Shark Bait?

Let me be perfectly clear about this.  I am hearing absolutely NOTHING in relation to trades around Heatley.  In fact, with the recent “leak” of the EDM package, I would expect any negotiations, with anyone, will require all sides to uphold the highest degree of secrecy.

No doubt both the NHL, and NHLPA have expressed their displeasure at the fall-out of the EDM deal being made public prior to Heatleys final ruling on his acceptance.  It has done untold damage to so many, for nothing.

So, it is under this pretext, that I discuss SJ as a possible destination for Heatley.

Make no mistake, this is just the ramblings of a hockey nut, nothing more.  If anything that gets said here should come to fruition, it is pure coincidence, or reflects the undeniable strength of my hockey knowledge (lol).

As SJ is (presumably) on the “preferred” list, as presented to OTT by the Heatley Cabal, one has to wonder if discussions aren’t currently, or inevitable under way concerning a possible trade of the “Delusional Dany Heatley” to Silicone Valley.

Everybody knows the recent struggles of SJ to translate their regular season dominance into post season success.  It is also well known that, from a cap perspective, they have very little flexibility in improving their roster, without eliminating salary.  This was clearly highlighted by their inactivity on FA day.  It’s not that they didn’t want to do something, it’s that, like so many other teams, they couldn’t, due to salary commitments.

They did however re-sign rugged LW’er Ryan Clowe.  Ryan is a second line power forward, who brings an intriguing combination of crash and bang, with a fair set of hands.  Nobody is going to mistake him for Havlat, but, he’s no Chris Neil either.

Think Fisher, with a bit more size.

Clowe was being offered around the league prior to his signing, in hopes of shaking loose some sweeter fruit, but, nobody bit.

As I previously reported, SJ was one of the first teams to contact Murray with an interest in Heatley, but, apart from a lot of names being bandied back and fourth, nothing of merit ever materialized from the cash strapped Sharks.

Clowe may have resigned, but this does nothing to improve the teams scoring, post season experience, or chemistry needed to placate the frustrated NoCal fans.

And, at 3.5M per / 4yr., Clowe is considered by some to be somewhat over-paid.  Nothing horrendous, but not a “value” either.

Would Ottawa be interested in Clowe, should he be a part fo a package for Heatley?

Probably, as he adds a much needed physical dimension to the top six forward position, but nobody would expect him to replace anything more than a third of Heatleys offensive potential.  And that is an issue.

This would mean, in comparison to the EDM deal, Clowe would represent the Penner aspect of the deal, albeit at a smaller (-.750M) salary.

So, who would account for Cogs value in that package from EDM?  Cogs may be smallish, but he has a tonne of heart, skill and speed.  He was the crown jewel in that trade, if there was one.

What about Setoguchi?  Similar age, attributes, but with marginally smaller guaranteed salary, but more lucrative bonus structure.  Sure Setoguchi had better numbers last season, but he also played on a vastly more offensively talented roster.

He would be my pick as a 1 for 1 replacement of Cogs.

This leaves Smid.  He’s a tough one to get a handle on.  Some feel he has been a big disappointment thus far in his career, where as others point more to his development, and treatment by the Oilers as the issue, not his skill.

How about Vlasic?  Although he had a showing last season, he also had a solid group around him.  Think the Preissing effect.  How much of his stats are based on individual skill, vs role and roster?

One big difference is salary.  Smid is an RFA, where as Vlasic is signed through the 2012/13 season, with an average cap hit of 3.1M.

Does Vlasic represent the sort of player Ottawa needs on their already crowded blue line?  Maybe this year, but, with an already rather unphysical defense, it would be nice to have a bigger body back there if committed for another 3 seasons beyond that.  Smid is a big body, if nothing else.

But, beggars (on both sides) can’t be choosers.

So here’s my proposition to SJ;

1. IF OTT absorbs the 4m salary advance

Heatley, Smith ($10.1M)

for

Clowe, Setoguchi, Vlasic,  ($7.365M).

2. IF OTT passes along the $4M to SJ.

Heatley (7.5M)

for

Clowe, Setoguchi, Vlasic (7.365M)

IF this deal was ever presented to OTT, I have no doubt “Denial Dany Heatley” would finaly have his “options”.

Thoughts?

GN