The Official 2011/2012 Armchair GM thread

[princedpw]

Not me I think Kulemin rebounds big time. I believe Kulemin can be a 20-25 goal player with the upside of a very strong two way game.

Or, in other words, exactly the same as Stewart.

One thing about Kulemin is that he is very, very strong defensively and is always working hard.  Even if Kulemin does not score, I believe he is an asset and I would be quite surprised if a guy like Hitchcock pulled him from the line-up -- he might move him down to the 3rd or 4th line because of lack of offensive output, but it seems he would always have a role.  I don't know Stewart -- when you say he has exactly the same upside vis-a-vis 20-25 goals and a strong 2-way game, do you mean he has the same defensive skills as Kulemin?

 

[Britishbulldog]

Not me I think Kulemin rebounds big time. I believe Kulemin can be a 20-25 goal player with the upside of a very strong two way game.

Or, in other words, exactly the same as Stewart.

One thing about Kulemin is that he is very, very strong defensively and is always working hard.  Even if Kulemin does not score, I believe he is an asset and I would be quite surprised if a guy like Hitchcock pulled him from the line-up -- he might move him down to the 3rd or 4th line because of lack of offensive output, but it seems he would always have a role.  I don't know Stewart -- when you say he has exactly the same upside vis-a-vis 20-25 goals and a strong 2-way game, do you mean he has the same defensive skills as Kulemin?

Pending RFA Stewart has offensive potential with good hands, hits harder than a freight train and is a legitimate fighter who with Ryan Clowe are probably the only players comparable to Lucic in skill and toughness. Being as young as he is it is interesting that he might be available.  Put him beside Grabovski to make Grabovski 2" taller (and Komisarek wouldn't have to fight Lucic ever again).

 

[Jalili]

A line of Kulemin-Grabovski-Stewart would have been lethal in Wilson's system. Even now though, I would love to see Leaf management make that happen.

 

[Britishbulldog]

Keeping in line with looking to add size, physicality and intimidation to the lineup, I'm looking a level down at where in the lineup it's needed...

1. 1st line centre: top line needs some size and aggressiveness : Ryan Getzlaf  I agree.  Would J. Staal be possible as a cheaper, less skilled alternative?

2. 2nd line LW or RW: Grabbo needs a winger to crash the net RW: David Clarkson I think I would prefer Stewart as a bigger, tougher, younger alternative

3. 3rd line centre: shutdown guy to distract, agitate and wear down opponents: Steve Ott -  54% on faceoffs I would suggest UFA Gaustad who is 6-4 228 lbs and 57.3% faceoffs

4. 4th line RW: a big lug who will forecheck like a demon, occasionally chip in offensively and can fight if needed: Ben Eager  I of course agree but would also suggest pending RFA Matt Martin who also plays the pk.  He isn't as good a fighter as Eager though.  Both are better options than Rosehill, who plays his heart out but really needs to be upgraded.

5. 3rd pairing d-man: stay at home guy who grinds down opponents and can be fully trusted out there every night.: Bryan Allen I liked Allen since he came in the league. 

If Elliot carries St Louis in the playoffs I would hope Burke sees if Halak and his $3.75 MIL multi-year contract might be available with stumbling and pending RFA Chris Stewart.  Yeah, I am still pushing Phaneuf in the deal but would prefer to include MacArthur rather than Kulemin in the deal.

Adding:
-Stewart to Grabovski and Lombardi/Kadri on the 2nd line
-Gaustad to Kulemin and Frattin on the 3rd line
-Eager/Martin to Steckel and Brown on the 4th line
and you have added more than enough skilled tough guys to balance the Kessels, Grabovskis, etc on the Leafs and I believe is somewhat realistic except it might end up being Kulemin for Stewart straight up. 

St Louis was claiming to want a left hand dman that could log big minutes and more offense from their forwards and Phaneuf and MacArthur address that while St Louis can shed $7 MIL of unnecessary salary off their books (Stewart is making $3.25 this year and up for a new contract even though he is being benched while Halak is going to be making $4.25 next year and $4.5 the following year while Elliot is starting)

Adding a Getzlaf for the 1st line completes the makeover at forward and in goal but is harder to expect but maybe Bozak, Armstrong, Gunnarsson and prospects (Colborne??) as trade bait could do it.

Only the defense needs to be addressed if the current guys stumble with Allen, Liles, Gardiner, Schenn, Franson and Komisarek.  Seems a bit of a weak group but there is around $10 MIL of cap room without moving Komisarek's $4.5 or Schenn's $3.6 MIL contracts....man I wish that Burke could just snatch Shea Weber and some other top damn like my son does on his XBOX 360...

 

[Etiam Vultus]

Both Stewart and Kulieman will be RFA's on July 1.

Unless Stewart receives a qualifying offer of at least $3,250,000, he becomes an UFA.

Kulieman's qualifying offer is $2,200,000.

I prefer Kulieman as a player.  When you add in the contractual situations, it is no contest.

There is the possibility, though, that St. Louis does not qualify Stewart.  He MAY be a cheap pickup, like MacArthur a couple of years ago, when Atlanta walked away from his arbitration award.

 

[Tigger]

I know this is fantasy gm stuff but I'm 99% sure Phaneuf isn't going anywhere.

I think I've had blinders on with Gaustad, just a perennial hate on, but the problem there is he's unrestricted and making 2.3 already. It's going to be a touch signing him. He's the kind of player the Leafs could use but will be Armstrong expensive.

Allen will probably take less than his current hit to sign but that's a question too.

You might be able to get Staal or Getzlaf at the deadline but it'll cost, not sure the Leafs have or are willing to part with what it would take to get them. I'd rather see if they make it to ufa if it's wonky cost.

If the Leafs are planning on running with Steckel in the third line role I'd be interested in McClement for the 4th line, though to be honest I don't like Steckel's skating at all.

Prust and Moen are potential options for the bottom six too.

Might be able to get Stewart for a better price than normal and I'd be interested if so but have to wonder about his defensive ability in terms of how he's being used under Hitch. Not sure what it would cost to get Clarkson or Ott.

Love to get Halak, don't think it will happen.

I'd really be interested in Suter and Schultz and hope for one of them for the d. If there's a trade suck from the right side dmen I might be interested in Matt Carle too. Garrison had a career/contract year but might be interesting too depending on cost...to a far lower extent Clayton Stoner could be a bottom pairing/7th dman too.

The forwards are a real conundrum, not a lot to work with in terms of ufa's and the Leafs aren't likely to get Parise. Parenteau might be getting paid but could be an option if the Leafs move MacArthur.

Need some vet savvy? Langenbrunner, Arnott, heck even Whitney might be available but I'm not sure they're needed or would come to Toronto.

It's a real dogs breakfast.

 

[Britishbulldog]

I know this is fantasy gm stuff but I'm 99% sure Phaneuf isn't going anywhere.  I am really discontented on what Phaneuf brings to the Leafs.  He's not a dog.  I just don't like his inconsistency, especially for the cap hit.

I think I've had blinders on with Gaustad, just a perennial hate on, but the problem there is he's unrestricted and making 2.3 already. It's going to be a touch signing him. He's the kind of player the Leafs could use but will be Armstrong expensive.  That's exactly what I figured as well.  Infact I would go as far as say I was hoping he becomes what we hoped Armstrong would be at $3.0 MIL.

Allen will probably take less than his current hit to sign but that's a question too....to a far lower extent Clayton Stoner could be a bottom pairing/7th dman too.  I actually had Clayton Stoner above but deleted him because I didn't see very many Minnesota games this year.  The ones I did see Stoner wasn't too bad and very quick to stick up for a team mate.

You might be able to get Staal or Getzlaf at the deadline but it'll cost, not sure the Leafs have or are willing to part with what it would take to get them. I'd rather see if they make it to ufa if it's wonky cost.  That's cool with me as well

If the Leafs are planning on running with Steckel in the third line role I'd be interested in McClement for the 4th line, though to be honest I don't like Steckel's skating at all.

Prust and Moen are potential options for the bottom six too.  Moen is probably more realistic but he is not as good as a deterrent as Rosehill who is a very bad deterrent.

Might be able to get Stewart for a better price than normal and I'd be interested if so but have to wonder about his defensive ability in terms of how he's being used under Hitch. Not sure what it would cost to get Clarkson or Ott. I still prefer Stewart and Gaustad. 

Love to get Halak, don't think it will happen. 

I'd really be interested in Suter and Schultz and hope for one of them for the d. If there's a trade suck from the right side dmen I might be interested in Matt Carle too. Garrison had a career/contract year but might be interesting too depending on cost

The forwards are a real conundrum, not a lot to work with in terms of ufa's and the Leafs aren't likely to get Parise. Parenteau might be getting paid but could be an option if the Leafs move MacArthur.

Need some vet savvy? Langenbrunner, Arnott, heck even Whitney might be available but I'm not sure they're needed or would come to Toronto.

It's a real dogs breakfast.

 

[Tigger]

I understand the discontent with Phaneuf but I think we have to be realistic about the chances of him being traded. It just doesn't seem much of a likelihood given his cap hit and the fact that he's been practically promulgated by the Pope.

I think he's useful, give him some support so he doesn't have to play half of every game and he might be more effective/less annoying.

As far as the 'Rosehill as deterrent', honestly, I don't care to have a designated role like that, I want the players in the lineup to able to contribute more than just a touch of intimidation, fwiw.

Stewart and Gaustad might be the more effective acquisitions in terms of talent cost so, yeah.

The big question will be whether the Leafs can deal with the cap situation to improve significantly through free agency or if they'll not be able to do that and continue to quietly embrace a rebuild of sorts. I have mixed thoughts on that, it's tough to accurately say without knowing the state of the cba landscape.

If the Leafs would just dare to go the rebuild route, something I really doubt given the situation Burke etc. are in ( ie, fear of being brought to book for failure to make the playoffs again ) the Leafs might actually find themselves on the precipice of long term success after next year.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

LOL, might be obscure today, but for me growing up as a kid, Happy Days was THE SHOW.  Everyone loved the Fonz and all his sidekicks.  Pinky Tuscadero suffered the Malachi crunch, I was worried for her.

Oh, I know.  I was a little inclined to say obscure to everybody probably mid-30s and younger, not quite so much for us older folk.

I wonder if anybody can nail down exactly when Happy Days jumped the shark...?

Funny enough, it's on everyday at 5 PM here.  Australia!

No word yet on if they are just getting it. 

 

[Rebel_1812]

Both Stewart and Kulieman will be RFA's on July 1.

Unless Stewart receives a qualifying offer of at least $3,250,000, he becomes an UFA.

Kulieman's qualifying offer is $2,200,000.

I prefer Kulieman as a player.  When you add in the contractual situations, it is no contest.

There is the possibility, though, that St. Louis does not qualify Stewart.  He MAY be a cheap pickup, like MacArthur a couple of years ago, when Atlanta walked away from his arbitration award.

2.2 million is a lot for a guy that didn't put up offense this year.  The leafs should really try to trade for Jordan Staal.  He is the only number 1 center that might be available and had at a decent price.  The reason being pitts plays him as a 3rd center even though his potential is a lot greater.  Playing with kessel he could easily hit the 30 goal mark.

 

[Corn Flake]

Both Stewart and Kulieman will be RFA's on July 1.

Unless Stewart receives a qualifying offer of at least $3,250,000, he becomes an UFA.

Kulieman's qualifying offer is $2,200,000.

I prefer Kulieman as a player.  When you add in the contractual situations, it is no contest.

There is the possibility, though, that St. Louis does not qualify Stewart.  He MAY be a cheap pickup, like MacArthur a couple of years ago, when Atlanta walked away from his arbitration award.

2.2 million is a lot for a guy that didn't put up offense this year.  The leafs should really try to trade for Jordan Staal.  He is the only number 1 center that might be available and had at a decent price.  The reason being pitts plays him as a 3rd center even though his potential is a lot greater.  Playing with kessel he could easily hit the 30 goal mark.

1. I don't think Jordan Staal is necessarily available, nor will he be.  We don't know what the Pens are going to do in the off season but I suspect it's a lot less than some may think.

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that. 

 

[Peter D.]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

I'm not a big fan of J. Staal nor do I feel he qualifies as an elite #1 centre (moreso a very good 2nd line centre), but if he's the best option out there to fit the role, I wouldn't be against it.  He's a big-bodied centre, who has the talent to play with guys like Kessel and Lupul, and would bring a defensive conscious to the line which would enable Kessel and Lupul to be more creative/free-flowing. 

If Staal's the guy, I'm content with 65 points.  75 and I'd be pretty much thrilled considering all the other factors he would bring.

 

[Tigger]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

How one would get him aside, yeah, I think he'd be a great fit between those two. If the Leafs also got Nash ( again, no clue how ) you'd have two real solid lines playing him with Grabovski.

I'm not suggesting either is realistic but it would be pretty nifty.

 

[Corn Flake]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

I'm not a big fan of J. Staal nor do I feel he qualifies as an elite #1 centre (moreso a very good 2nd line centre), but if he's the best option out there to fit the role, I wouldn't be against it.  He's a big-bodied centre, who has the talent to play with guys like Kessel and Lupul, and would bring a defensive conscious to the line which would enable Kessel and Lupul to be more creative/free-flowing. 

If Staal's the guy, I'm content with 65 points.  75 and I'd be pretty much thrilled considering all the other factors he would bring.

Agree with all of that. He is for sure not a legit/elite/all-star/true #1 centre, and fans would have to quickly understand that, but between those two he could put some padded point totals up.  Not that points are the critical part of that job, which is probably why he actually would make a lot of sense. So either way, if it was only a 65 point season on average, people shouldn't be upset.

I look at what Nashville is doing without a #1 centre and you can clearly build a very strong team without one.  Maybe not a cup winner but a very strong team, no doubt.

I do think a J. Staal as the centre on the top line does mean the 3rd line centre has to be able to bring a lot of balance as well and you certainly could not go with an offensiveless Steckel-type there. You need some offense from that role.  Maybe that's where Bozak drops down and makes some sense, or Colborne steps in. 

J. Staal, Grabbo, Colborne and Steckel down the middle..... hmmmm.

 

[Corn Flake]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

How one would get him aside, yeah, I think he'd be a great fit between those two. If the Leafs also got Nash ( again, no clue how ) you'd have two real solid lines playing him with Grabovski.

I'm not suggesting either is realistic but it would be pretty nifty.

I'm trying to avoid getting into the offer/package stuff with players on here since it tends to cause issues, and I have absolutely no idea where the Pens would want to make changes, but it would be fairly steep for sure.

However, it might give the chance to move a contract like Armstrong who the Pens might be interested in bringing back. 

 

[Tigger]

However, it might give the chance to move a contract like Armstrong who the Pens might be interested in bringing back. 

Huh, that's an interesting idea about Armstrong. I understand what you mean about throwing out scenarios...

...the sign read 'Welcome to Trample island', should've known...

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

I'm not a big fan of J. Staal nor do I feel he qualifies as an elite #1 centre (moreso a very good 2nd line centre), but if he's the best option out there to fit the role, I wouldn't be against it.  He's a big-bodied centre, who has the talent to play with guys like Kessel and Lupul, and would bring a defensive conscious to the line which would enable Kessel and Lupul to be more creative/free-flowing. 

If Staal's the guy, I'm content with 65 points.  75 and I'd be pretty much thrilled considering all the other factors he would bring.

I'm not crazy about trading for Staal. He's had injury issues the last 2 years and has never scored more than 50 pts (although his PPG pace the past 2 years has been pretty good).

I feel that we'd have to move pieces that have more upside than Staal himself. I'd consider trading for him if Kadri/Colborne/Gardiner were off the table, but then I don't think the Penguins consider it.

 

[Corn Flake]

I'm not crazy about trading for Staal. He's had injury issues the last 2 years and has never scored more than 50 pts (although his PPG pace the past 2 years has been pretty good).

Yeah but he scored 3 goals last night!!!1

I think he and Grabbo would be an interesting mix for the 1-2 centres. Not exactly pumping in 80 points but really solid two-way play and ability to feed their wingers.

 

[Rebel_1812]

2. That said, a player LIKE Staal playing with Kessel and Lupul might be the way to go, with the understanding he may not put up 80+ points but more be a puck possession/big frame/defensive minded centre to kind of be the grunt/defensive conscience of the line.  He could put up 30/75 but he might put up 20/65 and people should be prepared for that.

I'm not a big fan of J. Staal nor do I feel he qualifies as an elite #1 centre (moreso a very good 2nd line centre), but if he's the best option out there to fit the role, I wouldn't be against it.  He's a big-bodied centre, who has the talent to play with guys like Kessel and Lupul, and would bring a defensive conscious to the line which would enable Kessel and Lupul to be more creative/free-flowing. 

If Staal's the guy, I'm content with 65 points.  75 and I'd be pretty much thrilled considering all the other factors he would bring.

I'm not crazy about trading for Staal. He's had injury issues the last 2 years and has never scored more than 50 pts (although his PPG pace the past 2 years has been pretty good).

I feel that we'd have to move pieces that have more upside than Staal himself. I'd consider trading for him if Kadri/Colborne/Gardiner were off the table, but then I don't think the Penguins consider it.

Look at the centres ahead of staal and the ice time he has been given.  If you don't feel he is good enough remember he would be better then any center we currently have.  Also there has been only 1 top center traded since burke has been GM and thats Jeff Carter.  We do not have the assets to make that kind of deal.  Staal would be cheaper and would be a major upgrade for us..

 

[Erndog]

I'm sure this has been touched on but what about Kipprusoff?

35 years old, 2 more years at $5.8M which is reasonable.  Still a VERY good goalie (.920 SV% and 2.35 GAA this year) and a workhorse (7 straight seasons of 70+ games).

IIRC, when we signed Belfour he was 36.  I have NO doubts that Kipper will still be an excellent goalie for the remaining 2 years of his contract... and possibly still a solid one after that.

My issue is what Calgary would want as I think, rightly or wrongly, they will ask for the moon still. 

Any thoughts?