Florida Will Blow Up Roster, Weiss/Horton May Be Available
In a topic that has been touched on here, Florida GM Dave Tallon (of the Chicago Blackhawks “Oops I forgot to submit the paperwork” problem) has made it known that there are very few players on the Florida roster that are considered to be untouchable. In fact, it is only known that Dmitry Kulikov, David Booth, and goalie Jacob Markstrom are the only one’s to be safe.
It is widely speculated that Nathan Horton will be the first to go, as he would bring back one of the better return values. There are several other veterans that are going to be included in trade rumors as the weeks pass (Cory Stillman, Tomas Vokoun, Radek Dvorak, Steven Reinprecht, Bryan McCabe). However, the name that should draw serious interest from the Rangers is center Stephen Weiss.
The 27 year old Weiss has put together two 60-point seasons in a row as he enters his prime. Last year, a career year, saw Weiss fall just short of 30 goals, putting up a line of 28-32-60 and a decent 7.4 GVT, while playing with some sub-par teammates (0.225 QUALTEAM). Weiss has a scoring touch that the Rangers sorely need on the first line with Marian Gaborik. Weiss is also relatively cheap, as he is signed for the next three seasons at a $3.1 million cap hit ($3.2 million, $4.0 million, $4.1 million in salary for each season). The cost to acquire Weiss would be high though, think along the lines of a top prospect (Bobby Sanguinetti), a middle of the road prospect (Michael Sauer) and a fairly high draft pick or two (2nd rounder at a minimum). The quality of the prospect offered will directly affect the quality of the draft pick.
Note: The prospects named are just to give you an example of the value, and not the actual prospect the Rangers would give up.
This is definitely something that the Rangers should kick the tires on, as Weiss would be a tremendous improvement on the center position, and would provide some top-line support for Gaborik that he has sorely needed. Sather tends to be stealthy when making trades, and we are generally blindsided by the good trades he makes (see: Gomez, Scott), so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear even a whisper about a trade before it even happens.
Of course, don’t be surprised if no trades happen either.
By jurgenno88, June 17, 2010 @ 11:04 am
Given the prospects we have defensively, if Weiss were to be had for Sanguinetti Sauer and a 2nd i’d jump all over that deal. Sangs may yet make it in the NHL but it isnt as critical to us if he makes it in NY because of MDZ, McDonagh and even Gilroy. Weiss immediately helps us both financially (cap friendly as you say)and talent wise so im all for this theoretical move.
Here’s hoping Sather reads the blogs….
Dave Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:21 am
I’m sure Slats has kicked the tires on Weiss, all GMs talk constantly.
If Tallon wants an NHL ready player, give them Gilroy or Dubinsky or something to that effect. It’ll hurt to lose Dubi, but it’s the cost of doing business.
jurgenno88 Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:56 am
I’d be very reluctant to part with Dubi but i suppose you cannot get away with robbery every trade. I do think though, that Gilroy would be tempting to them. He’s talented and young and can grow down there. Kulikov aside (im not counting McCabe) they dont have much youth on D and the youngster/draft pick Ellerby hasnt developed as quickly as they hoped.
jurgenno88 Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
to quickly add…. what they’d want back for Weiss will obviously depend on who they pick at 3rd overall. Do they go D or do they chance it on Connolly?
I saw some expert mocks today that didnt feature Tarasenko in the 1st round. If he falls towards the bottom of the 1st and we have already picked i could see us moving up to get him
Dave Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
3rd overall, they probably go D, and I would assume Gudbransen or Fowler.
By brian, June 17, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
I think Weiss would require a bigger return than that, but I would do that in an instant. I would love that trade.
Demitra Dubi Gabby
Prospal Anisimov Cally
Avery Drury MZA/Weisse/PA/Lisin/etc.
Prust Boyle Shelley
brian Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Wow forgot Weiss.
Demitra Christiansen Gabby
Dubi Weiss Cally
Prospal Anisimov Drury
Prust Boyle Shelley
throw avery in there somewhere too
Dave Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Yea, there will probably need to be a roster player involved, but still, would you do Dubi/Sangs for Weiss? I would.
brian Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
id rather Cally/Sangs, or id even further prefer Anisimov/Girardi/Sangs/draft pick for Horton and Weiss.
Think its possible?
By Mikeyyyy, June 18, 2010 @ 4:40 am
You people are nuts. I wouldn’t trade that much for weiss. I would make a move to get rotislav olesz, frolik, or oreskovich. All guys with decent upside and not a lot needed in return.