233 replies to this topic

[Manzivino]

Can someone explain this in more detail? Do the B's need to move him to LITR every season until the contract expires? Does the actual cash payout limit their available $ to work with?

Yes, he counts against the cap and has to be put on LTIR every season until he retires or the contract is up; they just didn't do it at all this year because they were so far under the cap. It doesn't matter much during the summer because you can go over the cap until the start of the season, but they have to be under the cap including Savard when the season officially starts. In reality it doesn't effect the Bruins much because they can get around it using paper transactions. For example, the Bruins could go over the cap during the offseason by Savard's cap hit of $4.007M (in other words, spend every dollar up to whatever the cap limit would be without Savard's contract), assign Seguin and Caron to start the season in Providence in a paper move to get their contracts off the cap long enough to put Savard on LTIR, then recall the two of them right after.

As to your second point, his contract is likely being paid out by insurance so it's doubtful that it impacts how much actual money the Bruins can spend.

[smastroyin]

Just to be clear, I love Parise and would love him as a Bruin, but signing him does not really follow the B's M.O. Again, if they are assuming Horton never comes back, then maybe they take that shot. But I just have a hard time seeing it. I realize this is a "your" offseason thing but I responding to a couple of people asking about the chances of Parise actually coming here.

Manz if they have to assume that Horton is not coming back, then I just don't see having that much cap space available (looks like about $10 million if they were to LTIR Savvy) while fielding the same lines that led them to scoring almost a goal less per game and that struggled to do anything in the playoffs. Also, without Kelly and keeping Seguin on the wing you are a center short, no? Because Peverley is one of your wings on the top 6 he can't center the 3rd line. Basically I think your plan only works if Horton is healthy.

[TheRealness]

I think Parise fits with the Bruins. You have your top two Centers in Bergeron and Krejci, and have Peverley as a 3rd option, but Kelly would likely not be resigned. Peverley's spot on the top 6 wing is taken by Parise. You can still run out the MBS line, and just put Parise on the Krejci's wing. He helps the PP, plays an exiting style, is marketable, and is the best player on the market. He's going to cost a ton of money though. Money, IMO, that is worth it, but I don't know that the Bruins will pay that though given the depth. I would lov to be surprised though, if only to see MikeFord's head explode.

I could see them going after Doan on a 2-3 year deal, especially if they think Horton is done (I don't). Other options could also be Suter, who I doubt leaves Nashville anyways, Semin, Hejduk, R. Whitney on a one year deal, or just resigning Kelly and hoping to get healthy. Hejduk intrigues me if Horton can come back. He could help on the PP, and round out the 3rd line wing, which is really the only spot they need to fill if Horton is healthy. Huselius could be an option here as well. I like him as an under the radar value guy if he looks like he is going to be healthy.

The first round exit will likely motivate a big(ger) signing. Doan seems like a fit if he'll leave the desert, and given the more flashy names out there, he would seem to come at a much more reasonable price. Plus, he gives them some veteran leadership to satisfy those pining for the good old days of Rechhi. I would love Parise though. Just to watch him every night would be worth it, IMO.

[timlinin8th]

Do the B's need to move him to LITR every season until the contract expires? Does the actual cash payout limit their available $ to work with?

Yes, the Bruins need to move Savard to LTIR every season. It 'sorta' limits them in that they have to account for it at the beginning of the season, that is, they would need to be able to make some paper moves that would put guys at Provi 'to start the season', LTIR Savard, and then call those players up using Savard's LTIR space. They just need to be able to play the shuffle game, so they can't start the season with more guys on the team plus Savard- really only limiting them if they do proceed after a big contract guy that wont fit under that 'paper cap'.

Explained really poorly I'll admit, but hopefully you get the gist of it.

[Manzivino]

Manz if they have to assume that Horton is not coming back, then I just don't see having that much cap space available (looks like about $10 million if they were to LTIR Savvy) while fielding the same lines that led them to scoring almost a goal less per game and that struggled to do anything in the playoffs. Also, without Kelly and keeping Seguin on the wing you are a center short, no? Because Peverley is one of your wings on the top 6 he can't center the 3rd line. Basically I think your plan only works if Horton is healthy.

The formatting messed up on my first post at some point and mashed all of my line combinations together, so it was unclear what my endgame was; I edited that post so hopefully it makes more sense but here it is again:

Lucic-Krejci-X
Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin
Caron-Peverley-Horton
Rookie/Balls-Campbell-Thornton

So I don't have them running out the same lines as the playoffs. I have it at $6.5M in space after the majority of my moves if the cap doesn't go up at all and that gets eaten up when we trade for "top 6 winger X", which upgrades the top line wing spot from Peverley. The Bergeron line will roll again IMO, it was the best even strength line in the league this year. And part of the problem with the offense after Horton went down is that 9 games later they also lost Peverley for 6 weeks.

I don't think they can assume Horton comes back at his previous level; Bergeron took a year+ to return to form and Savard never got there before his career ended. But I think it's safe to think he'll physically play hockey next season, just not that well. And if he doesn't, I have him penciled in on the third line to start the season while reupping Pouliot so if Horton can't come back at all you can still run out Pouliot-Peverley-Caron as a respectable third line. It's a forward corps that is dominant if Horton comes back healthy; it's merely good if he doesn't. Plus, if he can't come back at all that's an extra $4M in LTIR cap space they could use to trade for his replacement.

Edit: Just to confirm that it works out, here's the roster from CapGeek:

FORWARDS
Milan Lucic ($4.083m) / David Krejci ($5.250m) / Top 6 Winger X ($5.500m)
Brad Marchand ($2.500m) / Patrice Bergeron ($5.000m) / Tyler Seguin ($3.550m)
Jordan Caron ($1.100m) / Rich Peverley ($3.250m) / Nathan Horton ($4.000m)
Benoit Pouliot ($1.350m) / Gregory Campbell ($1.500m) / Shawn Thornton ($1.100m)
Rookie 13th Forward ($0.800m) /

DEFENSEMEN
Zdeno Chara ($6.917m) / Johnny Boychuk ($3.367m)
Dennis Seidenberg ($3.250m) / Andrew Ference ($2.250m)
Dougie Hamilton ($1.525m) / Adam McQuaid ($1.567m)
Mike Mottau ($0.900m) /

GOALTENDERS
Anton Khudobin ($0.875m)
Tuukka Rask ($3.000m)

BUYOUTS
Patrick Eaves ($0.258m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $62,891,666; BONUSES: $3,587,500
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $1,408,334

Edited by Manzivino, 26 April 2012 - 09:32 PM.

[cshea]

Some notes from Chiarelli's end of the year press conference...

- Says he's not inclined to move a goalie. TT's numbers not great, but they love the tandem they have.
- Team doesn't need a makeover. He's got work to do on some signings.
- Expects Dougie to compete for a spot in camp (duh).
- Would like to add a forward. I'll have to hear the actual quote on this. Bish phrased it as "bolster the top lines" so that is up for interpretation. I'm not sure of he means a top 6 guy or simply more depth.
- He's also optimistic on the labor front.

Edited by cshea, 27 April 2012 - 11:51 AM.

[Spaulding Smails]

Interesting, I would think if he was talking about getting a top 6 forward that would have to mean Thomas would be moved. He did also say he expects Horton back at 100% as well.

[timlinin8th]

- Says he's not inclined to move a goalie. TT's numbers not great, but they love the tandem they have.

No real surprises on the other stuff, but they're kinda at an impasse on this one, no? In keeping the TT / Rask pairing, are they really going to pay Khudobin nearly a million dollars to play goal in the A? Is this statement a smokescreen? And how do they plan on adding an impact forward while staying under the cap without moving someone?

[Haunted]

Khudobin's contract becomes one-way next season, so the only way to send him to Providence is to pass him through waivers. I'd be every penny I have to my name (that'd be about $.04) that someone would claim him. I think moving on from Thomas should get a lot of thought and exploration, but I'd hate to move him simply to make room for a backup goalie.


All that said, no surprise that Chia announced he's not looking to move a goalie. It certainly isn't in the team's best interest to go publicly announcing something like that.

Edited by Haunted, 27 April 2012 - 01:35 PM.

[timlinin8th]

Khudobin's contract becomes one-way next season, so the only way to send him to Providence is to pass him through waivers.

Even if Khu was on a two-way he would be subject to waivers at this point, but to clarify what I meant, even if he WERE to clear his nearly mil dollars of salary is guaranteed in the A. So do they just waive him and lose him, or try trading him, to hold onto Thomas for one more guaranteed season?

[Eddie Jurak]

Goaltender:

I would roll the dice and deal Tim Thomas. Thomas seems to have taken a step backwards from his great 10-11, and Rask may be the better of the two now. If both return, I could see a goaltending controversy emerging, and I don't see Thomas as a guy who would take it gracefully if Rask beats him out for playing time. Beyond that, Thomas should have some solid trade value, with a 2012-13 AAV of $5 million and a backloaded contract (I think the B's only owe him $3 million becase he made more than $5 million in the early contract years). I think he could fetch some good value in trade, either the help the current team or stock up on picks.

Having said that, I think there is also strong argument for keeping Thomas and Rask. Thomas' performance dipped in 2009-10, only to come back in a big way in 2010-11. And Rask is still unproven as a starter, as Khudobin is unproven as a NHL backup.

Defense:

Not much to do here. Chara, Seidenberg, Boychuk, Ference, McQuaid are all back, and Dougie Hamilton probably needs to play his way out of the #6 job. I think Hamilton is way too advanced to gain anything from another year in juniors, so he pretty much needs to be on the team. At the same time, it's not easy for defensemen to make the jump from juniors to the NHL, so I don't think it's realistic to expect Dougie to do anything more than hold his own as the #6. Anything more than that would be a bonus. I liked Motteau enough in his brief showing that I would offer him a cheap one year deal to be the #7. The Bruins have some other defense prospects (Krug, Bartkowski, Warsofsky, etc.) who might earn some time with the big club this year, but I don't like the idea carrying anyone with some future value around as the #7 guy who basically never plays.
Unless Chiarelli trades Boychuk (which doesn't seem likely given that they just re-signed him) the defense is pretty much set.

Forward:

Bergeron, Krejci, Seguin, Lucic, Peverley, Thornton, Marchand, and Caron are all coming back. Pouliot is an RFA; Paille, Kelly, Campbell, and Rolston are UFAs; Horton is under contract but has had concussion problems (though Chiarelli sounded optimistic about his return next year). In addition, prospects Knight and Spooner will be AHL-eligible if they do not make the team in camp, and there are other AHL guys (Arniel, Cunningham, Sauve, Macdermid, Camper) who may or may not challenge for NHL jobs in camp. I would let Pouliot go - I think he's extremely overrated; his physical tools and his occasional highlight film goals suggest that he could be on the verge of a major breakout, but people have said that about him ever since he was a top five draft pick, and he has failed to live up to that potential. He's decent as a third liner, but absolutely not someone who should ever be in the top 6 - he got plenty of PP and top 6 ice time this year because of injuries and didn't produce much offense in that role. Add in the propensity to take stupid penalties and the fact that the Bruins have better guys available and I don't see any reason to bringing him back. I would try to bring Kelly, Campbell and Paille back. Kelly may be difficult to sign coming off of his career year, but if they can get him on a reasonable contract it should be a priority. Campbell and Paille ahould be easier to re-sign. Brian Rolston showed enough left in the tank that if he could be signed for cheap I could see brining him in as forward #13.

[TheShynessClinic]

Not for nothing, EJ, but Thomas did alright as the backup in 09-10. I don't remember much griping out of him when Tuukka was getting a majority of the starts.

[Eddie Jurak]

Not for nothing, EJ, but Thomas did alright as the backup in 09-10. I don't remember much griping out of him when Tuukka was getting a majority of the starts.

He was injured for much of that year, but you are correct. My preference would be to get some value for him, but there's a good argument to be made for keeping him as well. The only goaltending move that would disappoint me is if they trade Rask.

[TheRealness]

I certainly figure Hamilton is going to be in the mix. Out of the OHL defensemen leading 19 points he has in the playoffs so far, 11 of them have come on the PP. I have to think he can be as good as Corvo, with obvious significant upside.

As far as the other prospects, I have to think Koko stays in Junior, while Spooner likely will end up in Providence. He impressed at the end of the year on a dismal P-Bruins squad with 4 points in 5 games, but I think a full year or two of AHL play could do wonders for him. I think he's going to be a real offensive contributor for the Bruins down the line, as I've always liked his speed and heady play. Jared Knight's point productivity took a hit this year, but he still averaged a PPG, and a goal every other game. His plus minus was also a great +23, and his two-way game will allow him to challenge Caron for his current spot on the Roster. Koko was lighting it up in Windsor before he suffered a freak injury, and I really liked what I saw out of Krug last year. Even though Koko is a year away, if I'm Chiarelli, I see a lot of cost controlled young talent that he could infuse on the bottom 6 lines over the next 2-3 years. Which, IMO, should motivate him to make a legitimately aggressive run at Parise.

I don't expect Parise to happen, but there are a lot of signs that point to it making a ton of sense for the Bruins given their needs.

Interestingly enough, Hamilton and Knight's teams are going to face each other in the OHL finals.

[PedroSpecialK]

In my view, this offseason hinges on two people: Anton Khudobin and Chris Kelly.

Because Khudobin is not exempt from waivers, the Bruins have the option of trading Rask (in my eyes, there is no chance of this) or trading Tim Thomas - which I believe is a near certainty, even ignoring the ridiculous sensationalism of everything he does in the locker room/off the ice. So for me, there are two scenarios - keep Kelly or let him walk. While it seems he wants to stay, I fear a season like 2011-12 is out of his reach on a consistent basis, and the last thing this FO needs to do is pay for past performance. Even so, if they do retain him, I feel it would be on a 3-4 year contract worth ~$3m AAV in order to fit him in the cap picture.

For both of these scenarios - on offense, I see Pouliot re-upping at $1.3m AAV for another year with Paille being gone, as Caron can step in on the PK. I also don't see a scenario in which they let Campbell go - if Kelly stays, Campbell's a better choice as line 4 center than Spooner. If Kelly goes, they'll need a veteran bottom-6 center while one of Seguin/Spooner centers line 3. I see him back at $1.5m for 2-3 years.

I've included Andrew Bodnarchuk as a 7th defenseman 'placeholder' in case they decide to re-sign Mottau or sign a UFA like Steve Staios for the role. IMO Zanon is gone, and Corvo goes without saying.

Scenario 1: re-sign Kelly



Being over the cap isn't really a concern here - on day 1 of the season, Seguin can be demoted to the AHL (along with Bodnarchuk if necessary) to enable the B's to get under the cap, LTIR Savard, and re-call them.

This gives the following lineup:

Lucic - Krejci - Horton
Marchand - Bergeron - Seguin
Pouliot/Spooner - Kelly - Peverley
Caron - Campbell - Thornton
Spooner/Pouliot

Chara - Boychuk
Seidenberg - Hamilton
Ference - McQuaid
Bodnarchuk/Mottau/veteran X

Rask
Khudobin

I've left Thomas on here to illustrate the team's flexibility this coming summer. Even with re-signing Campbell, Kelly, and Pouliot, they have plenty of room to add a forward if Thomas is dealt. With Thomas gone, they have $6,773,083.66 in cap space to go after a player like Parise (unlikely), Doan (I'd love this), or Suter (yes please). I don't see Parise settling for less than $7.5m AAV - and IMO that's too rich for Chiarelli's blood. I view Chara's AAV as the team's ceiling in the UFA market under pretty much any circumstances.

In the case of Suter, they'd be able to have McQuaid as the #7 with Hamilton eased in as the #6. I'd imagine 8 years, $7m AAV would get it done for Suter, and I do that without batting an eye.

Chara - Seidenberg
Suter - Boychuk
Ference - Hamilton
McQuaid

Considering how much this team runs its offense through point shots and puck movement from the blue line (and it appears Claude is here to stay long-term), getting Suter would be simply incredible. Isn't happening, but it would be incredible.

More realistically, I see them dealing Thomas to someone like Tampa or Chicago, with futures or a middle-line forward (Purcell, and yes KPD, perhaps Stalberg) coming back.

Scenario 2: let Kelly walk (aka Seguin to center)



With Kelly gone, I would imagine one of Knight or Spooner sticks through the last round of cuts (they have the exact same contract), for simplicity's sake I'll say it's Knight:

XX - Krejci - Horton
Marchand - Bergeron - Peverley
Lucic - Seguin - Knight/Pouliot
Caron - Campbell - Thornton
Pouliot/Knight


Chara - Boychuk
Seidenberg - Hamilton
Ference - McQuaid
Bodnarchuk/Mottau/veteran X

Rask
Khudobin

Under this scenario, with Thomas dealt and Savard LTIR'd, they'd have $9,049,750.33 in cap space - enough to go for a big signing like Parise or Suter. It's a somewhat unique year with two relatively young perennial all-stars available on the open market - and it would be monumental for the team to sign one of the other.

edit: Another thing to consider is the potential for soft bonuses in the coming CBA, opening up another ~$3m in money to throw around (but risking cap overages as a result).

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 30 April 2012 - 04:27 PM.

[ForceAtHome]

Suter would be a coup for any team, but is there any reason to believe he would even consider Boston? I think he's either ending up in Detroit or staying in Nashville. Until proven otherwise, I'll believe Poile when he says that he's going to keep all three of his cornerstone players. Then, until proven otherwise, I'll believe he's either the replacement or heir apparent to Lidstrom.

The Preds easily have the cap space, and signing Weber and Suter to long term deals would only increase their cap from this year by probably $2-3m. Obviously the real dollars and the long term dollars are the question. Ellis/Josi/Blum/etc seriously subsidize Weber/Suter at the beginning. Of course, you could argue that their presence negates the need for both, too. If I were them, I might try to lock up Suter long term and let someone offer sheet Weber/trade him. Otherwise, I probably keep both and worry about the glut of defense when the time comes. I view defense like pitching -- you can't have too much and someone will always take it off your hands if you need.

Edited by ForceAtHome, 30 April 2012 - 05:05 PM.

[PedroSpecialK]

Fair points all around and I agree Poile would be insane to let him walk unless he values Weber that much more and there is serious offer sheet heat on him there. It isn't very realistic but I can dream.

In the end, given Nashville's cap situation w the impending UFAs, their coming ELC crunch as you mentioned, and Rinne's $7m AAV, I have to believe only two of Weber/Suter/Radulov is going to be a possibility. It's probably the most cap situation to watch right now.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 30 April 2012 - 06:16 PM.

[ForceAtHome]

I'm curious what people here would consider an okay return for Thomas? Would ditching his salary for a 2nd rounder, mid-range prospect, or decent roster player be enough? Or would people only consider dealing him for a 1st (+?), top prospect, or mid-to-high end roster player?

[Blacken]

Thomas only has a year left on his contract and there are enough question marks that I think the best upside is your first case: maybe a second-round pick (plus a third? maybe?) or a decent, 2nd/3rd line player (leaning more towards 3rd than 2nd).

This is Chiarelli, however, who has demonstrated mind-control powers over other GMs. I would not be surprised to get more.

[j44thor]

I don't think there will be much of a market for Thomas. He has one year left on his contract and probably 1-3 years left of any usefulness. That means a team will need to be serious contenders to trade for him. Perhaps SJ would consider him if only to break up the status quo. A Clowe for Thomas trade would make some sense. Other than SJ I am having trouble coming up with a team that makes a lot of sense.

I also imagine the B's would prefer to trade him out of the Eastern conf so they don't have to face him in the playoffs if possible.

It might make sense to take one more shot with Thomas who is playing for his next contract. One who will get plenty of rest this off-season.

[AMcGhie]

The big problem with the Suter/Parise contracts as I see it is that they will wait until they see how much Pittsburgh gives Crosby to try and get leverage. All the big name forwards are going to wait for that to drop.

Same with goalies. Until both guys from the 2011 Cup Finals are permanently situated somewhere, I don't see a lot of clubs signing/trading for goalies unless they go for option 2B and focus elsewhere.

[Eddie Jurak]

on offense, I see Pouliot re-upping at $1.3m AAV for another year with Paille being gone

I would do it the other way around - I'd much rather give the $1.3 milllion to Paille. Pouliot is the better scorer, but for all of the talk about how bad Paille is offensively, I don't think there's a huge gap between them. And Paille is better in everything else. Paille had 9 goals this year to Pouliot's 16, but Paille spent basically the whole year on the 4th line with Campbell and Thornton. Pouliot was mostly on line 3, but had large stretches of time in the top 6 (filling in for Horton, mostly) and logged a fair amount of PP time. Given more time and more offensively minded linemates, Paille probably would have been good for a few more.

[BoSoxFink]

I would do it the other way around - I'd much rather give the $1.3 milllion to Paille. Pouliot is the better scorer, but for all of the talk about how bad Paille is offensively, I don't think there's a huge gap between them. And Paille is better in everything else. Paille had 9 goals this year to Pouliot's 16, but Paille spent basically the whole year on the 4th line with Campbell and Thornton. Pouliot was mostly on line 3, but had large stretches of time in the top 6 (filling in for Horton, mostly) and logged a fair amount of PP time. Given more time and more offensively minded linemates, Paille probably would have been good for a few more.

I suppose this is a rather fair assessment. However, we all know Paille's offensive skill set is really no where close to Pouliots. Pouliot is very talented offensively but just seems to never have put it all together, while Paille seems to be lacking on the talent on that end a little. Paille's biggest asset is his speed, and when he scores it is generally due to him out skating the defense.

[erfus]

I'm curious what people here would consider an okay return for Thomas? Would ditching his salary for a 2nd rounder, mid-range prospect, or decent roster player be enough? Or would people only consider dealing him for a 1st (+?), top prospect, or mid-to-high end roster player?

I don't see Thomas as a salary dump at all. His cap hit is $5m but his actual salary is $3m, so I think that would make him pretty attractive to a lot of mid-market teams looking to solidy their goaltending and save a bit of money while padding their cap. He's old but his recent performance indicates he should be at least 'good' for another season. It's a short-term committment and that could work well for teams that are trying to bring along someone younger. I think if they can't move him for a good haul in return then he goes nowhere.

Columbus (goaltending is a black hole, would need a big name to replace Nash if they deal him) and Chicago (Crawford taking a step back, Emery is not good) came to mind as potential Western conference landing spots but I wouldn't hesitate to trade him in-conference.

[ForceAtHome]

Columbus (goaltending is a black hole, would need a big name to replace Nash if they deal him) and Chicago (Crawford taking a step back, Emery is not good) came to mind as potential Western conference landing spots but I wouldn't hesitate to trade him in-conference.

Chicago would care a lot more about the $5m cap hit than the real dollars. They already have six players with a cap hit over $5m. I don't think he fits their cap situation over there.

Columbus... just doesn't make sense. Why give up anything (let alone of significant value as you seem to want) for a guy who might help you to 11th? Nash or no Nash, Columbus isn't going to revitalize their image around Tim Thomas. It's going to be Jack Johnson. Ryan Johansen, and the 2012 #2. Besides, picking up a guy like Vokoun for just cash, taking a shot on a less heralded UFA like Harding, or trading for someone more long term (Bernier or Luongo depending on how much you want to shell out) makes way more sense for that franchise.

[TheRealness]

Chicago would care a lot more about the $5m cap hit than the real dollars. They already have six players with a cap hit over $5m. I don't think he fits their cap situation over there.

Columbus... just doesn't make sense. Why give up anything (let alone of significant value as you seem to want) for a guy who might help you to 11th? Nash or no Nash, Columbus isn't going to revitalize their image around Tim Thomas. It's going to be Jack Johnson. Ryan Johansen, and the 2012 #2. Besides, picking up a guy like Vokoun for just cash, taking a shot on a less heralded UFA like Harding, or trading for someone more long term (Bernier or Luongo depending on how much you want to shell out) makes way more sense for that franchise.

I agree on Columbus, but not on Chicago. They could deal Bolland ($3.3m hit) for Thomas and only absorb 1.7m. Bolland replaces Kelly, and we all go on our merry ways.

San Jose is also a possibility. Their window seems much smaller, so they could be more motivated. Clowe would be applicable under a similar analysis as Chicago.

[PedroSpecialK]

For Chicago to be a fit, Frolik (2 years left, $2.33m AAV) might have to be coming the other way, unless they're content with having both he and Olesz in Rockford. Saad is certainly making that squad, IMO their lineup shakes out like this:

Stalberg - Toews - Hossa
Shaw - Kane - Sharp
Saad - Bolland - Kruger
Hayes - Bickell - Carcillo

Keith - Seabrook
Hjalmarsson - Montador
Leddy - Olsen

Crawford
Emery

This totals ~$55.1m, so they'd have more than enough space for Thomas, their extras, and perhaps even an FA signing on the back end to shore up their #5-7 defensemen. Really, they could keep Frolik and deal Stalberg and still be comfortable w/r/t the cap.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 01 May 2012 - 02:05 PM.

[Blacken]

Is Thomas worth a Stalberg to them, though? I tend to think not.

[PedroSpecialK]

With Saad, McNeill, and Morin coming up, I can certainly see them deeming a guy like Stalberg expendable - especially after his god-awful performance against Phoenix.

edit: Really can't believe I'm beating the drum of a made-up KPD "rumor", but this offseason (as opposed to this past trade deadline) it makes sense.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 01 May 2012 - 02:12 PM.

[Blacken]

I agree that Stalberg is expendable, I'm just not sure Thomas worth that to them. Crawford isn't that bad.

[Eddie Jurak]

I suppose this is a rather fair assessment. However, we all know Paille's offensive skill set is really no where close to Pouliots. Pouliot is very talented offensively but just seems to never have put it all together, while Paille seems to be lacking on the talent on that end a little. Paille's biggest asset is his speed, and when he scores it is generally due to him out skating the defense.

Pouliot's offensive skill set, though, is only an advantage to the extent that he converts it into production. And at Pouliot's career levels of production, I'd estimate that his edge is worth about 4 goals a year (after accounting for playing time, PP time, quality of linemeates, etc.). And you are taking quite a downgrade on every other phase of the game for 4 goals. Granted, they will be goals that look damned good in the highlight films, but still only 4 goals.

[Eddie Jurak]

I don't see Thomas as a salary dump at all. His cap hit is $5m but his actual salary is $3m, so I think that would make him pretty attractive to a lot of mid-market teams looking to solidy their goaltending and save a bit of money while padding their cap. He's old but his recent performance indicates he should be at least 'good' for another season.

Agreed. Any team that doesn't spend all the way to the cap would be absolutely thrilled to rent Tim Thomas for a year (or part of a year until they can shovel him off to a contender for a playoff run). He should fetch a decent return.

[erfus]

Chicago would care a lot more about the $5m cap hit than the real dollars. They already have six players with a cap hit over $5m. I don't think he fits their cap situation over there.

Columbus... just doesn't make sense. Why give up anything (let alone of significant value as you seem to want) for a guy who might help you to 11th? Nash or no Nash, Columbus isn't going to revitalize their image around Tim Thomas. It's going to be Jack Johnson. Ryan Johansen, and the 2012 #2. Besides, picking up a guy like Vokoun for just cash, taking a shot on a less heralded UFA like Harding, or trading for someone more long term (Bernier or Luongo depending on how much you want to shell out) makes way more sense for that franchise.

Did Scott Howson get fired yet? I didn't think he did. If not, his butt's on the line. He's not going to go for Vokoun or Harding and keep his job. Vokoun is quite possibly over the hill and couldn't make it through the season healthy. Harding's been a tease his entire career. I see him as a better option for Chicago, who could roll the dice on him and a comeback from Crawford. Maybe CLB can pry Bernier from LA, that would definitely make more sense, but I don't see that as being easy to do. Anyone who deals for Luongo is clinically insane IMO. There are so few teams that really do try and burn it to the ground and start from square 1. I don't see Columbus doing that and they're already being essentially forced into dealing their franchise player.

[erfus]

For Chicago to be a fit, Frolik (2 years left, $2.33m AAV) might have to be coming the other way, unless they're content with having both he and Olesz in Rockford.

Chicago has been pretty creative in ditching their salary cap problems. Cristobal Huet comes to mind. I don't think their cap situation is all that dire with that in mind. There are also teams that would probably take Frolik at that short-term contract to get to the cap floor (I'm glancing in the general direction of the Islanders).

[PedroSpecialK]

Did Scott Howson get fired yet? I didn't think he did. If not, his butt's on the line. He's not going to go for Vokoun or Harding and keep his job. Vokoun is quite possibly over the hill and couldn't make it through the season healthy. Harding's been a tease his entire career. I see him as a better option for Chicago, who could roll the dice on him and a comeback from Crawford. Maybe CLB can pry Bernier from LA, that would definitely make more sense, but I don't see that as being easy to do. Anyone who deals for Luongo is clinically insane IMO. There are so few teams that really do try and burn it to the ground and start from square 1. I don't see Columbus doing that and they're already being essentially forced into dealing their franchise player.

If I'm a CBJ fan, it's really troubling that Howson still has a job. Their franchise's fate essentially lies in the GM's ability to maximize Nash's return, get the maximum possible value out of the #2 pick (be it Grigorenko [wrong choice IMO] or trading down), and solve the goaltending situation of the 30th place team in the NHL. That they're sticking with a guy who, after last season, may feel under the gun to make the playoffs is mystifying.

Chicago has been pretty creative in ditching their salary cap problems. Cristobal Huet comes to mind. I don't think their cap situation is all that dire with that in mind. There are also teams that would probably take Frolik at that short-term contract to get to the cap floor (I'm glancing in the general direction of the Islanders).

Indeed, my conclusion is that Thomas is in no way prohibitive for them. Unfortunately for the Hawks they have enough bad salaries (but, fortunately for them, none of them are Gomez/Komisarek-bad) to move and make room for a true #1 goalie like Thomas.

[Dummy Hoy]

What does it cost to get Parise? Back the truck up (injury history and all) + trade Thomas + fill in the blanks with kids = contend for Cups over the next 3-6 years.

[cshea]

Just to add some fuel to the goaltending fire, csnne.com is reporting that the Bruins have some interest in Finnish goalie Petri Vehanen. He's a 34-year old that has spent the past 3 years in the KHL, and he's currently Finland's goalie at the World's. Vehanen had a .916 SAV in 42 games in the K this year.

It seems like the csnne info is coming from a Finnish website, so take it with a grain of salt.

http://www.csnne.com...736&feedID=3944

[PedroSpecialK]

[teddykgb]

Jesus, that save is pretty much the reason why youtube was invented.

[ForceAtHome]

Eh, that's a nice highlight reel save, but doesn't really show much in the way of ability to consistently stop the puck. That save is entirely on Malkin and you can tell by his reaction that he knows it. When you lead the NHL in scoring and have this much net to shoot at... the goalie is just lucky when it doesn't go in.

[PedroSpecialK]

Yeah pretty much. He did shut Russia out in the game 1-0, though.

[Blacken]

Just to add some fuel to the goaltending fire, csnne.com is reporting that the Bruins have some interest in Finnish goalie Petri Vehanen.

"Why" comes to mind, unless they're looking to let Khudobin go.

[Eddie Jurak]

"Why" comes to mind, unless they're looking to let Khudobin go.

training camp competition?

[Pxer]

I have a sinking feeling Pouliot is going to be the surprise massive overpay of the offseason. I want him back, but if he's significantly more expensive than Paille, I hope he's gone.

[Blacken]

I doubt it. He's an RFA, not a UFA, and if he wants a boatload of money it's pretty easy to say "nuh-uh."

And if he is? Well, Chiarelli's had pretty good success with those "overpays"--Andrew Ference comes to mind.

Edited by Blacken, 20 May 2012 - 05:46 PM.

[PedroSpecialK]

Tim Thomas was OK.

[TheShynessClinic]

What are Pouliots politics?

[Pxer]

I'm with you. I hope we all overreact and celebrate when Pouliot does break out.

As for a general game plan this offseason, I am firmly in the trade Thomas camp (the return isn't that important) provided we can sign one of the primo UFAs. We're in such good shape, I hope there's a payoff besides being able to lock up the impending RFAs in the coming years.

[cshea]

I haven't seen anything official, so take this FWIW, but there are some rumblings (mainly from the Swedish media) that the Bruins signed 23-year old Swedish goalie Niklas Svedberg. 2.47 GAA, .914 SAV in the SEL this past year. It sounds like he also led his team to a championship.

Kirk fired off a few tweets about the kid, and apparently he is "insane."

[kenneycb]

Insane as in talented or insane as in he's a goalie so he has something wrong with him?