With Malone parked for now...Marleau rumors heat back up.

That didn't take long - from the Ottawa Sun:

Sources say Sharks GM Doug Wilson would like to trade centre Patrick Marleau to the Blue Jackets before Marleau's two-year, $12.6-million (all terms US) contract extension and no-movement clause kick in July 1.

In return, Wilson wants Columbus' No. 6 overall pick in the draft, which he'd use to take one of the highly rated defencemen.

Sources say while the Jackets have an interest in Marleau, they might only be willing to offer winger Nikolai Zherdev, who is coming off a career year.

"Are the Jackets really going to give up the No. 6 pick so they can get a guy who is going to be an unrestricted free agent in two years and can walk away for nothing?" a league source asked yesterday. "I know they want to spend money, and they've got lots of it to spend if the cap goes to $56 million, but is a guy like Marleau really worth giving up one of those top six selections to get?

"A team like Columbus, as much as they want to compete for a playoff spot, would be better off getting one of those defencemen that can help them next year."

With Columbus' strong desire to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and the fact the Jackets also have Colorado's first-round pick in the 19 spot, a number of NHL insiders think Jackets GM Scott Howson could be amiable to a deal.

I don't think Howson would go the 6th overall for reasons stated above but a deal packaged around the 19th I think he takes and runs.

Yeah I know he had a bad year last year with only 48 points. I know he's signed for 6+ mil for the next two years. He isn't the perfect fit but I doubt we are going to find perfect to fill that #1 center hole.

The two biggest names available for center out there seem to be Marleau and Jokinen. Portzline said the Jackets have no interest in Jokinen so even though I'm no math major or anything I'm pretty sure that leaves the 28 year old 6'2" 220 lbr Marleau as a target.

Personally I'd still rather target two younger guys like a Vermette and/or Umberger but if we can land Marleau without giving up the 6th its going to be hard to agrue with that move.

July 1st comes along this team could start looking a lot more attractive to a guy like Malone who we can then throw money at:

Nash Marleau Malone
Zherdev XXX Modin

* note XXX could be Brassard

That would be a good start.

If the Marleau deal goes down don't look for it any sooner than Friday and perhaps not even until the draft kicks off. I think Ron Wilson will hold out as long as he can to see if he can pry that 6th overall loose but I really don't think Howson gives it up for him. If Wilson can't find a better deal I think he will have to settle for the 19th + something if it goes down with the Jackets.

It also wouldn't suprise me if the Jackets throw another pick into the mix as the Sharks don't have any picks within the first 3 rounds of this draft.

Lots of smoke with Marleau to the Jackets over the past few weeks. Could there really be a fire here? We'll know in less than 2 days.

-LTL

Cross Jokinen off the list

It appears Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has it on pretty good authority that the Jackets are not interested in Florida Panthers' center Olli Jokinen. Here is what he said in the Puck-rakers blog:

Olli Jokinen is NOT going to join the Blue Jackets. Just cross his name off the list right now, folks. Trust me on this one.

I've got to be honest here, I"m scratching my head on this one.

No doubt Portzline has gotten word straight from the man himself on this one. Scott Howson had to have told him the Jackets were not interested.

My question is why the hell not?

Now Jokinen is not at the top of my wishlist but he's certainly on it.

If they are interested in Marleau then why not Jokinen? Both guys come with question marks. If they didn't then neither would be on the block as organizations find a way to keep franchise #1 centers.

Jokinen is 29 years old. He's signed for 2 more years at 5.25 mil and 5.5 mil. He's scored 71, 91 & 89 points over his past 3 seasons.

Here is sportsnet.ca's take on him:

Assets
Is a big presence up the middle and a good face-off man. Has above-average hands and the instincts of a natural goal-scorer. Can play the wing in a pinch.

Flaws
Is a better scorer than playmaker, which makes him a little predictable over the long haul. Must continue to grow as a team leader.

Career potential
First line center.

True he isn't the ideal playmaker for Nash as Olli scores as much as he dishes but beggars can't be choosers at this point. We need more scoring and Olli would give us that in spades.

He's one year older than Marleau, he about 1 mil cheaper per year and he had 71 points versus 48 on a non-playoff team.

If we are talking Z + 6th for Marleau then I'd rather take my chances with Olli with that package.

Why? Well its an overpayment either way but if I had to choose Jokinen has consistantly put up better numbers as the "man" on a poor team. I am more confident that he could step into the Columbus lineup and continue putting up those numbers more so than I am with Marleau.

Clearly there is something more here. Perhaps Jokinen has some character issues or isn't much of a team player? Maybe Olli has come communicated through back door channels that he would not play for Columbus? Maybe Howson has already kicked the tires and the price was so outrageous that he immediately crossed him off the list?

I'm sure the org has got its reasons but on the surface this one is a real head scratcher.

-LTL

Marleau to Columbus for 6th overall + Zherdev?

That is what this article is reporting as a potential deal:

So let me add this to the mix: An NHL source — not connected with either team — advises that the Sharks and Columbus are indeed close to a deal. San Jose would send Marleau and another player (unspecified) to the Blue Jackets for their first-round draft pick — 6th overall in the NHL entry draft later this month — and right wing Nikolai Zherdev.

That would certainly register as a blockbuster.

Okay I've thought about it and I would not do it. Not with the 6th.

I just don't think Marleau is worth the 6the overall + Zherdev. Not in this draft.

Admittedly the unknown add on from San Jose might change my view but I doubt it as I don't see San Jose willing to throw much more of value in on this deal.

Bottom line for me is I think we could get a better player for the 6th if we wanted to move it especially in a package deal. Marleau is good and certainly worth a good return but he's only signed for 2 more years and could very well walk as a UFA at that point.

I would package Z plus the 19th and maybe another asset for Marleau and that is as far as I would go.

Instead I think I'd take my chances using other assets to obtain maybe two #2 centers like an Umberger and Vermette both of whom are younger, cheaper and had 50+ points last season. Marleau, who is 29, had just 48 points last year and was a -19. He's scheduled to make 6.3 million the next two seasons. Its a big risk to give up those kinds of assets only to have him produce those kinds of numbers.

Getting two top 6 guys like an Umberger/Vermette/Lombardi types may not carry the same "shock and awe" value a Marleau trade might but I think they would certainly improve the middle of the ice for us and allow us to go out and get more help but at defense and at foward. Plus it gives Hitch options should injuries occur.

If I'm moving the 6th I talking about a top 10 to 15 d-man in the league like a Kaberle. Or a young an up incoming center like a Jordan Staal or Jeff Carter. Guys who can grow with this team and will be around longer than 2 seasons.

Discuss - would you do that deal?

-LTL

With Marleau on block....Jackets get another chance to land 1st line center

Puck-rakers just reported that it does indeed look like the San Jose Sharks are putting center, long time captain and original 2nd overall 1997 draft pick on the block.

As Puck-rakers states Marleau has 2 years left on his deal at 6.3 million. The key though is that as of July 1st he has a no trade clause that kicks in so if San Jose wants to deal him, they have to do it before then.

....and as it stands, it looks as though that is exactly what they intend to do.

So where do the Jackets fit in all of this Marleau news?

Well its no secret the Jackets are desperate to get Rick Nash some legit help at center. Help he's never really had. Howson made the push for Brad Richards but ultimately lost out as they did not have goaltending asset to give up. That shouldn't be a problem this time around should Howson be interested as the Sharks are set at that position with perenial all star Evgeni Nabokov locked up for years to come.

Here is sportsnet.ca's take on Marleau:

Age

28

Assets
Is blessed with great speed and can catch defenders off guard by blazing right by them. Has natural goal-scoring ability, good size for the center position and emerging leadership issues.

Flaws
Still suffers through bouts of inconsistency from time to time. Needs to use his size even more to his advantage.

Career potential
First line center.

Stats
2007 San Jose NHL 78 19 29 48 -19 33 10.3
2006 San Jose NHL 77 32 46 78 9 33 17.8
2005 San Jose NHL 82 34 52 86 -12 26 13.1
2004 Did not play -- 0 0 0 0 0 0 --
2003 San Jose NHL 80 28 29 57 -5 24 12.7
2002 San Jose NHL 82 28 29 57 -10 33 16.3
2001 San Jose NHL 79 21 23 44 9 40 17.4
2000 San Jose NHL 81 25 27 52 7 22 17.1
1999 San Jose NHL 81 17 23 40 -9 36 10.6
1998 San Jose NHL 81 21 24 45 10 24 15.7
1997 San Jose NHL 74 13 19 32 5 14 14.4

So a 28 year old center, just now in his prime. He's got 5 of 10 seasons with 52 or more points. 2 of his last 3 he had 70 or more points. He's fast with good size who can score and set up plays. He also gets it done in the playoffs as he had 4g, 4a for 8 points in 13 games this playoff.

So with all that said why in the wide wide world of sports would San Jose want to part with this guy?

First off his production dropped from 78 to 48 points last year. He went from a +9 to a -19 in that span. There was also well publicized issues with then head coach Ron Wilson who has recently been fired.

Marleau is also the captain but has only been able to lead his cup contending team past the 3rd round once in the 2003-2004 season. With the acquisition of superstar center Joe Thornton two seasons ago Marleau has seen his stature as both team captain and franchise player diminish over the years now to the point where it looks like San Jose is ready to go in another direction.

San Jose is also a team that will not spend to the cap. They are a budget team like Columbus. They made a huge acquisition in defensemen Brian Campbell at the deadline giving up this year's 1st round pick and 2003 1st round pick Steve Bernier. Moving Marleau's salary one would think that would free up plenty of money to sign Campbell long term.

So back to Howson.

Does he make play for him? You bet your Blue Jacket behind he does. The key though is how does the organization think he'll mesh with Nash? If we do acquire him, which I think there is a really good chance, we'll know they are optimistic although nothing is guaranteed of course.

Look. Anyone center that will be on the market is going to have some flaws. If he didn't then he wouldn't be on the market. Whether it be Richards' 7.8 mil contract or Marleau's inconsistency and sometimes lack of intensity during the regular season. The point is that unless we draft it, we ain't gonna get a picture perfect guy.

Marleau certainly wouldn't be my first choice but my first choice won't be available..unless you think the Pen's would trade Sidney Crosby? He would however, be a massive upgrade down the middle of our lineup. This isn't a 35 year old Russian center on the downside of his career with 3 years at 6 mil left on his deal we are talking about there - this a 28 year old just now in his prime.

That said if we did acquire him there would certainly be some questions to be answered. How would he respond to being traded to a team/city like Columbus? How would he respond to Hitch? Would there be chemistry between he and Nash? Would he just sleepwalk through the season if he were disgruntled? Last thing we want is a 28 year old Fedorov on our hands right?

Assuming the Jackets interest the question becomes what's it gonna take to get him?

The good news for the Jackets and Howson is that the Sharks don't have a draft pick, not one, through the first 3 rounds of the draft. Draft picks are exactly what the Jackets have in spades including two hum-dingers (did I just say hum-dingers?) in the first round -- 6th and 19th overall. They also have the cap space to absorb Marleaus 6.2 million in salary over the next two years as well as expendable assets.

So what's it gonna take?

Well we know the Sharks wants picks. I've also read that they need a top 6 winger. We've got the picks and we've also got an, in my view, exendible winger.

If I'm Howson I start with the 19th pick or Nik Zherdev and work a package from there. No way I part with the 6th overall in this deep of draft to obtain a good, but not elite, talent that we could lose for nothing in 2 years.

Some potentials:

A. 19th + 3rd + 5th for Marleau

B. Zherdev + 3rd for Marleau

or

C. 19th + (take your pick of Brule/Fritsche/Tollefsen) for Marleau

I think all of those deals are good return for Marleau and address San Jose needs of unloading salary and acquiring draft picks or a top 6 winger.

If the deal goes down with the Jackets I think that 19th will absolutely have to be a part of the package going the other direction.

Trades can't be made until after the finals are over so look for Marleau to get dealt between then and June 20th which is the first day of the draft.

Of course we won't be the only interested party in obtaining Marleau's services. It will be interesting to see who also gets involved (Puck-rakers mentions Calgary but I don't see how they can afford him with what they've already got tied up and still need sign) and how aggressive Howson is willing to be.

I also don't think Marleau could be Howson's only transaction come draft day. Depending on what he gives up the Jackets could have a number of assets, including the 6th, in play to land even more help.

At this point though I think its really going to have to be, as Howson has said, a special player to move out of 6th overall. The top 6 in this draft are supposed to be that good.

Exciting times. Lets get these playoffs over with already and move into this offseason!!

Discuss - are you interested in Marleau? What would you be willing to give up for him?

-LTL

The eliminated pt. II

..and just like that the final four who will compete for the Stanley Cup are decided.

Philly vs. Pit (battle of Pennslyvania)

Detroit vs. Dallas (battle of....D's?)

Anyhow, yesterday both the NY Rangers and the San Jose Sharks were eliminated from their series. Both teams have some interesting pieces that could be available and some tough decisions to make.

We'll start with the Rangers.

NY Rangers

As big a market as they come in the NHL. The Rangers will spend to the cap every year. Lately though they have done a better job at drafting with guys like Girardi, Staal, Dubinski, Lundqvist, Dawes, and Tyutin who all have prominate roles on the team and all were draft picks. That said the Rangers aren't afraid to make free agent splashes as they did last year plucking both Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, two cream of the crops UFAs, out of the free agent pool.

The Rangers had a pretty good year. They finished 5th in the Eastern Conference with 97 points. I think more was expected of them after their big offseason acquisitions but they got into the playoffs and won a round. Unfortunately for them they couldn't match the powerhouse that Pittsburgh (the luckiest team on earth) has become. Believe it or not the Rangers struggled mightily to score goals, even with the likes of Jagr, Shanahan, Gomez, Drury and Straka in the lineup. Their 213 goals for were the 4th worst in the conference.

The Rangers have 13 players signed for 33 million. They have, count em, nine unrestrictured free agents and two key restricted free agents. They have a lot of decisions to make as do some of their players.

Jaromir Jagr - the prolific high scoring right wing is 36 now. He will be a UFA this summer but there is talk that he has a 12 million dollar offer on the table from a team in the Russian Super League. Yesterday afternoon one of the TV commentators on NBC said that Jagr wants to play 4 more years but he didn't specifically say the NHL. Nobody is really sure what Jagr's future holds. No doubt there will be interested NHL teams out there. Afterall he still put up 71 points last season.

Would Howson and the Jackets be intersted? For the right price sure but at this stage in Jagr's career he wouldn't be interested in the Jackets. The Jackets also have bigger holes to fill in their lineup first but if the off season progresses and the Jackets make some moves to fill their bigger holes first and Jagr is still out there... hey, this team could look a lot more attractive and anything could happen.

Brendan Shanahan - another prolific offensive talent who is getting long in the tooth. Shanny is 39 now and has spent the past two season in NY after leaving Detroit. He still had a productive season notching 23g, 23a but is defintely slowing down. If he doesn't retire he'll likely reup with the Rangers for one more go at it.

Similar to Jagr at this point in his career the Jackets wouldn't be a team of destination. Sure we have a top six winger position available (maybe two) and Shanny could fill it but its unlikely either party would pursue the other. Howson would want to go cheaper and younger. Again though, the longer the offseason and the longer some players stay on the market you never know. Who would have thought Peca would be a Jacket this time last year. Don't count on either Shanny or Jagr though.

Martin Straka - a 35 year old center/winger UFA to be. His production also dropped off last year only notching 14g, 27a for 41p. Still Straka is quick, elusive and has always had a scoring touch. As a veteran he is good in all 3 zones but has been injury prone of late only getting into 65 games last season. He also plays hard every single shift. He scored 70+ points the previous two years. I think NY will want him back but if fellow Czech and good buddy Jagr leaves he may also chose to test the market.

I tell ya, I bet Straka is a guy Howson would prusue. I don't think he's priority #1 by any stretch should he lose out on a couple of higher tiered UFAs he could be an interesting target. Straka made 3.3 mil last year so if he would probably have to take a pay cut but I think he could help us. Of course it takes two to tango and Straka may prefer a proven winner at this stage of his career.

Sean Avery - a 28 year old UFA to be agitator/center. If the Jackets want more sandpaper well this is your guy. Avery is an underrated player b/c its always his circus act on the ice that gets the print, not his hockey skills. With Jared Boll in the lineup and guys like Dorsett and Sestito on the way Howson probably will take a pass on pursuing this guy. Plus Avery is more of a 3rd liner and we have those. Avery also seems to love the bright lights of NY and I highly doubt he'd want to settle down in a place like Columbus at this stage of his career. I think he'll re-sign in NY.

Paul Mara - a 28 year old 6'4" 219 lb defensemen who is a UFA to be. Mara has put up some decent offensive numbers especially with Phoenix when he had back to back 40+ point seasons. He has also QB'd the PP. In NY his offensive role has been reduced but he has improved his defensive game.

I really like Mara as a possibility for the Jackets. He's just now in his prime, he's big, he's mobile, he's stays relatively healthy. Unfortunately he shoots left or I'd really REALLY like him. Howson has got to have him on his list of targets. I don't see him as the solution for our #1 PP QB but Howson has stated they are after two d-men and as our second target I really think Mara could help on the blueline. I think he's an upgrade over a guy like Hainsey.

Michael Rozsival - a 29 year old defensemen who will be a UFA this summer. Rozsival has some good offensive instincts for a blueliner and has put up 38, 40, 30 over his past 3 years all while having a even or better +/-. The knock on Rozsival is that he's to soft. His game actually reminds me quite a bit of Ron Hainsey of which I'm not a fan. It appears the Rangers do not have much of an interest in re-signing him.

I'm sure Rozsival is on the Jackets' watch list but I don't think he's ahead of guys like Campbell, Redden or Liles. Quite frankly if Howson were to sign Rozsival I guess he might as well just keep Hainsey who at least knows the team, coaching staff, system and town. Rozsival's an option I think, especially if the Jackets can't land one of those other names but I can't see the Jackets going all out for his services.

The Rangers have a lot of good young players under contract that I'm if the Rags wanted to shake things up the Jackets would definitely listen. Guys like Girardi and Dubinsky were rumored to Columbus during that month or so stretch were both team's scouts might as well have bouth season tickets for in the opposing cities. Those two players have done nothing but improve since that time. I doubt they go anywhere but they would look good in the bug.

San Jose Sharks

Anything short of the Stanley Cup this year was a dissapointment for the Sharks. They had a great regular season but once again came up short in the playoff getting eliminated in 6 by the Dallas Stars.

San Jose is one of those teams where I can see a major shake up occuring. They have made the playoffs the past 4 years and have been considered Stanley Cup favorites only to fizzle out. 3 out of the past 4 seasons they have been ousted in round 2.

Management has went for it as well making big moves over the past couple of deadlines to bolster their lineup for a Cup run. Craig Rivet last year and Brian Campbell this year each cost them 1st round picks and in Campbell's case as young roster player in Jonathan Bernier as well.

They have some questions surrounding the future of Patrick Marleau who is their captain and their head coach Ron Wilson has just ended his 4th season behind the bench and seems to be wearing out his welcome.

They have 12 players signed for 36 million next season with some keys UFAs and RFAs to lock up. They are a team that won't touch the cap as they operate on a budget so there will be some decisions to make.

Also something else to note is that San Jose does not have a draft pick in the first 3 rounds of this year's draft. The Jackets have 9 picks (just throwing that out there!).

Lets take a look at some of their intriguing players:

Partick Marleau - Marleau is no stranger to CBJ fans as his name has popped up in numerous trade rumors this past year as the club tries to fill that vacant #1 center position. Marleau is 28 and is signed for 2 more seasons at 6.3 mil per. What interseting about Marleau is that he has a no trade clause that kicks in July 1st so if the Sharks want to move him they have to do it before then.

Marleau's year wasn't the best. He has been thrown under the bus by his head coach in Wilson the past two seasons. He only notched 48 points through 78 games but had a decent playoff scoring 4g, 4a for 8 points in 13 games. He is a legit 1st line center in this league whose biggest draw back is inconsistancy.

Think Howson is interested? You bet your ass he is. When prompted about Marleau Howson has been coy and said "he can't comment on it". Translation - he is an option and IMO he will pursue him this offseason. Now pursuing and landing are two completely different things. Many teams need a #1 center so if San Jose does put out a "Patrick Marleau For Sale" sign it will be interesting to see what offers come their way. The Jackets have the assests to make a juicy offer but no telling how much Howson is willing to pay. Keep you eye on this one.

Brian Campbell - a 29 year old offensive dynamo defensemen who is slated to be a UFA come July 1st. Campbell will be the big catch defensively if the Sharks can't get him resigned. He scored 8g, 54a for 62p in 83gp and was also a +8. This guy would solve our PPQB problems. He is however only average defensively and isn't the bigget guy in the world so he can get pushed off pucks. No doubt San Jose will try to lock him down but reading some Shark fan reactions many are on the bubble as to whether he is worth the 6+ mil price tag he's most certainly going to command.

Lets just cut to the chase. Howson would love to land this guy. I bet he would offer 6+ mil for 6 or 7 years. Yes he's got some flaws but surround him with good quality shutdown d-men and your offensive problems from the blueline are WELL on their way to getting solved. If Campbell test free agency look for a big fat juicy offer from the Jackets. The only question will be would if Brian was interested in coming here -- the Jackets would have to overpay in price and term to convince him so.

Jody Shelley - god love him and I'm sure a lot of Jacket fans out there would love to have him back but I think his days in Columbus are over until retirement. Jody has a lot of good years left in him and if San Jose doesn't re-sign he'll most certainly catch on with another team.

Jeremy Roenick - believe it or not the 38 year old UFA to be had somewhat of a resurection last year notching 14g and 19a for 33p in 69gp. Roenick of course is no longer the impact player he used to be but has carved out a niche for himself as a depth player that can be worked in where ever you'd like him. Roenick was a bargain last year at 500k and my guess is that he at least has another year in front of him, most likely staying with the Sharks.

Definitely not a guy Howson would have any interest in but Roenick was a good story. The rediculous thing is that Roenick's 14 goals would have been good for tied for 3rd in team scoring with Jason Chimera (my do we need an influx of offense!) on the Jackets.

Joe Pavelski - a 23 year old center who is an RFA this year. Pavelski was a steal in the 7th round of the draft and should Partick Marleau be dealt this kid has the ability to step right in and be a 2nd line center for the Sharks. He had 19g, 21a in his first full season in the NHL. Lots of teams would love to get a guy like this.

Should San Jose have a hard time signing him or if they want a shakeup Pavelski would certainly be a valuable trading chip. Should offer sheets become the new trend then certainly a lot of teams would look into a guy like Pavelski including Howson.

Those are the main pieces for the Sharks. I see them keeping one of Marleau or Campbell but not both. They do however have some interesting complimentatry players that need new contracts like Ryan Clowe and Christian Erhoff. I can't see them parting with their core like Thorton, Michalek, Rivet, Carle, Cheechoo or Nabakov.

So there you have it. I see Howson most interested in Campbell and Marleau and actually there is a better than average chance one of them is a Blue Jackets come camp. New York has some interesting options on defense in Mara or Rozsival that could also be pursued if Howson strikes out on some of his other options further up the list.

-LTL