Erik Johnson Trade Rumors

[cprice12]

I was contacted by a sports writer who is hearing talk of trade rumors between the Blues and Caps and they apparently involve Erik Johnson.

He asked if I had heard anything, which I had not, and I told him I'd be surprised if the Blues traded Erik Johnson unless an amazing deal was offered...and then I proceeded to offer up Brewer in a trade and asked him to share what he had heard as far as names in return for Johnson.

I'll let you know what he says.

[philco_3]

tease

[gaijin]

[xbleed83bluex]

Johnson and Brewer for Ovechkin

[glen a richter]

Johnson and Brewer for Ovechkin

I'd take it, and so would any Blues fan.

In all reality, there's no way this involves Ovechkin at all. If they actually are shopping Johnson to Washington, my expectation would be to maybe get Alex Semin or Mike Green.

[cprice12]

Johnson and Brewer for Ovechkin

I'd take it, and so would any Blues fan.

In all reality, there's no way this involves Ovechkin at all. If they actually are shopping Johnson to Washington, my expectation would be to maybe get Alex Semin or Mike Green.

I told him the Blues would need a Semin-like player in return, but I hadn't heard Semin's name in any rumors either.
Semin has one year left on his contract, $6 million next season.
Green has two more years at $5 million per.

[Leedog]

I would guess the Caps are in the mode of trying to win a cup this year, not trading star caliber players from their roster for someone who is a step down from that now but with upside.

[DaDitka]

I would guess the Caps are in the mode of trying to win a cup this year, not trading star caliber players from their roster for someone who is a step down from that now but with upside.

That was my reaction.

I would be floored of there were really any substance behind what that writer was hearing.

It simply makes no since. We have no reason to want to unload EJ and I can’t imagine they are looking to move any of the star type talent it would take to make such a deal.

[goon attack]

In a related story, the Cardinals might release Pujols.

[cprice12]

Here's his response...

Got a tip from a friend in New York that George McPhee is on the prowl. I also saw something on hockey buzz.com about the Caps talking to a couple of teams but it mentioned the Blues by name. I know from speaking to the Caps beat writer that they are looking for a big defenseman with a right shot that can clear creases. Based on your roster you only really have one guy the Caps might be interested in and that would be Johnson. Johnson appears to be a RFA at the end of this season so I was wondering what you guys thought of him. As I look at Brewer and Jackman I see lefty shots and big salaries that would be rentals. If the Caps landed Johnson he would go on the line with Karl Alzner for the next 10 years. I’m pretty sure he would demand a heavy price but the Caps are busting at the seams with prospects/players at virtually every position except of course big, crease clearing defensemen.

The Caps just signed Alex Semin to a 1 year extension but I doubt they will be able to keep him. Semin is more talented than Ovechkin but he can kill you some nights as well when he plays lazy hockey. I’m pretty sure Semin will be one the NHL stars of the week because he almost had multiple hat tricks this week against quality opponents. I’m pretty sure the Caps would have to throw in a player or another prospect but Semin could very well be that top scorer if the two teams are talking trade. I forgot to mention the Caps have three stellar young goalies in Varlamov, Neuvirth and the best kid is down in Hershey right now shutting down the AHL in his first full year Braden Holtby. The Caps definitely have the players/prospects to make a deal but with the Caps doing so well right now I’m not sure how much McPhee wants to change that room.

I believe the Blues are still in the hunt so I guess these talks (if happening) are at the theoretical stage. The Caps took the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pens to 7 games so they really don’t have to change much but I’m following the bread crumbs.

[glen a richter]

You know what? I'd do it.

Johnson + Conklin for Semin + Varlamov

Varlamov + Bishop between the pipes next season

Call up Junland

[cprice12]

You know what? I'd do it.

Johnson + Conklin for Semin + Varlamov

Varlamov + Bishop between the pipes next season

Call up Junland

I think we'd have to offer up Johnson and Mason. I don't think they'd be interested in Conklin.

Varlamov's numbers are pretty darn good...but man, he hasn't even played a full NHL season yet. But you're also getting Semin.

As much as I want to see Johnson turn into a Lidstrom-like defenseman...we'd be getting the scoring forward we need, along with one of the best young goalies in the league. I think the Blues would do this...but I don't think the Caps would...but I think this is the kind of package it would take for the Blues to trade away Johnson.

[not_a_wings_fan]

Am I correct that nearly every D-man in peoria is a L shot? The only other righty that fits the bill is Polak, and I would trade him if we got back a scorer.

After watching Johnson this season, I see no way that you can trade him.

At this point Johnson has played about 1.5 seasons (~120 games) of NHL hockey and no postseason games. He has continued to get better this season, and shows no signs that I can see of reaching a plateau.

As he gets better over the coming years you are looking at a Norris Trophy-type player imo. The question becomes which is more valuable/harder to find - a 30-40 goal scorer (Semin) or a #1 Defenseman with offensive upside?

[thedoc]

Semin did have 79 points last year and has like 53 this year, but he is like 26 and only has one year left on his contract. If you knew you could sign him and keep him then I say yes but that is a big if.

As far as goalies go, a knee injury today is not like a knee injury 5 or more years ago. He will probably come back perfectly fine and he is only 21.

If you knew you could sign Semin I say do it, plus I know how much fun we would have on this site talking about Semin and Semin related topics. I will give you an example, "Did anybody see that Semin shot last night?" or "What a money-shot that Semin has?" There I started it now you guys can run with it.

[glen a richter]

I'd give them Mason instead of Conks. Either way, his contract comes off the books, he won't be a part of this team next season anywho.

The one thing I worry about, though, is this: Is Varlamov good because he knows he has the best offense in the NHL in front of him, and that takes a load off and lets him play loose and better, and will he stumble playing for a team with a markedly lesser offense and more pressure to make the big saves to keep them (the Blues) in the game on a nightly basis?

This said, I see no Earthly way that a trade of this nature goes down, so it's probably a moot issue.

[section319]

So, people are against trading too much for Kovalchuk but are willing to give up Johnson for Semin?

[A-Yo!]

Wow, that would be a huge deal but the Caps do have some great players to have in trade. EJ for Semin is not good enough. Semin can be a deity at times but wow can he be Mr. Invisible at other times. I would think for that trade to happen the Blues should ask for Backstrom instead. Youth for youth and to me that makes more sense. The goalies would be just extra gravy.

[BoxCar]

So, people are against trading too much for Kovalchuk but are willing to give up Johnson for Semin?

Headline in the paper: Blues' Johnson Produces Semin.


The deed is done, serious discussion of fake trade proposals can continue now.

[deadphish]

Johnson and Perron for Ovechkin.

[A-Yo!]

Uh oh...EJ is a late scratch...Has the trade been done already? LOL