Latest Marleau Rumor is to Columbus
June 2nd, 2008, 12:05 pm
David Pollak is reporting a rumor that has Marleau and an unspecified player going to Columbus for the #6 overall pick and Nikolai Zherdev. First of all, the unspecified player is the gating item, but if he’s yet unspecified, that means he’s probably not a top-line player. The most worrisome names in that group would be Clowe or Pavelski. For either of those two, I say no deal. But if that name is Ehrhoff, Carle, Grier, or McLaren, I say bring it.
Why? Two big reasons. One, the Sharks finally get Marleau’s (and maybe sombody else’s) hefty contract of the books, potentially freeing up room to sign Brian Campbell or other free agents. An additional benefit would be the ability to give the C to a player that is more suited to the role. Two, the Sharks get a young scorer in Zherdev (one more year at $3.25M, then restricted free agency) who can put points on the board. As Pollak pointed out, he would have been the second leading scorer on the Sharks. That would give the Sharks three potential thirty goal scorers with Michalek and Cheech.
In addition to Zherdev, the Sharks would get the #6 overall pick in what most hockey people consider a very deep draft. If the cards fall right, we might be able to get a guy like Nikita Filatov (Hockey News has him projected at #4) . Or, more likely, a guy like Colin Wilson or Kyle Beech (described by one scout as “a 6-3 Sean Avery”).
Can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs, Sharks fans. This trade may be just what the cook ordered- a pure scorer and the flexibility to sign some free agents. Plus a top-flight prospect to boot.
Loading ...
I’ve gotta say, this Kyle Beach kid looks like exactly what the Sharks need. He can score and he loves to rumble, 222 PIM’s last year.
Check out this clip. No more “Mr. Nice Sharks”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TyyEsyCxrA
Good points, Mike. If Sharks watch the first couple of rounds in this draft from the sidelines, they may have serious regrets about this in the future. Filatov declared he’s coming to the NHL this season, so we may not get him even at no. 6 (though that would be sweet), but either way, we need to make some moves.
As much as I admire Patty, it may be a move he needs.
Called it! lol
Make it so, Dougie… Then hit the FA market and complete this team!
Something tells me this is a terrible trade on Columbus’s side. Zherdev is one hell of a talent. Not to mention, Wilson could hit the FA market, and reshuffle the team into a contender that might finally get the job done. Columbus shouldn’t make this deal at all (and no crap on Zherdev being an RFA, if Columbus wants him, give him his money, your only on the hook for 21,650,000 so far next year)
I’m not sure you want Kyle Beech. He’s been touted as a possible pick for the Leafs for months. Yes he’s going to drop the mitts, and yes he’s got skill, size and toughness. He’s also been developing a rep as a bit of a head case, and he’s already had some serious concussion problems – and he isn’t 19 yet.
As much as Sean Avery delivers something – that something isn’t necessarily anything you want to emulate. Beech might be the next Neely or he might be the next Bob Probert… not sure if you want the latter.
I said Columbus, but I was predicting Marleau for the 6th straight up, definitely not Zherdev throw in on Columbus’s side.
Is Zherdev a one year rental? If he puts up points similar to last year (and don’t most improve in “contract” years?), then he’s going to be expecting Marleau-type money after next season. Plus he’s close to having that “enigmatic” sign hung on him. I don’t know that he’s getting the Sharks over the hump.
For all the good that DW does for the team, how can you not have a pick until the 4th round?!
Zherdev is RFA after next year, so worst case he walks and the Sharks get a bunch of picks, if he get Marleau money.
You don’t have early picks when you’re trying to build a team that’s supposed to win soon. Just like the Pens will be screwed in a couple of years with Armstrong, Christansen, Esposito, and Malkin all gone.
The guys in Columbus ay it’s a load of crap.
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/06/the_marleau_down.shtml