The chopping block

The season's almost over, and after this nightmare ends, it's time some changes are made. Not necessarily major changes, but still, a few people have to be let go. Here's what I think the offseason agenda should be:

Staying Put
Fedorov
Sykora
Prospal
Rucchin
Niedermayer
Pahlsson
Lupul
Ozolinsh
Carney
Vishnevski
Salei
Skoula

Coming In
Popovic(Call-up)
1st line LW
Bryzgalov(Call-up)

On the bubble
Severson(AHL)
Krog(UFA)
Chistov(AHL)
McDonald(Trade)
Schastlivy(Trade)
Leclerc(Trade)
Holmqvist(AHL)

Gone
Havelid(Trade)
Gerber(Trade)
Ward(AHL/Trade)


Feel free to post your thoughts on who's on the chopping block.

We are going to need more than popovic to help our D.....either through free agency or a big trade.

We are going to need more than popovic to help our D.....either through free agency or a big trade.

I disagree here, if anything Popovic is an upgrade defensivly over a guy like Havelid. I think he could fit in well with what this team needs. Grented we need someone who can move people out from in front of the net as well. But what Popovic should bring is a guy who can make an outlet pass and who is solid in the defensive zone.

I for one think Sykora or Prospal should be dealt for a player who is more "greasy" as Babcock likes to call it. Someone who can score who "stirs the pot"

Other than that I pretty much agree with what you have stated. Although I think I would give Leclerc another chance especially seeing as his trade value can't be very high as of now.

I think some changes will be made...someone more high profile than McDonald or Gerber will be traded...perhaps Sykora...

didn't we do a thread like this already??
edit:
Other one that RallyKiller started (http://www.hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=62110)

I think Popo should be an improvement over Havelid, but I think the ducks need that one dman willing to dish and receive punishment everynight. They need someone who does anything to win the game.

I seriously doubt they will trade Sykora, hes just too valuable of a player. Even though hes a pretty boy, hes very competitive and he actually hustles alot. I just think he needs linemates willing to do the dirty work to give him space to score.

By the way, have you guys seen Commodore play? Im wondering why the heck they gave on him. I think hes actually quite mobile and he really loves to dish out big time hits. He doesnt have great lateral ability, but its alot better than Ward and just as good as Sauers. Plus hes 6'4" 230, and thats what the ducks need. They need to go back to their defensive game and play along the boards like the yr before.

By the way, have you guys seen Commodore play? Im wondering why the heck they gave on him. I think hes actually quite mobile and he really loves to dish out big time hits. He doesnt have great lateral ability, but its alot better than Ward and just as good as Sauers. Plus hes 6'4" 230, and thats what the ducks need. They need to go back to their defensive game and play along the boards like the yr before.

Commodore failed to make an impression on two NHL teams...(New Jersey, Anaheim)...if he finally is ready for the NHL now with Calgary...good for them...we still got Niedermayer...

I'd much rather have Robbie than Commodore and Damphousse.

Unless BM gets a very good return, Chistov will stay. Babcock hasn't give up on the boy, what would be a stupid thing as long as he is under contract and there is still hope...

I disagree here, if anything Popovic is an upgrade defensivly over a guy like Havelid. I think he could fit in well with what this team needs. Grented we need someone who can move people out from in front of the net as well. But what Popovic should bring is a guy who can make an outlet pass and who is solid in the defensive zone.


It worries me that he has been called an offensive defenseman yet he has a very hard time getting any points in the AHL. Maybe he lost some offense trying to improve his defense side of his game, but I have I just really don't think he is going to be the answer to our defense problems. I believe he is in the minors for a reason.... I mean theres only what 5 games left of the season and murray isn't even bringing him up to take a look at him or test him??? I think he knows that popovic isn't the answer, and I'm hoping his #1 priority in the off-season is to find a d-man who is.

We are going to need more than popovic to help our D.....either through free agency or a big trade.
Since the team is losing 28 million dollars I doubt we will add anything.

The season's almost over, and after this nightmare ends, it's time some changes are made. Not necessarily major changes, but still, a few people have to be let go. Here's what I think the offseason agenda should be:

Staying Put
Fedorov
Sykora
Prospal
Rucchin
Niedermayer
Pahlsson
Lupul
Ozolinsh
Carney
Vishnevski
Salei
Skoula

Coming In
Popovic(Call-up)
1st line LW
Bryzgalov(Call-up)

On the bubble
Severson(AHL)
Krog(UFA)
Chistov(AHL)
McDonald(Trade)
Schastlivy(Trade)
Leclerc(Trade)
Holmqvist(AHL)

Gone
Havelid(Trade)
Gerber(Trade)
Ward(AHL/Trade)


Feel free to post your thoughts on who's on the chopping block.


The most obvious omission, IMO, is Ryan Getzlaf. Barring him getting injured or having a terrible camp---whenever that is---RG is a "lock". He is just the type of player the Ducks so sorely need.

It's hard to tell whether he'll have much of an impact immediately, but three years from now or so, he will be one of the core players. Tim Brent and Corey Perry are a little further away.

Havelid and Ward have virtually no trade value. If you're willing to accept a 7th-to-9th round pick, you probably can move them. But don't hold your breath on either of them being involved in a meaningful trade. I do think that neither of them figure in the Ducks' long-term plans.

LeClerc has very little trade value, too. He's a pretty decent player, but his history of injuries would make most clubs leary of paying much to acquire him. I think Andy Mac probably is gone. He, too, has little trade value.

I'm not sure why so many of you assume Popovic can step in next year. I haven't watched any Cinci games, but aren't his numbers less-than-impressive?

It worries me that he has been called an offensive defenseman yet he has a very hard time getting any points in the AHL. Maybe he lost some offense trying to improve his defense side of his game, but I have I just really don't think he is going to be the answer to our defense problems. I believe he is in the minors for a reason.... I mean theres only what 5 games left of the season and murray isn't even bringing him up to take a look at him or test him??? I think he knows that popovic isn't the answer, and I'm hoping his #1 priority in the off-season is to find a d-man who is.

I agree. I realize that there's a four-or-five year age difference, but I think Skoula could be the offensive d-man the Ducks are looking for if he regains his confidence and displays some of the skills he showed earlier in his career. He may not be the ultimate solution, but he has demonstrated that he can produce at the NHL level. (He also was terrific in international competition for the Czech national team.)

The most obvious omission, IMO, is Ryan Getzlaf. Barring him getting injured or having a terrible camp---whenever that is---RG is a "lock". He is just the type of player the Ducks so sorely need.

It's hard to tell whether he'll have much of an impact immediately, but three years from now or so, he will be one of the core players. Tim Brent and Corey Perry are a little further away.

Havelid and Ward have virtually no trade value. If you're willing to accept a 7th-to-9th round pick, you probably can move them. But don't hold your breath on either of them being involved in a meaningful trade. I do think that neither of them figure in the Ducks' long-term plans.

LeClerc has very little trade value, too. He's a pretty decent player, but his history of injuries would make most clubs leary of paying much to acquire him. I think Andy Mac probably is gone. He, too, has little trade value.

I'm not sure why so many of you assume Popovic can step in next year. I haven't watched any Cinci games, but aren't his numbers less-than-impressive?
We don't need to rush Getzlaf, that would be a mistake, we are fine down the middle with Fedorov,Rucchin and Pahlsson so it makes no sense to make Ryan a fourth line center.

We should keep Havelid his trade value is low and we've seen he can be a capable 2nd pairing defenseman, the biggest question to me is will we keep Keith Carney?Why haven't the ducks picked up his option?

We don't need to rush Getzlaf, that would be a mistake, we are fine down the middle with Fedorov,Rucchin and Pahlsson so it makes no sense to make Ryan a fourth line center.

We should keep Havelid his trade value is low and we've seen he can be a capable 2nd pairing defenseman, the biggest question to me is will we keep Keith Carney?Why haven't the ducks picked up his option?

Getzlaf will be a power forward. He'll be capable of playing on the 2nd or 3rd line next year. If you remember, he almost made the Ducks' squad straight out of camp this year. Most people think he outperformed Lupul for the final roster spot, but, since Lupul was under contract, Getzlaf was unsigned and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement might mean the Ducks would have to shell out fewer bucks---Lupul got the roster spot.

I'm not in favor of rushing Getzlaf. If he's not ready, that's fine. But the fact is that he was ready THIS year.

I'm not in favor of rushing Getzlaf. If he's not ready, that's fine. But the fact is that he was ready THIS year.

Well with all due respect you have no idea if Getzlaf was ready this year. If he was that ready then they would have signed the guy and gotten him into a uniform ready to go.

He is good and has shown a ton of skill at the WHL level, but hyping and rushing some of the kids is what causes them to falter. If he goes down to the AHL dominates as LUpul did in his short stint then you can call them up. Otherwise let them learn the pro game in the minors. I hate what has happened to Chistov because of how easy the team made it on him and all the hpye surrounding him.

I don't think we should be going into next season expecting big numbers from Getzlaf, he will only be 19 and like chistov and lupul, he won't be given a top 6 spot out of training camp. Havelid can stay only if he gets bumped to the 6th spot. With ozo and skoula there is no need to play havelid 20 minutes! I think we need to sign a vetern forward. The absense of oates imo has been much more than expected. His on ice production was replaced but a guy like him and then we had thomas, those guys missing in the locker room really hurt. Same as in tampa right now, andreychuk regardless of his 20 goals is very important their. Also, babcock has said that we are going to get bigger and faster upfront, maybe we should take that into consideration.

Well with all due respect you have no idea if Getzlaf was ready this year. If he was that ready then they would have signed the guy and gotten him into a uniform ready to go.

He is good and has shown a ton of skill at the WHL level, but hyping and rushing some of the kids is what causes them to falter. If he goes down to the AHL dominates as LUpul did in his short stint then you can call them up. Otherwise let them learn the pro game in the minors. I hate what has happened to Chistov because of how easy the team made it on him and all the hpye surrounding him.

Not necessarily. Babs thought Getzlaf could very well be ready, as he lasted here so long, but there's the CBA uncertainty, and they figured they should develop him more. He was great in preseason games, and he very well could make the team. If he isn't ready, sure, send him down. But, I think he'll be like Lupul next year and make the team outright.

I hope he can grab some Calder gold, if there is a next year.

Getzlaf should center our 4th line next season. Good bye Jason Krog.

I'd love to see Popovic make the team next year. BYE BYE Lance Ward please.

Lets sign Luc robitaille!!!

Well with all due respect you have no idea if Getzlaf was ready this year. If he was that ready then they would have signed the guy and gotten him into a uniform ready to go.

He is good and has shown a ton of skill at the WHL level, but hyping and rushing some of the kids is what causes them to falter. If he goes down to the AHL dominates as LUpul did in his short stint then you can call them up. Otherwise let them learn the pro game in the minors. I hate what has happened to Chistov because of how easy the team made it on him and all the hpye surrounding him.

Sorry, Prof, but we can state with virtual certainty that Getzlaf was "ready"---at least at the end of the Ducks' training camp. He was the last guy cut. It was between Getzlaf and Lupul. Lupul was already signed. The Ducks already had "spent" the money on Lupul.

Everyone knew that the Ducks had until June of 2005 to sign Getzlaf. If they wanted him to play for them this season, they would have had to sign him. It would've cost them a hefty bonus. There's a good chance that the rookie payscale gets restructured under the terms of the new CBA. Economics dictated that it was much more prudent to keep Lupul and return Getzlaf to Juniors.

Getzlaf should center our 4th line next season. Good bye Jason Krog.

I see him more like a third line center for his rookie here. In the future he could become our first liner thought.

Sorry, Prof, but we can state with virtual certainty that Getzlaf was "ready"---at least at the end of the Ducks' training camp. He was the last guy cut. It was between Getzlaf and Lupul. Lupul was already signed. The Ducks already had "spent" the money on Lupul.

Everyone knew that the Ducks had until June of 2005 to sign Getzlaf. If they wanted him to play for them this season, they would have had to sign him. It would've cost them a hefty bonus. There's a good chance that the rookie payscale gets restructured under the terms of the new CBA. Economics dictated that it was much more prudent to keep Lupul and return Getzlaf to Juniors.

That is all specualtion at this point. No one came out and said "We would sign him right now, if it weren't for the economics."

My main point is you have to put him in a place to be a success. With the million forwards we have that can play on the top two lines I think it is a complete and utter waste to use him as a 4th line player. I would rather him play 20 minutes in Cincy.

Now if we clean some house and deal away some of the boarderline 3rd line 2nd line forwards. And he earns a spot and can get some solid icetime. Then by all means throw him into the fire. But as I have said a million times. Throwing a kid into the fire usually does more harm than good.

Sorry, Prof, but we can state with virtual certainty that Getzlaf was "ready"---at least at the end of the Ducks' training camp. He was the last guy cut. It was between Getzlaf and Lupul. Lupul was already signed. The Ducks already had "spent" the money on Lupul.

Everyone knew that the Ducks had until June of 2005 to sign Getzlaf. If they wanted him to play for them this season, they would have had to sign him. It would've cost them a hefty bonus. There's a good chance that the rookie payscale gets restructured under the terms of the new CBA. Economics dictated that it was much more prudent to keep Lupul and return Getzlaf to Juniors.
I think it's entirely possible he was the last cut because Babcock wanted a longer look at Getzlaf. I'm not saying Ryan didn't perform well, infact I heard great things but I don't think its a stretch he was around so long just to gauge him and see how he handles playing against better competition.

That is all specualtion at this point. No one came out and said "We would sign him right now, if it weren't for the economics."

My main point is you have to put him in a place to be a success. With the million forwards we have that can play on the top two lines I think it is a complete and utter waste to use him as a 4th line player. I would rather him play 20 minutes in Cincy.

Now if we clean some house and deal away some of the boarderline 3rd line 2nd line forwards. And he earns a spot and can get some solid icetime. Then by all means throw him into the fire. But as I have said a million times. Throwing a kid into the fire usually does more harm than good.

Two points, Prof, and then I'll give you the last word:

1. You and I agree. It would be a waste to put him on the Ducks' 4th line where he'd get limited playing time with less-skilled players.

2. Do you really think the Ducks, or any team, is going to come right out and say, "We would sign him right now, if it weren't for the economics"? That would be a P.R. disaster. I don't dispute the notion that the Ducks wanted to take a good hard look at the kid.

I see him more like a third line center for his rookie here. In the future he could become our first liner thought.

Krog has alot of value as a faceoff specialist. He could easily net a mid-pick. The Ducks are also one of the best teams at faceoffs. Getzlaf will likely get a shot or two at center, but IMO, he'll play wing for the most part. If he can do the draws well, and does well in his shots at center, Krog'll then be traded for a mid-pick.

Two points, Prof, and then I'll give you the last word:

1. You and I agree. It would be a waste to put him on the Ducks' 4th line where he'd get limited playing time with less-skilled players.

2. Do you really think the Ducks, or any team, is going to come right out and say, "We would sign him right now, if it weren't for the economics"? That would be a P.R. disaster. I don't dispute the notion that the Ducks wanted to take a good hard look at the kid.

You're right on both points. That ends that discussion.

I just prefer to see him to down tot he AHL play 10-15 games and see what happens. Rather than throw him into the NHL.

2 words, get Scottie!!!

I would suspect that in at least his first year, Getzlaf may see more time as a right-winger then a centre

Would anyone mind seeing Getzlaf play with Fedorov and Lupul next season (assuming Getzlaf has a good camp)? You could then put Prospal with Niedermayer and Rucchin on line 2 and Chistov with Pahlsson and Sykora on line 3.

I don't expect Leclerc back next season at this point but if he is that's great and things would be different.

Would anyone mind seeing Getzlaf play with Fedorov and Lupul next season (assuming Getzlaf has a good camp)? You could then put Prospal with Niedermayer and Rucchin on line 2 and Chistov with Pahlsson and Sykora on line 3.

I don't expect Leclerc back next season at this point but if he is that's great and things would be different.

Sykora'll be paired with Vinny on the second line. Thought, I wouldn't mind seeing Pahlsson go wing on line 3 and Nieds go center on line 2. Getzlaf would have to have a great camp, though, to crack line one. I'd say he'll go to Cincy for a while.

Sykora'll be paired with Vinny on the second line. Thought, I wouldn't mind seeing Pahlsson go wing on line 3 and Nieds go center on line 2. Getzlaf would have to have a great camp, though, to crack line one. I'd say he'll go to Cincy for a while.
I predict Getzlaf will make the team out of camp, and will see 3rd-4th line duty at the beginning of the season. I expect that Chistov will work hard this summer to make the team out of camp. I still think he'll be good at the NHL level. Last season was a temporary set-back. Hopefully he's learned his lesson that he has to train hard in the offseason.

I predict Getzlaf will make the team out of camp, and will see 3rd-4th line duty at the beginning of the season. I expect that Chistov will work hard this summer to make the team out of camp. I still think he'll be good at the NHL level. Last season was a temporary set-back. Hopefully he's learned his lesson that he has to train hard in the offseason.

Totally agree.

What about Lupul? First, second or third line?
I still have in mind a good young third line with Chistov-Getlaf-Lupul; of course this would be our first line in three-four years... :D

Totally agree.

What about Lupul? First, second or third line?
I still have in mind a good young third line with Chistov-Getlaf-Lupul; of course this would be our first line in three-four years... :D
Personally I'm hoping Lupul can be a top 6 forward next year. It's aiming high, but he worked himself into the top 6 by the end of this past year, and there's really no reason why he can't stay there for his second year. The only obstacle is the dreaded sophomore slump. It might be a good idea, like you suggested, to have Chistov-Getzlaf-Lupul on the 3rd line, so they could generate some chemistry.

I would suspect that in at least his first year, Getzlaf may see more time as a right-winger then a centre
That puts him behind Sykora, Niedermayer and Lupul. I'd rather have him in the minors.