Rumours...

[Topher]

For you Leafs fans again:

TSN.CA/TORONTO SUN: report contract talks between the Maple Leafs and restricted free agent winger Nikolai Kulemin aren't going well. GM Brian Burke said he hasn't exchanged proposals with Kulemin's agent for two weeks now, and if the winger wants first line money he'll have to try to find it somewhere else.

[Topher]

Jim Matheson reports one trade possibility for Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray might be the San Jose Sharks should Rob Blake retire this summer, suggesting the Sharks would probably offer up Kent Huskins and forward Torrie Mitchell. Matheson also suggests New Jersey as another possibility...He wonders if the Oilers would be willing to part with the first pick in Round Two this year for Chicago's winger Kris Versteeg...Matheson believes the Leafs have a tough chore convincing teams to take defenseman Tomas Kaberle unless they're willing to re-sign him to a three or four year extension for "Sergei Gonchar-type money ($5 million a year)". He believes Leafs fans are dreaming if they think Kaberle will land Bobby Ryan from Anaheim. Matheson instead offers up alternatives like Jason Pominville from Buffalo, Devin Setoguchi from San Jose, Jake Voracek from Columbus, Loui Eriksson or Jamie Benn from Dallas or David Krejci from Boston...He suggests the Washington Capitals would like to sign Anton Volchenkov but can't afford his $5 million salary and suggests the Senators will likely trade his rights prior to July 1st...

[Tony]

Souray or Kaberle? Uggggggghhhhhh ...

[Shep]

If Semin goes to Boston I'll fuckin hang myself.

[armandtanzarian]

If Semin goes to Boston I'll fuckin hang myself.

HeHe...I won't! I'll give you a boost when the time comes...

[MSP4LYFE]

Jim Matheson reports one trade possibility for Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray might be the San Jose Sharks should Rob Blake retire this summer, suggesting the Sharks would probably offer up Kent Huskins and forward Torrie Mitchell. Matheson also suggests New Jersey as another possibility...He wonders if the Oilers would be willing to part with the first pick in Round Two this year for Chicago's winger Kris Versteeg...Matheson believes the Leafs have a tough chore convincing teams to take defenseman Tomas Kaberle unless they're willing to re-sign him to a three or four year extension for "Sergei Gonchar-type money ($5 million a year)". He believes Leafs fans are dreaming if they think Kaberle will land Bobby Ryan from Anaheim. Matheson instead offers up alternatives like Jason Pominville from Buffalo, Devin Setoguchi from San Jose, Jake Voracek from Columbus, Loui Eriksson or Jamie Benn from Dallas or David Krejci from Boston...He suggests the Washington Capitals would like to sign Anton Volchenkov but can't afford his $5 million salary and suggests the Senators will likely trade his rights prior to July 1st...

LMAO, I love how he says the Leafs will have to settle, and then goes on to name four high quality players; Pominville, Setoguchi, Voracek, Eriksson/Benn and Krejci, that gave me a good laugh. This guy has no idea what he's talking about if he thinks that is settling...

[MSP4LYFE]

Interesting one.

Source:Alex Semin may be involved in MAJOR Swap. "Watch Caps"

I wouldn't be shocked if Boston was in on this. Think Bergeron or Krejci in the mix for Semin. Was needs that top 2nd line center, Bos needs that winger. Wouldn't be surprised.

I could handle Lucic - Savard - Semin...Very weird combo but i am sure it could work

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/S ... ps/1/28660

I wouldn't deal Krejci or Bergeron for Semin in a million years...Both are tremendous two way players with strong offensive skills, Semin is an uber talented winger that dissapears when it counts, and is useless in his own zone.

[Shoalzie]

Could Tim Thomas be part of that Semin swap with Boston?

[Shep]

Interesting one.

Source:Alex Semin may be involved in MAJOR Swap. "Watch Caps"

I wouldn't be shocked if Boston was in on this. Think Bergeron or Krejci in the mix for Semin. Was needs that top 2nd line center, Bos needs that winger. Wouldn't be surprised.

I could handle Lucic - Savard - Semin...Very weird combo but i am sure it could work

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/S ... ps/1/28660

I wouldn't deal Krejci or Bergeron for Semin in a million years...Both are tremendous two way players with strong offensive skills, Semin is an uber talented winger that dissapears when it counts, and is useless in his own zone.

That statement is completely false.

Semin was over a PPG in the playoffs before the 2010 playoffs. He has also was great in the final stretch of the regular season. I agree he disappears in general, but not in the clutch situations. Coincidently his 6 game disappearing act was at the worst possible time for these playoffs. But as inconsistent as he is, when he is on he is up there with the top 5 in the league. If you remember at the start of the 2008-2009 season, Alexander Semin was leading the league in points after about 20-25 games before his injury.

Useless in his own zone? As a winger, he is above average defensively. You talk to any Caps fan and they'll tell you this too. He is one of the best stick-lifters in the game.

Obviously Krejci and Bergeron are solid defensive players, but Semin is used on the PK too, also proving he isn't useless. With Savard, Krejci, Bergeron and Seguin, it only makes sense for the Bruins to trade one of their many centres for a scoring winger that is better than the one they traded away to the Leafs.

[Shep]

Could Tim Thomas be part of that Semin swap with Boston?

Doubt it, they have Varlamov and Nuevirth along with much cheaper than 5mil UFA options if they aren't confident rolling with the 2 kids as a tandem.

[MSP4LYFE]

Interesting one.

Source:Alex Semin may be involved in MAJOR Swap. "Watch Caps"

I wouldn't be shocked if Boston was in on this. Think Bergeron or Krejci in the mix for Semin. Was needs that top 2nd line center, Bos needs that winger. Wouldn't be surprised.

I could handle Lucic - Savard - Semin...Very weird combo but i am sure it could work

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/S ... ps/1/28660

I wouldn't deal Krejci or Bergeron for Semin in a million years...Both are tremendous two way players with strong offensive skills, Semin is an uber talented winger that dissapears when it counts, and is useless in his own zone.

That statement is completely false.

Semin was over a PPG in the playoffs before the 2010 playoffs. He has also was great in the final stretch of the regular season. I agree he disappears in general, but not in the clutch situations. Coincidently his 6 game disappearing act was at the worst possible time for these playoffs. But as inconsistent as he is, when he is on he is up there with the top 5 in the league. If you remember at the start of the 2008-2009 season, Alexander Semin was leading the league in points after about 20-25 games before his injury.

Useless in his own zone? As a winger, he is above average defensively. You talk to any Caps fan and they'll tell you this too. He is one of the best stick-lifters in the game.

Obviously Krejci and Bergeron are solid defensive players, but Semin is used on the PK too, also proving he isn't useless. With Savard, Krejci, Bergeron and Seguin, it only makes sense for the Bruins to trade one of their many centres for a scoring winger that is better than the one they traded away to the Leafs.

LOL...You might want to take a closer look at those stats, they are not spread out over the course of the playoffs, and not in tight games, Semin scored often in the early rounds, and in blowouts, however he has been a CONSISTENT disapointment in big games since his days in the KHL. WJC, Russia had the top team, Semin disapeared against Canada, likewise with the U18, ditto for the entire olympics, likewise against Pittsburgh last season, and agan in this years playoffs. The book is out on him, when you check him tightly and put pressure on him he dissapears, this isn't a one season thing, if it were I wouldn't make a big deal out of it. Semin is one of the easiest players to shut down, he can't adapt to the physical play of North America in big games, and he doesn't have the will to fight through it and score some dirty ones. Until he proves otherwise he is useless in big games. Great player, great raw skill, but a no show when it counts.

There is a reason Semin is linked to so many rumours...And it's not like he plays for a defensive minded team, he plays for Washington, so that in itself speaks volumes. And stick lifting means nothing as an isolated skill...Datsyuk is great because he back checks hard, has a low center of gravity, reads the play on defense and can steal the puck from anyone.

Semin is used on the pk because he can generate the counter attack, same reason OV is sometimes used on it...Your either bias or retarded if you think Semin can thrive under Claude Julien.

[armandtanzarian]

Thomas is going to be on the IR for at least 2 months to start the season as he had off-season hip surgery. I am sure it will be next to impossible to move him at this point.

Kareem, i kinda understand your feelings towards Semin, but I also know a major issue that Boston has, is scoring. They have the two way balanced players covered. They need a legit scoring threat kinda similar to what Kessel brought. I know the value of the Krejci's and Bergeron's but who else could possibly ever get a Semin out of Was? A deal like this fills needs for both teams. I know semin has some history but it cannot be denied that he is an offensive weapon. The Bruins need that guy some how...I am kind of impartial either way and tbh if a deal like this went down i dont know how i would feel..lol maybe a Nervous fear/excitement...

[MSP4LYFE]

Thomas is going to be on the IR for at least 2 months to start the season as he had off-season hip surgery. I am sure it will be next to impossible to move him at this point.

Kareem, i kinda understand your feelings towards Semin, but I also know a major issue that Boston has, is scoring. They have the two way balanced players covered. They need a legit scoring threat kinda similar to what Kessel brought. I know the value of the Krejci's and Bergeron's but who else could possibly ever get a Semin out of Was? A deal like this fills needs for both teams. I know semin has some history but it cannot be denied that he is an offensive weapon. The Bruins need that guy some how...I am kind of impartial either way and tbh if a deal like this went down i dont know how i would feel..lol maybe a Nervous fear/excitement...

Semin will not fill the void of Phil Kessel...Phil Kessel is a big game player who has consistently shown up when it mattered most, dating all the way back to his days with the USNDP. Semin is (IMO) the most talented player in the game, but the kid dogs it, and anyone who knows me understands that I will defend a skilled player to the death if I feel they are being unjustly targeted, but that simply isn't the case with Semin. You only get so many mulligans before you have to take responsibilty for your own play. WJC, U18, 2010 Olympics, 2009 v. Pittsburgh, 2010 v. Montreal, all no shows for Semin...He has proven time and time again that he cannot adept to a tight checking game, and he cannot grind it out along the walls. This is something Boston's offence is built on, strong two way play, and dominance along the walls. Claude Julien will eat this kid alive, and he will more than likely bolt or request a trade. Boston needs a winger who can get open and finish the feed from Savard/Bergeron/Seguin. Semin is not that guy, not in the traditional sense anyways, he creates his own shots, he is nowhere near as effective as Kessel away from the puck and finding the open lane. Nor is he the type to dump the puck in and control the play down low, which is something the Lucic/Savard line does often. The best fit for Semin is on the Capitals or Red Wings.

[armandtanzarian]

You make some good points...Now all i can think of is his fight with (i cant remember who) where he was slapping the guy. Felt so sorry for the guy after that..lol

[MSP4LYFE]

You make some good points...Now all i can think of is his fight with (i cant remember who) where he was slapping the guy. Felt so sorry for the guy after that..lol

LOL, I wish Semin was a big game player, because he has immense skill and is so fun to watch, but until he makes the adjustment to the tight checking game, or learns to play off the puck he will continue to run into the same problems.

[bills09]

LOL @ Loui or Voracek as a settlement for Kaberle.

[Nick]

LOL @ Loui or Voracek as a settlement for Kaberle.

loui or benn are the most ridiculous ... but every guy listed is insanity as a 'settlement' ... i'd be pumped with seto!!!

[Shep]

I am definitely aware of Semin's flaws, but I honestly think you are selling him short defensively. He's not an elite defensive forward like a Datsyuk, but he is certainly above average. Not only is his stick checking top-notch, he is excellent at anticipating the play and intercepting passes. Semin is inconsistent with his backchecking, but if he loses the puck he'll try his damnedest to get it back on the backcheck. The biggest flaw with Semin, is much like Kovalev. Semin plays when Semin wants to. I realize it's a pretty big flaw, but IMO it's one of those flaws you take with a guy as skilled as Semin.

Again, I know I am bias towards Semin, but I am also willing to wager I have seen him play more than everybody here (I have caught almost every Caps game over the past 3 years. No joke).

With your Kessel/Semin comparisons, I honestly believe Semin is better in almost every single aspect of the game of hockey, outside of big game performances. Now, I realize clutch performers are very important, but IMO Semin's shot, hands, speed, defensive abilities, hockey sense, etc. Both are pussies, however I've seen Semin willing to take the hit in the corner more often than Kessel, but neither really initiate contact and both tend to shy away if possible.

There is a reason an injury prone Semin makes more money than Phil Kessel. Many thought Kessel was overpaid at 5.4 million, and some feel Semin is overpaid at 6, but that is more for his injury history not his skill level.

I 100% agree that Semin would not be a good fit on Boston based on their style of play, and a more open and puck-possession team is more for him, like you said Kareem, Washington or Detroit.

[MSP4LYFE]

I am definitely aware of Semin's flaws, but I honestly think you are selling him short defensively. He's not an elite defensive forward like a Datsyuk, but he is certainly above average. Not only is his stick checking top-notch, he is excellent at anticipating the play and intercepting passes. Semin is inconsistent with his backchecking, but if he loses the puck he'll try his damnedest to get it back on the backcheck. The biggest flaw with Semin, is much like Kovalev. Semin plays when Semin wants to. I realize it's a pretty big flaw, but IMO it's one of those flaws you take with a guy as skilled as Semin.

Again, I know I am bias towards Semin, but I am also willing to wager I have seen him play more than everybody here (I have caught almost every Caps game over the past 3 years. No joke).

With your Kessel/Semin comparisons, I honestly believe Semin is better in almost every single aspect of the game of hockey, outside of big game performances. Now, I realize clutch performers are very important, but IMO Semin's shot, hands, speed, defensive abilities, hockey sense, etc. Both are pussies, however I've seen Semin willing to take the hit in the corner more often than Kessel, but neither really initiate contact and both tend to shy away if possible.

There is a reason an injury prone Semin makes more money than Phil Kessel. Many thought Kessel was overpaid at 5.4 million, and some feel Semin is overpaid at 6, but that is more for his injury history not his skill level.

I 100% agree that Semin would not be a good fit on Boston based on their style of play, and a more open and puck-possession team is more for him, like you said Kareem, Washington or Detroit.

I don't really disagree with anything here, like you said he's an incredibly talented player with elite qualities to his game, unfortunately that Kovalev like quality is enough to prevent him from taking his game to the next level, especially in big games. You need look no further than Kovalev for evidence of this. I certainly understand the want to acquire such a player in the hopes that you can change him, it's not uncommon, I just feel that Semin, not unlike Kovalev play for themselves, and not the team, and that alone is enough to sour me on a player.

[Shep]

Just because I love talking about Semin.

In the 08-09 playoffs, the Capitals came back from being down 3 games to 1. Semin scored 4 goals in the 4 wins. He scored the 1st goal in game 7. He had 42 sog in the 7 games. 8 shots and 2 goals in critical game 3 when they could have gone down 3-0 in the series. In game 7 he had 6 shots and a critical goal.

He's streaky, obviously but he's still amazing. He was arguably the best player on the team vs. the Rangers and the Flyers in the playoffs the previous 2 seasons.

And although he misses a lot of regular season games, he has never missed a playoff game.

Also, since the Caps have only played 4 rounds in 3 years its hard to say that he doesn't show up when it counts, IMO. The World Championships are "meh", but I'll give you the Olympics. Although most of the Russians failed miserably. I would defend if could be more likely that its just a few games on the down side of his cycle. There is ample proof that there is a high side of the same cycle.

He's been Godlike in 2 of the 4 series, and been Casper in the other 2.