Olli Jokinen and a 3rd Round Pick for Lombardi, Prust, and a 1st Round Pick
I had mixed feelings on this trade because of what the Coyotes had to give up for Jokinen. It would have been nice to see Jokinen ride it out for a year or two and become the star center they need. But I think the Coyotes did a good job of picking up some necessity in the trade while preparing for the future. The first round pick speaks for itself, but Prust and Lombardi bring different dimensions to the team. One common talent of the two is that they can win faceoffs better than anyone the Coyotes have right now. Obviously this will help late in games for a young, easy to break team.
Matthew Lombardi is the most developed piece coming back to the Coyotes in this trade. Lombardi is a player built on extreme speed. This is a common factor in most of the players that the Coyotes received on deadline day, but Lombardi has the best of the bunch. In Calgary, Lombardi has started to develop some playmaking skills. He started to rack up some pretty good assist totals. This is the player that will benefit greatly from Gretzky’s run and gun system to the fullest. In Calgary he was held back a bit, with the Coyotes he can emerge as a top line center. I see a lot of breakaway goals from Lombardi, and 50 plus assist years. I think that the obvious pairing is with Shane Doan because they have a bit of a history together. I think it will take a bit to get on the same page with each other, but could be dangerous next year.
Prust is going to be a spare for the rest of this season, but in the future he can be very usable. I see Prust for the near future playing a similar role to Mike Rupp with the New Jersey Devils. Prust will be called upon to play some 4th line minutes and to use his size to the fullest. The Coyotes lack some size, but with Prust in the lineup he could provide a consistent shift of help on the boards. Prust will play minutes with the 4th line players depending on the game. Knowing the way Gretzky changes lines, Prust may not want to get familiar with any two specific wingers.
Bottom Line: This trade was one that seemed to be necessary for the Coyotes budget. It makes sense for now and the future, but still hurts to see your first line center leave. But Lombardi will turn into a very solid second line center for the future. He will be on the top penalty kill and chip in on the power play. Prust will be a nice change of pace player to throw in the lineup here and there. These two players will provide excellent depth for the future, and hopefully pick up a top line center to make these two players that much more worth it.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Potential Man Crush
Daniel Carcillo for Scottie Upshall and a Second Round Draft Pick:
Carcillo really leaves everything he’s got on the ice and that is why it’s tough to see the positive in a trade that means Carcillo is leaving. The bottom line is that Carcillo could not control his temper on the ice and caused distractions. The skill and intensity that Carcillo brings to the ice is the reason the Coyotes could get a pretty good player and a pick for him. I wish Carcillo the best in Philadelphia, he will be a great fit to their style.
Out of all the moves today, this one player has the most potential to do something special in the desert. Upshall brings a lot of speed, physicality and skill to the Coyotes lineup. Scottie will fit Gretzky’s system very well and will contribute on special teams. The speed and vision that Upshall has will create many odd man rushes. He has a knack to go to the net and chip in some dirty goals in big spots. Upshall is approaching a turning point in his career, being traded for the second time. He has an opportunity to really take this team and self to the next level. With Upshall becoming a restricted free agent after this season, he will quickly have an opportunity to earn some more money. If he commits to the system and community there is no telling where his Coyote legacy will lead. Upshall would work well on a line with Mueller. Upshall could really find his scoring touch collaborating with a playmaker like Mueller. The thought of Mueller and Upshall using their speed in the offensive zone will bring a smile to the aging face of The Great One.
Bottom Line: Losing a character player like Carcillo will hurt right now, but Upshall’s up tempo play will earn the trust of Coyotes fans very quickly. This is a player to build around for the present and future teams. I think this could be the man that would replace Doan as the face of the organization in due time. My bold prediction is that Upshall will be a Coyote for life and have his jersey in the rafters one day.
Carcillo really leaves everything he’s got on the ice and that is why it’s tough to see the positive in a trade that means Carcillo is leaving. The bottom line is that Carcillo could not control his temper on the ice and caused distractions. The skill and intensity that Carcillo brings to the ice is the reason the Coyotes could get a pretty good player and a pick for him. I wish Carcillo the best in Philadelphia, he will be a great fit to their style.
Out of all the moves today, this one player has the most potential to do something special in the desert. Upshall brings a lot of speed, physicality and skill to the Coyotes lineup. Scottie will fit Gretzky’s system very well and will contribute on special teams. The speed and vision that Upshall has will create many odd man rushes. He has a knack to go to the net and chip in some dirty goals in big spots. Upshall is approaching a turning point in his career, being traded for the second time. He has an opportunity to really take this team and self to the next level. With Upshall becoming a restricted free agent after this season, he will quickly have an opportunity to earn some more money. If he commits to the system and community there is no telling where his Coyote legacy will lead. Upshall would work well on a line with Mueller. Upshall could really find his scoring touch collaborating with a playmaker like Mueller. The thought of Mueller and Upshall using their speed in the offensive zone will bring a smile to the aging face of The Great One.
Bottom Line: Losing a character player like Carcillo will hurt right now, but Upshall’s up tempo play will earn the trust of Coyotes fans very quickly. This is a player to build around for the present and future teams. I think this could be the man that would replace Doan as the face of the organization in due time. My bold prediction is that Upshall will be a Coyote for life and have his jersey in the rafters one day.
The Dust Has Settled
What a day for the Coyotes! I did not expect this much movement from the team and I’m sure it is was a day of mixed feelings for Coyotes fans. It's hard for me to see Carcillo and Morris go, Jokinen never really settled as a true Coyote which made it little more upsetting seeing the man traded for Keith Ballard leave so quickly (As I wear my Jokinen t-shirt, how ironic). Here's what insight I've got to offer on today's events:
Derek Morris for Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, and Dmitri Kalinin:
We all knew what Morris brings to the table and also that he was going to be traded today. Being from the New York area, I have seen a lot of these Ranger players. The quantity brought in for a player destined to leave is the real success in this transaction. Kalinin is just a thrown in defenseman to help sew up the hold lost by Morris for the remainder of this season. Unlike Ken Klee, I think this veteran defenseman will not have a chance to earn a contract for next year.
Petr Prucha is someone to watch for the future. Prucha had an excellent rookie contest and fell out of favor with the Rangers coaching staff. Prucha is a highly skilled player that just needs some confidence built back into him through playing time that wasn't offered with the Rangers. Prucha is not a big man, but he does not shy away from going to the net and throwing the body around. With all the skill Prucha possesses, he completes it with a good deal of speed from the wing. Prucha in a sense reminds me a little of Lisin, both have great skill and just need playing time to polish up that skill. The real key to Prucha is that he knows the Coyotes want him and that he will receive the playing time. This should go a long way in building back his confidence to the point where he returns to his rookie year form, I hope. I think that putting Prucha on the opposite wing with Shane Doan will give him a chance to play up with his skill level. Doan will create some better scoring chances for Prucha, while opening up the ice. I am tired of seeing Lindstrom play big minutes with the captain, he doesn’t have the skill or the smarts to compliment Doan.
Nigel Dawes is a real talent for the Coyotes. Dawes had some decent production in limited minutes with the Rangers the last two seasons. He has a knack for scoring in the shoot out as well. Dawes also has some good speed and on top of that he can be a 30-30 guy. Dawes has the skills to be a successful playmaking winger. His best ability is creating some space for himself and dishing to his teammates. He has a good eye for getting into scoring positions, and will thrive with more minutes. Dawes has been brought along slowly but in a good winning environment. Dawes will bring a little playoff experience to the fellow youngsters, and understand what it takes to get to that point. Dawes could work well with the Hanzal and Boedker line. He could bring a different aspect to the line combing playmaking skill with the speed and size of the line.
Bottom Line: Out of Prucha and Dawes, I see one of them taking the opportunity to the fullest. One of the players will truly thrive in the system and be a long time Coyote. Prucha could be the sniper needed for this group, and Dawes could be the all around playmaking forward. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Derek Morris for Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, and Dmitri Kalinin:
We all knew what Morris brings to the table and also that he was going to be traded today. Being from the New York area, I have seen a lot of these Ranger players. The quantity brought in for a player destined to leave is the real success in this transaction. Kalinin is just a thrown in defenseman to help sew up the hold lost by Morris for the remainder of this season. Unlike Ken Klee, I think this veteran defenseman will not have a chance to earn a contract for next year.
Petr Prucha is someone to watch for the future. Prucha had an excellent rookie contest and fell out of favor with the Rangers coaching staff. Prucha is a highly skilled player that just needs some confidence built back into him through playing time that wasn't offered with the Rangers. Prucha is not a big man, but he does not shy away from going to the net and throwing the body around. With all the skill Prucha possesses, he completes it with a good deal of speed from the wing. Prucha in a sense reminds me a little of Lisin, both have great skill and just need playing time to polish up that skill. The real key to Prucha is that he knows the Coyotes want him and that he will receive the playing time. This should go a long way in building back his confidence to the point where he returns to his rookie year form, I hope. I think that putting Prucha on the opposite wing with Shane Doan will give him a chance to play up with his skill level. Doan will create some better scoring chances for Prucha, while opening up the ice. I am tired of seeing Lindstrom play big minutes with the captain, he doesn’t have the skill or the smarts to compliment Doan.
Nigel Dawes is a real talent for the Coyotes. Dawes had some decent production in limited minutes with the Rangers the last two seasons. He has a knack for scoring in the shoot out as well. Dawes also has some good speed and on top of that he can be a 30-30 guy. Dawes has the skills to be a successful playmaking winger. His best ability is creating some space for himself and dishing to his teammates. He has a good eye for getting into scoring positions, and will thrive with more minutes. Dawes has been brought along slowly but in a good winning environment. Dawes will bring a little playoff experience to the fellow youngsters, and understand what it takes to get to that point. Dawes could work well with the Hanzal and Boedker line. He could bring a different aspect to the line combing playmaking skill with the speed and size of the line.
Bottom Line: Out of Prucha and Dawes, I see one of them taking the opportunity to the fullest. One of the players will truly thrive in the system and be a long time Coyote. Prucha could be the sniper needed for this group, and Dawes could be the all around playmaking forward. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Quick Predictions
As the trade deadline approaches, many names are being thrown around for potential trades. From the best of my knowledge, I will give you the most realistic destinations for the most realistic trade candidates. I personally think that a lot of the potential trades need other moves to happen first. You always hear this, but this deadline could be quiet if specific moves are not executed. My reasoning on this would be that next year’s salary cap could be lowered, and some teams are facing cap issues currently. Well I will most likely not have a chance to write another entry before the deadline, but I will be back later tomorrow to analyze the trades.
- Jokinen to the Calgary Flames
- Morris to the Capitals
- Guerin and Weight to the Canadians
- Giguere to the Red Wings
- Bouwmeester to the Rangers
- Gaborik to the Maple Leafs
- Recchi to the Oilers or Hurricanes
- Frolov to the Penguins
- Moore to the Predators
- Spezza to the Devils or Jackets
Have a happy deadline day!
- Jokinen to the Calgary Flames
- Morris to the Capitals
- Guerin and Weight to the Canadians
- Giguere to the Red Wings
- Bouwmeester to the Rangers
- Gaborik to the Maple Leafs
- Recchi to the Oilers or Hurricanes
- Frolov to the Penguins
- Moore to the Predators
- Spezza to the Devils or Jackets
Have a happy deadline day!
Much Needed Turris Back
Don’t get me wrong, I am all for a slow development of an important player. In the case of Kyle Turris, if you took the effort to sign him and let him play the season then let him play the full season. This season is turning into a good lesson for the youngsters. Much hope surrounded this team after the prior season’s success and the Jokinen trade. But after a hot start to the season, this team has plummeted to second to last in the conference. Despite the disappointment, I think this will be a good season for this group of youngsters.
Peter Mueller had a phenomenal rookie season, but has struggled through his second year of play. In the end Mueller is going to understand more from this year than he did in his first season. Kyle Turris has gone through some struggles since entering the NHL, but success is right around the corner. Turris is a small player in stature, but he can take a hit and come right back to join the rush. Turris has the talent to help this club right now and in the future, whether Gretzky likes it or not. I think in the end, a similar move to Mueller’s swap to the wing last year will do Turris well. This organization needs to find some better centermen for their young forwards. With the speed and passing skills that Turris possesses, he can do some damage from the wing.
This organization needs to realize that the trend of the Western Conference is no longer soft, speedy winning teams. Teams like the Ducks, Sharks, Flames, and Red Wings have built their teams with some big boys. More importantly these big players are playing big roles on the top two lines. It is painfully obvious that as soon as the current Coyotes get a puck deep in the offensive zone, it is only a matter of time before they are over powered and taken from the puck. This team lacks a big force that can keep the puck on the boards and make a smart pass. Skilled passers like Turris need to be able to have some room on the ice to be creative. Turris needs to be moved from center to wing to improve his progress. Until Turris can match up physically with the rest of the NHL, give the kid a chance to show his true talents on the wing. The one problem will be finding a center that can play a responsible center position along side Turris.
I think a main target for the Coyotes this summer would be Nik Antropov. Antropov is a big center that is just starting to find his game. He can be a powerful force in the offensive zone, and combined with Hanzal create some real size on the top 2 lines. Another center that could fill an important 3rd or 4th line role next year would be John Madden. Madden has the experience of winning and can play in many situations whether penalty kill or late game situations. He would also be a huge help in the faceoff circle to a team which ranks in the bottom of face off categories. Surrounding the young wingers with a responsible center like Madden could enhance development while winning some tight hockey games. If these two centers do not work out, it would be nice to add some size on the wing with a veteran 30 goal scorer like Mike Knuble. Knuble would compliment either Mueller or Turris on the opposite wing, punching in crisp passes for points all around. These men are not the class of the upcoming free agent market, so spending money wisely is a necessity this offseason.
Peter Mueller had a phenomenal rookie season, but has struggled through his second year of play. In the end Mueller is going to understand more from this year than he did in his first season. Kyle Turris has gone through some struggles since entering the NHL, but success is right around the corner. Turris is a small player in stature, but he can take a hit and come right back to join the rush. Turris has the talent to help this club right now and in the future, whether Gretzky likes it or not. I think in the end, a similar move to Mueller’s swap to the wing last year will do Turris well. This organization needs to find some better centermen for their young forwards. With the speed and passing skills that Turris possesses, he can do some damage from the wing.
This organization needs to realize that the trend of the Western Conference is no longer soft, speedy winning teams. Teams like the Ducks, Sharks, Flames, and Red Wings have built their teams with some big boys. More importantly these big players are playing big roles on the top two lines. It is painfully obvious that as soon as the current Coyotes get a puck deep in the offensive zone, it is only a matter of time before they are over powered and taken from the puck. This team lacks a big force that can keep the puck on the boards and make a smart pass. Skilled passers like Turris need to be able to have some room on the ice to be creative. Turris needs to be moved from center to wing to improve his progress. Until Turris can match up physically with the rest of the NHL, give the kid a chance to show his true talents on the wing. The one problem will be finding a center that can play a responsible center position along side Turris.
I think a main target for the Coyotes this summer would be Nik Antropov. Antropov is a big center that is just starting to find his game. He can be a powerful force in the offensive zone, and combined with Hanzal create some real size on the top 2 lines. Another center that could fill an important 3rd or 4th line role next year would be John Madden. Madden has the experience of winning and can play in many situations whether penalty kill or late game situations. He would also be a huge help in the faceoff circle to a team which ranks in the bottom of face off categories. Surrounding the young wingers with a responsible center like Madden could enhance development while winning some tight hockey games. If these two centers do not work out, it would be nice to add some size on the wing with a veteran 30 goal scorer like Mike Knuble. Knuble would compliment either Mueller or Turris on the opposite wing, punching in crisp passes for points all around. These men are not the class of the upcoming free agent market, so spending money wisely is a necessity this offseason.
Monday, March 2, 2009
24
It’s getting close to 24 hours until the NHL trade deadline on Wednesday at 3 Eastern. Unfortunately the only news right now for the Coyotes is selling some veterans. Some hot rumors about Jokinen and Morris possibly moving together in a trade have been recently reported. The Coyotes are going to be on their way to a long Eastern road trip in a few days. There is no doubt the team will have a different look before the pregame skate against the Bruins on Thursday.
The Coyotes seem to be working hard at shipping off Morris to an acceptable place. This is going to be tougher than expected. Morris, a native of Alberta, would like to stay in the West for the remainder of this season. Unfortunately the hot takers are coming from the Eastern Conference. I am sure right now the Coyotes are juggling convincing Morris to accept the East, while making the right deal for themselves. This is going to be a sensitive situation considering the Coyotes do not want to irritate Morris before attempting to sign him in the off season. Personally, I think Morris needs to man up here and either help his team from stopping the inevitable plunge out of the playoff race, or agree to go to the East for a mater of three or four months. I think that the possibility of packaging Morris and Jokinen could bring back more talent then trading the two separately, but at this point I think the better fit for Morris is not the best fit for Jokinen. The Coyotes should wait until deadline day and see if the interested teams become desperate. Morris sitting out right now puts the Coyotes in a situation where the Morris suitors have all the cards. Waiting longer might also give them an opportunity to either convince Morris to head East, or to create a deal with a more desperate Western team such as Columbus or even Vancouver depending on trades they make in the mean time. Both teams have stated that they are buyers and are going hard for the playoffs this year.
Now for a little talk from around the league. With the league hosting only one game this evening, I am sure all the general managers phones will be busy. I would anticipate a trade or two this evening. Even as I am writing this blog, the Devils have just completed a deal with Atlanta for Havelid. I think that Ryan Smyth might be heading back to Alberta as soon as…tonight. If a trade were to happen tonight, my money is on Mr. Burke in Toronto shipping someone out. One interesting thing in tonight’s game, besides the fact Guerin is sitting out again, is that the Islanders called up a prospect who they have said in the past is not ready for the NHL. Joensuu is a very promising young prospect for the Islanders. He’s a nice power forward, who needs to fill out a bit before any consistent NHL time. Joensuu is in his first pro year with the Isles and got off to a hot start in Bridgeport of the AHL. He is at least a year away, and with just less than 20 games left in the season I am sure the Islanders could have found a different Bridgeport player to replace Guerin. I know from inside sources with the Islanders that they think a lot of Joensuu, and if he is up it is an audition for another team. This being said, if he is up for an audition, the Islanders must be getting something good coming back. My last hit from around the NHL is that with Sean Avery possibly returning to the Rangers this week, look for some movement from them. They most likely will be trading a useful forward to bring in a skill forward combining with the “grit” of Sean Avery. Good luck with that Mr. Sather.
I am off to the Islanders game, keep checking for updates after the game. I am sure there will be some news to talk about aside from a win or loss.
The Coyotes seem to be working hard at shipping off Morris to an acceptable place. This is going to be tougher than expected. Morris, a native of Alberta, would like to stay in the West for the remainder of this season. Unfortunately the hot takers are coming from the Eastern Conference. I am sure right now the Coyotes are juggling convincing Morris to accept the East, while making the right deal for themselves. This is going to be a sensitive situation considering the Coyotes do not want to irritate Morris before attempting to sign him in the off season. Personally, I think Morris needs to man up here and either help his team from stopping the inevitable plunge out of the playoff race, or agree to go to the East for a mater of three or four months. I think that the possibility of packaging Morris and Jokinen could bring back more talent then trading the two separately, but at this point I think the better fit for Morris is not the best fit for Jokinen. The Coyotes should wait until deadline day and see if the interested teams become desperate. Morris sitting out right now puts the Coyotes in a situation where the Morris suitors have all the cards. Waiting longer might also give them an opportunity to either convince Morris to head East, or to create a deal with a more desperate Western team such as Columbus or even Vancouver depending on trades they make in the mean time. Both teams have stated that they are buyers and are going hard for the playoffs this year.
Now for a little talk from around the league. With the league hosting only one game this evening, I am sure all the general managers phones will be busy. I would anticipate a trade or two this evening. Even as I am writing this blog, the Devils have just completed a deal with Atlanta for Havelid. I think that Ryan Smyth might be heading back to Alberta as soon as…tonight. If a trade were to happen tonight, my money is on Mr. Burke in Toronto shipping someone out. One interesting thing in tonight’s game, besides the fact Guerin is sitting out again, is that the Islanders called up a prospect who they have said in the past is not ready for the NHL. Joensuu is a very promising young prospect for the Islanders. He’s a nice power forward, who needs to fill out a bit before any consistent NHL time. Joensuu is in his first pro year with the Isles and got off to a hot start in Bridgeport of the AHL. He is at least a year away, and with just less than 20 games left in the season I am sure the Islanders could have found a different Bridgeport player to replace Guerin. I know from inside sources with the Islanders that they think a lot of Joensuu, and if he is up it is an audition for another team. This being said, if he is up for an audition, the Islanders must be getting something good coming back. My last hit from around the NHL is that with Sean Avery possibly returning to the Rangers this week, look for some movement from them. They most likely will be trading a useful forward to bring in a skill forward combining with the “grit” of Sean Avery. Good luck with that Mr. Sather.
I am off to the Islanders game, keep checking for updates after the game. I am sure there will be some news to talk about aside from a win or loss.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Quick Hit
It’s ridiculously early, but I felt the need to write something quickly on the buzzing trade rumors. Last night I wrote about the possibility of a Montreal connection with Guerin and Morris. This morning it is apparent that the Guerin deal is going to take a bit longer than expected. This leads me to believe that the player coming to the Islanders is someone that the Islanders are trying to re-sign long term before the deal is completed. Mike Kimisarek from the Montreal Canadians is a possibility. He's a Long Island native, unrestricted free agent and the Islanders covet him. I could see the Canadians turning around and acquiring Derek Morris for what will most likely be picks or prospects. The one wild card move for the Coyotes could be Chris Higgins. He's a well rounded, young center that could help the team now and in the future. Stay tuned for more as things start to move.
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