NLL Insider

Obviously the big news yesterday was the four-way trade between Edmonton, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Chicago. We’ll definitely provide more analysis on that deal shortly, so stay tuned to NLL Insider. But I wanted to jump ahead with the trade deadline less than three weeks away.

The big name out there of course is Dan Dawson. Derek Malawsky would also be a nice pick-up for a team wanting to make a serious shot at the Cup. And they are “rental players” for Portland, expected to go back to the Sting next year, wherever that team may be.

So, the argument is: trade them now and bring in value for the future, rather than letting it all ride on a season that started 1-5. Don’t forget, the ‘Jax were 4-12 just a year ago. And Dawson and Malawsky are their two top goal scorers this year.

I had to ask Portland GM and Head Coach Derek Keenan for his thoughts on the possibility of trading Dan Dawson and/or Derek Malawsky.

For the right deal, are the ‘Jax interested in moving Dawson or Malawsky to build long term, and if not, why?
“There is not a chance I will move either of them,” said Portland GM and head coach Derek Keenan. “We believe we have a chance to win a championship and that is why they will not be moved.”

“There is no dominant team in the West and I believe down the stretch you will see the East tighten up as well. Also, the future in Portland is bright. We have a very strong young core with a lot of those players acquired through the draft. We have drafted Brodie Merrill, Tyler Codron, Cory Conway, Peter Jacobs, Ian Crashley, Matt Holman and a good young goalie in Joel Weber.”

“None of our other core guys such as Pete and Rich Morgan, Ryan Powell, Pat Jones, Mike Kilby, Spencer Martin, Scott Stapleford, Scott Stewart or Matt King are aging players. We have a first round pick next year and in ’09. We’re trying to win this year with the knowledge that we’ll be fine next year and beyond.”

Can we expect Portland to make any moves before the trade deadline?
“I certainly will not be a seller,” said Keenan. “If there is something that comes up that will help us win a championship this year I will be listening. If nothing happens, I am very comfortable with the group we have right now and down the road.”

Interesting comments from Portland’s GM and head coach.

Of course, it may make sense to publicly state you’re not actively looking to move either guy, for moral in the dressing room and for positioning at the bargaining table. But to say you’re absolutely not going to move either one was a little surprising.

During yesterday’s press conference, Calgary GM Kurt Silcott noted he is looking around.

“I think everyone’s always looking and checking things out,” said Silcott. He noted how the two top teams in the Eastern Division made moves yesterday in Philadelphia (6-1) and Minnesota (6-2).

“That’s just a sign that even when teams are on top they’re trying to improve themselves… I think we’ve all been talking and all been poking a little bit.”

What moves would you make if you were a GM? Continue to sound off on the NLL Forums.

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