Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
Maybe I am just an optimist, but I think Barker could actually turn into a decent NHL player if given the right chance. Barker is a funny player because he seems to have all the tools (though, as has been exaggerated in this thread, his skating could use some work), is still young, and actually had put it all together for a pretty decent season (2008-9). He has good size, can play a physical game (although is not consistent at all in this regard), has good offensive instincts, and is even willing to drop the gloves if he has to.
Although people love to bash guys who don't live up to their potential (especially here on HFBoards), he is still only 25 years old, and has already played the majority of 5 seasons in the NHL. In one of those seasons he put up 40 points in only 68 games and then another 9 points in 17 playoff games. People love to disregard one season, but to put up 40 points in 68 games as a 22 year old defenseman is pretty impressive. I think what he needs is a coach that can light a fire under him.
No one will claim him because everyone knows this is a precursor to buying him out. If you want to take a chance on him, wait until he gets bought out and then do it on your own terms...not at $3m or whatever he's making.
This. No point in claiming him if you're interested. Pretty well known that it's the first step to buying Barker out. Wait until July 1 and offer him the money he's actually worth, which is most definitely NOT $3M.
2004 was a top-heavy draft if there ever was one. Ovechkin, Malkin and then 7 rounds of garbage. Chicago has also worked some major magic to get out of some of the terrible contracts Tallon handed out.
According to McKenzie, with the waiver price placed on him, he's not eligible for buy out. If no one claims him he has to be sent down again tomorrow before he can be bought out.
Yeah I agree, although since Florida is trying to reach the cap floor, why not claim him at his salary? That way Florida brings the money in and Cam Barker is a happy guy who will continue to make $3 million. Seems like a win-win in that situation.
I sat with Cam at a fundraiser last week for nearly 6 hours. This is a GREAT guy. He said he played hurt all last season and he said the move from Chicago he never fully got over. He loved it there. He said he has been living in the gym this summer and can't wait for the season to start. He has crazy talent and is an awesome guy. I really hope he lands on his feet.
He did say that Dale Tallon is one of his favorite people so I hope he lands in Florida.
He is a class act and I hope this is a blessing in disguise.
I sat with Cam at a fundraiser last week for nearly 6 hours. This is a GREAT guy. He said he played hurt all last season and he said the move from Chicago he never fully got over. He loved it there. He said he has been living in the gym this summer and can't wait for the season to start. He has crazy talent and is an awesome guy. I really hope he lands on his feet.
He did say that Dale Tallon is one of his favorite people so I hope he lands in Florida.
He is a class act and I hope this is a blessing in disguise.
Cam has only himself to blame for last year
He came to Wild camp overweight and out of shape ,, As for trade from Hawks... Suck it up
He was horrible for Hawks and his effort was lacking , Again he has only himself to blame
Once he clears, Montreal should trade Spacek for Barker. At the very least, a Barker buyout for Montreal would open up some extra space to sign another D or put the money onto the fwd corps.
Good thing Chicago won a Cup last year. Otherwise Hawks fans might have exploded with frustration. Okay, didn't get Ovechkin, didn't get Malkin. But Barker's going to be pretty impressive, right? Right?
