The Value of: Raffi Torres
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.
As of this writing the Columbus Blue Jackets sit 14th in the Western Conference and 26th in the entire League. With only four wins and eight points in their last ten games, the ship seems to be sinking. GM Scott Howson likely will move his expiring contracts before season’s end leaving a player like Raffi Torres of great interest.
Through 52 games with the Blue Jackets Torres posted 26 points. Through a full NHL season those totals project for 40 points, right around his career high of 41 in 2005-2006. The 28-year-old also projects to score 20 goals for the third time in his career and could in theory flirt with 30 goals.
In his limited playoff experience he holds a similar pace with 11 points in 22 games with the Oilers and two points in four games with Columbus. Although limited, his ability to endure a Stanley Cup run should play a larger role in determining his value.
During the 2008 offseason the Oilers traded Torres to the Blue Jackets for then forward prospect Gilbert Brule. The Jackets acquired a trusted veteran while the Oilers received a nice building block for their future, essentially a win-win situation for both teams. If the Blue Jackets receive another young asset then it could possibly swing the trade in their favor.
An interesting destination would be Pittsburgh, where GM Ray Shero always seems to buy at this period. Torres as well as Alexei Ponikarovsky likely top the list of affordable and useful wingers for his elite centers. Of course, Ilya Kovalchuk probably will be moved or announced off the market before lesser wingers get moved. Teams who miss out in the Kovalchuk sweepstakes may take home Torres as a consolation prize.
The price most likely will be a prospect or draft pick, depending on what Howson wants back. This player does not represent a first-round draft pick’s value despite his 5th overall selection.
Torres makes the remainder of a 2.250 cap hit, which on March 3rd will be less than 500K. Only six teams at this point cannot afford this grinding winger so overall interest should be high.
Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove
