Trade Targets: Pavel Kubina (ATL)
by TCY on Feb 19, 2010 7:33 AM PST
in Armchair GM
61 comments
"Trade Targets" will be a recurring piece on Fear The Fin until the March 3rd deadline, in which Plank and TCY will explore trade possibilities for the San Jose Sharks. Previous pieces of this nature can be found here.
How does it end up that I'm always the one to talk about the offensive defensemen? Don't get me wrong, I'd love to add a motherfucker, like Plank has campaigned for all season. However, I'd also like to add some scoring on the back end. I'd sacrifice a little of one for some of the other.
The two of us do agree, though, that if this team is going to add one piece that piece, it has to be a top four defensemen. We've talked about it before, but limiting Rob Blake's minutes is a good idea going forward. Unless Doug Wilson thinks Niclas Wallin is the answer (I sure hope not), a piece is going to have to be added.
With Kaberle unwilling to waive his NTC, he's virtually off the block. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. We talked earlier about his defensive issues, and although he scores in bunches, he's not going to shut anyone down.
Hejda or Seidenberg, while both capable of shutting down an opponents top line, don't add much offensive pop. Although Seidenberg could probably be had without having to give up Ryane Clowe (which still makes him the best option, in my opinion), he's not the flashiest name out there.
The name "Pavel Kubina", on the other hand, is bound to get a few people excited.
Kubina has had a solid year offensively, but that's as per the usual for him. The Czech Olympian doesn't have the offensive numbers that Kaberle does, but he does come with a bit more defensive acumen, which is an added bonus for a Sharks team that has issues from time to time in their own end.
We'll get to that in a second. First, the offense. The Thrashers score 3.47 goals per 60 minutes that Kubina is on the ice, as opposed to just 2.81 when he's not. Although those numbers are skewed slightly by Ilya Kovalchuck, you could say the same for Dan Boyle playing with the HTML. Kubina's behindthenet.ca rating (+/- relative to team) is third best on the Thrashers, which tells more of the same story.
Defensively, Kubina is better this year than I expected. 0.19 fewer goals per 60 minutes are scored against the Thrashers when Kubina is on ice, and while that number isn't too significant, it's more than you could say about Kaberle.
Also, unlike Kaberle, Kubina logs a large amount of minutes shorthanded, 2.63 per 60 to be exact. The differential between goals against when on ice is more significant here: 7.15 GA/60 when Kubina is off ice, as opposed to just 4.65 GA/60 when on. That's the largest differential on the team.
So, Kubina not only brings offense to the table, but also will help the Sharks defensively. Sounds pretty good, no?
Well, that production comes at a price, and Kubina's tag accounts for a cool $5 MM. Luckily, though, that contract expires at the end of this year. And, although Kubina has a NTC, he waived it when he was traded from Toronto, and would likely do the same in order to be moved to a contender.
What gets the deal done? Well, after moving Kovalchuck the Thrashers appear to be in full sell mode. Although they remain just two points out of the eight seed, they would need to leap frog three teams to jump into a playoff spot. Not impossible, but also not likely. After moving on from Kovalchuck because of the fear of not being able to resign the soon to be UFA, I'm thinking they'll do the same with Kubina.
That probably means that a first round pick wouldn't need to be included, as would be the case if the Sharks attempted to acquire Kaberle. Instead, Clowe and Huskins (and possibly a third or fourth round pick), would be enough to seal the deal.
This trade not only gives the Sharks an elite offensive, yet more well rounded, defenseman who relieves Dan Boyle of minutes in PP situations and leads to a more effective Rob Blake, but his impending UFA status gives the Sharks much more wiggle room to resign Pavelski, Setoguchi, Marleau and Nabokov. It hurts to lose Clowe, but in my opinion, losing one of the above four would be much more significant. It also rids the team of Huskins.
I'm all for this one.
Heatley - Thornton - Marleau
Malhotra - Pavelski - Setoguchi
McGinn - Nichol - Ortmeyer
Helminen - Mitchell - Staubitz/McLaren
Boyle - Murray
Kubina - Vlasic
Blake - Wallin
And the offer that gets it done is...
To Atlanta: Ryane Clowe, Kent Huskins, 5th Round Pick
To San Jose: Pavel Kubina
Contrarian's Corner (Mr. Plank): What's a San Jose Shark? USA! USA! USA!*
*Seriously though, Kubina is a pretty good trade possibility. I prefer my Hejda deal, as well as TCY's aforementioned Seidenberg piece-- they both return more of what I'm looking for and make the team stronger top to bottom (Torres replaces Clowe and you get Hejda, Seidenberg only burns Huskins-- not a fan of giving up Ferriero, but maybe DW can get Florida to bite on a lesser prospect). That being said, if this is the only possibility left on March 3rd, I pull the trigger. San Jose could use an upgrade.
Go Sharks.
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Yeah im a fan of the Hejda/Torres deal still but if that’s not possible then this sounds like a good alternative.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to add a motherfucker, like Plank has campaigned for all season.
Evilducks is probably sick of this phrase by now. I remember drunkenly slurring, “Ey man, teh Shahks kneed a mutta-fucka” at JT Schmid’s following the second game of the season down in Anaheim.
Anyways, running personal blog over here. Kubina is relatively solid, but far from my first choice. Flipping Clowe for a rental, while possibly unavoidable at this point, is not something high on my list of things to do.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I believe my response was a drunken “fuck yeah…” and then probably some drunken rumblings about wishing Pronger was in teal.
I’m still 100% in the “mutta-fucka” camp.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Wish I knew you guys were at JT Schmid’s! I was there too.
by sharks in oc on Feb 19, 2010 11:49 AM PST up reply actions
We were hard to miss, a whole large table of loud Sharks fans
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Haha i had a loud table of sharks fans of my own. You going to the game in March?
by sharks in oc on Feb 19, 2010 6:45 PM PST up reply actions
I just really don't see that happening
I love these articles that tickle my catboner but I cannot see DW moving a top six player on his roster weeks before they Sharks go into the most important post-season in franchise history. You have to consider DW as the GM here. He has stated again and again that he places a premium on not having to move any NHL assets to make deadline deals and he strongly values the guys in the locker room and their familiarity with eachother. I think any deal that the Sharks will make will involve Ferriero or Zalewski and future picks. Love me, hate me, flame me. O’Doyle rules.
Love the articles.
I miss the Jack Daniels shot of the night and the San Jose Sharks drinking game. But I do not miss Marty McSorely.
On a side note
I like how Helminen has worked his way into our hearts recently.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Definitely threw him in here because he’s currently on the roster, but yeah… he’s been real impressive.
Goals against Detroit don’t hurt.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
That's where the legend of Joe Pavelski began.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Side note: Jamie McGinn and Logan Couture both scored their first NHL goal against the Red Wings. Couture’s was at the Joe.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Among the Masai people of Africa
A young warrior proves himself by going out into the wild and slaying a lion with a spear.
In San Jose, a young forward goes out into the frightening wilds of Detroit and spears Calamari with nothing but a hockey stick, a puck, and a can of whoopass.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Interesting
So, of the targets you’ve mentioned so far, here’s my preference order:
1. Seidenberg
2. Kubina
3. Hejda
4. Kaberle
The Seidenberg deal is great because we don’t have to give up Clowe, hence it being my favorite.
However, the Kubina deal you’ve proposed CAN’T be overlooked. Even if he’s not Young Rob Blake, he’s still 6’4, 245#, with offensive upside. That’s a big deal, pun unintended. I don’t know about his footspeed, not having seen him very much, and that’s a concern against the Blackhawks and Red Wings of the world, but if he’s more physical, it frees up Vlasic to try and skate with those elusive forwards while Kubina reliably clears the front of the net without taking dumb hooking penalties.
Kubina is the biggest of the four proposed defensemen, and he has a nice balance of scoring and positive defensive metrics. If you really do have to give to get, he’s the best trade for sure.
However, I’ll add this. Your post Kubina lines are:
Heatley – Thornton – Marleau
Malhotra – Pavelski – Setoguchi
McGinn – Nichol – Ortmeyer
Helminen – Mitchell – Staubitz/McLaren
Our post Seidenberg lines would be
Heatley Thornton Setoguchi
Marleau Pavelski Clowe
Malhotra Nichol Ortmeyer
McGinn Mitchell Staubitz/McLaren
You can mix and match the forwards in my post Seidenberg arrangement to your liking. In my opinion, if you want balanced scoring, I believe my proposed lineup is more apt to do it. Malhotra has shown scoring pop playing with Nichol and Ortmeyer, who are a defensive force and forechecking beasts, and I still want to see the McGinn Mitchell McLaren line build some chemistry for next year. I think McGinn would do far better playing on Mitchell’s wing than Nichol’s.
So, I like this trade, I wouldn’t cry too much if it happened, but Seidenberg is still the best offer IMO.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I agree with you, on that fact. Staubitz wouldn’t be an option though, as we would trade him to obtain Seidenberg.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Ooops, my bad...
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Not saying thats a bad thing, haha.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
I’m not a huge fan of giving up Clowe for a rental. But I’m also pretty convinced that the Sharks will have to give up Clowe at some point if they hope to resign all of their big-4 FAs this offseason. So if trading him for a rental gets us a Cup, I’m all for that.
Does Kubina get us a Cup? I dunno. He’s probably the best all around D-man that’s been proposed in this section so far. He can score and he can limit the opponent from scoring…which is more than we can say for the other potential targets (who are usually one or the other). From that standpoint, I’d like grabbing Kubina. Obviously we need help on the D-end, but I also think we definately need more scoring from all over. Scoring teams win in the postseason (I’ve pointed that out a number of times already), and Kubina would help with that without sacrificing in the D end.
So, yeah, I think I like Kubina the best of all the potential trade targets…I just wish he wasn’t a rental, or a 5 million cap hit.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 19, 2010 10:26 AM PST reply actions
The only problem with Kubina is that he was asked to waive his NTC to a acctept a trade to the Sharks twice. He declined the trade, because he wanted to stay in the east. Im not going to hold my breath, but it would be nice to have him on the blue line
Not sure when this happened, but since he is in the last year of his contract, I doubt he uses it to block a trade to a Cup contender.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Feb 19, 2010 12:01 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I know the Sharks were interested in Kubina in years past, but I don’t think he ever blocked a trade to the Sharks specifically.
I agree with Plank. He’s 32, a UFA, and without a cup. He’d come here.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Except he has a cup, so scratch that.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Malhotra on the 2nd line? In the playoffs?
meh…..
Clowe is a necessity in the playoffs IMO. Who else is gonna cause the havoc along the boards and in front of the net on the second line? I understand Sharks fans have been expecting more from Clowe, but after his playoff performance a few years back, and the fact that he should only get better the further removed he is from his previous injury troubles and surgeries, Im not for trading him.
I also would like to look to Worcester, and ask, who is more replaceable on the SJ roster with young talent? I dont see anyone that could fill the role Clowe plays with the same toughness, size, grit, and future potential. Now, risking punching myself in the face for even saying this, (cause when I read this over later I probably will) Logan may be the answer if we trade, I cant believe Im gonna say this, Pavs….
Take it easy!!! Take it easy!!! PUT THE GUN DOWN!!!
In my heart of hearts, I dont want this to happen, but as far as the playoffs are concerned, I think the difference between Clowe and his possible 2nd line replacement (in this thread Malhotra), would be much greater than the difference between Couture and Pavs. Sure its a bit of a hairy projection expecting much from a rookie, with limited experience, in the playoffs. Then again, Manny on the 2nd line doesn’t impress me much either.
The other possibility, is finding a trade match with a team that still thinks highly of Mitchell, and dealing him with a 1st rounder and Couture. After all, we are about winning now right? Sure Couture is the Sharks best prospect, but if he aint gonna help us win this year, before the uncertainty of the coming FA nightmare this offseason, then I say send him if it brings us the Cup this season……
OK, shoot……..
"I mean, come on, man. I'm a vet. Don't talk to me like that. If they do, I'll just smile." Nnamdi Asomugha
BANG!
lol nononono waaaaayyy! A guy like Raffi Torres would easily replace Clowe and cause even more Havoc. I don’t even want to get started defending Pavelski. I’m at work and i don’t want to get all riled up and make a giant post so…just…NO!
BANG!
A second one for good measure. I should be doing homework but Couture is un-freaking-touchable.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Not in the last paragraph.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
Really? Untouchable?
For me, if it means winning a cup this season, no prospect is untouchable. A cup is a cup man, and if getting one meant trading Couture for a player that could get that done, Couture is gone in a heartbeat. Sorry man, IMO, the cup outweighs all…….
"I mean, come on, man. I'm a vet. Don't talk to me like that. If they do, I'll just smile." Nnamdi Asomugha
by s0sNe@kYbUtY? on Feb 19, 2010 6:53 PM PST up reply actions
Trading Couture, Mitchell, and a 1st rounder is a good idea if you want to DESTROY THE FUTURE OF THE TEAM IN ONE FELL SWOOP! lol trading any of those wouldn’t help us with the salary cap anyways, and we’d have to get Ovechkin or something for that trade to be worth it anyways.
This argument.....trading some combo of Mitchell, Couture, and a 1st rounder......
was made with total disregard for next year, the salary cap, or the future in general……
My mindset is simple…….The Sharks need to win a Cup……this season…..like now……cause given the total uncertainty surrounding key pieces of this team going into FA, the door could close, Errrr Slam shut in just a few short months……
I totally get that the Sharks would be mortgaging the future with this trade, but in all seriousness, if it meant actually bringing the Stanley Cup to the Bay this season, wouldn’t you do it? I would, in a heartbeat…….
"I mean, come on, man. I'm a vet. Don't talk to me like that. If they do, I'll just smile." Nnamdi Asomugha
by s0sNe@kYbUtY? on Feb 19, 2010 6:59 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t think anyone is debating that. The issue is that these things are far from guaranteed. Just because we trade Couture for Player X doesn’t mean we automatically win a Stanley Cup.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I’m going to need a ton of bullets.
Can’t trade Couture, espectially when he’s one of 3 above AVERAGE prospects in the pipeline. He’s not even close to the player Pavelski is, either, at least not now. Have you watched the Olympics?
Also, adding Manny on to line two significantly altered the second line, for the better. He may not be Clowe, but remember, he’s a first round pick who played primarily on CBJ’s front line the last few years. He’s not the slouch you make him out to me.
Lastly, Clowe was definitely not the player you described above in last years playoffs. Who’s to say he’s better this year? Even still, he’s not worth $3.6MM.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Several questions.....
With regards to Couture, or any prospect for that matter, I’ll repeat what I said above. If trading him and a pick brings the cup to The Bay, I’d do it ina heartbeat…..
With regards to Clowe, knees are a fickle thing, but one thing I do know is they get better the further away from surgery player gets. Often it can take a guy two full season to fully recover, and regain form. Clowe’s performance, or lack thereof in last seasons playoffs, IMO, is a directly attributable to the fact that he was not fully recovered.
Having said that, I must also say, I dont think Manny’s a slouch, just that he does not have the same potential for dominance as the Clowe we saw in the playoffs a few years back. Manny does a lot of great things, and I like his play, but Clowes ceiling is much higher in the playoffs IMO. Its a different kind of hockey, one that a fully realized Clowe is made for. He’s not there yet, but if he can recapture that magic, (5G, 4A in 13 games) oh boy!
"I mean, come on, man. I'm a vet. Don't talk to me like that. If they do, I'll just smile." Nnamdi Asomugha
by s0sNe@kYbUtY? on Feb 19, 2010 7:12 PM PST up reply actions
Wrong subject line....
my bad……
"I mean, come on, man. I'm a vet. Don't talk to me like that. If they do, I'll just smile." Nnamdi Asomugha
by s0sNe@kYbUtY? on Feb 19, 2010 7:13 PM PST up reply actions
Pavelski, of all our impending FAs, is the one guy who HAS to be signed long term. No way you can get rid of him…for anything.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 19, 2010 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
I think Marleau is more important
He is the only guy on the team that scores consistently regardless of the line he is on, all while playing Selke-quality defense and playing in all situations, being a good faceoff man, and playing either center or wings. Pavs, though, is a close second.
Greiss looked pretty good against Sweden. Stalocks’s development and Greiss’s solid play this year makes me believe that Nabby is on his swan song with the team, regardless of outcome.
I'd say Pavs is a little more important
Because Pavs is cheaper and younger.
But I am all for signing them both for a long, long time.
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
I'd say he and Patty are.
As much as I love Seto (have a Black jersey with his name, would not want that purchase to go to waste), he is not as big as Patty and Pavs are in terms of FA priority.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 19, 2010 4:01 PM PST up reply actions
I just think Pavs is more important than Patty due to age and potential. Patty is awesome, but he’s also 5 years older than Pavs. And Pavs is awesome, has good passing, a good scoring touch, and if he keeps getting better, his ceiling is way way up there. If it actually came down to having to choose between one of the two (and that’s the only choice…), I’d painfully have to say goodbye to Patty.
That being said, Patty is a very close #2 for me this offseason. And I have no reason to think the Sharks cannot resign both of them.
All of this is a roundabout way of saying, 1) you cannot trade Pavs…at all; and 2) Nabby is probably not the most important piece of this offseason. At least in my eyes.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 19, 2010 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
*finds bow and arrow*
The development of a young prospect is a tricky business.
Couture may be Pavelski 2.0, but Pavelski is Marleau 2.0. I don’t hear to many calls to let Patty go given we have Pavelski. You don’t ditch a sure thing for a maybe. Pavelski is a sure thing, and has proven it time and again. The only reason we ever throw names like Clowe (or even Setogutchi hides from TCY) is that they are not sure things.
Pavelski is good at both ends of the ice, a playoff performer, consistent, and therefore, untouchable.
If you consider this trade mid-season, it’s pure lunacy. If you consider it in the offseason, it’s a rebuild move. I would hope we’re not rebuilding in the off-season.
It is possible to have too many one dimensional sniping wingers on your team. It isn’t possible to have multi-dimensional playmaking centers with defensive acumen on your team.
Pavelski stays, end of story.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Usually when someone scores 31 goals in his rookie season, he moves out of the “prospect” phase.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
I do so love to get you riled up about Seto
You’ve convinced me he should stay, but I’ll always be somewhat bitter we chose him over Cheech.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Yeah, because he’s having a great season.
(Not riled up, just have to keep up appearances)
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
*Cries again for Cheech*
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
Pavs = Marleau 2.0?
I dunno, I don’t see Pavs ever scoring 80+ points a season or 40+ goals. I do see Couture someday going 25-35-60 with strong penalty killing like Pavs. Marleau also has the ability to create offense on his own, something I don’t see Pavs ever developing on that level. I guess that’s why I think Patty is a more important FA…
That said, Pavs is still awesome and, assuming he doesn’t blow chunks in the playoffs again, he should be a Shark for a long time. I would love for the biggest controversy in a couple of years to be who should be the Shark’s #2 center, Pavs or Couture, because that would mean a) Pavs is still around, and b) Couture has reached expectations.
Yeah I don't see Pavs ever becoming an elite 1st line center.
I may come to eat my words someday, but an 80-90 point season doesn’t seem to be in his cards.
I think currently he is a strong 2nd line center with the potential to becoming a great 2nd line center/solid 1st line center. I would be surprised to see him ever be rated a 90+ in NHL 10 (obviously the best way to judge the true talent of a player :P ).
If somehow Pavs found the 2nd/3rd gear that Marleau has – or added another level of physical play to his game he could get to that elite level. I am pretty sure, though, that he has maxed out in these attributes.
All that being said, Pavs is one of my favorite players – has been a stud during the Olympics so far – and should be signed to a 4-5 year deal after this season. If the Sharks let him walk it would be a HUGE mistake.
Kubina could have been a Shark
two years ago when the Sharks traded for Campbell they also had a deal for Kubina, but he wouldn’t waive his NTC. rumor from Toronto.
Yeah, but that’s a rumor. Although I’m not doubting you, I get queasy trusting anthing when “rumor” is attached, especially out of Toronto.
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
Actually, it’s not a rumor. Ron Wilson mentioned it in his first presser when he was first hired in Toronto. I don’t have time to google it right now (about to jump on a plane), but if you can find the text of that press conference, you’ll see the words of RW.
Huh, I’ll have to look for that. Thanks!
Fear the Fin: Sharing Joe Thornton's love of wooly mammoths since 2009.
We need a Grandmother Fucker (re-posted)
We need a Grandmother Fucker!
If anyone, we need someone who just doesn’t give a damn, has a drinking problem, eats raw steak, drives a 73 silverado camper special (and looks like one), chews long leaf, and grows facial hair like a yehti. Someone everyone else is uncomfortable being around, keeps things edgy.
I.M.O. we have the skill, but we lack the will.
Last years loss was not on account of not having the “pieces”
This may not be the popular opinion here, but would it be so wrong for willson to hold a meeting as soon as the break is over (before the deadline is even over) and tell the team, "I’m making no further roster changes to this team, this is your team from here on out."
I mean isn’t that holding the players accountable like he said he was going to do? Bringing in someone else is a cop-out. Step up now, no one is going to do it for you.
Lets trade for a team therapist.
I'd pull the trigger on that OP Kubina deal...
Kubina might be willing to resign with SJ at a discount maybe 2.5-3m a year and replace Blake.
Plus Kubina has won a cup with Tampa, with Dan Boyle.
I’ve also heard rumors that DW has inquired about him in previous years too. We all know DW has players he keeps his eyes on. He has admitted this straight out. Kubinabis definetly one of those guys. Whether or not now is the right time or right deal is the only question in my mind. But I feel assured DW likes Kubina.
by skilletboy on Feb 19, 2010 1:56 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Good point
The Sharks were linked to Kubina last year at the deadline and you’re right, we should totally be paying attention to that fact. Doug Wilson targets players over time and it would be no surprise to see Kubina in Teal in early March.
At this point...
I’d do this deal too, but I’d make Atlanta give us a draft pick instead of the Sharks sending one in return. They are the ones getting the guys under contract. Revise the deal to be Kubina and a 4th rounder for Clowe and Huskins and I’m sold.
Update
1) Pretty sure Kubina has a no trade clause during the season
2) Thrashers were to make a contract extension offer to his agent during the break.
3) He’s been our most versatile defender and the Thrashers are still very much in the mix for playoff spot.
4) He’s been a leader for the team and mentioned as a possible candidate for captain.
Verdict: Unless he says “I will not re-sign and I waive my no trade clause” he’s unlikely to be dealt.
All things Thrashers + stats: www.birdwatchersanonymous.com
Fun killer!
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
In Hypothetical World...
If, if if if if if, the offer involved Ryan Clowe, in any form or fashion, the Atlanta Thrashers would absolutely have to consider moving a pending unrestricted free agent for a young, 50-point potential winger that is signed to a reasonable contract through 2012-13.
It is no secret, especially with the departure of Ilya Kovalchuk, that free agents (current and pending) are not picking Atlanta as a #1 destination in most cases. The Thrashers have swayed some guys like Reasoner, Kozlov, and Antropov recently, but the option of adding a known commodity that is under contract such as Clowe would be very difficult to pass up.
Ryan Clowe would be a perfect piece to replace another pending UFA (Colby Armstrong) in the lineup straight up with much better scoring pedigree. The recent encouraging call-up of Arturs Kulda might lend some credibility to the idea of moving Kubina… while that move probably would hinder the Thrashers’ chances of making the playoffs this season, Atlanta would be in a much better position going into next year.
The free agent market is going to be quite small regarding top six forwards with guys like Patrick Marleau likely not in the Thrashers’ wheelhouse. Adding Clowe would be a big pickup without having to overpay in the open market.
Yes, Pavel does have a no movement clause (which is only in effect during the season, which is why he was able to be dealt this summer). Yes, the Thrashers are considering re-upping with Pavel. Yes, Kubina has been the most versatile and dependable member of this year’s blueline and yes, he has become a leader on this team.
But I’d trade Kubina for Clowe without any add-ins in an extremely fast heartbeat… Atlanta can then even try to re-sign Pavel in the offseason or try and either sign a free agent defenseman for the top four or use the NJ 1st rounder to pry one from elsewhere in the NHL… or potentially wait for either Kulda, Vishnevskiy, or Postma to supplant themselves on the roster.
If the Sharks offer Clowe… BITE!
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