In this edition of the PHR Mailbag, we delve into various topics, including potential trades and offer sheets for veteran players. The focus is on the Blues, Canadiens, and the intriguing cases of Mavrik Bourque and Alex Tuch. The discussion also extends to the Sharks and Rangers, exploring potential trades and the value of picks and prospects.
One of the key questions revolves around the Blues' potential moves this summer, particularly regarding Jordan Binnington and Jordan Kyrou. The author speculates that a package deal for these players might be challenging, considering the limited number of suitors and the varying opinions on their value. The incoming GM, Alex Steen, will play a crucial role in determining the type of return and the team's future direction.
The Blues' situation with Colton Parayko is also discussed, with the author questioning the optimal time to move him to maximize asset value. The mindset of a potential short-term rebuild and the need to backfill depth are considered factors in this decision. The author also mentions the reported Buffalo trade and the potential replacement for Parayko, Radim Mrtka.
Moving on to the Canadiens, the author addresses the need for size in the bottom six, a second-line center, and an upgrade on the right-side defense. The discussion includes potential targets via trade or offer sheet, such as Michael McCarron, A.J. Greer, and Beck Malenstyn for the bottom six, and Claude Giroux, Vincent Trocheck, and Dylan Strome for the second-line center. The right-side defense options range from Jacob Trouba to Radko Gudas, with the author considering the trade implications and the team's spending on defense.
The author also explores the possibility of Mavrik Bourque signing an offer sheet in the $4MM range, considering the compensation and the potential impact on the Dallas Stars' plans. The comparison with Artemi Panarin is drawn, highlighting the differences in brand value and marketability. The author concludes that while Bourque might sign an offer sheet, it would likely be for a short-term deal, and the $4.775MM threshold is a key consideration.
The discussion then shifts to the Kraken's interest in Alex Tuch, with the author contrasting it with Artemi Panarin's situation. The author concludes that while the Kraken might make a serious pitch, they are not the overwhelming favorite to land Tuch, as other teams will offer similar money and a better chance at winning in the short term.
Finally, the author delves into potential trades involving the Sharks and Rangers, including the proposed trade for Braden Schneider and the 26th overall pick. The author questions the appeal of this trade for the Sharks, given their asset-rich status, and suggests that they might prefer to trade or sign a right-shot defender without moving the number two pick. The author concludes that the Rangers would likely accept the trade, but the Sharks might not, as they prioritize quality over quantity of assets.
