Best. 4th. Ever.
July 4th, 2008 by MikeI know I sound like a giddy schoolgirl, but one of my wishes has come true. TSN is reporting that Dan Boyle has waived his no-trade clause, and agreed to a trade to the Sharks. The Sharks get Boyle and Brad Lukowich, a #6 defenseman, in exchange for Matt Carle, a unnamed prospect (rumored to be Ty Wishart), a 1st round pick, and a 4th round pick.
So let’s evaluate this trade, and this offseason. The Sharks spend about $10M (Boyle’s 6.67 + Lukowich’s 1.5 + Blake’s 5 - Carle’s 3.5) get two better defensemen than the one they lost, and a guy for the third pairing. Boyle’s the #1 guy on most teams in the league, and I think an upgrade over Brian Campbell. We get him for less money than we would have paid Campbell, and for less term. We lose (allegedly) Wishart, a 1st rounder, but he’s been supplanted by Nick Petrecki as our best defensive prospect. Carle is in limbo- will he turn into a Dan Boyle type player? Or a guy we saw last year- stuggling to compete defensively, with rare entries on the scoreboard? That’s now the Bolts’ headache.
Can you imagine Blake and Boyle at the point on the power play, coached by Todd McLellan? The mind boggles.
Two quick issues going forward:
- The Sharks have given up another #1 draft choice. After this year with nothing until the third round, you don’t want to see the Sharks be thin on the board two years running.
- They now have about a dozen defenseman on the roster. Perhaps #1 could be addressed by an additional trade, like McLaren. Or we could let Ehrhoff sign an offer sheet elsewhere, hope somebody overpays him, and take the compensatory draft picks.
I found a lot of pun headlines about Boyle, but they’ve only used the boring heat-up-the-water meaning. Why not go out on a limb, and use something like “Sharks Lance the Boyle” or something like that? Now that’s innovative and disgusting all at the same time.
God Bless America.
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26 Responses to “Best. 4th. Ever.”
By squid on Jul 4, 2008
WOOOOOOT!!!!
I wish I had some fireworks to set off! I guess I’ll just have to live vicariously tonight…
What’s the story on Lukovich? Looking at his stats, seems like he might be a complimentary pylon to Big Mac.
Whatever, with Blake and a locked up Boyle, we are looking much better than we were with just Soupy. Happy times!
Come on October!
By David Johnson on Jul 4, 2008
Just my opinion but I think you will be disappointed with Boyle. He is not a good defensive defenseman and his offense is over rated because he plays in the worse defensive division in the NHL where most players have inflated offensive numbers. He is good and he should help your PP but he will definitely struggle against the western conferences big forwards. At best he is the same as Campbell, not an upgrade.
Blake is also a weak defensive defenseman and the two of them are going to make Nabokov’s life far more difficult. Sorry but I don’t believe the Sharks are a better team now than they were at the end of the season and they have traded away a lot of draft picks and prospects in the process.
By Mike on Jul 4, 2008
David,
Thanks for the comment, it’s a good counterpoint to most of Sharks Nation (or whatever it is we call ourselves). I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
By scotty on Jul 4, 2008
I think SJ got the better of the trade, unless Carle can drastically improve in physciality and defensive play. Next year’s first round looks pretty good though and the Sharks miss the party there for the second year. But, if they seriously want to win with Marleau, Nabokov and Thornton, something had to be done. For Tbay, are they planning on trading for Luongo to make 75 saves a night?
By Ian on Jul 4, 2008
Somthing to keep in mind is and this is an I Think so correct me if I’m wrong but do we not own the leafs first round pick next year carrying over from the Toskala trade? If so then we are in good shape. But I agree if we keep throwing away our first rounders we are gonna end up like the leafs… trust me we don’t want that. Also we need somthing better then Sharks Nation… but I got nothing :-p. Great day! Happy July 4th to all of my friends in the US!
By David Johnson on Jul 4, 2008
I think SJ got the better of the trade, unless Carle can drastically improve in physciality and defensive play.
Those are the same deficiencies in Boyle’s game.
Somthing to keep in mind is and this is an I Think so correct me if I’m wrong but do we not own the leafs first round pick next year carrying over from the Toskala trade?
No. The Toskala trade was made just prior (or during the early selections) of the 2007 draft and Sharks had a choice of taking the Leafs 2007 (13th overall I believe) choice or their 2008 choice. They opted to take the 2007 pick which they flipped elsewhere to move up and take Logan Couture 9th overall.
By Jerry on Jul 4, 2008
Was this a lot for the Sharks to give up for Boyle and Lukowich? Possibly. But I appreciate that Doug Wilson is respecting “the window.” By “the window,” I’m referring to the window of opportunity to win a championship. Cuz it doesn’t stay open forever and it closes much faster than you think. With the talent we have now, I like the recent moves Wilson is making to show that we’re going for it. Dare I say Wilson is being awesomely aggressive?
Nobody’s automatically putting the Sharks into the Cup Finals with these moves, but at least Blake and Boyle put them in the right direction. And with Todd McLellan being a new head coach, I think adding these veterans make a lot of sense.
Boyle is the puck-moving defenseman the Sharks needed. Blake may be on the downside of his career, but he still offers great passing ability, a hard shot and toughness. Being on a serious Cup contender should also rejuvenate him.
The work is not done, however. If Jason Smith has anything left in the tank, I’d love to see the Sharks go after him. And what about Mats Sundin?
By Ian on Jul 4, 2008
Yeah, I was driving home from work today and thought wow that was the dumbest thing I have ever said. For some reason I thought we had another pick but I’m horridly mistaken. It is what it is. You would think that living in “leafs nation” that I’d put one 1 + 1 together and realize that would put them out of the Taveras sweepstakes. So totally my bad on that one. I will pretend to be better informed in the future.
I still like the trade though but I will still stand by the fact that we do need to stop moving #1 picks or we are going to be in a lot of trouble.
By Ian on Jul 4, 2008
Jerry,
I think that Mats will not play in the West because of the Travel Schedual. If he was to go to the west you would think he’d take the 20 Million 2 year deal he was offered in Vancouver. My thoughts are he somehow returns to the leafs or goes to the Canadians that have been pretty shut out in the Free Agent market and play in the east and could offer him a good salary. Thats just my speculation though your guess is really as good as mine.
By Brian Boitano on Jul 4, 2008
The “B” boys are going to draw the double & triple team off of Jumbo, which is going to open up room for him to get the puck to cheech and milan. The “window” comment is spot on. DW has been playing the development card for years now, and last season was the barometer to see if it would pay off. It didn’t, and it was time to blow his collective wad to try to put a Cup winning club on the ice. I think this was what he told JR to keep him on Sharks Ice.
As Sharks fans, we should resign ourselves that this club has maybe 2 seasons to lift the cup before it cycles into the Phoenix-like doldrums.
By bcsteve on Jul 4, 2008
This is the most excited I’ve ever been over 2 Canadians coming to SJ, and on the 4th, no less. Make no mistake, this is a great move for the Sharks. We have a PP coach in place, and I have wood thinking about having Joe, Patty, Cheech, and the B-men on the ice for the PP. Hopefully we still end up moving Mac and maybe dumping Grier’s salary for a couple picks. My biggest concern is our kill now, and it’s all dependent on how Mitchell and Pavs develop as PP killers. Defensive d-men just became key in the west after Detroit signed Hossa. I just hope the prospect we flipped isn’t Wishart.
My big question is what happens to the negotiations we had going with Hedican. I assume we can get him cheap since doesn’t wanna leave northern Cal. He wouldn’t be a bad guy to have around as a guy to give 38 yr old Blake a rest some nights.
By Troy on Jul 4, 2008
Someone tell me why I should get excited over Wishart and Carle? [http://rumours.hockeyanalysis.com/2008/07/04/flash-in-the-pan/#comments I've already expressed my opinions in Jason's most recent post] (I hope I did that right with the link)
By Troy on Jul 4, 2008
http://rumours.hockeyanalysis.com/2008/07/04/flash-in-the-pan/#comments
guess I didn’t. I’m not surprised
By Mike on Jul 4, 2008
I don’t know if excited is the right word. Hopeful, maybe. Carle, if his game is righted, could turn into an excellent offensive defenseman, a type of player that is born, not built. Wishart is a big, tough, physical guy that could anchor a blueline in the future. Neither are proven. Both could be busts, but both have lots of potential upside. If they reach their potential, this could look like a steal for Tampa.
By Ruben Pineda on Jul 4, 2008
I heard your podcast, and I wonder what Garner has to say about these latest DW moves? I’ve always felt DW was doing it right. Locking up your stars to long term deals. Dont waste big money on role players. Give your kids a chance to play those roles. Strategic strikes into free agency and trades. Sure, he makes mistakes (like any other. See: McLaren, Carle contracts) but usually even those he fixes when they become mistakes (which is tough to do). I would be that he is working on something to send Mclaren (and Ehrhoff?) somewhere for a pick or a defensive centerman.
And personally, I don’t think the window is that small. Two years? Joe is going to get another extension. Milan and Boyle are here long term. I really think Seto is going to have a breakout year, if he can learn how to finish. Mitchell-Seto-Milan-Vlasic-Clowe-Pavs have yet to peak. I think this is the perfect time to trade some first rounders for ready now guys. Good drafting allows you to do things like this, and the Sharks ahve done pretty well.
I really like the Sharks balance this year. Three right-handed Dmen. Have size (Blake, Murray) and puckhandling (Blake, Boyle) as well as Vlasic, who is great all round. Size and Speed up front. Have some vets, some guys right in their prime, and young guys you can expect to get better. Heck, maybe even a rookie or two comes up and makes someone else expendable a la Mitchell and Seto last year.
Can’t wait for the season to start!
By SoCalSharksGirl on Jul 4, 2008
So we just traded Rivet to Buffalo for 2 future 2nd round picks. Can’t say I’m too happy about that.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=367836&page=NewsPage&service=page
By Mike on Jul 4, 2008
I guess the Sharks think McLaren is healthy and Murray will continue to improve. Not sure how I feel about this deal.
By Ruben Pineda on Jul 4, 2008
I agree, I would have rather sent Mclaren for a 4th than Rivet for 2 2nds…
By David Johnson on Jul 4, 2008
I’d rather have Rivet than the more expensive Blake. Rivet is the better all round player at this point in their careers. Overall I don’t see the Sharks as being much of an improved team.
By Ian on Jul 4, 2008
One word… WOW! I was so excited about the sharks after today but now upon coming home and reading this I have to say I’m really bummed out I really liked Rivet and thought he was a peice of the puzzle. I don’t expect Blake to be around longer then a year and even with Boyle I’d still rather have Rivet.
By Mike on Jul 4, 2008
The article in the Merc about the deals pretty much says explicitly that the Rivet trade was cap motivated. Hard as a fan, but it’s a tough business. I hope people wait at least a few days before they start the “Sharks are soft” crap again.
By Jerry on Jul 5, 2008
I hate that we traded Rivet. I assume Wilson’s hands were tied cuz nobody would take the one-legged McLaren. Still, I hoped Wilson could’ve figured out a way to keep Rivet in the fold. Surely, if Wilson could dump Mark Bell, he could’ve found a taker for McLaren. Rivet, though unspectacular, was a tough, team-oriented defenseman who wouldn’t hesitate dropping the gloves and putting the smack down on anybody. That’s what I liked about him. Perhaps Wilson is still looking to add Bret Hedican on the cheap.
Ruben, my point about “the window” is that you never know when it’s going to close. The future is so unpredictable, you want to capitalize on what you have today rather than banking too much on the long term. Cuz who knows? Someone might suffer a career threatening injury or want to be traded. You just never know.
Troy, I think Matt Carle just needs a change of scenery. I think he buckled under the pressure of needing to be more than he’s ready to be. His rookie year was very promising. But he got off to a bad start this past season and lost his confidence. Carle is still very young and many fans, including yours truly, expected too much out of him. I think he could turn into the next Brian Campbell in the near future.
By Ruben Pineda on Jul 5, 2008
Jerry,
I understand what you mean about “the window”. Maybe thats why I like the moves so far this season, as it is clear the Sharks are at their peak of their winning cycle. Though I do support DW’s long range planning as well.
After Campbell’s comments about not considering San Jose if he hadn’t come here, isn’t it nice to hear BOyle call San Jose his first choice? I wouldn’t be surprised to hear him get one of the loudest ovations come opening night.
I have to say again I am bummed about Rivet. I’d rather lose Mclaren AND Erhoff (AND Goc) than Rivet. He was one of those free agents that really came to enjoy San Jose, and he was awfully reliable. Darn…
By cantstopthegrier on Jul 5, 2008
I went away for the Fourth of July and look at what I missed!!!
I am thrilled to have Boyle as a Shark, and together with Rob Blake this is going to be one of the scariest powerplays in the NHL. The price was not devastating, Matt Carle could be the next Boyle - he could regress into Bryan Berard with two good eyes….Wishart is young, untested and not needed. I was mortified that the “prospect” was going to be Nick Petrecki, and the fact that Doug Wilson was able to hang onto him in this deal makes it even better.
The sting is losing Rivet, agreed - but you have to think that Wilson tried to deal McLaren and had no takers. He had to clear salary, about 3M of it - so would you rather he traded Cheechoo? Michalek? It hurts, but the Sharks are better today with Blake and Boyle than with Rivet and Carle. I don’t think anyone could dispute that.
I am very excited.
By bcyde on Jul 5, 2008
Yeah, the only thing I really feel bad about the whole thing is Rivet having to be shipped off. There have been rumors that Ottawa may be interested in McLaren: http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=532990 but we’ll see where that goes.
I hope DW did his best to find Rivet a place that he would like, but with how quickly everything went it doesn’t seem that way. Rivet seemed to really take to SJ and was a shining example of how good the organization could be to its players. I know that the move had to be made, I’m just hoping that it was done with the class and respect that Rivet deserves as a solid player and person.
By Ian on Jul 5, 2008
Yeah, a day later I am ok with Rivet leaving I did really enjoy him on our blueline but with all the beef ups on defence I’d hate to have to lose a young forward to make the cap room. I really wish Rivet the best of luck and look very forward to next year.