Sullivan has been a point per game player for us since he got here. He scored more points last season than Kovalev despite playing in 16 less games.
In fact he's outscored him every season since 2002.
I would still make this deal. Sullivan has a more favorable contract, is a better guy in the lockerroom, is a fan favorite, and has performed at a higher level for awhile now - but the first round pick is too much to pass up. Add to that - Sullivan has been a total bust for us in the playoffs (whether that is due to not being there or not playing well), and I think you have to acknowledge that Kovalev has had success in the playoffs, further giving reason to make the trade.
We don't need a first round pick that won't be ready for years (and who'll probably a small d-man with Poile picking). We need a quality 3rd line winger this year. Keep Sully and look at trading some of our excess energy line players for guys who can contribute.
Trade Tootoo, one of the d-men and at least one of the picks from the Vokoun deal and get the player we need now to reach the league minimum salary and fill out the 3rd line.
We don't need a first round pick that won't be ready for years (and who'll probably a small d-man with Poile picking). We need a quality 3rd line winger this year. Keep Sully and look at trading some of our excess energy line players for guys who can contribute.
Trade Tootoo, one of the d-men and at least one of the picks from the Vokoun deal and get the player we need now to reach the league minimum salary and fill out the 3rd line.
I agree that Sully is a better player at this point in their careers; however, Enoch is right. With the first coming our way, I would lean towards making this deal. I doubt the Habs make this trade though. We don't even know how effective Sully will be when he does get back onto the ice. A first in this draft is great value as well, or we could turn around and use it as an asset for trade at the deadline to get a good NHL player like we did last year with Forsberg.
The Predators need to consolidate their 4th liners and defensive prospects into a 3rd liner. NOT get another draft pick which will magically turn into another top defensemen prospect.
Last edited by BigFatCat999: 07-23-2007 at 10:48 AM.
NMK - I completely disagree. Kovalev is more talented than Sullivan, and he actually shows up in the playoffs. Kovalev has 84 points in 100 playoff games (+9), and the past two playoff runs he has been a ppg player. Sullivan has 11 points in 29 games (-10), six of those coming in a playoff series for Toronto back in the 98-99 season. He hasn't shown up for us in the playoffs when he is healthy, and he has been hurt in practically every series. Yeah, I love Sullivan and value him more than Kovalev, but this is a guy that has been missing for three straight playoff runs. How can that be ignored? This isn't a one year fluke, this is three straight years, and it can be argued that his diminutive frame leads to this lack of playoff success. To be frank, we can't count on Steve to be there when it counts. Kovalev isn't much of a leader, but his offensive skills are just as good as Sullivans (much better on the powerplay) and he will show up in the playoffs. Add in another first round pick and I think the value is completely fair.
Maybe its just me, but I fail to see the point in having one of our top players always absent when the game is on the line.....3 years and counting (and I love Steve Sullivan...) 30 games missed this year, 12 the year before that....lots of groin and back trouble...
If you want to argue against his playing style here in Nashville, I will readily concede that point. I'm not saying this is a great trade, but I do think it would help our team come playoff time. Additionally the first rounder would be a huge piece to upgrade our roster (and not necessarily at the deadline).
Who's to say you have to keep the first? Why not turn the first into that coveted third line player or a quality defensemen. Then you've taken a strength, slightly downgraded (arguably), and added another strength.
NMK - I completely disagree. Kovalev is more talented than Sullivan, and he actually shows up in the playoffs. Kovalev has 84 points in 100 playoff games (+9), and the past two playoff runs he has been a ppg player. Sullivan has 11 points in 29 games (-10), six of those coming in a playoff series for Toronto back in the 98-99 season. He hasn't shown up for us in the playoffs when he is healthy, and he has been hurt in practically every series. Yeah, I love Sullivan and value him more than Kovalev, but this is a guy that has been missing for three straight playoff runs. How can that be ignored? This isn't a one year fluke, this is three straight years, and it can be argued that his diminutive frame leads to this lack of playoff success. To be frank, we can't count on Steve to be there when it counts. Kovalev isn't much of a leader, but his offensive skills are just as good as Sullivans (much better on the powerplay) and he will show up in the playoffs. Add in another first round pick and I think the value is completely fair.
Maybe its just me, but I fail to see the point in having one of our top players always absent when the game is on the line.....3 years and counting (and I love Steve Sullivan...) 30 games missed this year, 12 the year before that....lots of groin and back trouble...
If you want to argue against his playing style here in Nashville, I will readily concede that point. I'm not saying this is a great trade, but I do think it would help our team come playoff time. Additionally the first rounder would be a huge piece to upgrade our roster (and not necessarily at the deadline).
Problem is, good luck making the playoffs with Kovalev in the lineup. Of course, you could just sit him until playoff time.. that'd be the best case scenario for having Kovalev on you're team.
Problem is, good luck making the playoffs with Kovalev in the lineup. Of course, you could just sit him until playoff time.. that'd be the best case scenario fhaving Kovalev on you're team.
I think we would make the playoff with Kovalev. Additionally, I think having three first round picks would make it very easy to acquire a very very good player. Not to mention we have solid trading chips in Laakso, Klein, etc.
I think we would make the playoff with Kovalev. Additionally, I think having three first round picks would make it very easy to acquire a very very good player. Not to mention we have solid trading chips in Laakso, Klein, etc.
I don't. Sullivan, health issues or not, has been our best player since coming here, and probably the best player we've ever had. You can point the finger at his playoff performance...but when was he healthy? He was out with the same injury for two years straight, and supposedly he has that injury corrected.
Sullivan has been our best player...would Kovalev? I think you're imagining the Pittsburgh Penguins version of Kovalev, maybe living in an EC city for the past 5 years I saw him more than you did, but I want no part of Kovalev for free, let alone at the cost of a heart and soul player.
I don't. Sullivan, health issues or not, has been our best player since coming here, and probably the best player we've ever had. You can point the finger at his playoff performance...but when was he healthy? He was out with the same injury for two years straight, and supposedly he has that injury corrected.
Sullivan has been our best player...would Kovalev? I think you're imagining the Pittsburgh Penguins version of Kovalev, maybe living in an EC city for the past 5 years I saw him more than you did, but I want no part of Kovalev for free, let alone at the cost of a heart and soul player.
Kovalev is well below Sullivan as a leader, but as an offensive force, they are on the same level (and he is much better on the PP). I hear what you are saying, but if Sully's back/groin are not better....he is going to continue to be ineffective and non-existent in the playoffs.
Kovalev is well below Sullivan as a leader, but as an offensive force, they are on the same level (and he is much better on the PP). I hear what you are saying, but if Sully's back/groin are not better....he is going to continue to be ineffective and non-existent in the playoffs.
I'd rather take my chances on Sully's groin\back than with Kovalev's heart\motivation.
