Does anyone really believe the Flyers would part with Jeff Carter ?
Yes, we have all read rumors - and the thinking is a #1 goalie might be the difference between where Philly currently sits and a potential cup run (or at least a push to secure playoff entry). It is likely the Flyers will attempt to make a move some time in the season but not wishing to part with Carter, Richards, Giroux, JVR, Carle, or Coburn. Flyers would most likley be grateful to move Briere, Gagne, or Timonen – less enthuiastic if Hartnell was included (all 4 have NMC / NTC clause). Decisions made by Snider / Holmgren will not be easy as they have major Cap issues as well.
The difference between Jeff Carter 08-09 and this yr is shooting % - likely to improve back to career avg 12% in 2nd half .
The Jeff Carter to Habs rumors seem to be just an updated version of the Vinny lust we dealt with in prior years and fans are not likley to see JC in a Habs jersey anytime soon. Keep in mind also that Big Center Love is an expensive vice and none have been moved in the past five years. See Vinny, Marleau, Thornton, Getzlaf, Kopitar, etc..
I do believe that some minor BG moves may occur by trade deadline as Habs now have numerous players sitting in pressbox or anxiously waiting in Hamilton. Habs also have Cap issues, and at least one significant question to answer ... can BG sign Pleks before end of season?
• S Kostitsyn - "Mikey Ribs" type issues last year. Work ethic & “entitlement” issues earlier this season. Pouliot looking top six makes a difference here as well. One last opportunity to showcase skills due to big brother's injury.
• M Carle - Demanded trade last year after Weber showed greater potential, and passed by PK Subban on depth chart this year. Carle did look great in the call up this year, is a RD, can be used on PP, and has improved in the defensive end, so decent throw in trade pkg.
• J Halak - Current Habs Mgmt would not be too eager to see highest draft pick in 20 yrs ( CP 5th overall) go onto a cup related career with any team in future. Jaro deserves shot at a starting gig and has been a solid team first guy for years. His agent likely upped ante with comments earlier in the season. With Habs recent move up the standings, would BG wait until trade deadline to move a goalie or gamble further and keep both goalies through RFA, knowing that one would be lost via UFA status after? Reasonable to think - Habs are not looking Cup parade this year, so maybe this is one key asset that could be moved to improve team going forward.
• M Lapierre – This is a tough one if it occurs. Thinking this is a combination of mismanaged resource and perhaps “entitlement” issues on ML’s part. Has not been used in similar role as last year.. reduced PK time, bounced from line to line, and not meant to play top 6 minutes. Was perhaps our most improved player last season.
• It is possible that Ryan White may have more upside to BG than Ben Maxwell, if so, then consider BM a minor potential trade piece at some point. Most have been hoping that BM would be the next Pleks (2nd line two way C), but a slight step back this season does not help his cause.
Looking at the players noted above and the Habs current cap situation should not lead one to conclude that a big hulking center would be part of any return package. Best bet - draft picks or another Pouliot type reclamation project.
BTW, now that Habs D is mostly healthy, the conversations begin re moving one of our day to day D. I do not think this will occur. Markov is out of the question. Spacek, Gill, and Mara (UFA at yrs end) were just signed – if Habs ever want another free agent signing in Habville, these guys are not going anywhere. OB has size and is the only RD in the bunch. Gorges is our most versatile D. MAB is looking like someone Habs may want to sign in the offseason and use as PP specialist / utility player if $$ are right. This leaves Hammer as only D to consider moving … and give your head a shake if you think Hammer should go. He is one of the main reasons the Habs survived the Markov injury and has been a horse on the blueline this year. With Mara’s contract up at year end ... PK should likely be next in line, moving Spacek back to LD position, with MAB as “7th” D when necessary.
Thoughts?
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