FLPensFan wrote:pens_CT wrote:longtimefan wrote:https://abc11.com/sports/carolina-hurricanes-gm-waddell-talks-ferland-trade-deadline/5093874/
An interview with Don Waddell about Ferland. Even though the fans are clamoring big time for them to sign him, they don't appear close on terms. Waddell basically said that they weren't contenders, and would have to trade him. Unfortunately, the PEns don't seem to be a fit. They are looking for forwards with skill. Not something the Pens can offer in abundance.
Its a month before the deadline and Waddell can ask for whatever he wants at this point. When he gets to the final minutes before the deadline he will probably take whatever he can get which is probably a prospect and a draft pick. The return will probably be lot less than the current price.
Agree and disagree. The price will certainly drop. Seems every year the "rumored asking price" for just about any player regardless of skill, cap hit, term, or age, is "a first round pick and a prospect."
Ferland, though, appears to be the flavor of the day, that multiple teams are vying for. In that case, the price still has a chance to remain pretty high.
On Brassard and Columbus, with CBJ soundly in the playoffs, I don't think it is realistic that they would trade Jenner (although, I'd jump at the chance). I have heard a possibility of Alex Wennberg, and that would make a lot more sense. Wennberg is a 3C. He has only 1 goal, but 19 assists, AND an overpaid cap hit of 4.9M for 4 more years. IF (big if) CBJ and PIT were to hookup, and IF CBJ was willing to retain about 1M on Wennberg, it could work. Wennberg is a good setup guy, which may mesh very well with Kessel. Wennberg put up 13 goals and 46 assists one year (which earned him that overpaid contract). He's good defensively and plays the PK. He's only average on faceoffs, though. He's a hair under 50% at Even Strength, but 25% short handed.
I think the talk about the Pens dealing with the Jackets is more conversation than anything. It's always possible, but is as less likely than the Pens trading with the Flyers. The two teams are competing too closely for the same spot. At least the Flyers appear out of it. I just don't see it.
In terms of Ferland, you're right, he's the flavor of the month. I don't think there's much chance of his moving until probably deadline day. The Canes aren't out of it, and they've got a tricky PR situation with Ferland. The owner had a face to face with Ferland recently, which means they really want to sign him. They made a big deal with the Flames, and it isn't looking very good, with Ferland the silver lining. Tom Dundon isn't Peter Karmanos, and is eager to please his fanbase. His willingness to take on extra $$$ helped get the Rask/Nino deal done. That same fanbase has started a GoFundMe page to pay Ferland.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign with the Canes. If he doesn't, it's safe to assume that his asking price is prohibitive. Signing him would be huge for the fanbase. He's very attravtive as a trade piece, partially because of his cap hit. Which makes him affordable to pretty much everybody. However, I'm not so sure GM's will come calling with Wilson money this summer. To be honest, he may not get a better offer than the Canes will give him now.
They will negotiate with him as long as they can, which is why I say he's a deadline deal. Don Waddell is the same GM who traded the Pens Hossa literally at the deadline. Ultimately, I think he'll sign with the Canes. The new owner has money, they have the cap space, and the fervor to resign Ferland went up big time with the destruction of Watson. I saw a Canes announcer say it may have been the loudest PNC Arena had ever been. That's just my opinion though! I guess we'll have to wait and see.
