Earlier today on TSN’s Insider Trading segment, Anaheim Ducks’ defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson were hot topics. The Athletic writer and Insider for TSN, Pierre LeBrun, reported that Manson was nearing his return from injury and is being watched closely by teams around the league. LeBrun also noted that there have not been any contract talks yet between the Ducks and Manson, as the Ducks have been focusing on negotiations with Lindholm.
Speaking of those negotiations with Lindholm, word continues to be that Anaheim is unwilling to give out big-time term. The Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli notes the Ducks’ unwillingness to give out term to any of their pending UFAs, and mentions this might be in-line with the trends of Ducks’ GM Pat Verbeek’s previous boss, Detroit Red Wings’ GM Steve Yzerman. Not beginning extension talks just yet with Manson may not be a concern for the Ducks, who currently have many cards to play at the deadline. In fact, Anaheim does leave itself in a preferable position, having both Lindholm and Manson as potential extension candidates and trade chips. This could allow Anaheim to try to negotiate an extension to their liking on one or both, but if that contract does not materialize, there will almost certainly be a strong market for both defensemen.
- Also during the Insider Trading segment, TSN’s Darren Dreger provided an update on Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Brandon Hagel. Dreger mentions that while Chicago would like to keep Hagel as part of their rebuild, they would not be opposed to moving him. However, the return would have to be at least a first-round draft pick and something else. Hagel has been one of the better producers for the Blackhawks this season, scoring 17 goals along with 14 assists in 51 games entering Tuesday night’s game against the Ducks. While the asking price on Hagel might seem a bit excessive to some, the 23-year-old Hagel is viewed as part of the long-term solution in Chicago, and carries just a $1.5MM cap hit through the 2023-24 season, where he will still be a RFA.
- During the second-intermission of the Toronto Maple Leafs game, Dreger again gave his thoughts on several key trade deadline topics, including Seattle Kraken defensemen Mark Giordano. Dreger reported that the Kraken would like to explore the trade market for Giordano, but their asking price on the veteran is at least a first-round pick. While this price may be steep for a 38-year-old with a $6.75MM cap hit, Giordano still produces at a high level, putting up 23 points in 52 games this season for the struggling Kraken. Giordano is also a responsible defenseman who can provide veteran leadership that is always valuable on a team looking to make a long run in the postseason. If Seattle is willing to retain some of Giordano’s cap hit, which would seem likely as they will have $36.66M in cap space on trade deadline day, they may be able to sweeten the pot to acquire that first-round pick at least.
A 1st rounder for a rental, past his prime, expensive Gio? Not gonna happen Ronny Franchise. Be grateful if you can get a 2nd rounder and a mid-tier prospect after you retain 50% of Gio’s salary.
Still can’t figure out why the morons who write for this space think the Hawks are going to trade Hagel or Kubalik who are going to be massive pieces of any rebuild. Why would the Hawks trade either one of these guys for a draft pick who will take probably at least 4 years to show up? Get some better writers please!!! Stop letting these guys write columns from Mommies basement.
When is Kubalik UFA?
The Hagel pièce was about something on Tsn from one of their insiders. it wasn’t a random story from mlbtr
Hahaha in four years, Kubalik will be out of his prime. They should clear house, anyone over 24 years old should be available, otherwise you end up with exactly what’s happening now. A team with a mix of aging vets and mid level prospects that’s finish out of the playoffs and still not bad enough to get a top pick. Not where you want to be. Things are gonna have to get worse before they get better in Chicago.
Neither Kubalik or Hagel have strong pedigrees. There’s plenty of reason to believe that both have played above their ceilings, destined to fill out a 3rd line somewhere.
If you’re able to acquire prime draft capital for guys like that, you do it and say “thank you”.
The vast majority of pieces for the Blackhawks next run aren’t on the roster yet.
There’s no value in treading water.
Anybody who says Hagel and Kubalik have played above their ceilings is not very bright. Hagel is a force who does all the dirty work that the Hawks have been looking for someone to do for years. He hasn’t reached his ceiling at all. Kubalik has seen his scoring down since he was taken of the number one PP which is where he shined. He has a bullet shot and those aren’t easy to come across. Pair him with the right 2 line mates and he will shine. Trading him would be a mistake.
A bad contract + a late first for Gio (@50% retained). Yeah I bet a lot of teams would bite on that deal. We’ve seen the cost to bury cap hits these days, and to acquire one of the best available rentals? Not a terribly steep asking price.
Well … if Seattle takes a bad contract off of someone’s hands, so that they can go grab more, AND toss in Giordano at 50% retained, I’d say that’s worth a solid 1st rounder. How many contenders are completely croaked on cap space?
Kubalik is an RFA after this year. Hagel is signed for 2 more years at a totally reasonable price for the Hawks and doesn’t need to be traded. You can’t have a team of 19 year olds running around playing in the NHL. Hopefully the Hawks can lose Toews 10 million dollar albatross contract. After next year the Hawks should be able to re sign Kane or at least deal him if he doesn’t want to stay. Next year they already gain 25 million in cap space so there’s no burning desire to have a fire sale. Next year Johnson is in the last year of his deal and can be flipped at the deadline. So this doesn’t have to be a long rebuild.
There technically isn’t a rule that says you can’t have a team of all 19 year olds running around playing in the NHL
There’s no law that says you can’t stick your junk in a Cuisinart and hit Puree. It’s just a completely stupid idea.
Yikes!
Lol Ronnie doesn’t know what to do with first round picks
why trade Hagel unless you’re getting a massive haul? a 1st + seems kinda light.