I think the value is fine but I think if you look at both teams current situations it doesn’t make a lot sense for either team. Florida’s not making the playoffs this year neither is Carolina without a serious tear after the all star break(I’d put the odds under 5%). So why even bother lottery protecting the picks it’s like trading a pick that will definitely become a 2020 pick(which is why they couldn’t be since that pick would already belong to Carolina). I might would even debate that you got the seller/buyer flipped. But I don’t think the value is entirely too far off.
- Wolfpack5

I mean, technically the Panthers are 6 points back of Carolina with 2 games in hand so they’re not exactly miles apart. They’re also a fair bit behind the other playoff teams but Halak is floundering for Boston, Rask is out with a concussion, many are predicting the Islanders falling from grace (but really, they could also go after Ferland and/or Hamilton), Columbus could turn into sellers at any time, and Montreal has already said they’re not in the rental market this year. Any team trading for Ferland understands that he’s a pure rental unless you’re willing to pony up, I think Florida could pony up for him and obviously many see Dougie as a cornerstone. They’re both young players so acquiring them isn’t shortsighted in the least.

Should be a hell of a stretch run, looking forward to it

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

People from the Pens forum know that I’m a big fan of Brassard and a late pick for Spezza (50% retained). I think Brassard auditioning as 2C is a good fit for the stars as they’re such a good defensive team but need some more depth scoring. I think they need to also bring in a winger for Brass or maybe Valeri finds his game with Brass but it’s pretty clear he needs a fresh start and can maybe get back to his 50-55 point pace.

In Spezza the Penguins get a former premier playmaker who can still dish the puck. He’s not the best in his own zone but he’s great on faceoffs, would be a huge improvement to our 2nd PP unit. I think a line of maybe Pearson-Spezza-Kessel could be a solid offensive 3rd line for the Pens and Spezza also provides short-term offensive Insurance should Sid or Geno miss a game or two somewhere

Most people against the trade thought 1) Spezza has completely lost his stride, which I feel is far from true 2) others said this would be Dallas selling which I don’t get at all. Spezza is currently a third line winger for them and isn’t exactly tearing it up.

It’s a low risk move for both teams which allows them to use their other assets to improve elsewhere if they so choose

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

I think the Oilers should look to bring back Maroon to join McDavid and Chiasson on the top line. Maybe a 4th and a 5th. Maybe they dump off Rattie in the deal to free up cap space. Maybe STL eats some salary, IDK

I also think Panik is a fit and could play on the 2nd line with MoJo (next trade) and Puljujarvi: I would offer up Ryan Spooner and a 1st for Richard Panik. AZ likely can’t keep up their pace with all of these injuries, they upgrade picks for taking back salary and honestly they could use another player with all of these injuries. Again, maybe some salary needs to be retained

I think Marcus Johansson (50% retained) is another player that could use a fresh start and could be revived while playing with some talented players. I think sending over Manning and a 2nd maybe gets it done (the Devils would then unload Greene for futures)

Canes fans seem to disagree with me, but I would try and do some sort of swap with McElhinney and Talbot. Maybe the Oilers sweeten the pot a bit. I think if the Canes wanted to keep Mc they would’ve extended him by now. I think this gives them (and their goalie coach) time to work with a goalie who performed at a higher level in the past, has shown glimpses this season, HAS to play better in front of a better D unit, and would likely sign for a lot less than big name goalies hitting the market such as Varly, Bob, or even Howard

I also think that all of these players could be retained by the oilers and are cheap enough that they could likely all be re-signed, especially after getting Benning, Spooner, and Rattie off the roster. Rieder can be shipped off somewhere as well for cap relief.

For those wondering, the lines could look like this:
Maroon-McD-Chiasson
MoJo-Drais-Puljujarvi
Panik-RNH-Khaira
Lucic-Brodziak-Kassian

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

In addition to my Spezza trade, I think I go after Nyquist if I’m Pittsburgh. I think Malkin needs a spark and I think Nyquist provides that. I’m not sure what gets this done, maybe Oleksiak, ZAR, and a 2nd?
Simon-Sid-Guentzel
Nyquist-Malkin-Hornqvist
Pearson-Spezza-Kessel
Rust-Sheahan-Wilson

Oleksiak is just a spot filler through the rebuild. Jensen and Kronwall can be dealt for some sort of return. I think Howard to Boston (with Halak injured) makes some sense

If you guys want Klefbom it's going to cost you Debrincat. We aren't trading our best D man on a great contract for anything less so I don't see a fit here.

Also the only way Saad is coming to the Oilers is if Lucic goes the other way. We don't need another bad contract like that.

Horribly thought out trade by the OP

If you guys want Klefbom it's going to cost you Debrincat. We aren't trading our best D man on a great contract for anything less so I don't see a fit here.

Also the only way Saad is coming to the Oilers is if Lucic goes the other way. We don't need another bad contract like that.

Horribly thought out trade by the OP
- gretzky

sure a 25-26 year old Saad with two years remaining for a 30 year old bum with 4 years left at 6 mil per cap hit....what a deal


oh yeah stanbow gonna send his young future 35- 40 goal per season, pt a game for klefboom...

If you guys want Klefbom it's going to cost you Debrincat. We aren't trading our best D man on a great contract for anything less so I don't see a fit here.

Also the only way Saad is coming to the Oilers is if Lucic goes the other way. We don't need another bad contract like that.

Horribly thought out trade by the OP
- gretzky

Saad as bad a contract as Lucic?

Great one!

Meanwhile in summer 2019:

Brandon Saad, Slater Koekkoek and Ian Mitchell to Winnipeg Jets for Jacob Trouba and Adam Lowry

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

Can't for the life of me figure out why the nonsense of BS trade rumours/proposals generates more traffic then a good well thought out and written blog like you provide? In the past there was more interest on this site at the TDL than there was when the Hawks won the cup? It's truly bizarre!

Can't for the life of me figure out why the nonsense of BS trade rumours/proposals generates more traffic then a good well thought out and written blog like you provide? In the past there was more interest on this site at the TDL than there was when the Hawks won the cup? It's truly bizarre!
- paulr

I don’t think it’s complicated if you think about it. When there’s less sports on (the all star break and no football until Sunday) there’s more free time to fill up. Seems natural that there’s additional time for reading/research

Meanwhile in summer 2019:

Brandon Saad, Slater Koekkoek and Ian Mitchell to Winnipeg Jets for Jacob Trouba and Adam Lowry
- MjulQvist

I just don’t see it happening. Myers is clearly the odd man out on that right side. Winnipeg is likely going to finally pony up for Trouba - likely in the $7MM range, maybe more. I could see Lowry possibly being available but that really depends on what Laine’s next deal looks like. I don’t think anyone expected him to cool off like he has. I think Winnipeg is really hard to predict but I think it’s mkre likely they move on from Little/Lowry than Trouba.

If they did move on from Trouba, they would absolutely look to replace him with a young cost-controlled defender to replace him on the right side and again, this probably only happens if they can sign Myers (definitely for less than $5.5MM which he’s going to try to find 1) more responsibility and 2) a bit more money as a free agent) and if Trouba asks for more than he did before

I just don’t see it happening. Myers is clearly the odd man out on that right side. Winnipeg is likely going to finally pony up for Trouba - likely in the $7MM range, maybe more. I could see Lowry possibly being available but that really depends on what Laine’s next deal looks like. I don’t think anyone expected him to cool off like he has. I think Winnipeg is really hard to predict but I think it’s mkre likely they move on from Little/Lowry than Trouba.

If they did move on from Trouba, they would absolutely look to replace him with a young cost-controlled defender to replace him on the right side and again, this probably only happens if they can sign Myers (definitely for less than $5.5MM which he’s going to try to find 1) more responsibility and 2) a bit more money as a free agent) and if Trouba asks for more than he did before
- WSCTeton17

If Winnipeg does find themselves in cap troubles, they could Steve Mason Dmitry Kulikov if it came down to it. Montreal has already said they’re willing to eat cap space to take on assets again like last season. They could easily find a home for Perreault as well if they needed to.

The only way I see Trouba gone is if he asks for more than 8 or if someone blows them out of the water with an offer which includes a younger, cost controlled defender coming back

I don’t think it’s complicated if you think about it. When there’s less sports on (the all star break and no football until Sunday) there’s more free time to fill up. Seems natural that there’s additional time for reading/research
- WSCTeton17

Not referring to today. When the Hawks were in their cup runs there was very little talk regarding how the team was doing or had done. All you need is a blogger to make up some fictional trade rumours and the server blows up with everyone responding to the BS. If you prefer to talk nonsensical BS than reality then I guess the adage "whatever floats your boat" applies to you. I still don't understand why anyone would be interested?

Did you just quote yourself? So if Trouba doesn't work Bowman should be still seeking d help or least I wuold. I'd put Saad, Mitchell/Beaudin/Gustafsson/Forsling as baits to get someone who could jump in right away. I know top 4 d's are hard to get but boy do we need a one. Boqvist, Mitchell or Jokiharju doesn't fill the gap next season.

Dude did you read the blog title?
It's Fun with Trade Proposals!
It's just to have fun discussing trades. Not that anything like those proposals would happen but who the Hell knows. Not reading the blog or title is lazy on your part.
- BGKarras

Exactly! Especially coming out on All-Star game weekend, whose purpose is fun only and has nothing to do with presenting a real skilled hockey game for the fans to watch.

Can't for the life of me figure out why the nonsense of BS trade rumours/proposals generates more traffic then a good well thought out and written blog like you provide? In the past there was more interest on this site at the TDL than there was when the Hawks won the cup? It's truly bizarre!
- paulr

I think playing armchair GM is a guilty pleasure for most.

Also, I think a main reason is that these last few years have been... not so good for the Hawks and this year in particular is the first in many where the Hawks should be true sellers.

However, for the record, I prefer writing more thoughtful and analytical articles.

I think playing armchair GM is a guilty pleasure for most.

Also, I think a main reason is that these last few years have been... not so good for the Hawks and this year in particular is the first in many where the Hawks should be true sellers.

However, for the record, I prefer writing more thoughtful and analytical articles.
- Justin Lowe

I know what you bring and it's a refreshing and preferable change.

I get discussing the direction the team should go, ie: sell off and rebuild vs trying to retool and try to contend quickly. But the mind numbing proposals of trading Player A for Player B when posters try to oversell and underbuy almost ever deal becomes silly.

Justin, sorry to hear about your sump pump problems. Maybe bury the discharge hose?

Would love to get your feedback on the lil ole USHL, the league getting more players drafted than the QMJHL and WHL on an annual basis now. As a Canadian you understand the beauty, importance and down right fantastic play at the jr level I would love to get your feedback on the USHL Fargo @ Muskegon game tonight as well as your thoughts on Hawk property Hakkarainen. ............

Muskegon is loaded. Hak skates with 2 Cossacks. Projected top 15 pick this yr Yegor Afanasyev and 02 waterbug Guschin. But they just added a Brandon Gallagher type in Max Ellis for the stretch run and have been pairing Hak and him some shifts.

Fun team Muskegon. Top scoring team in the league, 2nd in GA, 2nd best goalie and will play the body, knock people down and fight. Jagger Joshua is their Tom Wilson. 20 pts in 30 games and 100 PIM..... Fargo are the defending champs.

Free on Hockey TV, puck drop at 6:15. https://www.hockeytv.com/#/my_hockeytv/my_feed

Also the Chicago Steel have traded for Hawk draft pick Josiah Slavin who wore a C with his old club, Lincoln. 10 bucks to see him and the Steel at Fox Valley. Steel in 2nd place playing .643 hockey behind Muskegon.
- Mr Ricochet

Discharge hose is underground. I'm still trying to dig it up.

I'll be honest I'm not the best to ask about the USHL. I'm good to talk about it on a surface level not top in depth.

Hakkarainen intrigues me but I want to see more of a sample size.

I saw Josiah Slavin was traded. That pick is looking good at the moment. His now-former coach spoke really highly of him and his trajectory over the last year or so. That's good to hear!

People from the Pens forum know that I’m a big fan of Brassard and a late pick for Spezza (50% retained). I think Brassard auditioning as 2C is a good fit for the stars as they’re such a good defensive team but need some more depth scoring. I think they need to also bring in a winger for Brass or maybe Valeri finds his game with Brass but it’s pretty clear he needs a fresh start and can maybe get back to his 50-55 point pace.

In Spezza the Penguins get a former premier playmaker who can still dish the puck. He’s not the best in his own zone but he’s great on faceoffs, would be a huge improvement to our 2nd PP unit. I think a line of maybe Pearson-Spezza-Kessel could be a solid offensive 3rd line for the Pens and Spezza also provides short-term offensive Insurance should Sid or Geno miss a game or two somewhere

Most people against the trade thought 1) Spezza has completely lost his stride, which I feel is far from true 2) others said this would be Dallas selling which I don’t get at all. Spezza is currently a third line winger for them and isn’t exactly tearing it up.

It’s a low risk move for both teams which allows them to use their other assets to improve elsewhere if they so choose
- WSCTeton17

The Pens getting Spezza is a great move IMO.

I like that a lot.

Meanwhile in summer 2019:

Brandon Saad, Slater Koekkoek and Ian Mitchell to Winnipeg Jets for Jacob Trouba and Adam Lowry
- MjulQvist

Very interesting. I do love Mitchell, but Trouba is a bonafide horse. You know you're getting a top pairing guy.

Lowry would be a great addition as a supporting centre.

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

I know what you bring and it's a refreshing and preferable change.

I get discussing the direction the team should go, ie: sell off and rebuild vs trying to retool and try to contend quickly. But the mind numbing proposals of trading Player A for Player B when posters try to oversell and underbuy almost ever deal becomes silly.
- paulr

Agreed... the evaluation on a fans players is almost always biased. Actually that was one of the reason for this blog to be honest.

Elbows said, "Hawks lose every trade except maybe one"... and he may be right.

As you know by reading my stuff, I like to try to manage expectations and while I do think the Hawks are going to sell off some players... a guy like Artem Anisimov might only get you a mid-round pick and a "meh" player but it clears up that cap space and if Stan uses it correctly, that's a good trade in the long run.

To Chicago: 2019 3rd (Vegas)

To Vegas: 2019 4th (Boston) + 2020 5th (Chicago)

#blockbuster #plantheparade #doitstan

Good to see these proposals sparked some emotion. Nice to see fans from other teams stop in as well.

Toss out more proposals if you aren't digging the ones I put forward. And remember... we're just having fun out here.
- Justin Lowe

I would like to see the Hawks go the route of taking on bad expiring contracts, draft picks and a grade A pipeline prospect, i don't want the Hawks to go for anyone who is older than 27, 28 years old on a fat or about to receive a fat contract since we are 2 to 4 years away. We are 4 top 4 dmen away from competing for the SC.