My buddy and I have been emailing each other back and forth about a Schenn/JVR swap. I was throwing some ideas down quickly, but here's some pros and cons I came up with to that potential deal (exact email I sent):
I find it a tough call. Several things tell me yes. Several things tell me no.
Yes do the deal:
- Schenns good but he's sort of stagnated a bit. Hasn't improved much in last year or so, however he is only 22. JVR same thing actually but 6'3 forward who has scored 20 goals at 21, and dominated the playoffs at that age will probably turn into a 30 goal guy soon. Also, JVR seems like a fit with our forward group.
- Like I said, Defensive dmen tend to break down earlier in their careers. Who knows if that happens with Schenn but I see more longetivty in a forward.
- We have an abundance of D. Even losing Schenn we still have Phaneuf, Gunnarson, Liles, Franson, Aulie, Komisarek and my boy Gardiner (who looks like a stud). Holzer is apparently ready also AND we drafted Percy in the first round. Thats 9 NHL ready (or almost ready) d-men even without Schenn. No such depth on the forward group.
- Kadri and Colborne are our 2 best forward prospects and they are developing slowly. Nice to augment them with JVR. He's a little different style than both of them as well.
- JVR is signed for 6 years after this for $4.25M. IFFFF he reachs potential and scores 30 that is a nice deal for a while... but not overly long like a Carter, Richards, etc. Hes got a good contract that would be a steal if he reaches full potential.
No to the deal:
- So far, JVRs best has "only" been 20 goals. Schenns best has been a monster dman who has led all dmen in hits and top 10 in blocked shots. That could very well continue for a while, how long is the question though. Probably til late 20's, early 30's at least. 10 years of that would be great though and you can replace goals up front more easily than a defensive dman who can log 22+ min (or at least shown in the past he can).
- Schenn has been groomed and touted as a possible future captain. He's a leader, a warrior, never whines or complains, a real trooper. We dont have many home grown talent like that and havent had something like that in forever.
- IF we do trade Schenn and get a winger, thats fine, however, that precludes us from probably making OTHER trades. Know what I mean? We need a #1 center. Everyone in the world sees this. If we trade Schenn and get JVR, fine... however, what could we ever trade to get that 1st line center? Things become a lot more difficult to trade AND our depth on D takes a big hit so we cant trade Franson/Gardiner, etc. Essentially, Schenn is our most valuable commodity so maybe look to trade him for a real big need (#1 C)? However that might not be out there for some time.
- Like anything, if JVR doesnt work out here and Schenn works out in Philly we could be kicking ourselves. Better the devil you know than the devil you dont right?
Anyways, thoughts? I'm torn on that type of move.