The Usual Suspects
Joined: Apr. 2019
Posts: 164
Likes: 55
Long irrelevant now, but Ceulemans has value and pedigree yet should be at least considered a moveable asset, depending on how he is internally assessed relative to Mateychuk, Hreschuk, and Svozil. Horvat would have needed at least a high likelihood of extension, and yes this is old, but pending UFA does nothing for non-contenders. Will talk about Roslovic tho.
Yeah, CBJ’s ‘23 pick is untouchable without protection. Bedard might be worth more than just about ANYONE; those years of inexpensive control are golden. Would they even trade him for McDavid? (Gaudreau might force their hand, and no prospect is a sure bet.) But taking into account value with this static hard cap, even most stars wouldn’t justify a trade. (I do lust after Nugent-Hopkins’ long, team-friendly contract to a disturbing extent. My psychiatrist is doing all he can but to no avail.)
Beyond Bedard, the alleged second tier is three deep. More accurately, probably Fantilli at tier 1.5 and Carlsson and Michkov at tier 2. But Michkov should be out of consideration, even discounting the KHL red tape and Eurasian “situation,” given CBJ’s history with top-5 Russians. So CBJ could move the pick with top-3 protection. If they see Fantilli clearly a class above Carlsson, maybe only top-2 protected. For the right deal.
Really thought CBJ should have pursued Pettersson or Hughes when they were both unsigned RFAs and VAN was up against the cap. Now it’s down to Pete, who has dissuaded notions that 2020-21 was anything but an aberration. $8.8M+ is still a hefty QO; obviously you have to pay for quality, but it sets a high artificial floor that would complicate long-term negotiations. All that goes into value, just as much as talent.
As for “Skinny Pete,” CBJ have already cast their lot. A historical identity as bulking bruisers looks good for street cred, but led to little real success. Johnny isn’t due for another growth spurt for quite awhile. Laine is built like a linebacker (from American football; Google if so required) but has the confidence of a shelter kitten. Sports psychologists can be hucksters and illusionists (I said I see a psychiatrist—they can prescribe meds!) but would be worth the shot to unlock Laine’s full potential. Maybe even a hypnotist?
Seriously, though, Kent Johnson has the most skill on the team, and he’s 103 pounds sopping wet. Sillinger, Chinakov, Boqvist, Foudy, and on and on…the system is filled with guys that would be vaporized in bygone eras. One player will not make a difference. In fact, a player of the same ilk will better fit the system to which CBJ must now commit. Oh, the fourth/checking/“energy” line will always be around, with someone like Kuraly at the helm, but around a fourth line one does not build a team.
Nope, never got into a fair return for Pete. But both teams are focused elsewhere now. That’s a deal for July.
Best wishes at the deadline and lottery. Say hello to Ryan Reynolds if you bump into him. I’d “switch teams” if given the chance at that dreamboat. 😉🤫