#1 Center

[tpgrove]

This FA period so far has made me a very happy jackets fan. I think we look so much better than we did two weeks ago. Now we just need to fill that #1 center position and I would be thrilled about this coming season. There are rumors that a three-way trade may happen with Ottawa and Tampa Bay that would give us Vermette but I haven't found those to be truthful yet. I can feel our time coming closer.

[puckhogg]

i said this on another post that ap from the dispatch has shot down this rumor

[tpgrove]

From what I read, he didn't completely close the door on acquiring vermette. But either way, we really need a quality center.

[puckhogg]

no arguement with that.....

[Buzz]

As of right now, it would take a trade to get the #1 center that we want.  What ever happened to Marleau?

[Tuskin]

Depends on what kinda center they are wanting.. if they want a experience older center like sakic (yes still wishful thinking) they wouldnt need a trade or even a foresburg, however if they are looking for young then more than likely a trade must be made

[tpgrove]

Looks like marleau is staying in san jose from what i read. Who would we trade if we go out there to get a #1 center? The rights to Umberger and one or two defenseman like Hejda? I would hate to see Umberger go considering he's an OSU grad but if thats what it takes then im for it.

[puckhogg]

marleau's no trade kicked on july 1st

[TheFiveHoleExpress]

They kept Marleau because they didn't resign campbell. The Salary for Campbell would have strapped them even without Marleau

[firefly118]

Don't get rid of Hedja, he is a really goo defender!

[tpgrove]

But Vermette is a really good center. I could go for a trade like that, i think it would benefit the team. We signed Commodore who is fantastic, we have Tyutin who can play first line, Backman is also decent. I think a loss of hedja and another player for a vermette would be a great trade.

[firefly118]

My bad!  I didn't realize you were meaning for Vermette!  I thought you meant to package Hedja and Umberger for another C.  I just don't think there is anyone out there I would do that for.  Vermette YES!  Anyone else, probably not!

[tpgrove]

haha, sorry I just noticed I didn't specify that. Does Ottowa have any needs that we could fufill in a trade? haha This is all too much wishful thinking.

[tpgrove]

I just read a new AP blog. Apparently we are in talks with Peca to re-sign him. Does this close the door to aquiring another center? Our club seems to be high on Brassard for this coming season. I keep hearing he can play on one of the top two lines.

[firefly118]

Just read it myself!  Crap, Crap, Crap!  I mean Peca is a heck of a good guy, very professional, and a good leader!  But, lets be honest, he is long in the tooth and definately not a #1 or #2 guy!  If we did not have anything else, than sign him for a year, but we have money for offer sheets and there are several guys still out there.

It could be worse I guess, but if they do sign him, no way do we actually go after another guy or an offers sheet.

Now, if something golden fell from the sky (a cap casualty) and could be picked up fairly cheap, then we could release Novotny (whom I dispise).  But, I would say we are done and Boyle won't waive to come here!