Vishnevski news and Devils-Flames trade rumors

July 9, 2008   ·   Adam   ·   Jump to comments

From Tom Gulitti at NorthJersey.com (Link):

“It appears defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski, who signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract last summer, is on his way out. If the Devils can’t find a taker in a trade, they could place Vishnevski on waivers and, if he’s not claimed, send him to the minors, which would clear $1.8 million in cap space.

When asked if Vishnevski would be on the team next season, Lamoriello replied, “I can’t answer that.”"

If this is true, then I for one am surprised.  Vish is a bit of a mixed bag for me: He hits like a truck and is a great punisher on the blue line, but he also gives up his positioning to make these hits work.  His contract is a bit large, but he played within my expectations.

But my surprise comes from the fact that few teams would like to pick up a defenseman like him.  With players like Jeff Finger getting $3.5M per year, who wouldn’t want a player like Vish with his cap hit for 2 more years?

From the sound of things, this might be part of a bigger overall plan.  Obviously, nobody wants Vishnevski by himself (especially after hearing that he may be placed on wavers anyways), but as part of a larger package… possibly one for a defenseman, it might be do-able.  It’s pretty obvious that Lou is not done for the summer, and that the Devils need to improve their D.  With $1.35M in cap space left, the only way to achieve this is through a trade.

Which brings us to this new report from The Insider on Pittsburgh Sports (Link):

“The New Jersey Devils are having trade discussions with the Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes. I’m hearing the Devils are looking at Hurricanes defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr. Calgary is very interested in Brian Gionta.”

I don’t know how much truth this report holds, but if true, it would be a great deal.  Frantisek Kaberle had 0g, 22a, and was a -4 over 80gp.  Robyn Regehr put up similar numbers with 5g, 15a, and was a +11 over 82gp.  In playoffs he garnered 2 assists over 7 games.

Carolina currently has $8.358M free in cap space.  However, their needs are not as clear as Calgary, who recently signed Todd Bertuzzi to a 1 year, $1.95M contract.  Their current cap space is: -1.449M, which means they need to make room.  Furthermore, a cursory look at their current lineup shows a deficiency in RWs.  The big question is:  While trading Regehr for Gionta helps add a great winger to the organization, what does it do to solve their current salary cap woes (a $4M per year hit versus a $4.02M hit)?

So until Calgary clears some additional space, a straight up trade involving Gionta just won’t happen.  The only twist on this situation is that the Flames have dealt with the Devils in the past, taking in David Hale (and a 5th rounder) in 06/07 for a 3rd Rounder in the 07′ Draft, who was recently signed by the Phoenix Coyotes. Furthermore, Flames GM Darryl Sutter is brother to Devils coach Brent Sutter.

But, knowing Lou, he will surprise us all and get… oh… I don’t know… Kevin Bieksa from the Canucks.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: It appears Regehr has an NTC with Calgary further closing the door on that trade rumor.