Final GFWE Predictions!

@ Julie Sucks:

Cammalleri didn’t want to come here because Burke was maxing out his offer at 5 million. He wanted Cammalleri to take a hometown discount of 4.5 million. Gainey stepped in and overpaid. Can’t remember which happened first, but one of them was a reaction to the other when we stepped in and signed Komisarek.

@ Atomic Wedgie:

Grabovski and Stempniak have value, come on. It’s the same old argument as it is with Stajan, but on better teams, these guys are key contributors who can step in and play for you for a couple years while your younger players develop. Being insulated by a true top line, and an actual leadership core does wonders – just ask anyone who plays in New Jersey.

You don’t think Nashville would like another playmaking center? You don’t think a post-Kovalchuk Atlanta could use Grabovski? You don’t think Anaheim could use another center past this season (next year, their next best center to Getzlaf is either Nokelainen or Marchant – both of whom are 4th liners)? Like I said, package this guy with Kaberle, and we should be able to get a very good forward back.

I can’t really argue Mayers and Exelby, though Chipchura did return a 4th rounder, so stranger things have happened. Mayers would be welcomed to a team like Columbus, or even LA, where his grit and age would be appreciated. In Toronto, we just see a lack of skill when we look at Mayers, but in other cities, they don’t need more skill necessarily. Chicago has expressed interest in Exelby in the past 6 months – does a few months on the worst team in the league really destroy your career? Probably not. I’m of the opinion these guys can net us SOMETHING (even a 7th rounder).

Stempniak on the other hand, has carved himself out a new role, and could definitely surprize with his return at the deadline. He has been one of the most effective forwards for the team all season, but over the last month and a half, has really become gritty. He can be counted on to be a checker on any team in the league, and can also provide 40+ points, and plays both special teams moderately well. To a team like New Jersey, Stempniak (especially considering he’ll be a cheap resign) would be far more beneficial than a late 2nd round pick.

Like I said, put out the word Burke – “What will you give me for”:

1.) Kaberle + Grabovski (looking for a proven top 3/6 forward)

2.) White + Hagman (looking for a proven top 3/6 forward)

3.) Stajan + Exelby (looking for a 2nd +)

4.) Stempniak + Frogren (looking for a 2nd/3rd +)

5.) Ponikarovsky (looking fo ra 2nd +)

My guess is we get a couple favorable calls on every one of those packages.

@ kb:

Yes, there was a great deal of speculation about Cammalleri. The papers in Calgary were constantly reporting that Cammalleri was going to take a hometown discount to play in Toronto. The rumor was that Burke was offering him 4.5 million for 6 years, and would go as high as 5. Like I said, Gainey came in and snatched him away from Burke with a much higher offer, and Burke retaliated by signing Komisarek (who had been offered 5 years, 20 million by Gainey). I couldn’t remember who struck the first blow, but thanks for reminding me. Either way, there was definitely some Habs/Leafs gamesmanship at play on July 1.

And there was an interview with him on CBC about a month ago where he talked about his interest in playing in Toronto. Basically this exact thing came up, and Cammalleri ended up changing the subject before admitting that he signed with the Habs for money, by saying that he loves Toronto, but he lives there all summer, and didn’t want to live there during the season as well….

…rrrright.