View Full Version : Theoretical: Havlat can't play LW
So.. just going to throw something out here...
Let's say that the LW experiment with Havlat fails miserably.
Meanwhile, Torres is on pace for 25+ goals in Edmonton.
Could something of Torres + for Havlat be worked out?
Before we start, Smyth is not up for grabs :wave:
Torres would give the Ottawa top 6 some grit, some hitting, and a goal scoring touch; while Havlat would really help out the Edmonton PP.
Would Torres and a First get it done? I'm not so sure it would, but if it makes Ottawa a better team for the now, does it happen?
Everything is possible with Muckler but I doubt he'd move Havlat. For the past 3-4 years we've played with Hossa, Havlat and Alfredsson all on the RW and it worked to a certain extent. We tried Havlat a couple of times on the LW and it didn't work but some say it's because of the LW lock that Martin uses (?). I personally don't have a clue why it didn't work so I'd give it another shot.
On the other hand Torres is a good player but a less talented player and since they're both the same age (or really close) I doubt this trade would benefit us.
does it happen?
Not a freaking chance.
Well, first of all I am very confident in Havlat's ability to produce for many reasons. First of all, he has always been used as a LW on the PP and has produced quite effectively. Also, although this will be a transition year for him he will have one of Heatley/Alfredsson on the other wing to draw some checkers away from him. He was always the main focus on the third line during prior campaignes. It is true he will now stack up against much more talented defenders but also won't be keyed on nearly as much. Add the fact that he's a pretty safe bet to just get better with age as of now and I doubt the upgraded quality of opposition will be a problem, but rather more ice-time will translate to higher production. And a left handed sniper playing on his like wing, alongside a great right handed pivot who's specialty is playmaking? I'm drooling already! Lastly, he has (apparently) bulked up quite a bit like Hossa did going in '03. We'll have to wait and see on that one as it was just some comments made by a handful of radio personalities after interviewing Havlat recently. However, it was brought up quite a few times so hopefully we see a noticeable change. He may have lost some speed but rest assured Mach 9 will still have some great wheels when he returns. He didn't go and get the builf of a powerlifter.....
Now, Havlat for Torres? You never know with Mucks. That crazy fox may deal him there in part of a 5 team deal for all we know. And better him out West than in the East where he can burn us nightly. Muckler sure has proven to be sly during his time here. But overall, I'd have to discount the likelyhood of that trade happening. Havlat has already posted a PPG, can break the 100 point barrier someday, and already plays with an edge himself. He's not a physical presence like Torres but it quite the aggitator. In short, the intangibles don't make up for the huge gap in talent. Torres is good but I don't know if he ever gets 70+ consistantly like Havlat seemingly can after that last season of his. An Edmonton package would have to be centered around Smyth for Ottawa to bite, but you said he was untouchable. I think Marty may be playing his last season in Ottawa (barring an absolutely huge performance) with us having to re-sign Redden, Chara, and Spezza next season. So we may very well see him delt. But I think we'll look elsewhere than Oil town. We can get a better return elsewhere IMO. Even if that 1st sure does sweeten the deal.
Newfie John
9-06-05, 6:54 PM
I'd do it, in his last year before he's eligable for free agency.
Havlat will only be 25 and have only 6 years of NHL experience (lockout counts towards players totals) and thus won't be eligable for unrestricted free agency when his contract expires.
Just on Torres.. I'd guess his max potential is to be a very good second line LW; then again, with the weakness of LW across the league he could potentially be a #1 on quite a few teams. He's a hard guy to peg, but he's not afraid of anyone, has above average hands, will hit anything that moves, and has a very good wrist shot. The only knock on him offensively is that he's not much of a setup man at all.
My guess is that his best years could be around a 30-30 mark while being a power forward. The guy was a top 5 draft in his year as well, so the potential is there. Of course, put him on Spezza's wing and those goal totals could start to flirt with 40.
Andy, as a guy who is a left-handed shot.. it's a helluva lot easier to score goals playing RW than LW, due to having a much wider angle to play with before you shoot the puck.. harder for a goalie. I'm not so sure I'd call playing your "natural" wing a great asset for many players.
Anyway, this is obviously nothing more than complete heresay for now; I just wanted to see if the intrest would be there. Smyth still brings much more to winning games than Havlat (espeacially in the playoffs), so I doubt Lowe would trade him. The Oilers are looking to contend, so unless they feel they're getting better after a trade, they won't make it. No more trades for the future :).
Andy, as a guy who is a left-handed shot.. it's a helluva lot easier to score goals playing RW than LW, due to having a much wider angle to play with before you shoot the puck.. harder for a goalie. I'm not so sure I'd call playing your "natural" wing a great asset for many players.
Oh, I know in order to score most players like coming off of their off-wing for the exact reasons you mentioned. But it's much easier and more natural for Spezza to feed to his left being a right handed shot and all. And passing to Marty's forehand it could be a deadly combination, even if Mach 9 was a RW until this little experiement. I think with all the extra set-ups he'll get finally playing with a real center, espcially under these circumstances, will more than make up for the benefit of being on his off-wing from season's past. It worked with Bochenski down in Binghamton, him switching sides of the ice.....
My guess is that .... while being a power forward. The ... potential is there. Of course, put him on Spezza's wing and those goal totals could start to flirt with 40.
LOL. First "great potential" guy Ales Hemsky is better than Martin Havlat. Now "potential" 40 goal power forward Raffi Torres is fair value Havlat trade bait? LOL. Got any more of these? Let's hear them. May as well get one big laugh instead of a bunch of small ones.
bluemeanie
9-08-05, 11:23 AM
Havlet was almost a Havnot? Cole almost a Sen? Sens looking for Grit? Blue needs a Coffee?
Sens tried to trade Havlat
? Prior to the Marian Hossa trade that saw Dany Heatley come to the Senators, the team was close to dealing away winger Martin Havlat, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Citing a source, the Sun claims talks happened while the Senators were having trouble signing Havlat.
Havlat signed a one-year deal with the Sens on August 10, but will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and will demand a big raise if he has a strong year.
The Senators supposedly tried to deal Havlat to the Carolina Hurricanes straight up for Erik Cole, who was also faced with issues when trying to re-sign with the 'Canes.
? ?
"The Senators really like what a guy like Erik Cole brings to the table because he's hard-nosed, he's got pretty good skills and he's not afraid to pay the price," a league source told the Sun. "They think he's a playoff performer."
The Sun also reports the Senators were shopping veteran Bryan Smolinski, but couldn't find any serious interest.
Havlet was almost a Havnot? Cole almost a Sen? Sens looking for Grit? Blue needs a Coffee?
Yes I saw that latest delusion from the dank hamster brain of Bruce Garrioch too.
http://ottsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2005/09/08/1206606-sun.html
Max Power
9-08-05, 12:06 PM
The Senators supposedly tried to deal Havlat to the Carolina Hurricanes straight up for Erik Cole, who was also faced with issues when trying to re-sign with the 'Canes.
Yah Bruce has probably been reading the large amount of posts I have written in the last two years on getting Cole and trading Havlat =]
I thought Havlat had another year of RFA?
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