I love Kulikov, but I'd have a hard time trading Duchene away.
I'm of the same opinion, especially if he rebounds next season. But ignoring personal attachment to him (and the likely high degree of value management adds on top of his isolated value), what do you think?
I'm of the same opinion, especially if he rebounds next season. But ignoring personal attachment to him (and the likely high degree of value management adds on top of his isolated value), what do you think?
Fair deal, we might even be getting the better end of the deal if Kulikov and Bjugstad turn out as expected.
First deal with Kulikov + Shore for Dutch + a mid level prospect is also a fair deal.
IMO Kulikov > Duchene but at the same time IDK if id make the trade. We'd be hunting for a promising offensive center then instead for a promising young defender.
IMO Kulikov > Duchene but at the same time IDK if id make the trade. We'd be hunting for a promising offensive center then instead for a promising young defender.
That's particularly why I'd want Bjugstad, but I also feel Stastny can be "that guy" still.
Kulikov would really shine next to EJ imo. We could afford to have reasonable expectations of Siemens (#3 instead of #2) and our defense going forward would become deep.
If the Avs could swing a Duchene+D Prospect for Kulikov+Bjugstad deal I would be ecstatic. Kulikov is basically exactly what the team needs on D, and Bjugstad is more of what the Avs like on forward. He'd also add that extra element, we could have two lefty-playmaking two-way centers and Bjugstad could be our rough and tumble, righty-goal scoring center.
What do you guys think of a Kulikov + Shore for Duchy + Prospect deal?
I was more interested in Kulikov + Bjugstad for Duchene + Barrie.
They won't trade Bjugstad. I would do the first trade, the team might not need another offensive center if Hishon's head is OK. Kulikov will be the more valuable player long-term either way.
Keith has played pretty poorly for a while now. He plays well when he feels like it, that's just not that often. Seabrook is and always has been a great defensemen, and the way the NHL is being played anymore really fits his style.
I'm not sure Hedman will ever be a good top pairing guy, but I see no reason why Tampa would want Heatley. Wrong age and regressing. Bad fit for a rebuilding team.
Heatley sucks. I don't think its there for him anymore. Not just because he's lost a step and he's not really a good skater anymore, but I think he's mentally checked out of the game.
I mean, he's always been a bit on the soft side in the fact he didn't really hit a whole lot or play physically, but he always had the willingness to go down low, work around the net, and yes take a mugging to score a goal.
I don't think he has that anymore. Too often instead of heading to the net he just spends most the game floating and doing circles hoping someone will feed him a perfect shot. Perhaps this is from playing with Thornton, but I suspect it's from his mindset.
I think we're done but I'm pretty skeptical of our D corps. Don't see us making the playoffs with this group. Hopefully at some point during the season we can acquire a dman but it may have to wait till next year.
