Armchair GM: find us some help

So with it looking more likely that Selanne and Niedermayer are gone, we have some holes to fill. I think we need help in scoring wing and dependable defensive depth.

Schneider takes up Niedermayer's PP load, but I don't see him as strong in ES or the PK. Or able to take as many minutes. He averaged 4 minutes less (23:30 vs 27:30) in the regular season, and 6 minutes less in the postseason. O'Donnell will be 36 and I don't see him taking more than the 20 minutes he played either. So I see a need for a #5 who is reliable and can kill penalties, who can fill in for a 4 if needed. And a vet who can work in whatever young guy we'll be putting in. Although that could be Hnidy. Or Huskins could step up. So this isn't a superhigh priority.

Also lacking is a winger who can score goals. Probably for the left side, unless you think Bertuzzi can play left with Getzlaf and Perry. Although this is much harder to find, who doesn't want a guy who can score? I just don't want Ryan on our team for a year, and don't really see anyone ready in our system who can fill in for a scorer's role.

Keep in mind we're looking for value, both in terms of contract and in terms of spending assets. And we want production for this year and maybe next. Who do you guys suggest we target?

My suggestion for value for the forward spot? Someone who is a lower tier scorer but can score in the shootout. Keep in mind we lost 10 shootouts last year, 2nd to Washington. Our team defense should still be solid this year, meaning we may go to overtime and shootouts quite a bit. Perhaps Kotalik? Buffalo fans seem to offer him some. He was 5 for 7 last year in the shootout, tied for 2nd with 4 game deciding goals. He can play both sides, so could fit both in Selanne's or Penner's former spots. For Marchant + Edmonton 2 or 3? Although he's only played more than 70 games once.

And for defenseman, how about Pratt, an UFA? Or is he more of a 6 and is that just too many 6th defensemen on our team? For maybe 1 million?

I'm bad at suggestions, those are just to start dialog, I'm more interested in what other people have to say on what would help us. I just don't follow the rest of the league that much. Hell, I could have our weaknesses wrong.

Mathieu Schneider was Scott Niedermayer's replacement, period. Without Scotty we have 8 d-men. The backline is full, too full at that. Franky will play more minutes and like it or not so will OD. Shane Hnidy will be able to log more minutes than one would think. Plus I think Husky still has more potential to tap. The only question left if which d-man gets the boot, not who's coming in.

But we do have a glaring whole on the wing among the top-6. The UFA market is totally dried up a far as impact forwards are concerned. The option Burkie has is via trade and there aren't many top-6 forwards out there on the block. Meaning, if Burkie wants a quality player he'll have to give some quality assets and that makes things difficult. If we try to go with what we have than a lot of things need to go right. All of our young guys like Getzy, Perry and Kunie need to improve even more. Either Brad May or Travis Moen will need to learn how to score goals, in Moen's case more consistently. Jiggy and the D need to be SOLID. But above all, we'd need this year to be the healthiest ever (I'm talking to you Bertuzzi). Needless to say it'd be a scary venture.

What do I suggest? I don't know. I have no idea who is on the block and Burkie can't do anything really until Teemu and Scotty actually announce that they are going to retire. We're like four weeks from camp and things look real murky.

Well, Burkie did pick up a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounder recently that he can put into play. although, i think he did or someone mentioned that he had that already in play. sorry, but it was awhile ago, otherwise, i would have put up a link. = (

Mathieu Schneider was Scott Niedermayer's replacement, period. Without Scotty we have 8 d-men. The backline is full, too full at that. Franky will play more minutes and like it or not so will OD. Shane Hnidy will be able to log more minutes than one would think. Plus I think Husky still has more potential to tap. The only question left if which d-man gets the boot, not who's coming in.

But we do have a glaring whole on the wing among the top-6. The UFA market is totally dried up a far as impact forwards are concerned. The option Burkie has is via trade and there aren't many top-6 forwards out there on the block. Meaning, if Burkie wants a quality player he'll have to give some quality assets and that makes things difficult. If we try to go with what we have than a lot of things need to go right. All of our young guys like Getzy, Perry and Kunie need to improve even more. Either Brad May or Travis Moen will need to learn how to score goals, in Moen's case more consistently. Jiggy and the D need to be SOLID. But above all, we'd need this year to be the healthiest ever (I'm talking to you Bertuzzi). Needless to say it'd be a scary venture.

What do I suggest? I don't know. I have no idea who is on the block and Burkie can't do anything really until Teemu and Scotty actually announce that they are going to retire. We're like four weeks from camp and things look real murky.

Pretty much agree with everything. As far as getting a top 6 forward, trade seems to be the only option now that the UFA market is all dried. The question is what assets do we have to trade and how much would it take to acquire a top 6 forward. If the goaltending market wasn't so out of demand, Bryzgalov would have been a nice asset to trade.

I think Burke's first move is going to be trading a 2nd round pick for Ivanans.

poolie says we want to see Ryan this year! :handclap:

Sign LeClair to the league minimum with some bonuses...

Mathieu Schneider was Scott Niedermayer's replacement, period. Without Scotty we have 8 d-men. The backline is full, too full at that. Franky will play more minutes and like it or not so will OD. Shane Hnidy will be able to log more minutes than one would think. Plus I think Husky still has more potential to tap. The only question left if which d-man gets the boot, not who's coming in.

But we do have a glaring whole on the wing among the top-6. The UFA market is totally dried up a far as impact forwards are concerned. The option Burkie has is via trade and there aren't many top-6 forwards out there on the block. Meaning, if Burkie wants a quality player he'll have to give some quality assets and that makes things difficult. If we try to go with what we have than a lot of things need to go right. All of our young guys like Getzy, Perry and Kunie need to improve even more. Either Brad May or Travis Moen will need to learn how to score goals, in Moen's case more consistently. Jiggy and the D need to be SOLID. But above all, we'd need this year to be the healthiest ever (I'm talking to you Bertuzzi). Needless to say it'd be a scary venture.

What do I suggest? I don't know. I have no idea who is on the block and Burkie can't do anything really until Teemu and Scotty actually announce that they are going to retire. We're like four weeks from camp and things look real murky.

I kind of disagree. Yes Schneider takes Niedermayer's spot, but I doubt he can completely fill his shoes/skates. Some of Niedermayer's minutes and responsibilities have to go elsewhere. Frankie could get some, but he already played 25 minutes last year, there's not much higher he can go. That's the hole I'm talking about. With OD and Schneider getting older, it'd be wise to give them a lighter load during the regular season, conserving them for a postseason run.

But you are right that it is possible that Hnidy, Huskins, OD, and Beauchemin can collectively fill the difference between Schneider and Niedermayer. I'd just be much happier if we got someone more proven. I just see lots of quantity, and am unsure of the quality of the depth. Will playing all those guys more minutes be giving them more than they can handle, leaving us prone to injuries? Then who steps in? Would you really want one of Huskins, DiPenta, Kondratiev, or Hnidy playing at #4 if one of the big 3 is injured? I sure don't. As for too many defensemen, one could also be part of a package for a winger.

As to forwards, I had similar thoughts as you as to who may move to Getzlaf's line. If we don't acquire anyone, I actually think Moen might be moved up. He improved a lot the past year, and showed a surprising ability to put up (ugly) points in the playoffs. He's good on the cycle, and could be the defensive anchor of that line. Then Miller or May could be on the checking line. I just have a good feeling about Miller's future as a checker.

The murkiness is exactly why this is a good topic to discuss. We do have some pieces for a trade. The Edmonton picks, Marchant (or possibly Pahlsson, with Marchant or Wirtanen moving into his spot... but I'd really hate to do that), Bryzgalov, one of our 8 dmen, and some NHL-ready in 2-3 years depth defensemen on the farm. Problem is most of those assets are futures, meaning we'd likely have to wait until the trade deadline. I would feel much better if we could address one of these 2 holes though.

Trading away the leagues best defensive center does not make any sence at all when he gets $1.4 mil... It wont help our capsituation anything either, which moving Marchant defenitely would.

Trade with Columbus and Buffalo if Teemu and Scotty retires:

To CBJ:
Ilya Bryzgalov
Maxim Kondratiev
Ales Kotalik

To BUF:
Todd Marchant
Nikolai Zherdev
2nd round pick from Anaheim

To ANA:
Zenon Konopka
Pascal Leclaire
Maxim Afinogenov

Then the Ducks sign UFA Adam Hall and we have this:

Kunitz - McDonald - Afinogenov
Bertuzzi - Getzlaf - Perry
Moen - Pahlsson - R. Niedermayer
May - Konopka - Hall

Schneider - Beauchemin
Pronger - O'Donnell
Hnidy - Huskins

Giguere
Leclaire

Out of left field, but has Marchant ever played wing? If so, how capable is he? Perhaps you could throw him in Selanne's spot alongside Andy Mac and Kunitz. Certainly wouldn't make up but a fraction of the goals, but he'd definitely maintain the speed quotient of the line.

Bertuzzi-Getzlaf-Perry
Kunitz-McDonald-Marchant
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
Miller/May/Lacouture-Carter-King/Parros

Or if Miller has a great camp...

Kunitz-Getzlaf-Perry
Miller-McDonald-Bertuzzi
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
the fourths...

Basically, I don't anticipate a big acquisition from Burke. A first doesn't seem to get you a whole lot these days, so unless it's combined with Bryz, you're not offering a lot to get value back upon. Currently the team has five solid top-six forwards, and the best checking line in the league. Burke can afford to be patient. Same goes on D with a solid top-four.

With Teemu, Penner, and Niedermayer gone a repeat certainly is a much tougher prospect, but I don't see Burke making a snap move here, there's plenty of depth.

Out of left field, but has Marchant ever played wing? If so, how capable is he? Perhaps you could throw him in Selanne's spot alongside Andy Mac and Kunitz. Certainly wouldn't make up but a fraction of the goals, but he'd definitely maintain the speed quotient of the line.

Marchant did play LW when Kunitz was injured in the Playoffs, I'm sure he can play RW just as well. Yes he is speedy enough, but as you said he certainly wouldn't make up a fraction of Selannes goals.

McDonald scores a lot of goals him self, but to make another 75-85 point season it certainly wouldn't hurt if he had a scorer on his wing.

Who is your most tradeable asset? Bryzgalov? Perry? Pahlsson?

Deal one or more if necessary for a sizeable return and use that to fill in your holes.

Trading away the leagues best defensive center does not make any sence at all when he gets $1.4 mil... It wont help our capsituation anything either, which moving Marchant defenitely would.

Trade with Columbus and Buffalo if Teemu and Scotty retires:

To CBJ:
Ilya Bryzgalov
Maxim Kondratiev
Ales Kotalik

To BUF:
Todd Marchant
Nikolai Zherdev
2nd round pick from Anaheim

To ANA:
Zenon Konopka
Pascal Leclaire
Maxim Afinogenov

Then the Ducks sign UFA Adam Hall and we have this:

Kunitz - McDonald - Afinogenov
Bertuzzi - Getzlaf - Perry
Moen - Pahlsson - R. Niedermayer
May - Konopka - Hall

Schneider - Beauchemin
Pronger - O'Donnell
Hnidy - Huskins

Giguere
Leclaire


I'd rather see Carter and Miller given shots before dealing for Konopka and Hall.

I'd rather see Carter and Miller given shots before dealing for Konopka and Hall.

I'd take them as first choice call ups duo to injuries. If we get injuries (which we will) and those two already are on our top 12 who is going to fill in?

Parros on a 4th line sure, but other than him? I don't expect we will be bringing Ryan up and send him down once every third week.

Out of left field, but has Marchant ever played wing? If so, how capable is he? Perhaps you could throw him in Selanne's spot alongside Andy Mac and Kunitz. Certainly wouldn't make up but a fraction of the goals, but he'd definitely maintain the speed quotient of the line.

Bertuzzi-Getzlaf-Perry
Kunitz-McDonald-Marchant
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
Miller/May/Lacouture-Carter-King/Parros

Or if Miller has a great camp...

Kunitz-Getzlaf-Perry
Miller-McDonald-Bertuzzi
Moen-Pahlsson-Niedermayer
the fourths...

Basically, I don't anticipate a big acquisition from Burke. A first doesn't seem to get you a whole lot these days, so unless it's combined with Bryz, you're not offering a lot to get value back upon. Currently the team has five solid top-six forwards, and the best checking line in the league. Burke can afford to be patient. Same goes on D with a solid top-four.

With Teemu, Penner, and Niedermayer gone a repeat certainly is a much tougher prospect, but I don't see Burke making a snap move here, there's plenty of depth.
Marchant was tried as LW for a bit. It didn't work very well though. I think at the time they said he hadn't been at wing since juniors or something. So he might work better after a training camp at it. And I only see 4 solid top-six forwards. Bertuzzi's a huge question mark in terms of both health and production. And hopefully a first is worth more this year because the draft should be deeper than last year.

Elfstrand: I would hate to trade Pahlsson, he's my favorite player on the team. But looking at our team, he's got some really high trade value and his role could be replaced somewhat by Marchant. Rob Nieds and Marchant aren't worth nearly as much because of their salaries. So it's a possibility, I'd just say it's like plan D or something, depending on how much we need to make a move.

I kind of disagree. Yes Schneider takes Niedermayer's spot, but I doubt he can completely fill his shoes/skates. Some of Niedermayer's minutes and responsibilities have to go elsewhere. Frankie could get some, but he already played 25 minutes last year, there's not much higher he can go. That's the hole I'm talking about. With OD and Schneider getting older, it'd be wise to give them a lighter load during the regular season, conserving them for a postseason run.

No one can replace Scott Niedermayer short of Nic Lidstrom, no one. But Burkie got Schneider to fill that spot. The whole d-line has to adjust and it will focus on Pronger's talents rather than Scotty's. I mean Burkie is going to have a hard enough time finding another forward but he has absolutely no means after that to acquire another d-man.

I'd take them as first choice call ups duo to injuries. If we get injuries (which we will) and those two already are on our top 12 who is going to fill in?

Parros on a 4th line sure, but other than him? I don't expect we will be bringing Ryan up and send him down once every third week.

Lacouture...King...May....these are all possible call-ups, arent they?

edit: Shoot, not May, I mean't all possible fourth liners....

While afinogenov is a nice option to play along side MacDonald, I'd like to see the ducks keep Marchant.

If they could trade Bryzgalov and a depth guy like Dipenta, Huskins, Kondiratiov, or a pick in a deal netting us Afinogenov I'd do it an heartbeat, but my feeling is that Buffalo is looking to add offensive depth, not subtract.

I don't get why people think our D is weak. Sure it is less then last year, which was one of the top 3 D units in all NHL history IMO, but what we have now is still a very good D squad.

Schneider - Beauchemin
Pronger - O'Donnell
Hnidy - Huskins

It is still in the top 25% of all D units in the league.

For that open LW position, Drew Miller looks like a good option for me to bring up.

Trading away the leagues best defensive center does not make any sence at all when he gets $1.4 mil... It wont help our capsituation anything either, which moving Marchant defenitely would.

Trade with Columbus and Buffalo if Teemu and Scotty retires:

To CBJ:
Ilya Bryzgalov
Maxim Kondratiev
Ales Kotalik

To BUF:
Todd Marchant
Nikolai Zherdev
2nd round pick from Anaheim

To ANA:
Zenon Konopka
Pascal Leclaire
Maxim Afinogenov

Then the Ducks sign UFA Adam Hall and we have this:

Kunitz - McDonald - Afinogenov
Bertuzzi - Getzlaf - Perry
Moen - Pahlsson - R. Niedermayer
May - Konopka - Hall

Schneider - Beauchemin
Pronger - O'Donnell
Hnidy - Huskins

Giguere
Leclaire

That proposal is a definite no from the Sabres side. Why would the Sabres give up on a solid winger, Kotalik and a dynamic player Afinogenov for aging Marchant and enigmatic Zherdev? Having Afinogenov would be be awesome but i think the Ducks blueline leaves much to be desired with aging veterens Schneider and O'Donnell and a pretty weak #5-6 pairing. If we can get anything from Buffalo, maybe we can try in getting Jaro Spacek. Anyways, Scotty please come back!

I just scoured all 29 teams rosters to see what the Burke's options may be trade wise and I found two guys that might be feasible: Marcus Naslund and Michael Ryder. Now Nazy and Burke have a history obviously and Naslund is coming off a less-than-stellar season plus it being the last year of his contract. Problem is Vancouver has enough problems scoring goals as it is and we don't really have anything to offer that will not only off-set Naslund's departure but also help out additionally in that regard. I don't know, I think Burkie might be kicking those tires around.

As for Ryder. Well he's on the last year of his contract and can score goals. I don't think the Habs have problems scoring goals but can use some help on D. We have a surplus of d-men and can facilitate that need. If only they needed a goalie this could be a slam dunk. My fear with both teams is they'll want one of our young forwards and that just can't happen. Maybe a trade for OD, Marchant and draft picks could get Ryder? Probably not but Burkie has got to try something otherwise we're going to see a lot more of Drew Miller and Bobby Ryan than we thought we would.

No one can replace Scott Niedermayer short of Nic Lidstrom, no one. But Burkie got Schneider to fill that spot. The whole d-line has to adjust and it will focus on Pronger's talents rather than Scotty's. I mean Burkie is going to have a hard enough time finding another forward but he has absolutely no means after that to acquire another d-man.
Well a d-man could be obtained through UFA, or if we're looking for a depth defenseman it wouldn't cost that much.

While afinogenov is a nice option to play along side MacDonald, I'd like to see the ducks keep Marchant.

If they could trade Bryzgalov and a depth guy like Dipenta, Huskins, Kondiratiov, or a pick in a deal netting us Afinogenov I'd do it an heartbeat, but my feeling is that Buffalo is looking to add offensive depth, not subtract.

Well there was a thread started by a Sabres fan saying they wanted a 2-way center and a physical defenseman http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=402944. Which is why I included Marchant in my suggestion.

Some main board threads that may help us:
remaining UFAs (http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=410104)
team needs and strengths (http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=401196)

Buffalo and Philadelphia might be decent teams to look at for wingers. Or Hunter from the Isles?

I just scoured all 29 teams rosters to see what the Burke's options may be trade wise and I found two guys that might be feasible: Marcus Naslund and Michael Ryder. Now Nazy and Burke have a history obviously and Naslund is coming off a less-than-stellar season plus it being the last year of his contract. Problem is Vancouver has enough problems scoring goals as it is and we don't really have anything to offer that will not only off-set Naslund's departure but also help out additionally in that regard. I don't know, I think Burkie might be kicking those tires around.

As for Ryder. Well he's on the last year of his contract and can score goals. I don't think the Habs have problems scoring goals but can use some help on D. We have a surplus of d-men and can facilitate that need. If only they needed a goalie this could be a slam dunk. My fear with both teams is they'll want one of our young forwards and that just can't happen. Maybe a trade for OD, Marchant and draft picks could get Ryder? Probably not but Burkie has got to try something otherwise we're going to see a lot more of Drew Miller and Bobby Ryan than we thought we would.
Ryder's an idea. But Habs fans seem to be looking to package him for high-end talent, we don't have that to spare. But who knows what their management wants. Naslund is highly unlikely, how would we fit his 6 million salary in?

I'm just afraid we don't have the assets to get much and we'd need to go a tier lower than these guys.

I don't get why people think our D is weak. Sure it is less then last year, which was one of the top 3 D units in all NHL history IMO, but what we have now is still a very good D squad.

Pronger and Nieds were good but uh, not top-3 in history.

Naslund is highly unlikely, how would we fit his 6 million salary in?

If Teemu came back how much do you think he'd be making? 6 mil is a bullet Burke may need to bite in order to keep this team on the top. It's only for one year too, I don't think Burke would be concerned about it.

Who is your most tradeable asset? Bryzgalov? Perry? Pahlsson?

Deal one or more if necessary for a sizeable return and use that to fill in your holes.

yes, will be not traded, will be not traded

Mathieu Schneider was Scott Niedermayer's replacement, period.

no he is not, nobody can replace scotty

If Teemu came back how much do you think he'd be making? 6 mil is a bullet Burke may need to bite in order to keep this team on the top. It's only for one year too, I don't think Burke would be concerned about it.
I was expecting Teemu to take a slight pay cut. Maybe 3 + 2 in bonuses (with part being team success again like last year)? And that Burke would justify the money to the owners because he's Teemu and our best forward, allowing us to go over budget. But how would he justify paying 6 million to a 2nd liner?

Although the 1 year part is a good point. And Naslund's trade value probably is helped by the fact that he's paid 6 million, we could get him cheaper assetwise than otherwise.

no he is not, nobody can replace scotty

That's what he said, that only the Swedish guy in Detroit could fill that spot. Otherwise nothing can replace Scott, but signing Schneider is the closest thing there is to replacing the hole Scott left. Our defense is definitely more weak this season, the minutes the defense plays will be more evenly distributed. We are done building our D, in fact we have too many d-man. I don't see Burke looking for any other player in that department anymore.

I was expecting Teemu to take a slight pay cut. Maybe 3 + 2 in bonuses (with part being team success again like last year)? And that Burke would justify the money to the owners because he's Teemu and our best forward, allowing us to go over budget. But how would he justify paying 6 million to a 2nd liner?

Although the 1 year part is a good point. And Naslund's trade value probably is helped by the fact that he's paid 6 million, we could get him cheaper assetwise than otherwise.

But those bonus' count against the cap. Teemu's cap hit last year was 6 mil and I believe he achieved all those bonsus' or really close to them. No matter how you'd slice it he'd get a similar deal. But Marcus Naslund would be a first liner on this team. All due respect to Kunie, Nazy would line up with his old mate on the first line. In fact, Andy Mac is a similar player to Brendan Morrison too. I wonder if Burkie has thought about this yet?

But those bonus' count against the cap. Teemu's cap hit last year was 6 mil and I believe he achieved all those bonsus' or really close to them. No matter how you'd slice it he'd get a similar deal. But Marcus Naslund would be a first liner on this team. All due respect to Kunie, Nazy would line up with his old mate on the first line. In fact, Andy Mac is a similar player to Brendan Morrison too. I wonder if Burkie has thought about this yet?
Yeah I think Teemu did earn all 6 mill. And yes the bonuses count against the cap, but we're not worried about cap space. We have plenty of that, our worry is budget. If his bonuses are from getting to the Cup finals, that's money well spent, we'd earn plenty to pay it off from playoff revenue. But the other important thing about bonuses is we would be allowed to go over the cap with bonuses. And that's key because I highly doubt Hiller earns the 2.3 million in bonuses he's got in his contract, so bookkeeping wise it'd help us stay under the cap, while getting Teemu his money at the end of the year. The CBA has minimum achievements for bonuses and they're not easy. Hiller won't be getting many of his bonuses unless Giguere's out for some time and Hiller performs really well. He'd have to have played about 30 games, get 20 wins, or have stats above league median. I'm pretty sure Hiller doesn't get those bonuses. It's also important that bonuses aren't guaranteed, so it's possible you don't pay that much. I'm sure that's a positive for the suits.

I wouldn't mind Naslund, I'm just wary of that contract. I just don't know about him as a first liner anymore. Although I guess if they get Schulman to sign off on it and we can get Naslund for cheap trade-wise, I'd be fine with it.

This upcoming season is going to be a very interesting one. You guys have some big questions, but really which team in the West doesn't?

Anaheim has a weaker defense and holes in the top-6
Detroit has a weaker defense and holes in the top-6
Nashville is looking like they won't contend
Vancouver has big questions in the scoring department

Colorado might be the team to beat this year. Watch out for St. Louis as well, they might be ready to arrive.

Colorado is nowhere close to the team to beat. I could easily see them missing the playoffs... a borderline top 5 offense and a below average Defense + Goaltending... they are very over-rated going into this season.

Colorado is nowhere close to the team to beat. I could easily see them missing the playoffs... a borderline top 5 offense and a below average Defense + Goaltending... they are very over-rated going into this season.

Really? Let's see now.....

Offense
2006-07 Season: T-3rd in Team Scoring at 3.26G/GM, tied with Pittsburgh and behind only Buffalo (3.63) and Ottawa (3.49).
Key Additions: LW Ryan Smyth
Key Losses: NONE
Top 6: C Joe Sakic, C Paul Stastny, LW Ryan Smyth, LW Wojtek Wolski, RW Milan Hejduk, RW Marek Svatos (LW Andrew Brunette is also worthy of mention)

Defense
2006-07 Season: 18th in Team Defense at 3.01G/GM
Key Additions: D Scott Hannan
Key Losses: D Ken Klee, D Patrice Brisebois
Top 4: D Scott Hannan, D John-Michael Liles, D Jordan Leopold, D Karlis Skrastins

Goaltending
G Peter Budaj (2006-07 Season) 31-16-6 2.68GAA .905SV% 3SHO


This team finished 1pt out of the playoffs last season and 14th overall in points in the entire league with 95. They added two good players and didn't lose any significant part of their team. They finished the season as the best team down after the All-Star break and didn't even have Leopold for a big chunk of the season. It's hard to imagine this team getting worse. They'll be a force to consider this upcoming season, and still have plenty of cap space to use to sign another player or two or make some trades. They're also right in the thick on the mix for Forsberg. They are obviously not the "team to beat" since they didn't win the Cup last season, but they might be one of the strongest team on the West going into the season.

I don't think the trade proposals in this thread are realistic. No NHL team wants to get old overnight with what you fans are offering for players in their prime. So there doesn't appear to be even a plausible way for the Ducks to make up for the simultaneous loss of Scott Niedermayer, Selanne, and Penner. I can't fault Burke for not matching the Oilers' offer to Penner, and there's nothing he can do when key players decide to retire. Nowadays star NHL players make so much money that they don't have to play forever to build up a nest egg.

Sign LeClair to the league minimum with some bonuses...


I thought he retired last season mid year

I was inquiring on the Sabres board and here's a scouting report on Kotalik (courtesy of Husko).

Kotalik is a forward with size and a heavy shot, but his production has yet to live up to his assets. He has size, and when he actually decides to hit he can lay the lumber, but that is only once in awhile. He has a nice hard slap shot, but it is fairly inaccurate. He also has a nice wrister. He can play the point on the PP. As far as the shootout, he was pretty much unbeatable last season, using the same exact move almost every time (I don't think the move was ever stopped). If he ever had a season where he was actually consistant throughout the duration of the year, I don't think a 30-30 season would be out of the question.

That doesn't sound half bad. There are some question marks, but that's what makes him possibly available at a reasonable price. Only problem is the Sabres need size and physicality, and the parts we have that fill that need are mostly recently signed (OD, May, Hnidy).

I don't get why people think our D is weak. Sure it is less then last year, which was one of the top 3 D units in all NHL history IMO, but what we have now is still a very good D squad.

Schneider - Beauchemin
Pronger - O'Donnell
Hnidy - Huskins

It is still in the top 25% of all D units in the league.

I wouldn't say their defense is weak but there could be an issue about depth if injuries become a problem, although that's a problem for just about any team in the league. Pronger's had a few seasons in his career with injuries and Schneider isn't exactly a spring chicken anymore. Age could become a factor with Schneider (38) and O'Donnell (36) and the shorter offseason the Ducks had because of the playoff run and then camp opening sooner because of the games in London as well as the big miles that west coast teams travel, although Schneider and O'Donnell should be used to that since they've played in the Pacific for awhile.

I wouldn't think at his age Schneider can handle the minutes Niedermayer did. So does Carlyle spread those minutes out to Pronger and Beauchemin or does he rely on his bottom pairing more than he has over the last 2 years?

Obviously the defense is going to be weaker than in the past if Niedermayer retires, but to call it weak would be a mistake.

It will be interesting to see how the travel to London affects both the Ducks and Kings.

Marchant on the wing, replacing Selanne?

I want some of that skunk you're smoking. Marchant couldn't score 50 goals if he was playing on a line with Wayne and Mario. He probably is the only player in the NHL that could stand on the end of the HB pier and not put the puck into the ocean....

He's a great defensive forward. Keep in mind, he was addition by subtraction (he's overpaid for what he does, especially considering that Pahlsson is better and younger and cheaper) but he did get rid of Federov's large useless salary.

Marchant on the wing, replacing Selanne?

I want some of that skunk you're smoking. Marchant couldn't score 50 goals if he was playing on a line with Wayne and Mario. He probably is the only player in the NHL that could stand on the end of the HB pier and not put the puck into the ocean....

He's a great defensive forward. Keep in mind, he was addition by subtraction (he's overpaid for what he does, especially considering that Pahlsson is better and younger and cheaper) but he did get rid of Federov's large useless salary.

Exactly who the hell is suggesting that Marchant will replace Selanne's goals? It'd be a means to replace Selanne's speed on the line and perhaps help the two linemates maintain their productivity, not a way to turn Todd Marchant into a Hart candidate.

Who in their right mind would trade pahlsson and perry? Why?

I can't quite understand trading away one of our top young forwards, and I can't quite understand trading away god.

Our penalty kill should be a 1 man squad. Pahlsson and Giguere. let everyone else rest.

On a second note, NOTHING is set in stone. It isn't like you set your lines day 1 and that is it.

Marchant is going to be all over the place, taking faceoffs, being a backup faceoff guy, and filling in for injuries, if he is with us next year.

Yes, we basically need 1 more top 6 forward to pop into the lineup, however, would it be aweful to start the season with marchant/may alternating on the top lines?

If I have 1 top concern, its the 4th line. Our 4th line was aweful last year, especially in the playoffs once a few injuries hit. It was unnerving watching them get dominated at times, and it was a stark contrast to the dominance of the top 2 lines.

Pahlsson isnt going anywhere. He's too good and too cheap. Without Teemu scoring goals we will NEED to keep pucks out of our net to stay competitive with the better teams and no one is better than Sammy in that respect.

Zherdev is useless. Wasted talent. Its really a shame the man has no heart or drive. Burke would probably make him cry like a girl in training camp.

Afinigenov is going nowhere as well. Buffalo would never deal him with all the firepower that they already lost this season. They're depending on him.

Rumour has it that Atl wants WAAY too much for Hossa....but its HOSSA. If Burke can use that first round pick and somehow get Hossa here it would be a miracle. But Burkie is good like that :) The trick is not losing Getz in the process. Everyone else is expendable in that trade for sure.

I think this camp will really focus on Miller and Ryan. Carlyle will probably tell all of his good prospects that Teemu's spot is up for grabs and best man gets the job. The cream will rise to the top.

Our defense is fine. I believe in Huskins. He was good last year and should be better this year. One great defenseman can lead a line and quarterback the pace. We have three. So at no time will we ever be without a star defenseman on the ice. And of course we still have Giggy in net.

Oh and as far as getting Ryder from Montreal somehow. That is an excellent idea. He would probably do quite well.

Ryan Carter has a better chance to make the team than Drew Miller, imo...besides being 35 pounds heavier and a lot stronger, he's got a great shot and can take faceoffs.

If Selanne comes back (not likely), he would get a contract similar to last year's, i.e. small base salary and lots of bonuses. Those bonuses count against the cap NEXT SEASON if Ducks can't keep the salaries under the cap this season.

What about a guy like Mike Johnson. Still UFA, not a big goals scorer or particularly tough, but a versitile winger who's good in his own zone and has some offensive ability. Not sure if he can play the left side, but if he can, might be a decent addition to the top-9.

Whats the verdict on Svatos? Is the kid Ducks material?

Whats the verdict on Svatos? Is the kid Ducks material?

He's not North American....:P

heres to m.a. fleury playing like crap or getting hurt followed by a Bryz for malone trade http://forums.offtopic.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

Really? Let's see now.....

Offense
2006-07 Season: T-3rd in Team Scoring at 3.26G/GM, tied with Pittsburgh and behind only Buffalo (3.63) and Ottawa (3.49).
Key Additions: LW Ryan Smyth
Key Losses: NONE
Top 6: C Joe Sakic, C Paul Stastny, LW Ryan Smyth, LW Wojtek Wolski, RW Milan Hejduk, RW Marek Svatos (LW Andrew Brunette is also worthy of mention)

Defense
2006-07 Season: 18th in Team Defense at 3.01G/GM
Key Additions: D Scott Hannan
Key Losses: D Ken Klee, D Patrice Brisebois
Top 4: D Scott Hannan, D John-Michael Liles, D Jordan Leopold, D Karlis Skrastins

Goaltending
G Peter Budaj (2006-07 Season) 31-16-6 2.68GAA .905SV% 3SHO


This team finished 1pt out of the playoffs last season and 14th overall in points in the entire league with 95. They added two good players and didn't lose any significant part of their team. They finished the season as the best team down after the All-Star break and didn't even have Leopold for a big chunk of the season. It's hard to imagine this team getting worse. They'll be a force to consider this upcoming season, and still have plenty of cap space to use to sign another player or two or make some trades. They're also right in the thick on the mix for Forsberg. They are obviously not the "team to beat" since they didn't win the Cup last season, but they might be one of the strongest team on the West going into the season.

There's a bit of a leap in your logic. You're talking about a team that missed the playoffs last season and added a top six winger in the offseason (I'll count the defensive shuffling as pretty much six of one/half dozen of the other). The race in the West was tight and probably will be again this season and Colorado will undoubtedly be in the thick of it again. However, to say they might be one of the strongest in the West is a huge jump from being a challenger for a playoff spot. Yes, the Avs have improved and other teams have on paper lost some power, but after Calgary, the seventh spot in the playoffs last season was 9 points away. That's a decent obstacle to conquer, and in the Northwest, you know it's always going to be a battle.

As your stats show, scoring wasn't an issue for the Avs last season. But they went out and got Smyth and are angling for Forsberg. That's just fine and dandy....

So that leaves us looking at the defensive side of things. 18th overall in a league that only allows 16 teams in the playoffs means that's probably not good enough most nights. Meanwhile, Klee and Vaananen was let go, replaced by Hannan. Leopold being healthy for a season will help, but overall, I'd call that a marginal improvement at best on the backline. If I were Giguere, I'd look closer at Markov then Forsberg, especially if Leopold (or anyone else) gets injured for any length of time.

According to Mr.Wood Selanemayer are supposed to have a decision sometime next week. Wamp Wamp.