Halak Dealt to Blues

I think this is a cap issue for the Habs to sign someone else. Also, weird that the Blues had not talked to Halak’s agent or him about any negotiations (Halak interviewed on TSN yesterday saying he did not know this was coming and shocked so therefore, definitely NO negotiations!!)

I think Burke and his crafty team may be the best at cap management and we will really see the results over the next 1-3 years. Look at how the Leafs deals are structured:

On defense, Komi is a $4.5m cap hit but is paid 6m this year, 5.5m next year then 3.5m each year in 2012/13 and 2013/14. Beauch is $3.8m cap hit but $3.55m this year and $3.65m next year. He has definitely positioned trade capabilities if he brings in others or one or more of the big 4 Marlies are ready late this year or next year. Think he has structured this for the mid-market teams who will be no where near the cap or worry about it but do worry about cash flow. Komi would be a $4.5m cap hit but only cost a team $3.5m per year in a few years time so would look very attractive (and maybe positioned to exit based on Luke and Aulie(?) readiness. Same with Beauch late this year? Any thoughts?

Also, based on that same logic, Grabo either is traded in a package deal now over the next few weeks or he is here for a while as a keeper (as Burke did deal with him and salary going up next year). Look at the young prospects, guys like Dido get raises in 2nd year and other destined minor leaguers only have their salaries flat).

Again, any thoughts on this?

Also do think Burke would love to get Ryan and will definitely try and package something via another team (probably already identifying what it would take committed from the Ducks and then trying to work the others to make it happen).