The Value Of: Alex Tanguay
What should Alex Tanguay fetch on the trade market?
This subject came to mind after reading a recent article by Scott Cruikshank of The Calgary Herald. The writer makes the case for Tanguay citing how badly the Flames need a playmaker to go along with snipers Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen. Cruikshank also mentions how the Flames cornered the market for tough, grinding types both in Calgary and Abbotsford, a luxury other teams would dream about, but I digress.
Just three short years ago, Tanguay flanked Iginla alternating between the center and left wing positions but eventually would be traded in favor of current Montreal Canadien Michael Cammalleri. The Canadiens sent the Flames a first round pick (25th overall) in which they selected Windsor Spitfire Greg Nemisz. At that point in his career Tanguay seemed prime to put up close to a PPG pace, only a year removed from doing so with 81 points in as many games.
Now, at 31-years-old Tanguay offers a veteran presence and most likely a contributor but not that breakthrough offensive player he once was. Following an injury riddled 50 games in Montreal, the Ste-Justine native signed for a meager 2.5 million with the Tampa Bay Lightning, over half of his previous salary (5.25).
The Lightning hoped for that reasonable salary he would form instant chemistry with fellow Quebecers Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier. However, an inconsistent effort from Lecavalier as well as the newfound chemistry between St. Louis and Steven Stamkos make Tanguay both superfluous and expendable. Unless the Lightning have identity issues and somehow think they can sneak their way into the playoffs with a shoddy defensive core and two B rate goaltenders, he should and will be moved.
What will he fetch then?
Definitely not a first round pick as he did two years ago. The majority of the League chose not to sign him during the offseason with the asset requirement at an absolute minimum. Definitely not a 2nd round pick and a young defenseman as he fetched over three years ago during his trade to Calgary. Those opinions of Tanguay left the league with his former linemate Peter Forsberg.
A quick glance at last year’s deadline would say at best a 2nd round pick.
Last year both Dominic Moore and Ales Kotalik fetched a second, with both producing at a similar pace and a similar age. Tanguay should finish between 40 and 50 points, both of those players finished with 43 and 45 respectively. Nik Antropov, a year younger than Tanguay, finished a completely healthy and productive season with 59 points and only warranted a 4th round pick more.
A few teams may need his services. The Flames for one make sense, especially coming off the heels of their 9-1 loss to the Sharks. The Islanders could be a fit as they likely need another top six winger and center to stay in the picture. The Ducks, Coyotes and even Red Wings make sense in order to fill in injuries and boost scoring woes. Imagine if the Wings signed Tanguay instead of promoting Ville Leino.
Yes Tanguay plays a one-dimensional game which often can be considered selfish, soft or my personal favorite the “wet noodle.” He also boasts a resume of legitimate scoring potential with playoff experience and a much needed veteran presence.
Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove
