Posted this trade on the Trade Board, figured I post it here but turn it into a full-blown offseason prediction.
First off, we are set to lose about $14M with our impending UFAs. That is even if we re-sign Parenteau, Reese(2-way), Katic(2-way), Wallace(2-way), and Montoya. In this mock, we trade Nabokov at the deadline to a contender for their late 1st. Hard to predict who will be in the market, but if he is still playing at this level by then I'm sure we could get a 1st in return.
Losing to UFA: Rolston, Pandolfo, Nielsen, Eaton, Jurcina, Staios, Mottau and Gillies.
The original trade was(this is assuming our 1st ends up being around the #5 range):
to DET: Michael Grabner; Brock Nelson; 2012 1st Round Pick
to NYI: Henrik Zetterberg, 2012 3rd Round Pick
Surprisingly, most of the Detroit fans that responded to the thread said they would strongly consider it, some even said they would pull the trigger but only if Lidstrom retires.
If this were to happen, we would be adding a proven winner to this young team. A respected veteran who is still very much a star player. I really think Z would be a perfect fit here to get the ball rolling on the playoff, and ultimately Stanley Cup push.
Zetterberg's added hit, minus Grabner's cap hit comes out to -$3M. That brings us to $11M in available salary just to get to the number we were at this season.
In the original thread I stopped there, but to round out the offseason I would want to see:
Sign: Ryan Suter - 5 years/$8M per year - This is an overpayment, but it is what we need to do to get him here. Getting Zetterberg helps, but it isn't enough to get a guy like Suter to come here. $8M should be more than any other team offers, and if that is the case I think we will have a good shot at bringing him in.
With Suter signed, we should have about $3M left in available space to get to our 2011/12 figure. We'll still need another defenseman though, albeit a bottom pairing guy, and this is one I think would fit well.
Steve Eminger - 2 years/$1M per year - He brings some much needed toughness to our blue-line, and is strictly a defensive d-man, which is something we don't really have. Also, currently Hamonic is our only RH shot back there, so it's nice to bring in another one. He currently is only making 800K, so at $1M we should be able to bring him in. With Suter and now Eminger, we successfully add some size to our blue-line.
Now the only other hole to fill is our 2nd/3rd line center position. We could go in-house and use Cizikas or even Strome, but I think the Isles would be wise to give Strome at least one more year of development, and I think Cizikas will probably start out on the Island playing on the 4th line. So, I think our best option would be to sign a one year veteran stop gap. The guy I saw who looks to be a perfect fit is...
Vinny Prospal - 1 year/$2.75M - Prospal, even though he's getting older and is playing for the Jackets(who are tied with us for last in Goals For), continues to put up points no matter where he plays. The guy is just a solid hockey player, and we'd be lucky to have him fill in for a year until Strome is ready to go. With the $2.75M, we go over last year's number by $750K, although we are still about $13M or so under the cap.
When all is said and done and Training Camp is set to begin, I expect a lineup looking similar to this:
Henrik Zetterberg - John Tavares - Matt Moulson
Kyle Okposo - Josh Bailey - David Ullstrom
P.A. Parenteau - Vinny Prospal - Nino Niederreiter
Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - Michael Haley
Ryan Suter - Mark Streit
Travis Hamonic - Calvin deHaan
Steve Eminger - Andrew MacDonald
7th - Dylan Reese
Al Montoya
Kevin Poulin/Anders Nilsson/Mikko Koskinen
Thoughts:
-I think that top line has some unreal potential.
-Lines 2 and 3 can be alternated depending on which one is having the most success at the time.
-I listed Haley as the 4th line RW, although I could see a guy like Rakhshani winning it in camp but Haley kept around as a healthy scratch to be used for Rangers games or whenever we need a little more physicality in the lineup.
-I broke up the Hamonic-MacDonald pairing and put deHaan in A-Mac's place. I think CDH is on par with A-Mac's defensive game already, but his offensive potential is miles above. I think we could have a real home-run of a pairing with CDH and Hamonic if Calvin's offensive game develops into what many believe it could be. MacDonald, on the other hand, provides a steady presence on the bottom pairing and allows us to roll 3 pairings pretty effectively.
-As far as the goaltending goes, I expect Poulin to take over at some point next year. Whether it is in Training Camp or in March, I see him taking the reigns in 2012-13. That said, I think Nilsson and Koskinen should have the same opportunity to win the job as Poulin.
There you go, folks. Let me hear the sweet reactions.
It isn't as far fetched as it seems. If he is in it for the money, than give the man a significant offer. It doesn't hurt the try. Not saying we have the greatest chance of getting him but offers never hurt.
Love the originality. Not sure KO could play LW so you may have to go Nino on LW and KO on RW on line two. Flanking Bailey could be a good fit as Bailey is a pass first guy and then put PA and Ullstrom around Prospal.
It isn't as far fetched as it seems. If he is in it for the money, than give the man a significant offer. It doesn't hurt the try. Not saying we have the greatest chance of getting him but offers never hurt.
We gave big contracts to Martin and Hamuis and they both took less money to play on a contender so, it could go both ways
I wouldn't be surprised if Trent Hunter returns to replace Rolston. The Isles needed to get above the floor this season which was the only reason why Rolston was acquired for Hunter.
It is still a young and inexperienced team so playoffs may be possible. I have some questions though.
1. I would rather invest that $2.75 million in Nielson. He is younger and his role is more defined. You won't need another scoring center with Zetterberg and Tavares. One of Gaustad or Hecht will be available from the Sabres and can fill in for Cizikas as you fourth line center.
I could see us trading for an elite player, but I think someone in the ilk of Bergeron or Krecji from boston. Give up our 2012 first and Grabner. Both of these guys bring Stanley cup experience, and would give us top notch center depth. They are both young and signed long term, and with the addition of Seguin, one of these 2 may very well be available.
We NEED to find a second line center, as well as 2 top 4 PMD, if that happens I have no doubt we make the playoffs.
Moulson-Tavares-Okposo
Parenteau-Bergeron-xxxx (we really need another top 6 winger)
Ullstrom-Bailey-Nino
Martin-Reasoner()-Cizikas/Petrov/other prospect
I could see us trading for an elite player, but I think someone in the ilk of Bergeron or Krecji from boston. Give up our 2012 first and Grabner. Both of these guys bring Stanley cup experience, and would give us top notch center depth. They are both young and signed long term, and with the addition of Seguin, one of these 2 may very well be available.
Boston will NEVER trade Bergeron. Krecji maybe but 100% assure you Bergeron will not be traded.
I'm okay with dangling Grabner + 2012 1st to add an elite player. Just don't know where we can exactly find one that's available or fits our specific need.
As for Suter, pure pipe dream. He has Chicago, Philly or Detroit written all over him.
Boston will NEVER trade Bergeron. Krecji maybe but 100% assure you Bergeron will not be traded.
I'm okay with dangling Grabner + 2012 1st to add an elite player. Just don't know where we can exactly find one that's available or fits our specific need.
As for Suter, pure pipe dream. He has Chicago, Philly or Detroit written all over him.
I see Suter in Detroit as well.
For Bergeron I disagree, I think he could be had. Why do you feel he is unavailable? With Seguin coming into his own, next year he could certainly man the first or second line. Seguin is the best of the 3, Krecji will be the cheapest over the long haul IMO.
F Brian Rolston: Released as UFA
F Jay Pandolfo: Released as UFA
F PA Parenteau: 4 yr $3,500,000
F Matt Martin: 2 yr $800,000 2-way
F Tim Wallace: 1 yr $600,000 2-way
F Frans Nielsen: 4 yr $3,000,000
D Mark Eaton: Released as UFA
D Steve Staios: Released as UFA
D Milan Jurcina: Released as UFA
D Mike Mottau: Released as UFA
D Dylan Reese: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
G Al Montoya: 2 yr $2,000,000
G Mikko Koskinen: 2 yr $850,000 2-way
F Rhett Rakhshani: 1 yr $850,000 2-way
D Ty Wishart: 1 yr $650,000 2-way
F Trevor Gillies: Released as UFA
F Trevor Frischmon: Released as UFA
F Tomas Marcinko: 1 yr $550,000 2-way
F Jeremy Colliton: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
F Michael Haley: 1 yr $600,000 2-way
F Sean Backman: Released as Unqualified RFA
F Tyler McNeely: 1 yr $550,000 2 -way
F Tony Romano: Released as Unqualified RFA
F Justin DiBenedetto: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
UFA Signings:
D Cory Sarich: 1 yr $2,000,000
F Kristian Huselius: 2 yr $2,750,000
D Tim Gleason: 4 yr $3,250,000
D Joe Corvo: 2 yr $2,250,000
F Radek Dvorak: 1 yr $1,750,000
F Daniel Paille: 2 yr $1,500,000
Prospect and Minor League Signings:
F Kirill Petrov: $850,000 ELC
F Johan Sundstrom: $750,000 ELC
F Corey Trivino: $775,000 ELC
Trades:
Offseason and Draft:
Josh Bailey for Alec Martinez
Mark Streit, Brock Nelson, 2012 3rd for Henrik Zetterberg
Before Trade Deadline:
Evgeni Nabakov for a Pick
Draft:
1st Round: D Ryan Murray
2012-2013 New York Islanders Roster & Cap Hits:
Forward:
John Tavares(C): $5,500,000
Matt Moulson(A): $3,133,333
Kyle Okposo: $2,800,000
Kristian Huselius: $2,750,000
Michael Grabner: $3,000,000
Frans Nielsen: $3,000,000
Nino Niederreiter: $2,795,000
PA Parenteau: $3,500,000
Marty Reasoner: $1,350,000
Radek Dvorak: $1,750,000
Daniel Paille: $1,500,000
Henrik Zetterberg: $6,083,000
Defense:
Travis Hamonic: $875,000
Andrew MacDonald(A): $550,000
Cory Sarich(A): $2,000,000
Alec Martinez: $737,500
Ryan Murray: $3,000,000
Joe Corvo: $2,250,000
Tim Gleason: $3,250,000
Goalies:
Al Montoya: $2,000,000
Rick DiPietro: $4,500,000
Buyouts:
Alexei Yashin: $2,204,000
Contracts: 21
Cap Payroll: $58,528,166
Cap Space: $5,771,834
There you go, folks. Let me hear the sweet reactions.
I love the optimism much more then I love the utter denial. Unfortunately this is another typical longing Islander fan post on these boards dreaming of getting a few all-stars when we have an AHL arena and owner.
Until we get a first-rate new building and owner, the math doesn't fit for the Islanders to sign (or trade for) any really impact players. To think otherwise is to try an play a VHS tape in a Blu-Ray player. Good luck with that.
F Brian Rolston: Released as UFA
F Jay Pandolfo: Released as UFA
F PA Parenteau: 4 yr $3,500,000
F Matt Martin: 2 yr $800,000 2-way
F Tim Wallace: 1 yr $600,000 2-way
F Frans Nielsen: 4 yr $3,000,000
D Mark Eaton: Released as UFA
D Steve Staios: Released as UFA
D Milan Jurcina: Released as UFA
D Mike Mottau: Released as UFA
D Dylan Reese: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
G Al Montoya: 2 yr $2,000,000
G Mikko Koskinen: 2 yr $850,000 2-way
F Rhett Rakhshani: 1 yr $850,000 2-way
D Ty Wishart: 1 yr $650,000 2-way
F Trevor Gillies: Released as UFA
F Trevor Frischmon: Released as UFA
F Tomas Marcinko: 1 yr $550,000 2-way
F Jeremy Colliton: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
F Michael Haley: 1 yr $600,000 2-way
F Sean Backman: Released as Unqualified RFA
F Tyler McNeely: 1 yr $550,000 2 -way
F Tony Romano: Released as Unqualified RFA
F Justin DiBenedetto: 2 yr $650,000 2-way
UFA Signings:
D Cory Sarich: 1 yr $2,000,000
F Kristian Huselius: 2 yr $2,750,000
D Tim Gleason: 4 yr $3,250,000
D Joe Corvo: 2 yr $2,250,000
F Radek Dvorak: 1 yr $1,750,000
F Daniel Paille: 2 yr $1,500,000
Prospect and Minor League Signings:
F Kirill Petrov: $850,000 ELC
F Johan Sundstrom: $750,000 ELC
F Corey Trivino: $775,000 ELC
Trades:
Offseason and Draft:
Josh Bailey for Alec Martinez
Mark Streit, Brock Nelson, 2012 3rd for Henrik Zetterberg
Before Trade Deadline:
Evgeni Nabakov for a Pick
Draft:
1st Round: D Ryan Murray
2012-2013 New York Islanders Roster & Cap Hits:
Forward:
John Tavares(C): $5,500,000
Matt Moulson(A): $3,133,333
Kyle Okposo: $2,800,000
Kristian Huselius: $2,750,000
Michael Grabner: $3,000,000
Frans Nielsen: $3,000,000
Nino Niederreiter: $2,795,000
PA Parenteau: $3,500,000
Marty Reasoner: $1,350,000
Radek Dvorak: $1,750,000
Daniel Paille: $1,500,000
Henrik Zetterberg: $6,083,000
Defense:
Travis Hamonic: $875,000
Andrew MacDonald(A): $550,000
Cory Sarich(A): $2,000,000
Alec Martinez: $737,500
Ryan Murray: $3,000,000
Joe Corvo: $2,250,000
Tim Gleason: $3,250,000
Goalies:
Al Montoya: $2,000,000
Rick DiPietro: $4,500,000
Buyouts:
Alexei Yashin: $2,204,000
Contracts: 21
Cap Payroll: $58,528,166
Cap Space: $5,771,834
For Bergeron I disagree, I think he could be had. Why do you feel he is unavailable? With Seguin coming into his own, next year he could certainly man the first or second line. Seguin is the best of the 3, Krecji will be the cheapest over the long haul IMO.
Bergeron is making 5 mil over the next 3 years, Krecji is making 5.25 and Seguin is ELC for another year.
Of the 3, Bergy is the best 2-way forward, plays every situation and he's battled back from two concussions and said he wants to stay a Bruin for life. He also fits Julien's playing style the best. As for Seguin, he can play wing as well (as he does on Bergeron's line) so there's no need to move Seguin to center as they have the luxury of 5 centers in the line up (the 3 discussed, Kelly and Peverly)
Red Wing fans are different from the Red Wings organization.
Really? Get out of town.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a hold of the Red Wings' front office. I figured, at least on HF, Red Wings fans would be the next best source of feedback on a trade involving a Red Wings player.
I apologize for trying to get creative. I understand we will probably end up with **** UFA's, but does that mean we have to wish for **** UFA's?
Bergeron is making 5 mil over the next 3 years, Krecji is making 5.25 and Seguin is ELC for another year.
Of the 3, Bergy is the best 2-way forward, plays every situation and he's battled back from two concussions and said he wants to stay a Bruin for life. He also fits Julien's playing style the best. As for Seguin, he can play wing as well (as he does on Bergeron's line) so there's no need to move Seguin to center as they have the luxury of 5 centers in the line up (the 3 discussed, Kelly and Peverly)
I do think he will be tough to get, but if Grabner ends up with 30+ goals again and we offer our 2012 first, they may just bite, although we would probably have to throw someone like DeHaan/Nelson in as well. Bergeron is an excellent forward, but I would be dam happy if we brought in Krecji. He has been pretty healthy over his career, and has been money in the playoffs.
I would offer Grabner + 2012 first round pick, and if they wouldn't bite I would add a good prospect as well, maybe someone like Cizikas.
Sign Tuomu Ruutu and Brandon Prust for our forwards.
This would give us a very good second line, third line (which could really flourish), and a fourth line that is filled with heart and soul players that have 2 guys that will protect the kids and can put up 25 points.
Defensively we need guys to get the puck to our forwards. In my opinion one of the biggest problems with this team is the lack of a transition game, 2 good PMD will change that immensely.
I would look to sign Carle, and make a trade for someone like Ballard because he would be cheap to acquire and he could easily play top 4 minutes here.