MAS wrote:Realm wrote:MAS wrote:here are some rumours.
McCabe and #7 to NYI for #5 and a roster player
Antropov being shopped for another 1st rounder
The McCabe rumors were shot down earlier tonight, after his agent basically said that he would refuse to waive his no trade clause. If they, the leafs, want to get rid of McCabe, they will have to buy him out.
As for Antropov, I'm not really sure about this. If you can get a top 10 for him, sure thing. However, I would try to keep him. Now, if Fletcher can somehow package Kubina + Antropov for a top 10 pick, I'm all for it!
I wouldn't buy McCabe out... mind you I wouldn't buyout Tucker either. If you buy one of them out, the rest of the Muskoka 5 will want one too then you'll never be able to trade em. I would bench McCabe if he became difficult but the NHLPA might step in there.
As for Antropov, his value won't be any higher than it is right now... actually it was a lot higher at the deadline but we chose to sit on our hands. But a 27 year old hulking forward, at 2 million this year is VERY valuable to teams that are not rebuilding... we should be able to get a lot for him... just not as much as at the deadline because he's a UFA next year
The NHLPA can do nothing about benching McCabe or sitting him in the press box or even sending him home. You can't force a team to play someone.
At the end of the day, Fletcher holds the cards regardless of how difficult McCabe wants to be, it's just a mtter of whether or not the leafs are willing to play hardball, which I certainly hope they are. Resisting a trade on MCCabe's part is all about getting paid (the buyout) which is totally typical- not necessarily of him, but of pro sports in general these days.