Tag: trade

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The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies make a 5 player swap

New Detroit Tigers president, Scott Harris promised to take calculated risks in rebuilding the Tigers roster. Saturday afternoon, Harris made good on his promise as the Detroit Tigers sent two-time All Star relief pitcher Gregory Soto and utility player Cody Clemens to the Philadelphia Phillies for Nick Maton, Donny Sands and Matt Vierling.

This is a trade that helps both Philadelphia and Detroit. The Phillies looking to improve their bullpen did so by trading for closer and All Star pitcher Gregory Soto, giving up utility players in the trade the Phillies also received Cody Clemens to aid the loss of a role player.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 05: Nick Maton #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies singles in the eighth inning against Phil Maton #88 of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

So what did the Detroit Tigers get in this trade that can help them in 2023? The answer is a lot. Nick Maton, brings  infield and outfield versatility appearing in 86 games for the Phillies it was clear that he had become one of the team utility players. Again, Maton’s versatility is a big asset as the Tigers can insert him in just about anywhere on the field.

C- Donny Sands, seems to be more of a throw in and will not be counted on very much if at all at the MLB level. That is okay as it strengthens the Tigers overall minor league system.

OF- Matt Vierling is the real get in the trade for Detroit. Vierling is a player who has breakout potential which is why he was Detroit’s prime target in the deal. With a Phillies team that was stacked with outfielders, Vierling has been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to play everyday. Scouts believe Vierling has the potential to develop into a solid hitter not too mention he can play all three OF positions.

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Gregory Soto #65 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The loss of Soto was big for a Tigers team looking to improve their bullpen. However, there is a bigger picture. This is another rebuild for the Tigers and they needed and need to cash in players for prospects and players who are on the verge of breakout seasons.

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What will the Detroit Red Wings do with Dylan Larkin

Detroit Red Wings captain, Dylan Larkin is in the final year of a 5-year contract. It is being reported that Larkin and his reps are seeking the same dollar amount that the New York Islanders signed center Matthew Brazal to, 8 years, $73.2 million. It is also known that the Red Wings and general manager Steve Yzerman does not want to pay a player $9-$10 million per-season. So what happens now?

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings attends the 2022 NHL Draft at the Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Dylan Larkin is a Michigan guy. Born and raised in Waterford, Mi. Larkin attended the University of Michigan where he was captain of the Wolverines hockey team. Larkin was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. He said recently the he could not seeing playing for any team but the Red Wings.

Under his current contract Dylan Larkin has exceeded the 60 point mark 3-times. Larkin has transformed his game into being a top line center, pre draft Larkin was viewed as a second line center.

It appears at this time the Detroit Red Wings and their captain are no where close to a deal. Sure they have time to make one work, but if not the Red Wings could cash Larkin in for prospects, draft picks and NHL players.

What would a possible trade look like? First of all top line centers (1C) do not get traded very often at all, throw in a team captain and the return would ben steep to the team making the trade and a gold mine for the Red Wings as far as the return.

In a hypothetical trade, between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Red Wings a trade could like like:

Detroit gets: Zach Werenski (D), Emil Bemstrom (F), Blue Jackets first round draft pick (from the Chicago Blackhawks)

Columbus gets: Dylan Larkin

Again that is only a hypothetical trade. That is the kind of return an elite 1C would net the Red Wings.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 14: Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings is introduced before an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on October 14, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

As of right now it is difficult to know if Steve Yzerman is leaning towards signing the Red Wings captain, or if he is taking phone calls, which I suspect some teams have called as a check in.

No matter what happens the Detroit Red Wings are and will be in good shape. If they sign Larkin great! If they trade Larkin great! One thing is for sure, this will be a huge no matter which direction it goes.

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Could the Columbus Blue Jackets trade for Jakob Chychrun

Now that both the NHL draft and free agency have past and NHL training camps are just weeks away from getting underway, it is time to check in on past trade talks. Right around the draft the Arizona Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets were talking about a trade that centered around Coyotes defensemen Jakob Chychrun. No trade was made but that does not mean that the teams ended the talks entirely.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 08: Jakob Chychrun (6) of the Arizona Coyotes controls the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 8, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Arizona defeated Detroit 9-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Blue Jackets are a young up and coming team and the Coyotes have been in rebuild mode for a while. Columbus has a surplus of forwards and the Coyotes need forwards. The Coyotes have defensive talent and the Blue Jackets need more help on defense. Making this a plausible possibility.

If a trade were made, The Blue Jackets would get an instant upgrade for the blue line. A top pairing of Zach Werenski and Chychrun would help the rest of the roster out as Andrew Peeke would have to slide to the second line so the Blue Jackets depth would be better.

Jakub Chychrun signed a 6 year $27,600,000 contract in 2018. The Blue Jackets who had to trade Oliver Bjorkstrand in order to get Patrik Laine’s new extension under the cap would need to send a player or players to Arizona of at least equal value in order to be under the cap if they trade for Chychrun.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2021-2022 season on September 22, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the trade of Bjorkstrand the word is Columbus is going to give Krill Marchenko a long look in training camp. Still the Blue Jackets could offer a package something along the lines of Gustav Nyquist and former first round draft pick Liam Foudy. Again that is just an example.

Chychrun is a very good defensive player and the asking price would be a lot as it should be. Again the Blue Jackets have a surplus of forwards and certainly have enough to offer the Coyotes.

I am not saying this is going to happen, but it is worth keeping and eye on as it is pre training camp trade season.

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi has shoulder surgery, what it means for the roster

Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi underwent successful shoulder surgery Thursday to repair a labral tear. According to Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, Domi had been having trouble with the shoulder for some time. That may have contributed to an underwhelming season for the usually reliable Domi. With the Columbus Blue Jackets already in need of center help, does the Domi news force the Blue Jackets to trade for a center?

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

In recent days the Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked to Buffalo Sabers center Sam Reinhart. The Sabers are in desperate need of a goalie. The Columbus Blue Jackets have two goalies as well as very good depth in the organization. So trading either Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo for Reinhart would work for both teams.

Max Domi is expected to miss 5-6 months which means he will miss the start of the regular season as he is looking for a November return. Domi struggled this season with 9 goals, 15 assists, 24 points, 75 penalty minutes in 54 games in 2020-21.

As stated it is unknown at this time what role the shoulder injury played in Max Domi’s season. Domi did begin to play better as the season moved along but never reached the level of past seasons. At just 26 years old Domi is far from a declining player.

RALEIGH, NC – MAY 1: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during an NHL game on May 1, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in dire straits at center. The team needs a top line center in the worst way. Now with Domi being shelved for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season the Blue Jackets need a second line center as well. A position that a player like Sam Reinhart could fill.

In what has already shaped up to be a busy offseason for the Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson, The Max Domi injury may have added to the busyness.

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Seth Jones will not re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets

In what feels like a broken record, yet another big name player wants out of Columbus Ohio. Defensemen, Seth Jones. This feels like a huge blow and from a PR standpoint it is. Recently Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and now Seth Jones have or will have all left the Columbus Blue Jackets organization by this summer. Unlike Panarin, Jones is giving plenty of notice. Jones will likely be traded soon.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck in the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)

This is not in any way sour grapes. Seth Jones is a very steady and for the most part solid defensive player. Well he was, the past two seasons Jones has not been very good. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the graph.

As stated Seth Jones is a steady and for the most part solid player. Seth Jones is not elite and has not played like a top defensemen the past two seasons. For whatever reason.

Could he rebound? Sure he could. But Jones at his very best still falls short of other defensive players like Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay), Charlie McAvoy (Boston), Alex Pietrangelo ( St. Louis) and others. Yet the Columbus Blue Jackets by all accounts were prepared to offer Jones a max deal 8 years at $8.5 per-season and word is they were also ready to offer the captaincy to him as well.

President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson said he wants players who want to be in Columbus. Players like Cam Atkinson, Jack Rovsovic and others. With Jones leaving it is my opinion the Blue Jackets should enter a total rebuild.

If they choose and if he is willing to play through a rebuild, then the Blue Jackets could offer defensive player Zack Werenski  a max deal and build around his talents.

The Blue Jackets could tear it all down and trade all assets for prospects and draft picks which would mean trading Werenski, Atkinson, Jones (which they will) and Patrik Laine.

COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 16: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 16, 2019 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Tampa Bay 7-3 to win the series 4-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

One thing that would help the Blue Jackets not only hold onto players but attract free agents is to offer more max deals. Players like to have security. The Columbus Blue Jackets would be wise in transforming into an organization that offers that.

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The Detroit Red Wings trade Anthony Mantha to Washington for a huge haul

The 2021 NHL trade deadline had seemingly come and gone and the Detroit Red Wings had not made a move. Very odd (again seemingly) for a rebuilding team to do nothing. The 3:00 p.m. deadline past, and then at around 3:30 p.m. a bombshell was dropped that sent ripples across the NHL landscape. Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman traded a player who just five months ago was thought to be a cornerstone building block, Anthony Mantha was dealt to the Washington Capitals in a blockbuster trade.

Right Wing Richard Panik, Left Wing Jakub Vrana, as well as a first round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and a second round pick in the 2022 head to Detroit from Washington for Anthony Mantha. Before we dive into just what the Red Wings are getting in Panik and Vrana understand, Steve Yzerman gets an A+ for this trade. This is a trade that will help speed up the rebuild, IF. We will also look at the IF.

First let’s look at Jakub Varna. Varna was the classic good player stuck behind other good players limiting his minutes to about 13- per game. Varana averaged more goals than Mantha even though he was behind players like Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and others.  This was a great get for Yzerman and the Red Wings.

Now for the IF. The draft picks are great to have. But as I have said from time to time, drafting players is like throwing darts at a dartboard. This is where the Detroit Red Wings scouting department must come through.

Richard Panik is a decent player, this was not a target for Yzerman. In order to make the trade happen the Red Wings took Panik which is in effect a salary dump for Washington.

Anthony Mantha had signed a contract extension back in November. He was thought to be part of the long term plans for the Red Wings. Steve Yzerman has said for a long time now that he will listen to any offer for any player something any GM should do.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 06: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Detroit Red Wings skates up ice with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Chicago 2-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Mantha who has had consistency issues and lapses in play had frustrated Red Wings coaches. I have to believe it also frustrated Yzerman. Still Mantha has a lot of upside and perhaps he will do well in Washington.

With the trade Steve Yzerman has sent a message to the rest for the Detroit Red Wings, no player (well a select few) are off the table to be traded.

 

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Rumor: The Detroit Red Wings could trade two young forwards

Rumors are just that, rumors. However, this seems to be one that is gaining momentum. It is widely being speculated that Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman could move two of the teams young forwards. Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi. While this may come as a shock to many, it should not. The Red Wings who will have much needed salary cap space would benefit further if they move Mantha or Bertuzzi or both.

First let me say that if Steve Yzerman moves Anthony Mantha and/or Tyler Bertuzzi he would have to be blown away by an offer. Both Mantha and Bertuzzi are on contracts that other teams would find attractive so money would not be an issue.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings poses for his official headshot for the 2019-2020 season at Little Caesars Arena on September 17, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

The real question is should Yzerman move the players at all? It seems like of the two players Mantha would not be moved due to his skill set. Yet that is exactly why other teams would line up for his services IF he is put on the trading block.

Tyler Bertuzzi, is a gritty players and has offensive scoring punch to go with his two-way play. Bertuzzi would be an easy trade as well. Teams would also line up for his service.

But as this rumor has gained traction what would it mean for the Red Wings? First and foremost it would be a very smart move for Yzerman if he does trade them. It would go a long way in speeding up the Red Wings rebuild. Both players would net a big returns.

This is what a rebuild looks like. Tough decisions need to be made. Steve Yzerman has done the tough decision part before when he took over as GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning. This would be nothing new for the seasoned Yzerman.

DETROIT – MAY 11: An octopus hangs above the ice before game one of the 2007 Western Conference finals between the Anaheim Ducks and the Detroit Red Wings on May 11, 2007 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

Red Wings fans need to understand that while yes Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi are very good players. Their real value to the organization may be in the form of a trade.

 

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The Detroit Red Wings trade for veteran Marc Staal and a second round draft pick

In his quest to both fill roster needs while keeping an eye on the future, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman did both yesterday. Yzerman traded for Marc Staal of the New York Rangers and a second round draft pick  in 2021 NHL draft in exchange for future considerations.

Marc Staal is clearly a player in decline at 33 years old. Last season for the Rangers Staal had appeared in 52 games with the Rangers last season, recording two goals and nine assists. He had one goal in three playoff games.

Staal a 13 year NHL veteran has one year left on his contract with a $5.7 million cap hit. Staal is a player who can be plugged into the fourth line and play limited minutes.

Steve Yzerman has been bent on adding draft picks since becoming Detroit’s general manager. Part of the rebuilding process, is to add draft picks, prospects, young players and future assets to really help us down the line.

In the 2020 and 2021 NHL draft’s Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings organization as of this moment have six second round draft pick in each draft. That will certainly help add future assets.

The Detroit Red Wings were an NHL worst dead last in defense last season. Yzerman said that defensemen Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley would not be resigned.

By adding Staal, he can play the left side along with Patrik Nemeth and Danny DeKeyser. So it was a good trade in the aspect of helping the roster this season. With only one year left on his contract, Yzerman could feel another Red Wing prospect is close to being NHL ready. So a short contract does no derail a player from finishing his development and being in the roster mix at 2021 training camp.

Armed with draft picks, Steve Yzerman is giving his scouting department the opportunity to add important pieces to the Red Wings organization. Just as he said he would.

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The Detroit Pistons Ed Stefanski makes a swanky trade

Embed from Getty Images Jon Leuer had fallen out of favor with Detroit Pistons fans. Leuer suffered a foot injury in 2017-18 that limited him to just eight games and he has not been the same since. Leuer’s expiring contract was viewed as an asset, which the Pistons decided to cash in Wednesday.

Wednesday night Ed Stefanski traded Jon Leuer to the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Tony Snell and the 30th pick in the draft. That’s right. Jon Leuer who has not been the same since he was injured. Netted a nice bench player and the Bucks first round draft pick giving Detroit two first round picks.

Tony Snell is set to make $11.4 million next season and has a player option for $12.2 million for 2020-21, the final years of a four-year deal worth $46 million that he signed in the summer of 2017.

Snell’s arrival in Motown fills a big need for veteran wing help, as the Pistons dealt both Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson at the trade deadline and finished the season with a three-guard rotation. Snell give Detroit a bigger player off the bench.

Appearing in 74 games this season, Tony Snell, averaged 6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and shot 40%  on 3-pointers, taking about three per game. That is more productio they got from Jon Leuer at $9.5 million.

The question now for the Detroit Pistons and the fan base is does Ed Stefanski package the teams two first round draft picks and move up? Tonight is the NBA’s 2019 draft.

As the Pistons continue to construct the roster to maximize the window of All-Star Blake Griffin, it is possible the Pistons look to move up. the 27 year old Snell  is slightly overpaid, his contract is moveable in case next season does not go well, or Snell simply does not mesh with the rest of the team.

In my opinion Detroit will likely pencil Snell in as the Pistons’ starting small forward on opening night in October. He did play well with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The hope here is he plays just as well with Blake Griffin.

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Could the Detroit Red Wings trade a young forward for a defenseman?

Embed from Getty Images At the World Championships, Detroit Red Wings forward  Anthony Mantha is generating a lot of buzz. With 3 goals, 4 assists and 7 points in three games. Anthony Mantha could have possibly  increased … his trade value.

No Red Wings fan should read too much into that. Steve Yzerman pointed out Mantha as being a “core player.” Odds are slight he would get moved. Not to mention Mantha, Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi’s line absolutely exploded the final weeks of the regular season.

Andreas Athanasiou, and Michael Rasmussen, Taro Hirose, Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno, Evgeny Svechnikov and Jonatan Berggren not to mention whoever the Detroit Red Wings  draft next month gives them some great talent at forward.

One problem, outside of Dennis Cholowski and Filip Hronek there is no good defensive talent in the Wings pipeline. Defense is the single most need the Red Wings have.

Tyler Bertuzzi is not going anywhere. He simply brings too much to the table night in and night out for the Red Wings. Which means in a league where you have to give talent to get talent the two names that would bring in a young top line defensive player is Mantha and Athanasiou.

For that to happen it would have to be a trade that makes sense, especially for a general manager like Steve Yzerman. Yzerman, is known as a very aggressive general manager. He will want to get the Wings closer to the playoffs sooner than later.

The Colorado Avalanche, are said to be looking to add scoring. Defensemen Tyson Barrie could be moved for that to happen. That could be an option for Detroit. Also, Carolina, or Anaheim or Nashville all have deep defensive players who could be moved to add scoring.

Players like Mantha and Athanasiou have become valuable bargaining chips if the Wings choose to go the trade route. Both players will become restricted free agents in the summer of 2020, with Mantha currently making $3.3 million per season and Athanasiou $3 million. Both players will be in line for big raises.

Factor in Veleno and Zadina and it is probable a trade is made.