When Will "The Other Shoe" Drop?

From the quotes I've seen in the L.A. Times and the Register, I think Burke has been pretty candid about the move being a "salary dump". He also talked about re-deploying the money saved and doing so sooner rather than later. (I don't have the quote in front of me, but it was something to the effect that within 10 days or so would be more likely than 60 days or so.)

There are all kinds of potential scenarios, but here's my two-cents' worth:

1. If it's for nothing more than public relations, Burke has to do something personnel-wise and do it fast. I'd be surprised if there isn't at least one---possibly two or three---more moves within the next couple of weeks. Both when he was introduced to the local media (when he was hired) and at the initial meeting with season-ticket holders (I can't recall the name of the poorly-planned substitute for "Break the Ice" this year) Burke promised that the team would play hard, be exciting and would be a part of the O.C. community. I'm hard-pressed to see how the team, as presently constituted, could possibly be considered anywhere near "exciting". "Comatose" might be more accurate at this juncture.

2. Obviously, the Ducks need somebody who can at least masquerade as a NHL-calibre first line center: there has been some speculation about Jason Allison. It wouldn't surprise me if either Allison or Doug Weight wound up here.

3. Since the trade definitely was "salary-cap" driven---please note that I'm note saying there weren't other considerations---we need to consider which other team(s) have significant salary-cap issues? New Jersey leaps to mind, but I'm sure there are others. Thus, the Devils would make a good trading partner. Someone else---was it Cheesy or Caliamad?---suggested the possibility of Colin White. While I wouldn't be opposed to it, we have enough d-men and we desperately need scoring punch. What are some of the other franchises that are bumping up against the cap?

4. Any suggestions on a couple of scoring forwards in the $1.5-to-$2.5 million/per range who might be available and are Brian Burke-type players? (I know CFOB has suggested Chris Drury.)

5. It's clear that Burke isn't going to put his "stamp" on this team. Not only has he already has moved Fedorov, LeClerc and Rucchin, but he has done so for little or nothing in return. (I realize that the acquisition of Scott Niedermayer mandated moving some salary.) Burke's propensity for "blowing up" a team and re-molding it in his image is well-documented. That leads me to believe that Sykora and Salei both are gone. Maybe only one of them within the next couple of weeks, but neither of them should be looking at buying a home in Newport Beach.

6. I can't imagine season-ticket holders and the rest of the local fan base---such that it is---idly sitting by without seeing some skill-players moving in this direction. Realistically speaking, how long do you think Burke can wait before swinging his next deal?

7. Even a casual fan can't help but notice how well Vaclav Prospal and Martin Gerber have played this year. While these "deals" were engineered by Al Coates, it doesn't make them any more palatable to Ducks fans. The law of averages says you can only make so many bad trades in a row.

Richard Zednik would be a good addition to Anaheim....

but you would need to give something good in return since he is playing well; a good D would fit in MTL

I dont think Weight would be a good trading partner since hes just too expensive(he only makes 300k less than Federov). I also dont think the ducks can survive or have a chance for playoffs with a 1st line Center by committee.

The ducks need a center for sure, and they have historically NEVER had a legit top center. Maybe Sykora for Weight so the salaries somewhat offsets. Weight actually makes his teammates better, so I'm sure he would be a better linemate for guys like Lupol.

I think Zednik would be an awesome addition, but why would Montreal part with him when they are doing so well unless they really want to improve their defense.

I suggested NJ since they MUST lose some salary and are rumored to want to dump one of these guys: Langenbrunner, Madden, Brylin, Mogilny, Kozlov, Malakov, and White.

I think Langenbrunner and White are solid guys to pick up even even they need more scoring, but Mogilny is way overpaid and Brylin is past his prime.

If i was Burke and these were possible, i would do these trades:

Salei for Zednik
Kunitz, Dipenta, 3rd for Langenbrunner and White (NJ cant get that good of a return)
Sykora for Weight

I really want the ducks to form some chemistry over time, but Burke is probably gonna push it until he gets something going. But the lineup will seem somewhat formidable:

Getzlaf Weight Lupol
Neidermeyer Mcdonald Selanne
Fedoruk Paulsson Hedstrom
Brennan Wright Moen
(Perry = Send back to minors)

Neidermeyer Vish
Ozo White
Carney Beauchimin
Marshall

Aw, crap forgot about Zednik and Langenbrunner... yah, im sure the way Burke is hes gonna dump another favorite like a Macdonald, or God (Sami)

2. Obviously, the Ducks need somebody who can at least masquerade as a NHL-calibre first line center: there has been some speculation about Jason Allison. It wouldn't surprise me if either Allison or Doug Weight wound up here.
The one thing that would favor Allison is the fact that St. Louis is going to expect a good prospect in any trade because their season is hopeless. Whereas the Leafs will not want a prospect; rather they want a defenseman. Anaheim is not going to want to give up a prospect.

Apparently Elias could be practicing again by thanksgiving, so NJ makes a bit of sense as a trading partner ... with Sean brown coming around the way he has, one or more of White, Matvichuk, Mcgillis & Malakov could be available....

Could Anaheim have guarenteed the Blue Jackets they'd put in a claim on Marchant so the Jackets wouldn't be stuck with him if noone else claimed him?? :dunno: :dunno:

Could Anaheim have guarenteed the Blue Jackets they'd put in a claim on Marchant so the Jackets wouldn't be stuck with him if noone else claimed him?? :dunno: :dunno:

I don't think so. Apparently, Marchant was supposed to be a part of the deal, but didn't waive the NTC. If he was, I'm guessing Anaheim might've got something more back as well, like a draft pick. But instead, they didn't, and they only got Wright and Beuchemin. I'm not certain why he would void the NTC to come here, as he had to have figured he'd be waived if he didn't.

According to what Marchant said

"I was asked to waive the clause, without being told which team I was going to"

If that is true--he did not say "I wont go to Anaheim" he is saying "I want to know where I am going"

there is a difference

A few comments about some of your responses:

1. What is Zednik's contract status(i.e., how much does he make and when will he be a UFA?) Is Zednik for Salei---perhaps with a little bit of fine tuning---a viable deal? Is Zednik a "Burke-type" player? (When some posters have said he's not very physical, etc., Montreal fans have responded that it's apparent that the poster(s) in question haven't seen Zednik play a lot.) I haven't seen enough of him to know. I'd appreciate some additional input on the subject.

2. When I mentioned Weight, I didn't envision simply acquiring him without sending some "salary" in the other direction. I can't imagine the Blues doing a Weight for Sykora swap for two reasons: (1) the Blues get hosed in the deal;(2) they've been losing a ton of money and want to stop the bleeding; and (3) they're up for sale and an onerous salary structure reduces their value and/or makes them a less-enticing acquisition.

3. I'm not a big proponent of trading young talent/prospects. But Cheesy makes an excellent point: we're not going anywhere with a "1st line center by committee." If the alternatives are (a) trade/package a good young player/prospect to acquire Weight (or another legitimate first-line center) or (b) write off making the playoffs this year, which alternative do you guys favor?

4. What are your feelings about Allison? Is he too slow for the "new, no-contact" NHL?

5. If you don't like the idea of packaging young talent for someone like Weight, are there some other NHL centers you would be to trade young talent to acquire. What about someone like Mark Bell? Would Chicago seriously consider parting with him? If so, at what price? Would he be a good fit?

6. Cheesy: Do you really think that Kunitz, DiPenta and a 3rd would bring us Langenbrunner & White? (I think we'd be laughed off the Devils board if we proposed that one.)

7. When all the dust surrounding his contract buyout settles, do you guys think that Owen Nolan would be a good fit here in Anaheim?

2. When I mentioned Weight, I didn't envision simply acquiring him without sending some "salary" in the other direction. I can't imagine the Blues doing a Weight for Sykora swap for two reasons: (1) the Blues get hosed in the deal;(2) they've been losing a ton of money and want to stop the bleeding; and (3) they're up for sale and an onerous salary structure reduces their value and/or makes them a less-enticing acquisition.

I think the Blues will want top prospects for Weight (rebuilding) not a UFA to be like Sykora. From the Ducks standpoint his salary is not much less than Fedorov's so you end up with the same cap issues.

4. What are your feelings about Allison? Is he too slow for the "new, no-contact" NHL?

I'd gladly take his 11 power play points. You don't need to be fast to pass the puck around the offensive zone.

Zednik is awesome, I liked him ever since his rookie year. He has just been too streaky, but I think the past few seasons that he has played, hes becoming like a scoring Erik Cole type player. Hes really gritty, and hes so tough to knock off the puck. He's really all hustle and has good speed, but he has good finishing instinct. He's currenly listed as making $1.824 million a year, but Im not sure how long his contract is.

White is making $1.71 million and thats alot for a 7th defenseman. Langenbrunner is making $1,655,130. Grant Marshall makes too little to be traded, and Mogilny and Malakov make way too much for near retirement players (3.5 mill+). I think Kunitz and Dipenta make $450,000 each. So I think if NJ is desparate and just want to make a dump, then it would be possible unless some other team is willing to part with a prospect. I doubt they would make a muliplayer dump, but White for Dipenta would be possible and would save 1.25 mill for NJ.

I dont really like the ideal of trading Allison for Salei. Allison is just a short term solution as he might be an injury away from retirement. Salei has good value now, but the ducks would have little depth if he leaves. Carney is regressing, and Scotty is already playing way too many minutes this early. Ozo is too risky of a player, and Vish is still untested.

Wasnt there another rumor that would trade Carney for Salo? I dont know about losing leadership, but Salo is a better pointman for the power play...

Why would we want Weight after dumping Fedorov?

Maybe Burke will do nothing.

I think Jason Allison would be a great fit with the Ducks. A player like Sykora would really suit him as a linemate. At 1.5 million he isnt that expensive either.

Which ducks defenseman would anaheim be willing to part with to get him? One of Vishnevski, Carney or Salei should be going back the other way I figure. What do you guys think?

Why would we want Weight after dumping Fedorov?

Maybe Burke will do nothing.
The difference being Weight's contract has 5 million on it, while Feds had 18. I'm not saying Burke should or will go after him, just saying that it is a big difference in salary.

As a Canucks fan let me assure you... Burke knows what he's doing. And he doesn't worry about his public image.

Trust him and be patient... it'll pay off.

You've got one of the great hockey men. He's there to turn the franchise around and he's setting about doing it.

Just my own thoughts while browsing through your lovely forum:

1. Don't even bother asking the Devils or their fans about Elias. Unless you're trading Getzlaf, Lupul and a pick, it won't happen.

2. As it was mentioned before, St. Louis wouldn't want a UFA to be in return. The Blechs are in an obvious need of re-building and would only take prospects/picks in return. You guys just don't have enough depth to give up quality forward prospects unless, again, you want to trade Getzlaf, Perry or Lupul.

3. The Salei for Allison trade is the first trade in a while that I've seen on HF that makes some kind of sense. It would certainly address a glaring hole for SOMEONE on defense that does ANYTHING in the defensive zone for Toronto, and you guys would get a 2nd line center (I'd hardly call him a 1st line center right now). The Leafs are deep at C right now and will never move Sundin or Lindros, and are crying out for a defenseman right now. Again, you'll face competition from a team like LA that has a good batch of prospects to pick from. It would probably take Salei + 4th without other bidders though.

Just my own thoughts while browsing through your lovely forum:

1. Don't even bother asking the Devils or their fans about Elias. Unless you're trading Getzlaf, Lupul and a pick, it won't happen.

Yeah, okay. A team that badly needs to rid salary could demand for two top youngsters and a pick, even if it's for Elias. Hell, Elias wouldn't be worth that regardless.

Yeah, okay. A team that badly needs to rid salary could demand for two top youngsters and a pick, even if it's for Elias. Hell, Elias wouldn't be worth that regardless.

Hey, I wasn't saying it was reasonable, just that it's what they would demand.

IMO, if it were a pre-Hepatitis non-UFA bound Elias, I'd pull the trigger on that and I love Getzlaf (I had him number 8 ranked in the '03).

Elias doesn't get close to the respect he deserves on these boards (with the exception of the Devs board of course). Aside from his former playoff work, his strong defensive play, the fact he's a rocket on skates, or his leadership, if he were on any other team in the NHL other than the Wild, he'd be scoring 50 goals a year and posters would be busting a nut all over the screen just to type something about him.

I would like Elias here, but if Sykora's still here then they'll play on the same line and Elias will be innefective, ruined by Sykora.

I think Jason Allison would be a great fit with the Ducks. A player like Sykora would really suit him as a linemate. At 1.5 million he isnt that expensive either.

Which ducks defenseman would anaheim be willing to part with to get him? One of Vishnevski, Carney or Salei should be going back the other way I figure. What do you guys think?
Sykora is worthless without a set up man offensively...Burke should've had a plan in place before he traded Fedorov, Teemu Selanne should not be your best offensive player.

hey guys i have a quick question for you all. what would be classified as a "burke type" player?

hey guys i have a quick question for you all. what would be classified as a "burke type" player?

Since I was the one who started using the phrase on this board, I'll take a stab at definining it. He's someone who hustles constantly, never floats, forechecks aggressively, is not a "cancer" or a prima donna in the lockerroom and willingly participates in community service events. A "mixed bag", I admit, but all of the positive ones are characteristics that Burke has said he requires of his players. The negatives ones, he doesn't have to enumerate.

Why would we want Weight after dumping Fedorov?

Maybe Burke will do nothing.

A couple of reasons come to mind:

1. Right now, we don't have anyone who even vaguely approximates a first-line NHL center.

2. Weight fits that bill. He may not be a long-term solution, but the Ducks can't score with the roster they have now.

3. Burke said that the money saved on the Fedorov deal would be re-deployed and added (words to the effect of) sooner rather than later.

4. First Burke says the team will be "exciting". (It isn't.) Then he says he's not going to trade Fedorov. (Within a day or so of making that statement, he trades Sergei.) Then he says that he's going to use the money to acquire a couple of players. The California Criminal Code has a "Three Strikes" law. Burke has two strikes. If he fails to replace Fedorov, that will be his third strike. The fans will be ready to run him out of town on a rail.

5. As others have pointed out, we would have been stuck with Fedorov for three years at almost $18 mil (minus the little bit we paid him thus far this year). Even if Weight is an almost identical financial burden this year, Burke would still have two more years after this to "play" with the money saved by moving Fedorov.

As a Canucks fan let me assure you... Burke knows what he's doing. And he doesn't worry about his public image.

Trust him and be patient... it'll pay off.

You've got one of the great hockey men. He's there to turn the franchise around and he's setting about doing it.


Bingo! You nailed it. As far as I'm concerned, Burke can completely "blow up" the current Ducks roster. He should be "tarred and feathered" if he trades Scott Niedermayer. (He won't.) Anyone else on the roster is fair game.