Tuesday, November 10, 2009

No Nyls. Now What?

With word dropping this afternoon that Michael Nylander is most likely going to Russia, the big question is "What does that really mean?" Well, it's two fold. 1) We get to use the roster spot he's been occupying to carry another player that could actually, potentially, play for us. 2) With his cap hit gone, there is the ability to go after another player in a trade, claim someone off waivers or sign a free agent. In the long term, Nylander's departure opens up space to sign Backstrom and Semin to extensions this off-season.

So, again, what does that mean? Chris Chelios at the league minimum? Brendan Shanahan? PETER FORSBERG? Sorry, probably not. Going after an unrestricted free agent around the trading deadline? Possibly. Opening up the possibility of bringing an Alzner or Carlson type up for a cup of coffee? More likely.

Honestly, I'm not sure you notice any real changes now that Nyls is gone. It opens up possibilities, but I doubt anything happens of substance.

2 comments:

  1. What do you think are the odds that this is Semin's last season in the Red White and Blue? I'm feeling pretty strong. Should be interesting.

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  2. Nope. I read something recently that said that his underachieving this season has kept his price tag down. We'll sign him. What I think you'll see is a big change on the defensive end...Morisson, Erskine, Jurcina might be on the outs while nicely inexpensive Alzner, Sloan and Carlson get the time.

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