NFT: NHL Off-season Thread

next week, I believe.

with shrinking caps. Bettman is an absolutely fucking embarrassment -- cant make money in an era of explosive sports broadcasting contracts. Yeah, I know about the Loonie issue. The NHL should have hedged.

Strome - Tavares - Lucic
Stempniak - Stamkos - Nelson
Kulemin - Neilsen - Clutterbuck
Grabovski - Cizikas - Prince

Leddy - Boychuk
Hamonic - Pulock
Hickey - de Haan

Halak/Greiss

Make it happen, Garth!

I'm a long time fan and I think they might be on the right path...finally. I think legit guys will want to play with Eichel and O'Reilly and with a stronger D, we may see that Chad Johnson might be the goalie we've needed. And we finally have an owner that wants to build a team. Things are looking up in Buffalo.

And I'm happy for the Pens. They played great and deserved it.

Lots of trades probably as teams may shed players they will be unable to keep in the draft.

Ron Francis has them going in the right direction finally.

In comment 12991730 Jints in Carolina said:

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Ron Francis has them going in the right direction finally.

Sounds like it's time for a Staal brothers reunion down there...

with the expansion, and I've been reading about teams unloading players they can't keep, but I'd do the opposite.

I'd keep them, because you have to expose a certain number of players. Why acquire someone new who you can't keep?

Here are the rules:

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A minimum of two forwards and one defenseman must be exposed who have played 40 games the previous season, or a total of 70 over the previous two

So, it's designed to prevent what you suggested IMO. You can't expose pieces of shit unless you play them. I'd rather bite the bullet.

And you can't reacquire a player for a year (jan 1 2018) if you trade him to "stash" him.

I'm not sure what to expect.

On the one hand, you don't want to acquire something of high value at this point that you can't protect.

On the other, you have to keep in mind that you can only lose one player to the draft. If you're currently projecting that you'd be exposing 3 or 4 really nice assets, you're probably holding a nice deck of cards. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

If you're a team who operates right up at the limits of the salary cap, put yourself in a position where the asset you're most likely to lose is someone who is well-paid and not crazy young. At least then you end up with a consolation prize of a little cap relief.

In comment 12991742 jv said:

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In comment 12991730 Jints in Carolina said: Quote: Ron Francis has them going in the right direction finally. Sounds like it's time for a Staal brothers reunion down there...

Um no thanks

new teams are probably going to want young players. And will be willing to take picks from the powerhouse teams that dont want to lose their vets.

In comment 12991827 Deej said:

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new teams are probably going to want young players. And will be willing to take picks from the powerhouse teams that dont want to lose their vets.

The NMC is in effect too. So I think you're right in some part, because less younger players probably have NMC's.

however to bigbluehoya's point and what I was trying to say, if I'm SJ and I have Ward, Thornton, Marleau, and other ancient players, I'm leaving one of them unprotected because they're ancient, high paid, and I value the younger players more.

though Thornton and Marleau are FA's after the 2016 - 2017 season so they're more demonstrative than actual examples.

I believe teams need to have 25% of their cap exposed.

There are going to be a bunch of angles to this, which will make it difficult to meet without exposing some real value, but will also make it super interesting for the fans who like to mess around with this kind of stuff.

Definitely not a one size fits all team approach.

In comment 12991813 Jints in Carolina said:

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In comment 12991742 jv said: Quote: In comment 12991730 Jints in Carolina said: Quote: Ron Francis has them going in the right direction finally. Sounds like it's time for a Staal brothers reunion down there... Um no thanks

No offense but its hard to envision Carolina having its pick of the litter. At least this offseason and next.

Make the Rangers look slow, untalented, and unimaginative. There's an awful lot to do to hope to match up well with either of them nest season. (Of course, once upon a time I might have said the same about the Kings, and look how they've turned out.)

In comment 12991965 Percy said:

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Make the Rangers look slow, untalented, and unimaginative. There's an awful lot to do to hope to match up well with either of them nest season. (Of course, once upon a time I might have said the same about the Kings, and look how they've turned out.)

I think the gap between the Rangers and the elite teams this year was enormous - but look at how bad those teams were 12 months ago. There's reason for optimism. Gorton apparently did a lot of good in Boston - if he can make a handful of good moves the team could compete again next season.

In comment 12991890 MetsAreBack said:

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In comment 12991813 Jints in Carolina said: Quote: In comment 12991742 jv said: Quote: In comment 12991730 Jints in Carolina said: Quote: Ron Francis has them going in the right direction finally. Sounds like it's time for a Staal brothers reunion down there... Um no thanks No offense but its hard to envision Carolina having its pick of the litter. At least this offseason and next.

Ddidn't say they would have the pick of the litter but they will land FA's.

we could get to the point that the Rangers look slow. After being a race car the previous season. I'd really love an honest, fly on the wall account of this season.

Stempniak???? No thanks.

Get me Hartnell who just waived NTC, JVR and Nuschkin from Dallas.

Stemp isn't a bad bottom 6 addition (assuming some of the other dead wood can be let go). Can also see them add someone like Stalberg for bottom 6 depth and experience. I agree I'd love to see Nichuchkin, but the Isles probably wouldn't try an offer sheet via RFA, rather a trade. Staple tweeted that he does expect the Isles to move their first rounder and that there will likely be trades between now and the end of the draft.

and Crosby, Malkin and MAF were 11, 12 and 13 years ago.

that's some fancy work by a GM keeping those guys together and MAF did little to nothing to help this cup.

There's a thread on HFBoards summarizing some takeaways from a Q&A with Staple, if you missed it


Oh, and screw the isles - ( New Window )

In comment 12992493 pjcas18 said:

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and Crosby, Malkin and MAF were 11, 12 and 13 years ago. that's some fancy work by a GM keeping those guys together and MAF did little to nothing to help this cup.

Agree re Boston. Dont agree that it is fancy work keeping together Sid and Geno. How often have we seen players of that caliber actually walk in free agency, in their 20s?

In comment 12992541 bigbluehoya said:

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There's a thread on HFBoards summarizing some takeaways from a Q&A with Staple, if you missed it Oh, and screw the isles - ( New Window )

Thanks for posting. Great summary.

I'd give up a 1st for Eberle in a New York minute.

In comment 12992236 pganut said:

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Stemp isn't a bad bottom 6 addition (assuming some of the other dead wood can be let go). Can also see them add someone like Stalberg for bottom 6 depth and experience. I agree I'd love to see Nichuchkin, but the Isles probably wouldn't try an offer sheet via RFA, rather a trade. Staple tweeted that he does expect the Isles to move their first rounder and that there will likely be trades between now and the end of the draft.

I'd be happy with Eberle or JVR barring giving up too much.

Hello gentlemen,

I was browsing hfboards and see some smoke about Rick Bowness possibly being hired by the Rangers replace Ulf Samulesson after he accepted the Charlotte position.

In comment 12992558 Deej said:

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In comment 12992493 pjcas18 said: Quote: and Crosby, Malkin and MAF were 11, 12 and 13 years ago. that's some fancy work by a GM keeping those guys together and MAF did little to nothing to help this cup. Agree re Boston. Dont agree that it is fancy work keeping together Sid and Geno. How often have we seen players of that caliber actually walk in free agency, in their 20s?

Ok, fair point, I should have said it's some good GM work keeping those three and remaining competitive.

in fact they've added players like Kessel to the mix instead of just maintaining.

Chicago has stayed competitive too.

the Bruins paid Bergeron, Chara and Krejci after their cup and it cost them they had to trade guys like Boychuk, Lucic, and Hamilton among others. Some teams can't make it work.

the fact the Penguins and Blackhawks have kept their core together this long is impressive to me.

In comment 12992611 Dave M said:

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In comment 12992236 pganut said: Quote: Stemp isn't a bad bottom 6 addition (assuming some of the other dead wood can be let go). Can also see them add someone like Stalberg for bottom 6 depth and experience. I agree I'd love to see Nichuchkin, but the Isles probably wouldn't try an offer sheet via RFA, rather a trade. Staple tweeted that he does expect the Isles to move their first rounder and that there will likely be trades between now and the end of the draft. I'd be happy with Eberle or JVR barring giving up too much.

You guys should have went after Kessel last year. He would have been a great get.

It'll never happen, but Nash would be an incredible fit for Tavares. I think the two would make great trading partners if they weren't in the same division - Islanders have picks and prospects that would be enticing.

I like JVR as well (I said last year that if NYR traded Nash at the time they should try to get him and a pick in return) - haven't seen as much of Eberle.

as I believe tomorrow is the first day the Flyers can finally say goodbye to RJ Shitberger. Was the extra year of salary cap space worth the Umberger/Hartnell trade? Guess we will find out in FA.

In comment 12993033 Drewcon40 said:

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Hello gentlemen, I was browsing hfboards and see some smoke about Rick Bowness possibly being hired by the Rangers replace Ulf Samulesson after he accepted the Charlotte position.

Isn't he with Jon Cooper and the Lightning? Browness would be a nice hire. He coached with AV before. I think everyone assumes Beuke will replace Ulf.

In comment 12993126 Anakim said:

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Isn't he with Jon Cooper and the Lightning? Browness would be a nice hire. He coached with AV before. I think everyone assumes Beuke will replace Ulf.

I thought the same thing Anakim but there was a small bit of twitter activity stating this was close or has been agreed upon. None of the main beat writers, as of now but SNY posted this earlier.

Now I think he signed an extension with Tampa Bay.

Sorry for the confusion. I wasn't trying to have my major_tong moment.

Updated - Bowness signs extension with Tampa Bay - ( New Window )

In comment 12993126 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 12993033 Drewcon40 said: Quote: Hello gentlemen, I was browsing hfboards and see some smoke about Rick Bowness possibly being hired by the Rangers replace Ulf Samulesson after he accepted the Charlotte position. Isn't he with Jon Cooper and the Lightning? Browness would be a nice hire. He coached with AV before. I think everyone assumes Beuke will replace Ulf.

*Bowness

would be a good fit with JT and also don't see the two teams making something work.

Can't argue with using the 1st rd pick to add a proven vet like Eberle.

This will be a very entertaining off-season for the Isles (and per usual, because we expect that, not a lot will transpire)

Is he coming off a terrible season?

Eberle had a bit of a "down" year. Missed a small handful of games. His scoring was on par with where its been but the helpers weren't there. Not a terrible year. Still only 25. Definitely has more 70 point seasons on the horizon. Probably capable of 80 if he plays with an elite winger.

Especially if he is the major offseason acquisition. He is more of a backup to a backup plan.

If you combine the performance with the hefty contract, Edmonton needs to trade some of its former first rounders, before the majority of them continue to lose more value.

The only way Eberle makes any sense is if he does not cost you any pieces required to get JVR.

In that way, Eberle slides into line two, while JVR is paired with Tavares on the top line.

move JVR? Seems like he's the type of piece they would be looking to build around.

Is open for business.

Not expecting any activity on the Rangers front, but it will be nice to read some official offseason news and hopefully will help me stop vomiting from seeing Hagelin raising the cup in a Pens jersey.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus
#Blackhawks trade Bryan Bickell AND Teuvo Teravainen to Carolina for second-rounder in 2016 and a third-rounder in 2017.



Canes take on salary with Bickell and get a very nice young player in Teuvo

CAR gets:
Teravainen
Bickell

CHI gets:
2016 second-round pick
2017 third-round pick

made Teravainen expendable.

and Teravainen is an RFA after the season.

including him got CAR to take on Bickell's $4M.

good move. for both IMO.

.

For Carolina considering there's only one year of Bickell's contract to eat.

without buying them out. I wouldn't trade Skjei or Buchnevich but a guy like McIlrath I'd include if it meant getting rid of Girardi.

Good move for both teams.

In comment 12994830 Anakim said:

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without buying them out. I wouldn't trade Skjei or Buchnevich but a guy like McIlrath I'd include if it meant getting rid of Girardi.

I wouldn't - he has value as someone who can be exposed in the expansion draft. Further, the buyout is significantly more palatable next year. I think the team needs to look at the next 3-4 years, not just next year.

I read somewhere that teams were inquiring about Staal.

Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford, etc.

the Blackhawks need to let guys like Sharp, Teravainen, Byfuglin, etc. go.

to reach the cap floor. I simply don't think Girardi is going anywhere anytime soon unless he's packaged with an asset or two.

In comment 12994856 pjcas18 said:

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Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford, etc. the Blackhawks need to let guys like Sharp, Teravainen, Byfuglin, etc. go.

Buff has been gone for like 6 years now. Haha.