[Rumour] LeBrun: Flames, Devils reignite Markstrom trade talks (again); other teams interested

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Ullmark has already said he’d only go to a few contending teams, he’s more likely to move to a Colorado than a NJ honestly.

Saros appears to prefer resigning in NSH rather than move and it’s speculated that likely will happen.

Markstrom is the only goalie who’s 100% moving. Flames hold a lot of power in that, combined with previous trade talks and willingness to move to NJD I think it’s pretty obvious what’s going to happen.

I absolutely buy that the Devils only have eyes for Marky. The problem would be, does he only have eyes for them? We need other teams in the mix to get a premium for him.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Major Major

I absolutely buy that the Devils only have eyes for Marky. The problem would be, does he only have eyes for them? We need other teams in the mix to get a premium for him.

I would bet, the Flames are working with 3 or 4 teams.

Just like they did with the deadline trades...

[activeStick]

The whole Markstrom thing is fascinating to me. With the rumours of the deadline trade discussions between the 2 teams and there ultimately being no common ground to get the deal done, I wonder who blinks here? Do Fitzgerald's childish post-deadline accusations of Conroy linger in the background in renewed trade discussions? Ego is going to come into play here so who backs off?

And then with the Sens, Staios has stated he wants the Sens to be competitive now and a number one goalie is their biggest need, so the rumblings make sense. But even if the Sens aren't seriously interested in Markstrom, bumping up the acquisition cost for Markstrom is a win for them with the Devils being one of the Sens likely competitors in the East for a wildcard spot.

I'd agree that Markstrom is the smartest choice for the Devils that gives them the greatest flexibility in terms of cap space. I'm wondering if the reason the deal hasn't happened yet is because Conroy isn't willing to adjust his demand from before and Fitzgerald's ego, pushing him to not give in is getting in the way right now.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Major Major

I absolutely buy that the Devils only have eyes for Marky. The problem would be, does he only have eyes for them? We need other teams in the mix to get a premium for him.

He’s already confirmed he’d move and play for Jersey.
What he doesn’t want is to be tossed around like an asset and shopped to various teams which is what happened at the deadline.

Unfortunately with a NMC he’s allowed to nix any deal, so Craig has to be careful how he handles it again. He already burned a huge bridge at the deadline.

[memphusk]

Could it be as simple as 7th OA a 2nd and korpisalo for Markstrom?

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Could it be as simple as 7th OA a 2nd and korpisalo for Markstrom?

Simple for the Flames

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by activeStick

The whole Markstrom thing is fascinating to me. With the rumours of the deadline trade discussions between the 2 teams and there ultimately being no common ground to get the deal done, I wonder who blinks here? Do Fitzgerald's childish post-deadline accusations of Conroy linger in the background in renewed trade discussions? Ego is going to come into play here so who backs off?

And then with the Sens, Staios has stated he wants the Sens to be competitive now and a number one goalie is their biggest need, so the rumblings make sense. But even if the Sens aren't seriously interested in Markstrom, bumping up the acquisition cost for Markstrom is a win for them with the Devils being one of the Sens likely competitors in the East for a wildcard spot.

I'd agree that Markstrom is the smartest choice for the Devils that gives them the greatest flexibility in terms of cap space. I'm wondering if the reason the deal hasn't happened yet is because Conroy isn't willing to adjust his demand from before and Fitzgerald's ego, pushing him to not give in is getting in the way right now.

I dont think you are too far off here. Ultimately it comes down to will nj pay asking price. If it had been met deal would be done. I would think much like myself i know the price, hate the price, dont have any better options, ultimately pay begrudgingly.

[MegaErtz]

Originally Posted by memphusk

Could it be as simple as 7th OA a 2nd and korpisalo for Markstrom?

The Flames would have to retain half his salary. We're too cheap to eat six million US dollars to get a tenth overall pick.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

Ullmark and Saros, if the rumours are true.

Well the latest rumours are Saros and the Preds both want a long term deal and the Bruins want to move Ullmark West but let's play Devils Advocate and say both those guys could be acquired. Let's start with Saros. The rumoured asking price at the trade deadline was Mercer, 2024 1st, and another top prospect. That price will not have gone down considering you are trying to convince a team that doesn't really want to trade that asset to do so. Then you need to factor in he needs a new contract, rumours are he is seeking a long term deal at around $10.5M a year.

If you can convince Boston to move Ullmark to a team that is a goalie away from being contenders for years to come and in the same conference it isn't going to come cheap. Boston is going to try and retool on the fly instead of tearing it down and Ullmark is a year removed from winning a Vezina. I imagine the ask will be similiar to the price tag the Preds are looking for. Maybe a B prospect instead of a top prospect gets it done but they are certainly going to want Dawson Mercer.

Markstrom on the other hand might be a few years older but he doesn't have a lot of milage on him as a starter as he didn't really develop into one until he was practically 30. He can probably play at a high level for another 5 years. He is on a reasonable salary for two more years and is a proven workhorse goalie. His cost to acquire is considerably lower and you can probably get him with some salary retention for only this year's first which the Devils really don't need to use at this point compared to acquiring a legit #1 goalie. Oh, and Marty Brodeur thinks Markstrom should be the target.

So assuming all three are acquirable ( I highly doubt Saros is going anywhere) it is pretty obvious in my mind which way you go.

[Bs&Cs]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Ullmark has already said he’d only go to a few contending teams, he’s more likely to move to a Colorado than a NJ honestly..

Ullmark has a 16 team NTC. I’d be very surprised if NJ was on his list.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Brodeur is on record saying he really likes Markstrom, so if they trade for him and it doesn't work out, he can deflect the blame a little.

I wonder if Brodeur's comments were his honest opinion or if he was just trying to pump the tires of a guy who he thought they were about to acquire. In February, when asked who the five best goalies in the league are, he named two recent Cup winners (Hill and Vasilevskiy), the Rangers' and Islanders' starters, and Markstrom.

If that is his true opinion, I'd think he should have enough pull with ownership to make sure the trade gets done.

[IamNotKenKing]

Originally Posted by MegaErtz

The Flames would have to retain half his salary. We're too cheap to eat six million US dollars to get a tenth overall pick.

Where do you get this from?

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by MegaErtz

The Flames would have to retain half his salary. We're too cheap to eat six million US dollars to get a tenth overall pick.

Taking Korpisalo back is eating half of Markstroms salary.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Bs&Cs

Ullmark has a 16 team NTC. I’d be very surprised if NJ was on his list.

Me too. On the other hand I would be very surprised if Boston would trade Ullmark to NJ unless they really overpay.

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by Bs&Cs

Ullmark has a 16 team NTC. I’d be very surprised if NJ was on his list.

But which side of the list are you talking about? That NJ is on the list of teams he can't be traded to?

[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by Bs&Cs

Ullmark has a 16 team NTC. I’d be very surprised if NJ was on his list.

I agree, Ullmark would likely not be the reason why a trade wouldn’t happen between Boston and NJ. The real question is why Boston would wilfully put a direct obstacle in their potential path to the Stanley Cup by making NJ a contender.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Royle9

He’s already confirmed he’d move and play for Jersey.
What he doesn’t want is to be tossed around like an asset and shopped to various teams which is what happened at the deadline.

Unfortunately with a NMC he’s allowed to nix any deal, so Craig has to be careful how he handles it again. He already burned a huge bridge at the deadline.

Markstom also has to be careful...he signed a contract with Calgary for 2 more years he is in no position to say trade me to one specific team

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by TOfan

I think it could easily be seen as the opposite though. Markstrom may not be the long term solution, but maybe that’s a good thing. Let’s say NJ is going to pursue Sarros. Not only are they giving up assets, likely high value assets, they’re going to have to resign him, if long term is what they’re after. What’s Sarros’ next deal look like 8x9? 8x10? Do the Devils want that amount tied up for that amount of term?

If you can get Markstrom at 2x6, or less if retention is included, that seems like a pretty attractive option. It’s already well known Markstrom is willing to go there too.Sarros doesn’t have trade protection so that’s one less item NJ might have to concern themselves with but Ulmark does have some control. Is he willing to go to NJ? Does the fact he’s never played more than 50 games in a season concern NJ?

I think the fact Markstrom only has two years left at his cap hit and level of play is a positive in NJ’s eyes. If he’s still performing well two years down the road, they could extend him. Maybe they want Schmid to take the reins by then anyway.

I somewhat agree with what you're saying but I don't think they want to give up 10OA for a 2 year stop gap. If they exhaust all options and Markstrom is the only guy left and they get retention and maybe a sweetener I could maybe see it happening. But I think that's a last resort for them because 2 years of Markstrom for 10th is a steal for the Flames.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Hackey

I somewhat agree with what you're saying but I don't think they want to give up 10OA for a 2 year stop gap. If they exhaust all options and Markstrom is the only guy left and they get retention and maybe a sweetener I could maybe see it happening. But I think that's a last resort for them because 2 years of Markstrom for 10th is a steal for the Flames.

What if Markstrom takes them to a Stanley Cup win? Is it still a steal? What if the player we draft at 10 doesn't pan out? Still a steal? A little early to be saying those things.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Markstom also has to be careful...he signed a contract with Calgary for 2 more years he is in no position to say trade me to one specific team

He is in a position to nix any deal, and Calgary wants to trade him.

He can pretty much say what he wants.