Trades and Potential Trades

That's a good point, Melnyk could bring his cap down to $55M, last place next year.

 

If it’s TB you gotta assume Sergachev is the first piece going back. Plus maybe a Brayden Point or Yanni Gourde and picks.

 

What's the whole point of having a prospect if you're going to end dealing him after he develops into the best at his position.

 

I thought similarly, but I don't see the real benefit to Ottawa. Sure, Ryan's contract is awful, but you only have to put up with it for three more seasons. If you're trading Karlsson, are you in a position where that contract is going to make or break your club during that time? I mean, Ottawa looks a ways off... Moreover, if you're giving Karlsson just to get that deal off the books, that's pretty damn lopsided.

Ottawa is definitely losing trade leverage, as it seems Karlsson is inevitably not going to be a Senator no matter what. But they hold enough chips that they're going to have to get something worthwhile in return.

 

I mean, that's definitely tantalizing value for other teams without compromising Tampa's ability to win now. But they're going to have to get significant money off the books both for now and the future - moving those guys doesn't help them do that to a large enough degree.

Edit: I'm just struggling to see how Tampa comes away from this one without giving up serious talent. They're going to need to both offer value in terms of players/potential, as well as clear cash off their cap for both then and now. If they want Karlsson, it's likely going to require some more serious changes.

 

I think Ottawa needs to shed money more than anything. Theyre in such a bad place financially they might blow the whole thing up. Probably should.
They sort of saved face with their fans by offering Karlsson a contract but the entire league knows Karlsson is gone, to your point on losing leverage.
He’s only $6.5 against the cap for ‘18/19 so TB doesn’t have too much work ahead of them right now, they have something like $3.5 cap space as is. After that they would need EK to take less long term, ala Hedman /Stamkos.

 

Agreed, they would be giving up serious assets. Sergachev, Koekkoek and Foote all have nice value.
Point and Gourde are cheap young Fs, perfect for a team like Ottawa. After that I’d be thinking maybe a guy like Stralman or Coburn?
Who knows man, EK making it known he’ll only sign with TB right now kinda screws everyone else.

Dallas the wildcard it seems.

 

I don't know, man. It looks like they're already screwed. I agree that they should probably commit to a full re-do. As such, I don't think the one contract should be that big a sticking point. Sure, they'd like someone to take it, but... if you're not ready to compete, what're you going to do with that money that will be worth ruining the chance at getting other quality assets in return? It's only three more years. Get everything you can from this trade - milk it for all it's worth - and then live through the contract or deal with it later if necessary. Don't let it keep you from getting the most out of this trade.

Maybe my concept is off, but the way I see it - get talented young, cheap players in return for Karlsson. Buy out the contract if necessary, but given that you're a few years away, I don't see that missing cap space keeping you from signing a key FA, or resigning every player you need to... But by trying to move it now, you reduce what you get back for Karlsson.

I didn't love the idea of Hoffman v Karlsson four times a year, but the latter didn't play for Florida's biggest rival, and a real competitor. If Karlsson goes to Tampa... if there's anything there to heat up, that'll certainly help.

 

What your saying makes the most sense roster wise for Ottawa that’s for sure.
I don’t think it’s the cap space Ottawa cares about but it’s the real money. Ryan’s deal wasn’t front loaded so they’re on the hook for the actual money and Ottawa is in jeopardy of being moved, they’ve been losing money for so long. They’ve been shedding money from the roster for over a year, they’re going to arbitration with 2 of their best existing players in Stone and Ceci and they traded Hoffman already this offseason. That and they’re losing the face of the franchise in Karlsson.
I think they’ve been working on EK deals both with and with out Bobby Ryan attached. Rumored that they had a deal in place with Vegas at the deadline that fell apart at the end.

 

Hoffman vs Karlsson would be awesome for everyone.

 

Ah, that makes sense. I definitely wasn't considering it with that in mind.

I would assume that they're working on deals with or without Ryan, but assuming it's the latter, then the hold up has to be that Tampa isn't willing to give what Ottawa wants, and I'm curious what that would be. Definitely going to be interesting to see what Tampa parts with, if that's where Karlsson goes. Will absolutely define that team for years to come. I want to know what's on the table that's not good enough, right now.

Go West, Karlsson. Vegas sounds great. Matty, you son of a bitch - no scenario that requires more digging into the Hoffman/Karlsson situation is good. At least, not for Florida. I don't want his teammates having to say, after another drag-out game with Tampa, "Hey, so, what's the deal?", and considering whether or not they should really throw down gloves for the guy... Let's just all pretend like it never happened...

 

We’re in the same boat as Atlantic division fans.
I’m already not real happy with Toronto, if TB adds Karlsson we’re in real trouble.

 

Don't forget the canes, best D in the east they're saying.

 

Agreed. I mean, you can watch the Karlsson/Hoffman ordeal from afar, so I totally get the entertainment factor from your end. But I agree with you wholeheartedly - Tavares being here is bad enough, adding Karlsson to TB... Problematic. Go figure, if the two biggest personnel changes of the offseason both end up making the top of the Atlantic that much tougher. This is why I'm so concerned with the Karlsson deal - I really don't want him to end up just a few hours away...

There are other teams, guys. Go to them.

 

Here's another problem the sens face in dealing Karlsson, he won't guarantee any team that he'll sign an extension unless his wife is happy living there after a year.

Aye Yaye I.

 

^^^^that's the punch line to the joke "what do you call a 3 eyed chihuahua?"

 

flyers sitting on $15 mil + in open space. got very quiet after JVR signing.

 

Atlantic teams are not in trouble. This on virtue of being Atlantic Division teams. At least two teams are likely to compete for 31st place, (OTT & MON). There's not much to support any expectation that two will be any more than lottery teams (BUF & DET). That adds up to a pretty weak Strength of Schedule for the other four teams. Boston was in contention for the President's Cup last season and they have a young* well-balanced roster. (*Obviously they've got some very aging vets, but the nucleus is a young team for the most part.) TB & TOR can obviously not afford to overlook them. Speaking of which, TB & TOR are looking improved - assuming EK goes to the Bolts. But the WC has proven that it does not matter where a team is seeded in the playoffs - the key is to get there.

Boston is virtually certain to be a playoff team, and I think they could be dangerous once the real season starts.

I'm not leaving the Panthers out - I think they'll likely make the playoffs. After all, they are in the Atlantic.

 

Agree with all of that Dan, well said.

My thinking is that TB is already the best team right now and adding EK could make them a monster.
They were the better team against the Bruins and were almost impossible to match up against, especially when the Bruins were in OZ opportunities.
Atlantic does seem like the haves/have nots division.

 

Sens can't get full value for Karlsson now, he won't committ to an extension as part of any deal.
Sens are screwed

Insert punchline to chiwawa joke.