The 2021 VHL Bait Board
May 10, 2021 12:41:47 GMT -5
Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, and 12 more like this
Post by Toronto Maple Leafs on May 10, 2021 12:41:47 GMT -5
It was my pleasure to collaborate with Scott on this project! To get the buzz going as we enter the final week heading in to the May 17 deadline, we present to you, without further ado...
THE BAIT BOARD
1. Jack Eichel, Pittsburgh
Word out of Pittsburgh is that Eichel has demanded a trade due to the inability and utter failure to make the playoffs each year. Jack is an elite center and a superstar. Just imagine how good he can be if he ever gets moved out of Buffalo in the NHL and plays with real talent. As Pittsburgh continues what seems to be an everlasting rebuild, is Jack now too old for his group? 10,000,000 per season for another 3 years beyond this year makes this a tough deal to make but it is a possibility, for a massive price.
2. Erik Karlsson, Minnesota
This would cause a small earthquake in VHL circles if this move were made 3 years ago, but the swashbuckling rover Karlsson's play has declined precipitiously over the past year. Though he remains productive, GM Gibb is not shy to make bold moves and will entertain offers from those betting that EK65 will regain his vintage form that saw him win multiple Norris trophies. EK is not likely to come cheap, and may be a tricky move to make- this may percolate into the offseason.
3. Philipp Grubauer, Pittsburgh
Philipp is having a career year in the NHL, but at 29 years old is he just finding himself like Tim Thomas did for Boston? Or is this a just a blip on the radar. 3 more full seasons beyond this at 5.5 million makes him a very desirable goalie in this league. Expansion pushes a deal to fall by deadline day for Grubauer with the younger Binnington in the mix, but the value here is incredible if anyone can afford the price. Will the price drop by deadline day considering the possible cost to Pittsburgh to retain both goalies? Perhaps someone will grab a hell of a deal here. Buffalo would have been a destination but with Rask now locked up, where are the suitors?
4. Taylor Hall, Detroit
He’s loving Boston in the NHL right now, and his stock is rising once again. VHL Talks are ongoing with a few teams but nothing is imminent. More likely to be resigned by Detroit than not, especially given Detroit's position in the playoff picture right now. However, GM Max in the Motor City is not gun-shy to make a big move, having already dealt former VHL MVP Alex Pietrangelo earlier this season.
5. Marc-Andre Fleury, Florida
Another goaltender having a great NHL season, but at 36 years old how many of those years does he have left? 2 more seasons after this at 5.5 million makes him a solid value as a number 1 goalie next year. Given the length of time on the market and lack of buyers, this makes him a more likely offseason move post-expansion.
6. Nazem Kadri, Vancouver
The pesky Kadri is signed through 2022 and offers a well-rounded game that many contenders should be excited about. His level of nastiness and willingness to play any top 9 role and fit in well makes him a fit almost anywhere, and should net a solid return if dealt. With the perennial contender Canucks taking a step back this season, they're looking to trim salary and re-tool; Kadri appears at this time to be the odd man out.
7. Torey Krug, Minnesota
Another big name on this list from Minnesota, the diminutive powerplay QB could still yet sign an extension; an enticing package coming Minnesota's way could influence that decision. Minnesota's precarious position as both a contender but a team trying to manage assets on their way out the door, a pure "hockey deal" is more likely to involve Krug than an outright sell for picks scenario.
8. Phil Kessel, Vegas
Kessel's top line days may be fading fast, but his knack for scoring big goals make him a buzzworthy name near the top of this list. Having departed the VHL Sabres earlier this season, GM Scott Davidson probably thought he'd seen the last of Phil. Don't rule out a return to the east as the arms race continues to build. Perhaps the ghost of hot-dog Phil will haunt his former GM this spring.
9. Mark Giordano, Minnesota
The 3rd high-profile defensemen on Minnesota's roster potentially finding a new home in 2021, it's likely a matter of when, not if Giordano packs his bags. The former Norris trophy winner offers plenty of leadership and experience, and whether he hits the UFA market this summer or not, should draw plenty of attention from contending teams.
10. Nico Hischier, NY Rangers
Could this young center, a former #1 overall pick coming off an entry level contract really be available already? Those close to the situation say that this could be a deal made after expansion. However, look for interest to ramp up league wide as teams try to shuffle their deck heading into the stretch drive. Look for a team with a deep asset pool to make a run here, particularly Dallas or Florida. Hischier may not have produced like some other 1st overall picks of years past, but his potential remains enormous and he would undoubtedly improve any forward group.
11. Tomas Tatar, Montreal
The 30 year old scoring winger is a pending UFA. He would be a fantastic add to anyone as a rental or could be added with the intent to sign. Curious to see if Montreal lowers the ask on him as deadline approaches or risks losing him for nothing. After what can be described as acrimonious initial talks between Tatar's agents and the Canadiens' camp, a last minute reunion cannot be ruled out.
12. Rickard Rakell, San Jose
Rickard Rakell was one of San Jose's key acquisitions this summer, but unfortunately underacheived and is set to be moved again. Conventional wisdom tells us that futures would be sent the Sharks' way in return; however, Joe's style is far from conventional. Rakell could easily be swapped for another vet on this list.
13. Jonathan Drouin, Columbus
Drouin is rumored to be on the Jackets' block. 2 more seasons at 5 million isn’t a horrible contract, but with a lot of big time players all up for new deals and expansion on the horizon, Drouin's name is being discussed. CBJ is looking for an upgrade scenario to include other pieces with him. What those pieces are is anyone’s guess but there are multiple moving parts in discussion for a deal like this.
14.Cam Talbot, Anaheim
Talbot's enjoyed a bounceback season in 2021. Coupled with the continued emergence of Juuse Saros , Talbot now finds himself fresh trade bait. What will GM Dustin Mooy do? Will he acquire a top 6 winger? A top 4 defenseman? The Ducks remain an interesting team to keep an eye on, both at the deadline and this summer.
15. Alex Iafallo, Montreal
Coming off his entry deal, Alex is due for a substantial raise. He was a late bloomer to the NHL but is a solid middle 6 player. Could be a great add for someone if they move on him sooner than later and work on an extension.
16. Mikael Backlund, Arizona
Backlund is exactly the type of footsoldier GMs lust for when bolstering their rosters for playoffs. Though GM Doogan-Smith may opt to keep him, sources close to the team say that J.G. Pageau has essentially usurped Backlund's role down the middle; However, Pageau is a pending UFA so it won't come to anyone's surprise if either one of them is moved to address other areas.
17. Jake Allen, San Jose
With the Sharks fading fast in the Western playoff race, GM Desmarais looks to remake a stagnant roster. After a flurry of pre-deadline moves, starting goaltender Allen remains a key chip available to help a contender, with breakout sensation Kevin Lankinen set to take the reins.
18. Zack Kassian, Arizona
The Yotes may opt to keep him as their own rental, but rumor has it there is interest in the bruising winger. Well suited to a playoff style game, GM Doogan-Smith could opt to cash in on his value at the deadline if the offers get a little bit sweeter.
19. Joe Thornton, Florida
His contract sucks, just like the always quotable Roberto Luongo said back in the day. However, Joe is a great team guy and looks like he will be a useful player next VHL season and potentially be rated beyond that, making a deal possible. If Florida makes the money work this can happen. Minnesota is reportedly the front runner, but other contenders may sniff around there as well.
20. Tyler Johnson, Edmonton
The pending UFA Johnson may not be the electrifying threat he was a few years ago, but still remains a useful middle six option with loads of experience. GM Louis-Philip Lafrance may have made his big move acquiring Oliver Ekman-Larsson weeks ago, but don't rule out a supplementary move or two as he tinkers with his roster in advance of the post-season.
21. Kevin Shattenkirk, Toronto
Shattenkirk finds himself no longer among the tier of elite powerplay quarterbacks, but still can eat minutes and move the puck. Those looking for a defenseman with term instead of a pure rental may be inclined to inquire about his services.
22. Henrik Lundqvist, Nashville
Teams looking for a short term boost in goal may opt to bring the longtime stalward aboard as insurance down the stretch. Lundqvist is as hungry as ever to win a VHL title in the twilight of his career, and GM Nikolas Bon will look to accomodate his and fellow vet Devan Dubnyk's request to join contending teams this spring.
23. Chris Tierney, Calgary
Reports out of Calgary indicate an eerie calm, with only the pending UFA Tierney as possible trade bait- talks have yet to begin in earnest and GM Lavar Ball may look to trade Tierney for assets he can use to bring back Bobby Ryan. Okay, that last part is unsubstantiated, but as beat writers we are all hoping that this is the BBB move that's inevitably coming.
24. Nolan Patrick, Nashville
The former 2nd overall pick has had a nightmarish start to his career as he missed almost 2 calendar years with a migraine disorder. However, he is now healthy and still possesses a blend of size and skill that tantalizes GMs building for the future. Whether he can unlock that potential and fulfill the lofty expectations of his draft stock is a mystery. If the price is right, he could be on the move this week to a team willing to take a home-run swing.
25. Adam Erne, Toronto
The late blooming power-forward took a significant step forward this season, putting up double digits in goals in just 45 games- but as a pending RFA with no extension talks initiated as of yet he may find himself playing elsewhere. Toronto has begun their late season ritual of selling spare parts down the stretch, and will look to add a pick for Erne's services as well as many others.
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THE BAIT BOARD
1. Jack Eichel, Pittsburgh
Word out of Pittsburgh is that Eichel has demanded a trade due to the inability and utter failure to make the playoffs each year. Jack is an elite center and a superstar. Just imagine how good he can be if he ever gets moved out of Buffalo in the NHL and plays with real talent. As Pittsburgh continues what seems to be an everlasting rebuild, is Jack now too old for his group? 10,000,000 per season for another 3 years beyond this year makes this a tough deal to make but it is a possibility, for a massive price.
2. Erik Karlsson, Minnesota
This would cause a small earthquake in VHL circles if this move were made 3 years ago, but the swashbuckling rover Karlsson's play has declined precipitiously over the past year. Though he remains productive, GM Gibb is not shy to make bold moves and will entertain offers from those betting that EK65 will regain his vintage form that saw him win multiple Norris trophies. EK is not likely to come cheap, and may be a tricky move to make- this may percolate into the offseason.
3. Philipp Grubauer, Pittsburgh
Philipp is having a career year in the NHL, but at 29 years old is he just finding himself like Tim Thomas did for Boston? Or is this a just a blip on the radar. 3 more full seasons beyond this at 5.5 million makes him a very desirable goalie in this league. Expansion pushes a deal to fall by deadline day for Grubauer with the younger Binnington in the mix, but the value here is incredible if anyone can afford the price. Will the price drop by deadline day considering the possible cost to Pittsburgh to retain both goalies? Perhaps someone will grab a hell of a deal here. Buffalo would have been a destination but with Rask now locked up, where are the suitors?
4. Taylor Hall, Detroit
He’s loving Boston in the NHL right now, and his stock is rising once again. VHL Talks are ongoing with a few teams but nothing is imminent. More likely to be resigned by Detroit than not, especially given Detroit's position in the playoff picture right now. However, GM Max in the Motor City is not gun-shy to make a big move, having already dealt former VHL MVP Alex Pietrangelo earlier this season.
5. Marc-Andre Fleury, Florida
Another goaltender having a great NHL season, but at 36 years old how many of those years does he have left? 2 more seasons after this at 5.5 million makes him a solid value as a number 1 goalie next year. Given the length of time on the market and lack of buyers, this makes him a more likely offseason move post-expansion.
6. Nazem Kadri, Vancouver
The pesky Kadri is signed through 2022 and offers a well-rounded game that many contenders should be excited about. His level of nastiness and willingness to play any top 9 role and fit in well makes him a fit almost anywhere, and should net a solid return if dealt. With the perennial contender Canucks taking a step back this season, they're looking to trim salary and re-tool; Kadri appears at this time to be the odd man out.
7. Torey Krug, Minnesota
Another big name on this list from Minnesota, the diminutive powerplay QB could still yet sign an extension; an enticing package coming Minnesota's way could influence that decision. Minnesota's precarious position as both a contender but a team trying to manage assets on their way out the door, a pure "hockey deal" is more likely to involve Krug than an outright sell for picks scenario.
8. Phil Kessel, Vegas
Kessel's top line days may be fading fast, but his knack for scoring big goals make him a buzzworthy name near the top of this list. Having departed the VHL Sabres earlier this season, GM Scott Davidson probably thought he'd seen the last of Phil. Don't rule out a return to the east as the arms race continues to build. Perhaps the ghost of hot-dog Phil will haunt his former GM this spring.
9. Mark Giordano, Minnesota
The 3rd high-profile defensemen on Minnesota's roster potentially finding a new home in 2021, it's likely a matter of when, not if Giordano packs his bags. The former Norris trophy winner offers plenty of leadership and experience, and whether he hits the UFA market this summer or not, should draw plenty of attention from contending teams.
10. Nico Hischier, NY Rangers
Could this young center, a former #1 overall pick coming off an entry level contract really be available already? Those close to the situation say that this could be a deal made after expansion. However, look for interest to ramp up league wide as teams try to shuffle their deck heading into the stretch drive. Look for a team with a deep asset pool to make a run here, particularly Dallas or Florida. Hischier may not have produced like some other 1st overall picks of years past, but his potential remains enormous and he would undoubtedly improve any forward group.
11. Tomas Tatar, Montreal
The 30 year old scoring winger is a pending UFA. He would be a fantastic add to anyone as a rental or could be added with the intent to sign. Curious to see if Montreal lowers the ask on him as deadline approaches or risks losing him for nothing. After what can be described as acrimonious initial talks between Tatar's agents and the Canadiens' camp, a last minute reunion cannot be ruled out.
12. Rickard Rakell, San Jose
Rickard Rakell was one of San Jose's key acquisitions this summer, but unfortunately underacheived and is set to be moved again. Conventional wisdom tells us that futures would be sent the Sharks' way in return; however, Joe's style is far from conventional. Rakell could easily be swapped for another vet on this list.
13. Jonathan Drouin, Columbus
Drouin is rumored to be on the Jackets' block. 2 more seasons at 5 million isn’t a horrible contract, but with a lot of big time players all up for new deals and expansion on the horizon, Drouin's name is being discussed. CBJ is looking for an upgrade scenario to include other pieces with him. What those pieces are is anyone’s guess but there are multiple moving parts in discussion for a deal like this.
14.Cam Talbot, Anaheim
Talbot's enjoyed a bounceback season in 2021. Coupled with the continued emergence of Juuse Saros , Talbot now finds himself fresh trade bait. What will GM Dustin Mooy do? Will he acquire a top 6 winger? A top 4 defenseman? The Ducks remain an interesting team to keep an eye on, both at the deadline and this summer.
15. Alex Iafallo, Montreal
Coming off his entry deal, Alex is due for a substantial raise. He was a late bloomer to the NHL but is a solid middle 6 player. Could be a great add for someone if they move on him sooner than later and work on an extension.
16. Mikael Backlund, Arizona
Backlund is exactly the type of footsoldier GMs lust for when bolstering their rosters for playoffs. Though GM Doogan-Smith may opt to keep him, sources close to the team say that J.G. Pageau has essentially usurped Backlund's role down the middle; However, Pageau is a pending UFA so it won't come to anyone's surprise if either one of them is moved to address other areas.
17. Jake Allen, San Jose
With the Sharks fading fast in the Western playoff race, GM Desmarais looks to remake a stagnant roster. After a flurry of pre-deadline moves, starting goaltender Allen remains a key chip available to help a contender, with breakout sensation Kevin Lankinen set to take the reins.
18. Zack Kassian, Arizona
The Yotes may opt to keep him as their own rental, but rumor has it there is interest in the bruising winger. Well suited to a playoff style game, GM Doogan-Smith could opt to cash in on his value at the deadline if the offers get a little bit sweeter.
19. Joe Thornton, Florida
His contract sucks, just like the always quotable Roberto Luongo said back in the day. However, Joe is a great team guy and looks like he will be a useful player next VHL season and potentially be rated beyond that, making a deal possible. If Florida makes the money work this can happen. Minnesota is reportedly the front runner, but other contenders may sniff around there as well.
20. Tyler Johnson, Edmonton
The pending UFA Johnson may not be the electrifying threat he was a few years ago, but still remains a useful middle six option with loads of experience. GM Louis-Philip Lafrance may have made his big move acquiring Oliver Ekman-Larsson weeks ago, but don't rule out a supplementary move or two as he tinkers with his roster in advance of the post-season.
21. Kevin Shattenkirk, Toronto
Shattenkirk finds himself no longer among the tier of elite powerplay quarterbacks, but still can eat minutes and move the puck. Those looking for a defenseman with term instead of a pure rental may be inclined to inquire about his services.
22. Henrik Lundqvist, Nashville
Teams looking for a short term boost in goal may opt to bring the longtime stalward aboard as insurance down the stretch. Lundqvist is as hungry as ever to win a VHL title in the twilight of his career, and GM Nikolas Bon will look to accomodate his and fellow vet Devan Dubnyk's request to join contending teams this spring.
23. Chris Tierney, Calgary
Reports out of Calgary indicate an eerie calm, with only the pending UFA Tierney as possible trade bait- talks have yet to begin in earnest and GM Lavar Ball may look to trade Tierney for assets he can use to bring back Bobby Ryan. Okay, that last part is unsubstantiated, but as beat writers we are all hoping that this is the BBB move that's inevitably coming.
24. Nolan Patrick, Nashville
The former 2nd overall pick has had a nightmarish start to his career as he missed almost 2 calendar years with a migraine disorder. However, he is now healthy and still possesses a blend of size and skill that tantalizes GMs building for the future. Whether he can unlock that potential and fulfill the lofty expectations of his draft stock is a mystery. If the price is right, he could be on the move this week to a team willing to take a home-run swing.
25. Adam Erne, Toronto
The late blooming power-forward took a significant step forward this season, putting up double digits in goals in just 45 games- but as a pending RFA with no extension talks initiated as of yet he may find himself playing elsewhere. Toronto has begun their late season ritual of selling spare parts down the stretch, and will look to add a pick for Erne's services as well as many others.
