@PEIHawkFan

I agree, he'll likely go to the highest bidder at the draft of the 6 teams he's willing to go to. As a Canucks fan, I'd be satisfied with ANA's 10th overall + one of Etem/Rakell /Theodore and maybe some random 3rd piece if another team really makes a push and forces a bidding war..I don't think that's too much to ask for at all.
- Nucker101

That snake in the grass Bryan Murray might just raise his ugly head at the last minute and call Stanley and ask what he has offered Benning for Kesler. And when Stanley tells him Murray might just say he will take much less for Spezza, lets do a friendly deal and Stanley you can keep your beloved TT.

And then the Canuckleheads are heading down Roberto Luongo Avenue all over again.

Good point, what Cup winning team would ever need a decent second line centre? Why haven't the Hawks re-signed Handzus yet? Just when teams were happy they shut down Toews line, who do they have to deal with? HANDZUS! Talk about depth.
- hankthetank

WCF was decided in OT in game 7. Just FYI.

I am still not registering desperation in the Hawks front office yet, sorry.

One of the top prospect chains in hockey. 2 cups in 5 years with a younger core than the Kings or Ducks.... An owner willing to spend to the cap and invest heavily in college free agents and minor league development. Kesler is an attractive piece. There are more. If Kesler was the ONLY piece. That would be desperation.

That snake in the grass Bryan Murray might just raise his ugly head at the last minute and call Stanley and ask what he has offered Benning for Kesler. And when Stanley tells him Murray might just say he will take much less for Spezza, lets do a friendly deal and Stanley you can keep your beloved TT.

And then the Canuckleheads are heading down Roberto Luongo Avenue all over again.
- RickJ

And that's when Benning gives the other Murray a call as well as Armstrong to let them get in on the arms race in the West.

That snake in the grass Bryan Murray might just raise his ugly head at the last minute and call Stanley and ask what he has offered Benning for Kesler. And when Stanley tells him Murray might just say he will take much less for Spezza, lets do a friendly deal and Stanley you can keep your beloved TT.

And then the Canuckleheads are heading down Roberto Luongo Avenue all over again.
- RickJ

Come to think of it, Spezza to CHI would be pretty nice. ANA would really be interested in Kesler then. Especially if Stastny is going to STL.

Agreed. Vancouver is (frank)ed.

Even with Benning raping the rest of the league in trades it will be at least 3-5 years before you compete for the playoffs.

And that's when Benning gives the other Murray a call as well as Armstrong to let them get in on the arms race in the West.
- Nucker101

Armstrong doesn't have the assets of the Ducks or Hawks. He blew his load at the trade deadline. I'm more concerned with what Dallas might do to get into sweepstakes.

WCF was decided in OT in game 7. Just FYI.

I am still not registering desperation in the Hawks front office yet, sorry.

One of the top prospect chains in hockey. 2 cups in 5 years with a younger core than the Kings or Ducks.... An owner willing to spend to the cap and invest heavily in college free agents and minor league development. Kesler is an attractive piece. There are more. If Kesler was the ONLY piece. That would be desperation.
- tredbrta

The selection is slim.

Kesler

Spezza

Thronton?

Unsubstantiated Eller/Plekanec talk?

It's funny how all the main stream media sources are picking up on something JJ reported a long time ago. It makes you wonder, maybe this JJ guy knows what he's doing????

http://www.thescore.com/#/nhl/news/526254
- DarthKane

More so than the score's own Zawaski.

They have been and will stay that way for the foreseeable future
- paulr

Sorry. Repeated your post. Can't edit. Needs to be emphasized.

And that's when Benning gives the other Murray a call as well as Armstrong to let them get in on the arms race in the West.
- Nucker101

Oh yeah. That is for the bidding war, right?

Forgot we have one of those.

How do we trade him then, especially to a contender as asked? what becomes of his league wide value and reputation among the NHL? If he does that for the remaining two years of his contract what will his next contract offer look like as a UFA?

It is in no way shape or form a similar situation to Lou.
If Kesler wants out as demanded, he has to be flexible or risk staying with the team.
- Whiskey-Tango

Here is another idea..

GMs should stop giving out NTCs, NMCs, PMSs and the likes to non-franchise players.
It has to be earned, not negotiated.
But then again, GMs should be saved from themselves.
3-4 of those per team should be the limit.

The selection is slim.

Kesler

Spezza

Thronton?

Unsubstantiated Eller/Plekanec talk?
- Whiskey-Tango

That is slim?

Name the last time 3 top centers were all being shopped out of necessity.

Also....

Thornton - Wilson is shopping sort of for a rebuild.
Spezza - requested trade.
Kesler - requested trade and the team needs a rebuild.

Got desperation?

This is a buyer's market for centers, children.

Whats the latest Al ?
- mrpaulish

Nothing more than I Tweeted early afternoon...

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

This was my thought

Ultimately I think ANA sends Kesler to CHI on a lesser return to avoid sending him within division. All things being equal, a better return from ANA is neutralized by seeing Kesler pound your teams shxt in for the next 2 years
- FourFeathers773

Those backdoor deals never happen in the NHL.

I would guess Shaw to start and after maybe TT.

If it isn't a big time center than it will be some vets for the 3rd/4th line unless a big splash for a left wing. Like I wrote awhile ago I don't believe this is a stand pat summer.

Right now, the reported list of suitors is Chicago and Anaheim. That means Benning is dealing with Bob Murray and Stan Bowman.

Do you believe that is leverage?

If some teams on Kesler's list reenter the talks (it is not a race or bidding war) then Benning's leverage increases. Right now, Benning has less leverage than Gillis had with Schneider... and look at what that got you.
- tredbrta

Gillis couldn't trade his lunch let alone NHL players. Don't use that as an example. This is a new regime that has credibility amongst other GMs. Totally different situation.

Kesler is a wanted commodity. It's It's been widely reported that Kane has specifically asked Chi management to pursue Kes. Wouldn't you want your star player to be happy considering he's going to be negotiating a new contract within a year?

Agreed. Vancouver is (frank)ed.

Even with Benning raping the rest of the league in trades it will be at least 3-5 years before you compete for the playoffs.
- tredbrta

You're on fire today.

That is slim?

Name the last time 3 top centers were all being shopped out of necessity.

Also....

Thornton - Wilson is shopping sort of for a rebuild.
Spezza - requested trade.
Kesler - requested trade and the team needs a rebuild.

Got desperation?

This is a buyer's market for centers, children.
- tredbrta

Spezza and Kesler. That all, kids.
Thornton WANTS to stay at SJ.

You are wrong.
Sellers market.

And It's not Luongo like, there is never any good market for goalies, ever.

Hey.. Can I offer you Weiss? Former Captain and leading scorer of the distinguished
Florida Panthers?

Good evening. ...

Good evening. ...
- UnnamedSource

Welcome back . Check you PMs

I have heard specifically Chgo/Pitt....

Anything else would be a guess on my part.
That said I think there will be a some major players from the Eastern Conf. looking to make big trades.

Good evening. ...
- UnnamedSource

Hello, sinner.

I have heard specifically Chgo/Pitt....

Anything else would be a guess on my part.
That said I think there will be a some major players from the Eastern Conf. looking to make big trades.
- Al

I've mainly been seeing Anaheim, Chicago and Pit being mentioned.

not quite accurate...your 2010 centers were: Toews, Sharp, Bolland, Madden and Frazer

Sharp had 66 pts during the season and 22 in the playoffs
- bogiedoc

And in 2013, Handzus was your 2C - and he was quite good after he was acquired.

Everyone keeps saying "no 2C and won 2 Cups" - don't know how many times we have to say "wrong".

I have heard specifically Chgo/Pitt....

Anything else would be a guess on my part.
That said I think there will be a some major players from the Eastern Conf. looking to make big trades.
- Al



I've mainly been seeing Anaheim, Chicago and Pit being mentioned.

Even coaches don't want to go to Pens.
Besides, they don't have any assets left to compete.