Jason Blake's Trade Value?

Question

Previously thought to be immovable, Jason Blake has been putting up huge numbers in the last 2 months (32 points in the last 28 games or something like that). Pittsburgh has been said to be very intereseted in a winger for Crosby. So my questions are...............

Will Blake be traded at the deadline?
What do you think he could possibly get back?
Would the Penguins be interested?
If so, Could the leafs package him with others to get Jordan Staal as part of the rebuild?

Answer 1

Blake's contract has a huge cap hit associated with it, making it highly unlikely that he'll be traded.



Burke also mentioned during an interview last week with TSN's Darren Dreger than Blake's cap hit hinders his ability to trade him, but his recent scoring surge and experience makes him a very valuable asset to the leafs as they try and rebuild.



However, Burke is quick to note that EVERY player has a price (as his request of 10 first round draft choices for Schenn suggests).



So

1) If Burke receives the right offer (young players and draft picks) then Blake is gone



2) Burke is looking explicitly for players with toughness, grit, under 25, and on cheap contracts



3) Probably not. Blake is a bit slow for their offensive system and his lack of playoff success (never been past the first round).



4) Jordan Staal costs more than Burke is willing to pay. There are a LOT of GMs around the NHL who think Staal's cap hit of $4MM next year is a bit expensive.

Answer 2

It's no secret that Jason Blake's trade value has recently increased with his increase in points and more importantly goals. Which is very good news for Maple Leafs fans who were ready to tie Blake to the goal posts and sell pucks to fans to shoot at him to help pay for his salary.



Now the 4 Million cap hit is very big, too big for most teams. I would think that a draft pick would be out of the question to trade for.



The Penguins are said to be after bigger fish, with the likes of Martin St. Louis, Milan Hejduk and even Nik Antropov circulating as interested picks by GM Shero.



I would look for the Leafs to trade Blake for someone another team believes to be an underachiever that they have given up on but coach Ron Wilson and Brian Burke agree would fit their system in Toronto. It will probably be a team in playoff contention, or someone in the hunt for a cup run.



But Blake is a different player in the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised if Blake and Kaberle are packaged and sent to Philadelphia, but Philly would need to clear a lot of cap. But they are willing to part with Lupul and Upshall, which poses the grit and toughness both Burke and Wilson covet.

Answer 3

As a Leafs fan, I hope he gets traded for a first rounder.....please? Pretty please, Burke? With sugar on top?