Gonchar to Ottawa

rooneypoo wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:I'm not so sure we need Kuba. I think the need we have is for a Sutton type of player which is why I would think they should try to move Kuba to obtain that kind of player.

If you can move Kuba to add a player like Savard, and then replace Kuba with a Sutton-esque guy for about $1 mil less, then sure, do it. I just don't see BOS biting on Kuba, when everything suggests that BOS would not want much in terms of cap dollars coming back.

Savard is a big piece and won't come for cheap. Kuba is what he is -- decent, serviceable, but older and with an upside of about 35 points or so. He fills a common need, but that's it. BOS will not trade Savard for that, as other teams (including TOR) could and would offer more than that.

If OTT is serious about getting Savard, I think it would be more like Foligno+. Say, Foligno + one of our D prospects, or Foligno + our 1st next year + a lesser prospect. Something like that.

Given OTT's and BOS's cap situation and needs, I'm not sure I see a deal that works for both sides here. We don't have the room to take on $4 mil more in salary, especially once the dust settles with our RFAs, and BOS isn't about to give away the centrepiece of their offensive attack for just decent parts.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:I'm not so sure we need Kuba. I think the need we have is for a Sutton type of player which is why I would think they should try to move Kuba to obtain that kind of player.

If you can move Kuba to add a player like Savard, and then replace Kuba with a Sutton-esque guy for about $1 mil less, then sure, do it. I just don't see BOS biting on Kuba, when everything suggests that BOS would not want much in terms of cap dollars coming back.

Savard is a big piece and won't come for cheap. Kuba is what he is -- decent, serviceable, but older and with an upside of about 35 points or so. He fills a common need, but that's it. BOS will not trade Savard for that, as other teams (including TOR) could and would offer more than that.

If OTT is serious about getting Savard, I think it would be more like Foligno+. Say, Foligno + one of our D prospects, or Foligno + our 1st next year + a lesser prospect. Something like that.

Given OTT's and BOS's cap situation and needs, I'm not sure I see a deal that works for both sides here. We don't have the room to take on $4 mil more in salary, especially once the dust settles with our RFAs, and BOS isn't about to give away the centrepiece of their offensive attack for just decent parts.

I didn't mean to give the impression I was advocating for the Boston proposal mentioned. All I was trying to say was we need a Sutton type D man more than we need Kuba right now.

SpezDispenser wrote:Get Willie Mitchell on a 1 year, 2 million dollar contract (ha ha) and if he's healthy, you've signed two of the most effective D-men this off-season in Mitchell and the Gonch.

That said, I'm pretty sure Mitchell's noodle is messed up from taking too many knocks to the head.

rooneypoo wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:Get Willie Mitchell on a 1 year, 2 million dollar contract (ha ha) and if he's healthy, you've signed two of the most effective D-men this off-season in Mitchell and the Gonch.

That said, I'm pretty sure Mitchell's noodle is messed up from taking too many knocks to the head.

I'd take a chance on Mitchell. That would make moving Kuba a possibility.

Still, if you're BOS or any other team, you're thinking the same -- and that's why you'd sign Mitchell or Sutton for less money than Kuba makes, and not lose any assets in the process.

I still think Kuba is more valuable to us than people are suggesting here. He may well thrive in the #3/4 role, which fits him better. He was always miscast when he was depended on as a quasi #1.

I would not be disappointed at all if we keep him.

Michallica wrote:he's a lefty too, so it could work, but I doubt someone like him agrees to only a one year deal. I wouldn't be opposed to that though if we can get rid of Kuba for someone worthwhile.

rooneypoo wrote:
I would not be disappointed at all if we keep him.

SpezDispenser wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:
I would not be disappointed at all if we keep him.

Me neither. The question right now is: are we tough enough on the backend? Even with Cowen coming in soon and maybe Gryba as well, they lack the knowledge of the pro game and might struggle to maintain positioning while trying to be physical.

Weird scenario IMO. Last year we were tough as nails, this year, with the loss of A-Train and Sutton, we're not so much.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
You don't need to be too tough if you can move the puck out of your zone as soon as it enters right?

SpezDispenser wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
You don't need to be too tough if you can move the puck out of your zone as soon as it enters right?

Yes and no though. There would inevitably be calls for a 'crease-clearer' by December. Carkner can do it, but he won't play that much.

rooneypoo wrote:
Well, we still have Phillips. There will be a shortage of crease-clearing when it comes to that middle pair, tho -- Kuba and Karlsson.

rooneypoo wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
You don't need to be too tough if you can move the puck out of your zone as soon as it enters right?

Yes and no though. There would inevitably be calls for a 'crease-clearer' by December. Carkner can do it, but he won't play that much.

Well, we still have Phillips. There will be a shortage of crease-clearing when it comes to that middle pair, tho -- Kuba and Karlsson.

Flo The Action wrote:i agree that i'd be relieved a bit if we got another D-man like sutton in the line-up with NHL experience. but only on a 1 year deal. ease in one of our young d-man durring the year and maybe trade Kuba at the dealine?