Ducks Could Be Set To Move Getzlaf

We've seen this head fake from Anaheim GM Bob Murray before. So Leaf fans need not get too excited.

One moment earlier this season, you may remember, scoring winger Bobby Ryan was made available around the league for a possible trade, the next minute he wasn't available and Murray had instead fired head coach Randy Carlyle and quickly replaced him with the Bruce Boudreau.

But before, not after, the Ducks loss to San Jose on Wednesday night, a frustrated Murray appeared to make it clear in an interview with Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times that not only Ryan, but also Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry and centre Ryan Getzlaf are all now available to the highest bidder.

And it's Getzlaf, you have to believe, that would be a target for Maple Leafs' GM Brian Burke.

While slumping badly this season, the 26-year-old Getzlaf is precisely the big, tough centre that Burke has coveted but been unable to land since taking over in Toronto. Burke knows the player well from Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup championship, the timing now would fit the Leaf GM's preference of making big deals well in advance of the winter trade deadline and Getzlaf would certainly also fit the pattern of players who appeared to run out of steam in other cities coming to Toronto and finding the atmosphere reinvigorating.

It worked for Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf and Joffrey Lupul, all of whom may be in the NHL all-star game later this month. Could it work for Getzlaf? What would be the price?

But is the Anaheim captain really available? Early rumblings this morning suggest Getzlaf isn't the player Murray wants to move, and that Ryan is again the likeliest candidate for a trade. That would kill the notion of a trade to Toronto, as the Leafs don't see a fit with Ryan either positionally or in terms of cap strategy.

That said, Murray told the L.A. Times on Wednesday night that with his team locked into 29th place, only veterans Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are untouchable.

"And the rest of the players in that locker room, I thought they'd figure out when we changed coaches that time was running, the clock was running quickly here. And I don't care who you talked about," Murray told the L.A. Times.

"We're going to get ready for next year," he said. "I think this team can be turned around to make the playoffs next year. I think it's going to be hard to do it this year but I do want them to make a run. But it's got to happen quick. Everybody knows that."

Maybe it was intended to be a pep talk, but after a 3-1 loss to the Sharks, it clearly hadn't had that effect.

Murray and Burke, former Anaheim associates, have done much business in recent years. They got together on the deal in Jan, 2010 that sent Jason Blake and goalie Vesa Toskala to the Ducks for $7 million netminder J.S. Giguere. Blake still plays for the Ducks, while Giguere never really panned out and was let go after last season.

Last winter, Burke traded defenceman Francois Beauchemin to Anaheim for Lupul, defence prospect Jake Gardiner and a fourth round draft pick. The Ducks used Beauchemin to finish fourth in the Western Conference while the Leafs missed the playoffs. This year, however, Lupul has blossomed and is the NHL's sixth leading scorer, while the 21-year-old Gardiner cracked the Leaf lineup out of training camp and has played very well.

Just this week, Burke and Murray did a minor league deal that sent winger Luca Caputi, picked up from Pittsburgh several years ago for Alexei Ponikarovsky, to the Ducks for minor-league forward Nicolas Deschamps.

As well, Burke seems to be positioning the roster for a move, having sent unproductive centre Phillipe Dupuis to the minors and put little-used enforcer Colton Orr, owed a $1 million salary for this year and next, on waivers.That may be designed to make room for returning injured players like Tyler Bozak and Mike Komisarek, while John Michael Liles, Colby Armstrong and Mike Brown are all still out.

The Leafs could handle Getzlaf's contract, which comes with a $5.325 million cap hit this season and next. Perry is under the same deal, but Burke is likely to much more interested in a playmaking centre than another scoring winger.

Despite his team's position, Murray told the L.A. Times he's not looking to dump veterans and rebuild.

"We will not go to draft picks. It's not my intention," he said.

Which, taken at face value, means roster players, or at the very least young players ready to step in.

When the Leafs were talking to Philly last summer about Mike Richards before he was moved to the Kings, it's believed the demands centred around a package involving Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri. The Leafs don't have a No. 1 centre to send to the Ducks, so the fit would have to be Bozak, or theoretically, minor-leaguer Joe Colborne.

But it seems unlikely the Leafs would surrender both Kadri and Colborne, particularly with Kadri looking like he's in the NHL to stay. Defenceman Carl Gunnarson could also be a fit.

Getzlaf's numbers this season, by the way, are terrible. After being a key member of Canada's gold-medal winning team at the Vancouver Olympics, Getzlaf has only six goals and 19 assists this season while carrying a horrific minus-19 rating.

He and Boudreau haven't exactly hit it off. Getzlaf doesn't have a point in the last six games and has scored once since Boudreau took over.

Last week, Andrew Cogliano replaced Getzlaf at a key moment on the power play in an Anaheim game, which certainly caught Getzlaf's attention.

"(Boudreau) wants results," Getzlaf told reporters. "He expects better things out of me, as I do. It's one of those things (where) he's not telling me anything I don't know already. I need to get going and I need to make plays."

Clearly, Murray has all kinds of options here, and he could also trade goalie Jonas Hiller or defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky, as well. He doesn't necessarily have to move one of his big three forwards.

But he's also facing the clock with Getzlaf. If Murray doesn't move him now, he's facing a scenario next season in which Getzlaf would be in the final year of his contract and heading towards unrestricted free agency.

He might like to make that Burke's problem. Burke, on the other hand, must dream of having a player like the 6-foot-4, 240 pound Getzlaf to throw at divisional rival Boston and 6-foot-9 defenceman Zdeno Chara. Getzlaf would also put more snarl into the Leafs, particularly if he could find his game again and fit with Kessel and Lupul.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Conn Smythe]

Has Murray had talks with any teams about those 3 players or was he blowing some steam after yet another loss in a disappointing season? I'm sure Burke would love Getzlaf (like every other GM would) but I'm afraid of how much it would cost the Leafs. For starters, I'm guessing the Leafs would have to part with Kadri and one of Schenn/Aulie/Franson, plus another roster player (Grabovski or Kulemin, perhaps?).

[DS]

I would give up Schenn at this point but not Kadri. The fact is that the Leafs have a bunch of young defencemen on the way (Blacker, Percy) who are more suited to the modern NHL than Luke Schenn. If they could package him with a few other players for a guy like Getzlaf I would do it. The Leafs defence is absolutely terrible at this point and their PK is the worst I have ever seen so it's not like giving up Schenn will hurt them very much.

[Conn Smythe]

'Do you people honestly think the Leafs have the depth to send kadri, schenn, a prospect and a first rounder (it'll take at least that to get to the conversation started. The Duck aren't going to take a rental like Grabo.' Well Murray said he doesn't want draft picks, so why would the Leafs include one? And a rental like Grabbo? Getzlaf, if he is traded, could be a rental as well (he's signed through till 2012/2013).

[Ralph Smith]

Why not just wait for 2 years for Getzlaf to become an UFA & hope he doesn't resign? Keep the prospects, who knows maybe Getzlaf comeback won't be like Lupuls. Rebuilding doesn't mean we need to rush just to make the playoffs a year earlier.

[Jimmy]

Getzlaf can be one of the top five players in hockey. But he's done in Anaheim, that much is clear to anyone whose been paying attention. If Getzlaf is available, the Leafs - of all the teams who can realistically take his contract and be in a position to re-up him after next year - could probably put together the most attractive package. Kadri, I believe, is eventually a centre and Bozak is just too good at too many things. I'd give Anaheime this package: Colbourne, Connolly, Kulemin, Gunneron 1st rounder.

[alex]

how bout lupul and gardiner for Getzlaf, lol

[Nick]

Love Getzlaf, but lets play devils advocate for a second: Getz comes to Toronto and instead of re-invigorating his career, he takes a Lecavalier slide. Now, how does that trade look?

Like many posters have said, I too think Colborne could be our Getzlaf. But, only time will tell.

[Adroc]

Jim Jack - Getzlaf is too slow for the new NHL? You realize he scored well over a point per game last year right? You realize he was a key player for Team Canada in the Olympics in 2010 right? How much faster did the NHL get this year over last, and is the hockey in this year's NHL faster than Canada vs US or Canada vs Russia in the Olympics?

[Poultry]

Interesting! Is there anyone at the Star with contacts in the NHL, so as to verify any of it? You know, someone the parties involved might talk to?

[Jimmy]

Getzlaf is not a tad slow for 'the new nhl' He never played in the league before it was 'the new nhl' give me a break. Getzlaf is the captain of a bad team and at 26 has already won the cup, and not as a bit player. Hes Canadian playing in a non hockey market and only needs a change of scenery. He is not even in his prime yet for godsakes. I would love Getzlaf at almost any price, since he is one of the top players in hockey. Dont trade Kadri or Schenn. There are so many other movable parts it wont be necessary. I predict this will get done/

[Roger]

Strange things have happened before, Brian Burke can be very crafty, he made kaberle value go to the roof last year knowing he was only as good as a 2nd rounder and what did the leafs get for him? just saying

[Ron]

Well Damien, I hope this does not happen because what the Leafs would have to give up to get him may not be the best for the future. This team is finally building an organization both on and off the ice and to get this guy will not push the team over the top for a long period of time. Let's not go back to panic management and sell the farm for a chance that he may be able to get the Leafs in the playoffs for one year. Getlaf's best before date may already be up. Keep banking draft picks and the future will come.

[mauno pekka]

Anaheim has stated they want role players too, not only prospects.. so I propose.

To Toronto: Grabbovksi, Shcenn, Kardi, Frason, 2 1st rounders

To Anaheim: Geltzaf

[J]

Grabo, 1st rounder,and Kadri or Colburne ... sounds good enough to me...add lombardi too for a dump..... Cant get rid of Kulemin or Gunnarson or bozak
Projected Lines

Lupul Getzlaf Kessel
Kulemin Bozak Armstrong
McCarthur Connoly Frattin
Boyce Steckel Crabb

[Jesse Jones]

First off, great article, however a number of things need to be addressed:
1. Brian Burke will not get rid of Luke Schenn at the drop of a hat to land a player like Getzlaf, especially because he will need to add two or three more major pieces in order to even grab Murray's attention (unless he is going to hand us another deal like the Lupul & Gardiner one).
2. The leafs are not one piece away from making the playoffs, they are one strong season, start to finish away. They continue to struggle to find consistent goaltending night in and night out, along with a horrific penalty kill, which wears on a team like this. These are the kind of issues that put them on the losing end of one goal games night in and night out.

A true blockbuster deal would be beneficial if Burke could somehow land one of Anaheim's goalies along with Getzlaf, which in turn could turn this team into a playoff caliber unit.

To Toronto:
Ryan Getzlaf
Jonas Hiller

To Anaheim:
Luke Schenn
Nikolai Kulemin
Tyler Bozak
Ben Scrivens/Jussi Rynnas/Jonas Gustavsson
1st Round Pick

This may not even be enough to land the two, however from a Leafs standpoint, this deal would be extremely beneficial in every regard, landing us a big number one centre we have been looking for since Mats Sundin decided that playing a season for Vancouver was a better idea than giving his lifelong team something in return for his services. It would also vastly improve the penalty kill in terms of solid goaltending, Jonas Hiller, a proven starter who has great post to post reaction (something that is vital to killing penalties, look at Tim Thomas). Regardless of all of the hype/rumours surrounding the Leafs current situation, it wouldn't be a bad idea for Burke to look into Josh Harding in the off season, as Monster's contract is up at the end of the season.

[Bill K.]

The whole idea behind opening up the Maple Leaf wallet was to put enough pieces in place so you can trade a Schenn/Kadri for Getzlauf. They have a couple more good looking defence options in the AHL and drafted a pretty good looking player in the first round. Let's face it, we have enough speed but nobody has enough to back off the bruins. We need a forward to get into Chara's face a bit and can get a bit nasty with lucic. Now if Ottawa fades we pick up a Chris Neal. When bruins or anybody else wants to run for a couple shifts we give connolly and lupul a break and we put kessel out with getzlaf and neal. While everybodies banging kessel just looks for the 3miles of open ice. Let's see Getlauf/Neal/Kessel/Lupul/Connoly/Gabby/McCarthur/Kulemin. Works for me.

[Musclehead]

This will be a done deal by the all start break. Not only that, Getzlaf will not be the only claim in this deal. Grabo, Frattin and another on the D will be moving to sunny LA.

[Musclehead]

Ostrich, Kadri and Schenn for Getzlaf and Leafs come out way ahead, but I think Murray is smarter than that!!

[meda]

Although he's listed as a winger, Bobby Ryan does have a history of being able to play center. Just like the ducks said lupul could not cut it at left wing. I think Ryan is still the better trade, not the best player, but I dont see anything in the leafs roster, other than kessel that the ducks would accept for Getzlaf. I mean lets be realistic...If your the ducks, eric staal from carolina, may work, for shaking things up. I love the rumour, but realisticly, the Leafs dont have anyone to send back to make it worth while for the ducks.

[spec3]

Trade Kessel, Phaneuf, Kadri & Gustavsson to the Ducks for Getzlaf & Perry. I called this trade a couple of weeks ago and although I doubt Anaheim would go for it, a big trade might actually make this team a Cup contender a lot quicker.

[fredy]

im a duckfan...and all these proposals you people are putting down, kadri, schenn and colborne, PLEASE!! do you really think we are going to send you a top 5 player in the league, that right top 5 ( he is having a slump ) for your spare parts, its nice to dream, hey i buy 1 lotto ticket to dream of winning something, I guess you guys can do the same.

you want hiller also? bwahahahahaha

[John Matrix]

I guess making the playoffs is more important than truculence and belligerence.

[woolls]

The leafs have the players to make this deal. Leaf haters just don't like that sorry guys but we have more in the cupboards than you deal with it. Bozak, Connoly, Steckel, and Grabo are a hell of a four centres. we still have Kadri, Coulbourne (who will be similar to Getzlaf), Lombardi, Brown. With wingers we have McKegg (you know the kid that scored 49 goals last year( the same amount Ryan Calllahan scored in his last OHL year, Kadri, Lupul, McCarthur, Kessel, Kulemin, Boyce (a pk specialist) Rosehill, Frattin, Biggs in the system, and Bradley Ross (But thats nothing leaf hatters right. As for Dman any team in the league would love to have Phaneuf, Gunnarson, Gardiner, Liles, Schenn, Aulie oh and Franson who is playing great. In the system we have Holzer Percy and Blacker. Thats not even getting into the others we have that become players with big futures.

In goalie Riemer is off his game he needs the time to get back in form, Gustavsson can carry the ball. Garret Sparks who I watch in Guelph could end up being a bust or huge but either way it was proven when Reimer was hurt we have the talent would a defined number one be good yes but is it that bad NO.

What we Really need is two fold

1. BIG centerman we have the prospects to move Im not saying Getzlaf but the point is there. I'm glad we didn't get Richards but we need a big speedy centre.

2. A shut down defenceman I don't care if he doesn't register a point

MOST IMPORTANT

the right personel on the PK Komisarik was good but hes out Boyce is good but will he stay schenn is way to week we also need atleast an assitant coach that knows how to develop a proper pk

[Jim Jack]

Yes I love Getzlaf, but there is a reason he is struggling and it is because he is a good skater, but not a great skater. Same as Staal in Carolina. Mats Sundin would have trouble keeping up with the speed of Lupul and Kessel. These big guys are not quick! Anybody watching the world juniors? I have never seen such fast hockey in my life! There is also a reason why the newcomers to the league are doing well Seguin, Hall, Nugent-Hopkins all are speed demons. Lombardi used to be considered as fast. Don't really see it now. For guys like Staal and Getzlaf to be effective they need to get to the puck and when I watch I don't really see that happening. Things are really evolving in hockey, hitting is really disappearing and speed is the new NHL.

[Jim Jack]

I am wondering why the Leafs are not using Franson and Aulie on penalty kills. Like him or not, Hal Gill was the last decent "shut down" d-man we had on the penalty kill and it was because of the long stick in the passing lanes. Notice that Leafs have a lot of trouble getting point shots on the opposing team's net whereas other teams shots make it to the Leafs net or deflected in? All those point shots need to go up in the mesh....