Friday, June 25, 2010

Ice Scoopz: Draft Day Afternoon

*-> The Chicago Blackhawks are apparently hot for goalie Jack Campbell and are looking to land the US native. The Hawks are willing to trade picks in order to move up in the draft to land him.

*-> Florida has stated today they have a defenseman in mind and will not trade their pick unless a major deal can be worked out for the number 3 pick. They have a few suitors but nothing worth passing up their player of choice. Its also rumored that the player in their cross hairs is Erik Gudbransen.

*-> Florida is also in talks with the Blackhawks in regards to Kris Versteeg its being reported. Florida is willing to part with almost any roster player but the Hawks are talking picks.

*-> The Columbus Blue Jackets are thinking they'll stay with their 1st round pick instead of making a deal. They are looking at Kaberle but would rather get a center before a defenseman its reported.

9 comments:

DWYZ said...

Great stuff Scoopz....u have more updates than any of the big 3 sites....keep it coming...

Jalen said...

Scoopz,

D-dub's right, this is the best blogging site on the 'Net to talk hockey. Your updates and insight are awesome.

I predicted Versteeg would end up in Florida and if the 'Hawks are really interested, maybe they'll work at a deal for the 15th pick if Campbell's still available.

I still think Florida will take Fowler, Tallon overpaid huge to sign Campbell and both Fowler and Gormley fit the mold of defenceman he drafted in Chicago more than Gudbranson does....but I could be wrong.

I think Columbus will take Connolly at 4. If they were really locked on a centre, wouldn't they be after Spezza or Savard? If needed, they could use some of their other prospects to trade for a centre.

- Jalen

Anonymous said...

Scoopz, quit your day job and do this full time.

Jalen, quit hanging out with Chip you're getting confused and delusional. The Blue Jackets aren't after Savard or Spezza because neither is available. Just because Tyler Seguin is going to be the franchise in Boston doesn't mean other quality centres lose their value. Right now, Savard is an absolute bargain at 4 million. If anyone gets moved, its David Krejci, though I would try converting him to wing if at all possible. Could be lethal with Seguin.

And how many times do we have to beat this dead horse: Spezza isn't going anywhere, because we would never get an asset in return that is as valuable as Spezz is to the team. End of story. It's fun to speculate about possible trades, but let's leave it there.

Florida is picking Gudbranson for sure, I'll lay money on it. Everyone seems to have him pegged as a defensive defenseman but if you look at his numbers, you'll see he is a regular contributor offensively to a goal-starved Kingston team. Tallon won't pick an American (Fowler) or a Quebec league player (Gormley) IMHO.

Chicago is the only team in the league that could safely pick Campbell high in the first round. Maybe if they move their 24th and 30th overall pick they can get Florida's 15th. They already have a wealth of young players at all positions and are obviously facing cap issues. Getting Campbell might make sense as a cheap solution. Hope they don't rush him to the show, though. Be good for him to play with Windsor next year.

Chartered Accountant

DWYZ said...

If Gonchar goes, I wonder if the pens will have interest in Kaberle? Maybe a Kaberle for Stall move?

Jalen said...

D-dub - unless he's bluffing entirely, Shero's been adamant that Staal isn't going anywhere. Also, if I know your GM, he'd much prefer to move Kabs to the Western conference. Althouth I'm not the biggest fan of your team, I think Burke should look at a guy like Lombardi - a cheap option with upside that can help you contend for a playoff spot while the kids develop. He's got tons of speed and would be a good compliment to Kessel...

Chartered Accountant - you and Skanks are the ones beating off the dead horse, I never even entertained the notion Spezza would be going anywhere.

As far as Savard goes, he's definitely available and his cap hit is friendly only because it goes until he's thirty freaking nine.

As far as Tallon not drafting an American, you should google a pick he made of a kid named "Kane." My point is that Fowler and Gormley both play a style more like the defence he built in Chicago. I've watched them all play and Fowler is the best D in this draft imo. And you cannot forget that Tallon needs to find a way to sell tickets in FLA.

- Jalen

Anonymous said...

Hey Jalen,
how bout that third overall !

CA

Jalen said...

CA,

You mean the third pick by Tallon who wouldn't draft an American in the first round? Americans like Jack Skille, Patrick Kane and this year's other first rounder, Nick Bjugstad?

Although I'm pulling for the kid, Tallon will regret not taking Fowler as the best D in this draft were Fowler - McIlrath - Gormley - Gudbranson.

- Jalen

DWYZ said...

McIlrath = the Next Wade Belak

Jalen said...

There will never be another Wade Belak...no two players could be that awful.

- Jalen