32 Money Moves: Central Division
2021-08-0432 Money Moves: Central Division
32 Money Moves is a division-by-division segment, where 1 player on all EHE teams, acquired either via trade, or by selection through the Draft, is examined. Each player profile will feature a deep-dive into the move, or pick that was made to acquire him. The only criteria for each individual team profile is that the player was either drafted, or acquired via trade by its current GM (with exceptions in the case of L.A. and Seattle). The EHE is filled with quality GM's who deserve a little acknowledgement from time to time. So, sit back, and enjoy, while I pump your tires!
Dallas Stars - Kirill Kaprizov -
How he was acquired - TRADE - (DAL) - 2020 DAL 2nd, 2020 MIN 5th - (OTT) - Kirill Kaprizov (01/12/2020)
In what is nothing short of one of the biggest swindle jobs in EHE history, Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov was dealt from Ottawa back in January of 2020 for a 2nd and 5th Round Pick. The picks were later traded again by Ottawa, and the disgraced former* Senators GM who traded Kaprizov has since left town. Meanwhile Dallas Stars GM Dan Bacon is set to crack a cold one and enjoy the show once Kaprizov lands in Dallas next season. The Russian winger is an electric offensive talent who is ready to contribute immediately, on a grand level. It doesn't hurt that The Stanley Cup finalist Stars are slated have him on an ELC for 3 seasons either. Bacon will look to make an EHE record 3rd-straight Cup Final appearence knowing Kaprizov is coming to town to add to the arsenal in Dallas. Belarussian Forward Yegor Sharangovich was a 2019 UFA signing deserves honourable mention as a home-run move by Dan.
Colorado Avalanche - Wyatt Kalynuk -
How he was acquired - DRAFT - 4th Round, 98th Overall (2020)
Heading into the 2020 EHE Draft, Avs GM Kirklan Lycar was adamant that he wanted to ensure the Avs would get Defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk, at some point in the mid rounds (I can personally attest for this as he told me himself!). Lycar eventually traded a 4th and a 5th, to move up and snag Kalynuk with the 98th overall selection, early in the 4th round. Kalynuk was "his guy" all along, and now, we know why. The 24-year-old is a ready-made assertive two-way defender that moves pucks and pushes the pace of play. Kalynuk's shot, and offensive instincts make him a threat to score in the offensive zone or by jumping into the rush. The Canadian born Kalynuk captained The Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA last season, putting up 28 PTS in 35 GP. Kalynuk is set to be EHE eligible as of next season, and his future appears to be bright. Full credit to Lycar here!
Chicago Blackhawks - Robin Salo -
How he was acquired - TRADE - (CHI) - DeMelo, Olsen, $456K - (PIT) - Salo, Matheson (01/15/2021)
This was a move with a few layers to it. Chicago gets 4 1/2 years out of Matheson ($1.75 Million pending RFA), while Pittsburgh gets 3 1/2 years out of Demelo ($1.5 Million dollar cap hit). Take what you want from that, but based on the makeup of this deal, it appears clear to me that Blackhawks GM Thomas Gidlow sees Robin Salo as the player to really move the needle in his favour. If that’s the case, I think he'll be proven right, in due time. The jury is still out on Salo however, who is set to make his appearence in North America, becoming EHE eligible by 2022-2023. The 22-year old defender stood out playing against men overseas the SHL, and Liiga. I want to get ahead of the curve on this one in giving Gidlow credit now, as I project Robin Salo's market value to take a nice leap once we see him in North America.
Nashville Predators - Tom Wilson -
How he was acquired - TRADE - (NAS) - Jeff Skinner - (COL) - Tom Wilson (11/11/2019)
Hockeys most wanted man is a human wrecking ball, and a hound on the puck. Like him, love him, or hate him, Tom Wilson is a force. The 6ft4 220 lb menace is a physical specimen, who is the epitome of the modern-day Power Forward. The one-for-one for Jeff Skinner, is pure wizardry on the behalf of Predators GM Eric Wolf. Skinner was a bonafide 30-40 goal scorer at the time, but the tables have turned since, Wilson is premier asset, and Predators GM Eric Wolf deserves a lot of credit for picking up the former Plymouth Whaler when he did. "Top line Tom" is coming off a stellar season with Nashville (23G,39A,62PTS, in 82GP), as he continues to improve year by year. It’s been a long road for Wilson, who began his pro career out as a 4th line tough guy and agitator. The Wilson swap for Skinner was a slam-dunk, homerun acquisition for the Preds. Masterful work by Wolf!
Minnesota Wild - Daniil Tarasov -
How he was acquired - TRADE - (MIN) - Jakob Silfverberg - (NYR) - Daniil Tarasov 2021 NJD 2nd, Albin Eriksson, Frederik Gauthier, Jason Drozg (11-17-2020)
The motherland has been pumping out young Goalies recently it seems, as names like Vasilevsky, Samsonov, Askarov, Shesterkin, Sorkin, and Georgiev, all come to mind. Standing at 6ft5, Tarasov looks to be the next one to add to this list. The 22 year old Russian posted an impressive 0.925%, and a 2.07 GAA over 16GP in the KHL this season. Tarasov, who should require some time to develop, is set to become EHE eligible in 2022-2023, where he will join the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. As a whole, Wild GM Harald Geisser received an excellent return, but Tarasov’s #1 potential to be the real key to reaping the longterm rewards of this move. Time will tell, but Tarasov’s size, athleticism, and early experience at the pro level should take him a long way. Nice move by Harry!
St.Louis Blues - Moritz Seider
How he was acquired: DRAFT - #12 Overall (2019)
The hockey world seems to finally be catching up on Moritz Seider, who is now one of the most heralded prospects on the planet. It appears Stephens was always just one step ahead. Yes, Seider went around where he was expected to in our EHE draft; but Stephens has been steadfast on this player since the Blues GM stepped up to take him at 12th overall. The 2020-2021 season was a memorable one for Seider, who won SHL Defenseman of the Year, and was named the Best Defenseman at the Men’s World Championship. The big, 20 year old, two-way German has all the makings of a cornerstone, top pairing, minute-munching defender. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see Seider go down as a top 3 player from his draft. Safe to say Stephens deserves a ton of credit for this pick!
Winnipeg Jets - Cole Caufield -
How he was acquired: DRAFT - #13 Overall (2019)
How happy must Jets GM Joe Tremblay be with his shrewd 2019 1st Round selection? The answer? Over the moon! They don’t call the kid “Goal” Caufield for nothing. The American sniper has proven he can score at every level, defying the doubters who ruled him out kn spite of his 5’7” 165lb frame. Caufield boasts an impressive resume, having shattered the USNTDP record for most goals (126), before winning the Hobey Baker with the Wisconsin Badgers this season (30G,32A,52PTS in 31GP). Caufield projects as a top line, goal scoring phenom, capable of bringing fans out of their seats. I see some projections that tout him as an eventual perennial 30 goal guy, but I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see him have multiple 40-50 goal seasons in his career. Book it! One thing is certain, GM’s will be kicking themselves for letting this guy slip outside of the top 10. Let’s give Joe the collective pat on the back he deserves for snagging Caufield in the 2019 draft.
Thats a wrap on the Central Division. Stay tuned for more!
My name is not Gilbert Dubois, lol
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
AMAZING to read that nice article!!
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
Great job, enjoyed the read
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
Brilliant idea, awesome work
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
What a great article. Excited to see the future ones.
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
I fully expected to see my trade of the 3rd overall pick for Calvin Pickard in here....thanks for keeping that one on the down low for me :)....looking forward to reading them all great work sir!
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
This was great! Awesome job Cole.
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
Awesome idea Batesy. Well done!!
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.
Really nice piece of work here Cole ... loving your insights and really nice to read about each GMs good work.
32 Money Moves: Central Division
Giving credit where credit is due: Profiling 32 acquisitions made via trade, or through the draft.