Nonis using depth to go shopping....

[maplesyrup]

Brassard for Kadri? Yeah, no thanks.

 

[Corn Flake]

According to CBC's Eliotte Friedman, Kadri was being "scouted hard" as rumours pointed to Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson taking in a Marlies game at the ACC not too long ago.  Blue Jackets are reportedly willing to trade forward Derek Brassard because they cannot afford his contract (3.2M).

Burke would have go clear "sufficient cap space" before anything is done.  And, oh yeah, the trade freeze.

Source:  THN

Gee... Columbus is willing to trade Brassard?!?!?!?

Kadri is obliterating the AHL right now.  No wonder he's being scouted hard.

$3.2 mil Brassard, flunking the NHL.

for

$200K AHL salary two-way Kadri, destroying American Hockey League.

I not add know how this up.

 

[cw]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382882
Hey Darren, have you noticed how quietly Brian Burke's self-imposed '10 days before the holiday roster freeze' roster freeze went by this season? Do you think he's happy with the lineup he has so far?

Joel Lott,
North York, ON

A: Joel, Burke's deadline did slip by with little or no attention. A few managers shared their amusement when the memo from the Leafs dropped into their in-box, while others actually tried to coax Burke to make a deal just prior to the holiday freeze. On Thursday, I interupted Burke and his Leafs management team's pheasant hunt (not kidding) to push him on a tip he was presented with legit trade offers prior to last Friday's freeze. He acknowledged there were a few teams who made strong offers for defencemen Keith Aulie and Cody Franson. Burke described them as "good" offers, but he told the inquiring general managers he wasn't interested in trading either defenceman. It could simply be a timing thing as Burke has made it clear he likes his team and believes the reconstruction phase is over and basic "fine tuning" is all that is needed now. Franson may become a piece Toronto is willing to peddle in the New Year, or at the deadline, however it's unlikely Aulie will become available unless the Leafs are offered a considerable upgrade, either on defence, or a big body forward that is NHL proven to be a solid top six.

fyi

 

[Zee]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382882
Hey Darren, have you noticed how quietly Brian Burke's self-imposed '10 days before the holiday roster freeze' roster freeze went by this season? Do you think he's happy with the lineup he has so far?

Joel Lott,
North York, ON

A: Joel, Burke's deadline did slip by with little or no attention. A few managers shared their amusement when the memo from the Leafs dropped into their in-box, while others actually tried to coax Burke to make a deal just prior to the holiday freeze. On Thursday, I interupted Burke and his Leafs management team's pheasant hunt (not kidding) to push him on a tip he was presented with legit trade offers prior to last Friday's freeze. He acknowledged there were a few teams who made strong offers for defencemen Keith Aulie and Cody Franson. Burke described them as "good" offers, but he told the inquiring general managers he wasn't interested in trading either defenceman. It could simply be a timing thing as Burke has made it clear he likes his team and believes the reconstruction phase is over and basic "fine tuning" is all that is needed now. Franson may become a piece Toronto is willing to peddle in the New Year, or at the deadline, however it's unlikely Aulie will become available unless the Leafs are offered a considerable upgrade, either on defence, or a big body forward that is NHL proven to be a solid top six.

fyi

Like the sound of that.  Burkie not looking to move Aulie unless he considers it a "considerable upgrade".  We are in good hands.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382882
Hey Darren, have you noticed how quietly Brian Burke's self-imposed '10 days before the holiday roster freeze' roster freeze went by this season? Do you think he's happy with the lineup he has so far?

Joel Lott,
North York, ON

A: Joel, Burke's deadline did slip by with little or no attention. A few managers shared their amusement when the memo from the Leafs dropped into their in-box, while others actually tried to coax Burke to make a deal just prior to the holiday freeze. On Thursday, I interupted Burke and his Leafs management team's pheasant hunt (not kidding) to push him on a tip he was presented with legit trade offers prior to last Friday's freeze. He acknowledged there were a few teams who made strong offers for defencemen Keith Aulie and Cody Franson. Burke described them as "good" offers, but he told the inquiring general managers he wasn't interested in trading either defenceman. It could simply be a timing thing as Burke has made it clear he likes his team and believes the reconstruction phase is over and basic "fine tuning" is all that is needed now. Franson may become a piece Toronto is willing to peddle in the New Year, or at the deadline, however it's unlikely Aulie will become available unless the Leafs are offered a considerable upgrade, either on defence, or a big body forward that is NHL proven to be a solid top six.

fyi

Like the sound of that.  Burkie not looking to move Aulie unless he considers it a "considerable upgrade".  We are in good hands.

He also said in the Star piece with Vinay Menon that he doesn't like him sitting in the pressbox the last few games and is going to change that, so maybe we'll see him in the lineup or back to the AHL soon.

 

[Britishbulldog]

For me, instead of trying to become the Bruins, I would study how the Flyers beat them 2 seasons ago and look for what my team might be missing to be able to do the same thing.

Also, Vancouver could have/should have beaten them but they beat themselves due to goalie and character issues.  Its not like a finesse team couldn't beat the big bad Bruins... just a finesse team with a little bit more gusto.

Wow, Flyers didn't beat them on the score board or in the alleys today.  6-0.  Ouch!!

 

[moon111]

In the back of my mind, a voice says, "What are you crazy?"  :-\ 

But could a guy like Filatov be straightened out someone like Grabovski? 

Filatov is a complete head-case.  Could the best case scenario be a productive Filatov/Grabs/Kulemin line? 
The worst he's a complete bust.  Either way, the acquisition price can't be high.  I'd trade Jeff Finger for him! 

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Filatov is a complete head-case. 

I really don't think that's a fair statement. His game hasn't translated to the NHL yet, but I do think he partly shares that blame with the organization/coaches he's played with. I don't think it has much to do with his attitude though.

 

[princedpw]

I think if I were Burke, I would be wondering if there was any possible way I could get colorado's first rounder from a struggling Washington.  Perhaps by trading grabbo? Kulemin? Liles?

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

I think if I were Burke, I would be wondering if there was any possible way I could get colorado's first rounder from a struggling Washington.  Perhaps by trading grabbo? Kulemin? Liles?

The same Washington we're competing against in a playoff race?

 

[moon111]

Filatov is a complete head-case. 

I really don't think that's a fair statement. His game hasn't translated to the NHL yet, but I do think he partly shares that blame with the organization/coaches he's played with. I don't think it has much to do with his attitude though.

Everything I've read is he thinks he's god's gift to hockey, that he has no weakness in his game, deserves more money, etc.  Sounds like he might be uncoachable.  Much like Grabovski, who seemed like an offensive talented punk who grew up, and to me seems like an honest hard-worker, who doesn't whine, and who now seems to take pride in his defensive game.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Filatov is a complete head-case. 

I really don't think that's a fair statement. His game hasn't translated to the NHL yet, but I do think he partly shares that blame with the organization/coaches he's played with. I don't think it has much to do with his attitude though.

Everything I've read is he thinks he's god's gift to hockey, that he has no weakness in his game, deserves more money, etc.  Sounds like he might be uncoachable. 

His last interview I've read he said:

Maybe MacLean was prejudiced?

"No, there was a good relationship with both the coach and the general manager. I can't complain. I can only blame myself."

...

"If I can't make it then there are reasons. Objective or not. I need to work a lot. I need to get better. I hope CSKA will help me with that."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Chatting-with-Nikita-Filatov-about-leaving-for-K?urn=nhl-wp19772#remaining-content

 

[rdowdall]

Filatov is a complete head-case. 

I really don't think that's a fair statement. His game hasn't translated to the NHL yet, but I do think he partly shares that blame with the organization/coaches he's played with. I don't think it has much to do with his attitude though.

Everything I've read is he thinks he's god's gift to hockey, that he has no weakness in his game, deserves more money, etc.  Sounds like he might be uncoachable. 

His last interview I've read he said:

Maybe MacLean was prejudiced?

"No, there was a good relationship with both the coach and the general manager. I can't complain. I can only blame myself."

...

"If I can't make it then there are reasons. Objective or not. I need to work a lot. I need to get better. I hope CSKA will help me with that."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Chatting-with-Nikita-Filatov-about-leaving-for-K?urn=nhl-wp19772#remaining-content

Also, on the head case comment, this is a 21 year old that needs to support his extended family back in Russia.  He makes $50000 if he is in the AHL, or he makes a $1000000 while in the KHL.  You can say he is greedy, but if you had to support your mom and dad, as well as your siblings, which choice would you make?
 

 

[cw]

Filatov is a complete head-case. 

I really don't think that's a fair statement. His game hasn't translated to the NHL yet, but I do think he partly shares that blame with the organization/coaches he's played with. I don't think it has much to do with his attitude though.

Everything I've read is he thinks he's god's gift to hockey, that he has no weakness in his game, deserves more money, etc.  Sounds like he might be uncoachable. 

His last interview I've read he said:

Maybe MacLean was prejudiced?

"No, there was a good relationship with both the coach and the general manager. I can't complain. I can only blame myself."

...

"If I can't make it then there are reasons. Objective or not. I need to work a lot. I need to get better. I hope CSKA will help me with that."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Chatting-with-Nikita-Filatov-about-leaving-for-K?urn=nhl-wp19772#remaining-content

Also, on the head case comment, this is a 21 year old that needs to support his extended family back in Russia.  He makes $50000 if he is in the AHL, or he makes a $1000000 while in the KHL.  You can say he is greedy, but if you had to support your mom and dad, as well as your siblings, which choice would you make?

The take home pay divide is even greater when you consider KHL players pay very little in taxes.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/12/12/filatov-gamble-not-over-yet-for-sens
?He wants a chance to come back to the National Hockey League at some point (and go to Russia) rather than play in the minors,? said Murray. ?I totally understand that?s a financial thing for him and his family. That?s why I?m letting it happen."

Both parties seem to be happy with the arrangement so I don't see a foul here.

 

[Britishbulldog]

I think if I were Burke, I would be wondering if there was any possible way I could get colorado's first rounder from a struggling Washington.  Perhaps by trading grabbo? Kulemin? Liles?

The same Washington we're competing against in a playoff race?

Since we got Liles from them for a 2nd IIRC I am not sure if they would try to get him back for a 1st...

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

I think if I were Burke, I would be wondering if there was any possible way I could get colorado's first rounder from a struggling Washington.  Perhaps by trading grabbo? Kulemin? Liles?

The same Washington we're competing against in a playoff race?

Since we got Liles from them for a 2nd IIRC I am not sure if they would try to get him back for a 1st...

Uh, we got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd. The post suggested trading Kulemin/Liles/Grabbo to Washington for Colorado's 1st. Not sure where Colorado is directly accountable or a decision maker.

 

[bustaheims]

Uh, we got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd. The post suggested trading Kulemin/Liles/Grabbo to Washington for Colorado's 1st. Not sure where Colorado is directly accountable or a decision maker.

Well, Washington is in possession of Colorado's 1st round pick . . . though, unless they turn it around soon, they're best served hanging on to both picks and potentially having 2 picks in the top 10.

 

[princedpw]

I think if I were Burke, I would be wondering if there was any possible way I could get colorado's first rounder from a struggling Washington.  Perhaps by trading grabbo? Kulemin? Liles?

The same Washington we're competing against in a playoff race?

Well, I'm depressed again about our chances.  Washington "obviously" has the talent to go on a big run and crush us.  They've done it before recently; we havent come close.  We might as well have something to look forward to at the end of the year by selling off our older assets one more time.  If we sell off a forward like grabbo who is a UFA, Colborne and/or Kadri could come up to take his place.  And ideally, we slot in Shea Weber for Liles/grabbo's UFA dollars....plus we have the picks for future cost control.

It doesn't take much for me to go in to give up mode.  It has been so long ....

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

Uh, we got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd. The post suggested trading Kulemin/Liles/Grabbo to Washington for Colorado's 1st. Not sure where Colorado is directly accountable or a decision maker.

Well, Washington is in possession of Colorado's 1st round pick . . . though, unless they turn it around soon, they're best served hanging on to both picks and potentially having 2 picks in the top 10.

No I know, but the original post refers to "they" as if it's Washington. We got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd, and I'd be more than surprised if Wash would move Colorado's 1st for as little as Liles.

I may be a little crazy, though.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Uh, we got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd. The post suggested trading Kulemin/Liles/Grabbo to Washington for Colorado's 1st. Not sure where Colorado is directly accountable or a decision maker.

Well, Washington is in possession of Colorado's 1st round pick . . . though, unless they turn it around soon, they're best served hanging on to both picks and potentially having 2 picks in the top 10.

No I know, but the original post refers to "they" as if it's Washington. We got Liles from Colorado for a 2nd, and I'd be more than surprised if Wash would move Colorado's 1st for as little as Liles.

I may be a little crazy, though.

Actually you got it right in reading my post...I was looking at it all completely backwards.  I was thinking that Colorado has Washington's 1st and the Leafs were going to trade Liles back to Colorado for it and try to knock Washington further down the standings to make the pick even better.

Instead we are giving Washington a nice player for the Colorado pick helping Washington make the playoffs and probably bump us out.

BTW, I would love to see Liles traded this year for some ones 1st pick.