Although that pic has absolutely no relevance here I thought it was funny so there you have it.
Okay... on to the real business at hand - so I caught the trade rumor floating around the interwebs the past few days between the Bruins and Jackets.
For those that read this blog who haven't seen it yet -- this is it via prohockeytalk.com:
Pro Hockey Talk has learned of a possible trade in the works, with the Boston Bruins dealing Blake Wheeler and Marc Savard to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. It's likely that the Bruins would also include their 15th overall pick in the deal as well, leaving Boston with both the second and fourth pick in the first round.
Look, I get as excited about reading trade rumors as the next guy. They are fun and get folks talking.
That said, NOBODY who actually takes the time to digest this rumor could think it would go down as currently proposed.
Jackets fans must know that unless ownership wins the powerball they are not going to spend much over their self imposed 48 millionish budget. This trade alone would blow that budget out of the water.
Boston fans must know that they are not going to turn around and trade a center they just recently signed to a 7 year deal that includes a no trade clause. That would be like the Jackets signing Rick Nash last summer and then trading him a month after. Gone would be any credibility with future free agents.
That's not to say there isn't a deal to be made here or that the teams aren't talking.
Boston has what the Jackets need and I think Columbus certainly has some pieces that would be attractive to Boston.
Looking at Boston they sit with just 18 players signed with 54 million committed to the cap. No doubt they would like to free up some cap space while getting younger and cheaper.
They are also very deep down the middle with Savard, Kreci, Bergeron and they are widely expected to draft center Tyler Seguin with the #2 overall pick. On top of that their #1 ranked prospect according to HockeysFuture.com is center Joe Colburn.
Forecaster on Colburn:
ASSETS: Has tremendous size and the potential to play a power game at the highest level. Can score goals and set up his linemates, too. Can line up either at center or wing.
FLAWS: Is extremely inconsistent in all areas of the game and still somewhat raw. Lacks maturity in his game. Must prove capable of producing points with consistency at the highest level.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Power forward.
In addition to the #2 overall pick that they acquired from Toronto in the Phil Kessel trade the Bruins hold their own pick at #15.
For Columbus to trade down there is no doubt in my mind that Howson would want to retain a pick in the 1st round. A market like Columbus must keep that pipeline flowing with cheap quality talent to augment their lineup.
Columbus would also like to strengthen their center depth while also getting immediate help for next season.
Here is my proposal:
To Columbus: #15 overall, Colburn and Bergeron
To Boston: #4 overall, Pahlsson and 4th round pick (or B prospect)
Here is why I think this has potential for both sides.
Columbus:
The #15 overall meets the goals of keeping the pipeline stocked. This a deep draft and the Jackets should be able to get a quality player at this spot. With two 2nd round picks it's also possible he could move back up or even down further to gain more picks.
Colburn instantly upgrades their depth down the middle. He would certainly play in Springfield's top 6 and become the Jackets' #1 prospect at this position.
Bergeron has 1 year left on his deal at 4.75 million. He is expensive but he's also only 24 and notched 19g, 33a for 52p last year while also finishing a +6. He has battled injury problems in the past but he played in 73 games last year. The Jackets should get a motivated player in a contract year and Bergeron would be slotted next to Olypmic teammate Nash and play in every situation.
Boston:
The biggest piece going Boston direction is that #4 overall pick. With this pick Boston would select one of Fowler, Gudbranson and Gormely. They don't really have any blue chip defensemen in their system and that problem would be solved. Having both #2 and #4 picks no doubt sets them up for a long run in the future and meets their goal of adding cheap quality talent in a big way.
The Jackets would have to send some salary back Boston's direction which is why Pahlsson is included. Bergeron can more than make up for what is lost from Pahlsson defensively for Columbus and Pahlsson would fill the hole voided by Bergeron. Pahlsson is due 2.6 million over the next two seasons and would save Boston 2.15 this season. Remember cap space is a valuable trading asset in today's NHL so that must be taken into account when evaluating trades.
The 4th round pick or B prospect is tossed in to even out the value as without it I think Columbus holds a slight advantage.
Boston may prefer someone other than Pahlsson (Clark who is a UFA after this season perhaps?) but for this to work Columbus must send some salary back the other way. Another scenario is to remove the veterans in Bergeron and Pahlsson and just work off assets -- in that case I think Boston would have to add more to the #15 and Colburn to move up to #4.
This trade doesn't solve the backend issue but does help upgrade in a significant way the center depth on this team:
In Springfield Colburn would slot in behind MacKenzie in the top 6 at center.
So while I think the proposal in this rumor is bunk I do think there is a strong possibility these teams have talked. I think a deal between them would come down on the draft floor after Edmonton makes their pick. For instance if Edmonton picks Seguin over Hall then that changes things dramatically for Boston as now they don't have the center depth they would have had if they ended up with Seguin.
Lots of smoke out there Jackets fans. I give it 99% chance that some kind of trade is made on draft that involves Columbus. All we can do is now is wait (and speculate!).
5 days to go til draft day!
-LTL
