There is some random speculation and chatter on Toronto radio and local bloggers that the Leafs may have interest in Seth Jones. How anyone managed to make this up when there isn’t a GM in place is beyond me but one of Nylander or Marner in return would be something to think about however I’d imagine the Leafs would want Murray taken off their hands as well.

There is some random speculation and chatter on Toronto radio and local bloggers that the Leafs may have interest in Seth Jones. How anyone managed to make this up when there isn’t a GM in place is beyond me but one of Nylander or Marner in return would be something to think about however I’d imagine the Leafs would want Murray taken off their hands as well.
- paulr

Considering Murray and Mrazek can make it through about half of a season combined, that should work well with getting Soderblom enough ice time.

Trying to figure out why they would want S. Jones though. Unless they think he would be the only "higher end" defenseman available?

Considering Murray and Mrazek can make it through about half of a season combined, that should work well with getting Soderblom enough ice time.

Trying to figure out why they would want S. Jones though. Unless they think he would be the only "higher end" defenseman available?
- Chunk

They lack puck moving dmen. Reilly is the only one. Not saying they need Seth Jones but they need more puck support from their d core.

Considering Murray and Mrazek can make it through about half of a season combined, that should work well with getting Soderblom enough ice time.

Trying to figure out why they would want S. Jones though. Unless they think he would be the only "higher end" defenseman available?
- Chunk

Like I said it sounded like random musings. However an old school GM who scorns analytics may feel Jones is a great pickup?

They lack puck moving dmen. Reilly is the only one. Not saying they need Seth Jones but they need more puck support from their d core.
- MjulQvist

I thought I read that Toronto is interested in Erik Karlsson.

Would S. Jones waive to be put under a more intense microscope in Toronto?

Like I said it sounded like random musings. However an old school GM who scorns analytics may feel Jones is a great pickup?
- paulr

Unlike others, I think that Jones would be a good #2 with a better supporting cast. Hard to look good on a tanking team, but that’s just me. The Leafs would be better off with a Jones for Tavares trade, but they better add.

Like I said it sounded like random musings. However an old school GM who scorns analytics may feel Jones is a great pickup?
- paulr

I hear Stan is still looking for a job.

Unlike others, I think that Jones would be a good #2 with a better supporting cast. Hard to look good on a tanking team, but that’s just me. The Leafs would be better off with a Jones for Tavares trade, but they better add.
- Angotti

I know. I'm just messing around. I don't think Seth is that bad, but he definitely needs a partner that understands what he wants to do and where his thought process is. It just seems like he is always out there playing rover and no one really understands what he is thinking. I'll be interested to see how the coaching staff helps address this in the coming year(s).

In terms of available puck movers, I mean, they did have Gus on the team and dressed him in the playoffs. Would VAN be interested in moving Hughes? Can't imagine they would, but it seems they need to basically do what the Hawks did to get back to competitive.

All of sudden Seth Jones makes a lot of sense for Blackhawks. He can take load and pressure off from young dman and Hawks doesn´t have a cap issues for a long time. Well maybe get to the floor in which Seth helps a lot.

All of sudden Seth Jones makes a lot of sense for Blackhawks. He can take load and pressure off from young dman and Hawks doesn´t have a cap issues for a long time. Well maybe get to the floor in which Seth helps a lot.
- MjulQvist

Yeah, its kind of funny. If half of the numerous prospects they have on the blueline become NHLers, they are going to need to pay someone. Maybe taking on Marner does make sense...

First, Happy Memorial Day to the Yanks out there. Let's all remember the US servicemen who gave their lives for their country.

There is some random speculation and chatter on Toronto radio and local bloggers that the Leafs may have interest in Seth Jones. How anyone managed to make this up when there isn’t a GM in place is beyond me but one of Nylander or Marner in return would be something to think about however I’d imagine the Leafs would want Murray taken off their hands as well.
- paulr

Just click bait or filling air time for those people out there who have nothing to do but speculate what the Leafs should be doing this off season. It's much like us here on HockeyBuzz who are thinking up all these scenarios for the Hawks to move up in the draft, acquire another 1st rounder, or sign some random free agents.

Jones serves the purpose here by skating big minutes and going against the opposition's top lines. Rather have him do it than to expose the younger D-men at their stages of their careers. Also, his big cap hit will help help the team reach the cap floor over the next couple of years.

The trouble with Jones is that in a few years he will have to be pushed aside, especially if Korchinski, Allan, Del Mastro, Kaiser, etc. can become top pairing types. Maybe by that time, Seth will require hip surgery, and like Seabs, be LTIRed for the last 3 years or so of his contract.

First, Happy Memorial Day to the Yanks out there. Let's all remember the US servicemen who gave their lives for their country.




Just click bait or filling air time for those people out there who have nothing to do but speculate what the Leafs should be doing this off season. It's much like us here on HockeyBuzz who are thinking up all these scenarios for the Hawks to move up in the draft, acquire another 1st rounder, or sign some random free agents.

Jones serves the purpose here by skating big minutes and going against the opposition's top lines. Rather have him do it than to expose the younger D-men at their stages of their careers. Also, his big cap hit will help help the team reach the cap floor over the next couple of years.

The trouble with Jones is that in a few years he will have to be pushed aside, especially if Korchinski, Allan, Del Mastro, Kaiser, etc. can become top pairing types. Maybe by that time, Seth will require hip surgery, and like Seabs, be LTIRed for the last 3 years or so of his contract.
- boilermaker100

That's a bit morbid, don't you think? He'll be 35 when his contract expires. Not exactly ancient there. Ideally, he simply comes closer to being worth his contract number (how he gets $3M per year more than Parayko is beyond me). Yes, ideally all those prospects turn into the guys you top pairing types, but if history is any indication, that won't be the case.

That's a bit morbid, don't you think? He'll be 35 when his contract expires. Not exactly ancient there. Ideally, he simply comes closer to being worth his contract number (how he gets $3M per year more than Parayko is beyond me). Yes, ideally all those prospects turn into the guys you top pairing types, but if history is any indication, that won't be the case.
- Chunk

I wouldn't say that. Not wishing him any ill will. Any thing is possible. Kane is what 34 and has had his hip problems for a couple of years?

But I agree with you about his cap hit being a couple of million over what it should be. That's my peeve regarding him even though I said originally it's helping the club reach the cap floor.

Not necessarily comparing resumes but just the fact he didn’t have any NHL experience which is what I thought you were alluding to with the calls for a guy like Laviolette.

I tend to looks for trends and bigger picture as opposed to specific instances. By no means did I think LR did everything right. He’s noted that himself several times in interviews. What I really liked about LR is that he was able to get a variety of types of players to play together with some semblance of structure. Not only that he did so on a team with two HOF leaders clearly on their way out and declining. I don’t think it can be overstated how difficult it can be to get the rest of the team to get their crap together when the on ice leaders are not fully engaged. Additionally, he put guys in positions to succeed and progress through the year which we saw in Katchouk, Reichel, AA, Lafferty, heck, even C.Jones was playing better as the year progressed.

I don’t think you are saying the Hawks are pushing for a playoff spot next year because of Bedard? I think the only real failure by the Hawks would be not properly surrounding him with a complementary team which will take a lot more time.
- Chunk

The Hawks have $42 million this season, $70 million next year, and $80 million of cap space after that assuming minimal increases in the cap. Maybe Kurashev gets a bump but there is little home grown talent that is going to need large contracts. We all hope Bedrard is in a position to sign an 8 year $15 miilion contract in 4 years but regardless there is alot the Hawks can do to make themselves much more competitive now with plenty of cap space when the propsects start needing long term deals. It will be a dissapointment if the team does not use all of the available cap to either get players or take problem contracts for picks.

Bedard is going to play. There is no reason to rush anyone else next season which builds slow and pushes off the next round of huge contracts another year. Korchinski can play 9 NHL games, go back to junior, play WJC and hopefully have another long Memorial Cup run. Allen I believe can go to Rockford. I don't believe any of the other transformational prospects that have been picked by Davidson have to be promoted.

Washington wants to retool and wants to get out from Kuzntzov and Mantha's salaries. Kuznetzov has 2 years at $8 and Mantha 1 year at $6. Would Washinton dump those two with a significant pick? Damaged goods in the last year of their contracts usually zero in and have decent years.

Vancouver has several contracts that are bothering them. They probably think OEL is a Seabrook type deal that can't be traded. Would they include a sweetener for Davidson to eat $7.3 x 4?

Philadelphia has new management. Hayes has been a big dissapointment. Would they consider dumping his $7 x 3?

DeBrusk is unrestricted after this season and he did ask for a trade last year. Could a couple of stockpiled draft picks be used to get him?

Hathaway, Shattenkirk and Domi are free agents. Could 3 year deals at $3 million entice Hathaway and Shattenkirk? Could $4 million for 5 years get Domi?

Could Richardson get 95 points out of this roster? Can he coach that defense to reduce the goals against from 300 to 230? Increase goals for from 204 to 230?

Mantha Kuznetzov Reichel
DeBrusk Bedard Domi
Hathaway Hayes Kurashev
Johnsson Richardenson Blackwell

Jones Shattenkirk
Murphy OEL
Vlasic Zaisev

Mrazek Soderblom

Still under the cap with a few million to spend. Nodody tied up when Nazar, Korchinski, Allen, Del Mastro, Kaiser and others need bride deals or to be secured long term early.

That's a bit morbid, don't you think? He'll be 35 when his contract expires. Not exactly ancient there. Ideally, he simply comes closer to being worth his contract number (how he gets $3M per year more than Parayko is beyond me). Yes, ideally all those prospects turn into the guys you top pairing types, but if history is any indication, that won't be the case.
- Chunk

That’s one problem with S Jones, he was overpaid by a good $2M. If he made about $7M you would not hear as much complaining here. But here we are and that 9.5 AAV actually helps the Hawks get to the cap floor.

The Hawks have $42 million this season, $70 million next year, and $80 million of cap space after that assuming minimal increases in the cap. Maybe Kurashev gets a bump but there is little home grown talent that is going to need large contracts. We all hope Bedrard is in a position to sign an 8 year $15 miilion contract in 4 years but regardless there is alot the Hawks can do to make themselves much more competitive now with plenty of cap space when the propsects start needing long term deals. It will be a dissapointment if the team does not use all of the available cap to either get players or take problem contracts for picks.

Bedard is going to play. There is no reason to rush anyone else next season which builds slow and pushes off the next round of huge contracts another year. Korchinski can play 9 NHL games, go back to junior, play WJC and hopefully have another long Memorial Cup run. Allen I believe can go to Rockford. I don't believe any of the other transformational prospects that have been picked by Davidson have to be promoted.

Washington wants to retool and wants to get out from Kuzntzov and Mantha's salaries. Kuznetzov has 2 years at $8 and Mantha 1 year at $6. Would Washinton dump those two with a significant pick? Damaged goods in the last year of their contracts usually zero in and have decent years.

Vancouver has several contracts that are bothering them. They probably think OEL is a Seabrook type deal that can't be traded. Would they include a sweetener for Davidson to eat $7.3 x 4?

Philadelphia has new management. Hayes has been a big dissapointment. Would they consider dumping his $7 x 3?

DeBrusk is unrestricted after this season and he did ask for a trade last year. Could a couple of stockpiled draft picks be used to get him?

Hathaway, Shattenkirk and Domi are free agents. Could 3 year deals at $3 million entice Hathaway and Shattenkirk? Could $4 million for 5 years get Domi?

Could Richardson get 95 points out of this roster? Can he coach that defense to reduce the goals against from 300 to 230? Increase goals for from 204 to 230?

Mantha Kuznetzov Reichel
DeBrusk Bedard Domi
Hathaway Hayes Kurashev
Johnsson Richardenson Blackwell

Jones Shattenkirk
Murphy OEL
Vlasic Zaisev

Mrazek Soderblom

Still under the cap with a few million to spend. Nodody tied up when Nazar, Korchinski, Allen, Del Mastro, Kaiser and others need bride deals or to be secured long term early.
- stevefrmglencoe

I'm sure they will use the cap space they have to make a few deals like that, but no way in hell they make anything near all of them. At least if KD is to be even remotely believed. Right now he wants slow growth and cap flexibility. I'm with you in saying they shouldn't be going to bottom of the barrel roster construction, but I can see them making a couple of moves to take on some salary with (ideally IMO) prospects that are closer to the show.

I'm guessing you are saying they trade two or three of Entwistle, R. Johnson, Katchouk, and Raddysh, and sit Tinordi?

There will also undoubtedly be a couple FA signings to get some better talent and experience around Bedard. There is no way they spend most of their available cap space (and players have to want to come to the Hawks as well). I'm expecting better than last year, maybe close to a bubble team (on paper). Now, what Richardson gets out of that is another story.

That’s one problem with S Jones, he was overpaid by a good $2M. If he made about $7M you would not hear as much complaining here. But here we are and that 9.5 AAV actually helps the Hawks get to the cap floor.
- Angotti

I beg to differ. We've got some veteran complainers here.

The Hawks have $42 million this season, $70 million next year, and $80 million of cap space after that assuming minimal increases in the cap. Maybe Kurashev gets a bump but there is little home grown talent that is going to need large contracts. We all hope Bedrard is in a position to sign an 8 year $15 miilion contract in 4 years but regardless there is alot the Hawks can do to make themselves much more competitive now with plenty of cap space when the propsects start needing long term deals. It will be a dissapointment if the team does not use all of the available cap to either get players or take problem contracts for picks.

Bedard is going to play. There is no reason to rush anyone else next season which builds slow and pushes off the next round of huge contracts another year. Korchinski can play 9 NHL games, go back to junior, play WJC and hopefully have another long Memorial Cup run. Allen I believe can go to Rockford. I don't believe any of the other transformational prospects that have been picked by Davidson have to be promoted.

Washington wants to retool and wants to get out from Kuzntzov and Mantha's salaries. Kuznetzov has 2 years at $8 and Mantha 1 year at $6. Would Washinton dump those two with a significant pick? Damaged goods in the last year of their contracts usually zero in and have decent years.

Vancouver has several contracts that are bothering them. They probably think OEL is a Seabrook type deal that can't be traded. Would they include a sweetener for Davidson to eat $7.3 x 4?

Philadelphia has new management. Hayes has been a big dissapointment. Would they consider dumping his $7 x 3?

DeBrusk is unrestricted after this season and he did ask for a trade last year. Could a couple of stockpiled draft picks be used to get him?

Hathaway, Shattenkirk and Domi are free agents. Could 3 year deals at $3 million entice Hathaway and Shattenkirk? Could $4 million for 5 years get Domi?

Could Richardson get 95 points out of this roster? Can he coach that defense to reduce the goals against from 300 to 230? Increase goals for from 204 to 230?

Mantha Kuznetzov Reichel
DeBrusk Bedard Domi
Hathaway Hayes Kurashev
Johnsson Richardenson Blackwell

Jones Shattenkirk
Murphy OEL
Vlasic Zaisev

Mrazek Soderblom

Still under the cap with a few million to spend. Nodody tied up when Nazar, Korchinski, Allen, Del Mastro, Kaiser and others need bride deals or to be secured long term early.
- stevefrmglencoe

I think you're going to be disappointed. Appreciate all the thought that went into this but KD is building this team for long term success. Imho for now it'll be done through the draft and developing players, taking on bad contracts that fit within their time line.

The Hawks have $42 million this season, $70 million next year, and $80 million of cap space after that assuming minimal increases in the cap. Maybe Kurashev gets a bump but there is little home grown talent that is going to need large contracts. We all hope Bedrard is in a position to sign an 8 year $15 miilion contract in 4 years but regardless there is alot the Hawks can do to make themselves much more competitive now with plenty of cap space when the propsects start needing long term deals. It will be a dissapointment if the team does not use all of the available cap to either get players or take problem contracts for picks.

Bedard is going to play. There is no reason to rush anyone else next season which builds slow and pushes off the next round of huge contracts another year. Korchinski can play 9 NHL games, go back to junior, play WJC and hopefully have another long Memorial Cup run. Allen I believe can go to Rockford. I don't believe any of the other transformational prospects that have been picked by Davidson have to be promoted.

Washington wants to retool and wants to get out from Kuzntzov and Mantha's salaries. Kuznetzov has 2 years at $8 and Mantha 1 year at $6. Would Washinton dump those two with a significant pick? Damaged goods in the last year of their contracts usually zero in and have decent years.

Vancouver has several contracts that are bothering them. They probably think OEL is a Seabrook type deal that can't be traded. Would they include a sweetener for Davidson to eat $7.3 x 4?

Philadelphia has new management. Hayes has been a big dissapointment. Would they consider dumping his $7 x 3?

DeBrusk is unrestricted after this season and he did ask for a trade last year. Could a couple of stockpiled draft picks be used to get him?

Hathaway, Shattenkirk and Domi are free agents. Could 3 year deals at $3 million entice Hathaway and Shattenkirk? Could $4 million for 5 years get Domi?

Could Richardson get 95 points out of this roster? Can he coach that defense to reduce the goals against from 300 to 230? Increase goals for from 204 to 230?

Mantha Kuznetzov Reichel
DeBrusk Bedard Domi
Hathaway Hayes Kurashev
Johnsson Richardenson Blackwell

Jones Shattenkirk
Murphy OEL
Vlasic Zaisev

Mrazek Soderblom

Still under the cap with a few million to spend. Nodody tied up when Nazar, Korchinski, Allen, Del Mastro, Kaiser and others need bride deals or to be secured long term early.
- stevefrmglencoe

You know that's not a bad plan, but I doubt if all these piece fall into place.

1. Surround Bedard with some talented players and instill some winning culture instead of just getting to the cap floor playing with so-so players next year with the likelihood of getting a top 5 pick next summer.

2. By taking on these cap dumps and getting high picks there will be a stock pile of them going forward to keep replenishing the pipeline or trading them for some needed pieces to round out the lineup.

3. If the team is not on track for 95 points and playoff contention, maybe flip one or two of those acquired veterans for even more assets that could be used down the road.

4. Maybe extend Debrusk and he could become your Patrick Sharp veteran to shepherd the new crop of forwards?

5. Like to see space in the lineup for Raddysh. Blackwell or D!ckinson included in some trades? Guttman or Katchouk as 13th or 14th forward.

6. Put OEL on LTIR to open up another spot for a D prospect. Sit or bury Zaitsev for another D prospect. Would Murphy become expendable if Shattenkirk is around?

You know that's not a bad plan, but I doubt if all these piece fall into place.

1. Surround Bedard with some talented players and instill some winning culture instead of just getting to the cap floor playing with so-so players next year with the likelihood of getting a top 5 pick next summer.

2. By taking on these cap dumps and getting high picks there will be a stock pile of them going forward to keep replenishing the pipeline or trading them for some needed pieces to round out the lineup.

3. If the team is not on track for 95 points and playoff contention, maybe flip one or two of those acquired veterans for even more assets that could be used down the road.

4. Maybe extend Debrusk and he could become your Patrick Sharp veteran to shepherd the new crop of forwards?

5. Like to see space in the lineup for Raddysh. Blackwell or D!ckinson included in some trades? Guttman or Katchouk as 13th or 14th forward.

6. Put OEL on LTIR to open up another spot for a D prospect. Sit or bury Zaitsev for another D prospect. Would Murphy become expendable if Shattenkirk is around?
- boilermaker100

I do not think the market for salary dumps will be robust and we will be underwhelmed by the return. Too many teams with cap space, tepid free-agent market, strong draft pool makes for a bad combination (and teams who are competitive and need space have like the Bruins, Vegas, have little draft capital) Possibly early round picks in future drafts but thinking it will look more like pick swaps for players.

Fun to speculate but realistically expecting smaller returns to take on significant money.

Curious as to what the Ducks would want for Fantilli. #19 and 3 of the 4 2nd rounders?

I do not think the market for salary dumps will be robust and we will be underwhelmed by the return. Too many teams with cap space, tepid free-agent market, strong draft pool makes for a bad combination (and teams who are competitive and need space have like the Bruins, Vegas, have little draft capital) Possibly early round picks in future drafts but thinking it will look more like pick swaps for players.

Fun to speculate but realistically expecting smaller returns to take on significant money.
- Revco38

Well, giving up second and third round picks AND add making Cap room hand in hand is a pretty deal from teams planning to re-up their new Russian (Vancouver), as the picks seem to add a valuable bonus in a team like Vancouver's salary dump.

Who knows? Certainly, we do not!

Curious as to what the Ducks would want for Fantilli. #19 and 3 of the 4 2nd rounders?
- Assman22

Probably have to add to that. Maybe a top prospect like Korchinski or Nazar and/or Chicago's 2024 1st. But KD won't do that. I bet he'd be happy if he could use 19 and a 2nd to move up several spots to 11-14.

I do not think the market for salary dumps will be robust and we will be underwhelmed by the return. Too many teams with cap space, tepid free-agent market, strong draft pool makes for a bad combination (and teams who are competitive and need space have like the Bruins, Vegas, have little draft capital) Possibly early round picks in future drafts but thinking it will look more like pick swaps for players.

Fun to speculate but realistically expecting smaller returns to take on significant money.
- Revco38

Good points. And some of those proposed cap dumps have trade restrictions. OEL has a full NMC; Hayes - 12 team no trade; Kuznetsov - 10 team no trade. But it's fun to speculate.

Good points. And some of those proposed cap dumps have trade restrictions. OEL has a full NMC; Hayes - 12 team no trade; Kuznetsov - 10 team no trade. But it's fun to speculate.
- boilermaker100

Great point I overlooked. Love to grab Tavares + for future considerations but doubt he waives to come here.