NHL Free Agency: Central Division Player Movement Update
Here’s a look around the free agent movement around the Central Division.
Detroit Red Wings
- ADDITIONS
G Jonas Gustavsson – 2 years, $3.0M ($1.5M cap)
F Mikael Samuelsson – 2 years, $6.0M ($3.0M cap)
F Jordin Tootoo – 3 years, $5.7M ($1.9M cap) - TRADES
acquired F Andrew Murray for D Brad Stuart - LOSSES
D Nicklas Lidstrom – to retirement
F Jiri Hudler – to Calgary
Nashville Predators
- ADDITIONS
F Paul Gaustad* – 4 years, $13.0M ($3.25M cap)
D Hal Gill* – 2 years, $4.0M ($2.0M cap)
G Chris Mason – 1 year, $1.25M
F Brandon Yip* – 1 year, $750k - TRADES
acquired G Sebastien Caron & two 2nd round picks for G Anders Lindback, F Kyle Wilson and a 7th round pick - LOSSES
D Ryan Suter – to Minnesota
F Jordin Tootoo – to Detroit
D Francis Bouillon – to Montreal
St. Louis Blues
- ADDITIONS
D Barret Jackman* – 3 years, $9.5M ($3.167M cap)
Columbus Blue Jackets
- ADDITIONS
D Adrian Aucoin – 1 year, $2.0M
F Derek MacKenzie* – 2 years, $2.0M ($1.0M cap)
G Curtis McElhinney* – n/a - TRADE
acquired G Sergei Bobrovsky for three draft picks
acquired F Nick Foligno for D Marc Methot
* = returning free agent
ha everytime i see the name adrian aucoin i cringe…
Obviously this doesn’t include the potential (likely) losses of Ryan Suter in Nashville and Rick Nash in Columbus
It would be awesome if someone could explain something to me: a number of reports say the ‘hawks are in hot pursuit of Parise because they struck out with Suter – is there a reason why they couldn’t just up the offer on Suter instead of going for a player we have little need of?
Anyone have any thoughts on whether Rocky is tying Stan’s hands on adding salary and maxing out the cap? I’ve been thinking about that as a possible issue since the trade deadline last year. Also how, if at all, does the labor dispute with the players come into this issue? I remember after winning the Cup that Rocky said the team was still losing money so if that is true I could see somebody deciding hey we won our Cup lets ride that out and make some money while we edge the team salary downwards. I am just speculating, but I am interested if anyone has any thoughts on this?
Thats how the old Wirtz would think, not the new one.
Not sure how many of the “reports” that are circling are “accurate,” but what seems to be the consensus is that the Blackhawks made legit, big-time offers to both Parise & Suter are haven’t been told they’re “out” in the bidding for either. Yet. With that in mind, there are certainly other teams that have more available cap space than the Hawks, and teams that could/should make more desperate plays for one/both of them. But it appears the Hawks will be out of the mix on both of them when they formally announce their intentions for next year.
@Will – I’m not so sure. The new Wirtz is feeling more and more like the old Wirtz every year. Dump the big salaries for has-beens and hacks, while we ‘Hawks fans watch in dismay.
Feels like the late 90’s all over again…
Tab I honestly think Chicago is the reason that Suter and Parise are taking so much time and can’t believe you don’t think we are legit players for their services. I think both players see how much they could impact this team and it is a cause for pause.
Correct me if I am wrong but a team doesn’t have to be under the cap till early October right?
Ryan: read what I said again. I absolutely think the Blackhawks are legitimately in on both Suter & Parise, but was simply stating the fact that other teams have more cap space than the Hawks (PIT, DET) and others are more desperate to add a marquee player (MIN). The fact that the Hawks are in the mix says at this point pretty clearly indicates they have a chance.
Call me crazy but if nothing happens on this front I say go for a D man again!After Carle there isn’t alot left anymore.Bouwmeester is over priced but only for 2 more years.He can eat up alot of minutes which will go a long way to giving Keith a break.It also will help balance out the pairings and allow Leddy to drop down to the 5,6 spot if need be.
Tab sorry mang :) I guess I thought the tone of your postwas a little pessimistic and I responded accordingly, but yeah you never said we weren’t players. Again Sorry.
Question for ya Tab. Let’s say we swing and miss at Parise but could get Suter, do you think Bowman and Co would then meet the high demand for Rick Nash? I know a lot of people focus on D and goal tending for the ‘Hawks but I think getting the top 6 forwards in order would see a lot of things fall into place for the ‘Hawks. Or is that even a possibilty at this point? Has the Nash ship sailed?
Man I can’t handle this. C’mon Stan sign em both already. I know Suter would to play in Chi with how close it is to Madison and Parise would fit in perfect. I think he and his fiancee would love Chicago. Almost too perfect, what am I missing?
I think cap space would prohibit signing both, but with a couple of moves, the Hawks could afford either Suter or Parise if they want to make that commitment. Of course, this doesn’t consider problems in the next few years (like gutting the team after the 2010 season).
If their decsion is based entirely on money, Tab is no doubt correct. However,
“There’s so much more than the money,” Parise told the newspaper. “That plays a very small factor in it. You take the time to consider everything. You consider where you want to be for the next however long…” – that may be just a little tease, but it does sound like perhaps $85 million isn’t that much less than $100 million (or whatever) to a guy about to make a LOT of $$ with a large bonus and lengthy contract.
I can understand Bowman’s position of not giving up on Crawford yet – last season was his first as a #1 goaltender in the NHL. The previous year he took the job from Turco and was incredible vs Vancouver in the playoffs. I wouldn’t jump at Thomas or Brodeur (38 and 40 years old…in October they might not be the same guy we saw finish this season), and Luongo is also out. Who knows if Bernier would actually be an upgrade – he *might* – but, what would that cost?
Somebody suggested moving Leddy down to third pair/5th or 6th? Absolutely NOT. Offer every opportunity to develop. Remember, it was his first full season, he’s 21, learning defense in the NHL, and has a great skill set.
Tab – if the ‘hawks don’t get Suter, do you think they go for Carle?
I wonder if the players considering their contracts have also thought about the place they play i would rather play in chi town than minnie phili jersey columbus any number of towns just wondering if parise would like to get endorsements in chicago compared to other places Dave
Suter signs Plan “B” Don`t sign mid range d at huge price tag
SAY IT AIN`T SO TREVOR/PETE; You know that ; “Excite the fans then trim the wallet dog and pony show”feeling that MIGHT be cycling again, as it has for over 70 years. REME…ber [sorry I blacked out a moment] remember the trades for cash we so deparetely want to for.. g..get? Espo/Hodge Roenick/ Larmer Chelios/ Edzo just to MAME a few. Unfortunetly I have wittnessed this for 50+ years. Reciepe goes as follows:
Draft top talent, hipe up till fans come in
Sign a little fluff, for 3/4 tears… uh… I meant years
ADD; 1/2 bad trades till blue in face [NOT red this doesn`t make as much coin]
Stir in hope to simmer, then scrape cream off top
Bring intelligence to boil… ah..ingredience to boil
Fold [don`t stir] until dough is cleaned off sides of bowl
Repeat process if neccessary to get as much as you want
This has been the Chicago sports way. I truely want to believe that Rock is as committed to this team as much as our wallet and emotions have been over that span. 3/4 years will tell if nothing happens this summer. We are still MAJOR PLAYERS FOR THE CUP. Toews commented in PUCK LIFE mag. ” The attitude of WINNING needs to be here from THE GET GO” this can happen and will with more GRIT from boards, f/o`s , D & net of which needs are obvious. Commitment is key SOOO SORRY for the bleak history lesson but today we are suposed to remember…. then Suter signed and P man did so I did..remember that is. Commitment is key. I just pray it isn`t us that are the only ones commited ,with our hands tied. For me I`m recommiting now. GO HAWKS STOMP THAT RED TEAM UP NORTH ,KICK THEIR ASS!!!!!!
ya kent is right . if the hawks do nothing this summer you will know the party is over they won the cup/ its to hard to get to the top of the mountain again. just bleed the fans till they get smart and start over tell me it aint so joe D
Carle signs Plan B C D E &F should NOT include Semin w/ big payday Do not trade the farm for Nash either. We missed the boat w/ Mc Clemment a f/o centerman, T. Glass forward and B. Allen def. Looks like Hammer stays. there`s no other upgrade w/o trade.
I do believe Hawks are not done for summer. Let`s look to shore up getting the puck & better net competion. No big spending on F/A please. Nothing really left. Small but accurate additions. Starting with you “Q” YOUR COACH better be right. Stop this crap about not using players you`re given, “They don`t fit our system” WAA WAA any good coach gets the most out of the players by adjusting their desired system to the players strengths. Thus building confidence in them to do more of “YOUR” system. Watch YOTES playoff hockey 2012 edition 1st round. That system had only def. but they used it perfectly. Tippet would have liked lots of scoring, but stayed the coarse. Let`s spend two or three more seconds in our zone making sure we have the puck , our breakout was too hurried last year. This is not 2010
I don`t believe we need a big name just trust and belief with a few more fighters all pulling the same direction! If you do sign a big name take Doan the fighter type. but he likes Pitt.
PS Dave don`t give up hope We have what other teams wished they had “A GREAT CORE” and a good to better talent pool with depth. Except @ goaltending which happens to be the thing we all focus on.
Tab ; Could you say what you see /feel about Semin? Please don`t be political, got enough of that on all the street corners this time of year. Is their other options you see? Does anyone Know if Hoss is doing skating drills ? Can`t find anything but “he should be” ready.
Kent: I want nothing to do w/ Semin. He isn’t the kind of player the Hawks need to hand $7M per at this point.
re: Hossa – all you’re going to hear between now & training camp is “he should be ready for training camp.” We might hear some more at the Convention, but I doubt it.
THANK YOU TAB; Could you do an over view of what is the best F/A`s still on board? Why? We need something to bat around. Is their a sight[s] that you like to give pro`s/ con`s on players game? I can`t seem to find board players. I was looking @ f/o guys on these stat sights, our rookies Shaw, Bollig, Smith & Kruger are 50% aprx. They don`t take many but if they have a nack for it who cares if they are the centermen on the draw.