"Nothing but Anchors"
by D'ohboy on Oct 14, 2009 8:07 PM EDT
44 comments
Has McPhee offered a bald Swede to the Leafs so they can finally replace Sundin?
In an interview with ESPN's Pierre Lebrun, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke said that, although he's been working the phones to improve his team, "The ones (GMs) that are calling, it's not a helpful group. . . I haven't got anything but anchors thrown at me." I think that we might be very familiar with one of those anchors. . .
Looking at the Leafs' roster, it's clear that they're more than a little weak at center ice. They could certainly use an experienced center to dish the puck to talented wings like Mikhail Grabovski and, when he returns from his shoulder rehab, Phil Kessel. While he might be persona non grata here in the District, Michael Nylander would instantly become the Leafs' best center (unless you're buying Matt Stajan as a number-one center) and might be the right catalyst to spark the Leafs' struggling offense.
The Lebrun interview alludes to the fact that, after trading their first round draft pick next summer to their division rivals the Bruins to acquire Kessel, the Leafs aren't anxious to tank their season. This, combined with the pressure of the Toronto marketplace, almost guarantees that they're unlikely to stand pat if their slow start continues. Since they are hard against the salary cap as of now, however, some salary would certainly have to come back Washington's way to make any deal work.
Given the situation and Burke's comments, I'd be surprised if McPhee hadn't called Burke to discuss Nylander. I'd be equally surprised if Burke didn't brush him off like some dandruff from his shoulder. Still, it's better than another f****** "Nylander to Russia" rumor that never pans out.
If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's authors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.
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Anchors are one thing, Nyls is another. That’s offering up the Titanic, not just an anchor. Also, I’m pretty sure Grabovski plays C (according to fantasy leagues, the Canadiens, and everything I saw last year) so TOR isn’t quite as thin as you make it sound. They certainly can’t feel good watching themselves line up a lotto pick for a division rival, but I can’t imagine they’ll get so desperate as to trade for Nyls (unless we send them back a first with him, or something like that). And ultimately, Nyls is absolutely not a Brian Burke kind of player; if GMGM even bothered offering Nyls to TOR I’m sure it was just on a hope and a prayer.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you missed the part where I said:
I’d be equally surprised if Burke didn’t brush him off like some dandruff from his shoulder.
I think it was exactly a wing and a prayer, but I hope that he’s at least still trying to move the guy.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 14, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t miss it; I’m mostly in agreement with you. I’m just saying Nyls is beyond anchor status. Maybe he is the guy Burke was referring to but I feel like GMGM asking anyone to take Nyls off our hands is akin to you asking me to give you a free trip to the moon. The only way GMGM moves Nyls, IMO, is if it involves a trans-Atlantic flight. I think Burke was referring to different guys with the anchor comment.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
He could always play in Japan:
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 14, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’d go trans-Atlantic anyway just to make it as close to a full circle as possible.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was thinking the flight would go over the pole, then just twirl around it.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 14, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he does like those tight circles.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t take it anymore. Let’s just start throwing him out there on the 3rd line until he inevitably injures himself. Then we can be extremely careful about rushing him back.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 14, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
McPhee: “So, Nylander for some MLSE pens sound good?”
Burke: “Whoa now buddy, how ’bout I give you the finger.”
McPhee: “Nah. He sucks too. Good luck with your season!”
by Cluster on Oct 14, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
I’m sure McPhee has talked to Burke about Nylander – GMGM and BB are friends. I doubt, however, the conversation went much of anywhere.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 14, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“Did you see the deal I turned down for Dustin Penner… yeah, I’d rather have Penner right now.”
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to stir things up:
Nylander and Varlamov for Toskala and a pick.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 14, 2009 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To be clear, when I say “a pick” I mean some pretty good value coming the Caps’ way. The point is, if you want Toronto to take Nyles, they have to give up some salary cap space. They also need a goaltender right now, and they’re not happy with the one they’ve got. So that’s the obvious cap space to send our way.
Insert whatever good players or high draft picks you want coming back in the Caps’ direction.
Toskala is a UFA in the summer.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 14, 2009 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't they have
“The Monster”
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 14, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That 5 Hole of his is absolutely CAVERNOUS. : ]
"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "
- Odysseus
by war_capitals on Oct 15, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well they don’t have a first for the next two years…
I like where you’re going with this and if TOR had anything I’d want back I could be on board. Varlamov is a lot to give up, and his trade value is probably down a little, but Holtby and Neuvirth take the sting off. It’s essentially one year of Nyls for one year of Toskala. It saves us half a mill and maybe let’s us keep Chris Smith bank some cap space for a deadline deal, plus it clears the headache. Toskala doesn’t have a NMC so maybe we can dish him off with another, less considerable, dowry at the deadline if we need even more space. I honestly don’t see GMGM moving any of our young goalies right now, and I’m not sure how Burke views Varlamov after his recent glove issues (and their acquisition of that other Swede) but it could make sense. I guess the return I’d look for is either Tyler Bozak or Mikhail Stefanovich. Both are Cs with size and could potentially give us that coveted 2C. We won’t get Kadri so don’t even dream on it.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any of their current D worth a Varlamov? (I know, I know, don’t even dream on Schenn)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 14, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Beauchemin
But I don’t see them coughing him up right after signing him.
I was thinking a deal more along the lines of “we’ll take Jeff Finger if you take Nyls.”
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 14, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Beauchemin. I think they could move him for the right piece but I don’t see why we’d need to take a D back. We have Carlson and Alzner on the way and we need to keep a roster spot (and cap space) open for them. Taking Beauchemin or Finger is a long term commitment that we don’t need. Taking a 2C prospect potentially fills a hole, rather than closing a hole that doesn’t need to be closed.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 14, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Beauchemin used to be Cap’s property? I remember him being on my NHL 06 or something.
by hockeyman33 on Oct 15, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah. ANA got him from CBJ (iirc in the Fedorov trade).
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 15, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t even joke thinking about Toskala on this team. I don’t even want him in a bears jersey.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 15, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mmmmmmm
I know it’s only 11am, but I could really use one right about now.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 15, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of each, right?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 15, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Preferably
Two of each. This has been a shitty day and it’s only getting worse…
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 15, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yeah
It’s past noon now, so it’s cool.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 15, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just had one of these with lunch.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 15, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heady.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 15, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anchors aweigh, m’boy, anchors aweigh.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 15, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
a Kaberle for Circles deal almost makes too much sense not to make it. …
I was originally going to say we should flush it out and offer a high (2nd round?) pick as well to give Burke what he wants, which may also have to be offset. Then that lead me to think – then we’ll have 9 d on the roster so we should inlcude one of the younger guys (Schultz, Juice, Erskine, etc) in the deal as well. Unfortunately that leads it to Circles + a pick + a young d for Kaberle + ?. I say we make that ? Orr to compelete the irony of a summer. I’m not sure Burke would part with any other guys instead of Orr and in the end, i would make the deal. Thoughts?
by bigity b on Oct 15, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Orr is totally sculpted out of the Burkian caveman mold, so I don’t see him moving. Plus, while I like and admire what Orr does, I’d have to say “no thanks” to his contract. This is year one of a four year, $1M per deal.
by Cluster on Oct 15, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t fathom why we would want Kaberle at that cap hit this year AND next year, when we have to re sign Backstom and Semin in the off season.
At least with Nylander when his NMC expires we can get rid of him and his cap hit
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Oct 15, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year, on Alan Ryder’s “Player Contribution – Defense” statistic, Tomas was ranked 110 in the league. Milan Jurcina was # 109.
Milan Jurcina’s defensive prowess for triple the cost? No thanks.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 15, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Literally every D that got any sort of regular time in TOR had more PK time than Kaberle.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 15, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now, if Ian White were on the table…
I don’t think White for Varlamov is crazy, though I still wouldn’t do that if I were Toronto. And it doesn’t help the Caps move Nylander.
White and Toskala for Nylander and Varlamov? You get a really, really good young defenseman in White, and you can hide Toskala in Hershey to get rid of that salary. And Toronto gets two players who could be useful to them, including a “goalie of the future” who’s a little ahead of the monster.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 16, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We clearly value White much differently. I would feel robbed if that happened.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 16, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Take a look at Ryder’s stats linked above. Ian White’s offensive player contribution was 26, defensive contribution was 35, for a total of 61 — tied for 30th in the league. His defensive player contribution was tops on Toronto — better than Kaberle, Schenn, or Finger.
To compare, Rob Blake had identical PC numbers, and White’s numbers were significantly better than Bouwmeester’s. The difference is that Ian White is 25, will earn less than $ 1 Million this year, and he’s an RFA at the end of the year.
Yeah, I’d take him over Varlamov right now.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 16, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you do with the Capitals existing defensemen in that scenario? Certainly nine is too many to carry.
by David M. Getz on Oct 16, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, my thinking was independent of that. I do think White could be the 3rd best defenseman on the Caps, but he ain’t the big #1 stopper we’ve been looking for, and he certainly doesn’t help the logjam.
Toskala, White, and one of the young centers listed by F&B above, for Nylander, Varlamov, Jurcina?
Might as well throw in a unicorn and a leprechaun — I think I’m at the point where I’m trying too hard.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 16, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the Caps lost their leprechaun via waiver to Pittsburgh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 16, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we can just send them some of these instead:
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 16, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 8:36 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
