Sharks deadline scuttlebutt REVISED: INJURIES TO GRIER AND JR!!
March 3rd, 2009, 8:25 am
Some Sharks rumors swirling around yesterday.
CHEECHOO TO PITTSBURGH
While this makes sense in a way for the Penguins, what are they offering in return. San Jose isn’t in the charity business right now. I’m not sure what the Pens have to offer that makes the Sharks better TODAY.
Mike’s take
Pittsburgh just waived Satan, so something is in the works. Unless Goligoski or Letang are in the conversation, no thanks. Of course that would make the deal even bigger, and I think the Sharks shouldn’t make a blockbuster deal at this point.
PRONGER TO SAN JOSE
Not a chance in hell the Ducks trade Pronger within their own division. End of story. Unless the Ducks were able to take DW to the cleaners (Michalek, Ehrhoff and Couture for Pronger) then they would pull the trigger. DW would never do that kind of deal in division. No Pronger in Teal.
Mike’s take:
Reportedly, the Blues would have to give up David Perron, as well as other players and a first round pick. Translate that to the Sharks, and the Ducks would want Vlasic at least, and a first round pick in 2089, or whenever the Sharks have their next one. They’ve traded a few of those away lately (see Boyle, Guerin, and Campbell).
All that aside, bringing Pronger to San Jose would screw the Sharks cap number for the forseeable future. The last thing the Sharks need is another $6M man, with Marleau, Thornton, and Boyle all topping that figure now. With one more year on Pronger’s deal, say goodbye to Ryane Clowe- the Sharks can no longer afford him. Oh, and Rob Blake too. And after the 2010 season? Likely only three defensemen under contract, with Marleau unrestricted.
With Boyle clearly taking the top spot in the blueline core, good young D under contract for years, gaining an aging high-priced defenseman would be a recipe for future disaster.
SMYTH TO SAN JOSE
With a cap hit of $6.25M over the next three years, how is this even possible? The reported Sharks scout at last nights Isles/Avs game might not have been there for a big fish like Smyth. Perhaps he was scouting Ian Laperierre? While Smyth would look great on the Sharks PP in front of the net, SJ can’t absorb his mega-deal.
Mike’s take
Refer to above about $6M contracts. Smyth is underperforming, and with McLellan’s system enticing Joe and Clowe to stand in front of the net more, Smyth is even less valuable to the Sharks than he was last year.
12:15 PM: MAJOR UPDATE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Bob McKenzie is reporting that Grier and JR are both out 4-6 weeks. I think this changes everything for the next 24 hours as the Sharks will need to add at least one player to offset these two major veterans. Oh man….this is not good news.
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I’m with you guys here, I don’t think anyone gets traded until the offseason, except maybe Goc/Plihal/Kaspar, but I can’t see what they would bring back that would make the Sharks better now than what they offer.
However, in the offseason people are probably going to be moved to make room for Couture, Joslin, and maybe Petrecki. I don’t know if it is possible capwise, but imagine having the following lines next year?
Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi
Clowe-Pavelski-Michalek
McGinn-Couture-Cheechoo
Roenick-Mitchell-Staubitz
Boyle-Luko
Vlasic-Petrecki
Ehrhoff-(Joslin/Semenov)
If Blake isn’t signed, I think it is entirely possible to fit everyone in (including a long term contract to Clowe), but if Blake is kept for a similar salary, I think Cheechoo would have to go. I would love to see what he can do with a playmaker like Couture, though…
No Murray? From what I’ve seen and heard, Petrecki still needs time to develop- he still has no pro experience. It think it’s very unlikely he’ll see time next year, but I think he’ll contend for a roster spot in 2010.
Yeah, I figure someone on the D has to go to be able to pay Clowe (and prepare for Patty/Pavs in 2010). I like Murray, he brings an aspect none of the Sharks D have (until Petrecki arrives, at least). Maybe letting go of Blake creates enough cap room, but I think that in 2010 there will not be enough room for everyone locked up now, plus upcoming FA’s Marleau, Pavs, Clowe, and Mitchell. Space will have to be made, and with Petrecki and Couture coming up in 1-2 years, who do you let go? I think the unfortunate answer there is Murray, and that’s just for starters.
Ideally, Blake would be willing to take a paycut and sign for one year for about $3-4mil, which provides the easy bridge to Petrecki in 2010. But considering the year he is having, I don’t know how likely that is. Roenick got a raise after his renaissance, and his wasn’t nearly as good as Blake’s. But, then again, should we lose Blake AND trade Murray, going into next season with extra cap space and a tradeable commodity like Cheechoo isn’t half bad. That also would almost assuredly mean Clowe is signed long term as well.
ouch ouch ouch…
Man, what does that leave the bottom lines with for the next few weeks? I would have to think TM is going to leave Marleau on that 3rd line, the Sharks have virtually no other centermen.
Kaspar/Plihal?-Thornton-Seto
Clowe-Pavs-Michalek
Cheechoo-Marleau-McGinn/Plihal?
Lemieux-Plihal?-Shelly/SEMENOV????
Well, someone from Plihal/Kaspar/the Worchester carousel has to step up and give 12-14min of quality ice time. I don’t think the Sharks HAVE to make a move (they look to be full strength *knock on wood* for the playoffs), but the #1 seed would be that much more attainable with even small reinforcement…
I don’t think this development is all that bad. It sounds to me like the team wanted to get these guys out now so that they’re bodies wouldn’t crap out on them once the playoffs start. Grier’s injury is defini
sorry, computer problem…
sorry, computer problem…
No Grier means the PK wil suffer for a bit but hopefully Mitchell will help when he gets back. I am surprised DW didn’t call up McGinn though. Getting him some experience now would be the smart thing to do.
Also, DP says that Cheech isn’t going anywhere. Since our depth is lacking a bit, that’s probably the best idea. I hate to say it, but I do think his days are numbered. Come draft day, DW is going to need to get something to restock the farm with some quality prospects, especially since our only two good ones should be in either the AHL or NHL by this time next year.