Phone call, after phone call, after email, after meeting. Repeat.
I can assure you that is the schedule that many NHL GM’s are on currently as we approach the NHL Trade Deadline. And with the trade deadline comes the annual catch phrase “buyer or seller?”. Struggling teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens would fall into the “seller” category by most, but for NHL GM’s, is it smart to have an all out seller mentality? I ask myself this question every year leading up to the trade deadline, and find it hard to picture myself as GM and what I would do. Being a “buyer” this time of year normally means that a team is in good shape for the playoffs, and is looking to fill a few spots on the roster. Say you are Peter Chiarelli, Boston Bruins General Manager. Your team is one of the favorites to make a push for the Stanley Cup, and adding depth is key. Pickups such as Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly for the Bruins at last year’s trade deadline proved to be imperative to the Bruins championship run. Buying this type of year is normally a pretty easy decision to make, and a smart one for a team looking to make a run for Lord Stanley’s Cup. But this leads me to my real question, is it smart to be a seller?
18-35-7, 43 points, last place in the NHL . That is where the Columbus Blue Jackets fall in the standings, most likely making Columbus a “seller”. GM Scott Howson has to make some tough decisions with the future of Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and the future of the franchise at his finger tips. Many teams would love to land Nash or Carter on their roster, as both can carry a team offensively towards a deep playoff run. (As I am writing this, I am reading on twitter that Columbus has been re-arranging their conference room to make room for more journalists. Press conference about a trade anyone?) Anyways, back to what I was saying. Columbus could pick up many assets in a trade involving Nash or Carter. Draft picks, roster players, and prospects are all very possible to be headed Columbus’ way if either forward were to be dealt, but does this make up for the huge loss of talent? There is a very select amount of players in the league that could replace a player such as Nash or Carter. Personally, I question if it is smart to give away talent that is so hard to find. Yes draft picks and elite prospects are great, but there is a level of uncertainty that comes along with them. Odds are, none of the prospects or draft picks that the Jackets receive will turn out to be a Nash or Carter caliber player. I firmly believe in the long haul process of developing a farm team, acquiring players during free agency, but most importantly, holding onto a core group of players for a franchise to build on. Selling is not the solution.
A great example of this is the Carolina Hurricanes organization. This season has been a disappointment, but the future is bright. Their farm team the Charlotte Checkers has many future NHL players. They also have prospects in the CHL and in Europe that have a bright future. The results my not be instant, but Carolina will only have things improve from here on out. With the re-signing of Tuomo Ruutu and Tim Gleason, Eric Staal as their captain, a stud in goal with Cam Ward and a great elite young player in Jeff Skinner, they have a core. Carolina, even though last place in the east, will not be major sellers. There may be some minor moves on deadline day according to their GM Jim Rutherford hinted to on NHL Live the other day, as the Canes are in position to move a defenseman, but besides that, are not drastically changing the team. I think this is a perfect example of a team that has struggled, but has not fallen into the “seller” category.
Enjoy these crazy days before the trade deadline.
whatasave 