My Extremely Premature Jay Bouwmeester Potential Trade Discussion

As per the title of this article, this is my speculation on the potential trading of Jay Bouwmeester.  I will admit that most of what I'm about to say is frightening premature, and probably will not happen.  However, I'm allowed to speculate, and that's exactly what this is. 

After his one year arbitration deal, and his desire for Phaneuf-like cash, I, like many others, don't envision Florida keeping Bouwmeester.  He's still somewhat unproven however; on one hand he's played on a horrible team for the last few years, and it's hard as a young player to be the cornerstone of a terrible franchise.  On the other hand, the top young players in the league have shown the potential to lead their team (Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Toews, etc.).  No one argues that he has talent, and considering he was the number 1 overall draft choice a few years back, his value will remain high unless he shows otherwise, and I don't think his stock has completely fallen just yet.  I do believe that the acquisition of Keith Ballard could be the start of trying to replace him, but again, we'll see.  I'm of the belief that at worst most teams feel he's a cornerstone defenseman, in need of better players to play with.  My feeling is that he'll be traded by the next upcoming trade deadline.  Here are potential deals (not keeping the salary cap in mind because off the uncertainty of a deal) for each team that to me at least, would make some sense.  Again, pure speculation on my part.  Find your favorite team and let me know what you think.

Anaheim Ducks

    Bouwmeester for Mathieu Schneider, Ryan Carter, Todd Marchant and a high draft choice.  Considering the imminent retirement of Scott Niedermayer, I could see the Ducks making a real steal here to pick him up.  Schneider would need to go in terms of salary and room, Todd Marchant has been on the block as well, and he would bring a great amount of speed, grittiness and leadership to a team that just traded its captain. Ryan Carter is also a solid prospect. 

Atlanta Thrashers

    Bouwmeester for Bryan Little, Garnet Exelby and a mid round draft choice.  I do believe that Atlanta might be one of the most poorly run franchises.  They still have no 1st line center for Kovalchuk, and that's purely pathetic.  Here, I'm trying to give Atlanta at least a little hope.  Bryan Little is small (no pun intended), but is quite a prospect.  He's lit it up wherever he's gone.  He might be quite a nice complement to either Weiss or Horton.  Garnet Exelby makes Florida somewhat more dangerous to play against, considering their toughest defenseman at this point is Nick Boynton.  Exelby brings a level of viciousness that hasn't been seen in Florida since Paul Laus.  Bouwmeester, Enstrom and Voracek is a very solid group of three in Atlanta, and could truly help to turn the franchise around.

Boston Bruins

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