Ryan Kesler Has Already Been Traded
Today, Kesler and the Canucks 2015 3rd round pick were indeed traded to the Anaheim Ducks. The Canucks received Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa, the 24th overall selection tonight and a 3rd round choice for Kesler. It is a great deal for the Ducks. They gave up two solid pieces in Bonino and Sbisa, but now have a formidable two-center approach to compete with the likes of the Kings and Blackhawks in the West.
Vancouver has been busy and will remain busy
Following trading his disgruntled center, he also moved a defenseman who was reportedly unhappy with the direction of the organization in Jason Garrison. Garrison was part of the top pairing in Vancouver before being moved today to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2nd round pick tonight. The Lightning also receive a seventh round pick next year and the rights to forward Jeff Costello. Apparently, Benning really wanted to move Garrison for only a 2nd round pick if he was willing to throw in those other pieces as well.
But Benning is still not done, for he also acquired former Ranger center Derek Dorsett from the New York Rangers. The Rangers receive the 3rd round pick Vancouver acquired in the Kesler deal earlier in the day.
The Canucks are not expected to disappear into the shadows tonight either. They reportedly are trying very hard to make a deal with the Florida Panthers for that 1st overall selection in the draft tonight. Whether they have the pieces necessary to accomplish that remains to be seen, but I would not expect the Canucks to go quietly into the evening.
Mike Ribeiro Bought out
The newly dubbed Arizona Coyotes made some headlines before the draft today by announcing they will buy out the remaining three years on center Mike Ribeiro's contract. The 34 year old center signed with the Coyotes last summer after playing for the Caps the previous season. It is not a compliance buyout either. This deal does not fall under those perimeters, meaning the Coyotes were not doing it for salary cap reasons. It is believed that there were some behavioral issues which have led to this move today. |
Salary Cap Announced
Pens rumors
As for who is "available" for the Penguins, no one is officially on the block per say. However, that does not mean that Jim Rutherford will not listen to any offers. The first round draft pick has been discussed, and the Pens are reportedly open to the idea of moving the pick in exchange for a veteran that could help the team immediately.
The biggest name that is being tossed around is winger James Neal. He has an easy contract to move, is an elite scorer and would bring sizable return to the Penguins if they do indeed decide to move him. It would have to be the right deal for the Pens to do it however.
Marc-Andre Fleury's name has been tossed around as well for weeks now both for a compliance buyout or a trade. I do not expect the Pens to move the veteran goalie, simply because I don't believe there is a better option and Ryan Miller will be too expensive. I don't expect him to move, but you never know in hockey.
Rob Scuderi's name has been tossed around by fans for months now and it would make sense for him to be on the move. His contract isn't the best, but perhaps a team such as Buffalo or the Islanders would benefit from his veteran leadership while they rebuild. According to reports, Scuderi's agent said this morning that he has not heard anything from the Pens about his client being on the move tonight, but never say never.
The most recent name to be tossed around has been defenseman Paul Martin. An interesting name to toss around considering he will be a UFA next summer and is coming off two phenomenal offensive and defensive campaigns for the Penguins. He would yield a sizable return if the Pens felt a deal was right, and it would also take five million dollars off their books. I don't expect Martin to be the guy who moves tonight, but don't be surprised if it were to happen.
A lot of speculation was made about Kris Letang possibly being moved before his 7.25 million dollar deal that includes an full no movement clause kicks in on July 1st. I do not expect Letang to be moved tonight. Many believe that he will benefit greatly from new coach Mike Johnston's system and will return to his Norris Trophy caliber ways. Letang, I believe, is safe tonight, unless some ridiculous, out of left field deal appears that the Pens simply cannot refuse.
Last Notes
- The Draft is live on NBCSN tonight starting at 7pm.
- The Pens first pick is at #22 overall, which should be somewhere in the 830-915pm time frame.
- It is unknown at this time who the Pens will use with that pick of if they will even hold on to it. For possible names of draftees, see my previous post listed here http://bigdavespenspregame.weebly.com/blog/ill-have-the-5-with-extra-goals-possible-pens-picks-at-14-draft
- Follow @BigDPensPregame on twitter for all the updates throughout the night and tomorrow. You can also like us on Facebook too.
Everyone enjoy the draft. Look for more posts later tonight and this weekend discussing the Pens weekend at the Draft.