NFT: NHL Free Agency Thread

especially if you need to add some scoring. Seems it's abundant with goalies and D.

who are the big names?

Tarasenko (RFA)? then who?

Mike Green?

Nazem Kadri?

Antoine Vermette?

awful.

Someone will do something desperate.

But will probably come in way too pricey.

I'd like the Rangers to make Semin an offer.

Big, physical guys who can score a bit are in demand.

I'd absolutely offer Semin a contract, but only a cheap one - under $2mill, I'd say.

ward... But his price is gonna have to drop which prob won't happen Bc we can't afford him

like 35 years old?

I'm less interested in retread 15 G/30 or 40 P guys if I can avoid it, I'd think everyone has them as their plan B.

I don't know exactly how RFA works in hockey but I'd be strong after Tarasenko.

but Garth locked up Ders yesterday for 4 years, $15 million, backloaded. After getting benched in the playoffs it looks like Lee is destined to be JT's left wing this year.

After the QO is made, the player either accepts it and signs a one year contract, or can reject it and hope for an offer sheet. If he gets an offer sheet, his current team has one week to match. There are no negotiations, it's just match or not.

In comment 12350348 Greg from LI said:

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After the QO is made, the player either accepts it and signs a one year contract, or can reject it and hope for an offer sheet. If he gets an offer sheet, his current team has one week to match. There are no negotiations, it's just match or not.

No-brainer then, if he didn't accept the QO, Tarasenko would be a Canadien (or at least have an offer to become one) if I were GM. And then I'd trade Plekanec.

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doesn't seem to realize the guy won't have 25 yr old legs.

The cap situation is disturbing to say the least. Kreider and Hayes for next year is scary.

Some players have arbitration rights as RFA's, some don't. That also comes into play.

worth pursuing. All you'll get is a depth guy at a frontline player price.

Stay away Glennie. Stay away.

that interest me in FA - maybe Mike Green, but he's going to get waaayyy overpaid.

I'd rather have Oduya than Girardi, but that's neither here nor there

They're cap strapped without a trade to move out salary.

.

Good god, time flies.

wants semin. Bahahahahaha

In comment 12350359 Greg from LI said:

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Agreed, and it would cost a shit ton to get him.

IMO. 23 year old, on the verge of stardom.

free up movement of RFAs. Back in the day, a team that signed an RFA had to provide compensation that was deemed "of equal value". Teams could negotiate a mutally-agreed upon compensation package of picks and/or players, and an arbitrator would make a ruling if they didn't agree. That's what happened with the Blues and Devils in 1990 when St Louis signed Shanahan and then lost Stevens as compensation. It was such a steep price to pay that it scared teams off from offering RFAs.

.

so we can send Strait packing.

In comment 12350445 Greg from LI said:

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free up movement of RFAs. Back in the day, a team that signed an RFA had to provide compensation that was deemed "of equal value".

Another historic Slats flop when he received Troy Mallette as comp for Adam Graves.

EDM looking into D; Sekera, Franson & Green on the target list, among others.

BOS, DET may take a run at Mike Green

LAK and a few others looking into Greiss. PHI supposedly showing "solid" interest in Neuvirth.

Blues will "100% match" any offer sheet Tarasenko may sign.

Anisimov extension with the Hawks. 5 yrs. $22.75 mil total.

6-8 teams "chasing" Belesky. 5-7 year deal is expected.

8 teams in on Ward, 6 East (incl WAS), 2 West

the there are no big names in free agency this year the blue collar guys are out there.
Also under the radar was the Oilers trading for Gryba. Adding him with Reinhart along with MacDavid, Hall and the rest proves to be a great team in the making. Especially if Reinhart becomes very good. Throw in Talbot as well and the Oilers are back.
Anyway back to my point, guys like Gryba are out there.

would be a really strange choice for Boston.

signing that guy around $5 per after being unwilling to go $6-7m for Dougie would be incredibly stupid.

is nuts. He's not worth half that.

But at the time, it seemed pretty even. Graves was two years older than Mallette but actually had scored less in his career to that point. Mallette had made the Rangers as a 19 y/o and put up 12 and 13 goal seasons, and he was much bigger and more of a fighter than Graves (an important consideration in the NHL of 1991). Mallette had 25 NHL goals in 150 games to his name going into his age 21 season at the time of the deal. Graves was 23 and had 23 goals in 217 games.

Their careers obviously went in dramatically different directions after the deal, but at the time it didn't seem like such a steal. BTW, in a odd coincidence both players were picked at the exact same spot in the draft - first pick in the second round, Graves in '86 and Mallette in '88.

In comment 12350489 bigbluehoya said:

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would be a really strange choice for Boston. signing that guy around $5 per after being unwilling to go $6-7m for Dougie would be incredibly stupid.

Some said that Hamilton was only looking for 5.5 from BOS which would make it even more ridiculous.

In comment 12350492 Gman11 said:

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is nuts. He's not worth half that.

He's worth half that easy. But he's not worth $4.55 million on a cap crunched team, and more importantly, it really ill suited to center a 2nd line as Chicago intends.

Holy Head Scratcher.

I liked the return for Chicago a lot better before I saw that Artie contract.

strange, especially considering Saad is an RFA.

May have been able to get one more year of Saad at that number. Even if you were afraid of an offer sheet, an offer sheet that high would return a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd if I'm not mistaken.

His leaving Boston didnt make a ton of sense. I thought he must have been looking for 6.5+ to get sent out of town for a return like that.

throwing a bunch of national guys twitter pages up and also including Arthur fucking Staple

But not at that salary, and not as a 2C.

I'd throw out a reliable Rangers twitter reference, but I don't think Incarcerated Bob counts! ;-) (You're welcome for the thread, you ungrateful fuck!)

Ramo likely to resign in CGY. Ribiero back to NSH for 2 yrs, $3.5 per.

Offer Sheet primer from generalfanager.com:

Offer Sheets are contracts that can be offered to a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) by a team that does not own his rights. The team owning the player's rights will have 7 days to exercise a Right of First Refusal. If the team does not exercise their Right of First Refusal, they will receive draft pick compensation according to the below table, based on the Annual Average Value (AAV) of the contract.
�To be eligible to submit an offer sheet, a team must have the required compensation picks available and all compensation draft picks must be the team's original draft picks (no substitutions with picks acquired from other teams). A team can reacquire their own draft picks in order to become eligible for RFA offer sheets.
�Every draft selection required for compensation must be from the next draft, except where more than one draft pick from the same round is required for compensation.
�If N picks are required from the same round, they must be available in the next N + 1 drafts. So if 4 First Round Picks are owed, the next 5 drafts are eligible.
�For offer sheet purposes, AAV is determined by dividing the total compensation offered by the lesser of the length of the contract, or by 5. For contracts longer than 5 years, this will result in a higher AAV than expected. Example: a 6 year offer sheet worth $20 million total, would be considered an AAV of $4 million ($20 million divided by 5) for offer sheet compensation purposes.

In comment 12350518 Deej said:

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His leaving Boston didnt make a ton of sense. I thought he must have been looking for 6.5+ to get sent out of town for a return like that.

Not sure what's going on in beantown, but apparently Hamilton simply "didn't want to be there" like Kessel.

In comment 12350495 Greg from LI said:

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But at the time, it seemed pretty even. Graves was two years older than Mallette but actually had scored less in his career to that point. Mallette had made the Rangers as a 19 y/o and put up 12 and 13 goal seasons, and he was much bigger and more of a fighter than Graves (an important consideration in the NHL of 1991). Mallette had 25 NHL goals in 150 games to his name going into his age 21 season at the time of the deal. Graves was 23 and had 23 goals in 217 games. Their careers obviously went in dramatically different directions after the deal, but at the time it didn't seem like such a steal. BTW, in a odd coincidence both players were picked at the exact same spot in the draft - first pick in the second round, Graves in '86 and Mallette in '88.

That was frustrating and costly time for me at younger age. Figured a young Mallette was a safe bet so bought a Mallette #26 Jersey. Then had to strip off the #2 b/c Mallette changed his number to #16 when Kocur came. A short time later, he went to Edmonton. Haven't bought a Rangers jersey since. SOB.

In CGY. 1 yr, $3.9M.

There was that brief period in like 1989-1992 when the Rangers were a goonish team. Mallette, Domi, Kris King, Randy Moller, Mark Janssens....they weren't a great team, but it was fun for once to see the Rangers be a bunch of tough guys instead of their traditional role as punching bags.

LeBrun reports that he thinks PHI and EDM are the finalists for his services.

Assuming this is true, with Ramo now off the board, Isles should look at Greiss.

There rumored to be an unwritten rule among GM's not to extend offer sheets to other teams RFA's. Years ago Edmonton did and all the other GM's were pissed.

Especially for teams looking for offense like the Devils. Unless you want to pay a lot of money for a 34 year old Justin Williams your only chance is to trade for scoring. The Devils have some cap space but they should just loo for a bargain.

with Enroth.

In an ordinary year he'd be begging hat in hand for a contract (or just going back to Russia), but the pickins are just so slim that someone will roll the dice on him.

I think the trade market is going to be more interesting than it has been historically because of how weak the UFA market is.

I wonder if CHI is still looking to move Sharp?

In comment 12350653 mikeygiants said:

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with Enroth.

If Neuvirth goes to EDM, it's said that the Oilers will buyout or deal Scrivens. I'd sign up for that if he's bought out. Or Greiss. Not sure I want Enroth.

And Brett, I speculated yesterday that I think the Saad move results in CHI resigning Sharp. Nothing more than a gut feeling on that.

You'd think they'd rather deal Sharp to try and retain Saad long term, but maybe they think Sharp makes them a better team than Saad in the present and gives them a better chance to stay contenders right now?

I would try to move Sharp now if I were CHI. I doubt there will be any point where they can get more in return than they can now. They've got 3 cups in 6 years. Makes sense to try recouping some assets. Sharp is going to turn 34 next season.

In comment 12350697 Greg from LI said:

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You'd think they'd rather deal Sharp to try and retain Saad long term, but maybe they think Sharp makes them a better team than Saad in the present and gives them a better chance to stay contenders right now?

I would have figured out a way to retain Saad, but i dont think its an either/or. They still have to get rid of Sharp. They arent dealing their top 3 Ds and Hossa's contract isnt tradeable. They are at 69.1 million with only 11 forwards signed, 4 defensemen, and the 2 goalies

Only potential way out of Sharp is finding a taker for Crawford if they like Darling. But I dont see many takers for Crawford at that pricetag.

Roszival is a goner too.

I'd be fine with Poulin.

In comment 12350704 arcarsenal said:

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I would try to move Sharp now if I were CHI. I doubt there will be any point where they can get more in return than they can now. They've got 3 cups in 6 years. Makes sense to try recouping some assets. Sharp is going to turn 34 next season.

love today!

but he would also be a solid backup.

In comment 12350715 Dave M said:

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I'd be fine with Poulin.

If poulin is the isles backup, then the scenario Mike brought up in the offseason thread will happen. I will jump off a cliff. Poulin is AWFUL

they are still in cap hell as Animisov isnt exactly cheap either.

One or two of Sharp, Bickell and Crawford have to go. There's no way around it.


Blackhawks Cap Situation - ( New Window )

Skjei gets paid nearly $1.0 million/year for the next 3 years? Tambellini costs $800k?

The problem with sending Glass to AHL is while you save $1 million... you do have to pay the replacement it looks like $700k if i'm reading this correctly

So you need to trade Glass somehow


NYR Cap situation - ( New Window )

But it doesn't hit the cap while they're in the AHL.

Bye, Neuvy.

Greiss is nice!

Thanks for your service Matt!

I'd trade Crawford but you may not find anyone to take him off of your hands.

They can win the stanley cup with about 20 different goalies in the league

2 yrs, $3M. Nice inexpensive deal.

Ribeiro re-signed with Nashville

is for two years, at $1.2m per.

3 yes, $2.2M/year.

.

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In comment 12350822 Greg from LI said:

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Ribeiro re-signed with Nashville

Guess they're unconcerned how the legal issue with his alleged misconduct/inappropriate touching of the underage nanny will play out.

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In comment 12350844 Dave M said:

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Yup.

In comment 12350815 pganut said:

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Bye, Neuvy. Greiss is nice!

Chad Johnson 2.0

Video Feed...

Link - ( New Window )

Here and as scrolling through see someone write that greiss would be solid then few posts later bam greiss signed.

#lovetheaction

as far as backups go, it's a good signing.

In comment 12350841 pganut said:

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In comment 12350822 Greg from LI said: Quote: Ribeiro re-signed with Nashville Guess they're unconcerned how the legal issue with his alleged misconduct/inappropriate touching of the underage nanny will play out.

It's a civil case. I'd think if it were provable, there would be a criminal case, no? Not saying it didn't happen, just from what I read the circumstances seem sketchy.

but that's an overpay at $1.2 million. Oh well.

Looking at the NYR cap situation... over $25 million invested in 6 defenders and some young guys in the wings... we have to move one of these guys, hopefully Boyle somehow.

There goes our Cup.

Boyle at $4.5>Girardi at $5.5.

is tradeable. Maybe even for a 2016 2nd or 3rd round pick.

I dont think Girardi is tradeable.

3 yr deal done

I want Semin.
Tufness - ( New Window )

In comment 12350897 MetsAreBack said:

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is tradeable. Maybe even for a 2016 2nd or 3rd round pick. I dont think Girardi is tradeable.

I think Girardi is definitely a desired asset across the league. He'd probably waive it for a contender - nobody wants to be unwanted/have their playing time decreased.

working on a bridge deal for Galcheynuk.

he and Pacioretty are the best forwards they have. Can't lose him.

.

He's. Better than Poulin and not really overpaid like Ramo.

Semin makes sense for NYR. Hope they pursue it.

replace one of the hardest working guys in the league (Hagelin) with one of the laziest?

His numbers fell off a cliff last year too - what was the cause?

He'd have to accept a really low 1 year salary - have to think another team would take on a little more risk.

this lockerroom needs motivated, hungry players.

I understand Semin.

Work ethic is for pussies.

anything on that front leaking out?

Any dollars spent in UFA, they'll need to trade that amount back out or be able to buy out or bury it in the AHL before camp.

When guys like Ramo and others were getting approximately 33% more over one year than the Islanders were paying for 2 years of Greiss. That being said I am not a fan of the Hickey deal. Sure he is better than Strait, but he gets pushed around way too easily in front of the net to be in the top six of a team that has aspirations of going deep into the playoffs. The Islanders need toughness on D and I would rather see Hickey's money going towards that and if we lose Hickey oh well

Semin is a guy who can give you 20 goals for cheap. It's not ideal but when you're cap strapped you've got to take what you can get. He's only 30. Last year was probably more of an outlier than anything.

with his cap space.

Has to move Girardi or Staal IMO.

At the latest, I wonder if the Rangers would buyout Girardi next year at this time.

Sekera got 6/$33m from the Oilers.

and then get under before camp opens.

If you can get Semin on a cheap one year "show me" deal, I'd pull the trigger.

as he has no clause to invoke to block it. They should've pulled the trigger on DG for the Ducks' #1 15 months ago, going to be a bear to trade him (or Staal) now.

Damn, Kessel to PIT

And apparently SJ offered two firsts for Callahan...Ugh.

he's soft and beyond his prime, but if you need scoring I guess you could do worse.

He's the kind of player MTL will be interested in. Along with every washed up player who once scored 25 goals in their career.

In comment 12350981 BrettNYG10 said:

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And apparently SJ offered two firsts for Callahan...Ugh.

Two firsts for Callahan? At his salary??? Fucking lunacy.

In comment 12350980 arcarsenal said:

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Damn, Kessel to PIT

wow, he's 27... he looks 35

In comment 12350886 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 12350841 pganut said: Quote: In comment 12350822 Greg from LI said: Quote: Ribeiro re-signed with Nashville Guess they're unconcerned how the legal issue with his alleged misconduct/inappropriate touching of the underage nanny will play out. It's a civil case. I'd think if it were provable, there would be a criminal case, no? Not saying it didn't happen, just from what I read the circumstances seem sketchy.

pj...Ribs says the case is "without merit" (of course he would!), and the Preds seem content to let the process play out. Sketchy or not, not sure if you ever saw the complete complaint. Sounds fairly tawdry to me.
US District Court Complaint on Mike Ribiero - ( New Window )

Kapanen, Harrington and a pick? Weak.

In comment 12350960 NYerInMA said:

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Sekera got 6/$33m from the Oilers.

there's just not a good crop of dmen this UFA period.. supply & demand!

In comment 12350990 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 12350981 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: And apparently SJ offered two firsts for Callahan...Ugh. Two firsts for Callahan? At his salary??? Fucking lunacy.

I meant back when he was a Ranger. 2014 deadline.

how much Blake Comeau got from COL lol

In comment 12350991 feelflows said:

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In comment 12350980 arcarsenal said: Quote: Damn, Kessel to PIT wow, he's 27... he looks 35

His sister is hot though

In comment 12350991 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12350980 arcarsenal said: Quote: Damn, Kessel to PIT wow, he's 27... he looks 35

It's because he's addicted to cheeseburgers and has a keg in his locker.

(Seriously, though.. he will score 40 with Crosby.. the Pens just got tougher)

The Metro is going to be a bitch next year. 5 very legitimate teams and only three doormats. (LOLDevils, LOLFlyers, LOLJints)

Pitt seems to always have cap room.

In comment 12350960 NYerInMA said:

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Sekera got 6/$33m from the Oilers.

Makes Boychuk for 7/$42M look a lot better. Market rate for d-men is insane.

MSL for Callahan would have been OK. Adding the pick was idiotic, and if they could have gotten two #1s for Callahan then that was clearly the best deal. Hurry up and retire already, rummy.

Rangers have to get creative and will need young guys to keep improving.

Kessel could be excellent either with Crosby or Malkin. But their bottom 6 is still a mess.

In comment 12350821 pganut said:

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2 yrs, $3M. Nice inexpensive deal.

Very nice. Solid, not spectacular, back up. Cheap!!

$1.5 million in 2015-16 and $1.75 million in 2016-17 to back up Mason.

5 per game next season.

But they're gonna give up 6.

Quite a game of Jenga they're playing. Maybe I'm stupid, but this trade doesn't scare me despite the fact that I'd have liked to see them pay more

In comment 12351019 Fish said:

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Pitt seems to always have cap room.

Assuming they pick up Kessel's entire contract, they have 15 players signed with 3.5 million left on the cap. They are going to have get rid of players

In comment 12350994 pganut said:

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In comment 12350886 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12350841 pganut said: Quote: In comment 12350822 Greg from LI said: Quote: Ribeiro re-signed with Nashville Guess they're unconcerned how the legal issue with his alleged misconduct/inappropriate touching of the underage nanny will play out. It's a civil case. I'd think if it were provable, there would be a criminal case, no? Not saying it didn't happen, just from what I read the circumstances seem sketchy. pj...Ribs says the case is "without merit" (of course he would!), and the Preds seem content to let the process play out. Sketchy or not, not sure if you ever saw the complete complaint. Sounds fairly tawdry to me. US District Court Complaint on Mike Ribiero - ( New Window )

So there's a criminal case too? This sounds terrible? I only knew of a civil case where the nanny is suing the Ribiero's and not being an expert figured a civil case with no criminal case is kind of sketchy. Though the detail in this document seems far worse than I was envisioning.

terrible should not have a ? at the end

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In comment 12351019 Fish said:

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Pitt seems to always have cap room.

they don't, really

they have $69M committed to:

9 Forwards
6 Dmen
1 G


Ehrhoff/Martin are goners, leaving their defense pretty stagnant. Letang, Scuderi and Maatta, who is making peanuts.

after their top 6, they are weak in forwards and they have no backup G yet.

that's a fuckload of cap tied up in 3 players though. and with a young defense I'd probably be more interested in two way players than a kessel but that's just me

their top 2 lines certainly have scoring punch though. incredibly they have cap room and we don't!

In comment 12351000 Greg from LI said:

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Kapanen, Harrington and a pick? Weak.

1st round pick though. and Kessel is a loser.

Rumor from an account that dumps every rumor out there that Sather might step down today.

@NHLRumors

got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes


makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount.

.

In comment 12351060 feelflows said:

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got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount.

That's a comparable deal relative to what others have gotten with Frolik's production.

.

In comment 12351070 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 12351060 feelflows said: Quote: got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount. That's a comparable deal relative to what others have gotten with Frolik's production.

yes, he DID almost net 30 2 years ago..still.. 20 goal scorers are that much of a premium?

In comment 12351058 BrettNYG10 said:

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Rumor from an account that dumps every rumor out there that Sather might step down today. @NHLRumors

Boomer Edison said that

In comment 12351078 BrettNYG10 said:

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.

Contract extension for Tanner Glass

And given how many meathead idiots are hockey writers, I'll reserve judgment on Kessel-is-a-loser until I see how he plays with talented teammates in a franchise that isn't a dumpster fire.

In comment 12351080 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351058 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Rumor from an account that dumps every rumor out there that Sather might step down today. @NHLRumors Boomer Edison said that

it will be a sad day for Boomer.. he said he's the best GM in NY... (even though JR has won two rings, he was 2nd to last)

traded to Pittsburgh

In comment 12351080 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351058 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Rumor from an account that dumps every rumor out there that Sather might step down today. @NHLRumors Boomer Esiason said that

fixed. Fucking autocorrect

In comment 12351050 feelflows said:

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In comment 12351019 Fish said: Quote: Pitt seems to always have cap room. they don't, really they have $69M committed to: 9 Forwards 6 Dmen 1 G Ehrhoff/Martin are goners, leaving their defense pretty stagnant. Letang, Scuderi and Maatta, who is making peanuts. after their top 6, they are weak in forwards and they have no backup G yet.

Yup. Staple also offered this on the TOR/PIT deal: "If TOR retain $2m of Kessel's salary, PIT still has $37.2m of cap space tied up in 5 players. That seems... Unsustainable."

In comment 12351079 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12351070 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 12351060 feelflows said: Quote: got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount. That's a comparable deal relative to what others have gotten with Frolik's production. yes, he DID almost net 30 2 years ago..still.. 20 goal scorers are that much of a premium?

The UFA market for good third liners like Frolik is ridiculous.

Soderberg just got five, IIRC, Pouliot last year got $5. I'm sure I can dig up a few more. I'm sure ex-Ranger Hagelin will get $4-5M.

to Penguins
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 12351095 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12351079 feelflows said: Quote: In comment 12351070 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 12351060 feelflows said: Quote: got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount. That's a comparable deal relative to what others have gotten with Frolik's production. yes, he DID almost net 30 2 years ago..still.. 20 goal scorers are that much of a premium? The UFA market for good third liners like Frolik is ridiculous. Soderberg just got five, IIRC, Pouliot last year got $5. I'm sure I can dig up a few more. I'm sure ex-Ranger Hagelin will get $4-5M.

yep. Comeau got $2.4M/year for 3 years.. and he scored 16 because he got a lot of time with Crosby.

In comment 12351095 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12351079 feelflows said: Quote: In comment 12351070 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 12351060 feelflows said: Quote: got 5 years @ $4.3??? yikes makes the Anders Lee signing look like a hometown discount. That's a comparable deal relative to what others have gotten with Frolik's production. yes, he DID almost net 30 2 years ago..still.. 20 goal scorers are that much of a premium? The UFA market for good third liners like Frolik is ridiculous. Soderberg just got five, IIRC, Pouliot last year got $5. I'm sure I can dig up a few more. I'm sure ex-Ranger Hagelin will get $4-5M.

I want Condra or Matthias

1 yr, $2M.

Stockpiling underwhelming characters.

that would really piss me off. they didn't even have to on clarkson - you mean to tell me no one in the league would absorb kessell at his cap hit? bullshit.

it's not like they got anything back in return - a late 1st. big fuckin deal. that's not worth $2 million

In comment 12351112 pganut said:

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1 yr, $2M. Stockpiling underwhelming characters.

Interesting, not a whole lot of risk there and he could provide a lot of production for them.

Friedman admitted he got that news from a bad source. No signing there.

In comment 12351112 pganut said:

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1 yr, $2M. Stockpiling underwhelming characters.

shocked he took that little..

probably was promised Crosby's wing which will inflate his stats and get him a big 2016 payday.

In comment 12351112 pganut said:

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1 yr, $2M. Stockpiling underwhelming characters.

How are they coming up with the money for him after taking on a lot of Kessel's contract? Even at league minimum I am not sure they can fill their roster and be under the cap. Maybe they will put Malkin on the block?

I dont think the pens can afford to pay another $2 million for one player at this point

back with WPG..screw him!! He left them high and dry and now that the ruble is weak he comes back? screw him.

In comment 12351082 Greg from LI said:

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And given how many meathead idiots are hockey writers, I'll reserve judgment on Kessel-is-a-loser until I see how he plays with talented teammates in a franchise that isn't a dumpster fire.

Go ahead and reserve judgment, I don't need to try and influence anyone's opinion. He played for the Bruins before Toronto, he didn't fit in Julien's system (which is very similar to Vigneault's system because he felt it would limit his scoring opportunities.

he doesn't get in the corners, he floats around in the offensive zone waiting for opportunities to get freed up for shots or rebounds.

No doubt he has talent and good enough size and speed to thrive, but as I've said before in 5v5 I have little use for Kessel in the NHL. In 3v3 or PP or international competitions sure, he's got attractive skills for those situations. he's not a guy I'm giving up significant assets for.

.

But Julien's system is close to Vigneault's? That seems off.

.

and Gorton becomes GM, does that mean Slats will still be able to overrule Gorton to make ridiculous trades and signings? Depressing if so.

signs PA Parentau.. interesting

In comment 12351151 BrettNYG10 said:

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.

Because he isn't really all that good

Clearly he has lost his edge or the fire in his belly. Either way have the decency to give the man taking the reins the freedom to do the job as he sees fit.

to San Jose.. 4 years almost $5M a year.

defense IS at a premium.

In comment 12351146 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

But Julien's system is close to Vigneault's? That seems off.

Both coached the Canadiens they basically ran the same system. Maybe the power play changes, or the specific play off a face off or something, but both have similar upbringings in coaching and even worked together.

Yeah but, Oshie scored all those shootout goals for Team USA that time...

Dman from Flames

Raphael Diaz

In comment 12351169 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12351151 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: . Because he isn't really all that good

Unless you're hoping for a lot of shootouts Oshie is one of the more overrated players I hear mentioned

In comment 12351186 feelflows said:

Quote:

Dman from Flames Raphael Diaz

here are his stats

http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8476244

.

Yay?

In comment 12351189 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12351186 feelflows said: Quote: Dman from Flames Raphael Diaz here are his stats http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8476244

I didn't realize he was on the Rangers 2 years ago.

.

In comment 12351169 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 12351151 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: . Because he isn't really all that good

Never really been that impressed with him either.

In comment 12351190 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

He is who Montreal traded fro Dale Wiese.

I don't think too highly of him, compared to the D on their roster now.

Stepping down as GM

the Pens signed the MALL RAT!!!!!!

LW Kael Mouillierat - PITT

so we're either cutting McIlraith or definitively trading one of the RDmen (Boyle or Girardi please). Hopefully the latter. Zero reason not to give one of the kids a cup of coffee on the 3rd pair to start the year.

In comment 12351193 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

Yay?

Already ours:

stepping down is all over the net

In comment 12351201 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

Stepping down as GM

What a sad day.

Thanks for all those Cups!

next year... Is there a management equivalent for the Ewing theory?

Couldn't Sather step down yesterday? Next week? August?

Is it really necessary to do it the day of free agency?

From an Isles article today about Diaz and why he'd have made sense to pick up as a 6-7 D:

Quote:

1. He kills penalties.There are a total of three right handed defensemen that are unrestricted free agents, right handed, have played more than 200 minutes on the penalty kill over the past four seasons and had positive relative Corsi numbers. Michal Rozsival - 45.71 PKSCA/60 2012-2015 seasons (45.71 minutes) Raphael Diaz - 43.16 PKSCA/60 2012-2015 seasons (246.04 minutes) Cody Franson - 48.33 PKSCA/60 2012-2015 seasons (293 minutes) He also had the highest relative Corsi of the three. 2. He's inexpensive. He carried a very miniscule 700 thousand dollar cap hit this season. While he performed well in the possession numbers, he isn't exactly known for his scoring acumen which should keep his AAV down. 3. Replaces a dead wood type of defenseman (like Brian Strait). While Diaz's Corsi percentage was lower than Strait's at 46.28 percent, he was still +2.02 compared to the rest of the team as the Flames were horrible at possession. What's more, Diaz was stuck with Deryk Engelland on Calgary is actually worse than Strait is. With Engelland, Diaz's Corsi fell to 38.6 percent. Without Engelland, it rose to 47.3. The Flames themselves were only around 44.4 percent last season.

Rangers made a solid move.

and we start a GM reign that will bring back a Cup.

I love Girardi's heart but it's impossible to want him on this team at that cap number.

maybe he didnt want to give Gorton authority a few weeks ago when he might have pulled a Boston and torn this thing down!


Awesome final trades on Hagelin and Talbot though Sather! The #1 goalie on the market and he returns far less than Ottawa and Boston got for their inferior options. You'll be missed!

Seems to be a bright young GM. As long as he gets final say, this is very good news.

.

for Kevin Klein. Would that the Rangers could unload Klein for a decent haul soon.

Why would Gorton take the job if Sather can veto him? He certainly doesn't lack for other opportunities.

We'll see what can be done with the cap mess on the blueline he inherits.

Why after the draft, and on day one of FA?? Gorton seemed decidely unenthusiastic about the draft - why not let him run it if you knew he'd be taking the reins in a week?

It's not like the NFL where a guy can vacate his contract for a 'promotion'. Sather recently denied at least two teams permission to interview Gorton for positions. I think he did it with the understanding Gorton is in place as his successor and to protect the Rangers. But he did it.

its not really a "mess" though since i mean if Paul Martin is getting a $5 mil/year deal.... these guys are all technically still assets.

But he definitely needs to move quickly -- cant wait around like they did with Talbot again.

on a lot of the moves lately. Sather always had final say but I'm guessing their visions are pretty similar for the team.

or it's been pointed out to him he's been getting his ass handed to him in every transaction he's touched for over a year?

Maybe Buffalo will actually play him unless Snow trades Strait to Buffalo.

In comment 12351232 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Kevin Klein. Would that the Rangers could unload Klein for a decent haul soon.

Diaz played four games in the playoffs - Klein trade was for Del Zotto straight up.

In comment 12351259 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12351232 NYerInMA said: Quote: for Kevin Klein. Would that the Rangers could unload Klein for a decent haul soon. Diaz played four games in the playoffs - Klein trade was for Del Zotto straight up.

Ah, ok. I remember Diaz going out on a trade at some point, just didn't remember whom he was traded for.

Habs just traded for Kassian from VAN.

In comment 12351232 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Kevin Klein. Would that the Rangers could unload Klein for a decent haul soon.

No. It was Del Zotto for Klein straight up. Diaz just walked at the end of the year.

3 HUGE signings. YUUUUUUUGE

In comment 12351264 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

In comment 12351259 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 12351232 NYerInMA said: Quote: for Kevin Klein. Would that the Rangers could unload Klein for a decent haul soon. Diaz played four games in the playoffs - Klein trade was for Del Zotto straight up. Ah, ok. I remember Diaz going out on a trade at some point, just didn't remember whom he was traded for. Habs just traded for Kassian from VAN.

For Prust. Prust is now with Vancouver and his replacement on the Rangers, Derek Dorsett

?

leaves me one unhappy NYR fan. GTFO, Sather.

and please stop with the goalies = 3rd rounders schtick. The market has exposed that as a fallacy.

so save it the hype

That's some serious grit

3 yrs, $1.6M AAV

3 years, $1.6m AAV.

In comment 12351323 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

That's some serious grit

Now if Gorton can just trade them Glass, they'll have the grittiest line in the league...

In comment 12351324 pganut said:

Quote:

3 yrs, $1.6M AAV

Bwahahahahaha

In comment 12351307 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

?

Agreed

In comment 12351295 Anakim said:

Quote:

3 HUGE signings. YUUUUUUUGE

lol

Maybe's it's time for me to buy their jersey

.

over Diaz. I fooking pray Gorton's perspective has a further horizon than Sather ...

Guy has zero hockey sense. The physical tools are there but you can rely on him to do the wrong thing far too often. Give me a heady defensive corps every time.

John Moore isn't a a Cup clinching signing, I think 3 years 1.6mm is pretty good for him. Solid D-Man. They were going into camp with ONE veteran def-man, two if you count Larsson.

one guy costs $1 mil per year more than the other and is a 3 year commitment.

I'm assuming Diaz shares the 6/7 rotate slot with McIlraith to start the season. Basically Hunwick's replacement.

Moore was getting a bigger role than that.

which makes me think that getting a mobile but otherwise unimpressive #6 dman just isnt that hard and isnt worth real money.

for the Devils. Low cap hit for a former first rounder still in his early 20s. Moore has shown flashes.

for some bizarre reason. They just paid a fortune to get him last season. Not sure who they would replace him with if he was moved.

Gord Miller, during TSN�s free agent coverage said �hearing that Yandle is on the block as well, potentiality to be traded by the New York Rangers.�

But yeah, after giving up Duclair and a first for him, they'd better get a damned good return if they're shipping him out.

I expect big things from him. Really happy we kept him in the fold.

but maybe he's already told management he isnt resigning with us. Boston just opened up a ton of cap space to sign him and bring him back home next offseason.

The time to trade him was before this draft though, not now. Ugh.

for Prust is a good deal.

Prust isn't even that good of a fighter, he's morphed into agitator role which is annoying.

.

That sounds reasonable...

I do like Shattenkirk

suggests Gorton probably didn't love the trade. He would figure to be one of their strongest chips, of those they're willing to move. What a clusterfuck of 18 months.

In comment 12351380 Anakim said:

Quote:

.

You do realize the Rangers would be dealing $2.6 million in salary for $8.2 million in that deal?

I love Shattenkirk... but that deal can't possibly be worked in under the cap.

Doubt it works under the cap either. Come on

so the return should at least be something of talent.

Can we please buyout Boyle?

Shattenkirk straight up. With Oshie, their contracts add up to roughly 8.5 million. No clue how we can take that much salary on board.

buyout Boyle

hahaha....no wonder they're trying to dump him

In comment 12351380 Anakim said:

Quote:

.

That would be a ridiculously good deal for the Rangers.

I like Shattenkirk a lot, good two-way defenseman (local kid for the Rangers too), younger than Yandle and doesn't give up a ton to him offensively.

And I've made my Oshie comments know, he's just overrated, so if he's in that deal, it just sweetens it.

there is NO WAY the Blues do that trade...

Now buyouts stay on the cap. Don't see the need with just a year left on his deal. I actually thought Boyle was the least of our issues in the playoffs.

I'm ok with it as long as the return is close to what he cost. In this market it could be. The whole thing becomes a do over. Yandle's cap number is team friendly($2.65M) and he has a role on the PP. The question is what are they looking for in exchange? I'd say a goal scoring top 6 forward would be ideal. maybe package him with Glass to get that awful contract off the books? You never know with a trade until the details unfold.

The expensive trio all have no move clauses. Klein won't provide anything substantial to the club and his cap savings are under $3M.

he's not a bad player by any means, but he'll get you a Carl Hagelin like return basically.

But in that original deal...throw in Girardi and Glass to make the salaries work :D

Sign me up

for Glass. He's a hot commodity.

i thought Staal can be moved now?

In comment 12351419 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Sign me up

wait..didn't you just say Oshie "isn't really all that good"??

Adam Herman ‏@AdamHerman_BSB 3m3 minutes ago
From a credible source: NYR had Kevin Klein "in play" yesterday. Seems like NYR are toying with moving a defenseman.

In comment 12351409 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

Now buyouts stay on the cap. Don't see the need with just a year left on his deal. I actually thought Boyle was the least of our issues in the playoffs.

You can still buy a player out and spread the remaining dollar for double the remaining contract term.

So Boyle's salary can be bought out this year and spread out for two years. It is a savings.

But I'll take him if it means a)getting Shattenkirk and b)getting rid of Girardi

He's a 35+ contract.

.

In comment 12351426 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12351409 Kyle in NY said: Quote: Now buyouts stay on the cap. Don't see the need with just a year left on his deal. I actually thought Boyle was the least of our issues in the playoffs. You can still buy a player out and spread the remaining dollar for double the remaining contract term. So Boyle's salary can be bought out this year and spread out for two years. It is a savings.

There's some savings but I'd rather not have 2.25 in dead money the next two years on the cap when I think the player can still play and be effective. But maybe I'll go down sinking with Brett on the Boyle fan club ship. We'll see.

Thanks, jv

In comment 12351409 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

Now buyouts stay on the cap. Don't see the need with just a year left on his deal. I actually thought Boyle was the least of our issues in the playoffs.

Boyle is seriously underrated around here. Girardi is the guy who should be the whipping boy on D.

.

Good contract for a solid player with inflated stats last season, and RHD are always in demand. Maybe we can get a decent bottom six forward back for him.

In comment 12351425 Anakim said:

Quote:

Adam Herman ‏@AdamHerman_BSB 3m3 minutes ago From a credible source: NYR had Kevin Klein "in play" yesterday. Seems like NYR are toying with moving a defenseman.

What does "toying" mean? Just look at any site that shows their cap allocation and the fact that they have two minor leaguers that cant be sent down again and just signed Diaz... there's nothing to discuss, one if not two of them have to be moved.

.

Klein's outmatched on the second pair. $2.9 is a lot to allocate to a bottom pairing defenseman.

He's blamed for Stralman being gone.

He was awful for the first half but played better down the stretch and had a passable playoffs. He's overpaid and exposed against top competition at this stage of his career. he was part of Sather's win now mantra that basically blew ass.

Took some time to get back, but he's unfairly criticized. He pushes possession on a mediocre possession team, has a high GF%, etc.

He was very good in the playoffs.

i recognize his limitations and I know he doesn't show well when advanced stats come into play. The contract isn't good, but that guy has given everything to this team, always putting his body on the line. He's one of those guys I wanna see raising the cup as a ranger.

Can't be sentimental in a salary cap world, but that's one of my frustrations with the cap. Guys like Girardi who should be fan favorites are only recognized for their cap hit that's inhibiting the team. We don't see a number 5 on Giardi's back, we see 5.5 and a NMC instead. If that makes any sense.

.

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 13s13 seconds ago
New York Rangers adding Viktor Stahlberg.


Nothing to see here...

..

I didn't see an overmatched Klein on the ice. At all. He didn't return at the same level he had been playing the majority of the season before the injury. Related? I don't know...

Apparently TOR/NYR talking about it according to Twitter...

In comment 12351449 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

Boyle breaks his hand on opening night. Could never really get into a rhythm. When he did in the playoffs he was pretty effective (10 points and 20 mins a night). I think he could actually have a really good 2nd season with us.

In comment 12351484 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Apparently TOR/NYR talking about it according to Twitter...

Which account?

KK, DG, Staal, and seeing what they can create, if they're dangling Yandle out there too.

In comment 12351439 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 12351426 Giants2012 said: Quote: In comment 12351409 Kyle in NY said: Quote: Now buyouts stay on the cap. Don't see the need with just a year left on his deal. I actually thought Boyle was the least of our issues in the playoffs. You can still buy a player out and spread the remaining dollar for double the remaining contract term. So Boyle's salary can be bought out this year and spread out for two years. It is a savings. There's some savings but I'd rather not have 2.25 in dead money the next two years on the cap when I think the player can still play and be effective. But maybe I'll go down sinking with Brett on the Boyle fan club ship. We'll see.

Who cares about $2.25 of dead money when you gain $2.25 in cap space?

If they move Klein out and his $3 million now you have and extra $5.25 million. That's why the buyouts are there.

Boyle did ok in space against Tampa yet was invisible prior. I wouldn't bet on his wheels staying on. I'd trade or buy Charles Manson out today if I could.

'very good' is overstating Boyle's play at any time last year. Including the playoffs. He isn't worth his salary. Not even close. But he's got a NMC what a shock....so he's ours.

Girardi making $6mill per for another 5 years on the top pair is a disaster.

In comment 12351474 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

i recognize his limitations and I know he doesn't show well when advanced stats come into play. The contract isn't good, but that guy has given everything to this team, always putting his body on the line. He's one of those guys I wanna see raising the cup as a ranger. Can't be sentimental in a salary cap world, but that's one of my frustrations with the cap. Guys like Girardi who should be fan favorites are only recognized for their cap hit that's inhibiting the team. We don't see a number 5 on Giardi's back, we see 5.5 and a NMC instead. If that makes any sense.

I'm not nearly as against Girardi as the fancy stat group is. I think he's overplayed as a #2 dman, though.

Fuck you, Dav. Boyle gets the puck out of the zone. Much more important than defensive positioning bullshit you silly ass defeneseman love.

In comment 12351488 JonC said:

Quote:

KK, DG, Staal, and seeing what they can create, if they're dangling Yandle out there too.

+1 although I wouldn't even them the option of Yandle b/c he the obvious choice based on age and price. I'd just hang the others mentioned out there.

In comment 12351488 JonC said:

Quote:

KK, DG, Staal, and seeing what they can create, if they're dangling Yandle out there too.

You hearing anything?

In comment 12351448 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12351425 Anakim said: Quote: Adam Herman ‏@AdamHerman_BSB 3m3 minutes ago From a credible source: NYR had Kevin Klein "in play" yesterday. Seems like NYR are toying with moving a defenseman. What does "toying" mean? Just look at any site that shows their cap allocation and the fact that they have two minor leaguers that cant be sent down again and just signed Diaz... there's nothing to discuss, one if not two of them have to be moved.

The fuck do I know? Adam Herman is a weird guy, who's also a prick to a lot of people on Twitter (not me)

In comment 12351491 Torrag said:

Quote:

'very good' is overstating Boyle's play at any time last year. Including the playoffs. He isn't worth his salary. Not even close. But he's got a NMC what a shock....so he's ours.

10 points in 19 games is very good. Him and Yandle were our best defenseman against TB. His cap hit sucks and he isn't worth that. But his role is as a #5/6 defenseman here. He'd be #4 elsewhere.

Brennan Klak ‏@nhlupdate 57s57 seconds ago
Per Darren Dreger, Rangers sign Viktor Stalberg to a 1 year deal at 1.1M.

In comment 12351487 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351484 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Apparently TOR/NYR talking about it according to Twitter... Which account?

@NHLRumorsDaily

Otherwise Stalberg could keep some deserving kids off the team and I really don't want that

Zuccs-Brassard-Nash
Kreider-Stepan-Hayes
Miller-Lindberg-Etem
Stalberg-Moore-Fast


And Tanner Glass gets traded for a pop tart that fell on the floor

In comment 12351489 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

Who cares about $2.25 of dead money when you gain $2.25 in cap space?

Boyle needs to be completely off the books next offseason. We have to sign Kreider, Hayes and potentially Yandle. Cant afford to tie up $2 million in a player you bought out a year ago.


The only reason they could be dealing Yandle right now is he's told us he's not coming back. What a disaster of a fucking trade with Arizona -- though I guess i should reserve judgment until this "rumor" actually plays out.

Don't take any of AV's crap Gorton!

Those don't earn $4.5M and he gets outskated by everyone on the ice. The wheels are gone. He knows the game and usues his craftiness but he's just about done. Expecting a better year two from him? Highly Doubtful.

In comment 12351509 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12351487 Anakim said: Quote: In comment 12351484 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Apparently TOR/NYR talking about it according to Twitter... Which account? @NHLRumorsDaily

Fuck Bozak. I want JvR

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 19s19 seconds ago
Ruslan Fedotenko to MIN on a two way deal.

In comment 12351499 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351488 JonC said: Quote: KK, DG, Staal, and seeing what they can create, if they're dangling Yandle out there too. You hearing anything?

Me? Nah, I don't know anyone in the NHL loop.

In comment 12351521 Torrag said:

Quote:

Those don't earn $4.5M and he gets outskated by everyone on the ice. The wheels are gone. He knows the game and usues his craftiness but he's just about done. Expecting a better year two from him? Highly Doubtful.

Look at his role vs. production, not cap hit vs. production. He's way overpaid, I'm not disputing that. I absolutely hated his signing.

He's still a better skater than Girardi/Staal. His issue usually isn't getting outskated, rather outmuscled for pucks (there was a play against Washington where he just got overpowered).

They bought him out. He was good the year before though.

In comment 12351511 Anakim said:

Quote:

Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Etem Stalberg-Moore-Fast And Tanner Glass gets traded for a pop tart that fell on the floor

I actually like that a lot.

In comment 12351526 JonC said:

Quote:

In comment 12351499 Anakim said: Quote: In comment 12351488 JonC said: Quote: KK, DG, Staal, and seeing what they can create, if they're dangling Yandle out there too. You hearing anything? Me? Nah, I don't know anyone in the NHL loop.

Bummer


Where the fuck is Seth?

In comment 12351512 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12351489 Giants2012 said: Quote: Who cares about $2.25 of dead money when you gain $2.25 in cap space? Boyle needs to be completely off the books next offseason. We have to sign Kreider, Hayes and potentially Yandle. Cant afford to tie up $2 million in a player you bought out a year ago.

You don't know that as of July 1.

In comment 12351529 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 12351511 Anakim said: Quote: Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Etem Stalberg-Moore-Fast And Tanner Glass gets traded for a pop tart that fell on the floor I actually like that a lot.

The lines or the trade? I forgot to mention that the pop tart isn't cherry or strawberry, but some weird mix of banana and pineapple

In practice the key would be that third line. No way to predict how that would pan out. Could work but could blow up in our faces. Rookie C and a wing that is more potential than anything to date.

In comment 12351535 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351529 Kyle in NY said: Quote: In comment 12351511 Anakim said: Quote: Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Etem Stalberg-Moore-Fast And Tanner Glass gets traded for a pop tart that fell on the floor I actually like that a lot. The lines or the trade? I forgot to mention that the pop tart isn't cherry or strawberry, but some weird mix of banana and pineapple

The pop tart could be dirt or dog food flavor and I'd still do that deal.

In comment 12351482 Torrag said:

Quote:

I didn't see an overmatched Klein on the ice. At all. He didn't return at the same level he had been playing the majority of the season before the injury. Related? I don't know...

When he was on the 2nd pair in November he was kind of a dumpster fire. It's evident in the game summaries on Blueshirt Banter. Maybe it was just a bad stretch, but it was alarming.

In comment 12351533 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

You don't know that as of July 1.

I do know Boyle has trade value. Hell - if the Rangers would eat $2 mil of the $4.5 mil (one of the two years you propose on the buyout, but not both) a team out there would actually give us a nice return for that.

But Boyle would need to waive the NMC in such a scenario.

In comment 12351535 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12351529 Kyle in NY said: Quote: In comment 12351511 Anakim said: Quote: Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Etem Stalberg-Moore-Fast And Tanner Glass gets traded for a pop tart that fell on the floor I actually like that a lot. The lines or the trade? I forgot to mention that the pop tart isn't cherry or strawberry, but some weird mix of banana and pineapple

It made me chuckle, I'll give you credit. So ill say both

Craig Custance ‏@CraigCustance 46s46 seconds ago
Spoke w/Kevin Shattenkirk's agent Jordan Neumann who says there's no truth that Shattenkirk is being dealt.

but i really doubt Shattenkirk is one of those guys. That guy can play hockey.

Personally i think they've had a lot of bad luck facing some really good LA, Chicago and Minnesota (who matches up very well against them) more than anything else. I hope they panic.

Brennan Klak ‏@nhlupdate 28s28 seconds ago
Per Bruce Garrioch, Senators sign Mike Kostka

The whole team was shit until December. How quickly we forget.

Klein was our second best defender after Mac all season until the arm. I don't know what happened upon his return but he struggled. I just don't see the point in moving him as he's not going to bring a return. His and Yandle's were the only friendly contracts we have on the blueline for proven performers.

If we weren't handing out NMC's like they were party favors moving Klein would be an afterthought imo. Amazing how fans accept a bad idea when their options are limited.

for their contracts.

...until they get some decent goaltending. Even Miller spit the bit there in the playoffs. That team has talent but has been victimized between the pipes for years.

If my math is correct. With Stepan, JT, Etem, and Fast still unsigned.

along closely today but is it true that Sather stepped down as GM?

In comment 12351580 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

If my math is correct. With Stepan, JT, Etem, and Fast still unsigned.

I'm not worried about this year because one of our Defenders has to be traded. Its a matter of when not if. We arent letting McIlraith walk on waivers with Skjei ready by January while paying $26 million to 6 defenders and keeping Diaz around as a 7th.

It's next year that concerns me big time. I wouldnt rule out seeing us pull a Boston next offseason.

fuckin bullshit work, fuck you for getting in the way of me following free agency today

for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that.

for the new signings.

We have a young core in place and mostly signed for reasonable deals. Hank is locked in. There will be no rebuild in the near future barring catastrophic in juries. Boyle's deal will go off the books affording the club a minimum cap relief of $4.5M in 2016. The window is open for a few more years.

In comment 12351596 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that.

Krejci is very good but good luck trying to fit another 7+ million onto the books for one player. Don't see it

In comment 12351596 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that.

In a heartbeat - solely because the Rangers are cup contenders and I think Krejci helps more than Yandle (who will be a UFA after next year). Krejci is owed a lot of money though.

7.25 for the next 6 years.

In comment 12351596 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that.

Love Krejci but $7.2 mil per year for 6 more years... tough swallow. Would have to move Nash or Stepan if we did that right?

I would definitely do Krejci for Yandle but it doesn't work cap-wise.

In comment 12351593 MookGiants said:

Quote:

fuckin bullshit work, fuck you for getting in the way of me following free agency today

LOL

Yandle, Klein, Glass for Krejci. do it. derp

meh.

In comment 12351596 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that.

Straight up for Yandle? Haha, go fish, Boston

Not another D!

In comment 12351611 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12351596 NYerInMA said: Quote: for Yandle. Not sure how I feel about that. Love Krejci but $7.2 mil per year for 6 more years... tough swallow. Would have to move Nash or Stepan if we did that right?

Exactly. The salary is horrible. Not worth it

In comment 12351614 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

I would definitely do Krejci for Yandle but it doesn't work cap-wise.

Yeah only way this works is if we then trade Stepan. We'd better get one hell of a return on Derek Stepan.

...or maybe they are...

Brennan Klak ‏@nhlupdate 22s23 seconds ago
Rangers sign Brian Gibbons

In comment 12351624 Torrag said:

Quote:

...or maybe they are...

Yeah I know, I'm just pissed off with Sather and the past 18 months. Get him the fook out of the way.

In comment 12351631 JonC said:

Quote:

In comment 12351624 Torrag said: Quote: ...or maybe they are... Yeah I know, I'm just pissed off with Sather and the past 18 months. Get him the fook out of the way.

We've also gone to the cup final and game 7 of the ECF in that time....not all that bad

That cocksucker.

In comment 12351635 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 12351631 JonC said: Quote: In comment 12351624 Torrag said: Quote: ...or maybe they are... Yeah I know, I'm just pissed off with Sather and the past 18 months. Get him the fook out of the way. We've also gone to the cup final and game 7 of the ECF in that time....not all that bad

But, many here also had a sense we were reaching (and/or making the wrong choice) when the trades were made for MSL, Yandle, keeping DG, etc.

the opposite of desperate, it's like they don't care. Sweeney is blaming Chiarelli for the "mess".

Which these guys obviously know more than me, but from where I sit, seemed salvageable.

You had a goalie, good core D, a couple good lines, lightning strikes in the playoffs. So who knows what could have happened if you get in.

unless everything, and I mean everything, falls right the Bruins are looking at missing the playoffs back to back seasons.

And the book isn't written on Yandle yet. But I get what you're saying.

Just saying, not like we've been rooting for the Toronto Maple Leafs or some other bad situation.

A lot of 'win now' decisions followed. If we hoist the Cup we may all feel a little different but we didn't.

Frankly the Devils ECF series still sticks in my craw. We were the better team. Hank's worst playoff moment imo. Up until that point in his career it was fair to say he owned those guys. You can't lose that series with the track record he brought into it.

Torrag, funny you say that on 2012 ECF. I've posted multiple times that I never thought that team was that good. Never thought it would win a Cup. Had some luck even getting that far.

I really like Yandle. Was just a massive overpayment.

Gorton made comments indicating he would like to change the cap situation a bit through some maneuvering, IMO.

was so many good teams lost in the early rounds. We weren't that good. LA and Boston would have steamrolled us, and Pittsburgh likely beats us too.

and we werent better than NJ -- Hank's only bad game in that series was game 5. Game 4 wasnt good either but we were beaten, tarred and feathered all over the ice that night, not just in goal.

He was outstanding in stealing game 3 of that series -- stood on his head. He had a lot of big time saves in game 1 too.

The 2011-12 Rangers were not as good as their record would indicate. By the time they got to the ECF, they'd been worn down by injuries and their inability to finish teams off in the first two rounds. They played fourteen games in the first two rounds. I was not at all surprised when they lost to NJ in the ECF and they would've gotten their doors blown off by LA had they made it to the SCF that year.

But they should have beaten the Devils. I still don't know how that crap Devils team made the Cup final that year. Total smoke and mirrors.

I just can't stomach losing to the Devils who also weren't that good. To clarify.

Devils bottom six killed us in that series while we kept sending mike fucking rupp out there.

(Runs from Greg)

3 yr deal, awaiting #s.

3-year deal.

=barf=

and he'll get overpaid.

they refuse to the pay the price needed to become relevant again

he's the closest thing to Scotty Bowman since, well, Scotty Bowman.

I'd love to see that franchise lose for a while. Maybe forty or fifty years would satisfy me.

So it wasn't all bad

if there was an obvious team in the league this offseason that needed to 'pull a Boston' - it's the Detroit Red Wings. Datsyuk on some of those other older guys could have returned solid draft picks to start the necessary rebuild.

The wheels are going to have to fall completely off before they give up on that.

kind of set the market for Yandle.

he's better and healthier than Green. Neither guy is worth that money imo.

in his conference call. Good news!

That's what we were all waiting to hear. Future is bright.

In comment 12351741 Torrag said:

Quote:

he's better and healthier than Green. Neither guy is worth that money imo.

depends. yes, Yandle is healthier. But a healthy Green is better, and it's not that close, but he just hasn't been healthy in forever.

Agree, neither is worth it, but Yandle isn't getting less than that IMO.

agree and isnt Yandle already paid $5.75 million? (its just that the Rangers agreed to throw in DuClair for $4 million in salary cap relief)... essentially the Coyotes bought a prospect while also making salary floor requirements.

not pga

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 5m5 minutes ago
Deal isn't quite done, but Brad Richards and the Red Wings are working on a 1 yr deal.

Elliotte Friedman ‏@FriedgeHNIC 12s12 seconds ago
Know there was some talk about Rick Nash in the last few weeks. His full no-trade ended today but sounds like NYR keeping him.

Yandle is the better player now imo. I wouldn't give Yandle that AAV in the open market but you're right someone will.

Healthy 40+ goal scorers rarely get traded. If he can't improve his playoff numbers some next season it could be a different story. This playoff run was better but not the quantum leap we hoped for off of such a great season.

I doubt he scores 42 again, so his value will only go down.

I'm just thinking odds are he has a great playoff in him one year. His regular season PPG are rock steady. The odds have to balance out some time don't they? If he gets hot in the post season it could mean a Cup. Seriously.

Holland is usually more responsible than that. He is paying for Mike Green 3 years ago, not the one that played the last two years.

I respect Holland and apparently he sees more in Green than he has been playing, but this is hard to grasp.

In comment 12351794 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

I doubt he scores 42 again, so his value will only go down.

It makes sense, but then who is gonna backcheck well in the playoffs for us?

Show of hands?

they've become a good team. There are 9 good teams in the Eastern Conference... and Boston/Philly/Detroit are ok too.

oh well

Similar to the Kings in the West. That style gives us trouble. Obviously the Lightning are extremely talented.

I think playoff experience is overrated, but there's some that believe this year was a natural progression. I don't, but still think too much is made of his performance this year,

McDonagh, Stepan, MSL, etc. were bigger issues.

I'm not totally against trading Nash, but the offer required probably isn't going to be there. A young 25-30 goal scorer with a lower cap hit, a prospect, and pick would interest me.

Kings were built on huge, talented Centers and terrific Defense.

The Jackets roll a strong top line and have physical talented 2nd line wings, but are pretty damn average up the middle and on D.

And for all the talk about Hank's salary cap hit here - they are paying The Bob $7.4 million per season.

Let's see how long CBJ can actually keep this group together. It's not an ownership group that can afford to pay to the salary cap for very long. And if they could - its yet another sign about how bad a deal the players have for themselves given other teams can pay so much more than they are.

@Mackey_Trib: GMJR today: "I do think guys that are in too good of shape are too vulnerable of getting hurt. This is a guy who plays every game."

GMJR=Rutherford. Lulz

Their play styles are very similar. Get it in deep and grind on your 'D'. They have size and hit all over the ice. No easy shifts and they wear you down. A lot of teams want to play that way but few have the personnel to execute it up and down the lineup.

5-year deal, no term yet,

Also, Boston apparently looking at trading for Jimmy Hayes,

their dickhead ticket sales guy keeps calling me to sell season tickets...

you'd think they'd try to make some kind of splash somehow - instead the only time you ever hear about them is in trying to trade Jimmy Hayes or acquire Cam Talbot.

Brassard had wrist surgery.

are trading Jimmy Hayes and Reilly Smith.

is younger and better than Hayes.

But Hayes is giant - though he doesn't play like it.

No idea what Boston is doing.

How are we supposed to puzzle it out?

Actually not a bad deal.

well ... its a cool name at least. Makes it that much harder that we'll ever see the Ginger here again.

Under market or perceived under market deals are rare in free agency.

also takes Savard. I guess Boston is clearing cap space.

had a lot of lightening in a bottle. Win the cup from the 8 seed. 2nd cup is followed up by a playoff miss.

And for all their size and work over talent schtick, boy dod they have a shit ton of talent. Quick playing like a franchise goalie, DD as a great #1 dman, Kopitar as a PPG-Selke center with size, Carter...

Partied hard after winning the Cup in a town that's special ordered for it. IMO they earned it. I wouldn't give a damn if the Rangers went AWOL the year following a Cup hoisting ceremony. Kings/Hawks have split the last four Cups.

In comment 12352055 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

well ... its a cool name at least. Makes it that much harder that we'll ever see the Ginger here again.

First Goalie taken in the 2011 Draft

.

In comment 12352071 Deej said:

Quote:

had a lot of lightening in a bottle. Win the cup from the 8 seed. 2nd cup is followed up by a playoff miss. And for all their size and work over talent schtick, boy dod they have a shit ton of talent. Quick playing like a franchise goalie, DD as a great #1 dman, Kopitar as a PPG-Selke center with size, Carter...

I've said they're a lot like the Giants.

Sather wanted to bring in Avery during the 13/14 season but vigneault nixed it.

Two year deal, $3.75M AAV. NMC

He's over at Vogue (or whatever fashion bullshit he's doing) where he belongs.

.

He wasn't close to that player near the end.

2 yrs, $3.25M AAV. LeBrun mentions that the Habs were "in the mix" near the end of the day. I'd have to think that's the acknowledgment that Ward is gone.

Also, earlier in the evening Vermette back to AZ for 2 years with $3.75M AAV.

I thought Beleskey, Williams, and Ward were prime targets for absurd deals. Williams and Beleskey were both pretty reasonable.

Sean Tierney ‏@SeanTierneyTSS 32m32 minutes ago Ottawa, Ontario
#NHLDucks have 18 players signed and are below the cap floor. Still have almost $21 mil to spend, third most in #NHL.

In comment 12352770 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Sean Tierney ‏@SeanTierneyTSS 32m32 minutes ago Ottawa, Ontario #NHLDucks have 18 players signed and are below the cap floor. Still have almost $21 mil to spend, third most in #NHL.

Take Girardi and Glass!

In comment 12352217 bxgiants4 said:

Quote:

Sather wanted to bring in Avery during the 13/14 season but vigneault nixed it.

Avery was a wannabe Esa Tikkanen/Claude Lemieux. He couldn't pull it off though. The Tikkanen/Lemieux type could get under an opponents skin come playoff time, draw some penalties, create some sorting opportunites and help the team win while being a pest. The Buffalo series summed up Avery; a pest who couldn't do anything.

Avery was skilled enough to be a productive third liner. Nothing more. I liked him while he was here. Sorry, Greg.

The Stahlberg addition makes me think Glass may be shown the door. Then again, I thought the addition of Sheppard meant Glass was going to sit.

Lemieux, but the Canadiens trading him to the Devils for Sly Turgeon was probably in their top 10 worst trades (which is loaded with idiotic lopsided trades).

Claude played Can Neely like a Stradiverius in the 1994-1995 playoffs. And had proven to be a very good playoff performer for multiple teams.

I hate to see a guy turtle like that, but taking Neely off the ice was huge.

A "wannabe" ESA/Claude

In comment 12352855 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

A "wannabe" ESA/Claude

The way I wrote my post made it seem like I was lecturing you - didn't mean it that way (for once). We're in agreement.

But his effort was wildly inconsistent, and his rank stupidity made him a liability on the ice because he was targeted by the refs. His popularity with Ranger fans remains one of the more bizarre phenomena I've seen in professional sports.

He drove possession, drew penalties, etc.

He was a total prick on the ice, something I wish the team had a bit more of (or learned to balance a bit, at least).

And he called Brodeur fat.

I'll never love him like I love Dan Boyle, but he was a good player.

Avery will always have a place in my heart for the affinity he had for agitating Sisterfucker. No one got under the skin of that fat fuck better than SA.

And yes, that's a wonderful thing. It was also one series in 2007.

Those games were on Versus, weren't they? LOLVersus

They were nestled in between Bassmasters and Hey, Look What I Shot Today.

for a top line spot in a pinch, if need be. He had speed, decent hands, clearly added a physical element, and was an adept puck distributor. I actually would argue that Avery was disciplined per the rule book but for better or for worse his reputation preceded him and the zebras would call him for the slightest infraction committed. Avery did lack a bit of hockey intelligence, as he seemed to love lobbing long range wristers on goal which just killed sustainable offensive flow.

Nevertheless, if Avery had committed himself to be a traditional hockey player I think we'd be talking about a very valuable 3rd line player or perhaps even more. I think it may have been Brett Hull or Shanny who was adamant that if Sean just focused on his core game he'd have been a 15+ year NHL player but Avery himself had always maintained that this was a moot point. Sean was who he was and would never alter his game for anyone so to project the type of player that he would have been without accounting for his personality would be a fruitless exercise of fantasy.

IMO, Avery represented one of the more fascinating case studies of an athlete in recent memory. This was a relatively talented player that bucked authority, exploited the "unwritten rules", demanded autonomy, and refused to allow his skills as an athlete to define his existence, all within a sport that remains among the most traditionalist & stodgy in nature. Hell, this was a son of Toronto that mentioned how he hated playing in the Canadian city because he found the hockey nuts to be pathetic and didn't enjoy purchasing tickets for friends & family that he didn't care much to see. Avery was just the antithesis of the stoic Canadian player that offers platitudes and oozes class, and then he just walked away from the game into what he deemed was his, "dream job."

I also found it interesting that, much to the dismay of the purists, Avery counted among his closest friends Henrik and Brad Richards.

In comment 12352891 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

Avery will always have a place in my heart for the affinity he had for agitating Sisterfucker. No one got under the skin of that fat fuck better than SA.

Ha! And let us not forget that it was Marty, bastion of class that he is, who refused to shake Sean's hand. I've never quite let go of the ridiculousness that was the aftermath of Avery's creative methods for screening Brodeur. It seems to me that if the NHL, or anyone else for that matter, did not presume to allow such behavior then they would have explicitly outlawed this practice in the rulebook prior to Sean's act. Sorry, NHL, for exploiting your shitty foresight or poorly written rulebook?

Suggests a number of things went on behind the scenes we don't know about.

but you don't take that stuff to the microphone. He's scum.

In comment 12352770 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Sean Tierney ‏@SeanTierneyTSS 32m32 minutes ago Ottawa, Ontario #NHLDucks have 18 players signed and are below the cap floor. Still have almost $21 mil to spend, third most in #NHL.

That's hard to believe but i checked and its true. Signing Hagelin and Silfverberg you would think would bring that payroll to about $60 million... with $11 million of space to play with... next year they're going to have to give hefty raises to Kesler and one (or both) of their goalies... but still. That's impressive cap work. Perhaps there is a place for Girardi on that roster one can only hope.

In comment 12352901 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

Those games were on Versus, weren't they? LOLVersus

Isnt that just the old name for NBCSN?

.

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 47s48 seconds ago
The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Danny Kristo. #stlblues #OurBlues

In comment 12353102 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 12352901 arcarsenal said: Quote: Those games were on Versus, weren't they? LOLVersus Isnt that just the old name for NBCSN?

Sort of. The games on Versus were usually poor quality and outside of the window on weeknights when games were on, they had like 20 hours straight of paid programming and Bassmasters fishing.

Avery on a free agent thread


#relevanthow

the Outdoor Life Network because on DTV we didn't have versus.

In comment 12353187 Fish said:

Quote:

Avery on a free agent thread #relevanthow

Agreed; while I get where the Avery talk started, to have a FA thread dominated by a ghost isn't necessary. Can you take that over to a Rangers thread? However, I did LOL with Greg's spot-on Mr. Blackwell reference.

The Avery discussion ended like an hour ago. Stop being fucking pussies. When there's more FA action, I'm sure it'll get posted/discussed.

Fuckin' Islander fans...

is that the Blues said they're not shopping Shattenkirk.

Discuss.

Pretty scathing article in the Toronto Sun (acknowledged, Simmons is kind of a douche to begin with) about cutting ties with Kessel.

Snippet:

Quote:

They had to move Kessel out. They had to have him off the roster by the time Babcock begins training camp in September. You can�t have him half-assing skating drills with a team trying to learn how to work. You can�t have him being first off the ice with a team pushing to reach Babcock�s lofty goals. When you have an illness, you must get rid of the poison.

There's part of me, though, that would have loved to see what Babcock would have done to/with Kessel if the author is to be taken at his word. Would've been great theater.
Leafs Were Sick and Tired of Phil Kessel - ( New Window )

Sean Hartnett ‏@HartnettHockey 2m2 minutes ago
#Preds sign Ex-#NYR UFA defenseman Conor Allen to a one-year, two-way contract worth $575,000 at the NHL level and $80,000 at the AHL level.

In comment 12353409 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Discuss.

When he married Andy Cohen? What do I win?

In comment 12353187 Fish said:

Quote:

Avery on a free agent thread #relevanthow

Agreed, and while I get arc's response.. it just adds to the utter annoyance of this fucking fan base.

Scott at least is having fun with it. It's not like anyone is overlooking any hot scoops by yammering about the Ralph Lauren of hockey.

.
Players Tribune - ( New Window )

Dude didn't really want to be a hockey player, and it showed in his play.

In comment 12353461 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

. Players Tribune - ( New Window )

Haha

.

.

It sounds like Miller, Fast and Etem will all sign their QO's.. which should leave us a little over 2 in space if Step signs for ~6

Was your post in reply to Anak's post?

Figure Lindberg and possibly McIl can win roster spots and kick two players to the AHL, I'm hoping Skjei will be up before long. Need the young talent to ascend so AV feels ok with them over a Diaz/Glass, et al. Still figure they shop Klein and put out feelers for DG and Staal, at some point.

Nah. I think Nak's post was meant for the Knicks thread. Pretty sure Tommy Dee doesn't tweet about hockey unless I am missing something.

In comment 12353481 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

It sounds like Miller, Fast and Etem will all sign their QO's.. which should leave us a little over 2 in space if Step signs for ~6

Just means we could have signed Hagelin if only we'd gotten rid of one excess defensemen that McIlraith and Diaz should push for a job anyway.

Is what it is. Maybe Gorton's got something up his sleeve in trading a D- for a solid 2nd/3rd line wing from somewhere

was in their plans at all, especially looking at extensions for Kreider, Miller, Hayes, etc next year. A good player but a third liner they should be able to replace from within before long. In theory.

Just wish they'd made a stronger deal to move him, it fell like a quick decision fire sale.

Moving a D for a winger would be a good start, establish better roster balance and make a spot for a prospect (two prospects if one beats out Diaz).

You cant pay over $4 million for your 4th line (Glass $1.45lol + Moore $1.5m + Stalberg $1.1m)... that's certifiable

Think I posted that in another thread.

And I think one of the D gets moved. Have Diaz/McIlrath fight for 6 and 7.

Something like this (with Fast and Etem battling for 3rd line, pending a trade bringing a winger) :

Zuccs-Brassard-Nash
Kreider-Stepan-Hayes
Miller-Lindberg-Fast
Stalberg-Moore-Etem

to watch

It's just too bad Strahlman isnt still here too

Hopefully he's dealt ASAP, even if AV cries and pouts about it.

In comment 12353683 JonC said:

Quote:

Something like this (with Fast and Etem battling for 3rd line, pending a trade bringing a winger) : Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Fast Stalberg-Moore-Etem

Good opening day lineup but injuries happen and we're real thin if we get an injury or God forbid too. Really need to move one of the D- for another 15-20 goal scorer.

announces retirement

In comment 12353684 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

to watch It's just too bad Strahlman isnt still here too

Staal will miss the net by 30 feet.

In comment 12353689 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12353683 JonC said: Quote: Something like this (with Fast and Etem battling for 3rd line, pending a trade bringing a winger) : Zuccs-Brassard-Nash Kreider-Stepan-Hayes Miller-Lindberg-Fast Stalberg-Moore-Etem Good opening day lineup but injuries happen and we're real thin if we get an injury or God forbid too. Really need to move one of the D- for another 15-20 goal scorer.

Need that trade and for the young dudes to really come into their own, and contribute with the big club.

but a buddy of mine just told me the rangers are making a strong push for Ward. if true they would need to trade a d-man at some point this summer.

but always figured the price was too much. But seeing Beleksey get under 4 million, maybe the market isn't as robust as we thought.

Makes a bit of sense. Thanks for passing along.

He just had his best post season in his career. I doubt that's a repeatable scenario. He's not much of a skater. I just don't see a good fit. It's an over reaction to him having a good series against us.

2010-2011 for Nashville when he had 13 points in 14 games. He's scored a few big goals over the years (he was the catalyst for a ton of racist tweets in his direction against Boston a couple years back, IIRC).

In comment 12353888 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

2010-2011 for Nashville when he had 13 points in 14 games. He's scored a few big goals over the years (he was the catalyst for a ton of racist tweets in his direction against Boston a couple years back, IIRC).

He scored a game 7 OT winner for Washington (in Boston) and the twitter onslaught ensued. It was disgusting.

I don't have much use for Ward though, he's just not a top 6 skater at his age on my team and doesn't have the salary demands to play 3rd/4th line.

If he's cheap though I'd love the signing.

But this guy knows how to play in front of the net (where the Rangers have severely lacked) as well as along the boards.

For short duration I'd be okay with it.

players want more years, teams often capitulate and then they're stuck with them when the wheels begin to fail. I'd be wary of his age, they need to be sharp with spending and putting together puzzle pieces.

He simply doesn't mesh with our speed profile as a team.

That you pass.

I'm not in favor of any addition that ties up other-than-insignificant cap for 2016-2017. I really think next offseason is going to be hard. Harder than this one.

He's a year younger than Ward and is more accomplished. No reason to think Ward should get more than that. Gotta consider it.

In comment 12354003 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

That you pass. I'm not in favor of any addition that ties up other-than-insignificant cap for 2016-2017. I really think next offseason is going to be hard. Harder than this one.

I agree, especially if the cap doesn't increase quite a bit.

Girardi is the contract that I'd most love to shed.

The advanced stats are pretty favorable for Stalberg. Looks like a solid depth signing.
Link - ( New Window )

Bandwagon around the time Gorton was there.

as our possession numbers dropped last season compared to the year before. Glass had a ton to do with that and we were no longer able to trust our 4th line in the defensive zone. Still hoping Stalberg pushes glass out and we can reverse that trend a bit

Some teams go too far (EDM). My biggest issue with the advanced stats is that it doesn't tell a coach/player how to change their game going forward.

A guy like Ward won't help in that regard either.

The Metro is going to be insane next year

and certainly isn't a shift of power in the division signing.

But he's certainly a solid player. And they didn't have to give up much to get him.

Significantly fewer games will end up in shootouts which is a niche he has exploited.

Oshie is still a legitimate top six winger. Caps got better.

Sharp will probably go to Brooklyn or Florida now, I'd imagine.

They lost Ward(presumptively) and Green. That's a wash talent wise and their blueline is weaker.

.

How does that make them better than they were? Are teh Caps a threat? Yes we were a few seconds from getting bounced by them in the post season. But their PP takes a hit losing Green imo.Tthat weakens a strength of theirs. Losing Ward depletes there power game. An area we struggled to contain them.

It's a fine line but I'd say we matchup a fraction better against them now than we did going into the offseason.

were one of the 5 best teams I saw all year.

Losing Green hurts, but really just power play since he hasn't bee healthy in forever. And losing Ward is a wash with Williams, maybe even an upgrade.

Another year for Tom Wilson to put some skill behind his size and they added some veteran leadership.

I like the Caps to challenge for the Presidents cup if Holtby stays healthy.

They're just a big team - even their stars like Ovie and Backstrom have legit size. Players are not supposed to be that big and that skilled.

Niksanen was solid in the playoffs he can fill in for Green.

I still like their top 4 D

Nothing. A bit of an upgrade, of course, and not a bad deal for a team in need of a change in St. Louis.

Williams is better than Ward. I don't think Green's loss is that huge.

I agree he isn't the same guy he was before 2011 but he's been a major factor on the point in their PP.

I think Montreal is a team who could struggle IF Price isn't elite like last year.

the lines are pedestrian outside of Pacioretty:

I'd move Galchenyuk to center and have lines of:

Pacioretty Plekanec Gallagher
de la Rose Galchenyuk Kassian
Desharnais Eller Smith-Pelley
Flynn Mitchell Wiese


D
Subban Markov
Beaulieu Petry
Emelin Pateryn/Gilbert

uninspiring roster

Galcheynuk and Pacioretty only consistent threats. Plekanec is soft, but skilled - like a lot of european players of his age and Gallagher is like the Canadiens version of Marchand

I'd give Nikita Scherbak, Michael McCarron, Christian Thomas, Jared Tinordi, and Charlie Hudon every opportunity to make this team.

Not that anyone on here cares about the habs depth chart.

I can see them as odd man out, so goalie dependent.

As they age Detroit is going to slip one of these seasons. Their moves were aging band aids they could be the odd man out. Babcock is gone and that is a factor too.

the Christian Thomas - Dany Kristo trade.

In comment 12354603 Deej said:

Quote:

the Christian Thomas - Dany Kristo trade.

trash for trash? both barely hanging on to careers, I guess if Kristo is still around.

roofying chicks and pissing his career down the toilet.

In comment 12354620 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12354603 Deej said: Quote: the Christian Thomas - Dany Kristo trade. trash for trash? both barely hanging on to careers, I guess if Kristo is still around.

There were already traded for eachother (that's what I was referring to). It was a mildly big deal, since you rarely see prospect scoring wing traded for prospect scoring wing. Thomas was at one point our best forward prospect (says more about the sorry state of the system at one point).

Lindberg. He's got a fire in his belly. Plays with an edge that is unusual for a Swede. No weaknesses in his game that experience won't flesh out. He'll be this seasons Kevin Hayes.

is never going to play for the Rangers. He has never fit their style. He was one of the worst draft picks in a long line of bad picks. Not his fault, but he is not very good in the new NHL. Had he been around in the late '70's, he would have been valuable. No longer.

and it's from watching his career from occasional youth hockey to beanpots to the NHL and I think Kreider takes that step to elite this year. It takes these big guys a little longer to not want to kill everyone, when you're that big and that fast and that skilled it's probably hard to focus all that into one area. I still maintain any time he's on the ice he's the best player on the ice. I don't care if Stamkos is out there or Kane or well maybe not Toews, but almost anyone.

Maybe even Hart trophy considerations if he gets used right.

Just needs to harness that energy and not get distracted so easily. I'd be slightly more confident if the Rangers had a veteran presence. He'd do really well with a Mark Recchi or Hossa (someone who's been around) felt like MSL would do that, but that's not his game.

anyway, I expect Kreider to become a national presence this year.

But if he does, it'll be his last year as a Ranger. Otherwise they'll have to move Nash in order to accommodate him and give him a new deal. Which might not be a terrible idea anyway.

My biggest worry about the 2 year bridge he got was that he would get exponentially better in the interim and price himself out of our range.

Obviously you want the guy to turn into an elite power forward. Just hope it's not at the cost of losing him.

and we all hope they would move Nash in a NY minute.

But pj's flattery of him is just too much of the usual voodoo jinx.

I've been a huge fan of keeping Yandle, but in the event that Kreider blows up like PJ says, I've got no problem letting Yandle walk and going 7x7 for Kreider.

but if the Rangers won game 7, who knows that happens in the SCF, but who is your Conn Smythe heading in?

It has to be Kreider, right?

On the biggest stage the guy looked like he didn't just belong, he was dominant.

I didn't watch him as much as you guys, but he seems like a young LeClair (as I've compared him before).

My one caveat, is I am partial to American players. not thinking they're better, just wanting them to succeed. Except Kessel.

if he wasnt he'd be the LeBron of hockey. Fast as hell, very big, insanely strong, hard shot.

I dont think it's fair to pick Kreider as our over achieve guy. My pick is Zuccarello. 70 points (previous high 59). I think he takes Marty's PP reps, and the 3rd line plays a more traditional defensive role with Lindberg being capable from the dot, Miller, and Fast/Etem (previous two years we had offensive 3rd lines, with Brassard 2 years ago and Hayes last year). Hayes and Stepan are also high on my list. Hayes I think will be on a line with Stepan and Kreider and his vision is really, really fantastic.

I expect and hope his best hockey is ahead of him. He's on the cusp.

He might need one more year beyond next but I think he's going to be really good. Not quite as good as Kreider.. Kreider just has an elite gear that Miller doesn't but I really like JT's game and think he'll bud into quite a player. Really looking forward to seeing his progression over the next couple seasons. He took a big step forward this past one and he's going to keep getting better.

to have a breakout season. That bodes well for the season and the future.

If you guys follow blueshirts united Halverson has a 5 min or so clip. He's an impressive kid. He's shooting for the #1 spot for the US Juniors Team this go round.

Kreider scores nine goals due to being exhausted from pj's blowjobs all the time.

Rangers miss the playoffs.

Dan Boyle wins the Norris.

In comment 12354583 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think Montreal is a team who could struggle IF Price isn't elite like last year. the lines are pedestrian outside of Pacioretty: I'd move Galchenyuk to center and have lines of: Pacioretty Plekanec Gallagher de la Rose Galchenyuk Kassian Desharnais Eller Smith-Pelley Flynn Mitchell Wiese D Subban Markov Beaulieu Petry Emelin Pateryn/Gilbert uninspiring roster Galcheynuk and Pacioretty only consistent threats. Plekanec is soft, but skilled - like a lot of european players of his age and Gallagher is like the Canadiens version of Marchand I'd give Nikita Scherbak, Michael McCarron, Christian Thomas, Jared Tinordi, and Charlie Hudon every opportunity to make this team. Not that anyone on here cares about the habs depth chart. I can see them as odd man out, so goalie dependent.

If Galfhenyuk takes another step, that top six looks a lot better. I think you're underselling your squad.

and I believe Price is good enough to win a cup with, but that's just a borderline playoff team outside of Price.

Ask yourself this, of that roster who would replace anyone on the Rangers.

Pacioretty, Subban, and Galchenyuk. Anyone else? Markov at his age? When you compare rosters like i said I was doing is when the gap becomes clearer.

And Therrien is not the best coach for this team. I like Bergevin though as GM.

Granted like 5 of the 7 or 8 will be in Hartford



New York Rangers ‏@NYRangers 12s12 seconds ago
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Luke Adam

I like Petry a lot too. And you forgot they're signing Stamkos next season.

I like Subban, but I don't think he's 'elite' defensively (meaning in the Keith class). I feel the same way about Doughty too, actually, but haven't seen him as much as Subban.

I was pretty bearish on the Canadiens going into the playoffs, but thought they were pretty impressive and outplayed the Lightning in most games. I wasn't all that impressed with the Lightning - their bottom six was really mediocre (I wasn't impressed with the Rangers post-season performance either, so I'm not implying the better team lost or any of that bullshit). The Rangers have a lot of question marks going into next season IMV. I'd be surprised if they win the division again.

Article from Grantland discussing the Kessel trade (I agree with it for the most part):

Grantland - ( New Window )

Sit in that 3 or 4 spot so there isn't that temptation to fatigue your club going for home ice. It's virtually useless in hockey anyway. A well positioned, rested and confident team is ideal especially considering the miles piling up on our 'D' in recent seasons.

In comment 12354986 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

and I believe Price is good enough to win a cup with, but that's just a borderline playoff team outside of Price. Ask yourself this, of that roster who would replace anyone on the Rangers. Pacioretty, Subban, and Galchenyuk. Anyone else? Markov at his age? When you compare rosters like i said I was doing is when the gap becomes clearer. And Therrien is not the best coach for this team. I like Bergevin though as GM.

I think you're really underestimating the value of a bunch of 50-60 point guys. Gallagher would absolutely play in our middle 6. Is 60-point Plekanec really materially worse than Brassard? He's at least our 3C (currently Oacar Lindberg, who I man-crush. Desharnais is a 50 point guy so he'd obviously play in our middle 6 too. Weise as a 30 point guy who throws the body around; easily better than Tanner Glass.

These guys arent exciting, but there is a good set of middle 6 talents. If you all had a gangbusters 1st line then these other guys would look a lot better. I cant speak as much to your D.

Larry Brooks ‏@NYP_Brooksie 2m2 minutes ago Tarrytown, NY
O'Reilly contract a killer for Rangers re Stepan. 2-yr arb now more likely than not with trade a possibility. 1st challenge for GM Gorton.

The Rangers can operate with Stepan @ $6m. If he was paying attention to Stastny's deal last year these numbers should come as no surprise to him. I'm certain they aren't a surprise to Gorton.

No contract details yet.

They're in a tough spot if Stepan pushes for ROR's deal, and I don't see why he is worth much less. Anything much more than $6M makes a bridge or trade an option worth considering unless Gorton has something up his sleeve.

3years/$9.825 million . Pass on that if I was the Rangers. 2 years max for a going on 35 year old with not so hot wheels.

There is no need to entertain moving him at that number imo. Build from within. Keep your own youth. Develop a culture. I'd trade Nash two years down the line before I'd move Step.

and like I said I'm generally a pessimistic fan, but the Habs are flawed.

I like what Bergevin has done, since they were seriously size challenged, and less so now.

but Montreal was 20th in goals per game and they were a really good 5v5 team, but their PP was terrible.

I just think if they added a scorer (obviously like a Stamkos they'd be a contender).

Now they have a bunch of middling talent with Pacioretty and Galcheynuk at forward and ok D.

not enough to make them a cup contender. today.

And I don't think Plekanec is useless, but he just plays a european style I can't get behind, a finesse game. Gallagher and Desharnais are both under 5' 9, I'd trade both for bigger players. that's why I like the Kassian acquisition.

Why is Stepan's MV $6M when ROR just got $7.5M? Stephan has a .7 PPG average while ROR's was .58 according to Hockey Reference.

Autocorrect.

for O'Reilly and it fucks us too. Dumb franchises ruin it for the rest of us.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/GWMNrJf.jpg[/IMG]

Girardi and Staal are just terrible contracts.

Tavares at $5.5M gives them such incredible flexibility for the next few years.

.

I didn't see one - I pulled it off of an SB Nation contributor's Twitter (Mike Darnay). Only saw the Metro done.

In comment 12355503 Ash_3 said:

Quote:

for O'Reilly and it fucks us too. Dumb franchises ruin it for the rest of us.

Wade Redden contract and company didn't do the NHL any favors.

is that everyone has a contract that is either an over-pay or much worse. The Staal and Girardi contracts arent that bad. I think Staal would get that on the open market, and Girardi is worth at least $3.5 million a year. So even if you think Im too kind, we're overpaying the pair by what, $4 million? That's a Carl Hagelin. Im not shitting my pants over a 1/20th of the cap.

The sky is falling act is getting tiresome. We could easily be better than we were last year, as 3 of our 4 forwards with size are young (Kreider, Miller, Hayes + Nash).

In comment 12357428 Deej said:

Quote:

is that everyone has a contract that is either an over-pay or much worse. The Staal and Girardi contracts arent that bad. I think Staal would get that on the open market, and Girardi is worth at least $3.5 million a year. So even if you think Im too kind, we're overpaying the pair by what, $4 million? That's a Carl Hagelin. Im not shitting my pants over a 1/20th of the cap. The sky is falling act is getting tiresome. We could easily be better than we were last year, as 3 of our 4 forwards with size are young (Kreider, Miller, Hayes + Nash).

If you ignore the cap, sure the sky isn't falling. Too bad there is a cap

I see other teams getting better while the Rangers aren't and don't have the flexibility to do so over the next 2-3 years IMV. The road to the Cup is harder now than it was back in April.

The Islanders have just as many guys who can produce the necessary organic growth the Rangers are counting on in Kreider/Miller/etc.

like is you can't have corpses comprising a significant portion of your cap, if you do it's harder to compete.

The cap is essential though, to prevent franchises from buying championships (if you want to prevent that), most fo the original 6 are in better position to spend than the other franchises, without a cap, they'd have the stars once they reach free agency.

I like a lot of what Subban brings to the game, but there is no way he should be in Malkin, Crosby, Ovie, Lundqvist class for compensation.

that will hurt the habs, and WTF Carolina?

But never thought he was elite defensively. Markov is the ridiculous cap hit for you guys, IMO.

But I do think that the Staal and Girardi contracts are going to make things difficult over the next few seasons. Gorton's got a tough task ahead of him.

In comment 12357476 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

But never thought he was elite defensively. Markov is the ridiculous cap hit for you guys, IMO.

In the past yes because Markov was perpetually injured, but Markov was the better defenseman last year.

Markov is the least of this teams problems and I was thoroughly impressed with him all year until the end of the season and playoffs when he tired.

he's 36 years old, but got just 2 years left at 5.75 which seems about right for a top 2 blue liner.

Subban should be a superstar at those numbers and he's half a player.

see no major issues with the Habs top 5 cap hits outside of Subban.

I'm not the biggest Plekanec fan, but he's not without skill, he backchecks (weakly but he does it), just more of a finesse player than I like.

the rest seem in line with what I'd expect. Price might be a little underpaid, but not losing sleep on that one. Let's see another Hart/Vezina season and I'll feel like he could use a raise.

My view of Markov was heavily colored by the playoffs. I probably only saw 5 or so Habs games during the regular season.

.

to sign or trade for Stamkos.

Maybe they could trade Plekanec, a pick and Fucale or something like that.

I think it's likely he's walking after the season.

In comment 12357568 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

to sign or trade for Stamkos. Maybe they could trade Plekanec, a pick and Fucale or something like that. I think it's likely he's walking after the season.

LOL, even if walking after season - a big IF - TBL are big time contenders this year so why the fuck would they make a shitty trade like that? And they already have two goalies they like.

Seriously doubt MTL has the ammo to trade for Stamkos. Signing him in offseason is their best bet by far and IMO not that far-fetched a scenario (though TOR seems to be maneuvering cap space for this too)

In comment 12358845 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12357568 pjcas18 said: Quote: to sign or trade for Stamkos. Maybe they could trade Plekanec, a pick and Fucale or something like that. I think it's likely he's walking after the season. LOL, even if walking after season - a big IF - TBL are big time contenders this year so why the fuck would they make a shitty trade like that? And they already have two goalies they like. Seriously doubt MTL has the ammo to trade for Stamkos. Signing him in offseason is their best bet by far and IMO not that far-fetched a scenario (though TOR seems to be maneuvering cap space for this too)

Just the something for nothing aspect.

Not really comparing the players, Stamkos is world class, but Plekanec had 60 points to Stamkos' 72. and 40 to 47 even strength.

Plekanec is a UFA after the season though too, so it wouldn't make sense. If he were signed longer term I can see Pleky and a top 4 D-man plus a goalie making it a decent trade i could take myself into (from a lightning standpoint().

Pacioretty is probably the guy they'd want and this might be homeric, but i wouldn't trade Pacioretty for Stamkos given their circumstances.

let alone within the division. They dont have a need for another goalie, and so Plekanic + a draft pick (or even top 4 DMan) wouldnt be nearly enough. It's a Habs fans wet dream.

Hell I'd love to get him for Girardi + Stepan too (conditional on locking him up)... but thats not going to happen either.

Yzerman will likely try to sign him throughout the season and then go for the Cup with him regardless. I dont see a different ending here than Parise with NJ... and in this case Tampa does have a great young nucleus to offer him + no state income taxes (really wish the NHL would adjust on this... but its a waste of effort, Bettman's a tool)

but Yzerman traded MSL (realizing the history there) when they were in playoff contention.

And MSL was top 10 in points at the time, so it wasn't like he was a slug they HAD to trade.

you are correct it's a Habs fans wet dream, but somehow it could happen pre-free agency.

But signing news. STL signs Tarasenko to an 8-year, $60M deal. Not bad for a "3rd liner".

Side note, pretty excited that we just booked a little family trip to Toronto in August. Can't wait to see the Hockey HOF. My kids were beyond pumped to hear we're cruising up there. Gonna catch a Jays game up there as well, but if anyone has any suggestions in TO (hey, family-friendly, y'hear?), I'm all ears.

Also, don't go the baseball game because baseball fucking sucks.

The stadium is actually pretty nice.

I did a tour of Air Canada which was pretty cool. Not sure if the kids will like it, though.

Thanks, Brett.

was ok for the memorabilia, some cool stuff there (a little underwhelming IMO for "the Great one", but the food is awful.

the CN Tower is worth a trip if you're looking for things to do and I went to a game at the stadium and it's a good time regardless of if you like baseball.

I was shocked how crowded it was on a random Tuesday night. tons of teens/twenty-somethings.

The CN will probably be a must. I was able to pick up Wednesday night tix for the Jays/A's for $10 apiece on Stubhub. Crazy.

In comment 12360168 pganut said:

Quote:

The CN will probably be a must. I was able to pick up Wednesday night tix for the Jays/A's for $10 apiece on Stubhub. Crazy.

I got tickets that night, Yankees Blue Jays, $25 at the box office, good seats too.

it was the night Burnett returned to Toronto and maybe Arod first game since he admitted steroid use or something with arod I forget. great game though.

Toronto has a pretty cool science museum for the kids. Been years since I've been back there though. Great city.

In comment 12357428 Deej said:

Quote:

is that everyone has a contract that is either an over-pay or much worse. The Staal and Girardi contracts arent that bad. I think Staal would get that on the open market, and Girardi is worth at least $3.5 million a year. So even if you think Im too kind, we're overpaying the pair by what, $4 million? That's a Carl Hagelin. Im not shitting my pants over a 1/20th of the cap. The sky is falling act is getting tiresome. We could easily be better than we were last year, as 3 of our 4 forwards with size are young (Kreider, Miller, Hayes + Nash).

This chart proves what MetsAreBack said was right.
In the spring when I said the cap was good he remarked "It's absurd, paying Crosby less than Jordan Staal."

Since then I've paid more attention to NBA and NHL contracts and it's absurd. So Crosby is worth just 3 million more than Girardi while O Reilly is worth Tarasenko or Kessel money?
Yeh if I were a top star I'd be pissed stupid franchises like Phoenix and Florida are allowed to stay operating and were actually trying to expand.

Phoenix should be moved to Las Vegas and Florida to Seattle. But owners want the one-time expansion fees... in fairness, its a lot of dough. Just makes your favorite team winning that much harder which sucks as a fan.

Yes, star players dont get paid nearly enough in this league. And if all or even 90% of teams can reach the salary cap (like a CBJ or even a Pittsburgh) when they want to... that tells you the cap is too low. Caps make sense from the standpoint that they keep teams away from $200mm payrolls - but leagues should be set up so your bigger markets win... a little more often... than your smaller markets. It generates more revenues and keeps a larger % of your fans happy.

Players are getting a raw deal, but that's on their union - again as a Rangers fan it sucks because on an after-tax, purchasing power parity adjusted basis... we actually have a lower cap than other teams. And from what i hear, its even worse for Montreal...

NFL seems to have the best model out there.

It's interesting in the NBA, which admittedly i do not follow closely, that big free agents seem to be signing with Texas teams these past 2 offseasons. Is it coincidence, or does lack of state income tax play a pretty big part in decision making?

There's probably going to be another lockout when this CBA is up because the cap is not rising in accordance with player salaries. We're headed right towards a brick wall because the scaling is rapidly turning into a complete clusterfuck.

So set your watches for the next lockout kiddies!

Many players aren't compensated properly for their primes. Goal scorers often peak around 21-25 (at least back in the 80's/90's), but don't hit free agency until seven seasons in or at 27.

The difference between elite and really good is so small now in terms of compensation. ROR and Crosby/Malkin, for example.

Also, can we point out how bullshit Hossa's deal is for Chicago? NJ got such a raw deal when they had their first taken away (and yes they got one back later), while Chicago wins Cups on that horseshit contract.

Players over 35 also have a bit of a raw deal. Just terribly negotiated for the players.

to hold much weight in negotiations.

that as fans we have to turn on a Dan Girardi - who has given his heart and soul to this team for nearly a decade - because he's paid $5.5 million in a league with way too low a Cap.... that's less than half a Curtis Granderson gets paid and if memory serves, $3 million less than Chris fuck'g Young was paid on the Mets two years ago.

the average NFL player makes $1.9 million while the average NHL player gets $2.4 million. Girardi gets over double that so . . . .

In comment 12361462 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

that as fans we have to turn on a Dan Girardi - who has given his heart and soul to this team for nearly a decade - because he's paid $5.5 million in a league with way too low a Cap.... that's less than half a Curtis Granderson gets paid and if memory serves, $3 million less than Chris fuck'g Young was paid on the Mets two years ago.

Is it fair to compare sports like that?

.

but 22 guys on NHL team vs 45 on NFL (did you include or exclude practice squad?). So many guys on a NFL roster that barely play and skew the average.

Better comparison probably Girardi vs NFL starter salary but whatever. Point is i dont view $5.5 million as overpaid when it comes to professional athletes - but with a cap this low... it ends up hurting. Is what it is.

In comment 12361484 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Is it fair to compare sports like that?

You're right- NHL is a ton more entertaining and its only a matter of time before it passes MLB in ratings like NBA already has. (shout out to JoeMP)

In comment 12361490 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 12361484 pjcas18 said: Quote: Is it fair to compare sports like that? You're right- NHL is a ton more entertaining and its only a matter of time before it passes MLB in ratings like NBA already has. (shout out to JoeMP)

no argument from me on that, I just don't know the salary structures can be compared based on the revenue each sport generates.

today (according to wikipedia)

NFL brings in 11.2B
MLB 9B
NBA 5B
NHL 3.7B

should the salaries really be equal or close with the revenue disparity?

wouldn't bank on the NHL catching anybody. They can't capture marketshare or develop their market very well. They begin their season with the NFL is full swing and with the MLB playoffs beginning.

and need to get over that.

I rarely go to ESPN anymore, but you rarely see NHL as their cover story.

and almost always any NHL story is buried in their headlines.

they chose the NBA and are doing their part to limit NHL exposure (it seems that way to me).

and NBC is just not committed to keeping the best games on national TV. USA Network, NBC Sports and those other obscure channels they show games on doesn't help.

the union maybe caved on stuff, but the TV contract isn't helping.

I don't see any. Other than that, we're probably stuck until Stepan's arbitration case is adjudicated.

In comment 12361508 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

and need to get over that. I rarely go to ESPN anymore, but you rarely see NHL as their cover story.

The NHL isn't in demand. It's the NHL's fault too. They do NOTHING to brand a player nationally. There is no face or team of the league which is marketed.

Roenick said years ago, for the better of the league "put Crosby in NY" yet he ended up in Pitt.

Now the NHL has the next generation player and he's in Edmonton. Even the 2nd best prospect is in Buffalo. It's the NHL not capitalizing on anything yet again.

has been really bad with the TV rights. He had a good thing going with ESPN, which cross promoted the league on Sportscenter and with a dedicated nightly show (Melrose in leather!). He had a good thing going with Fox, which was very serious about marketing the league to bigger audiences and put together a nice broadcast. In particular I remember Fox did a game where they explained every little rule and why things were happening on the ice, so newbies would understand.

The move to Versus I think was penny wise and pound foolish. It buried the league on a cable channel no one defaults to. They got mildly bailed out by the Versus-NBC deal, but NBC isnt well run either.

Said no, essentially out of spite?

NASCAR's ratings have dived since they went from ESPN to NBC. When you're an ESPN product, you get promoted the whole week for the big weekend event. When you leave ESPN, you dont get the pregame/race stuff covered on SportsCenter etc. It's a huge deal.

In comment 12361579 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Said no, essentially out of spite?

Versus offered twice the money but my recollection was that it was peanuts either way. Steve Levy says (at link) that it was a $1 million per team difference. I dont know if that was per year or life of the contract, but it was really inexcusable either way.
Link - ( New Window )

I recall that being widely criticized.

Jon: I haven't seen any rumors on trading defensemen. I think a lot hinges on Stepan. If they can get him at $6M, they can probably be patient.. If he goes for $6.5-$7M, they become a forced seller IMO.

hasnt the Canadian TV deal been even more painful? I thought i read that somewhere.

I just know with even remotely sound leadership - the cap would be closer to $80-85 million today. No fewer than 10 teams could go to that amount tomorrow if needed, with other teams still hitting the floor. It's ok if all teams are not created exactly equal... its better for the league if your flagship franchises... and i even include the Philadelphia team in this ... win a little more often.

With apologies to Jints and to Ben in Tampa... but those teams winning doesnt help the sport.

offer to get the NHL back was not only less money than NBC, but would have games exclusively on ESPN2, and even then, only one game per week. It was a pretty crappy offer from ESPN.

I don't blame Bettman for sticking with NBCsports, but I do blame him for signing for such a long time period. Sports rights are going up and NHL locked themselves in long term too early IMO.

and i think NHL network does a terrific job too. They have a ton of games on a week.

My only complaint is that they seem to have a monopoly on weekend afternoon games, at least on sundays. The Rangers very rarely play afternoon home games and i've noticed no one else is on when NBC carries a sunday 1pm game. Even Florida Panthers start their sunday games at 6pm.

Do they really think they are getting a national audience? 7-8pm sunday night games suck and the Rangers always have a ton of them... cant take your kids and its a tough start to the work week. Garden atmosphere tends to be dead.

As do the Rangers lack of Friday night games.

Hudson is so right. They're our #1 rival.

NBC doesn't start "Game of the Week" until after the Super Bowl in February. I do wish the Rangers would play Sunday afternoons when the Giants are in prime-time though.

help NBCSports to use some more flexibility regarding which games to show in the national slot. There were far too many games with the Sabres/Flyers last year. I realize Buffalo gets a good local rating, but the games predictably didn't do well nationally.

I realize the Islanders aren't really a national draw, but when there's something like Isles vs. Lightning going and NBCSports decides to show Flyers vs. Leafs, NBC has no one but themselves to blame.

But the ratings on such a game would unfortunately be terrible.

I dont recall any Sabres games period this past year, let alone Sabres-Flyers on NBCsportsnetwork... but that doesnt mean it didnt happen. I do remember a ton of Wild-Hawks games which to me is 'meh'... Wild are just a boring team.

This cap is bull shit.

First, I get why a LeBron or Blake Griffin make a ton of money...but Eddie Jordan getting 80 million? I never heard of this guy, you can't tell me his value as an entertainer is higher than xxxx of NHL superstars.

Second, Crosby, Malkin, Datsyuk have a right to be pissed. People don't pay to see Ryan Oreilly or Dan Girardi and yet the compensation is way similar.

Bettman has succeeded in making the NHL the socialist sport....where a third liner gets paid what an all star does so Phoenix keeps a team.
NHLPA sucks.

for some strange reason, the guy took a hometown discount a few years ago.

Kane and Toews do make $10.5 mil/year. I would assume Stamkos gets at least that next offseason.

or if it is not by a lot.

I showed you the graphic the NHL makes FAR less revenue than the other major sports.

it's still a business.

So you can blame Bettman for the TV contract and that's justified, but the cap is formulaic tied to revenue so unless you think there is a lot of book cooking going on (which is likely to a small extent) the cap is what it is.

and that's not the underlying problem. revenue is.

And I think expansion would make it worse for the players, not better. though the owners would pocket some cash.

In comment 12361650 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

hasnt the Canadian TV deal been even more painful? I thought i read that somewhere.

Financially, the Canadian deal was a huge success for the league. Fans don't like it because TSN production levels were much better than Sportsnet and most don't like the new host of HNIC. Canadians are... ummm... weird about their hockey.

As a Sens fan, it worked out great as Ottawa's regional deal was picked up by TSN and I get to listen to Cuthbert most of the year. He's the best in the business imo. When we don't get Cuthbert, we get Gord Miller, who's also excellent.

the big market teams be able to hire the best coaches, smartest GMs, and have the best facilities? Plus, they can also use amnesty buyouts and other options that small market teams are hestitant to use.

They are terrible at covering actual sports. Hockey is hockey and it'll never topple the other sports in popularity and I like it that way.

Was because the NHL is so top heavy in regards to big market teams compared to the rest of the teams. The same 3 or 4 teams signed every big fa every year. The rest couldn't compete. They had to have teams control their players longer. At least I thought that was the reasoning behind it.

With an NBA type cap with a heavy luxury tax?
The problem with the NHL pre cap was 5 teams could buy anybody, problem now is some solid player that nobody else heard of makes close to what a superstar does so Phoenix can be subsidized.

The NBA system seems to let teams like San Anotonio and other smaller markets being able to financially retain superstars IF the stars want to stay.
Clearly you don't see big market teams buying stars from small markets uncontroably.

I wonder if that system would work for the NHL?
We don't want 5 teams being able to buy out the other 25 but it's ridiculous how pretty much the top players on every team earn very similar pay.

In comment 12365095 hudson said:

Quote:

With an NBA type cap with a heavy luxury tax? The problem with the NHL pre cap was 5 teams could buy anybody, problem now is some solid player that nobody else heard of makes close to what a superstar does so Phoenix can be subsidized. The NBA system seems to let teams like San Anotonio and other smaller markets being able to financially retain superstars IF the stars want to stay. Clearly you don't see big market teams buying stars from small markets uncontroably. I wonder if that system would work for the NHL? We don't want 5 teams being able to buy out the other 25 but it's ridiculous how pretty much the top players on every team earn very similar pay.

It think football and Hockey should both have a clause where if you resign your own player only a percentage of it counts against the cap where as a free agent would count entirely against the cap. That way you can pay a superstar that much more than the rest.

Dave, I've long advocated for that as well.

Guys who play the majority of their first 100 games with a team or something like that get a 10-20% discount from the cap hit. Homegrown talent staying with teams is good for the sport.

So the cap hit is 80-90% of the salary. That was poorly written.

Allows stars help their teams while getting fairer compensation.

I also like the idea of a soft cap. What's in place doesn't strike me as the best they can do.

the big market teams bought up everyone doesnt make a ton of sense. Until about 10 years ago, UFA started at age 31 and the compensation for the best RFAs was brutal -- 5 #1 draft picks (think Sakic signing), and before that you had to give a player of equal value (hence Pronger going for Shanny).

The Rangers grossly overpaid for guys on the wrong side of 30. Repeatedly. And lost. Guys from my childhood like Lemiuex, Jagr, Yzerman, Sakic, Forsberg, Bourque etc. werent moving as UFAs. Gretzky signed in NY at age 35, after Keenan was a dick to him in St. Louis. Yeah, there were some teams that were really struggling, but I think this chart explains that issue a lot more than big-small market differences:

Stevens was the compensation to the Devils for the Blues signing Shanahan. Pronger was the guy who Hartford traded to St. Louis for Shanny.

In comment 12365463 Greg from LI said:

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Stevens was the compensation to the Devils for the Blues signing Shanahan. Pronger was the guy who Hartford traded to St. Louis for Shanny.

I have dishonored myself.

in favor of hometown discounts to players you drafted would wreck the entire market.

There'd be a clear differentiation between hometown contracts, just as there's an implicit discount with RFA discounts (which seems to be going away a bit).

In comment 12365369 BrettNYG10 said:

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So the cap hit is 80-90% of the salary. That was poorly written. Allows stars help their teams while getting fairer compensation. I also like the idea of a soft cap. What's in place doesn't strike me as the best they can do.

Maybe it's Larry Brooks influence on me, but what they have in place strikes me as a grossly anti-union commish and owners suppressing wages.

In regards to another comment, pre lockout the NHL was a mess with 5 teams buying players.
Sure, UFA wasn't until 31, but outside of 5 or so teams nobody else had a chance to attract talent, and it was like baseball where small markets were farm teams who eventually traded away star talent.

Jagr, Hasek, Cujo, just to name a few.

had nothing to do with whether there was a cap. When Pittsburgh couldnt meet a payroll of $15 million, was their problem really that the Rangers could pay 31 year olds on an $80 million payroll (numbers are hypothetical).

No. The problem in the 1990s and early 2000s was that there were a lot of brutally low revenue teams. They couldnt afford even non-market suppressed RFA prices. Indeed, in a capped sport you essentially need a cap and a floor (NBA and NHL have it, not sure about NFL). A lot of those old NHL teams could not have afforded a floor level payroll.

Blaming the high payroll teams for the failure of the old NHL model is, in my opinion, deflecting blame to the wrong entity. The Loonie sucked, the Rust Belt was getting murdered (look at EVERY sport's rust belt teams in that era), and there was little revenue sharing. Teams had no money.

In comment 12365514 BrettNYG10 said:

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There'd be a clear differentiation between hometown contracts, just as there's an implicit discount with RFA discounts (which seems to be going away a bit).

The cap was put in place to make up for uneven markets while the market rate for players is the same across the league.

A $5 million dollar player commands the same market rate across the league despite the operating income varying.

So you take a player like Hagelin who might (let's just say) $4 million on the open market yet the Rangers pay him $6 million. Now a player of Hagelin's value is worth $6 million market value. Based on 2014 stats, the approx. operating income for the Rangers was over $84 million so they wouldn't care while Anaheim was in red.

You might say, well, let's not pay Hagelin more than $4 million and go above market. That could be true but an UFA might say they want to test the market. Rather than allow the player to test the market, the team over pays and doesn't care b/c it still doesn't cost as much against the cap. Meanwhile, the teams of lower operating income can't play that game.

Hm. Not sure if I agree if it's only a 10% difference. Maybe at higher levels? I'd imagine the 'synergies' would be split. Say Hags is worth $4M, Rangers can pay $4.4M for that same hit, but theoretically wind up at $4.2M.

Also, were the Ducks unprofitable? I couldn't find data, but I figure that good teams are usually profitable (a bad Pitt team would have fucking folded by now), so this allows them to keep their core together.

Interesting speculation in either case. Thanks for the pushback.

data from two years ago.
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Pacioretty suffers knee injury, out 12 weeks.

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Canadiens Montr�al ‏@CanadiensMTL 14m14 minutes ago Max Pacioretty suffered a knee injury, his recovery is expected to be 12 weeks. DETAILS -> http://goha.bs/1MkXLhm

you should be lucky I'm not a Rangers fan the way the Mets and Giants have been snake bit lately.

Interesting.

Stop rooting for things, pj.

Brett. It's official.

his availability for 10/15 at the Forum in doubt?

HI-FIVE!

/slaps self in face

Max in Lundqvists personal house of horrors.

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In comment 12366294 pjcas18 said:

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Brett. It's official.

FML. Have two games tomorrow, hopefully I at least break my leg late in the second one.

In comment 12366312 pjcas18 said:

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Max in Lundqvists personal house of horrors.

Raanta Claus will play that game.

In comment 12366317 Greg from LI said:

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.

i call it the forum and the bruins still play in the boston garden

The Igloo in Yinzburgh. Still can't get the hang of "Consol". Nor do I want to.

In comment 12366312 pjcas18 said:

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Max in Lundqvists personal house of horrors.

Game 2 ECF - Hank said fuck that noise (g5 sucked but Lundqvist told me he just wanted to win the series at home)

Last year when I was up there for an investment conference. They played the Habs and it was the last week of the regular season (I think everyone clinched at that point), but all tickets were over $250, so I skipped. Went to Montreal when I was like 9 but don't remember it well other than a 3-1 Blackburn win.

goddamn 1%er

In comment 12366352 BrettNYG10 said:

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Last year when I was up there for an investment conference. They played the Habs and it was the last week of the regular season (I think everyone clinched at that point), but all tickets were over $250, so I skipped. Went to Montreal when I was like 9 but don't remember it well other than a 3-1 Blackburn win.

cool story, bro

at the Montreal Forum was in 1985 (the cup year) and went with a friend of mine who moved to my hometown from Canada.

we walked in and I couldn't help notice, EVERY f-ing man in the place had a suit on.

the women were all dressed up too.

I was like WTF? It reminded me of those 1930's pictures you see of Yankee stadium where everyone is dressed up.

a lot of the announcing (most of it) was in French.

they crushed the Blues.

Harvard Business School investment conference.

#smugasfuck

(I didn't go to Harvard, obviously)

Suck it, MAB.

.

first game he attends - Cup year, etc

Combined with being a bandwagoner, etc.

grew up in CT my father was a diehard Rangers fan and he started me playing hockey when I was 5.

My coach moved me back to defense because I could skate and that's what they did back then with the better skaters and I was pissed. I wanted to be a forward and score all the goals.

My father was one of those guys who used to make me watch hockey and focus on certain plays or players. He'd bring me to every New Haven Nighthawk game we could possibly make (and park two miles away because it was free).

He told me to "watch this guy" who was on hockey night in Canada (the Canadiens were on nearly every Saturday night then) and the guy was Chris Chelios. Big American defenseman.

so I became a Chelios fan first and Canadiens fan second, then the Canadiens won the cup my second year as a fan of the team and I never looked back.

I became a Mets fan because my next door neighbor was friends with John Matlack. he was visiting and gave all the neighborhood kids autographed pictures. I was like the last kid in line and he ran out and gave me a different one. It was him as a Met (he was a Texas Ranger at the time). So from them on I liked the Mets.

Giants are the only team inherited from my father. He's (and my brother and cousins, etc.) are diehard Yankees, Rangers, Giants fans.

.

In comment 12366389 BrettNYG10 said:

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sort of exactly what you said minus the pedophiliac eroticism, that disgusts everyone except you and some guy you always bring up on pedophilia threads.

something Burns, he's your pedophile friend.

when the Devils were in town. Say what you will about the Quebecois (and as a one-time waiter in Vermont I have plenty to say about the Quebecois) they were very hospitable.

It's all the same once you're passed 30 anyway - just old.

And BBurns is legitimately a pedophile, which is why I bring him up. Arrest record, jail time, the whole nine yards.

I find it funny you root for a Canadian team but always point out how much you root for American players. Not that it's inconsistent or anything since Americans are still a mInority in the NHL.

i want to do the Ottawa-Montreal 2-game road trip. Rangers used to regularly play one team on thursday, usually Ottawa, and the other on Sat night.

Problem is i need to do it soon before Rangers are worst team in hockey in 3 years :)