa will move one of Anderson, Bishop or Lehner.Murray will do the deal that gives him the best long term return. Don't forget how decisive Murray was a couple of years ago when he moved out Fisher, Kelly and the rest in order to expand his draft base.

I believe Murray goes very big. He has great support from Ottawa fans. There is only 10 weeks left in the season. Murray can go very big because there is already so much talent in their system.
- spatso

definitely won't be lehner, unless some BRUTALLY overpays for him....same for anderson. bishop will likely be moved, but i doubt it's in the next week. wait til the deadline, maximize the return.

I would send Anderson and Neil to St. Louis for Jaden Scwartz, a 1st and Brian Elliot.

I am certain the Flyers would offer up a 2nd for Gonchar, the Penguins can offer a solid defensive prospect from the minors or junior. Not sure what Michalek would bring. He scores real well when he plays with a top center (Thornton, Spezza). He could be the missing piece for a team like Pittsburg or Carolina that are very strong down the middle. I think Murray would want a first.
- spatso

I'd take that actually! It would be a really late 1st but Scwartz will hopefully be a good player!

I think it is safe to say that the man who would be going the other way would be Stalberg. I can't imagine the Hawks giving up Kruger, just too much potential there.

Stalberg has played well for the Hawks, but he is just a speed guy, not a great stick handler and does not throw his body around enough for his size. I think the Hawks could easily survive without him, especially if it brought back Neil.

Not saying Stalberg for Neil straight up would get it done, just saying that it has to be him as the "Mystery player"
- Hawks2013

Problem is the Sens already have a plethora of bottom 6 guys with fringe second line skill and little grit, there's no way they're taking on another for one of their dressing room leaders, fan favorites, and grittiest roster player.

A rumor it is, and a rumor it'll stay.

I agree with you, check a couple posts back. I think the right move is to move him this year,. But to do so for a 33-year-old checking winger makes no sense to me.
- FredoXV

Having to give to get, I don't have a problem with it if it's a piece the team needs and helps the Hawks make a run this year.

I like Stalberg and it's possible he still hasn't reached his potential offensively. While making some strides defensively I still see him making turnovers at the opposing blue line.

I don't know if the trade happens or not but if it's Stals or Frolik I think it brings back something we need.

I would be a little surprised OTT does it as I'm not sure what other grit/toughness would be left on that team. I've heard Zach Smith, know they traded Foligno.

Takes tons of intelligence to think that Colorado would love to trade one of their Jewels, who they can't sign, for a Pending UFA, who they probably would not sign as well....

Then they are left with whoever and a 2nd, which we don't have anyways, but Stan probably does not know that either.

Wow what a sexy idea....cmon man!
- TrueGrit

Really? Stalberg + prospect with Neil + 2nd coming back? Not a terrible idea

Problem is the Sens already have a plethora of bottom 6 guys with fringe second line skill and little grit, there's no way they're taking on another for one of their dressing room leaders, fan favorites, and grittiest roster player.

A rumor it is, and a rumor it'll stay.
- TommyDeVito

Still woudl be against the deal if it were a reality.

If Zack Smith were the guy coming back, I'd be more inclined to listen, because he checks a lot more boxes for what the team is lacking.

I think if the hawks want to acquire neil, basically think of what it took to acquire Ott, and maybe take a little off.

Neil brings everything that Ott does, on a better contract, and it cost the sabres a top six forward to get him.

not saying that you need to move sharp to get the guy, but neil won't be had for a 3rd line UFA or a B level prospect.

This O'Reilly talk seriously needs to stop. The guy is asking for $5M per year - or likely at least $4M. Anyone thinking that the 'Hawks will (or should) make a run at him under these circumstances, quite frankly, is high.
- FredoXV

Makes sense if the Hawks move Bolland and his deal. And I will just say . . . this has been discussed.

Really? Stalberg + prospect with Neil + 2nd coming back? Not a terrible idea
- fattybeef

Still think it fails to fill a critical need for the team. Also removes the main reason the third line is such a match-up problem right now.

Makes sense if the Hawks move Bolland and his deal. And I will just say . . . this has been discussed.
- John Jaeckel

If that's the plan - it makes more sense.

Still woudl be against the deal if it were a reality.

If Zack Smith were the guy coming back, I'd be more inclined to listen, because he checks a lot more boxes for what the team is lacking.
- FredoXV

And for a variety of reasons, i see the Sens parting with Neil before Smith.

Also, just hearing from a second source, first rumor is legit and Bolland's name has come up in these discussions as well.

Everyone bear in mind, these are just conversations.

This O'Reilly talk seriously needs to stop. The guy is asking for $5M per year - or likely at least $4M. Anyone thinking that the 'Hawks will (or should) make a run at him under these circumstances, quite frankly, is high.
- FredoXV

No

Pay him.

22, wins face offs, board battles and solves the 2C situation easily. Guy has proven he can feed big strong defensively inclined power forwards. (Saad and Landaskog frequently compared during draft year. Landaskog much more polished offensively but similar skill set. Or he feeds the Hossa monster and reuniting Kane and Toews becomes feasible)

To win a Cup you must over pay for players. Give him monies and amnesty or trade Sharp / Hossa after next season if necessary.

Still think it fails to fill a critical need for the team. Also removes the main reason the third line is such a match-up problem right now.
- FredoXV

But probably fixes the first and second line which are far from full throttle... And Bickell Shaw Bolland just as effective IMO. Or Bickell Shaw Kooga if Bolland moves

No

Pay him.

22, wins face offs, board battles and solves the 2C situation easily. Guy has proven he can feed big strong defensively inclined power forwards. (Saad and Landaskog frequently compared during draft year. Landaskog much more polished offensively but similar skill set. Or he feeds the Hossa monster and reuniting Kane and Toews becomes feasible)

To win a Cup you must over pay for players. Give him monies and amnesty or trade Sharp / Hossa after next season if necessary.
- fattybeef

If you can magically make the cap rise by another $4M or $5M, then you may be on to something.


Or, if as JJ aluded to, the team can move Bolland.

ALSO:

Hawks are concerned about Bollig's hand injury. Not as a career or season ender, but limiting his value in Chicago this year.

And for a variety of reasons, i see the Sens parting with Neil before Smith.

Also, just hearing from a second source, first rumor is legit and Bolland's name has come up in these discussions as well.

Everyone bear in mind, these are just conversations.
- John Jaeckel

Like that they're being had. What comes of it who knows but it certainly doesn't hurt to kick the tires.

But probably fixes the first and second line which are far from full throttle... And Bickell Shaw Bolland just as effective IMO. Or Bickell Shaw Kooga if Bolland moves
- fattybeef

How does Chris Neil fix the first or second line?