Ducks Gameday—Trade Deadline Sellers? Part 1
by Earl Sleek on Jan 27, 2009 7:39 AM PST
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PrintAnaheim Ducks (23-21-5, t-6th in west) at Phoenix Coyotes (24-19-5, 5th in west)
For your Coyotes angle, Five For Howling.
When it comes to gameday headings like the one directly above, I always oversimplify conference rankings. I willfully ignore divisions and games-in-hand and simply just show a team's points-rank in the conference, and most of the time, it doesn't really matter. However, for the Ducks and this stretch run, t-6th in west definitely overstates Anaheim's current position. Because of a road-heavy schedule and fewer games remaining, the Ducks are now fairly significant underdogs to make the postseason. Look at these odds, which ignore the west's top four seeds:
Edmonton – 68%
Phoenix – 60%
Vancouver – 52%
Minnesota – 45%
Columbus – 42%
Colorado – 36%
Dallas – 35%
Anaheim – 35%
Los Angeles – 13%
All these percentages are courtesy of Playoffstatus.com (H/T to Matt from BoA for the link), which I assume plays out the remaining schedule using previous-performance-based percentages hundreds of times. While certainly nothing is assured about the outcomes, it does say that if the Ducks play the way they have (along with 29 other teams), the likelihood of a postseason is not good -- and even if the Ducks do make it, it's likely to be a series that starts in San Jose or Detroit.
Now I'm not a guy who typically focuses on pessimism and gloom, but I think it's important to keep a sense of where the Ducks currently sit as the team approaches a trade deadline with eleven soon-to-be UFAs (Scott, Rob, Pahlsson, Moen, Morrison, Marchant, Beauchemin, Montador, Huskins, Hedican, Parros) -- while I don't think that all these names are movable, and I do expect some of these to re-sign, I can't get around this fact: even if they do play lights-out in the next couple of weeks, the Ducks should probably be sellers this year.
Who should the Ducks unload? Niedermayer or Pronger? The stopper line? I'm not sure -- it all depends on trade return. As you'll see after the jump, the Ducks do have a lot of roster holes to fill for next season.
Now to be clear: just because I'm looking ahead to next year's roster or talking about unloading at the deadline doesn't mean I've given up hope for the remainder of the year. It's just that trade decisions will need to be made in the coming weeks, and it's deathly important to keep sight of what's brewing for 2009-10. I've put together a handy chart to show what Bob Murray is starting with for next year's team.
All salary data courtesy of NHLnumbers.com. Click image to enlarge.
A few quick notes: I've included both actual and cap-math salaries (green and red, respectively); generally I assume the Ducks should care more about actual spending than averaged salaries. Oddly enough, on a cash basis Corey Perry looks to be Anaheim's best-paid player next year. Also, Bobby Ryan's numbers include $1.1 in bonuses -- I don't know how he earns them, but they're there, along with small bonuses for Beleskey and Mikkelson.
Generally, there's a lot to like about this framework-of-a-team, though there's certainly a lot of work to be done, especially on the blueline. There's some hefty salary already allocated, but the goaltending and scoring forwards seem to be fixed into place. The main question I have when I think about next year is identity -- what sort of team does Bob Murray want in 2009-10? For years, the Burke teams have been about fighting, defense, and penalty-killing, and have focused more on low-scoring victories. With these players locked in, however, there is an opportunity to change focus: with Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, and Selanne the Ducks could go for more of a high-scoring offensive angle -- and it's tough for me to say that I wouldn't approve of it. I really don't know where Bob Murray sits on this issue, but I think it's something that should be addressed and decided pretty soon.
I'm getting a bit rambly -- my main points for today are thus: (a) the Ducks' current position is one of longshots to make the postseason, (b) the Ducks have a boatload of building to do next summer, and thusly (c) I hope to hell that Bob Murray is contemplating "seller" trade offers -- even if the Ducks improve their postseason hopes, there's loads of playoff-tested UFAs that shouldn't all leave for nothing. The Ducks need to decide what sort of team they want to be next year, figure out who fits into that plan, and trade some of the bodies that aren't in the cards. Who might that be, and what would the Ducks likely covet? More coming tomorrow.
Prediction: One thing I can fault the playoff-odds calculator for: all its probabilities are based on games played in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat. Yesterday was the start of a new year -- Year of the Ox -- and hopefully with it comes a noticeable shift in fortune. Ducks 5, Coyotes 3. Goals by Getzlaf, Ebbett, Ryan, Pahlsson, and Montador.
Go Ducks.
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you wrote it
u wrote the post ive been talking about for a while now. im glad i wanted to see all these numbers crunched becuase im just too lazy to do it myself…i totally agree with the offense angle your promoting…one thing i have noticed this year (not sure if the stats support it) but at least phsycologically were scoring more and its great…i think getz and perry and ryan maturity are contributing to that…kunitz has regressed a little…not sure why
still keeping these core pieces and picking one of the goalies (im leaning hiller right now) i think is the way to go
unload the niedemeyer brothers get the best offer u cant get…
u still got pronger for a run this year plus hes only on the books for one more season
re-sign montador, frenchie, parros and phalsson…for next year…in fact use sammy more ont he offense as he seems to be thriving
groom miller and carter this year to replace moen and rob
somthing like that..i dont have it all figured out…but we still have some great players left…..
but somthing has to change cuz like u said the trajectory isnt good playing like this
im optomistic though
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 27, 2009 8:09 AM PST reply actions
still keeping these core pieces and picking one of the goalies (im leaning hiller right now) i think is the way to go
I’m not sure there’s a lot to be done about goaltenders, frankly. Giguere has a no-movement clause in his contract, and even if he didn’t, it’s tough to move a $6M goaltender in this league (see: Khabibulin, Nikolai). And for the money, it’s going to be tough to find a more quality backup than Hiller for $1.3M.
Unless there’s some creative way to package Giguere, I think netminding will be pretty much as-is to start next year. Better to put your hope in Jiggy re-establishing his game, I think. I guess as a plus side, $7.3 M for goaltending isn’t horrible, so long as one of them can play well most of the time.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
well see what happens…after reading that article sounds like either the ducks will get better by hearing there asses are on the line or a trade will happen…either way somthing will happen..cuz status quo wont cut it…
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 27, 2009 8:29 AM PST up reply actions
eklund gets worse
sabres on bobby ryan?
u fucking kidding me?
El Spade-o
by SPADE-IN-VICTORHELL on Jan 27, 2009 8:14 AM PST reply actions
Probably Pittsburgh- I heard they took this Craws-bee guy that’s pretty good.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
By the way
I should be around for game comments tonight, if any Ducks fans want to share some of the misery post-ASG-break turnaround. Game time is at six.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Why would the Ducks move Pronger? He’s the only guy signed next year, and D-men of his caliber don’t just grow on trees. And even if they did, they’d be asking for more than Pronger is getting. The guy I think the Ducks would concentrate on to re-sign is Beauchemin, and he’s got a janky knee now, far from a sure thing.
If I were Bob Murray, I put Pahlsson, Scott, and Morrison on the block, and try to get a guy with some salary stability in return.
Why would the Ducks move Pronger?
Trade value I think would be high, and the blueline has to be re-constructed next summer anyways — it might be better to spread that $6.25M to two positions, depending on philosophy. If the Ducks to want to convert to more of a free-flowing style, it might not be critical to keep Pronger. The downside? Pronger is a franchise-killer once he leaves a city — see Hartford, St. Louis, and Edmonton.
If I were Bob Murray, I put Pahlsson, Scott, and Morrison on the block, and try to get a guy with some salary stability in return.
I’ll write more on this tomorrow, but the only caveat I have here is that if the Ducks want to re-sign any of these players, probably a deadline deal is counterproductive. If they can get a Selanne deal to keep the good Niedermayer, or if they decide Pahlsson’s too important for next season (he is the longest-tenured Duck currently), I would suck it up and hold them. If there is no such plan, then yeah — Scotty and Sammy are probably two of the more valuable deadline assets the Ducks carry.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Trade value I think would be high, and the blueline has to be re-constructed next summer anyways — it might be better to spread that $6.25M to two positions
Yeah, that worked so well for the Lightning. Maybe I’m crazy, but if you have one of the top 5 blueliners in the league, you keep him unless the team is starting from scratch. Also, I think the Ducks proved beyond a shadow of a doubt (and the Wings concurred) that having premier talent on the back end is a key to winning a Cup.
It all depends on trade return. I’m certainly in no hurry to trade Pronger, and there’s nothing horrible if he plays another year in Anaheim. Still, if a team values him for the postseason enough to throw a significant trade package our way, I don’t know that dropping Pronger for the remainder of the season significantly decreases their postseason hopes.
Like I said, I don’t really know what Bob Murray’s priorities really are — I wouldn’t consider Pronger “untouchable” at this time, though. If they shed Pronger, it might enable them to go after a different premier blueliner (Bouwmeester, perhaps?).
http://www.battleofcali.com/
(Bouwmeester, perhaps?).
Saw that this morning. I can’t say I have an opinion about it, since I’ve never noticed him before. But one thing is for sure…he gives the most awkward and uncomfortable interview EVER!
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Saw that this morning.
Really? I just listed him off the top of my head. I really don’t pay much attention to published rumors, though — they’re about as reliable as dreams these days.
Bouwmeester seemingly would be pricey, though.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I check on rumors from time to time. I tend not to believe them…but you never know.
I think Bouwmeester would be a bit of salary cap relief though…if it was an equal swap.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Yeah, but Bouw is going to be a UFA next year- he’s going to command a Brian Campbell esque deal (although it probably wouldn’t be as pricey due to the economy if I had to guess).
I say you keep Pronger- he’s probably the glue of the blueline into the future, and probably takes a hometown discount after next year.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Oh please please please trade Pronger somewhere in the East, where I’ll never have to see that douchebag again.
I hate his guts, but Pronger really is one of the very best defensemen in the league. Gathering 3 million dollar players on the backline and hoping they collectively create the quality of defense that you get out of a Niedermayer + Pronger does not seem like a good idea. I understand that this is somewhat contingent on probably moving to a more offensive system, but even in a high scoring offense, you gotta have a couple of great defensemen to get anywhere in the playoffs. Pronger is such a huge minute muncher on that defense, playing every single role, I can’t see getting rid of him, even if it is to move into a more offensive oriented system. Especially given the salary space that Anaheim has next year, allowing them to decide how to build and move on.
Also, something else to consider: Giguere is basically set as the Ducks #1, whether or not he actually deserves it, due to his contract. Frankly, Giguere hasn’t been so good lately. If you have a goalie who is inconsistent, or just coming down to reality with regards to his play, or whatever, but you’re stuck with that goalie, shouldn’t you make sure you have a couple of elite defensemen to support the goalie? I think this might be even more of an issue because, while I give Giguere plenty of credit for the things he’s done, especially in 2003, he has also been somewhat sheltered by playing behind that defense, especially since Pronger arrived. What happens if you deal off your defensemen, but it doing so is essentially opening the curtain on a big pumpkin sitting in goal?
As for Bouwmeester, he will be even more expensive than Pronger, come this offseason, I think. If the Ducks could trade Pronger for Bouwmeester (and maybe spare parts thrown in on both sides), *contingent on Bouwmeester signing an extension with the Ducks* for the same money Pronger is making, that would probably be an upgrade, in that you’re getting a player who is also in the top echelon of defensemen, but he’s younger, and hes not a total asshole. But I dunno that such a thing could be pulled off.
What happens if you deal off your defensemen, but it doing so is essentially opening the curtain on a big pumpkin sitting in goal?
I dunno, but that curtain is already opened even with Niedermayer and Pronger playing the lion’s share of minutes. The notion of goalie protection is nice, but if they can’t execute it with both Norris guys, I don’t know if I think trying to do it with only one of them is the way to go.
Again, though, I should stress: the only way I’d move Pronger is if some playoff-bound GM put together a “wow” package. The way the last few deadlines have gone, though — I’m not sure that’s out of the question.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I don’t see many Ducks games, so I couldn’t say how good or bad that defense has been this year, but I think that begs the question, if Giguere has been bad (for his standards at least) this year, if you take away more of that defense, just how ugly does it get?
Next year, on BoC: Special Report! Giguere actually Wade Dubliewicz’s alter ego!
I dunno — projecting Giguere’s future is always a bit sketchy, but he’s been a quality netminder in this league with lesser defenses before the Niederpronger Era.
I guess my take is thus: (a) Giguere can be good or bad no matter the defense — at least we’ve seen cases of it at some point in the past, and (b) he’s a $6M goaltender — at some point you can’t just keep giving him $7M defensemen in order to make him “appear” solid.
Either Giguere will have the goods next year or he won’t — but I don’t know if I’d hinge it so much on who his blueliners are. Really it’s a question about Giguere himself, and Ducks fans are sort of stuck waiting for the answer.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Yeah, I suppose thats true. Can’t let Giguere essentially hold the team hostage. I think you definitely need to keep one super-elite defenseman though. It seems me to that most of the truly contending teams are always running with at least one superman on the blueline. You basically have 120 minutes of ice time per game to spend on defense, and if one guy can take over 25% of that, in every situation, and give you top-5 production, for 6 mil, that’s a keeper in my book. I could definitely see dropping one of the two, but if you lose both of them, that’s just too much to overcome. Those teams that don’t have a top-end defenseman like that are often just playing pretender instead of contender, or what they’re doing is trying to juggle prospects and keep striking bargains over and over, and frankly, thats not really a sustainable strategy.
As a Wings fan though, I am 100% for trading both Pronger and Niedermayer. Trade em for peanuts or something, maybe get Schnieder back from Atlanta. While you’re at it, send Giguere to the Eastern conference too. No matter how far below his contract he may play, he always scares me.
I could definitely see dropping one of the two, but if you lose both of them, that’s just too much to overcome.
Yeah, but it definitely depends on what GM Murray would do to fill the void. I’d assume even if both Norris dudes got traded, some of that $13M would get devoted to filling a #1 defender spot. It certainly isn’t easy to do — you’re right there — which is why I think it would have to be a pretty awesome package to land Pronger.
Still, I’m not sure — the right package might be out there, and with the Ducks’ chances this spring fading away — I’m not sure if it matters terribly if Pronger ends this season in Anaheim (this doesn’t strike me as the year for the Ducks to gamble and put all their eggs in one basket). They’ve lost plenty in the last few weeks with Pronger in the lineup — I’m sure they could manage similarly without him.
We’ll see — again, I’m not in any particular haste to see Pronger gone — but if the deal’s right, I’m thinking a lot longer about it this year than any of the prior two years.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
They’ve lost plenty in the last few weeks with Pronger in the lineup — I’m sure they could manage similarly without him.
Thats just it. I know this team can play spoiler and go deep in the playoffs if Teemu returns and they start playing the way we have seen in the past. But if all that is going to get us is a western conference championship loss to Detroit or San Jose I say get some return today.
This whole season I keep waiting to see what this team can do when it all comes together, I am losing faith quickly.
Imaging the Ducks in two years with Getz, Ryan, Perry, and whatever AWESome package we could get for Pronger or Scott.
Not exactly a re-build, but more like a re-load.
But if all that is going to get us is a western conference championship loss to Detroit or San Jose I say get some return today.
You’re probably mis-speaking. If there were any realistic shot of the Ducks getting to the western conference finals, I’d be much more on the “load up” “buyers” bandwagon. You probably mean a first round loss, which is both more disheartening and yet more realistic.
The rest of your comment is spot-on, except I wouldn’t even wait two years — next year is Bobby Ryan’s money year — hopefully Anaheim won’t go ultra-cheap like L.A. did with Kopitar this year.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I sense the Ducks will be offensive next year as well. I’d have to agree that they have found that part of their game this year and that defense for all purposes is lacking.
For the most part, I’d rather see Sammy stay, but I understand what you’re saying in that he would be valuable in terms of return. In addition, I think Carter played well into that role in previous games. I would love to see Scotty return next year, Selanne price-style of course, but I would wonder what might happen if Rob were to leave, as I wouldn’t be surprised to see him not re-sign. I’m definitely on board with keeping Montador, as I think he’s an aggressive defensman. In addition, I like the idea of keeping Beauchemin (with great hopes that the knee turns out okay). I consider Beauch the poor mans Scotty.
At this point, the idea of dealing Ryan is absurd. The Ducks would need 3 Ryans in return.
It’s all a toss up right now. I think I’m going to be surprised no matter what happens.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
For the most part, I’d rather see Sammy stay, but I understand what you’re saying in that he would be valuable in terms of return.
If there was some way that the Ducks could rent out Pahlsson for the postseason but re-sign him on July 1st, I might approve of that, but I do worry that the price will be higher than if he were re-signed before the season ended.
Who am I kidding, though? I’m a Pahlsson junkie. I’d be pissed to see him in another uniform, even if it were short-term.
I think I’m going to be surprised no matter what happens.
Yeah, so far I think we’ve learned very little about Bob Murray as a GM, but there’s so many possibilities of where this team heads that I think we’d be surprised no matter who was calling the shots. Should be an exciting few months, though — that seems likely.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
One thing I can fault the playoff-odds calculator for: all its probabilities are based on games played in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rat. Yesterday was the start of a new year — Year of the Ox — and hopefully with it comes a noticeable shift in fortune.
Your mom would be so proud of you Earl.
If the Ducks are sellers this year (and to be honest you make a good case- it looks to be a long shot for any team to go through and combination of Calgary, Detroit, and San Jose this season), I think Niedermayer is your man. He’s probably going to retire next season and would get a very good return value from an Eastern Conference bubble team that needs to make an impact.
Buffalo comes to mind- they need help on the back end, have a lot of cap space, and missed the playoffs last year by a point or so. I don’t know who the return would be persay (are you looking for draft picks or personnel?), but it’s a possibility.
Fear The Fin: Where The Second Round Is Overrated
Your mom would be so proud of you Earl.
Bah, she’s Korean. I think particularly in older generations (my grandparents), there is a lot of hatred towards both China and Japan — I dunno, years of oppression, I guess. She probably disapproves of me finding hope in the Chinese Zodiac (but who knows? maybe it is the same system in Korea — I’m ignorant).
(are you looking for draft picks or personnel?)
If it’s Niedermayer, Pahlsson, or Pronger, I’m looking for both — there definitely should be a player that could fit in next year’s scheme, but I think any of these three deserves a solid “futures” return package that would include picks as well.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
She probably disapproves of me finding hope in the Chinese Zodiac (but who knows? maybe it is the same system in Korea — I’m ignorant).
According to Wikipedia…
The Korean zodiac is identical to the Chinese one.
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Hooray! My cultural ignorance won’t get me grounded!
(Plus, my mom never reads this blog.)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
What good is a $13 million blueline
if you can not hold a one goal lead for any amount of time.
Fuck it! trade both those guys. Pronger was great in 2007, but not as good as he was in 2006 (MVP) and he is worse in 08 than he was in 07.
Get rid of em all.
And Buchemen, people allready saw a glimpse of him without Scotty, through him in the package quick, maybe some GM’s were on vacation those months.
I should add
Trade them to: (im seperate deals if need be)
The east for teams with high projected draft positions FOR draft picks and prospects.
The east for teams with high projected draft positions FOR draft picks and prospects.
I don’t know if that’s realistic. The market for soon-to-be-UFAs at the deadline is traditionally playoff-bound teams who are looking for a boost, not springtime golfers. It wouldn’t do the Islanders much good to get anybody who they’ll need to re-sign in five months, or more accurately, I’d expect a better trade return for a team with some postseason likelihood.
And I’m not sure if I’m that huge on the east/west destination. I’d hesitate trading anyone to San Jose or Detroit (those teams don’t have much cap space anyway), but other than that, I’d probably go with the best offer, regardless of conference. Probably throw Edmonton on the blacklist, too, just because I’m not sure they’re ready to trade with the Ducks anytime in the next few years (still reeling from their last few ANA transactions).
http://www.battleofcali.com/
What good is a $13 million blueline
They are really more like $6 million + this rookie and $6 million + that rookie…rarely are they a combined blue line $13 million (PP and PK the exception from time to time)
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
That’s a very reasonable point, SK. I’ve always leaned towards thinking about the cost of defensive pairs rather than individuals for the Ducks. $6.75M is a fairly high price for Scott Niedermayer, but $7.25M isn’t so bad for the Niedermayer pairing. Likewise Pronger’s $6.25M stacks pretty well next to a cheap player like O’Donnell or Mikkelson.
The Norris boys are worth their dough, I think, ultimately (especially compared to the blueliner market) — but a lot of that value is in making a cheap Beauchemin or Festerling look like an even-more-competent NHL player.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Yeah, thats true SK. And some guys like Huskens and Buechem are scheduled to return sometime in the future.
The real frustrating thing for me as a Ducks fan right now is the Odonell deal. I understand Schneider, that was a given (we should have moved him at last years deadline though to get more value) but Odonell for essentially nothing sucks ass. Looking back that should have been a Marchant move (either waivers or getting him to approve a trade).
Frustration aside, I think Pronger and Buechimen should go. But like Earl said, only if there is a great deal involved. Not some stupid ass trade where we ONLY get somthing in return if the other team decides to then trade the guy we just sent them.
I understand Schneider, that was a given (we should have moved him at last years deadline though to get more value)
Hell, I think we should have moved Schneider the minute that Scott Niedermayer indicated he was returning to the team. It was folly to try to keep both Niedermayer and his replacement — overkill, really. I can’t see how Schneider was supposed to earn his money in Diptenta minutes (plus some power play time) — that said, he probably did as admirably as could be expected.
but Odonell for essentially nothing sucks ass.
Yeah, that one’s a kick in the pants. I can understand why it got done a bit, but for all the ways to save a million-and-a-half dollars, this one wasn’t really well-thought out. That’s what happens, though, when you save your cap-fitting for the last week of the summer.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I forget if he was back before, but Festerling looks pretty good so far — nice to have him back.
I really should put Festerling on that salary chart, btw. He’s the notable restricted free agent, and should be re-signed pretty cheaply.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Damn
If you’re going to commit three guys to getting a puck past a blueline.
Probably should do it.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
ten minutes
the Ducks control the puck for most of the first ten…and then give up a PP goal
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
One stat that needs to change: 22 games where they’ve given up the first goal — 3 wins in those games
“The calls have not gone their way — that’s a shocker.”
Another homer call by Hayward.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Have to love Pahlsson. He completely ignores Rob Niedermayer on the 2-on-1 and just shoots.
As any good coach would tell you, don’t waste your time passing to Rob.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I mean * text *
Apparently there is a “text” tag that you can put around an asterisk to make it show (then “/text”). Who knew?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Haha, I just noticed the Detroit lost to Columbus in OT. Man, the Wings blogosphere is probably going nuts.
If Bobby Ryan can rub off in any positive way on Getzlaf and Perry, watch out!
I don’t know if he can do it, though. Teemu’s been a good role model that they’ve ignored.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I like Getzlaf’s temper. It’s part of his game. That whole “I’m a badass mother effer” Sam Jackson impression. Makes him a good powerforward.
Perry, not so much, he’s like that annoying chihuahua that keeps barking at you. But as soon as you walk over, he falls over and plays dead. Perry should stick to running goalies and not so much with the talking.
Although on 2nd thought, he looks more like a meercat than a chihuahua …
Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan
If only they made the bluelines closer to the nets by a few feet — we might have two fewer goals-against right now.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Of course, there’s the easy coutner: “If only the Ducks would concentrate on those few extra feet a bit more”. That’s painfully true.
Well, at least we’re on the right side of a 4-3 score. There’s still plenty of time, but historically it’s been a good place to be.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
hahahahah, with the clarification…it just sounds worse! hahaha!
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
you know what’s funny about the whole “edit” feature…and there not being one….half of the time, I don’t even notice other peoples mistakes…but I feel like mine are waving a HUGE white flag for everyone to see!!!!
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Yeah, “Edit Comments” is on my eventual list of things I’ll ask the SBN tech team about.
The thing is, though, they’re so up-to-the-neck busy migrating blogs over right now that I’m not asking them anything non-urgent very soon. But still — keep the dream alive — perhaps one day you might be able to edit comments!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
The Omen could quickly get up on my re-sign list. I’ve been on the fence about him for a while now. It all depends on price tag — if it’s anywhere near his current salary (under a mil), I’m all over it.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Hayward, you're crazy
There’s a big difference between 21 wins and 42 points.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Well, the Ducks have started each of the first two periods very well, I think. Could they make it three in a row?
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Big kick save by Hiller.
And stop campaigning for the Calder Trophy, Hayward. That’s counterproductive. Go Steve Mason go!
http://www.battleofcali.com/
I am getting kind of predictable, I guess.
Good thing the Calder Trophy isn’t being decided by internet voting.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Haha, someone on the ’Yotes broadcast team knew B-Ry when he was a kid. “When he was a kid, he was just kind of a fat, chubby kid…”
Yep. And he’s almost caught Versteeg in rookie points(4pts behind), with 13 less games played, and crappier line assignments. Versteeg has been centered by Toews all year …. Ryan is carrying that black hole otherwise known as Brenden Morrison.
Ryan is also now at point per game pace, and is a +12.
Morbo’s fantasy team is happy that he picked Ryan off of waivers in december …
Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan
Now I’m supposed to write a Part 2 to this Trade Deadline thing? Immediately after everyone I was going to mention — Niedermayers, Pronger, Moen, Pahlsson — all have kick-ass games? I may have to write something else for tomorrow’s gameday.
Good thing I haven’t started yet. :)
http://www.battleofcali.com/
Hm, Darren Pang made an interesting comment re: Niedermayer and Pronger. He sort of acknowledged their lower level of play this season, and saying that it’s almost inevitable because they’re paired with kids like Mikkelson and Festerling. They’re playing monster minutes and constantly making up for the kids’ inexperience, so their (ProngerMayer) performance will naturally suffer.
Yeah, but I still think Scott’s a better babysitter than Chris is. Pronger always had O’D, so this is kind of new for him, though.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
well, the fact that anyone has to babysit is what makes it all so hard to swallow…
GO DUCKS!! Girlwithapuck.blogspot.com
Well, relevant-team winners tonight: Anaheim, Minnesota, Columbus, Dallas
Relevant-team losers tonight: Phoenix, Edmonton, Colorado
Going to be a wild ride.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
A little late, but as to the original topic…
If I was GM, and I had to deal one of them, I’d stick with Pronger, and deal Nieds. Even a neutered Pronger is still better than 90% of the schmoes in the NHL. Don’t forget the value Pronger brings to the PP. His shot is a game changer, and PK have to respect that. It’s why Getzlaf has 22 PP assists, because the high man in the PK usually has to close up on Pronger and Getzlaf gets to make passes through open lanes.
I don’t understand the sudden interest in dumping Giguere. 6 million is pretty standard for #1 goalies around the league. Remember, when he signed that contract after the Cup, he actually took a slight home discount. he would have gotten a lot more on the market.
This is what Giguere does every year. He goes through a slump, and every one freaks. He’s always been a 2nd half goalie, and it’s obvious his Dad’s death is affecting him pretty hard.
Giguere is a positional goaltender. So when he gets in a funk, it looks really ugly. Hiller lets in some pretty ugly goals as well, (see tonight’s game), but no one seems to harp on them as much.
Goalies earn their money in the playoffs, and I’ll go with the devil I know, vs the one I don’t know. The Ducks Norris calibre (screw you Firefox, I spelt it correctly, the r goes before the e in calibre, I grew up with the Queen’s english) defensemen haven’t exactly been playing to their Norris level. So if it comes down to Hiller or Giguere having to steal games down the stretch, I’ll put my money on Giguere. When I close my eyes, I still remember sitting at the Pond watching Giguere put up goose egg after goose egg.
Don't bRuin your life. Make love with a Trojan
No, you’re pretty right on Giguere, but don’t knock Hiller too much. The guy has been stopping pucks like a madman.
One team that isn’t spending anywhere near $6M on goaltender is Detroit, and while the prioritization has its drawbacks, it’s a tough model to argue with.
Don’t forget the value Pronger brings to the PP. His shot is a game changer, and PK have to respect that. It’s why Getzlaf has 22 PP assists, because the high man in the PK usually has to close up on Pronger and Getzlaf gets to make passes through open lanes.
Very valid point. Of course Scott adds his own oddball wrinkle to that PP, too.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
This is probably a dead topic now but....
Earl what the heck did you start? The Pronger trade buzz is on a lot of sites now, and I read today in oc register Murry our GM saying no player is safe. Pronger is the one that I see in almost all the buzz though.
Now I am wondering…. The owners gave the team a 50 million budget this year that Burke completely ignored. What if the owners have told the new GM to drop salary because of the current standings?
It may have even been a pre-defined thing like if we are not #1 in the division by X_ date then there is not enough justification for going over the 50 mil budget, go to plan B (drop salary at the deadline)
A salary dump at this point would suck. But given the owners situation and the reported impending doom for the US economy that we keep getting thrown in our face, it is totally conceivable.
Now I am wondering…. The owners gave the team a 50 million budget this year that Burke completely ignored. What if the owners have told the new GM to drop salary because of the current standings?
This sounds feasible, but it’s tough to conjecture. I should say, though, that Burke probably had ownership’s blessing on the overspending — Samueli had to approve it on some level, I’m sure.
A salary dump at this point would suck.
Sure, but there is some upside, I suppose. I have been encouraged by the caliber of player that has been called up from Iowa this year.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
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Pacific Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Jose
|
54 | 31 | 17 | 6 | 68 |
|
Los Angeles
|
57 | 27 | 19 | 11 | 65 |
|
Phoenix
|
57 | 27 | 21 | 9 | 63 |
|
Dallas
|
56 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 59 |
|
Anaheim
|
57 | 24 | 24 | 9 | 57 |
(updated 2.16.2012 at 12:44 AM PST)
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