Don't Even Think About It Because Parise is Going to Re-sign with the Devils (so don't read this, just look away, I'm telling you)
by Quisp on May 11, 2011 4:38 PM PDT
Email
Print
The Hockey News: Rumor Roundup: Rumor Roundup: Will Parise remain a Devil?
New Jersey Devils left winger Zach Parise recently said contract negotiations between his agent and Devils management still haven't begun. [...] Parise [...] claimed he was open to re-signing a long-term contract extension, but didn’t know if he would have to accept an arbiter-awarded one-year deal [...]. It's possible Devils GM Lou Lamoriello will file for salary arbitration to make Parise ineligible to receive offer sheets from rival clubs. [...] The Devils could re-sign Parise to an expensive extension, but with about $52 million committed to 17 players next season it would take a big bite out of their limited cap space. Among the players they have to re-sign or replace is backup goaltender Johan Hedberg, who posted good numbers relieving starter Martin Brodeur this season (14-12-2 in 33 games, 2.39 GAA, .912 SP, three shutouts), but like Parise, Hedberg has yet to be contacted by management about a new contract. Hedberg earned $1.5 million this season ($1 million in base salary plus $500,000 in bonuses) and might be willing to accept the same money again next season, though on a longer term. Brodeur is hopeful Hedberg will be back, but that of course will depend on Hedberg’s salary demands and how much cap space the Devils have.
Another key free agent is defenseman Andy Greene, who's been a workhorse on the Devils blueline, but who will seek a substantial raise over the $737,500 cap hit he commanded this season. His numbers will earn him around $2 million on the open market, but he'd have to accept less than that to remain a Devil.
And the Devils need cheap defensemen who can play third-pair minutes. Davis Drewiske, for example?
Further complicating matters is the Devils’ obvious need for at least one skilled puck-moving defenseman. Several good ones will be available via free agency unless they re-sign before July 1. The notables include: Tomas Kaberle,Andrei Markov, Joni Pitkanen, Christian Ehrhoff, James Wisniewski and Bryan McCabe, but given the Devils’ limited cap space they're unlikely to be able to land any of those players.
Viatcheslav Voynov? Alec Martinez? Thomas Hickey? Nicolas Deslauriers? All four of those guys aren't going to have careers as Kings. But I bet they all have NHL careers. That's three of the speedy defensemen one of whom may be the fastest on the planet, and Thomas Hickey.
Lamoriello will have to consider going the trade route, which has led to speculation he’ll trade Parise later this summer if unable to re-sign him to a long-term extension. It remains to be seen if the Devils GM would go that far, but if he re-signs Parise, he'll have to at least consider the trade market to land a quality blueliner.
Hmm.
To make that happen Lamoriello would have to give up a quality player in return and, if not Parise, it would mean moving Travis Zajac or David Clarkson, though the latter's $2.66 million per season salary over the next two years will make him less attractive on the trade market. This summer is shaping up to be another difficult one for Lamoriello, though Devils fans can at least take some comfort in Parise's belief his contract negotiations won't take as long to sort out as Ilya Kovalchuk's did last summer.
But what's he supposed to say?
Look. I know what the "offer he can't refuse" is. It's Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson for Parise. Brown's and Johnson's contracts are both affordable, and those players are theoretically untouchable leaders, stars. Yet, for the Kings, both those players have been maddeningly problematic.
In that sense, it's a fair trade. A fair trade that would piss off a lot of people on both sides. And would make a lot of people happy on both sides.
How would I rationalize such a trade?
Brown
- I love Brown as a third fiddle.
- Not as a leader.
- The Kings had a problem not only in 5-on-5 scoring, but on the power play. This addresses both.
- Parise is a LEFT WING.
- There's a bottleneck at RW. Simmonds is in many ways Brown Jr.. Will he put up Brown numbers? Probably not.
- But I'm (possibly over-) confident that Oscar Moller or Tyler Toffoli will be able to replace Brown's goals sooner or later. And Justin Williams is tied up for several years. You could trade Williams...but which one do you think Lombardi would trade first? (Feel free to throw Williams in for Brown, if that works for you.)
- Parise and Mollerfoli > Brown.
Johnson
- It occurs to me that many (Kings fans, not Devils fans) will think Brown AND Johnson would be wildly over-paying for Parise. I won't argue with you. You might be right. But remember I was going for an offer Lou can't refuse. Also:
- Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, Alec Martinez, Viatcheslav Voynov, Thomas Hickey and Nicolas Deslauriers are all speedy, skilled, offensive-minded defensemen. Three years from now, five or six of these guys will be playing a regular shift in the NHL. But there's simply no room for them all on the Kings.
- I happen to think Nicolas Deslauriers is going to make the team in a couple of years. I don't know anything. But I think it.
- Doughty, I assume (!), is a King for life. How many of Johnson, Martinez, Voynov and Hickey (and Deslauriers in 2013 or so) can the Kings cram into their top six? My guess is at least two and at most three. So one or two of those guys is going to leave, one way or another.
- Which one or two? And when will they leave? And how does Lombardi project the futures of those guys? Voynov had a great season in the AHL, Hickey quietly had a very good one. Martinez is a year ahead of both of them.
- The three who aren't Johnson are cheap. And the well that fills from below is the whole idea behind cap management.
- Lombardi traded Lubomir Visnovsky under similar circumstances.
- Is Mitchell/Doughty-Scuderi/Voynov-Martinez/Greene, really worse that Mitchell/Doughty-Scuderi-Johnson/Martinez-Greene? I don't think so. But even if you disagree, let Muzzin make the team, and he can go in for Voynov as needed. And, that, if you ask me, is a clear improvement.
Cammalleri - Armstrong - Brown
O'Sullivan - Handzus - Calder
Ivanans - Thornton - Zeiler
54 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Johnson and Brown for Parise and picks would be a pretty amazing trade.
Johnson has a ways to go before he could be considered a league average defensive defenseman (Alec Martinez had a better year than JJ, imo).
Brown’s QUALTEAM this year was by far the greatest of his career yet his point production stayed the same. I would do it. But I really really really doubt DL does it.
Quite possibly the only LA Kings fan living in Brooklyn, New York.
I think we can all agree the above is better than than this line-up from October 2007:
Nagy – Kopitar – Frolov
Cammalleri – Armstrong – Brown
O’Sullivan – Handzus – Calder
Ivanans – Thornton – Zeiler
Visnovsky – Blake
Stuart – Pressing
Modry – Johnson
Aubin – Labarbera
But that team finished dead last in the NHL. I think we can shoot for a little better than having a lineup than exceeds the worst team this franchsie ever put on the ice!
Is the lineup you propose with Parise, but minus Brown and JJ better than what the Kings had in October 2010? I think that’s the real question.
Personally, I hope Lombardi ignores Parise and goes poking around Frolov again. Alex was good in a Kings uniform and if he could continue to pop in 20-25 goals from the 2nd or 3rd line left wing while setting up 30 or so more goals (which I think he would do on a line with Loktionov/Schenn and Simmonds) he would be a bargain and $2.5-3.5 a year (probably the low end of that range, considering his last couple seasons).
I think the question with Frolov is, what are the long-term implications of his injury? It sounded like he messed up his knee something bad (both ACL and MCL torn, I think). If he’s not going to be the same Frolov that he was before he left, I’d hold out for less than $2.5/year. He may have to take a significant injury discount.
I honestly don’t know what I’d trade to get Parise. But I would offer this: If NJD has to trade away Parise because Kovy’s contract makes it difficult to afford another long-term, big-$ contract, won’t LL being doing something that Kovalchuk’s weasel of an agent essentially suggested to Lombardi last summer? That is, if you can’t afford to re-sign a key RFA down the line because you threw so much cap space at Kovalchuk, you’re basically trading the young stud you won’t be able to sign to acquire Kovalchuk. Well, that struck me as a sucky proposition back then, and it will suck big time for NJD if that turns out to be the case. Kovalchuk is only an attempt to prop up the present; Parise is their future.
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
Poor Fro. My reaction to him leaving was “I hate this.” I still freaking hate it. Gah.
I dunno, I still see the Devils keeping Parise and if they file for arbitration it’ll be as a defensive move. But it’s fun to play around with. It’s a long offseason.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Poor Fro. My reaction to him leaving was "I hate this." I still freaking hate it.
Yeah, swapping him for Poni turned out not to be such a hot idea. Although you could say last year was a wash in that both teams were disappointed with what they got.
I keep thinking back to the rumors last year that Frolov’s agent wanted $5 mil/year from the Kings, which was just too much. I would have re-upped him at $3.5 mil.
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
Just can’t see the love affair with Frolov. Good player, yes. But not a big game player. Seemed to fade under pressure and in those moments did nothing on defense to compensate.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
Why would you turn up your nose at a “good player”?
The Kings don’t have a single winger better than Frolov. None of the wings who played in LA this season is a “great player” and several barely rise to the level of good. So why wouldn’t you want a guy like Frolov?
And I disagree with your assessment about his defense. He was the best defensive forward on the team not named Handzus and the Kings missed that presence this season.
I think that the Kings need Frolov’s skill set more than most teams because puck possession is so important to their game. I think it was someone on Vancouver last season who said that it’s no fun to play against the Kings because they never let you have the puck. Fro was an important part of that.
I maintain that Fro was a victim of having an anomalous season early in his career, which set unrealistic expectations about what he ‘should’ do, and which obscured his positives in some people’s eyes (perhaps Lombardi’s and Murray’s).
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
except that frolov left and simmonds and poni inherited his tough defensive assignments and
their numbers took the frolov nosedive. it’s not the player, it’s the system..
Wait till this year.
Fro signed with Omsk in KHL
Three year deal.
Good Luck Fro!
by Cirtes on May 12, 2011 7:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
The thing I don't get is
whether or not they realize that the role they had him play in the system (combined with putting him on the 2nd unit PP) was bound to lower his numbers. There were a few people saying they did that on purpose, and since it was a contract year, I have to wonder. But then TM expects Poni to do the same. I hope they can at least realize the effect of the system in retrospect.
Of course, all of these details are going to be lost in the slew of “Fro to the KHL” articles to come — they’ll just mention that TM scratched him once, and say he was a disappointment. Well, the Kings ought to miss him now.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
i am doing a fro numbers vs. poni and simmonds numbers under murray post
i don’t think murray can do anything other than say “you have to score more” because he can’t change his system because it only works the way it works.
Wait till this year.
That’s funny! I was writing a Fro post too. That one sounds more comprehensive.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
I think that the Kings need Frolov’s skill set more than most teams because puck possession is so important to their game.
A very good point. And it helped Handzus too — if Fro is hanging on to the puck, he doesn’t have to have a blaze of speed.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
i'd do it
brown and JJ for Parise…..i’d do it.
i know people don’t like it — but it works for both sides.
Quisp!!!!?
I should be making my supper right now and here I am responding to this. I live in ny and if you think that they would ever give up Parise for only Brown or JJ you are dreaming very big time. I’ve followed you for some time and I know you aren’t inclined (other than maybe in private) to dream in that manner.
Unless you were just tossing it out there.
Based on what you say, is it poss that LL and the Devs could figure into the Kings plans this summer? Yes. But no one would get Parise without giving up a lot. Lou Lamoriello is not Kevin Lowe, or Glen Sather or whoever else you like. And I KNOW that YOU know that!
LL for sure would know what Brown’s strengths and weaknesses are. Unlike DL taking a flyer on Penner. And speaking of Flyer… listening to one of the journalists who follow the Flyers, there are evidently issues in the room (gossip on the net too) and so I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Holmgren tried to swipe Bernier for someone like Jeff Carter who in spite of his lofty totals, the journalist wasn’t really raving about.
Hope I’m wrong, and if I am right I hope DL doesn’t take the bait.
Cause remember, the Flyers have cap issues as well.
Which LL are we talking about
The one that everyone used to respect or the one that could barely field a team last fall cuz he threw buckets of money on one player.
All due respect … the guy DID put them in a helluva tough spot. (and I’m not sure how much I buy that “owner told me so!” stuff
by Matt George on May 11, 2011 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
btw
You mentioned David Clarkson. What in God’s name would we want with David Clarkson?
He’s just another grinder. Good player but exactly what we do not need.
i didn't mention clarkson; the article did.
and i said brown AND johnson. and then I said there’s no way new jersey would trade parise for one or the other of them.
Wait till this year.
I think you called it pretty well. And, Johnson seems like he’ll have a big upside in a couple of years. In the meanwhile through Johnson is a much better puck handler he reminds me of Corvo in the sense that I (mistakenly) thought Corvo would be a player I’d miss.
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
Well, the thing to remember about Corvo is that he had his breakthrough year relatively late in his development, which was probably an indicator of his limited upside. In other words, he had a career year at about the time when a lot of players have their anomalous good year.
Johnson, on the other hand, is still fairly young and has been improving rather steadily (though apparently, not quickly enough for all concerned observers).
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
He has flashes of improvement. The underlying numbers are not pretty. It’s like he used to run around doing whatever, and now he doesn’t, but he still doesn’t have it down.
But DL knows he’s a work in progress, as the Gann Matsuda interview kerfuffle showed. He’s hoping he puts it all together late, like Pronger.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Hello 'Quisp One'
I had some deep tissue physio yesterday and it knocked me for six and am still recuperating so probably why I didn’t get that all straight so merci beaucoup for the correction.
Parise is coming home to the Islanders
So no worries guys.
"And Campbell knows that if head-shots are eliminated, fighting must be eliminated too. Since fighting is, by definition, punching people in the head" - Quisp
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Snow should send Nabokov to pick him up if that happens!
by JZarris on May 11, 2011 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m still high from the Det-Sj Game 6. Wow that was a great game. Looking forward to tomorrow night. Hope the Wings can get it done. I am Not looking forward to a Vanc SJ Conf Finals. I really don’t even know if I’d bother watching it unless it went to a Game 6 and 7
i'd have to agree
Vanc or SJ
Hospital Food or Airline Food
Rectal Exam or inguinal hernia Exam
flip a coin
by Matt George on May 11, 2011 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Matt.. I lyke yur dok....
you know…. the one in the photo
funny little post there too…. started my day out w a laugh
or……. if you prefer….. LOL
Jones + Voyonov = Parise maybe? They need a goalie because Frazee isn’t ready still and Brodeur is old. Jones has no chance behind Bernier and Quick.
He'll likely stay in NJ; they can't afford him
But they can’t afford to lose him even more…
"If you're looking in my general direction, you're looking the wrong way."
Barca Blaugranes
I don’t see this happening whatsoever. It love the idea of the move, but DL loves to be all passive and stockpile his prospects and picks and not make the big significant splash of a move.
But hey, what do I know, Lombardi knows he has to move kids for parts at some point to make a run and this could be the first domino to fall.
Should be an interesting summer!
Giv'r
by DontDoughtDrew on May 12, 2011 12:50 AM PDT reply actions
I’d trade Brown and Johnson to NJ for Parise in a heartbeat without thinking about it. And that is precisely why I don’t think NJ would do it. I still think to get Parise, the Kings will have to give up either Bernier or Quick if and when NJ decides to move Parise – which I still don’t think will happen.
I guess Frolov isn't an option anymore now too....
He signed in the KHL
Giv'r
by DontDoughtDrew on May 12, 2011 8:39 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I can’t imagine NJ trading Parise for any package that doesn’t include Bernier or Quick. Both are signed for relatively modest salaries the next two years, at which point Bernier would still be an RFA.
I wouldn’t trade Johnson in a package unless it consisted of picks and prospects, not another core player like Brown. He is a 24 year-old, puck moving defenseman who hasn’t seen his prime yet but has already been to the Olympics and playoffs. He certainly makes his share of mistakes but nothing out of the ordinary for a young, offensive defenseman on a young team. He’s pretty durable, having played 74+ games in three of his four full seasons. In one or two years, I think we’ll be looking back at his contract and say what a bargain it is.
My prefered trade for Parise based on what I think they’d want is Jones, Martinez, Simmonds, and a prospect or two not named Scheen and Lotki.
I’d be OK given up Quick, and either Johnson or Brown, and prospects.
I wouldn’t trade Bernier, unless it meant no other current NHL goes except Martinez, and they also get lesser prospects.
by Throwdeuce5150 on May 12, 2011 11:07 AM PDT reply actions
I’d be ok with Quick, Stoll, and like you mentioned a prospect not named Schenn or Loktionov. Martinez can also be added if they want an NHL ready defenseman right away.
DL’s philosophy has been to build from the goal-line out, so I really don’t think he’s trading guys like Bernier and/or Johnson for a winger, even if it is Parise.
The only forwards making 3+ mil that I would consider untouchable is Kopi & Brownie.
Definitely would be ok with JJ going.
So JJ and other 3+ forward not named Kopi/Brownie is fine. Not sure if Martinez is ready to replace JJ so then another package including 3+ forward(s)/prospect(s) for 2-way dman capable of big minutes (to replace JJ).
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Jewels From The Crown
Related FanShots on Jewels From The Crown
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
