I know that the 2015 draft is considered a much better group, but would you prefer a 2014 or a 2015 1st rounder in return for Spezza? Considering that a 2015 pick is probably a year further away from being NHL-ready and the ongoing rebuild and all...
Kadri is a cheapshot weasel. i would never EVER want him on the sens.
I agree, on both counts. I've never said we'd keep him, just that we'd take him as part of a trade. GMBM could then turn around and trade him elsewhere for something else.
For the record: Kadri is a GUTLESS cheapshot weasel. Key point.
IF....key word, IF.....Spezza was traded to the Make Beliefs, Kadri isn't the key piece of the deal, he's one of the other pieces. 2015-1st, Kadri and prospect (like Gauthier). Not a 1-for-1.
The Hockey Chat@TheHockeyChat
The Ottawa Senators have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding the availability of Nazem Kadri #NHL No official offer as of yet
Sold for Kadri + 8th + Gauthier.
I'd laugh if TOR did put up a bunch of assets to get Spezza, he played a year there, hated the media and fans, and then left as a UFA. Two firsts and a second is probably a bit steep, so I'll settle for a 2015-1st, Kadri and Frederick Gauthier (a centre prospect who plays for Rimouski).
So Spezza and his agent did a very smart thing - when he handed in his list of 10 teams he couldn't be traded to, he didn't put either the Leafs or Habs on there. Basically means 12 teams he can't be traded to instead.
If they were smarter they would have put teams out west instead of the Devils (as they don't have the trade chips to get a deal done) and Sabres (Division).
I almost hope that Toronto destroys their remaining prospect depth in overpaying for him.
True, but look back at the teeth-gnashing over "this is the third year of the rebuild so we should be making the playoffs" or "the rebuild is over now so we should be contending" or "how can we be worse now than at the start of the rebuild" and you'll see that the fan base wants the team to be rebuilt, but even faster than Leafers expect their team to do it. Basically, I-want-changes-but-expect-the-playoffs-no-matter-what-and-I'm-the-customer-so-I'm-always-right mentality. Everything, plus a pony. Or in Sens fans case, a unicorn vomiting rainbows.
So Spezza and his agent did a very smart thing - when he handed in his list of 10 teams he couldn't be traded to, he didn't put either the Leafs or Habs on there. Basically means 12 teams he can't be traded to instead.
Given a decent trade return and any improvement on D, I think the team could sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard. Even if they don't it'll only be 1, 2 at most, seasons of not making the playoffs.
True, but look back at the teeth-gnashing over "this is the third year of the rebuild so we should be making the playoffs" or "the rebuild is over now so we should be contending" or "how can we be worse now than at the start of the rebuild" and you'll see that the fan base wants the team to be rebuilt, but even faster than Leafers expect their team to do it. Basically, I-want-changes-but-expect-the-playoffs-no-matter-what-and-I'm-the-customer-so-I'm-always-right mentality. Everything, plus a pony. Or in Sens fans case, a unicorn vomiting rainbows.
Given a decent trade return and any improvement on D, I think the team could sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard. Even if they don't it'll only be 1, 2 at most, seasons of not making the playoffs.
And until somebody other than Brad May comes out and says it is a 100% budget thing, and is not "wanting out due to the pressure being all on him", then I still believe that it is damage control by Spezza's camp.