The Value Of: Paul Kariya
NHL Hot Stove presents it’s “The Value Of” series which will look at some of the names discussed around the NHL who likely will be moved at the March 3rd trade deadline.
Interesting fact: Through 956 games Paul Kariya never left a team via trade. He moved from Anaheim to Colorado after nine years in California. Then left Colorado for Nashville and then eventually to St. Louis, all via free agency.
Kariya signed a three-year deal, 18 million dollar contract with the Blues in the summer of 2007. Although he played 82 games in his first season, Kariya only managed 53 through the last 1.5 + seasons. His inability to stay healthy likely greatly diminishes his value.
Mark Recchi, six years older than Kariya, went with a second round pick to Boston for Martins Karsums and Matt Lashoff, two decent and low-ceiling prospects. Bill Guerin, four years older than Kariya, went for a conditional (3rd) pick. Although those players represent his closest comparable trade, he likens himself more to the Guerin or Recchi trade of two deadlines ago. Those trades warranted either a first or second plus a low ceiling roster player or mid-level prospect.
Through 42 games, the veteran left wing registered 20 points which projects for 39 points. His current contract holds a no movement clause meaning GM Larry Pleau cannot move him anywhere without his consent. Still at 35-years-old he may welcome the move to a contending team. The Blues simply cannot sustain their winning ways and soon will fall out of the playoff picture altogether.
The Islanders, Flames, Bruins and perhaps even Nashville could use a little depth at left wing making them excellent options for the Blues. All of those teams also could spare a second round pick or a prospect as they boast some of the deeper prospect pools in the NHL.
To summarize, Kariya must want to leave St. Louis and his value would be a 2nd rounder at most plus a non blue-chip prospect.
Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove
