Trading Green before the expansion draft would be huge b/c it allows the protection of Ouellet AND Jensen (assuming DeKeyser is always going to be protected). If Green is not moved, I think it most likely DET protects Green, DeKeyser, and one of Ouellet/Jensen...leaving the other as the clear best option for Vegas. That would mean losing a young, stable, CHEAP, defenseman for nothing; and that can't happen.
Moving Green before the expansion draft and protecting Jensen, Ouellet, and Sheahan-as I have suggested above- would force Vegas to either take a 22-25 year old 'prospect' running out of time in our system (Nosek, Frk, Russo, Coreau, Callahan, McIlrath, etc...) or, hopefully, take one of the contracts with term off our books. The only NHL regulars left unprotected under the system I have purposed are Abdelkader, Helm, Glendening, Ericsson, Kronwall, and Howard. Every player on that list has a contract that is weighing us down. Vegas selecting any of them should be considered a victory and will help accelerate the rebuild process.
After considering the options left to Vegas in my artificially constructed reality, I think it most likely that they select Helm. I wouldn't be too surprised with Howard either, but NHL insiders reported that VGK kicked tires on Ben Bishop before deciding they wanted to go younger in net; so I think Howie is safe. McPhee selecting any of Abdelkader, Glendening, Ericsson, Kronwall would flabbergast me so we'll go with Helmer here.
Dallas Trade:
From Dallas's POV, with Benn, Seguin, and Klingberg all in their primes, they should be aggressive about winning now and in the near future. Clearly their defense hasn't been the same since letting Demers and Goligoski walk last summer. Green can help with that. He is still a very capable 2/3 with plenty of offense left in the tank (only 31 years old).
Green could also be extended if Dallas wanted...they could probably get him on another reasonable contract a bit cheaper than the one he signed with DET (3yrs/$18mil); he'd still only be 32 years old after next year and probably be ok with another 3 year deal. On the other hand, in the event that this year doesn't work out, Green can be dealt at the 17/18 deadline to recoup some of the costs of acquiring him. Should he have a decent year, he could easily fetch a late first/early second or more.
Dallas could make this deal, absorb Green's cap hit (especially if they move or buyout Niemi and/or Lehtonen), and not mortgage the future. Under this deal, they still have a pick in the first two rounds of the 2017 draft and they add the earliest of DET's 2017 3rds.
Dallas would enter the expansion draft using a 7/3/1 scheme. My prediction would be:
DAL could then enter the 2017 season with a blueline of Klingberg, Green, Lindell, and Honka in its top four. That defense in front of a more capable goaltender could allow Dallas to get right back into competition for a cup.
Regardless of when DET drafts, they should stick with best player available. I hope they do their homework and nail the picks.
Trade done summer 2017 BEFORE Vegas Expansion Draft.
Reasoning for trade in team description above. DET uses 2017 1st (DAL) to select whichever stud they're highest on...DAL protects 7/3/1 with their defensive protections of Klingberg, Lindell and Green.
If Ouellet, Jensen, and Sheahan all end up protected I believe this will be Vegas' best option. The term left is not outrageous like Abdelkader and, while Helm may not quite be worth all of the cap hit, he is still a solid NHLer that will be live up to most of the contract. Vegas could definitely do worse...
If not Helm, my next best guesses would be, Sproul, Russo, Coreau, and Howard; probably in that order. Feel free to disagree.
Its not bad, and I'm glad to see a Wings fan that knows they NEED to rebuild from ground up. Personally unless you get a steal for the 3rd overall pick I would just go for quantity of higher picks (late firsts and second) I think DET should be able to get LIljegren at their spot and that's probably the best bet for them. 2018 looks to be a good year for rookies so hopefully they get a high pick then too
If your going into full rebuild you trade Zetterberg now while he would still get a good return, keeping a guy like him through a rebuild is just bad management. By time the team is ready to contend again he is either retired or an anchor you can't move
What value does Mike Green bring to a team that cannot defend?... Good try
Mike Green is a defenseman. Teams that have trouble with defense usually are in need of better defensemen. Green is a good defenseman...you're right, I really tried to sneak one by you with this one....
If your going into full rebuild you trade Zetterberg now while he would still get a good return, keeping a guy like him through a rebuild is just bad management. By time the team is ready to contend again he is either retired or an anchor you can't move
You could definitely try but I feel like that contract is close to un-tradable. It takes two to tango after all...
Holland isn't going to protect Sheahan, There's actually quite a few teams out there that're interested in him.
Isn't that a reason to protect him? Either protect him or trade him before the expansion draft.
That's what i was referring to that Sheahan will get dealt before the ED, Heard that both Edmonton and St Louis are looking for #3C help here Could see Glendening to the Leafs as well.
Isn't that a reason to protect him? Either protect him or trade him before the expansion draft.
That's what i was referring to that Sheahan will get dealt before the ED, Heard that both Edmonton and St Louis are looking for #3C help here Could see Glendening to the Leafs as well.