[TRADE] E. Staal to Sabres

[Wonko]

Monahan from the flames for Dumba could make some sense. The money is fairly even, Monahan steps in to play with Kaprizov and/or Fiala, and gets a fresh start. Calgary shakes things up and gets a much needed physical right shot Dman, not to mention a homecoming to Calgary for Dumba.

Not that far fetched to me. I do think Calgary could use Dumba. Monahan seems a bit steep, but possible with other pieces, draft picks, etc., worked in.

[bnet]

St Louis?? Maybe they aren't able to get a deal done with Piets, so get Dumba as a replacement and move out Schenn? Allows Thomas to take over that 2nd line center spot.
Nashville? Could move on from either one of Johanssen or Duchene, though if I were the Wild I'd steer clear of both, plus Nsh is already fairly loaded with D.
RNH seems to make the most sense to me.

Whatever the case may be, if the Wild don't acquire a legit top six center, their C depth looks uuuuuugly.
Johansen, Ek, Kunin, Bjugstad, Rask
*shudders*

[Mikerosen]

Was kinda hoping Staal would be centering Kaprisov and/or Fiala next year. This can’t help his point total.

I was thinking the same but I still think there is some potential for Staal slotting behind Eichel vs being the top C in Minn, having Olofsson on his wing, and maybe getting looks on the 1st PP unit (although I don’t watch enough of Buff to know if there is even an opening there). Could still have a productive year left!

[butch]

did kevyn adams and staal win a cup together in Car ?

seems like an injection of maturity/leadership to me .

[Axeman33]

I like this trade for Buffalo a lot. Yes, Staal is older and nearing the end, but if ever there was a young team in need of some leadership and direction, it's Buffalo. Staal can come in and not have to worry about being the 1C. He can do his job well from the 2C role and allow the kids like Mittlestadt and Cozens to develop properly (although Buffalo has already somewhat scorned Mittlestadt but there's still time).

Not quite sure what Minny is thinking. Another winger?? Just what they DIDN'T need. LOL!

[Vortex71]

I think I'd put Joel Eriksson ek and luke kunin above bjug and Rask at center.

Thank you! Maybe JEE is not a bona fide 1st line C, he's more than capable to center a 2d line. Way better than Bjug/Rask. EE did just fine when Koivu was hurt in stretches in a last couple seasons.

[SeaDawg]

Well, I can't rightly say much about Eriksson Ek...maybe he is more capable that I realize. If so, and Guerin has gone on record saying that Rask is a good player and they need to get him more playing time, then I am wondering if there really is a need for a center on this team?

That seems very strange to me, but if Eriksson Ek is a their 2nd line center, how does Rask get more playing time? Does he become the 2nd line center and JEE gets first line duties? Bjugstad can be the #3 center?

Seems possible, maybe. Then perhaps Dumba is not going to be traded, or if so, maybe not for a center like everyone is predicting.

Maybe Dumba is indeed dealt to Winnipeg, but perhaps for someone like Ehlers?

[2014olympicgold]

I don't know if it's been said, but Buffalo is operating under an internal cap for 2020-21 season. This move also sheds salary for a yr.

[als_revenge]

What gets me is that Staal had a modified NTC where he would list 10 teams he wouldn't accept a trade to and Buffalo wasn't on it.

Eric Staal didn't want to be traded, so he populated his no trade list to include contenders. He thought a team like Buffalo or Ottawa was less likely to try to acquire him.

Source: https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1717517

[STONE.]

When do the annual Malkin trade rumors start this year? Dumba / Malkin swap with pieces to help Pitt's farm making up the difference?

[Axeman33]

Eric Staal didn't want to be traded, so he populated his no trade list to include contenders. He thought a team like Buffalo or Ottawa was less likely to try to acquire him.

Source: https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1717517

FWIW, MoJo also had a 10 team NTC and Minny wasn't on his so it worked out for both teams LOL!

[STONE.]

Yeesh. Just read that article. If Staal is really unhappy with the deal, gotta wonder if retirement comes early.
Ideally Buffalo would've asked about this, but considering they don't really have a front office, I suppose its excusable.

[Axeman33]

That story is old (2yrs to be exact), and apparently he just updated his NTC list of teams this week, if you believe The Athletic Wild reporter Mike Russo (who's pretty solid I might add). For those with the Athletic subscription, here's the link:

https://theathletic.com/2072731/2020...ch_query=staal

For those without a subscription, it says this:

On Wednesday, Guerin undoubtedly grabbed the attention of all of his players in the midst of this very abnormal offseason by surprising one of their most popular comrades and biggest leaders with an unexpected phone call.

In a late-afternoon stunner, Eric Staal was traded in what could be deemed a shot across the bow of the Wild locker room and a sign that Guerin is more than willing to shake up the roster.

The day before, Staal was on the golf course, finished playing 18 holes with a few teammates and sprinted home to get on the phone with his agent so he could rework his annual 10-team no-trade list in time for Tuesday’s league deadline.

When Staal ultimately submitted his list, the Buffalo Sabres weren’t on it.

Twenty-four hours later, Staal was on the Sabres.

[2014olympicgold]

Staal found out about the trade after Twitter did.

[Belexus75]

Nylander for Dumba ....convert Nylander to C, he is actually ok if you dont need him in shut down role

This helps both teams...