A Small Nugget

I don't arrive in Columbus until early tomorrow morning, but I've got a little something to share. I'm told that over the past few hours George McPhee has been receiving quite a few phone calls from multiple teams interested in acquiring the No. 5 overall pick.

Whether it's simply other GMs "kicking the tires" or serious trade talks remains to be seen. But it could get interesting.

Stay tuned. I'll be sure to post anything else I hear.

Edit: Apparently GMGM isn't the only one. TSN is reporting there's lots of discussion going on.

By Tarik El-Bashir | June 21, 2007; 7:52 PM ET

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Comments

pitkanen please

Posted by: Anonymous | June 21, 2007 8:04 PM | Report abuse

hope hope hope for an improvement

Posted by: Anonymous | June 21, 2007 8:17 PM | Report abuse

how 'bout shipping that number 5 pick and that steckel guy for the crosby kid in pittsburgh? and their number 1...

Posted by: typical message board poster | June 21, 2007 8:58 PM | Report abuse

Keep it and get Cherepanov!

Posted by: Anonymous | June 21, 2007 8:58 PM | Report abuse

Tarik, a few sites have suggested that the Canadiens will be shipping Alex Kovalev to the Caps. To your knowledge, is there any truth to this rumor? If so, any idea who the Caps may ship in return?

In response to a previous post, I argued that the Caps should try to trade for Francis Bouillon, a strong, reliable defenseman who was captain of his Memorial Cup team in 1996. If the Caps are going to swing a trade with Montreal, I think they'd be wise to go after Cube.

I wish you a safe journey to C-Bus.

Posted by: Sidhu | June 21, 2007 8:58 PM | Report abuse

I have not heard anything from a credible source re: kovalev.

Posted by: Tarik | June 21, 2007 9:02 PM | Report abuse

Would a trade be during the day or right before they pick?

Posted by: Anonymous | June 21, 2007 9:16 PM | Report abuse

Why do I have a feeling they might be treading into "Quick Fix / Win Now" territory? A lot of people feel they are 2 - 3 players away from contending for a playoff spot...that might be true for the short term, but what about long term?

Outside of Backstrom who will eventually take spots as Top 6 Forward? Who will eventually Center the 2nd Line? Fehr has the best shot, but are there long term concerns with his back/hip?

Klepis - hasn't shown much when in DC
Fleischmann - See above, Career AHLer, or we he go back to Europe? (Trade Bait?)
Bourque - Will size be an issue? (possible trade bait?)
Perreault - See Bourque
Bouchard - probably has the best shot, but still has question marks

add into the fact that when it comes to acquiring forwards, GMGM's track record isn't the greatest, esp of late. Outside of Clark, who has had an impact? Yes, who ever they take (should they keep the pick) could flame out, but so could whoever they acquire...then they're right back to where they are now

Posted by: Anonymous | June 21, 2007 9:17 PM | Report abuse

Tarik,

Do you mean GMGM isn't the one one?

Posted by: Mo | June 21, 2007 9:23 PM | Report abuse

Tarik,

Do you mean GMGM isn't the only one?

Posted by: Mo | June 21, 2007 9:24 PM | Report abuse

sorry, i meant "isn't" the only one. i was eating and blogging. never a good combo.

Posted by: Tarik | June 21, 2007 9:41 PM | Report abuse

I don't ever want to see Kovalev wearing a Capitals' jersey. Ever.

I wouldn't, however, be opposed to trading the #5 pick. There's not a star to be had there. If you can get value for it, deal it.

Posted by: writered | June 21, 2007 9:49 PM | Report abuse

If:
A) Fehr's injury is ok
B) Shultz/Green are improving on D
C) Eminger could become the player should be
D) Ovy & Semin mature a bit
E) Olie still has it for 3 more years

...then, yes, I would recommend trading the 5th pick and packaging a prospect for a solid player w/ 2 years + on his contract.

Compliment w/ a couple of mid tier UFA's and voila..you have a decent team for next year and a happy OVY.

PS - Trade Brent Johnson - NOW!

Posted by: The Rock | June 21, 2007 10:00 PM | Report abuse

Just draft Voracek and get it over with.

Posted by: Graham | June 21, 2007 10:10 PM | Report abuse

I suspect he will trade 5th pick and Flash for a second tier D or center and possibly a mid/late 1st Round pick.

Does anyone think that a top tier, proven NHLer is worth anyone of the top 5 picks in this years draft?

Posted by: Ted | June 21, 2007 10:34 PM | Report abuse

Unrelated to trades. Victor Kozlov at Center on July 1 would definitely help our shootout capabilities. I read where he had an 70% conversion rate in the shootout. That would be helpful without breaking the bank in terms of years and salary. How many shootout games did we loose? 17?

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