What do you think.....

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 4:11 AM PDT

At the risk of stepping on FTF staff plans, I thought I'd throw this out for fun. We all heard DW say this week that changes are in store. We've read quite a few idiots in the mainstream press say that Joe and Patty and Nabby and Cheech must go.

What I'm interested in is what you THINK will happen. I'm not talking about an in depth analysis of the RFA and UFA situation, or how things fit under the cap, or what the cap might be. I don't mean necessarily who we should trade for who(m). What I'm talking about is your gut feeling about what DW will do.

For instance, I don't think Joe or Patty or Nabby get moved. We can discuss at length, but my gut says there's no way DW does that.

I do think that Ryan Clow goes away. I don't want it to happen, I just think it will. I think someone with a lot of money under the cap is going to make an offer that DW isn't willing to counter and away he goes, sad to say.

Part of me wants to think Blake will be back, for a whole hell of a lot less money (that's the only way I see it happening). But I've heard/read some things that make me think he'll go away, choosing some serious coin over loyalty.

Do you see what I mean? I know the staff have lots of things planned where we can get deep into analysis later in the summer. I'm just interested in what you think.

And pardon me, Plank, TCY, and Mr K, if this steps too much on something you had planned.

This item was created by a member of this blog's community and is not necessarily endorsed by Fear The Fin.

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Copied and pasted from an email I sent to a friend who asked the same thing

Here are my candidates =

Jonathan Cheechoo (salary reasons… 99% chance he’s gone)

Jeremy Roenick (retirement)

Claude Lemieux (DW is done resuscitating the dead… with the possible exception of Jeff Friesen)

Mike Grier (free agency)

Ryane Clowe (he’s an RFA, and we won’t be able to afford him – this one really bums me out. If he goes, it’s not because of his performance.)

Rob Blake (retirement, and/or salary restrictions)

Christian Ehrhoff (error! plus with Murray and Vlasic’s massive salary increases, we can’t afford to pay $$$$. In other news, we still can’t afford Kyle McLaren)

Evgeni Nabokov (because DW promised to shake things up, and since he damn well better not trade Thornton or Marleau, Nabby will be the Ron Wilson of this season, i.e. the sacrificial lamb. I AM NOT ADVOCATING THIS)

Brian Boucher (MAYBE – he could be the cheap replacement for Nabby, OR we could get something good for him; he’s a UFA next season however)

Tomas Plihal (maybe… but he’s cheap; he is a UFA though)

Alexei Semenov (maybe… but he’s not as bad as everyone says, plus he’s cheap; he is a UFA though)

Jody Shelley (MAYBE – because as cheap as he is, Brad Staubitz suddenly appears a lot more attractive… but Shelley has one more year on his contract, so this is a longshot)

Here are the UFA’s (unrestricted free agents) =

Mike Grier
Jeremy Roenick
Travis Moen
Claude Lemieux
Rob Blake
Alexei Semenov
Kent Huskins
Brian Boucher

Here are the RFA’s (restricted free agents) =

Ryane Clowe
Marcel Goc
Torrey Mitchell

Now, Doug Wilson being Doug Wilson, I wouldn’t be surprised if either Patrick Marleau or Joe Thornton leaves. It SHOULDN’T happen, mind you, but IF DW can score Vancouver’s Sedin twins (their combined salary is just a little more than Jumbo’s; they’re both UFAs, and if Vancouver fails to resign them, all 29 other teams will be ready to shell out for them), then I say DO IT. I’d also like Taylor Pyatt.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if Martin Biron (currently Philadelphia Flyers, and a UFA) replaces Nabokov – he’s a lot cheaper, too.

Take all of this with a grain of salt = even though I correctly predicted that Ron Wilson was heading to Toronto (you still owe me a beer…. ), I’m hardly a prophet.

Scuttlebutt is so fun….

-Dustin

Fear The Fin = Anyone who doesn’t like fighting in the NHL can go watch poker on ESPN. [Jamie Baker]

by Mr. K. on May 1, 2009 8:26 AM PDT reply actions

Sounds like we're pretty much on the same page here.

I don’t know about the Sedins though. They want $7MM each and even if DW moves Marleau and Thornton, that’s still a bigger cap hit than we’d be losing. That asking price is likely to go up too the deeper Vancouver goes in the playoffs, especially if they perform well. Now if we were somehow able to get them for what Bucci suggests, then maybe.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions

I’m not really sold on the twins, especially if gaining them means losing Big Joe and/or Patty. JR’s comment about people being in one place too long somewhat scares me.

I could see Cheechoo being shipped out but I am not a fan of losing Thornton or Patty. Period.

Nabby I think stays only because we don’t have a lot of options when it comes to goalies.

Blake and Moen said they wanted to stay.

Boucher could probably get a better deal and more ice time elsewhere.

Grier could go, not sure.

I want Clowe to stay.

I think DW gets one more year out of JR. That man’s desire for a cup is stronger than iron.

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com

by CTGray on May 1, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

Patty and Joe are still better than Swedish twins. I can see Moen staying, especially if Grier goes.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed...

But can you imagine a Joe-Sedin-Sedin line and a Patty-Pavs-Gooch line? F$#%ing unstoppable.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Even...

Sedin Sedin Seto would be sick.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

That would be amazing.

Damn that salary cap. Maybe we can borrow some of the Coyotes’ or Tampa’s space.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Nabby, Ehrhoff, and Michalek

would have to be moved for that to happen.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

At the very least.

What are the odds they decide they want more if Couver makes the Western final or farther?

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, they are in a sticky situation..

because they have to be signed together. I don’t know a ton of teams that are willing to bring in 10-12 MM in salary for two players, which is probably what they’d ask for.

If they don’t win the cup this year, they might take less money to win somewhere else. Vancouver is still the front runner, but If they were to sign for 9 MM (4.5MM each, a 1 MM increase from their current salary), I’d pull the trigger on that type of move. Lots of salary has to be cleared for that to happen, though.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Absolutely

4.5MM each would be a hell of a deal for those two.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Sedins are looking for roughly 6 million a year. Depending on economic situations, I don’t think there’s a shot we get them for 4.5.

Also, we’d probably have to lump in a no-trade because they like playing as a pair. That decreases their value after they are signed (i.e. we’d have to pull off a blockbuster in four years if we decided to retool/rebuild etc.).

I’d love it, but I’m not sure it’s the likely solution unless DW decides to blow this whole thing up in the offseason.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed...

I was giving a pure hypothetical. I was saying 4.5 because I don’t think we’d sign them for anything more than that.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Aye, I definitely thought that’s where you were going with that. Great deal at that money for sure.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Why do they HAVE to go anywhere together?

I understand they are twins and all, but do they have to come as a pair?

I imagine them living in the same room like Bert and Ernie.

by Morti on May 1, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

It's what they want.

They’ve always played together, as well as performed. I don’t think they’d be willing to sign with different teams.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I understood

That they have said the MUST go together

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Just like PB&J

by Morti on May 1, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Me too

Moen has got some stuff and he works good on a third line. I don’t see Grier staying

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

I could be way wrong

But I just don’t see Nabby going. I just don’t think DW is going to be willing to blow it all up. Just me thinking here, but the man is a a great hockey mind, and I can’t imagine he doesn’t know that it’s going to take a little time. (see the Detroit reference) I think the biggest move will be for someone to replace Clowe.
And maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I feel like JR will be back one more time.

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions

I agree, it's hard for me to see one of the major players go

but you never know, it may happen. I think nabby probably had the worst performance of the 3 this season/playoffs. I just hope theydon’t get rid of someone like Pavelski, but I think that would be too stupid and they woudln’t do something like that. I agree though, Clowe might be the one to go and I think Grier is a pretty sure bet

by a10dency2ask on May 1, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Roster-Phelia

I can see Michalek getting traded.

I love Michalek, but we could pick up a lot for what he is worth. A consistent 20 goal scorer who has the potential to be a much more physical player, young, fast.

I dont want to see him go, but I think he is in a similar predicament to how Steve Bernier was with us, albeit with better numbers than Bernier had. The players we could pick up for a Michalek trade would likely fill in a number of roster spots.

The reason why he might not get traded? Well he’s signed through 2014, which is dicey given that the salary cap my go down, but it is a clear message that signing a player for that long is a show of confidence in the abilities of the player, and yet also a sign that he is an important core player.

by Morti on May 1, 2009 10:49 AM PDT reply actions

Plank and I are going to be rolling something like this out soon, but here is my offseason wishlist...

The “Very Attainable” Department:
Ville Koistinen
Taylor Pyatt

The “Itt’l take some work” department (i.e. trades would have to be made, or it wouldn’t be a cheap signing)
Jaroslav Halak (My dream replacement for Nabby, if he were to be traded)
Nik Antropov

The “Increase in ticket prices” Department
Jay Bouwmeester
Marian Gaborik
The Sedins

As far as who’s leaving, I’d say that Cheech, Blake, Grier, Clowe, Huskins, and Moen will all be shown the door. For salary reasons, 1 (or if you want to add a big name, 2) of the following will probably have to be moved as well: Nabokov, Ehrhoff, and Michalek.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions

Forgot to mention the old guys...

Claude is bye bye, but JR could possibly come back. The dude can still move, and I like his fire.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Goal tending

My fear is that if we do trade Nabby we’ll end up with Jose “Three Or More” Theodore. As he seems to be moved every other season.

by Morti on May 1, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh no...

I wouldn’t move Nabby unless we had a deal for a solid player already in the works (3 way deal maybe?)

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Here is my proposal:

Nabby
Michalek
Ehrhoff

Bzygalov
Michalek
Doan

This trade is in the event that we fail to sign Clowe.

Wouldnt that just be a pip for the brothers? Maybe they could wave at each other in mid air when their planes cross paths!

I dont think we’ll land Doan, but his salary is a steal for a player of his caliber.

by Morti on May 1, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions

And also assuming that

We can get someone up from Worcester to adequately fill in a 2nd line spot, and we dont sign Clowe

Roster Roster!, Can’t you hear I’m calling, calling!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW5kIhcByac

by Morti on May 1, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

In addition...

Clowe’s contact is going to be huge… I’d much rather sign Antropov for that money and get the draft picks that come if someone were to sign Clowe (because he’s an RFA), as our minor league system (sans Sexy, McGinn, Nick Petrecki, and Juicy Couture) is pretty barren.

Luckily, if someone tries to pry Clowe away for more than 2.6 MM per (almost a guarantee), we’d be guaranteed a first round pick (something we don’t have currently). I’d take a 1 year offer for Clowe up to 3.5 MM, but no more than that.

$863,156 or less – None

$863,156 – $1,307,811 – 3rd round pick

$1,307,811 – $2,615,623 – 2nd round pick

$2,615,623 – $3,923,434 – 1st and 3rd round pick

$3,923,434 – $5,231,246 – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick

$5,231,246 – $6,539,061 – Two 1st’s, one 2nd, one 3rd round pick

$6,539,061 or more – Four 1st round picks

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

That's the compensation schedule...

if anyone was curious.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Wait

I always thought that RFA compensation was for the next draft, meaning we would get a 1st rounder for 2010, and I think we still have that one (2009 pick belongs to Islanders, after making its way through half of the Eastern Conference after the Boyle trade). Then again, its DW, so I could be completely wrong.

by mymclife on May 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

RFA compensation is definitely for the next year (in this case 2010) due to the fact that Clowe would be “poached” after the 2009 Draft had occurred.

Although rebooting the draft would be cool. Kinda like those times you turn off the XBox when fantasy draft gives you a bad picking position.

Do over, do over!!!

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions

You are right...

I misspoke, sorry.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

You didn't step on our toes Dave!

It’s a great question.

As a rule, though, we’re going to hold off on much of our offseason stuff until the Stanley Cup Playoffs are over.

There’s still good hockey being played, even if we aren’t taking part in it.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:23 AM PDT reply actions

As a rule for the staff, that is. You guys can post whatever you want.

God, I have to stop replying to myself.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Someone's sex is on fire here.

It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker

by Lurker Shark on May 1, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh oh ho.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

TCY es en fuego

resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com

by CTGray on May 1, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

But remember what I asked…what do you

think

will happen…not what you want to happen, or who you want to see traded for…
More, what do you think DW’s gonna do after his statement that changes are going to be made.

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions

DOH

that was supposed to be italics..not quoted

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmm...

I don’t know what to

think

really, but DW’s comments are scary. Right now, I think Milan, Cheech, and Michalek are moved.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow

You think he moves Milan and Michalek too?

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Posting at work...

duh… I mean Milan and Nabby.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm just having a tough time

seeing DW trade Nabby. I mean, I guess so….and the man pulled Big Joe out of the blue, but I’ll be surprised

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, it really depends on whether or not Wilson considers Nabokov a top five goaltender in the league (i.e. he deserves top five money, which he’s currently making).

I could definitely see this happening though, although his trade value probably took a hit after that poop playoff series.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I think too...

do other teams still consider Nabby a top 5 goalie?

If so, we can get a haul for him.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions

One year removed from a Vezina nomination does carry some weight…

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

On the same token, he’s in a contract year. I think that bumps his trade value up for a team who’s a year away from transitioning to one of their younger goalies and/or on the cusp of breaking into the playoffs/competing for a title.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see us keep him in the offseason and ship him at the deadline, to be honest. Although that would be pretty tumultuous in terms of figuring out who gets the keys to the San Jose car during the playoffs.

Who fucking knows, I’m still too heartbroken to even try and think rationally. Damn you Valentine!

;)

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Halak would get the keys

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh, as long as the “Price” is right.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh, as long as the "Price" is right.

Now, that’s a scary thought

Oh, look, I got a quote and an italic in the same post!

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Good for you Dave.

That one-liner was just a joke about how Montreal would only trade Halak away if Price was in their plans (i.e. his head is “right”) and that the Sharks would need to be okay with it as well (the “price is right.”)

Either you didn’t get it because a) you’re getting old or b) it was a shitty joke.

I’m taking c, all of the above ;)

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I just got scared

at the thought of Price for Nabby …D, none of the above

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

What a blockbuster.

In terms of this, I think Jonathan stays, but Cheechoo is dealt. Number 7 here we come!

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Can we trade Marleau but keep Patty?

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Jonathan Marleau looks like a damn fine proposition to me. Although his skating ability might be hard to gauge….

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

haha...

14/2=7… I GET IT!

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions

In terms of trades

Wilson’s “untouchables”: Thornton, Boyle, and Vlasic.

Everyone else seems like they’re on the table, which is pretty nuts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a major overhaul of this roster, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wilson stick with it either. This is going to be a crazy offseason.

Wilson’s Likely Trades: Cheechoo, Michalek, Ehrhoff, Nabokov (Nabby least likely out of the four).

I touched a little more on this here, although that was more personal opinion than what I think Wilson will do (as well as coming before a first round exit).

Seriously though, we blew the pooch this year. Check out that cap space- next year’s roster is going to be a lot weaker, barring any Worcester call ups lighting it up.

Dying alive, still.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 12:39 PM PDT reply actions

This losing...

Is a terrible feeling.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Just read the whole post

I’m scared. So many players going away, it’s gonna be weird.

I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?

by idunno723 on May 1, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess I can see him trading Nabby (it makes a statement that he’s going to make the change he said) if he could get someone great to take his place. That someone isn’t in the farm system, yet. I don’t think Bouch can carry the team the entire season (wish I was wrong there). Do you think another GM would be willing to part with a potential top 5 goalie?

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Tampa?

Maybe we could send them some magic beans for Mike Smith.

by Morti on May 1, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

I love Halak...

He’s not top five, but he’s solid. Nabby wasn’t this year… so in effect, it could be an upgrade.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Is Nabby

ever going to be Super Nabby again? I have a feeling if we keep him he won’t but if we trade him he will.

I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?

by idunno723 on May 1, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, something has to give...

It’s the same with Cheech. He’ll never score 30 goals for us again, but what if we trade him? Could he?

If he did, I really wouldn’t care. Some guys are just not who they used to be; I’d rather ship them while they still have the possibility of a resurgence left (in order to get what we can now), instead of waiting until they are done altogether.

Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!

by Matthew_Taylor on May 1, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

that's a good point

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I see occasional flashes of Super Nabby

Like, that period right after the All Star Break when he set the franchise record for longest shutout streak – he was the only reason the team won those three games.

And he just seems to play better when he needs to prove himself – the Calder year to prove that he was good enough to start. The 2006-2007 year when he was battling with Toskala to start. Last season when he wanted to prove that it was the right decision to keep him (it helped that Toskala sucked/s in Toronto). Next year is a contract year, so hopefully he turns it on again.

by mymclife on May 1, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Very good point, and one that is definitely worth making. My only concern is the cap situation. We’re pretty tight right now, and I think we’re going to lose Nabby next offseason because we flat out won’t be able to afford him.

I’m fine with that considering our window for being a top five Cup contender is closing (i.e. go for broke now), but at the same time we have to think of the future. There’s definitely an upside to consider (and one that I’m sure DW is aware of) in terms of moving Nabby. Does that mean we’re getting a goaltender of equal value? Probably not.

Would we still be competitive next season considering we would have more cap space to bring in forward(s) and/or defensemen? I would think so. Will it be better for the future, both in terms of cap space and development? Possibly.

Lots to think about here. Luckily we have two goddamn months to do it.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Said the same thing over at BOC (btw, excellent article by Chen for those who haven’t seen it).

I’m all for keeping Marleau and Thornton, but Nabokov is one guy I hesitate to label as "untouchable." He’s been giving up five hole goals all year, and I think a part of that has to do with the goaltending school he comes from. In the same mold as Kipper, a guy who is very aggressive when challenging shooters and relies on his reflexes to get the job done. Those have definitely slipped to the wayside this season, and if Bill Walsh taught Bay Area sports anything, it’s better to get rid of a guy too early rather than too late.

Just sayin’ I guess. It’s really too early to get into it, but in my eyes Nabokov hasn’t taken enough heat from a pretty rabid fanbase that’s throwing Joe and Patty to the wolves.

Let’s be very clear though- Nabokov only goes if we get an NHL-ready, proven goaltender in return/somewhere else this offseason. There’s no way I have enough faith in Griess/Sexsmith next season to give them the keys to the car.

What killed us this postseason? Goaltending, on both sides of the aisle. Shipping Nabby without bringing in someone else is the worse thing this franchise could do.

I agree with you Dave, I’d like to think Boucher is the answer (and would loved to be proved wrong), but I don’t think that’s the case.

Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution

by Mr. Plank on May 1, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree with you Dave, I’d like to think Boucher is the answer (and would loved to be proved wrong), but I don’t think that’s the case.

When you take a look a Bouch’s career stats he just doesn’t cut it for an entire season. Well, maybe the first entire season, but the succeeding ones he tends towards a dramatic drop off. That’s why I love him as a back up, but really, really, hesitate to think of him as Nabby’s replacement

Fear the Fin....where being an old guy isn't all bad, and the 2nd round can be bad on the heart

by Dave Valentine on May 1, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Good points everybody

I wouldn’t feel as bad if Nabby was traded.

I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?

by idunno723 on May 1, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I dont see..

them getting rid of Nabby just yet… but I think Patty and Jumbo will be split up.. i think Joe is most likely to stay.. I see possibly erhoff and grier gone and pavs stepping up his role on this team.. I hope they keep cheechoo even though he has been a tad cold lately…

by ryan2283 on May 1, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions

i'd hope we would keep patty over joe

I guess i don’t have that much of a basis, but I get the sense that his work ethic, intensity, and speed is a much greater asset to the team. But then again, it would be great not to have to choose one of the 2

by a10dency2ask on May 1, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions