Nashville Predators trade Dan Ellis, Dustin Boyd to Montreal Canadiens for Sergei Kostitsyn
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 6:12 PM EDT
51 comments
Per TSN's Bob McKenzie (and various other outlets), the Nashville Predators have traded goaltender Dan Ellis, center Dustin Boyd, and future considerations to the Montreal Canadiens for winger Sergei Kostitsyn and future considerations.
Keep in mind that Boyd and Ellis are an unrestricted free agents (Boyd because the Preds didn't qualify him yesterday), while Kostitsyn is a restricted free agent, so essentially the Preds and Habs have swapped the rights to negotiate with the players until July 1, although Nashville has the upper hand in signing Kostitsyn. Its a trade that cost the Predators nothing in the short term, since neither Boyd or Ellis were to be retained. Kostitsyn is a highly-skilled, though underperforming winger whose cap hit was $800,000 in 2009-10, and it'll be interesting to see if Poile can re-sign him to a similar deal.
A look at Kostitsyn as a player, and the Preds' press release follows after the jump...
So here's the scouting report:
Assets
Flaws
Career Potential
The whole "questionable work ethic and attitude" really doesn't scream "Nashville Predators", does it? Recall that in 2009 he refused to report to Hamilton when the Canadiens sent him down, resulting in a suspension from the team. After all the talk about the emphasis on character that the Predators have in drafting players, bringing in Kostitsyn is a real head-scratcher.
I see a guy who hasn't hit 10 goals or 30 points in any of 3 NHL seasons, and wonder exactly what he adds to this team. Yes, his scoring rate in 5-on-5 play last season (1.85 points per 60 minutes) compares favorably to Nashville forwards like Martin Erat and Steve Sullivan (1.89 and 1.90, respectively), but if he can't play the Barry Trotz system, how will he stay in the lineup?
From the Montreal perspective, it sounds like they're happy that GM Pierre Gauthier "jettisoned the enfant terrible to Opryland."
Here's the team's presser:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has sent goaltender Dan Ellis and forward Dustin Boyd to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Sergei Kostitsyn (SAIR-gay kaws-TIHT-sihn). All three players' current contracts expire on Thursday, July 1.
Kostitsyn, 23 (3/20/87), posted 18 points (7g-11a) in 47 contests during his third season at the NHL level with Montreal in 2009-10. In 155 career NHL contests over the past three seasons, the 6-0, 210-pound left wing has amassed 68 points (24g-44a), in addition to 49 points (15g-34a) in 55 American Hockey League games. Kostitsyn has also suited up for the Habs in each of their last three playoff appearances, putting up eight points (3g-5a) in 18 games.
A native of Novopolotsk, Belarus, Kostitsyn represented his country at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, leading the Belarusians in points with five (2g-3a) in four games. He was Montreal's sixth selection, 200th overall (seventh round), in the 2005 Entry Draft. His brother, Andrei, has been part of the Montreal organization since being selected 10th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft.
0 recs |
51 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
i don't really like the attitude issues. however it could also be little sibling syndrom playing under Andrei.
Scouting Report
Assets
* Has slick moves, shiftiness and loads of creativity with the puck. Can play either wing position and is equally good finishing plays or setting up mates. Also displays a feisty attitude.
Flaws
* Struggles without the puck on his stick and in the defensive zone. Has questionable work ethic and attitude, which hurts his overall potential at the highest level.
Career Potential
* Skilled winger with attitude issues.
* Awards
Radulov, is that you?
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, nothing could still come out of this...
But I wonder what DP/BT sees in this guy? A cheap under-performing winger? And if he’s like Rads, why would we want two of them next year? Unless they somehow both put up big numbers…hmmm.
Yeah…the bad work ethic will never, ever fly with Trotz. That’ll have to change on day one.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
That's why we did it, I'd guess.
The logic is if Trotz can’t straighten him out, nobody can. Personally, I’m ecstatic for the trade. Boyd is no better than a bottom-6 forward and Ellis was gone/not really worth anything in the first place. Kostisyn makes us younger, more skilled, and has huge potential.
Anything for nothing is OK I guess, but I don’t see Kostitsyn working out here at all.
Nashville doesn’t strike me as a place where underachieving head cases find a second chance.
More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
I’m with Dirk on this one. Underachieving, lazy head cases with cursory NHL experience aren’t my cup of tea. If he was another Joel Ward, fantastic – but he’s not the type who will bust his ass every shift.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
OK if you don't like his work-ethic,
nobody would argue he’s likable or a typical Predator. The point is, we traded nothing to take a flyer on a 23-year-old who scored 130 points in the OHL not too long ago.
Lotsa guys score like that in the OHL – 18 year old Preds prospect Taylor Beck scored 65+/- goals this year.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought Taylor Beck scored like 90 points
or is that a way of saying his plus/minus was 65 (I never look at plus/minus)
What would you realistically say is Kostisyn’s ceiling for points in the NHL, then?
The +/- was my way of saying that I was guessing on how many he had scored; I couldn’t really remember.
You are correct, Beck had 93 OHL points and 40 goals.
I really have no idea – don’t know enough about him to assess it.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure, but I’m not sure this is it. Time will tell. First Poile negotiates.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh I don't know about this
He was suspended by the team this past October for failing to report to Hamilton of the AHL after being demoted.
He was also told to stay away from the Canadiens prior to Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals series with the Penguins for his poor attitude and work habits. He was publicly criticized by goaltender Carey Price for his lack of effort in training.
Graphic Designer/Researcher/Writer at Music City Miracles.
Official Graphic Goon of On The Forecheck.
by Aditya T (smashville) on Jun 29, 2010 6:48 PM EDT reply actions
How?
we’re not investing anything in him. If we don’t like him, he gets released, with no risk to the team. We literally traded nothing of value for him—the negotiating rights to two frivolous players (sorry, Dan). And his salary won’t be a big cap hit either.
There’s no risk to the Predators — true — but with his talent comes his attitude. If he plays with 100% effort, you’re right — he’ll be a star in Nashville. But he has yet to play at 100% in his NHL career. If I were the Preds, I’d rather have Boyd. At least he gives good effort.
by memphisbrando on Jun 29, 2010 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Boyd gives very inconsistent effort per Trotzy. So even if SK only gives inconsistent effort, his effort would be more talented than the effort Boyd can give.
by TitanPredBearFan on Jun 29, 2010 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
The change of scenery might do him good...
A good camp could easily find him on one of the top two lines. Perhaps he takes the role and runs with it…
or perhaps we don’t sign him and he’s a UFA by the end of the week.
I don't know about anyone else...
but I like it. Will he work in Nashville with Trotzy’s system? Who knows…maybe a change of scenery, less pressure and better team leadership could be just what the guy needs to perform to the max of his abilities. Can’t hurt to have a guy will big play ability on team that has way too many grinders. And if things get outta hand with his attitude…parking him in front of the net dodging a few Shea Weber slap-shots could give him an instant attitude adjustment. :))
by TitanPredBearFan on Jun 29, 2010 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Low Risk - Potential Hi Reward
There are two sides to this coin, but I agree. Change of scenery from hockey mad Montreal may be exactly what he needs (plus Trotz) to get his game on track. And if he does, great.
You qualify him as an RFA at 105% (or 110%) of his salary. If he doesn’t have arbitration rights, he’s stuck with Nashville or the KHL…but the KHL is not the mecca many thought. A good wake up call for a kid who if he ever put it together would give the Preds some additional scoring by committee.
For the kind of budget Poile is allowed, he could do a lot worse.
Agree
I guess everyone forgets that Ryan Suter used to have attitude issues too. Hamhuis held out for a better deal as a RFA for his last contract. Players sometimes just need to grow up and the team that has that player when they do benefits. At least the Preds gave up little (actually nothing in my book) for this slight chance of greatness.
It has never worked with mercenaries in Nashville why would it worked today. I don’t like this trade and I hope Poile won’t find an agreement with the Montreal-Mafia-Boy
He’s not Russian. He’s Belarussian.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
That makes the comment even stranger
I thought the mafia reference was some russian thing. Or is he just calling him a hoodlum
this is not a “categorial denunciation” against Russian players. I would not say something like that for any other players but one of the Kostitsyn brothers. There were serious accusations AND police investigation in Montreal.
Anyway I don’t like the idea to have someone like him in the team. If some people like this player and buy some jersey, great, but I won’t cheer for him if he stays.
the rap sheet:
-Mikhail Grabovksi feud
-possibly involved with drug trafficking
-demoted
-subsequently suspended
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
Unless there’s Belarussian mobsters or Grabovski gets traded to Columbus, you’re not going to have to worry about those.
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jun 29, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure, but its the whole attitude and lifestyle I’m concerned with.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
Twitter/Cycle Like the Sedins
by Chris Burton on Jun 29, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
bait?
maybe taking him was just bait for the habs to take ellis and boyd and if they/either sign we get some sort of pick. we dont even have to offer him.
Good point — you may be on to something.
by memphisbrando on Jun 29, 2010 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
SKost is a low-risk, high-reward move
Habs fan here.
Does SKost has work ethics problems? Yup. Is he a headcase? Yup.
The trouble is that he plays well and then disappears. Then goes back to playing well, then stops. A good scenery change and a disciplined environment will help tremendously.
That being said, does he have top-6 talent? Yep. Is he a bad defensive player? No, certainly not. Even tough he played only 47 games, he was 5th amongst forwards for PK time on ice.
There is a very, very good chance you guys just pulled a Latendresse.
sigh.
I'm getting in on this late...
Poile said that we don’t need to think about getting a big goal scorer out te draft, or something along those lines, was this because we had the rights to Kostitsyn? Did Poile think that Kostitsyn was a better possible investment over a guy like Etem? I don’t want to knock on out #18 pick, but I just don’t why this happened, low-risk or otherwise.
VP of the Coalition to Bench Arnott
How are these at all analogous?
Investing a first round pick is a huge price and Etem, Watson or whoever else is probably 3 years away at least. Kostitsyn is ready to step in now, or he’ll go to the KHL. I don’t think the situations are at all related.
Let me express my disappointment and confusion at today’s trade with as much more logic and shoddy writing I want! This is the Internet dammit. No, I wrote that when I was trying to process what was going on with the whole trade and it all looks rather tripe. If pressed I could craft a cute little analogy, but that would be a silly thing to do.
Ultimately, if SK signs with the Preds I would be interested in how Poile et al. approach developing him into the type of player that works within the Predator system. He hasn’t proven that he is mentally ready for the NHL, but an off-season in a new environment can allow for some significant changes.
VP of the Coalition to Bench Arnott
Alot of teams passed on Etem...
there was obviously a reason. What this has to do with the SK pick up though I haven’t quite figured out.
by TitanPredBearFan on Jun 29, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
In truth there are a number of comparisons that could be made, and there could be additional ones if anyone knew why Etem dropped in the draft. But as I noted in my above comment that the original post was… crap?… yeah, let’s go with crap filled with a confused shell of there’s a kernel of something there, but its a kernel like one of those un-popped ones you find in the bottom of microwave popcorn bags.
VP of the Coalition to Bench Arnott
Dustin Boyd.... questions from Montreal.
Did the Preds acquired him at the trade deadline during last season ?
If so, what were they looking for ?
I heard that Boyd is a very fast skatter,… is that so ?
Thanks and good luck with Sergei K.
Preds aquired Boyd at the trade deadline this past season. I believe he was picked up to help with Nashville’s pathetic PK. He’s a more than decent skater…good 3rd or 4th liner, stayed in Barry Trotz’s dog house a bunch because of “inconsistent effort”. Has alot of spunk…good forechecker, and has some untapped offensive upside I believe. Considering that 90% of the Preds team is just like Boyd he never found a niche in Nashville but could be a good pick-up for a team like the Habs.
by TitanPredBearFan on Jun 29, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the quality answer Titan.....
Displaying spunk while being more than a descent skater should pretty much secured his fate as a depth player for the CH if he wanted to….. but being a UFA it will be his choice.
Sergei Kostitsyn
Here’s a bit of a rundown on Kostitsyn. http://dennis-kane.com/sergei-to-play-in-music-city/
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on On the Forecheck
Related FanShots on On the Forecheck
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
About Me
Dirk Hoag is the Forechecker, churner of NHL stats & analysis, and managing editor of On the Forecheck.
Got a question or a suggestion? Feel free to email the.forechecker@gmail.com.
Named by Sports Media Challenge as a Top 10 NHL Blog
Featured Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
