Smoke about to turn to fire? Sens/Columbus talking turkey

According to Pierre Lebrun on the Fan 990 and then echoed on the Fan 640, the Sens and the BJs are closing in on a deal. No one seems to know the exact pieces, but Lebrun said it was centered around Pascal Leclaire.

My 2 cents is:

To Ottawa:
Fredrik Modin (LW, 1 more year at 3.2)
Pascal Leclaire (2 more years at 3.8
Kris Russell (1 more year at 750K)

To Columbus:
Antoine Vermette (1 more year at 2.75)
Martin Gerber (UFA)
Christoph Schubert (0.9, 1 more year)

Why Schubert? Because you have to pay a little extra to get teams to take on contracts like Leclaire.

My opinion? Elliot and Leclaire could be the coolest tandem in the league, but I dislike spending that much $$ on a tender who's always injured. The upside is: Elliot will get plenty of playing time. So where would Auld go? Who knows.

Anyway, there's definitely some legs to the Columbus/Ottawa rumours.

Looks like an OK trade to me. I'm not exactly in love with Leclaire, but he definitely is better than Gerber, and if he stays healthy, could be exactly what we had hoped Gerber to be.

We've been close to a deal for about 10 months now.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Dregger just said it was: "A centerman, a goalie and a grinding winger" for a goalie and a D-man from Columbus.

He said it would prevent Elliot from being the starter for the shortterm.

Tyutin and Leclaire for Gerber (or possibly Auld), Vermette and Neil? Hmmm.

Tyutin? No thank you.

I'm really not one to doubt Murray's eye for talent, but this trade has me puzzled.

DashRiprock wrote:Tyutin? No thank you.

Are you kidding? Tyutin's a stud. He's like Zbynek Michalek: incredibly under-valued.

They won't give him up though. They gave up Zherdev to get him.

Also, it's "Dreger." :D

Not that it matters.

dennycrane wrote:I remember a hockey team who had a good young goalie that the team had signed to a great contract. The thought was to acquire a veteran backup, in case the young goalie failed. Inexplicably, management brought in a goalie at close to 4 million per season after that goalie had a career year.

Three years ago, the players were Ray Emery and Martin Gerber, when we should have got Alex Auld.

This year, the players sound like Elliott, Leclaire, and we already have Auld.

I say don't make the same mistake twice. Unless Murray has something else cooking for Leclaire.

when did Gerber have a career year?

I'm hoping that there is a pick added to the mix coming back to Ottawa. Even if its a 2nd rounder in 09.

I hope it isn't Tyutin.

BRING BACK COMMODORE! His contract is pretty reasonable :lol!:

Let's just wait and see what Murray does...

Fact is, I'm been getting quite excited at the prospect of landing Tavares or Hedman, so I don't know if I want our guys to right ship and go on a tear unless it gets us a cup, which won't happen, so I say stay where you are and reap the benefits at the draft

asq2 wrote:

DashRiprock wrote:Tyutin? No thank you.

Are you kidding? Tyutin's a stud. He's like Zbynek Michalek: incredibly under-valued.

They won't give him up though. They gave up Zherdev to get him.

I would love Michalek. In addition to having underrated offensive skill, he's also the league's leading shot blocker with 145 atm.

hemlock wrote:

asq2 wrote:

DashRiprock wrote:Tyutin? No thank you.

Are you kidding? Tyutin's a stud. He's like Zbynek Michalek: incredibly under-valued.

They won't give him up though. They gave up Zherdev to get him.

I would love Michalek. In addition to having underrated offensive skill, he's also the league's leading shot blocker with 145 atm.

Heh, I was trying to give an indication of under-ratedness in regards to Tyutin, but I agree.

Michalek's not moving, though. They need him to cover for Jovo and Morris.

Of course, neither is Tyutin, for that matter.

Unless it was Kuba going the other way.
Kuba, Vermette, Gerber for Leclaire, Tyutin has some relative balance.

According to Dregger, Murray flat out denied the trade, but the wording he used was incredibly cryptic. It didn't really sway me either way, but I think it was worth mentioning

cash wrote:Unless it was Kuba going the other way.
Kuba, Vermette, Gerber for Leclaire, Tyutin has some relative balance.

Not really interested.

I'd rather firsts and prospects.

I want us to get immediately worse, but improve for the future.

cash wrote:According to Dregger, Murray flat out denied the trade, but the wording he used was incredibly cryptic. It didn't really sway me either way, but I think it was worth mentioning

Can you elaborate on this? I'm confused at to what this is pertaining to and the cryptic wording.

I'm not saying I like the trade...I just want to see if we can figure out what it is before it happens
I've agreed with pretty much your every post in the past however long...

hemlock wrote:

cash wrote:According to Dregger, Murray flat out denied the trade, but the wording he used was incredibly cryptic. It didn't really sway me either way, but I think it was worth mentioning

Can you elaborate on this? I'm confused at to what this is pertaining to and the cryptic wording.

Dreger reported the "F,D,G for G,D" trade that is floating around and Murray said something like "that's news to me" but that wasn't exactly what he said. Sorry I can't be more specific...I didn't think to report it at first.
The feeling I got from it was that Murray was just avoiding the question, while still answering it. Sort of like if the trade were to actually happen, he wouldn't necessarily be accused of lying.
Its just as likely that he was telling the truth...just a feeling I fot from it.

cash wrote:I'm not saying I like the trade...I just want to see if we can figure out what it is before it happens
I've agreed with pretty much your every post in the past however long...

Ah.

Well, I'm hoping it's for Russell. He's apparentlybeen playing very well recently, though, so I don't know if Columbus would part with him.

asq2 wrote:

cash wrote:Unless it was Kuba going the other way.
Kuba, Vermette, Gerber for Leclaire, Tyutin has some relative balance.

Not really interested.

I'd rather firsts and prospects.

I want us to get immediately worse, but improve for the future.

Me too. I like Tyutin, but Leclaire with his injury history is such a question mark. I don't think I could take yet another era of Sens's goaltending where we are scared to death of the next injury ala Hasek.

I think they will be a few sellers this year, namely us, NYI, TOR, TB and others depending on the standings come late Feb. I think Murray ought to do what he did last year and strike early. As more teams fill their needs, the less we'll get in return for our assets.

Leaving the big 3 out of it, I'd be really happy if we could move the following players by the deadline for picks/prospects

Kelly: He's not irreplacable

Vermette: I love his game when he's on, but I really think
he could net us something nice.

Neil: Replacable, and should have decent value for a playoff bound team.

Donovan: Valuable experience and usually picks up his game for the playoffs

McAmmond: See Donovan...plus he can PK

Kuba: If we can fetch a prospect and/or a first...start packing guy.

Phillips: He's declining, that is obvious. I would really hate to go down the same path we did with Redden. We have Volchie to mentor the kids on D too. He could garner a very nice return from a playoff bound team, looking for a shutdown guy. I don't see his value going anywhere but down going forward. If we are rebuilding....cut our losses now.

Fisher: That cap hit is just so ugly. Even with his usual production it is hard to justify. His physical game doesn't seem quite the same either, like he's toned it down a notch. Not good. This would go a long way towards healing our salary imbalance.

A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

I'd say you need to add a little more because based on past history of Kuba could get you a pick and a prospect. Heck if SJ was willing to offer Carle and a 1st or Phillie offer Carter and a 1st for Redden I suspect you could get similar.

Vermette could fetch a decent player and pick as well from the right team. I suspect Edmonton maybe interested as they need a player who can win face off's and play the PK. He also adds a scoring touch when on his game and a fresh start is what he may need.

I agree that Gerber and Leclaire may be close to balancing each other out if nothing more than because of the contracts.

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

Somehow, from the opposing viewpoint, I don't think Leclaire for Gerber is fair. I think most BJ fans would say that Leclaire is worth much more than Gerber even considering the injuries.

I would do this trade however, because it involves a way to get rid of Gerber. Otherwise we are waiving him for nothing more than likely.

We are about to get a backup goalie off the books, and we are going to take on another one??? Murray would be an absolute fool to get Leclaire in a trade!! They have Elliott who IS ready and is playing well.

Elliott has won everywhere he has been, it wont be any different in Ottawa. Despite whether you want the team to lose or not, Elliott will be better than a 500 goalie in the NHL as well.

Im all for wheeling and dealing, not for Leclaire, the guy we have now is better, younger, cheaper, and home grown.

hemlock wrote:

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

Somehow, from the opposing viewpoint, I don't think Leclaire for Gerber is fair. I think most BJ fans would say that Leclaire is worth much more than Gerber even considering the injuries.

I would do this trade however, because it involves a way to get rid of Gerber. Otherwise we are waiving him for nothing more than likely.

Fair enough but Leclaire also only had one good season and personally hasn't proven he is a consistent #1. At this stage getting rid of Gerber is not a hard thing to do. Moving him to the minors is the easiest way to go if Elliott is kept up. His salary is more manageable down there and his work ethic could rub off on the other goalies. There is an expensive upside to sending him down.

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

The importance of cap space in the coming years makes me fear this kind of move. Not to mention that Leclaire is like Lehtonen. Brilliant some nights, injured the others.

hemlock wrote:

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

Somehow, from the opposing viewpoint, I don't think Leclaire for Gerber is fair. I think most BJ fans would say that Leclaire is worth much more than Gerber even considering the injuries.

I would do this trade however, because it involves a way to get rid of Gerber. Otherwise we are waiving him for nothing more than likely.

Leclaire is their back-up goalie behind Mason.

Leclaire is injury prone.

Leclaire has only had one good season (so has Gerber).

Leclaire is signed long-term to an expensive contract.

Gerber comes off the books at the end of the season.

The BJs need money for Nash, Voracek, Filatov, Brassard, Mason.

Also, marketing-wise, would you rather have:



or

I want Levlaire no where near the Sens, I would be extremely upset if they brought him here for a 7th rounder. Bringing in Leclaire would just put us back into a 3 goalie system next year, with a big, long exspensive contract that everyone will regret.

LOL at Asq's pictures. Hahhaa.

asq2 wrote:

hemlock wrote:

asq2 wrote:A deal I'd be OK with is:

Vermette, Kuba, Gerber for Russell, Leclaire, first.

Leclaire for Gerber is even, or perhaps even a victory for the BJs. Gerber's worse, but less injury prone and his money comes off the books at season's end.

Kuba is worth the first+

Vermette + the left-over of Kuba's value + the left-over (if any) of Gerber's value is worth Russell.

Somehow, from the opposing viewpoint, I don't think Leclaire for Gerber is fair. I think most BJ fans would say that Leclaire is worth much more than Gerber even considering the injuries.

I would do this trade however, because it involves a way to get rid of Gerber. Otherwise we are waiving him for nothing more than likely.

Leclaire is their back-up goalie behind Mason.

Leclaire is injury prone.

Leclaire has only had one good season (so has Gerber).

Leclaire is signed long-term to an expensive contract.

Gerber comes off the books at the end of the season.

The BJs need money for Nash, Voracek, Filatov, Brassard, Mason.

Also, marketing-wise, would you rather have:



or

The 1970's called. They want their Gerber picture back

Like N4L mentioned, I don't want to carry a long contract like Leclaire's. We are finally going to be free of Gerber soon, lining us up perfectly for an Auld/Elliott tandem next season.

I'd rather use that money in other areas, such as taking a run at J-Bo if he's available.

Yeah, don't know about J-Bo to be honest. If we're gonna start to solidify our D next year, we need to look for contracts with a couple of years minimum left on them - at around 4.5-5 million.

J-Bo will command massive coin - even if no team in the league can sustain his cap hit (except the crappy ones).

504Heater wrote:Yeah, don't know about J-Bo to be honest. If we're gonna start to solidify our D next year, we need to look for contracts with a couple of years minimum left on them - at around 4.5-5 million.

J-Bo will command massive coin - even if no team in the league can sustain his cap hit (except the crappy ones).

And he may not be available. But if we can go with a tandem of Auld and Elliot for under $2 next season, that really helps us in other areas. That reason alone is enough to not want Leclaire.

hemlock wrote:
And he may not be available. But if we can go with a tandem of Auld and Elliot for under $2 next season, that really helps us in other areas. That reason alone is enough to not want Leclaire.

Oh for sure. I want one Diddle awesome D-man. I just have no idea where we're gonna get it from right now.

504Heater wrote:

hemlock wrote:
And he may not be available. But if we can go with a tandem of Auld and Elliot for under $2 next season, that really helps us in other areas. That reason alone is enough to not want Leclaire.

Oh for sure. I want one Diddle awesome D-man. I just have no idea where we're gonna get it from right now.

Well if the only option is paying $7 on the open market, I'll wait until we've developed our own in Karlsson, Wiercioch and possibly Hedman/Cowen