2023/2024 Trade Rumors and Speculation Thread

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Spurs

Another myth, if you want an education playing in the WHL doesn't prevent that at all.

Let's say you're, like the vast majority of NHL draft picks, not a sure thing. So you play for a WHL team in the middle of nowhere, get drafted, play in the AHL, and then don't make the big show. You're in your late twenties now with no education or work experience.

You can't go to school while playing in the WHL, so I'm assuming you mean that playing in the WHL doesn't prevent you from going to school a couple of years later than most, but, as above, if you are truly going for it, you end up having to go to undergraduate school in your mid to late 20s (assuming you can even get in, as you you're not getting an athletes entrance in Canada). This versus getting to play, for example, at Boston College, a highly ranked university.

[Spurs]

Originally Posted by blankall

Let's say you're, like the vast majority of NHL draft picks, not a sure thing. So you play for a WHL team in the middle of nowhere, get drafted, play in the AHL, and then don't make the big show. You're in your late twenties now with no education or work experience.

You can't go to school while playing in the WHL, so I'm assuming you mean that playing in the WHL doesn't prevent you from going to school a couple of years later than most, but, as above, if you are truly going for it, you end up having to go to undergraduate school in your mid to late 20s (assuming you can even get in, as you you're not getting an athletes entrance in Canada). This versus getting to play, for example, at Boston College, a highly ranked university.

The CHL will give you money for each year that you play in the CHL. I think you have a certain time frame that you have to go so if you chase a hockey career it may affect that, but if post-secondary is an important to you as you suggest then the CHL route doesn't prevent it and helps you get that degree with money.

Most of the guys you seem to be describing that don't care about their education while playing in the CHL likely aren't going to be successful at a US college balancing school and hockey either. There are plenty of guys that play in the CHL and go on to have a lot of success in a non-hockey career.

Also not sure it is the middle of nowhere or that going to US college's that have hockey does not also involve going to the middle of nowhere either.

[Roof-Daddy]

Trade speculation thread was clipping along on topic nicely, and then.....

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Trade speculation thread was clipping along on topic nicely, and then.....

Just need to ignore it, I guess.

I don't really get it though...it's not hard to start another thread if folks want to talk about something unrelated to this (trade rumors and speculation) thread.

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Aw geez you guys. Got me thinking about adding Holtz/Mercer and Byram and then watching the Flames go to the draft and pick three players in round 1??

And that's just from trading Hanifin and Lindholm. They could still trade a retained Tanev and maybe a long shot at Markstrom as well.

It'll be wild if we can actually land one of these younger players. They're definitely on my wish list, but I just struggle to see either Byram or Mercer getting dealt. Holtz? Maybe, as he's kind of been tossed around the depth chart in New Jersey and hasn't really found his home.

These next two months have the potential to be 'era defining' for Conroy. Such a prime opportunity to load the team with youth/assets.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Trade speculation thread was clipping along on topic nicely, and then.....

Yup, time to accuse people of making up myths, lies, fantasy's and blah blah... Obviously he didn't learn anything.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Why do you guys take the Spurs bait?

Ignore that guy.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Mercer and Holtz are 11 draft spots apart, just for reference. I am okay with either

Give me either and I'd be a happy camper.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Bonded

I’d be shocked if Hanifin got a 1st and Mercer. Right up there with Byram and a 1st from the Avs. It would sure be sweet

Yeah, not sure why a team gearing up into win now mode and a playoff run would move out a top-six forward.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Jacks

Everyone complains about Spurs and then when he posts something 8 people reply. If you dislike him so much stop giving him so much attention.

It’s 2024 and people still don’t know how to deal with trolls.

[Lanny_McDonald]

You ask Mercer, then you take Holtz and the 1st and you walk away happy. That is a huge win considering the alternative of walking the player to free agency and getting #### all.

[Spurs]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

It’s 2024 and people still don’t know how to deal with trolls.

Trolls?

I post different views from some, with reasons behind my posts and don't just drive by and leave.

But that somehow is "trolling."

It's 2024 and some people still have no clue what a troll actually is.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Lot of noise around Hanifin right now and am getting intel that NJ has been granted permission to talk to Pat Brisson about an extension, not sure if that would be the Flames sign and trade or the Devils will extend him right after trade. I am also hearing the potential return being a 1st and Holtz. Flames are pushing for Mercer instead.

Man this excites me.

That's a CP fans dream package.

Makes sense for NJ too though if they can extend him. Their time is now and Hanifin in his prime helps them.

And makes sense for Calgary's future outlook.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

Dube is not going to help getting Mercer.

Well ya obviously. Too obvious?? It was another way of saying there's no chance we get Mercer. I'm 98% certain they wouldn't be giving us Holtz either.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by blankall

Let's say you're, like the vast majority of NHL draft picks, not a sure thing. So you play for a WHL team in the middle of nowhere, get drafted, play in the AHL, and then don't make the big show. You're in your late twenties now with no education or work experience.

You can't go to school while playing in the WHL, so I'm assuming you mean that playing in the WHL doesn't prevent you from going to school a couple of years later than most, but, as above, if you are truly going for it, you end up having to go to undergraduate school in your mid to late 20s (assuming you can even get in, as you you're not getting an athletes entrance in Canada). This versus getting to play, for example, at Boston College, a highly ranked university.

I know a few guys that match this description. It’s never been easy for them outside of hockey, not having an education.

Whereas guys I know that went the NCAA route had things much easier.

Anyways, feels like a trade is brewing!!!

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

You ask Mercer, then you take Holtz and the 1st and you walk away happy. That is a huge win considering the alternative of walking the player to free agency and getting #### all.

Yeah, Holtz even has one more year on his ELC left after this year. I would love Mercer, but having Holtz as a consolation prize. Sign me up.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by blankall

Let's say you're, like the vast majority of NHL draft picks, not a sure thing. So you play for a WHL team in the middle of nowhere, get drafted, play in the AHL, and then don't make the big show. You're in your late twenties now with no education or work experience.

You can't go to school while playing in the WHL, so I'm assuming you mean that playing in the WHL doesn't prevent you from going to school a couple of years later than most, but, as above, if you are truly going for it, you end up having to go to undergraduate school in your mid to late 20s (assuming you can even get in, as you you're not getting an athletes entrance in Canada). This versus getting to play, for example, at Boston College, a highly ranked university.

As noted above, you get a year of post-secondary in Canada for each year of WHL play, also many of them end up playing CIS, which helps with tuition too. They are "paid" while playing WHL but it's absolute peanuts. I agree mostly. It's not necessarily a great incentive, particularly for those who are fringe players and may only get one year, if that. I think things are opening up a bit now. In my time there wasn't a lot of push towards US school, or school in general, everything was about the WHL and Bantam draft etc.. but really a half-decent Canadian player can go play at many different divisions of NCAA and earn a degree from somewhere (maybe not the big schools) while playing hockey. It's a thing that isn't championed much in the Canadian system.

I also think good teenage players may be better to head to Europe and try playing professionally there for a few years ala Auston Matthews. I think that was a great idea for him. Play against strong professional adults and earn some cash. You can use that cash to pay for school if you want. Have an experience while you're there.

The WHL/Hockey Canada system does need a total overhaul in how they develop talent and deal with players in general. It's built to benefit the owners of teams and that shouldn't really be the goal of a development league for (mostly) children.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Spurs

I have looked at the development model, Canada still pumping out more and better talent than any other country.

The myth that Canada's development isn't good or being passed is based on nothing at all, it is pure fiction.

Maybe you should look at what is actually happening rather than made up narratives in your fantasyland mind.

Canada was starting from a position way ahead though...Canada maybe hasn't been passed yet but the other nations are catching up.

Goalies: USA is ahead of Canada when it comes to developing goalies right now and I'm not sure that's even debatable. I'm taking Hellebuyck, Demko, Oettinger, Swayman over any of the Canadian goalies. Adin Hill might be Canada's best goalie and he never represented Canada at the junior level.

Defensemen: Closer than it's ever been...Makar is still the best in the world but Fox, Hughes, McAvoy, Slavin...it's getting closer here too.

Forwards: The top couple guys are still Canadian (Mackinnon, McDavid, Crosby) but the Americans are no slouches with Matthews, Tkachuk, Hughes etc

In my opinion there really is no wrong answer at this point on CHL vs NCAA and either development stream is good and the right path would be dependent on your individual situation as a player.

At the NHL level it's closer than ever though. Of the top 31 point scorers in the NHL this season (38 points+) only 11 are Canadian.

I'm guessing there would be no other season where that few Canadians make up the top 30 point getters in the NHL.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Well ya obviously. Too obvious?? It was another way of saying there's no chance we get Mercer. I'm 98% certain they wouldn't be giving us Holtz either.

Dube is a nice upgrade on Bastian. Just saying. NJ would love to have a speedy player to put out with McLeod and Lazar. Wouldn't be shocked at all to see Dube included in a trade with NJ.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Picking up the center and a 1st makes a Lindholm trade less daunting.

Kylington slides in for Hanifin
Mercer slides in for Lindholm
Pick a good D with the 1st
Garner more futures for Elias.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Spurs

Another myth, if you want an education playing in the WHL doesn't prevent that at all.

No, but playing in the AHL or the Coast does.