2012 NHL Offseason Signings/Trades/Rumors and so on

BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

You're right, Murray doesn't have to make a move, but it would be imprudent not to given that his player has essentially demanded a trade elsewhere and no longer wants to be a part of the Ducks organization. Now, my point was that they aren't going to get the value that they would've gotten a year ago had they put Ryan on the market then since every GM in the league now knows that the player wants out. Matters aren't helped by the fact that Nash is also in play, and you can throw Toronto out of the mix too given their acquisition of JVR. How much Murray gets in return, I obviously can't predict, but I don't believe it will be as high of a return as you seem to think.

Also, Philly has plenty of strong individual blue-liners (i.e., Timonen, Coburn, Carle, Grossman, etc.) on the back-end. Nonetheless, we lack strong cohesive team defense, it was our biggest weakness last season, and a plethora of our forwards can't hold their own in the d-zone. However, I wouldn't call our defenders "bad" without Pronger, so I think you're too quick to discredit Meszaros there. Just 26 years of age too.

I'm not going to continue to argue with you over the parameters of a potential deal. If the Flyers do acquire Ryan, I guarantee you that it won't involve Schenn or Couturier. You seem to think it's a safe bet that he won't move to Philly otherwise, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Many Flyers fans are hesitant to pull the trigger on the rumored deal that you seem to think is a low-ball offer.
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playmaker8267 · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 1:24 am Post subject:

I think dbtb135 read your first post and interpreted your speculative offer as painting Meszaros as a player you would build a Bobby Ryan deal around if you're Paul Holmgren. He's not, nor should he be. Meszaros, while he's a good defenseman, should be the third or so best asset you send to Anaheim if you're getting Bobby Ryan in return. Birds actually said you might send Meszaros, a top six forward, and a pick in return. That's at least something to build on. I can work with that blueprint if I'm Bob Murray.

There are three factors that prevent Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn from being included in any deal for Bobby Ryan. The first is the fact Bob Murray doesn't have the market to himself. Every GM he's on the phone with has Scotty Howson on the other line and Zach Parise's agent on speed dial. Secondly, the relationship between Ryan and the Ducks is obviously strained. I can't really blame either side -- Ryan's used to winning and has been the subject of rumors for months. That can't be easy to deal with all at once on the heels of a massively disappointing season in Anaheim.

Lastly, Ryan simply isn't the elite, elite player you deal Schenn or Couturier away for. If Murray had the market to himself, maybe he could get Schenn and adjust the rest of the compensation package accordingly. That isn't the case. Ryan is not on the short list of players Holmgren should consider breaking up his young nucleus for by dealing Schenn or Couturier.

Speaking of severely limiting your trade partners, how about Roberto Luongo? Reportedly he's using his NTC on every team except the Florida Panthers. That absolutely cripples the Canucks from getting fair value for Luongo.
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