Comments on: Is Bourque on the trade block?

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:55:00 +0000

They play different games though. To be honest, I'm more willing to pay for Bourque because he brings a crash and bang game with the scoring. Ryder is all skill scoring, and doesn't bring much else. Plus its the "what have you done for me lately" argument. Bourque's put up 3 straight 20 goal seasons and the last two were 27 goals. Ryder hasn't put up 20 since everyone on Boston played above their head three seasons ago.

So I wouldn't really agree with you. Ryder received similar pay for putting up two seasons of 18 goals, and was paid for the potential to get higher. Bourque was paid for putting up two straight 27 goal seasons and for his physical pay. So I think Niuewy receives the flack for a reason on that one. It's not a terrible deal but its not great.

By: MystifoLeafs

MystifoLeafs — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:45:44 +0000

As a Newfie I honestly believe in Ryder, the guy has the ability to be a great scorer. Just not in the shootout. =D

By: mojo19

mojo19 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:02:30 +0000

I just wanna point out that its pretty funny that a 30 year old Rene Bourque, who is overall a very solid, top 6 calibre support winger, and 2nd tier sniper, earning $3.33 million for the next 4 years is considered this very solid value, and could bring back a very solid return etc.

I'm not disagreeing with that, BUT, Michael Ryder is similar age, similarly streaky. Can be dangerous for stretches, disappear for stretches, can play top 6 as a 2nd tier sniper, overall very comparible player to Bourque in many aspects of his game, and statistically. And for some reason Joe Nieuewendyk takes the heat for signing Ryder to a 2 year deal worth $3.5 million per season, which is very comparable pay.

By: blaze

blaze — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:06:08 +0000

Bernier would be a good target too and with his cap hit Bourque would probably be a nice fit on LA. I would rather Schnieder over Bernier personally but like you said, it`s all a matter of opinion.

Unless you`re a dominant team goaltending needs to be quite solid. Finding a decent number one can be done, but it`s not always easy. Took the Leafs 6 years and if Reimer flames out who knows how long.

By: albertateams

albertateams — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:24:54 +0000

I just don't see a huge up grade from a Mason/ Schneider pairing and an Irving/Mason pairing, sure Schneider's further along in his development but I would rather see Bourque traded for a solid young d or forward or prospects/picks. I also think Schneider wouldn't look quite as good playing behind a Flames team as he does the Canucks. Irving I think could get a shot next year. He has been playing really well in the AHL the last two years. That being said he might not be ready quite yet. I just don't see Schneider providing that much more stability in the position, Rinne I would love to get but I don't see it.

If the Flames were going to target a young goalie I would prefer Bernier in LA. The kings are going to have to decide which goalie they are going to pay long term and unless something changes its going to be Quick.

I think a serviceable # 1 wouldn't be that difficult to find in the summer via trade or FA. They won't get a top flight guy but a mid level guy for a year or two wouldn't be the end of the world. FA goaltenders in 2013 is looking very strong. I still maintain that a quick rebuild is possible this offseason if it s done correctly. With the cap space they have and a couple of smart trades and draft picks, it really wouldn't have to be an Oilers style half decade tank.

By: blaze

blaze — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:59:18 +0000

Ya I can see you're hesitation on the Bourque deal if you're not high on Schnieder. I think he's ready to be a good starter somewheres though and a Schnieder/Mason tandem could possibly have the Flames competitive again next year.

As a Leafs fan I know first hand the importance of goaltending and the difficulting in finding one. I have very little confidence either Karlsson or Irving could shoulder the load. Pekka Rinne will be available as an FA which would be the answer to your prayers. After that though its Vokoun (likely re-sign) and a sea of back ups so it doesn`t look too pretty.

It depends I guess on how soon you`d like to become competitive again. If you don`t mind tanking for 2+ years then it`s not an issue but then you`re wasting productive years from Iginla. Doesn`t necessarily have to be Schnieder but acquiring a young number 1 goalie should be a top priority if Kipper is moved and a re-tool over re-build is the goal.

By: alpalstewart

alpalstewart — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:10:04 +0000

well it is said that toronto is after a top 6 forward. i guess what they mean is that toronto is after a top center. so from now on i'll speculate on a center coming in. lol

By: albertateams

albertateams — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:59:23 +0000

I like the Kipper deal. With the amount of money CBJ invested in the offseason they might make a panic move to try and make the playoffs. Mason is kind of a wild card he could develop with time or could bust.

Not really a big fan of the Bourque for Schneider trade (more personal opinion than anything). I'm just not sold that Schnieder is as good as he's made out to be. I'd rather try Karlsson and Irving for the rest of the season and address goaltending in the offseason if needed.

Seems to be a lot of rumors around Bourque this week. As much as I like Bourque if he was moved for a good pick or prospect I think it makes sense. I just hope its not for spare part veterans. Calgary needs to dump a couple more forwards. I liked the way Horak carried himself but with Morrison back he's out of the lineup.

They just have too many players that preform similar roles. Dumping one or two for futures makes sense.

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:10:39 +0000

Not grabbing a potential franchise forward lol. That would be best case scenario.

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:52:49 +0000

That would be the worst thing for this team and yet i get the bad feeling that is what his plan is. I really hope that doesn't happen.