Free Agency / Trade Thread

[STL JA]

Let's keep it all here.

Management made a very big mistake by overpaying Brewer and Jackman, and also by giving them both long term deals. And bringing KT back for for another season was a crap decision too. Not good... Especially when you look at the board and see who is available via UFA/RFA/Trade this offseason. The Blues have a lot of money tied up in slugs.

They'll probably address the starting/backup goaltender first, but after that, a puck moving, offensive D-man. I was hoping we'd be able to acquire a stud forward (we need another one), but looking at the numbers... It probably not going to happen.

My take:

D-men:
Souray (via trade)
Ohlund (UFA)

G:
Conklin (UFA)
Harding (RFA)
Giggy (Trade: won't happen... too much money, 13M over next two seasons)

Forwards:
Kessel (Trade: He's available)
Gionta (UFA)
Hossa (UFA: Probably too pricey)
Malhotra (UFA: faceoff expert)
Heatley (Trade: I like him, but it's not happening)

[strocklen083]

I hope you don't honestly believe we're "in" on any of these guys. I mean, I'll give you Harding and maybe Conklin or Ohlund. But serioulsy? Giggy? Kessel? HOSSA?! You're loft expectations will be harshly dashed.

The only true and immediate need this team has is for a backup goaltender. Conklin fits the bill. But there are other, cheaper options on the market that would do just fine. If a trade was to happen, it probably would have gone down by now.

If another forward is what you're looking for, cross your fingers Palushaj made strides over the summer. I don't see this team adding any UFA salaries higher than 2 mil/yr this off-season. Especially considering the cap might drop again next year and all the RFA contracts that are up next year and the year after. Also keep in mind Polak has NOT re-signed yet and will probably sign a larger than expected offer sheet from some d-bag team.

[STL JA]

I hope you don't honestly believe we're "in" on any of these guys. I mean, I'll give you Harding and maybe Conklin or Ohlund. But serioulsy? Giggy? Kessel? HOSSA?! You're loft expectations will be harshly dashed.

The only true and immediate need this team has is for a backup goaltender. Conklin fits the bill. But there are other, cheaper options on the market that would do just fine. If a trade was to happen, it probably would have gone down by now.

If another forward is what you're looking for, cross your fingers Palushaj made strides over the summer. I don't see this team adding any UFA salaries higher than 2 mil/yr this off-season. Especially considering the cap might drop again next year and all the RFA contracts that are up next year and the year after. Also keep in mind Polak has NOT re-signed yet and will probably sign a larger than expected offer sheet from some d-bag team.

It's to generate discussion, asshat.

There are two "true and immediate needs". A goaltender and an offensive D-man.

And it's 'your', not 'you're'.

[Bretzky7]

How is paying a 25 goal scorer that is 6'2 230 a bad signing when its for 2 mil? especially when he's as popular around here as any player on the team. Sure Brewer at 4 mil is overpaid and you could argue Jackman as well but in no way are those contracts handicapping us. We have money to spend if needed and if its via trade we will send someone back with a larger salary. I really like the look of our team and think we're sitting comfortably heading into tomorrow because sure we could use another D-Man or backup tender but if the price is too high right now we dont have to overpay. I dont think we need any more depth forwards as we sit right now we have McClement, Crombeen, Winchester, King, Janssen, Porter, Stastny all in that role, so I wouldnt expect a Malhotra type.

I would be happy with a Harding/Conklin and Zubov and then if any trades come up throughout the summer take a look at those but that would be it via free agency.

[strocklen083]

It's to generate discussion, asshat.

There are two "true and immediate needs". A goaltender and an offensive D-man.

And it's 'your', not 'you're'.

jeez....

[STL JA]

How is paying a 25 goal scorer that is 6'2 230 a bad signing when its for 2 mil? especially when he's as popular around here as any player on the team. Sure Brewer at 4 mil is overpaid and you could argue Jackman as well but in no way are those contracts handicapping us. We have money to spend if needed and if its via trade we will send someone back with a larger salary. I really like the look of our team and think we're sitting comfortably heading into tomorrow because sure we could use another D-Man or backup tender but if the price is too high right now we dont have to overpay. I dont think we need any more depth forwards as we sit right now we have McClement, Crombeen, Winchester, King, Janssen, Porter, Stastny all in that role, so I wouldnt expect a Malhotra type.

I would be happy with a Harding/Conklin and Zubov and then if any trades come up throughout the summer take a look at those but that would be it via free agency.

A 6'2, 230 lbs, 37 year old who will not come close to scoring 25 goals next season. He'll be on the 3rd/4th line, playing a limited role. The money could have been spent elsewhere and put toward an important free agent signing such as Ohlund. Also, what could have been an open roster spot for a player like Eller is now closed. It's time to move on.

Jackman's contract isn't handicapping us? First, he sucks. Second, what other team wants Jackman on their team @ 4m/yr? Good luck trading him.

And yes, we could definitely use a Malhotra type. We need a faceoff specialist on this team.

[philco_3]

I would rather see them try to go after Clemmensen. I'm sure other teams will want him too, but he could be a starter for the Blues down the line that we need. Conklin will most likely sign with a team that will play him to start somewhere.

[strocklen083]

A 6'2, 230 lbs, 37 year old who will not come close to scoring 25 goals next season. He'll be on the 3rd/4th line, playing a limited role. The money could have been spent elsewhere and put toward an important free agent signing such as Ohlund. Also, what could have been an open roster spot for a player like Eller is now closed. It's time to move on.

Jackman's contract isn't handicapping us? First, he sucks. Second, what other team wants Jackman on their team @ 4m/yr? Good luck trading him.

And yes, we could definitely use a Malhotra type. We need a faceoff specialist on this team.

A.) Walt is contributing just as much, maybe more in a leadership role than he is on the ice. I have no problem with that. Especially at a 2 milliion dollar clip. He's earned it and who wouldn't take 25 goals from an aging vet at that price.

B)Please don't turn this into another "Jackman sucks and is holding the team back" type of thread. We already had that happen yesterday...

C) Your Maholtra type: Phil McRae. Patience is a virtue and I'm quickly learning that many here do not have it...

[STL JA]

A 6'2, 230 lbs, 37 year old who will not come close to scoring 25 goals next season. He'll be on the 3rd/4th line, playing a limited role. The money could have been spent elsewhere and put toward an important free agent signing such as Ohlund. Also, what could have been an open roster spot for a player like Eller is now closed. It's time to move on.

Jackman's contract isn't handicapping us? First, he sucks. Second, what other team wants Jackman on their team @ 4m/yr? Good luck trading him.

And yes, we could definitely use a Malhotra type. We need a faceoff specialist on this team.

A.) Walt is contributing just as much, maybe more in a leadership role than he is on the ice. I have no problem with that. Especially at a 2 milliion dollar clip. He's earned it and who wouldn't take 25 goals from an aging vet at that price.

B)Please don't turn this into another "Jackman sucks and is holding the team back" type of thread. We already had that happen yesterday...

C) Your Maholtra type: Phil McRae. Patience is a virtue and I'm quickly learning that many here do not have it...

A.) If you think Tkachuk will score 25 goals next year, give me some of the crack you're on. The 2M could have been spent elsewhere.

B.) Jackman's contract is a burden on this club. Get a clue.

C.) Lets just forget about our terrible faceoff winning % and hope this kid can do something down the road. We need a proven faceoff guy, now. It is more important than you think, especially with this team turning the corner.

[philco_3]

Phil Kessel is a RFA. we could get him, would like to, but I feel what we offer him will be matched by Boston.

[strocklen083]

Phil Kessel is a RFA. we could get him, would like to, but I feel what we offer him will be matched by Boston.

If we offer what he's asking, they won't match. They'll take the 1st and 3rd Round picks and run...

[hugedeal]

A 6'2, 230 lbs, 37 year old who will not come close to scoring 25 goals next season. He'll be on the 3rd/4th line, playing a limited role. The money could have been spent elsewhere and put toward an important free agent signing such as Ohlund. Also, what could have been an open roster spot for a player like Eller is now closed. It's time to move on.

Jackman's contract isn't handicapping us? First, he sucks. Second, what other team wants Jackman on their team @ 4m/yr? Good luck trading him.

And yes, we could definitely use a Malhotra type. We need a faceoff specialist on this team.

A.) Walt is contributing just as much, maybe more in a leadership role than he is on the ice. I have no problem with that. Especially at a 2 milliion dollar clip. He's earned it and who wouldn't take 25 goals from an aging vet at that price.

B)Please don't turn this into another "Jackman sucks and is holding the team back" type of thread. We already had that happen yesterday...

C) Your Maholtra type: Phil McRae. Patience is a virtue and I'm quickly learning that many here do not have it...

A.) If you think Tkachuk will score 25 goals next year, give me some of the crack you're on. The 2M could have been spent elsewhere.

B.) Jackman's contract is a burden on this club. Get a clue.

C.) Lets just forget about our terrible faceoff winning % and hope this kid can do something down the road. We need a proven faceoff guy, now. It is more important than you think, especially with this team turning the corner.

On Walt: I know it's not likely he'll put up 25 next year, but having a vet that's willing and capable of filling a number of roles is a decent deal at that price tag. Unexpected things happen every season, having someone that's comfortable playing the third line, but can step onto the top two lines is valuable.

I'm not going to argue about Jackman's contract. I think it's high, but looking around the league it's comparable to a lot of guys playing the role he should be in as a 3/4.

We have an aspiring faceoff specialist in Jay McClement. With the dedication he's shown to improving his game, I'd think an improvement over last year's win percentage is a reasonable expectation.

[STL JA]

A 6'2, 230 lbs, 37 year old who will not come close to scoring 25 goals next season. He'll be on the 3rd/4th line, playing a limited role. The money could have been spent elsewhere and put toward an important free agent signing such as Ohlund. Also, what could have been an open roster spot for a player like Eller is now closed. It's time to move on.

Jackman's contract isn't handicapping us? First, he sucks. Second, what other team wants Jackman on their team @ 4m/yr? Good luck trading him.

And yes, we could definitely use a Malhotra type. We need a faceoff specialist on this team.

A.) Walt is contributing just as much, maybe more in a leadership role than he is on the ice. I have no problem with that. Especially at a 2 milliion dollar clip. He's earned it and who wouldn't take 25 goals from an aging vet at that price.

B)Please don't turn this into another "Jackman sucks and is holding the team back" type of thread. We already had that happen yesterday...

C) Your Maholtra type: Phil McRae. Patience is a virtue and I'm quickly learning that many here do not have it...

A.) If you think Tkachuk will score 25 goals next year, give me some of the crack you're on. The 2M could have been spent elsewhere.

B.) Jackman's contract is a burden on this club. Get a clue.

C.) Lets just forget about our terrible faceoff winning % and hope this kid can do something down the road. We need a proven faceoff guy, now. It is more important than you think, especially with this team turning the corner.

On Walt: I know it's not likely he'll put up 25 next year, but having a vet that's willing and capable of filling a number of roles is a decent deal at that price tag. Unexpected things happen every season, having someone that's comfortable playing the third line, but can step onto the top two lines is valuable.

I'm not going to argue about Jackman's contract. I think it's high, but looking around the league it's comparable to a lot of guys playing the role he should be in as a 3/4.

We have an aspiring faceoff specialist in Jay McClement. With the dedication he's shown to improving his game, I'd think an improvement over last year's win percentage is a reasonable expectation.

It's not enough.

[hugedeal]

It's not enough.

Fair enough. Jay was pretty respectable last year, and surprisingly, so was Tkachuk. I can see the value in dropping Walt and bringing in Malhotra for a little less. I guess I feel comfortable with the choice to keep Walt because of his offensive upside and what I've heard about his new-found leadership abilities.

What do you think Malhotra gets in free agency?

[Jeffro]

QOs today for Wagner, Holt, Filewich and Richmond, the last two of which have already signed in Europe for next year.

[STL JA]

It's not enough.

Fair enough. Jay was pretty respectable last year, and surprisingly, so was Tkachuk. I can see the value in dropping Walt and bringing in Malhotra for a little less. I guess I feel comfortable with the choice to keep Walt because of his offensive upside and what I've heard about his new-found leadership abilities.

What do you think Malhotra gets in free agency?

I believe he made 1.5M last season. It looks as if he will not be resigned.

I'd say 2M. I would have rather seen the Blues use the money on a 29 year old faceoff specialist and a damn good PK'er than to an aging/declining vet whose best days are long gone, and has been on the team forever. Also, Malhotra isn't an offensive slug. He can contribute on the score sheet.

[strocklen083]

I believe he made 1.5M last season. It looks as if he will not be resigned.

I'd say 2M. I would have rather seen the Blues use the money on a 29 year old faceoff specialist and a damn good PK'er than to an aging/declining vet whose best days are long gone, and has been on the team forever. Also, Malhotra isn't an offensive slug. He can contribute on the score sheet.

OK. So you just spent 2 of the available 2.5 on anothe roster spot. Where are you going to get a solid backup goalie for 500k?

[STL JA]

I believe he made 1.5M last season. It looks as if he will not be resigned.

I'd say 2M. I would have rather seen the Blues use the money on a 29 year old faceoff specialist and a damn good PK'er than to an aging/declining vet whose best days are long gone, and has been on the team forever. Also, Malhotra isn't an offensive slug. He can contribute on the score sheet.

OK. So you just spent 2 of the available 2.5 on anothe roster spot. Where are you going to get a solid backup goalie for 500k?

The Blues have $50.5 million committed to next year's payroll. $56.8 million is the salary cap for next season. That's a difference of 6.3M. I'm not saying they will spend up to the cap ceiling, but they do have room.

[strocklen083]

The Blues have $50.5 million committed to next year's payroll. $56.8 million is the salary cap for next season. That's a difference of 6.3M. I'm not saying they will spend up to the cap ceiling, but they do have room.

That 50.5 doesn't include potential triggered bonuses for the rookie contracts (Oshie, Berglund, Johnson, Perron). From what I've seen we actually have something like 3M in real cap space after the hit on McKee. So there's not as much room as people think.

[STL JA]

I'd also like to mention that the Blues are in a position to make a trade if they feel the need. I assume they will at some point... And that nonsense about, 'Well, if they were going to make a trade, it would have been before the draft'... Yeah. It's just that. Nonsense.

They have been stockpiling picks/prospects for awhile now. We're in the position to make a trade if it helps the team.