Likely nobody at this particular moment in time. Hence why this is happening at this particular moment in time.
I'm not talking about this particular moment in time... I'm talking the next two years (that's a bargain for a guy you can have as a 6/7 without it being a problem). I think the problem with Leighton is that teams want to go after one of the better options in free agency this summer, and they're concerned about his back (I still don't see the downside of taking a flyer on him as a backup, but then I have a low opinion of most GMs).
I hope that is true. Otherwise, I wanna know who keeps depriving Homer of TV and beer. That man or woman must be stopped.
Think about it.
All of the teams that missed the playoffs are going to be re-assessing their entire rosters. I doubt Matt Walker is the last piece of the puzzle. Those teams have bigger fish to fry and Walker just takes away a contract that they could give out to a prospect or free agent instead.
All of the teams in the playoffs are trying to get things in order for the playoffs. I doubt acquiring an oft-injured depth dman, who hasn't played a game for that particular team and barely at all this season, is a very tantalizing option.
If there's a time to sneak him back up so that he can step into playoff action if needed, this is it, right after the end of the season.
All of the teams that missed the playoffs are going to be re-assessing their entire rosters. I doubt Matt Walker is the last piece of the puzzle. Those teams have bigger fish to fry and Walker just takes away a contract that they could give out to a prospect or free agent instead.
All of the teams in the playoffs are trying to get things in order for the playoffs. I doubt acquiring an oft-injured depth dman, who hasn't played a game for that particular team and barely at all this season, is a very tantalizing option.
If there's a time to sneak him back up so that he can step into playoff action if needed, this is it, right after the end of the season.
Competent 6-7 NHL d-men are still a useful commodity. Any team knows that, regardless of their playoff position. It's certainly possible that teams without defensive depth would be willing to take a shot on a guy who only makes 850k, and has shown he's capable of putting in bottom-pair minutes.
Not saying it will happen, but again, it's another stupid risk.
Competent 6-7 NHL d-men are still a useful commodity. Any team knows that, regardless of their playoff position. It's certainly possible that teams without defensive depth would be willing to take a shot on a guy who only makes 850k, and has shown he's capable of putting in bottom-pair minutes.
Not saying it will happen, but again, it's another stupid risk.
Someone should have claimed Leighton for the same reason... no real risk, could have just waived him if the back was wonky. So, who knows?
850K for a depth D that has played in the NHL is a great deal, though. Hell, I'd be happy with Walker at that price.
Competent 6-7 NHL d-men are still a useful commodity. Any team knows that, regardless of their playoff position. It's certainly possible that teams without defensive depth would be willing to take a shot on a guy who only makes 850k, and has shown he's capable of putting in bottom-pair minutes.
Not saying it will happen, but again, it's another stupid risk.
exactly. a 6/7 making 850k? seems like a risk a few teams may be willing to take. Yeah he may end up clearing. Still not a wise move IMO.
I'm not talking about this particular moment in time... I'm talking the next two years (that's a bargain for a guy you can have as a 6/7 without it being a problem). I think the problem with Leighton is that teams want to go after one of the better options in free agency this summer, and they're concerned about his back (I still don't see the downside of taking a flyer on him as a backup, but then I have a low opinion of most GMs).
Walker... is an even better deal potentially.
Except one day after the end of the regular season, nobody is worrying about who their 5/6 will be next season. Walker more than likely won't even be an afterthought.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoneFullHolmgren
yeah I am sure he thought he would get Randy Jones thru as well.
You may have noticed the emphasis I placed on the particular timing of this move. The same set of circumstances were NOT present for the Jones fiasco.
I'm wagering that Walker makes it through. He's not a bad insurance policy. This isn't Homer being retarded, it's him being crafty and bold. He's more concerned about having enough D in the playoffs rather than next year's cap, but he thinks he squeak this one through and bolster his playoff squad even more without losing cap space next season (he's probably right, too.)
Mind you, there's a definite chance that the whole thing blows up in his face and Walker get claimed and we lose cap space, but then, that's the essence of gambling.
Except one day after the end of the regular season, nobody is worrying about who their 5/6 will be next season. Walker more than likely won't even be an afterthought.
You may have noticed the emphasis I placed on the particular timing of this move. The same set of circumstances were NOT present for the Jones fiasco.
I'm wagering that Walker makes it through. He's not a bad insurance policy. This isn't Homer being retarded, it's him being crafty and bold. He's more concerned about having enough D in the playoffs rather than next year's cap, but he thinks he squeak this one through and bolster his playoff squad even more without losing cap space next season (he's probably right, too.)
Mind you, there's a definite chance that the whole thing blows up in his face and Walker get claimed and we lose cap space, but then, that's the essence of gambling.
One day after the season ends is the perfect time to start thinking about your roster next season, if your team isn't in the playoffs. What else would a GM be doing?
Those are the defenders we've used this year, and while Syvret, Gustafsson and Bartulis might be a bit weak physically and Boynton isn't winning the Norris any time soon, I don't see the need to risk 850k in dead cap for 2 years at the moment.
However, if Pronger isn't that close to return (horrible thought) and Bartulis and Boynton (he's been hurt as well, right?) is not able to play early on either, then at least it makes a smidgeon of sense. A very little smidgeon, but still.
