Most regard Sergachev as one of the most promising LHD prospects in the league, and I kind of agree with that. But since Tampa has the best chance at a Cup in the NHL, they'll want to add at the Deadline. They have some cap space to do this with, but not quite enough, especially if they pursue Panarin, Duchene or Stone (which I would do if I were them). If they have a Top 6 including Stamkos, Point, Kucherov, Panarin (or Duchene or Stone) and Johnson, I don't see any defenses stopping that 4 games out of 7. So now's the time for them to make that risky playoff deadline trade.
So why do they move Sergachev if that star player isn't coming back? TBL makes this move for the following reasons:
1). Rid themselves of Callahan's almost 6 million dollar contract, opening up TDL rental acquisitions for Cup Contention this year and the next. And while Callahan does have an NTC, it requires him to pick 16 teams he'd be willing to be traded to. With the Isles having Lou at GM, Trotz at Head Coach and the No. 1 spot in the Metro, I'd have to think Callahan approves the trade.
2). As great as Sergachev is, he'll need Top 4 minutes to develop further, and with Hedman and McDonaugh ahead of him in the depth chart, Sergachev won't get the minutes he deserves unless one of those two are traded, which I don't see happening considering how invaluable Hedman is as a defenseman and how expensive McDonaugh's contract is. Also McDonaugh's contract runs til he's in his mid 30s, which might be a turn off for some teams.
3). While there isn't much room for Sergachev on LHD, Tampa's RHD is practically wide open after this offseason. Both Bode Wilde and Noah Dobson look like they're going to be spectacular RHDs in the near future. I'd say Dobson has a lesser, but still very similar talent ceiling to Sergachev, while Wilde is more of high-risk-high-reward prospect. Though when you look at Wilde's stats, you have to think that the reward is pretty likely and the risk is plummeting. I offered two different packages below, take your pick on either package. Also, if TBL wanted Mayfield or Pelech on top of either package, or if they'd want Hickey removed from the deal, I'd still accept that trade.
So if this deal is great for TBL, why does NYI do this?
1). Taking on Callahan's contract sucks, as they already have too many of those, but Callahan's contract ends the same offseason Barzal's does, so the increase in cap obligation doesn't really hurt them long term. It could conceivably hurt their chances at landing a big fish in Free Agency this July, but with Eberle's 6m aav coming off the books, I doubt that it does. And if the Isles want to land a big fish THIS TDL, they can still do that by sending Eberle's contract back the other way.
2). The Isles are fortunate to have Devon Toews as their promising LHD kid, but he's certainly not ready for Top Pairing duties. And he might never be, he's already come farther than many expected. I'm also not sold on Nick Leddy being our No. 1 LHD for the next 4 years. Sergachev might not be ready for that duty yet either, but I think he will be relatively soon. I think starting next year, you could have pairings of Leddy-Boychuk, Sergachev-Pulock, Toews-Mayfield, with Sergachev overtaking Leddy over time and Toews filling in Leddy's spot on the 2nd pairing when Leddy's contract is up. Already a much improved defensive corps from what we have this year.
3). Losing either Wilde or Dobson would sting; both look so promising. But the you can tell that the Isles are going to depend on Pulock for the short and long term to cover RHD on either the 1st or 2nd pairing. Dobson and Wilde can't both fit in the Top 4, so we might as well move one to get the future Top 4 LHD we currently lack.
To be clear, I don't know if this trade would actually happen. Probably not, in fact. But I do think there's good logic behind this.
I have to disagree with this move. We only include one of those guys for elite wing or center. We have depth at LD already and the system Trotz installed along with their current play doesnt dictate a move at D. We need guys that put pucks in the net, we are not having issues stopping them from going in.
I would look to put a package around one of them for players like RNH, Rakell, Zucker, or Saad.
Well, losing Dobson would be really awful, but your explanation is pretty convincing and Sergachev would be a really nice add. But like the other people said, idk if Callahan would want to waive. Maybe at the draft, but I don't know.
I'm not sure if Tampa's right side is "wide open" next season.
Cernak will definitely be there, and Foote could make his debut. Also I wouldn't be surprised if we re-sign Stralman at a lower cap hit.
I have to disagree with this move. We only include one of those guys for elite wing or center. We have depth at LD already and the system Trotz installed along with their current play doesnt dictate a move at D. We need guys that put pucks in the net, we are not having issues stopping them from going in.
I would look to put a package around one of them for players like RNH, Rakell, Zucker, or Saad.
You said a lot of things I agree with, but I think we should be thinking long term. I think the best we do this offseason is a 2nd round exit; there are just too many teams in our way that have twice the playoff experience we do. While we have depth at LHD, I don't think any of Pelech, Toews, Aho, Vande Sompel, etc. have the potential to be a No.1 Left shooting defenseman. However, I think Sergachev is more likely than not to become that No. 1 LHD. Sure, we do need offense more than we need defense right now, but again, I think we should be thinking long term. I think the Isles can nab at least one of the many quality UFA forwards this offseason, and holding on to Wahlstrom, Beauvillier, Dal Colle, Koivula and Bellows will give us a better offense than if we traded all of that away for two-three months of Panarin.
Well, losing Dobson would be really awful, but your explanation is pretty convincing and Sergachev would be a really nice add. But like the other people said, idk if Callahan would want to waive. Maybe at the draft, but I don't know.
Quoting: Hedman77
I'm not sure if Tampa's right side is "wide open" next season.
Cernak will definitely be there, and Foote could make his debut. Also I wouldn't be surprised if we re-sign Stralman at a lower cap hit.
Also there is no way Callahan waives right now.
In as non-sarcastic a way as I can ask this, is there something I'm not understanding about Callahans M-NTC? He has to provide a 16 team list, right? And I'd think he'd have NYI among those 16 teams he'd begrudgingly approve a trade to.
To address Tampa's right side, I see your point about Foote, but I'd still think that Wilde or Dobson would be a great long term option over Stralman.
In as non-sarcastic a way as I can ask this, is there something I'm not understanding about Callahans M-NTC? He has to provide a 16 team list, right? And I'd think he'd have NYI among those 16 teams he'd begrudgingly approve a trade to.
To address Tampa's right side, I see your point about Foote, but I'd still think that Wilde or Dobson would be a great long term option over Stralman.
Nope, you're right. I forgot it was modified and not full. Sorry about that
Nope, you're right. I forgot it was modified and not full. Sorry about that
It's all good, I just thought I might be wrong considering how many people were citing as a reason for the trade not going through. I thought I might have read the wrong M-NTC.