NFT: NHL Draft and Offseason Discussion

do the Devils get an apology and a top 10 draft pick back for being penalized for signing him to that deal 8 years ago?

get nothing. LOL.

to the Isles if he thinks he's even making 3/4 of what's he asking for. No thanks.

Isles are expected to hire a coach within a week. I think the Toronto assistant DJ Smith ends up with the job but who knows.

Thought he might be on the trade market this Summer.
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mock draft with write-ups

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1. Buffalo Sabres � Rasmus Dahlin, defenseman (Frolunda, Sweden): The 6-foot-2, 183-pound Dahlin is the consensus first overall pick and something of a delayed reaction reward for the Sabres finally getting that top pick after spectacularly missing it when they tanked for Connor McDavid. Dahlin has size, skating, offense and the ability to play big-time minutes and should be a franchise D-man in Buffalo for the next 10-plus years. He should be able to step in and make an impact right away. Adding him to the mix they already have in Buffalo could start to make them a much better team rather quickly. Interestingly enough, Dahlin would be only the second Swedish player selected first overall after Mats Sundin went first to Quebec Nordiques back in 1989. Dahlin has the makings of being even more of an impact player than Sundin. 2. Carolina Hurricanes � Andrei Svechnikov, right wing (Barrie Colts): The ultra-skilled Svechnikov has drawn comparisons to Ilya Kovalchuk in his time in the OHL, and has size, puck skills, scoring ability and pretty much everything you�d want from a blue-chip winger prospect. The 6-3, 187-pounder is projected to go as high as No. 2 to the Hurricanes given his pedigree and his production after popping in 40 goals in 44 games for Barrie last season. The Hurricanes could really use a franchise forward to go along with their stable of young defensemen. Carolina will have their choice of all the best wingers in the draft and it�s expected that Svechnikov will be the named called. 3. Montreal Canadiens � Filip Zadina, left wing (Halifax Mooseheads): The 6-1, 190-pounder has the smarts, the big-game performances and the 200-foot game that teams are looking for to go along with the requisite offensive and production skills for players at the top of the draft. None of that is his best quality, however, as he has the hands and the shot of a natural goal-scorer with the �shoot the puck� mentality to go along with it. He could go to the Canadiens third overall as they decide between Zadina and a high-ceiling college prospect Brady Tkachuk. It could simply come down to perhaps Zadina being ready to play in the NHL just a little bit sooner. Whoever the Habs choose, they won�t be getting that No. 1 franchise center they really need to start turning things around. 4. Ottawa Senators � Noah Dobson, defenseman (Acadie-Bathurst): A 6-3, 187-pound prospect who is more of a complete, traditional, two-way D-man than some of the smaller and offensive-minded players Quinn Hughes, Adam Boqvist and Dahlin. Dobson is no slouch when it comes to puck-moving and creating offense either, even if he isn�t quite a playmaking catalyst-type player, but he�s also a physical, strong defender that will be able to play in every situation and should chew up minutes for the Senators. Dobson has also elevated his stock with the way he continued to play at a very high level through Acadie-Bathurst�s Memorial Cup run. There�s also the fact that the Senators are going to need a young, blue-chip defenseman if things don�t work out well with franchise guy Erik Karlsson and he ends up leaving Ottawa via trade or free agency. They may opt for one of the smaller, more explosive back-end players if it�s more of a Karlsson-type replacement, but Dobson is emerging as a potentially special player. 5. Arizona Coyotes � Brady Tkachuk, left wing (Boston University): He'll beat older brother Matthew by getting selected one spot earlier in the draft and should eventually be a really good pro in Arizona given his pro-style game of ruggedness and power along with excellent skating ability for a big body. Tkachuk plays with the mean streak like Matthew and could really bring some attitude and swagger to the Coyotes, who need both as they build up a young group of players. It�s still unknown at this point if Tkachuk is going to choose the NHL or a return to BU for next season, but the good thing is that Arizona can wait for him if he returns to the NCAA ranks. One would expect that a coach Rick Tocchet would be pounding the draft table hard for a rugged, surly player like Tkachuk. 6. Detroit Red Wings � Quinn Hughes, defenseman (University of Michigan): The 5-10, 174-pounder had an excellent freshman season at Michigan that included a key role on Team USA at the World Juniors, and would be a nice addition to a Detroit team that could use more youth and skill on their back end. The five goals and 29 points in 37 games for the Wolverines were certainly solid, especially for a freshman, but Hughes is not quite considered in the same category as either Boqvist or Dahlin when it comes to pure offensive skill. Still, Detroit could do a heck of a lot worse than picking a very good player from the Michigan with their lottery pick. It would feel good for the Red Wings to finally get one of the local collegiate players for their team after watching blue-chipper Zach Werenski get locked up by the Blue Jackets in the first round a couple of years ago. 7. Vancouver Canucks � Evan Bouchard, defenseman (London Knights): The 6-2, 192-pounder is exactly the kind of solid D-man the Canucks could use after unearthing some top-tier young forwards in Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser. The 25 goals and 87 points in 67 OHL games last season really speak to some high-end offensive potential that would be a welcomed addition in Vancouver and marked the first D-man to crack the OHL�s top-10 in scoring since Ryan Ellis. Certainly, Jim Benning and the Canucks could stock up with another winger to add to their growing collection of talented, young forwards, but the bet here is the Canucks instead continue to build things out on their back end. An added bonus in selecting Bouchard is that he appears to be one of the members this draft class who's pretty close to contributing immediately in the NHL. 8. Chicago Blackhawks � Oliver Wahlstrom, right wing (US National Development Team): The 6-1, 205-pounder has been on the radar of many hockey fans since his days as a New England youth hockey player performing stunning one-on-one moves. Now, he�s set to be a top-10 pick and it looks like he�s also going to have a collegiate career at Boston College for as long as the Eagles program can keep the NHL scouts away. Wahlstrom has some breathtaking offensive ability with 48 goals and 94 points in 62 games for the US National Development Team, and has size, skating, shooting and considerable strength. He also brings a willingness to go the scoring areas that doesn�t always come quickly for young prospects. This is the kind of player who could quickly make an impact with the Blackhawks after a year of college seasoning at the Heights. 9. New York Rangers � Adam Boqvist, defenseman (Brynas, Sweden): Boqvist is part of the new breed of smaller, faster and creative defensemen getting selected near the top of the first round who are expected to make a massive offensive impact quickly. The Rangers have usually stocked up on traditional, big-bodied D-men over their recent history, but Boqvist is the kind of player who could really add a different element to a team that�s consciously looking to reshape its roster. He�s only 5-11, 170 and may not be able to jump immediately to the NHL based simply on his size and strength, but NHL teams are clearly now paying close attention to back-end players that could wind up being the next Erik Karlsson-type impact D-man. Boqvist has a chance to be that kind of player. Who knows? It is interesting that Boqvist's stock has fallen a little bit the past few weeks. 10. Edmonton Oilers � Jesperi Kotkaniemi, center/wing (Liiga, Finland): The 6-2, 190-pound Kotkaniemi is a player that impressed in his first full season in the top pro league in Finland and also starred for Team Finland on their World Junior team as well. The big Finn has great vision and playmaking ability along with the versatility of playing center or wing and could check off a lot of boxes for an Oilers team that�s rumored to be thinking about moving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The 10 goals and 29 points in 57 games for Liiga as a teenager were very impressive, and the sense with his game based on skill and strength is that it wouldn�t take him long to start making an impact in the NHL. Kotkaniemi is a player whose stock is most definitely rising. 11. New York Islanders � Barrett Hayton, center (Sault St. Marie Greyhounds): Hayton is the odds-on favorite to be the first center selected. It feels a little later than usual at the 11th overall spot. But the 6-1, 190-pound Hayton is a strong all-around performer who will make a strong candidate for all situations as a good two-way center with a playmaking instinct and great hockey sense. Clearly, the offense is there, too, with 23 goals and 60 points in 63 games, but it�s the overall package that makes him such an attractive candidate. Plus there�s definitely this: With the Isle perhaps looking at a huge void down the middle at center if John Tavares leaves in free agency, they are going to need some help. Center clearly might be a place where the Islanders want to shore up at this summer�s draft after Lou Lamoriello cleaned house earlier this month. 12. New York Islanders (from Calgary) � Ty Smith, defenseman (Spokane Chiefs): The 5-10, 175-pound Smith is another smaller, skilled defenseman who will be selected in the first round and showed some very good offensive instincts while posting three goals and 27 points on just the power play this season. Overall, Smith piled up 73 points in 69 games while displaying very strong offensive instincts on the first pass out of the zone, a really strong knack for creating offense on the power play and enough of everything else to be a catalyst NHL D-man. Even better for the Isles, Smith�s defense and overall game put him at a level where he might be closer to ready to contribute for New York. 13. Dallas Stars � Joe Veleno, center (Drummondville Voltiguers): The 6-1, 193-pound center has flashed big-time speed and playmaking in his junior hockey career and would give the Stars another strong prospect down the middle with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn in the prime of their NHL careers. Veleno is a strong power-play guy and a 200-foot player who competes in all zones, so there isn�t a lot to dislike about his game particularly as a middle-of-the-first-round selection for a team already squarely on the bubble as a playoff team. Veleno really hit his stride after getting dealt from Saint John to Drummondville in the middle of the season. He certainly improved his draft standing with a strong finish to his season in the QMJHL as the 48 points in 33 games for Drummondville would attest to for Veleno. 14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis) � Serron Noel, right wing (Oshawa Generals): The 6-5, 205-pound Noel is a prototypical power forward with size, strength and plenty of skill to finish plays around the net. The kind of player the Flyers will always gladly draft and develop. With Wayne Simmonds approaching 30 and possibly unrestricted free agency, they�re a team that�s always valued size and strength on the wing along with their skilled forwards. The 28 goals and 53 points certainly aren�t the kind of eye-popping arcade game numbers that some of the other lottery picks will have posted, but they are excellent when combined with his size and strength of all of those other wingers. If you miss out on Brady Tkachuk as a power forward at the top of the draft then Noel would make a pretty decent consolation prize. 15. Florida Panthers � Rasmus Kupari, center (Karpat, Finland): The 6-1, 183-pound Kupari has flashed elite shooting and passing skills for a center and clearly has something going while putting up a strong showing as a teenager in Finland�s top league. He could be a really sound pick for the Panthers given that it looks as if Kupari will need additional time in Finland to build strength and the defensive side of his game. The Panthers will be able to afford that period of development given the young talent they already possess up front on their roster and that could pay off with a player who might have some of the best skills among the forwards in the draft. 16. Colorado Avalanche � Joel Farabee, left wing (US National Development Team): Farabee still has some filling out and strengthening to do at 6-foot, 168 pounds, but has the numbers and skills with 33 goals and 76 points in 62 games for the US Development team last season. Farabee�s game is built around speed and grittiness and the kind of leadership qualities that will make him an asset for any team down the line. Add in the quick release and the strong hockey IQ and he�s a player who brings a lot to the table for whichever team drafts him. Farabee sounds like the kind of player that could fit in with what the Islanders want to start building and brings something they don�t have on their NHL roster. Farabee is committed to play at BU next season, so this is the kind of pick that could be a bit of a slow play for Colorado while they allow him time to develop into a more finished NHL product. 17. New Jersey Devils � Bode Wilde, defenseman (US National Development Team): Armed with one of the best hockey names in the draft, the 6-2, 196-pound Wilde has ideal size and skill set to match on the back end. Wilde is strong and durable with all of the key ingredients to be able to play big minutes in all situations, has an excellent first step to get into fast gear with his skating game and also boasts a big, booming shot to really check off all the boxes at defenseman. The Devils made a nice step this season getting back into the playoffs, but they also showed that they needed to shore up their talent level pretty much across the board. Wilde would make a really nice acquisition in the second half of the first round. 18. Columbus Blue Jackets � Grigori Denisenko, left wing (Loko Yaroslavl, MHL): The 5-10, 165-pound Denisenko has some dazzling skills and high-end offensive ability and could really explode in the next couple of years as he gains more strength. The nine goals and 22 points in 30 games only hint at the overall offensive ability as a big-time winger and it may be a few years before he�s actually up to snuff in the NHL. So, there�s going to need to be a bit of patience from the Blue Jackets should they take him. Certainly, there need to be some significant gains in terms of size and strength. Still, there�s no doubting the talent is there for Columbus to roll the dice in the middle of the first round on a player that could be an impact forward offensively. 19. Philadelphia Flyers � Rasmus Sandin, defenseman (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds): The 5-11, 190-pound Sandin certainly is another blueliner on the smaller side, but like many of those others first-rounders, he also has good skating wheels, a big and heavy shot and good instincts for the passing game. Sandin didn�t look like much of a defensive liability either while playing for the Soo, so he could be a really nice pickup for a team looking to stockpile D-man prospects behind young NHL-proven commodities in Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov. 20. Los Angeles Kings � Vitaly Kravstov, right wing (Chelyabinsk, KHL): The 6-2, 183-pound Kravstov really jumped up on scouts� radars when he stepped up in the KHL playoffs with six goals and 11 points in 16 games after a mostly non-descript rookie season. The skating, hands and willingness to play around the net are all there for Kravstov, who might not be far off from an NHL look given the way he flashed in the KHL. Given the Russian forward�s all-around game, he would make a nice fit with a Kings outfit that�s always looking to get a little more explosive and offensively viable up front to go along with a pretty well-stocked roster. 21. San Jose Sharks � Isac Lundestrom, center/left wing (Lulea, Sweden): The 6-foot, 185-pound Lundestrom is good value with the 21st pick for the Sharks given that some scouts think he�s the best center in the draft. Lundestrom, 18, held his own in the Swedish Elite League as and shows top-gear speed and offense-producing ability from the middle of the lineup that will only improve with time. On a team with an aging group up front that�s got plenty of size and strength, lightning-quick Lundestrom could be a very nice complement to a playoff-proven group. The challenge will come for Lundestrom on the defensive side and that�s what will likely keep him out of the NHL for a season or two. 22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh) � Benoit-Oliver Groulx, center/left wing (Halifax Mooseheads): The 6-1, 192-pound son of Syracuse Crunch coach Benoit Groulx, the younger Groulx posted 28 goals and 55 points for the Mooseheads in 68 games and was a strong in the playoffs. Groulx is an average skater who still needs improving in that area, but his ability to shoot the puck and score from the traditional areas is among the best in the draft. Groulx also pays attention to the defensive side, competes hard and consistently shows the kind of hockey IQ that one would associate with the son of a coach. As it is, he�s a good selection toward the end of the first round, but he could become a very good NHL player with more improvement in his skating. 23. Anaheim Ducks � K�Andre Miller, defenseman (US National Development Team): The converted forward is a big, hard-skating body that can finish off checks, move the puck and should provide the kind of young blood that the Ducks need on their back end after jettisoning a lot of their young prospects. Miller is headed to the University of Wisconsin next season, where he should continue developing his game, and definitely feels like the kind of big, physical D-man who could have a lot of success in the Pacific Division. For an Anaheim team that should be on the long road toward getting younger, faster and more explosive, Miller is a pretty good piece right in the middle of that mix. 24. Minnesota Wild � Ryan McLeod, center/winger (Mississauga Steelheads): The 6-2, 192-pound McLeod is a fast and agile skater who also has good size and willingness to mix it up in all zones and showed plenty of playmaking ability with 26 goals and 70 points in 68 games for the Steelheads last season. The versatility of playing center or wing certainly can�t be overlooked in this day and age of the NHL as well. He�s got good hockey bloodlines as the younger brother of Devils first-round pick Michael McLeod and would give the Wild some good, young talent up front, where they are looking a little over-the-hill these days. 25. Toronto Maple Leafs � Mattias Samuelsson, defenseman (US National Development Team): The 6-4, 216-pound Samuelsson is the kind of big, two-way defenseman that the Leafs don�t have enough of right now. Samuelsson isn�t a greyhound D-man, obviously, but still posted 10 goals and 31 points in 58 games for the US Development team last season. Samuelsson is the son of Kjell Samuelsson, who was an outstanding defender in the NHL, and is much more mobile, creative and geared toward a possible top-pairing role than his old man. While it�s possible the Leafs could be shopping for an eventual power forward replacement for James van Riemsdyk as well, Samuelsson seems like much more of a sure bet in Toronto. 26. New York Rangers (from Boston) � Akil Thomas, center/wing (Niagara IceDogs): The 6-foot, 170-pound Thomas posted 22 goals and 81 points in 68 games for the IceDogs last season and has excellent skating and puck-handling skills to go along with a really dangerous shot from the face-off circle. The bottom line on this kid is that he�s a playmaker. For a Rangers team that needs a little bit of everything, Thomas could be an excellent pick based on his versatility, offensive upside and would make another excellent part of the haul that the Blueshirts received from the Bruins in exchange for trade deadline dud Rick Nash. 27. Chicago Blackhawks (from Nashville) � Martin Kaut, right wing (Dynamo Pardubice, Czech): The 6-1, 174-pound winger has shown a good ability to finish plays and provide offense in his limited time in the Czech leagues, but was a point-per-game player (seven points in seven games) at the world junior tournament, where the radars are truly up for the NHL scouting staffs. Kaut is a player who really pushed up in the rankings later in the year and could rise even higher based on his standing along with other prospects. The good offensive abilities for Kaut should be a nice fit for a Blackhawks, who need to get younger, more skilled and more dangerous offensively as they support their established core group with an infusion of younger talent. 28. New York Rangers (from Tampa Bay) � Ty Dallandrea, center (Flint): The 6-foot, 185-pound center was easy to overlook for most of this season on a bad Flint team, but Dallandrea kept grinding and playing hard while waiting for his chance. The 27 goals and 59 points in 67 games were also nothing to sneeze at. When he got that chance at the CHL Top Prospects game at midseason, he scored a pair of goals and boosted his stock while performing at a high level with better talent around him. The Rangers could absolutely stand to improve their look down the middle of the ice, and a character/talent pick in Dallandrea at the end of the first round could be a really sound choice for the Blueshirts. 29. St. Louis Blues (from Winnipeg) � Dominik Bokk, right wing (Vaxjo, Sweden): The 6-1, 179-pound Bokk is German-born playing in Sweden and showed off his silky smooth hands and playmaking abilities with five points in five games for the Germans at the World Juniors. Bokk has been a very good player going through the Vaxjo system in Sweden and ended up playing 15 games at the elite level. Certainly, he�s got pretty good size and his overall offense is solid, but where he really excels is in the passing and playmaking game, where he could make a really nice impact with St. Louis down the line. 30. Detroit Red Wings (from Vegas) � Jacob Olofsson, center (Timra IK, Allsvenskan, Sweden): The 6-2, 192-pound Olofsson is a strong, two-way center out of the Swedish leagues who could provide the kind of excellent all-around center that the Red Wings could use to eventually replace Pavel Datsyuk. Olofsson has size, strength and speed to go along with the good offensive and solid defense. He's drawn favorable comparisons to Patrice Bergeron and Anze Kopitar. That�s some very solid company for a young prospect and would be a really fine get for the Wings at the very beginning of a long rebuilding process. 31. Washington Capitals � Ryan Merkley, defenseman (Guelph Storm: The 5-11, 170-pound Ontario native has the offensive goods on the back end, and posted 13 goals and 67 points in 63 games for the Storm last season. The shot, the passing, skating and hockey tools are on point for a player who clearly has the skill to be selected higher than this based on talent alone. Still, he�s been a bit of a problem with suspensions, poor defense and on-ice frustration for in his brief junior career and doesn�t always exhibit the best body language on the ice when things aren�t going his way. Clearly, he�s the kind of talent that the newly crowned Stanley Cup champs might just roll the dice on - particularly in their situation with a strong veteran core that could use some young, explosive NHL talent.

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The team that gets him is lucky imo. I kinda hope Ottawa drafts him, but if Montreal takes Kotkaniemi it leaves Zadina there for us. Another guy I love is Bouchard. He needs to improve his skating a bit but that seems to be an area most teams can correct these days. He's a brilliant passer and has a fantastic shot and hockey sense.

Kravtsov (spell??) should be on that top 15 list. He's a pretty gifted offensive player.

In comment 13989167 Andy in Halifax said:

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The team that gets him is lucky imo. I kinda hope Ottawa drafts him, but if Montreal takes Kotkaniemi it leaves Zadina there for us. Another guy I love is Bouchard. He needs to improve his skating a bit but that seems to be an area most teams can correct these days. He's a brilliant passer and has a fantastic shot and hockey sense. Kravtsov (spell??) should be on that top 15 list. He's a pretty gifted offensive player.

Last time the Canadiens picked #3 they took a C/W (Galchenyuk) who is really not an NHL C. I think Kotkaniemi is an NHL C, but I think they'll be wary of doing that again and simply pick Zadina. Zadina reminds me of Tarasenko offensively, so silky smooth and a sniper shot.

But I think both have NHL careers.

And I like both D you mentioned as well as Kravstov. I watched some of the KHL playoffs and he definitely didn't seem out of place in the least, in fact he dominated somewhat, for an 18 year old. I just think he's stuck in the KHL for now, so he'll drop to a team who doesn't need him. He does belong in pure prospect ranking top 15 though, I agree.

and possibly even making a big offer to Trotz (contract up and supposedly he wants his salary more than tripled). I doubt that happens bc it seems like a stretch both that WAS would let him go and that the Isles would spend that much, but who knows. Sounds like Lou is going to be making a lot of moves the next 10 days.

linked below. Top 10 here.

Massive drop after the top few guys. Maybe bigger news or as big are the players who allegedly on the trading block like Erik Karlsson, Max Pacioretty, ROR, Skinner, Hanifin, Hoffman, Subban (?), Grubauer, Lucic, Kessel, etc.

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1. JOHN TAVARES, C, 27 2017-18 cap hit: $5,500,000 Just as Steven Stamkos shaped up to be the most significant UFA in NHL history two years ago, the same goes for Tavares if he makes it to July 1 unsigned. He has a strong chance to surpass Jonathan Toews' and Patrick Kane�s $10.5-million cap hits and become hockey�s second-richest player behind Connor McDavid. Will Tavares leave the Islanders? It�s no sure thing. He�s comfortable in that market. Really boosting the odds of him staying are Matt Barzal�s mammoth rookie year and the Isles� winning the Belmont Park arena bid. 2. JOHN CARLSON, D, 28 2017-18 cap hit: $3,966,667 He makes more money with each passing second. After leading all blueliners in points this season, he's enjoying a monster playoffs with the Caps, too. Would it surprise anyone if he got $7.5 million annually on his next deal? Maybe even $8 million? A right shot to boot. 3. JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK, LW, 29 2017-18 cap hit: $4,250,000 He's a one-trick pony, but it's a good trick. He's arguably the league's best goal scorer from inside three feet. If that skill dries up at any point, though, his next deal could weigh down his new team about halfway through the term. 4. PAUL STASTNY, C, 32 2017-18 cap hit: $7,000,000 Has found new life as a Jet centering a dynamite second line after being acquired at the deadline. Given his versatility and the dearth of great centers on the market, Stastny should command a medium-term deal with an AAV upwards of $5 million. 5. MIKE GREEN, D, 32 2017-18 cap hit: $6,000,000 Just as Green's neck injury scared teams away from renting him at the deadline, the cervical surgery required to fix it likely cost Green some money. In such a poor class for D-men, though, he's still one of the best options out there, risk and all. 6. EVANDER KANE, LW, 26 2017-18 cap hit: $5,250,000 Talent has never been the issue for Kane. He�s big, strong, mean and gifted, like a young Todd Bertuzzi. Kane is also quietly just 26, and his first taste of playoff hockey shows he's well suited to it. 7. ILYA KOVALCHUK, RW, 35 2017-18 cap hit: $6,666,666 Showed absolutely zero signs of slowing down in the KHL, where he continued to light it up, and he�s a proven NHL talent, one of the best goal scorers of his generation. Teams will still likely take a prove-it approach given his age, though. Something like a two-year pact sounds likely. 8. JAMES NEAL, RW, 30 2017-18 cap hit: $5,000,000 Had a sizzling start to his year with Vegas, then faded in second half, though injuries were to blame. That he's rallied with a great playoff showing should erase concerns that he's still a valuable power forward. 9. JOE THORNTON, C, 38 2017-18 cap hit: $8,000,000 �Jumbo� won�t win the Hart or scoring title again but remains a great playmaker and elite two-way center. The fact San Jose had to overpay him at $8 million last summer suggests he considered leaving. Might he actually do it next time, like buddy Patrick Marleau did in 2017? He won't cost as much this time given his age and health concerns. 10. DAVID PERRON, LW, 30 2017-18 cap hit: $3,750,000 David Perron, point-per-game stud? Dreams come true in Sin City. He�s played his way into a nice extension theoretically, but if Golden Knights GM George McPhee pays every player for his 2017-18 performance, he�ll run out of money. Someone will end up the odd man out and walk as a UFA, and it appears that'll be Perron.

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mentioned, the OEL (Eckman-Larsson) deal sounds done.

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Chris Nichols ‏ @NicholsOnHockey �I�m going to give you a list of teams that I believe are interested in Ilya Kovalchuk." #SJSharks #LAKings #Bruins #NYR #RedWings #stlblues #NHLDucks #Stars #Isles (Not #Leafs or #Habs)

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Arthur Staple ‏Verified account @StapeAthletic 1m1 minute ago Arthur Staple Retweeted Chris Nichols On Kovalchuk, should have said #Isles not in the main circle of interest... Still doesn't seem like a top priority

I think he will go higher.

isn't going to test the market in a year. I'd want to get the hell out of Arizona if I'm a hockey player, but what do I know?

In comment 13989155 pjcas18 said:

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get nothing. LOL.

We get Tavares. Isles get nothing.

get Wahlstrom

he de-committed from Harvard and has now committed to BC.

No clue what that's about, but if he was a Harvard commit I don't think I'd draft him top 10, those guys usually go to school and most try and graduate, so you're looking at at least 3 years before he'd join the NHL.

For example: Jimmy Vecey, and more recently Ryan Donato continued to take classes after joining the Bruins in March - his 3rd at Harvard.

Ty Smith or Wilde fall to the Devils.

In comment 13989226 pjcas18 said:

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he de-committed from Harvard and has now committed to BC. No clue what that's about, but if he was a Harvard commit I don't think I'd draft him top 10, those guys usually go to school and most try and graduate, so you're looking at at least 3 years before he'd join the NHL. For example: Jimmy Vecey, and more recently Ryan Donato continued to take classes after joining the Bruins in March - his 3rd at Harvard.

I thought he was academically ineligible for Harvard


But yeah, Wahlstrom is my ideal choice at 9

for Harvard, but eligible for BC?

Isn't eligibility determined by the NCAA?

Maybe he wasn't admitted to Harvard? I find that hard to believe, but I guess it's possible.


but I haven't seen any official statement.

This is as close to anything I've seen.

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Oliver Wahlstrom To Play For Boston College In 2018-19 May 22, 2018 at 4:10 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee 2 Comments Watchers of college hockey were waiting for this decision for some time and now Mark Divver of the Providence Journal has confirmed that Oliver Wahlstrom will indeed play for Boston College in 2018-19. Wahlstrom had been committed to Harvard and also linked to Michigan previously�and even committed to Maine when he was just 13 (before de-committing two years later)�but will be an Eagle for at least one season. The promising winger has drawn the eye of NHL scouts since the age of nine and his arrival at Harvard was much-anticipated; that excitement now belongs to BC fans, at least for the 2018-19 season. Wahlstrom, 17, is considered one of the best pure goal-scorers eligible for this year�s draft and will almost certainly be selected somewhere in the first ten picks. The right-handed forward scored a ridiculous 70 goals in 88 games as part of the US Development program this year, and found incredible chemistry with potential 2019 first-overall pick Jack Hughes. A rare breed of size and skill, Wahlstrom is as close to a sure thing as an NHL prospect among forwards in this draft class. Armed with a brilliant shot and excellent skating and puck-protection skills, Wahlstrom is expected to dominate at the college level and quickly grade out to the NHL. Playing for Boston College will prove to be a greater challenge, given the strength of the Hockey East Conference compared to Harvard in the ECAC, but will give him an excellent chance to experience team success with a top program and could persuade him to stay in the NCAA for more than one year. Still, whoever drafts him will want to get him into their system before long, as there is little that Wahlstrom can�t do on the offensive side of the puck.

In comment 13989285 pjcas18 said:

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for Harvard, but eligible for BC? Isn't eligibility determined by the NCAA? Maybe he wasn't admitted to Harvard? I find that hard to believe, but I guess it's possible. but I haven't seen any official statement. This is as close to anything I've seen. Quote: Oliver Wahlstrom To Play For Boston College In 2018-19 May 22, 2018 at 4:10 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee 2 Comments Watchers of college hockey were waiting for this decision for some time and now Mark Divver of the Providence Journal has confirmed that Oliver Wahlstrom will indeed play for Boston College in 2018-19. Wahlstrom had been committed to Harvard and also linked to Michigan previously�and even committed to Maine when he was just 13 (before de-committing two years later)�but will be an Eagle for at least one season. The promising winger has drawn the eye of NHL scouts since the age of nine and his arrival at Harvard was much-anticipated; that excitement now belongs to BC fans, at least for the 2018-19 season. Wahlstrom, 17, is considered one of the best pure goal-scorers eligible for this year�s draft and will almost certainly be selected somewhere in the first ten picks. The right-handed forward scored a ridiculous 70 goals in 88 games as part of the US Development program this year, and found incredible chemistry with potential 2019 first-overall pick Jack Hughes. A rare breed of size and skill, Wahlstrom is as close to a sure thing as an NHL prospect among forwards in this draft class. Armed with a brilliant shot and excellent skating and puck-protection skills, Wahlstrom is expected to dominate at the college level and quickly grade out to the NHL. Playing for Boston College will prove to be a greater challenge, given the strength of the Hockey East Conference compared to Harvard in the ECAC, but will give him an excellent chance to experience team success with a top program and could persuade him to stay in the NCAA for more than one year. Still, whoever drafts him will want to get him into their system before long, as there is little that Wahlstrom can�t do on the offensive side of the puck.

I meant his grades weren't up to snuff for Harvard. I don't know if that's true, but that's what I read.

(didn't get in or de-committed) as much of an ECAC fan I am, Hockey East is a better test.

I'd hope it's just one year. I hate losing these years of a top 10 pick, and it's not like NCAA hockey helps development more than juniors or minors (AHL) or KHL or other pro league would.

He certainly has an NHL-caliber shot

In comment 13989296 Anakim said:

Quote:

He certainly has an NHL-caliber shot

Agree, he's NHL ready today, not just his shot, his whole game IMO.

of a Lucic (EDM) + for Shaw (MTL) trade.

Lucic is one of the players I can't see joining the Canadiens, so much bad blood, and he has a NMC so will be interesting.

I think Andrew Shaw gets a little bit of a bad rap, he does play with an edge and crosses the line a little bit, but he's definitely miss-cast in MTL.

That said, Lucic has 5 years at $6M per season left, I'd want the #10 pick too to take that trade. and I doubt EDM wants to part with it.

leaves the Caps.

Burakovsky and Eller could all leave the Caps as well s Grubauer.

I think the table has been flipped - Wash will make Pitt their bitch for a couple years now.

In comment 13989383 Andy in Halifax said:

Quote:

I think the table has been flipped - Wash will make Pitt their bitch for a couple years now.

They already have. I mean this recent series just showed how much stronger, better skilled and more dedicated to the game of hockey the Caps are over the Pens. Just a total embarrassment for the Penguins franchise.

Demoralizing really. Don't think they can ever come back from that.

Washington showed that they're in a class well above the Penguins.

Don't know how they can afford him, but Crosby, Tavares, Malkin down the middle is terrifying.

But have resources to keep Carlson and replace what they lose and keep getting a bit stronger. Pittsburgh had a nice run, but their days of winning Cups are over.

shopping Kessel.

I read the Islanders were reportedly considering offering Tavares $14M per. Which is ridiculous. I like Taveres, top 5 center in the league perhaps, not sure, but no chance I do that.

If he's in the $8 - $10M range the Penguins could legit make a run at him.

Either way, with or without Tavares I would not count the Penguins out while they have Crosby and Malkin at 1C/2C both 31/32 years old. If they're healthy the Penguins are contenders.

In comment 13989395 Anakim said:

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Don't know how they can afford him, but Crosby, Tavares, Malkin down the middle is terrifying.

They'd trade Kessel in order to afford it. It's a well known secret Sullivan and he don't see eye to eye

In comment 13989400 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 13989395 Anakim said: Quote: Don't know how they can afford him, but Crosby, Tavares, Malkin down the middle is terrifying. They'd trade Kessel in order to afford it. It's a well known secret Sullivan and he don't see eye to eye

Yep, but could you imagine those three being on the same team? Ridiculous.

More than in an on-the-ice success way. They need him to sell tickets and stay afloat. So the 14M offer would be more than just for his on-the-ice performance.

and part of me thinks they'd be better off just letting go.

For one, they weren't that competitive the past two seasons with Tavares in his prime and at least a few decent players around him missing the playoffs the past two years.

And they've won 1 playoff series in his Islanders tenure.

It's hard not to acknowledge the impact system and coaching have in the NHL, just look at Vegas, but in the end more often than not, talent wins in the NHL. It's no secret teams led by Ovi, Crosby, Malkin, Toews, Kane, Quick, Kopitar, Doughty, Bergeron, have won like 8 or 9 of the past 10 cups.

And sure, one player can't to it alone, but tying up 8 figures plus for that one player makes it harder to build the team, and if they build organically it takes longer.

they might be better off building around Barzal who may never be Tavares from the two-way game standpoint, but he's more explosive from a skill standpoint.

So wrong, pj. Just read the Islander threads - they are merely two elite defensemen, an elite goaltender, and an elite head coach away from contending. Literally right on the cusp, as they have been for the past decade.

In comment 13989430 BrettNYG10 said:

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So wrong, pj. Just read the Islander threads - they are merely two elite defensemen, an elite goaltender, and an elite head coach away from contending. Literally right on the cusp, as they have been for the past decade.

The coming Islander dynasty has been a staple of BBI Islander threads for close to a decade now.

Take Bouchard at 9. Though I doubt we are staying at 9.

to not shop him at the deadline. They may be better served to save the money, let him go and build around Barzal. But then they'd be losing him for nothing.

Could have gotten a haul for him at the deadline and then built around Barzal

In comment 13989465 Phil in LA said:

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Take Bouchard at 9. Though I doubt we are staying at 9.

I'm with this. When I see skating as a weakness that really concerns me. I'm not sure that's so easily correctable.

I could see a trade up to maybe Detroit's pick at 6 to get Wahlstromm.

but I am still a more traditionalist in terms of D.

And I don't think skating is what I'd call a weakness he's a good skater, he's just not special Dahlin, Hughes or Boqvist.

he was the best offensive defenseman in the OHL which is still the best Canadian junior hockey league, as well as hardest shot. And he's such a good passer. He, like the smaller D, is a potential power play QB.

If the opportunity presents itself to get Hughes or Wahlstrom I'd probably do it, but Bouchard isn't exactly settling. He might contribute significant NHL minutes sooner than either of the other two.

In comment 13989436 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 13989430 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: So wrong, pj. Just read the Islander threads - they are merely two elite defensemen, an elite goaltender, and an elite head coach away from contending. Literally right on the cusp, as they have been for the past decade. The coming Islander dynasty has been a staple of BBI Islander threads for close to a decade now.

Other than 1 or 2 guys, please tell me which isles fans ever thought they were close to anything? I�ll wait...

It's the current market inefficiency imo if you want to moneyball it. Plus, Bouchard's actually not a poor skater, just not elite like Dobson. Better skater than Ryan Ellis for example. But he definitely does have to improve or his offense won't quite translate as well as you'd like.

preview
Link - ( New Window )

They seem to put it a premium. They took a lower ceiling but better skater in Lias Andersson over a guy who really only lacks elite skating ability in Gabe Vilardi.

Brady Skjei, Ryan McDonagh, Carl Hagelin, Jesper Fast, Chris Kreider, Sean Day...excellent skaters.


That's why I don't think Bouchard will even be in the conversation at 9.

Allegedly Mike Hoffman's longtime girlfriend has been stalking and harassing Erik Karlsson's wife. Including taunting her and accusing her of taking pain killers during her pregnancy leading to the stillborn death of Karlsson's son this past winter.

There was recently a restraining order filed against Hoffman's girlfriend by Karlsson.

I don't think either stays in Ottawa.

Quote:

Ottawa Citizen ‏Verified account @OttawaCitizen Erik Karlsson�s wife, Melinda, files order of protection against Mike Hoffman�s long-time girlfriend after alleged campaign of harassment #ottsports http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/mike-hoffmans-longtime-girlfriend-allegedly-behind-campaign-of-harassment-against-melinda-and-erik-karlsson?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1528830528 �

Link - ( New Window )

then I say - well, we've finally hit rock bottom...

then the Sens ask me to hold their beer.

Karlsson's wife is a smokeshow (unsurprisingly)


But yeah, that's fucked up. That's worse than the Reimer/Phaneuf rumored staredown.

In comment 13989391 Davisian said:

Quote:

In comment 13989383 Andy in Halifax said: Quote: I think the table has been flipped - Wash will make Pitt their bitch for a couple years now. They already have. I mean this recent series just showed how much stronger, better skilled and more dedicated to the game of hockey the Caps are over the Pens. Just a total embarrassment for the Penguins franchise. Demoralizing really. Don't think they can ever come back from that. Washington showed that they're in a class well above the Penguins.

No it hasn't.
Pens played like crap in that series, in the playoffs, and pretty much the whole season.
I saw them four times this season in DC, NYR, NJ, and NYI and they lost all 4 giving up 4 goals each game.

They were burnt out mentally from going back to back.
Look at game 5 in DC, they had that game and gave it away.
Please.
Pens were fortunate to beat Philly, just were tired.

In comment 13989395 Anakim said:

Quote:

Don't know how they can afford him, but Crosby, Tavares, Malkin down the middle is terrifying.

This is not happening.
They are not going after JT, they have a difficult enough time finding a role for Brassard let alone another franchise center.

In comment 13989396 Andy in Halifax said:

Quote:

But have resources to keep Carlson and replace what they lose and keep getting a bit stronger. Pittsburgh had a nice run, but their days of winning Cups are over.

Really?
They ain't losing anybody major this off season and are getting a nice summer to rest.
They'll be fine.

In comment 13989609 Andy in Halifax said:

Quote:

then I say - well, we've finally hit rock bottom... then the Sens ask me to hold their beer.

Andrew Hammond's wife apparently came out and backed up a lot of what Mrs. Karlsson reported. I only mention that because a lot of twitter took a "this is all alleged, wait until facts come out" approach, which I completely support.

I don't see how Hoffman survives this in OTT, and he was rumored to be traded anyway (maybe this is why?).

But it might hurt his value.

hockey locker rooms are different than other sports, IMO, because of how much time you spend there. Getting dressed is involved, you have warm ups then go to the room, in between periods, afterwards for treatment, etc. a divided locker room in hockey is team suicide.

and more than a handful of trades were forced because of them.

And maybe this biggest shame of this for Senators fans is Karlsson was likely to be traded too.

visited LAK and SJS and now rumored to be meeting with the Bruins.

I'm not sure exactly what he has left, but I don't want to see Kovy on the Bruins. Unless it's a massive deal and he's awful. Then I want to see it.

(NSH GM) says unequivocally PK Subban will not be traded.
I think those were Marc Bergevin's last words before a trade was announced.

Look for a Subban trade before the draft.

This feels like a media generated rumor

In comment 13990108 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

This feels like a media generated rumor

Most likely, but apparently they shopped him last off-season (according to sources - that might be the same ones speculating now).

In comment 13989728 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13989609 Andy in Halifax said: Quote: then I say - well, we've finally hit rock bottom... then the Sens ask me to hold their beer. Andrew Hammond's wife apparently came out and backed up a lot of what Mrs. Karlsson reported. I only mention that because a lot of twitter took a "this is all alleged, wait until facts come out" approach, which I completely support. I don't see how Hoffman survives this in OTT, and he was rumored to be traded anyway (maybe this is why?). But it might hurt his value. hockey locker rooms are different than other sports, IMO, because of how much time you spend there. Getting dressed is involved, you have warm ups then go to the room, in between periods, afterwards for treatment, etc. a divided locker room in hockey is team suicide. and more than a handful of trades were forced because of them. And maybe this biggest shame of this for Senators fans is Karlsson was likely to be traded too.

Funny, I read an article yesterday that quoted Hammond denying that they were responsible for the offending instagram posts. The whole thing is nutz.

I think you mean Hoffman denied it. His fiancee is the accused. Hammond is an ex-Senator traded to the Avalanche last year and Hammond's wife is the one who confirmed.

Unless i missed another report which is possible.

In comment 13990139 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think you mean Hoffman denied it. His fiancee is the accused. Hammond is an ex-Senator traded to the Avalanche last year and Hammond's wife is the one who confirmed. Unless i missed another report which is possible.

Ah, I confused the two. H names. Thanks for straightening it out.

Who do you want the Habs to take at 3?

Do you think there is any chance that either D Ty Smith or D Bode Wilde fall to the Devils at 17?

In comment 13990256 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

Who do you want the Habs to take at 3? Do you think there is any chance that either D Ty Smith or D Bode Wilde fall to the Devils at 17?

best case, Carolina somehow doesn't take Svechnikov or the Habs trade up to 2 to get him (the habs I think have 3 2nd round picks) that would be huge for MTL, but the Canes will take him so then I think either Zadina or Kotkaniemi. Zadina is an elusive silky smooth offensive talent, but Kotkaniemi is a legit future NHL 2 way center aka a 1C.

Also, I like Tkachuk, but not at #3. Some people really underestimate Tkachuk. I feel like he'll be a lot like his father.

I doubt Smith falls to 17, but Wilde may. and I like Wilde a a little better for the Devils with his size, Smith is part of that new wave of smaller good skating D, and the Devils already have Butcher.

on the JT situation from a St. Louis writer (blogger?).

I still think he listens to other pitches, but if he truly plans on staying, his reasoning makes sense why he's waiting
Link - ( New Window )

as legit destination, so not sure why he's sorry for Habs fans.

I think he's over simplifying.

It depends on if Tavares is serious about wanting to play for a contender and if he at least wants to listen on money.

I remember David Wright saying winning was more important than money and then re-signing with the Mets for a the largest contract in Mets history. If winning was more important he would have left Queens.

Vs another sport. Not sure where that speech came from.

The guys girlfriend - allegedly - has made hundreds of threatening and otherwise derogatory remarks including going after a dead fetus or infant, not sure which. The question is whether Mrs Karlsson is innocent in all this or if they've been going at each other for years and now one is claiming to be victim.

Anyway, this story would fracture any locker room ... or any company team in any office/corporation. It's disgusting if true.

Only way Hoffman gets another job if ottawas investigation determines its true - is if he dumps and cuts all ties with her. She's hot - could be on that crazy hot matrix I have no idea.

In comment 13990399 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

Vs another sport. Not sure where that speech came from. The guys girlfriend - allegedly - has made hundreds of threatening and otherwise derogatory remarks including going after a dead fetus or infant, not sure which. The question is whether Mrs Karlsson is innocent in all this or if they've been going at each other for years and now one is claiming to be victim. Anyway, this story would fracture any locker room ... or any company team in any office/corporation. It's disgusting if true. Only way Hoffman gets another job if ottawas investigation determines its true - is if he dumps and cuts all ties with her. She's hot - could be on that crazy hot matrix I have no idea.

Ok.

polling some scouts to compare:

Hughes vs Boqvist

Bouchard vs Dobson

Link - ( New Window )

"Coaching stuff: It�s expected Lindy Ruff will stay with David Quinn in New York."

Dafuq?
31 Thoughts - ( New Window )

In comment 13990646 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

"Coaching stuff: It�s expected Lindy Ruff will stay with David Quinn in New York." Dafuq? 31 Thoughts - ( New Window )

I'm guessing this has more to do with management than coaching. They probably want someone who has experience on the bench aiding a new coach.

In comment 13990759 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 13990646 NYerInMA said: Quote: "Coaching stuff: It�s expected Lindy Ruff will stay with David Quinn in New York." Dafuq? 31 Thoughts - ( New Window ) I'm guessing this has more to do with management than coaching. They probably want someone who has experience on the bench aiding a new coach.

Let's hope it's just that. He is just as terrible a coach as AV except he's older, so he'd better leave the decisions to Quinn.

at it's incorporating youth into a lineup (which is why I felt he was so opposite AV, that and his wide open system).

I think it's like Anakim said, need a veteran coach to help Quinn get acclimated.

Looks like Trotz likely to remain in WAS now.

Tavares, Kovalchuk, and Carlson

In comment 13991000 Anakim said:

Quote:

Tavares, Kovalchuk, and Carlson

based on cap space, not being linked to them in any other way, from what I've read.

Rangers have 4th most cap space in the league (though they only have 13 players on the roster counting on the cap - per cap friendly)

Except Kovy who I've read they have legit interest (and it's mutual), which somehow I guess fits with a rebuild (maybe b/c of the expected short contract term)

Rangers obviously traded TRJT to make room for John Tavares.

Everything's Not O.K., by Nick Boynton. A raw read on the effects of head trauma and how teams reacted to guys like him that came forth with their symptoms/injuries.

Everything's Not O.K. - Nick Boynton - ( New Window )

but it's hard to rewrite history or say now you're responsible for it financially.

I'm in no way comparing myself to NHL players, but looking back I know I suffered at least 3 or 4 concussions in hockey, everyone who played has. At least. Some were friendly fire for me.

And of course I never had to fight like Boynton.

and I'm not trying to be a "get off my lawn-er" either but when I was growing up, even in youth hockey, no one had water breaks or any of that.

We used to even make fun of the kid who brought his own water bottle on the bench.

now, if I didn't give the kids a water break as kids complained I'd be warned and probably eventually fired (though I'm a volunteer) as coach.

As for concussions, coaches had no patience for anyone who couldn't play, for whatever reason. separated shoulder, torn ACL, broken bone, they looked at you with disgust and shunned you.

You got your bell rung, you definitely weren't missed time.

the mental health side of it is something the league needs to take more seriously. No doubt.

You should watch Ice Guardians, some guys are like Boynton, but others have a very different view of their role.

Nik Backstrom and Brooks Orpik both confronted Alex Ovechkin yesterday before the parade about sharing cup with the rest of the team. @TheInstigators
Twitter - ( New Window )

I don't understand the point you're trying to make

I guess it may make me seem uncaring or cold, but I absolutely 100% support that the NHL (and the world in general) need to do a better job of addressing mental health. Diagnosis needs to not have a stigma associated with it, people need to be more open about it, and help needs to be readily available.

My heart goes out to Boynton, I hope he gets the help he needs, especially having small children.

but...I don't for one second feel bad about what he "had" to do to play professional sports or the physical price he paid.

He regrets it now and doesn't think it was worth it, but if he were reading someone else's story similar to his from his cube at his crappy 9 to 5 or from a break at his farm in the sticks of Canada he'd trade places in a heartbeat.

Which is easy to say since they don't live in his shoes.

My point is many people feel that price is worth it and it's part of the price of professional contact sports. That's not to say the league (and sports in general) shouldn't continue to address head safety, they should, but that's the part I don't have sympathy about - or the drugs.

100% of former NHL player cadavers tested positive for CTE. 100% and most would do it again, though I guess maybe not Boynton.

In comment 13991016 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13991000 Anakim said: Quote: Tavares, Kovalchuk, and Carlson based on cap space, not being linked to them in any other way, from what I've read. Rangers have 4th most cap space in the league (though they only have 13 players on the roster counting on the cap - per cap friendly) Except Kovy who I've read they have legit interest (and it's mutual), which somehow I guess fits with a rebuild (maybe b/c of the expected short contract term)

Fair, but even though Jeff Gorton and Glen Sather have been adamant about this being a rebuild, I don't know if it will be followed through with. 1) New York and the Rangers are one of the most popular destinations in the NHL (sorry, Islanders fans). That's for sure. Players take less money so they can play at MSG. 2) We have a shit ton of cap space and we have to do something with it. 3) I think they badly want to get Henrik a Cup (as they should). His window is obviously closing and it doesn't appear he wants to go anywhere. 4. They still have vets on the roster like Zucc, Smith, Staal, Shattenkirk... The first three could be ex-Rangers come October, but they're not going to trade Shattenkirk.

I would seriously look into acquiring Noah Hanifin.

He'll be expensive, but he's a 21 year old top pair D.

In comment 13991362 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I would seriously look into acquiring Noah Hanifin. He'll be expensive, but he's a 21 year old top pair D.

I would as well, but I imagine the Hurricanes would want Buchhevich or Zibanejad

Buch or Zibby plus.

I'd trade Z plus one of the firsts.

Odds are they won't draft a player better than Hanifin and D's would be expensive to sign and then they are loaded at C with prospects.

Justin Faulk looks more likely to be traded

In comment 13991379 Anakim said:

Quote:

Justin Faulk looks more likely to be traded

I agree, it makes little sense but it looks like they're open to it (and not just in the way anyone is available for the right over-pay). I can't imagine a team not interested

But Hanifin, Aho, Bean, Necas, and Fleury are players you build around. The talk about trading Lindholm and Hanifin is crazy. My guess is they just trade Faulk and Skinner, and minor pieces.

but to CAR who is looking at a legit rebuild they've publicly said everyone is available except Aho and Necas.

I like Necas a lot, he's like Zadina but maybe a little better even.

Hanifin is also an RFA this year, so he'll need a bridge deal at a minimum and maybe they figure he's more valuable to them as a chip.

But to be clear no chance in hell I'd trade him.

Sort of reminds me of Jacob Trouba a couple years ago. I couldn't understand why WIN would even consider trading Trouba.

that Slava Voynov could be reinstated.

NHL would be stupid to do that and if he is I hope clubs don't sign him.

I'm usually a root for laundry guy in all sports, but he's a real piece of shit.

Friedman says there is NHL interest in him unfortunately.

Quote:

Darren Dreger ‏Verified account @DarrenDreger More on Insider Trading. Tavares is now focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions last two weeks...

In comment 13991469 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Quote: Darren Dreger ‏Verified account @DarrenDreger More on Insider Trading. Tavares is now focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions last two weeks...

Loyal to a fault

today.

Draft starts a week from today in Dallas.

but:

Quote:

The Athletic NHL ‏Verified account @TheAthleticNHL NHL executives are starting to think Tavares is leaning toward staying put, a change of scenery for Lucic and a look at the goalie market. That and more in the @PierreVLeBrun Notebook:

They could probably get some really valuable assets by absorbing his contract (Klefbom? Pully? 10th overall pick?). Besides, Lucic does add some grit and toughness, both of which we lack.

In comment 13991362 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I would seriously look into acquiring Noah Hanifin. He'll be expensive, but he's a 21 year old top pair D.

Carolina is moving him, why?

In comment 13991867 Rover said:

Quote:

In comment 13991362 pjcas18 said: Quote: I would seriously look into acquiring Noah Hanifin. He'll be expensive, but he's a 21 year old top pair D. Carolina is moving him, why?

Unclear. Reportedly everyone except Aho (20 year old phenom) and Martin Necas (19 year old phenom) are being shopped.

Hanifin is an RFA, but still not someone I'd willingly trade.

Quote:

The NHL is a funny place sometimes. Sometimes when teams decide they aren�t doing well, they decide that everything needs to go. The Carolina Hurricanes, according to rumors, are apparently one of those. Bob McKenzie stated that even players like Jeff Skinner are on the table in a recent segment on TSN radio (Carolina is brought up around the 14:30 minute mark):

in this weeks 31 thoughts podcast with Sam Cosentino. A lot on Montreal in particular
Link - ( New Window )

.

Really hope Wahlstrom is there at 9

and Zadina.

One C, one immensely skilled wing.

I think the need for a 1C in MTL might sway them and I'm not sure it should, but we'll see.

Svechnikov a lock to go #2 now.

In comment 13991932 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

in this weeks 31 thoughts podcast with Sam Cosentino. A lot on Montreal in particular Link - ( New Window )

interesting they think Tkachuk is the most NHL ready for 2018. I don't think they take him or Dobson like they think (without a trade down). I think it's Kotkaniemi or Zadina.

In comment 13992010 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13991932 Kyle in NY said: Quote: in this weeks 31 thoughts podcast with Sam Cosentino. A lot on Montreal in particular Link - ( New Window ) interesting they think Tkachuk is the most NHL ready for 2018. I don't think they take him or Dobson like they think (without a trade down). I think it's Kotkaniemi or Zadina.

Should clarify most NHL ready *at #3*

apparently taking calls on Krejci and Backes (per McKenzie)

They'd like to move Backes from what I read, but would only reluctantly move Krejci.

Both have term left and I believe both have some NMC/NTC of some type.

I think that's just smoke. On Krejci especially.

Max Domi for Alex Galchenyuk



Kaboom!

.

In comment 13992457 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

.

I don't get it either. Both players need a change of scenery, but Galchenyuk is the superior player and they're both pretty close in age.

Bergevin...

in MTL I guess - Subban ad Galchenyuk two of the most skilled players I've seen in MTL.

But then how do you explain Drouin for Sergachev?

no clue what Bergevin's plan is.

Rumored to be extending Domi, who has steadily regressed the past two years.

And he's also not a real C.

You don't really have Centers


So why did you just trade a Center? And no, I don't consider Druin a Center.

a center either, that's the only complaint I have about him.

Drouin is a better center than Galchenyuk, but not saying much.

Domi isn't a C either, but he's similar to Galchenyuk at C. Just not nearly as skilled.

Someone joked the Canadiens were planning to draft Tkachuk and put him on a line with Domi and Andrew Shaw or Brendan Gallagher. Holy asshole line.

4 were empty-netters


Yeeeee-ikes

have the same ppg over their careers (Galchenyuk's career is obviously longer).

I just don't think this trade is purely about hockey.

Galchenyuk is the clearly superior player.

Why not just trade him at the draft. Makes no sense.

It leaked last year (by a back-stabbing reporter) that Alex was in the league substance abuse program and he had an incident with his wife where she was charged with domestic assault. I wouldn't be surprised if something else like this leaks.

In comment 13992480 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

a center either, that's the only complaint I have about him. Drouin is a better center than Galchenyuk, but not saying much.

Stephen Whyno
✔
@SWhyno
Chayka on Galchenyuk: �He�s has success playing the center position. ... I don�t think we�d make this trade if we didn�t think he had the ability to play center.�

in a Therrien/Julien system and saying he had success at it means he really didn't look at the film or he's going back further.

Maybe he had success in juniors at C (OHL - not sure), but Drouin was the highest scoring C in the history of the QMJHL and he's not a legit NHL C either.

Chucky may succeed in AZ at C, but with the system they have in MTL and the coach they have today, he's not a C.

Among other things:

Rangers called Carolina to inquire about moving up to #2 to pick Svechnikov, but that's not happening.



"Chances are that if the Rangers make a substantial move leading into Friday�s first round of the entry draft in Dallas, it will involve Kevin Hayes. Multiple sources report the 26-year-old impending Group II free-agent center has attracted significant interest from around the league as general manager Jeff Gorton sifts through various scenarios both connected to and independent of improving the club�s ninth-overall position...

Teams have been nibbling at Spooner, arbitration-eligible and one year away from unrestricted free agency, but it is Hayes, in the very same contractual spot, who has the most value on the market. Coming off a year in which he scored a career-high 25 goals while embracing his role as a matchup center, Hayes will likely command a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $4.75 million per...

The Rangers don�t seem keen on including Hayes in a deal to move up a few spots in the first round. The inference is that if he�s moved, it would be as the centerpiece as a deal to add a righty defenseman. Winnipeg�s Jacob Trouba seems out of reach, but the Flames could be make for an interesting match. There seems to be little interest in dealing for Dougie Hamilton, but, and we have made this point before, the Blueshirts might be able to get Adam Fox, the Harvard defenseman who paired with lefty prospect Ryan Lindgren for Team USA at the past two World Junior tournaments."

is a disaster already.

next they'll trade Pacioretty for the right to pay Chris Pronger.

Quote:

NHL Prospects Watcher ‏ @Prospects_Watch 8h8 hours ago McKenzie: "Where things get interesting is with the Canadiens at #3, earlier in the season I would've said don't overthink it, Zadina is your guy... I guess what I'm saying now is it's not inconceivable, based on my polling from scouts I talked to, Kotkaniemi may be BPA at #3".

In comment 13993271 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is a disaster already. next they'll trade Pacioretty for the right to pay Chris Pronger. Quote: NHL Prospects Watcher ‏ @Prospects_Watch 8h8 hours ago McKenzie: "Where things get interesting is with the Canadiens at #3, earlier in the season I would've said don't overthink it, Zadina is your guy... I guess what I'm saying now is it's not inconceivable, based on my polling from scouts I talked to, Kotkaniemi may be BPA at #3".

There's talk about Zadina falling out of the top-5. I wonder if the Rangers make a move up to secure him.

falls out of the top 5 this would be similar to the 2012 draft in some regards. Habs pick 3rd and you have Yakupov and Galchenyuk sandwiched between 8 D.

then Filip Forsberg.

Probably the best player from the that draft, at 11.

Zadina is similar to Forsberg IMO.

Canadiens should take Zadina. I can see a case being made for Kotkaniemi but it's solely because he's a center IMO, not because he's a better player and that's not how you draft.

I like Tkachuk, more than some, but not at 3.

I could live with Kotkaniemi, I prefer Zadina, and I'd only like Tkachuk with a small trade down.

Bouchard (the other rumored player) I like too, but definitely not at 3.

Zadina and manage to keep one of their other 1sts it could be the steal of the draft.

In comment 13993292 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Canadiens should take Zadina. I can see a case being made for Kotkaniemi but it's solely because he's a center IMO, not because he's a better player and that's not how you draft.\

That's kind of like what happened last year with the Rangers (if you believe the rumors). They drafted Andersson because he was the most NHL-ready of all the players at 7 and the Rangers desperately need a center, but he also had a limited ceiling compared to guys like Vilardi, Mittelstadt, Tippett, and Rasmussen.

In comment 13993293 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Zadina and manage to keep one of their other 1sts it could be the steal of the draft.

Could see Brooklyn also interested in trading up to secure Zadina. Someone to put in the NHL right away and pair with Barzal

haves speculated Kovalvhuk is the domino waiting to fall that will spur other transactions, and something could be announced before the draft Friday (though technically he cannot sign until 7/1 he can reach an agreement before then) for players like Skinner, Pacioretty, Hayes (or Spooner), etc.

the draft is an important deadline for Kovy b/c teams reportedly now view the draft as a better trade opportunity than the deadline.

makes sense on both points to me, and interest in Kovy has reportedly been up to as many as 10 teams with serious interest.

.
Link - ( New Window )

in the sense that outside of Dahlin and Svechnikov, opinions on the rest have really varied. I've seen prospects like Hughes, Tkachuk, Dobson, Bouchard, Wahlstromm, Boqvist, and now Kotkaniemi all ranked as high as the top 5 and as low as 10-12 depending on the scouting service. And now even Zadina is trending down slightly.

Really impossible to get the slightest read on who will even be available for the Rangers at 9.

I wonder if it's a function of just having a bunch of really solid prospects from 1 - 15 or that after Dahlin and Svechnikov it's a mediocre draft.

I'm not an expert but I really believe there are about 15 prospects in this draft that could go anywhere in the top 10 and be considered a solid pick. that seems like a strong draft to me but maybe it's because of less certainty.

In comment 13992480 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

a center either, that's the only complaint I have about him. Drouin is a better center than Galchenyuk, but not saying much. Domi isn't a C either, but he's similar to Galchenyuk at C. Just not nearly as skilled. Someone joked the Canadiens were planning to draft Tkachuk and put him on a line with Domi and Andrew Shaw or Brendan Gallagher. Holy asshole line.

NHL Prospects Watcher
‏@Prospects_Watch

Renaud Lavoie on The Jeff Blair Show says it was not only Bergevin, Therrien & Julien who didn�t see Galchenyuk as a centre, but when Lavoie asked the U23 N.A. team management at the World Cup why AG was not chosen, they said they need C�s, and they were convinced AG wasn�t a C.

Elliotte Friedman
‏
Verified account

@FriedgeHNIC

Sources: Barry Trotz is stepping down as head coach in WASH. Please follow the thread...

He's going to get paid, though.

playing much better defense once he took over there. He's exactly what the Islanders need. I hope they pay him whatever he asks.

In comment 13993787 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

He's going to get paid, though.

I like him more than Julien or Therrien. But I don't think he's as good as Quenneville or Babcock or even Lavy of active coaches. Not many others I'd take over him., Sullivan?

I don't think he's bad. I don't think he's elite, though.

I think Torts is a bit better than most. Definitely Sullivan. I like Paul Maurice too.

I think there's a big chunk of guys that are largely interchangeable.

Looked in on Kotkaniemi. A little surprising buts that�s their guy.

.

Then flipped to Florida.

thread?

Good luck competing with the South Beach models, babe

Could they not have just made that exact deal with Florida? San Jose gets much more for Hoffman two hours after the acquired him for peanuts from the Sens.

Rough times in Ottawa

Meh for SJ to be honest.

None of those 4 draft picks are likely to make a meaningful contribution to SJ. They shed a meh player, for a meh return so I guess they breakeven. Florida gets a high 20 goal scorer. He's a douche, lazy defensively but fast as hell and can score. Ottawa continues to get bent over and have odd shaped items rammed up their ass.

clears $4mm in cap space to allow them to chase Tavares or Kovalchuk. While recouping the assets they gave up for Kane. That's not insignificant. All for just serving as the middleman

Zynroskiv? (Spell). Clearing bodies or space?

Anyone have an idea?

The Senators are an absolute mess.

Not too long ago? Don�t get it. He had to be making less than $1m. Don�t know why we need the money now.

He's not good, that's why they released him. He was considered to be a reach of a pick at the time and did nothing since to dispel that notion.

In comment 13994472 Carl in CT said:

Quote:

Anyone have an idea?

Maybe so he's free to sign with the KHL or other league?

Rangers don't need bodies or space (well everyone needs space, but that move wasn't done for space).

they have 13 players under contract for next year (NHL) and only 35 of the allowed 50 overall.

Just catching up with the Ottawa disaster.


Hard to remember they were a double OT loss in game 7 away from going to the SCF in 2017 and now disaster. Fine line between winning and losing in the NHL.

So, yeah, I'm guessing he asked to be released from his contract so he could go home to play. Same thing happened with Robin Kovacs last year.

that after failing to engage him on extension talks, CBJ are listening to offers on Artemi Panarin.

Fantastic players. If the Rangers are going to take a chance on a young veteran that would need a new contract, he'd be the guy to pay up for in my opinion.

allegedly shopping Panarin.

I was shocked when the Blackhawks traded him, especially for Saad even though I sort of get it, and now I'm shocked he's on the block again.

Wonder why.

Only explanation I've seen is he wants to test FA, but he's got another year under contract.

Dude can fly and has sniper skills.

what Kyle said

would be the fear of losing him for nothing in a year in free agency because he won't negotiate an extension now. But unless they're blown away with a great offer, CBJ can't move him. They're all in to win right now. They had Washington down 2-0 in the first round. They need to take the chance they can re-sign him in a year.

Still, every team should be calling to see what the price is.

In comment 13994565 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

would be the fear of losing him for nothing in a year in free agency because he won't negotiate an extension now. But unless they're blown away with a great offer, CBJ can't move him. They're all in to win right now. They had Washington down 2-0 in the first round. They need to take the chance they can re-sign him in a year. Still, every team should be calling to see what the price is.

Agree, CBJ should be win now. I don't see Panarin being moved unless it's for an established player that maybe considers signing (Pacioretty? but why would MTL do that)

And not only were they up 2 - 0 (with both wins road wins), but again the fine line b/w winning and losing, CBJ rang a post in OT and then lost game 3 in double OT on a fluke off Lars Eller's skate. CBJ could have easily been up 3 - 0 vs WAS with game 4 at home. But that's hockey.

Who says no?

In comment 13994611 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Who says no?

Seth in Astoria

I�m cool with it.

Quote:

theScore NHL ‏Verified account @theScoreNHL 4h4 hours ago Report: Kessel not opposed to trade, would play for Tocchet's Coyotes https://thesco.re/2JPHx97

I'm guessing he's thinking about all the fajitas he can eat or other southwestern fare.

As being �a Phil Kessel away� from getting their shot together.

the big ones (* is who I pick not who I think will necessarily win)

Hart:
Hall
Kopitar
MacKinnon*

Any of the three can win with no argument from me, I give it to MacKinnon because he was on a worse team, he scored more even strength points, he scored more GWGs and he plays C and he had a 1.31 ppg.

Norris:
Subban
Hedman
Doughty*

Love Subban, but have to go with Doughty - but first of all John Carlson was snubbed, he wasn't even selected as a finalist and he'd be my pick to win. But of the finalists I'd pick Doughty because he's not purely an offensive defenseman and he had the points he had with a ridiculously low shooting %.

Vezina:
Hellebuyck*
Rinne
Vasilevsky

Hellebuyck over Rinne because Hellebuyck started a whopping 67 games (tied for league lead) and still had similar stats as Rinne.

Selke:
Bergeron*
Kopitar
Couturier

Bergeron is the gold standard for this award. Only other player in my experience as dominant a two-way player as Bergeron was Datsyuk in recent history.

Calder:
Barzal*
Keller
Boeser


Barzal runs away with it. Boeser is my favorite of the three, but with over a ppg over an 82 game season as a 20 year old this isn't really a contest. All three of these guys will have long prosperous careers if they remain healthy.

The other awards are important too, but IMO these are the bigger awards.

Habs fans (or even just hockey fans I guess) responded to a twitter poll about who "won" the Domi for Galchenyuk trade.

85% said the Coyotes.

As a fan, I think it's natural to have an opinion, but I usually believe we just simply don't know anywhere near what the pros do.

But sometimes you have to wonder when fans so overwhelmingly disagree with a professional GM, what do they really know that fans don't?

Subban trade was similarly slanted in polls from what I remember.

Rumor floating around is Ryan O'Reilly for either Patches or the 3rd overall pick

And I read those trade rumors. Would be awful. Either of them. Most beat writers thought it was laughable which means there�s a chance it�s real.

but as a Devs fan since the mid 80's it was reall cool to see a Devil finally win the Hart. Congrats to Hall the other 2 were very deserving as well.

He was outstanding last season and he really carried that team all year. The Devils would have been a disaster without him. Now they need to focus on extending him as he only has two years left on his deal.

Thought both Hall and Barzal deserved their awards. I saw the case for MacKinnon, but would have given it to Hall.

I thought Gallant deserved the Jack Adams, but Hynes should have been much higher.

and I feel like it's hovering over me like impending doom as a Habs fan.

Tkachuk rumors picking up steam. Kotkaniemi too.

And even trade rumors (though I don't believe the #3 pick for ROR rumor but you never know - GM's are often not smart people) I have heard other rumors too.

Just want to avoid a disaster. That is not asking too much.

Sounds like the Rangers may be moving Hayes. Watch him go as part of a deal for #3 to the Habs. I recall him being a player you're not a huge fan of. Real remote thrower for you...

would be hilarious

The more I learn on Kotkaniemi though the more I like. I think as long as it's him or Zadina the Habs will do alright. Tkachuk would be a reach though

kick right in my nuts.

I wouldn't mind the Canadiens and Rangers trading if it involved #3 and #9 and the Canadiens got a player like Zibanejad or Kreider and maybe even a later 1st thrown in.

but Hayes. Holy shit. I'd stay away from hockey news and sites for a long time.

I bet Julien loves Hayes too. And Bergevin is all over the place. Trevor Timmins should not just do their scouting, he should be in charge of trades too.

Maybe a #1 next year too.

Do it, Gorts.

You can throw away #9 and Im not sure I would do it.

one of the picks for immediate help, but with all of the movement in the mock drafts, some good players are going to be available when they pick.

But, given his many diatribes against Hayes, seeing him dealt to the Habs would be hilarious.

"If the Blueshirts could package Namestnikov with, say, their 26th-overall for the third-overall, there would be a deal to be had."

In comment 13996098 Anakim said:

Quote:

"If the Blueshirts could package Namestnikov with, say, their 26th-overall for the third-overall, there would be a deal to be had."

Scratch that. Saw it on Twitter, but it was followed by: "But here on Earth, probably not. "

In comment 13996096 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

But, given his many diatribes against Hayes, seeing him dealt to the Habs would be hilarious.

It would certainly be ironic but typical.

Canadiens players the past few years I loved watching play or really looked forward to watching (and never would have traded - at least not in the trades they were in): Subban, Galchenyuk, Sergachev and they get traded.

To be fair I like Weber a lot too though.

there hasn't been much action so far this week. Normally have a few sizable deals by now. I think Stepan was dealt the day before the draft last year.

In comment 13996124 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

there hasn't been much action so far this week. Normally have a few sizable deals by now. I think Stepan was dealt the day before the draft last year.

I think there will be some significant activity the next 24 hours.

All waiting on Kovy from what I read. Up to a dozen teams interested in his services.

Then the dominoes may fall (Carolina's roster, Rangers spare parts, Canadiens and Pacioretty, Buffalo, Bruins shopping Backes and Krejci, etc.)

In comment 13996124 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

there hasn't been much action so far this week. Normally have a few sizable deals by now. I think Stepan was dealt the day before the draft last year.

He was dealt the day of the Draft

I don't understand why ROR is so much more highly valued than Stepan ever was. I don't think ROR is all that much better, but people act like there's some massive gap.

I don't think that should make that much of a difference, but it does to some people. ROR is more of a goal-scorer, too. Stepan's only cracked 20 goals twice, ROR has done it 4 of the past 5 seasons. Again, not a huge gap, though

that guy is remarkably consistent. Noticed the other day he had 56 points last season. His point totals for the last six 82 game seasons: 51, 57, 55, 53, 55, 56.

Putting up 56 points on that awful Arizona team may have been the best season of his career. Only shot 6.7% too. Good player.

A part of me just wishes we would have fired AV a year ago instead of trading Stepan. Maybe could have given that group one more chance with a better coach.

In comment 13996151 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

I don't think that should make that much of a difference, but it does to some people. ROR is more of a goal-scorer, too. Stepan's only cracked 20 goals twice, ROR has done it 4 of the past 5 seasons. Again, not a huge gap, though

Yeah, agreed - although, I think I'd take Stepan at $6.5 than ROR at $7.5.

I like Stepan, but he is not good on face-offs.

ROR isn't elite, but he's pretty damn good and he's gotten a lot better the past few years.

But overall IMO they're comparable players.

I like both but I wouldn't trade #3 for either.

Hopefully Andersson makes the Stepan trade worth it down the road. Step was always one of my favorite Rangers. Nothing about his game was elite, but the guy is just such a high-IQ player - always positioned well, knows where to be, and makes up for not being an overwhelmingly fast or strong guy by being so smart.

DeAngelo looks like a total waste.

Friedman: Hearing Barry Trotz closing in with NYI.

In comment 13996191 Anakim said:

Quote:

Friedman: Hearing Barry Trotz closing in with NYI.

Darren Dreger
‏
Verified account

@DarrenDreger

Sources say Barry Trotz and the New York Islanders are closing in on an agreement for Trotz to be the Isles next head coach.

to Buffalo for ROR being heavily rumored.

Totally agree. In today's possesion game draws are immense. As much as I wanted to advocate keeping Stepan this blackhole in his skillset made it impossible. His lack of physical play was also an issue. It was a smart trade moving him out of town despite him being an intelligent, homegrown, popular and high character player.

In comment 13996401 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

to Buffalo for ROR being heavily rumored.

Would that be it? Seems a bit light; would think a pick also accompanies O�Reilly? Like a 3rd or 4th seems fair. Or retain some salary.

In comment 13996428 pganut said:

Quote:

In comment 13996401 pjcas18 said: Quote: to Buffalo for ROR being heavily rumored. Would that be it? Seems a bit light; would think a pick also accompanies O�Reilly? Like a 3rd or 4th seems fair. Or retain some salary.

I like Pacioretty so it's light to me. But reality is Max has 1 year left before becoming a UFA and he plays LW.


ROR is a legit NHL C. Centers are so hard to find for some teams and in many cases cost a premium.

ROR is under contract the next 5 seasons.

Which is good and bad I guess. Good if you want cost/roster certainty and you like the player. Bad if you don't want to pay a non-elite C (like ROR IMO) $7.5M per for the next 5 years.

ROR is also a few years younger than Max.

Ideally sure, MTL gets something else in return, but trading does not seem to be Marc Bergevin's strongsuit.

and good, but he's owed an awful lot of money. I think he's worth the contract, but giving up real assets just to take on that contract doesn't seem efficient. It's not like he's underpaid.

Buffalo is trying to win and make the playoffs ASAP. Why are they so eager to move him?

and maybe allows MTL to take Zadina. Even though they shouldn't be drafting for need in the first place

In comment 13996441 Metnut said:

Quote:

and good, but he's owed an awful lot of money. I think he's worth the contract, but giving up real assets just to take on that contract doesn't seem efficient. It's not like he's underpaid. Buffalo is trying to win and make the playoffs ASAP. Why are they so eager to move him?

I don't think getting back Max Pacioretty and a 2nd round pick is exactly eager to unload for Buffalo it's dealing from a position of strength to a trading partners weakness.

But they have C's. Eichel, Mittlestadt, and others who can play C, so why not maximize the value of your roster and add a guy like Max. Team C, good leader, who can contribute in all facets.

LW is about as barren for Buffalo as C in for Montreal.

Montreal's top two C's are Drouin (not a real NHL C) and Phillip Danult (not a real NHL top 6 player).

Who are Buffalo's top LW's?

Also though as I said above, Max has one year left to UFA and he's 30 years old in November.

ROR is overpaid, but he turned 27 recently, so you really get just one or two years over 30 in that contract.

was that close to UFA. Thanks PJ. That puts a different perspective on it for sure.

Kreider a Hab?

Ha!

In comment 13996691 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

Kreider a Hab? Ha!

I've read Lucic to the Habs trade rumors. Fans easily forget shit when you're wearing their team's jersey.

if Pacioretty and the #3 pick are in a deal for ROR without Mittlestadt or someone like him coming back this is firable.

Quote:

Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg 4h4 hours ago So..the rumour this morning was ROR for Max and a 2nd, grew to Max, multiple picks, and prospects...now the third-overall pick is being tossed in the mix. By midnight it will be for Montreal's first 4 picks, Max, Juulsen and Poehling.

I don't think Kovy is going to be worth the money he gets.

Quote:

Joe Haggerty ‏Verified account @HackswithHaggs 5h5 hours ago Don Sweeney sure sounds like he's all in on signing Ilya Kovalchuk after multiple conversations with the player & his camp: "We feel like we're a team he has strong interest in"

to become a FA.

I wouldn't want him on my team at his age and eroding skills, as a starter, but you could do worse as a backup.

I wonder if Pekka Rinne is something Lou might look at. Nashville has been grooming their backup for two seasons, he makes 7 million, and is a UFA after this season (and that�s not even mentioning there�s speculation he might retire after this year).

Might make sense for the Isles as a short term move to help bridge the gap till one of their two international goalies are ready. Sorokin is still looking very good. Might even cost less than the younger/less expensive Grubauer.

In comment 13996155 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

that guy is remarkably consistent. Noticed the other day he had 56 points last season. His point totals for the last six 82 game seasons: 51, 57, 55, 53, 55, 56.... A part of me just wishes we would have fired AV a year ago instead of trading Stepan. Maybe could have given that group one more chance with a better coach.

Maybe, but it may also be that AV (aside from his strange predilections on whom he disliked or wouldn't dress) was exactly the coach to have extracted the maximum offensive output from that group, not to say good two-way play. Probably in a distinct minority here, but I think Stepan was of a kind with Hayes, ZBin, Buch, and (less so) Kreider that they can excel in an open ice, moderate-to-low checking game. But their game was not heavy, and it wilted down the stretch and in the playoffs when the space diminished, the checking got tighter, and play along the boards rougher. That can be said of the post-season for play in the offensive end for all clubs, but that group could not get it going. I just can't shake their performances in the SC '15 - '17. Not sure where Andersson/Chytl and tonight are taking the team.

Six players who could be dealt today:

Quote:

11:28 a.m. Six players who could be dealt 1. Defenseman Erik Karlsson, Senators: If the Senators don�t believe they can re-sign him, they could deal him for a package that would include players, a first-round pick and a top prospect. 2. Defenseman Noah Hanifin, Hurricanes: It�s not the Hurricanes' first choice to deal Hanifin, a restricted free agent, but they haven�t been able to sign him yet and teams are lining up with good offers. 3. Center Ryan O�Reilly, Sabres: Why would the Sabres trade a hard-nosed, feisty 60-point center as they are just starting to put together an intriguing roster? It�s a fair question, but there have been trade discussions about him. 4. Goalie Philipp Grubauer, Capitals: The Islanders and Hurricanes are looking for a starting goalie, and several teams want proven backups. Washington has top prospect Ilya Samsonov coming, meaning the right time to deal Grubauer is now. 5. Left wing Jeff Skinner, Hurricanes: Many of the teams looking at signing at Ilya Kovalchuk to bolster their offense have a Skinner deal as Plan B. He has scored 30 or more goals three times. 6. Left wing Max Pacioretty, Canadiens: Before last season�s struggles, Pacioretty, 29, had scored 30 or more goals for four consecutive seasons.

and 5 teams who could make moves.

Quote:

10:33 a.m. Five teams expected to make moves 1. Islanders: With Lou Lamoriello running the show and Barry Trotz now coach, the Islanders are aggressively looking to re-sign John Tavares and acquire a goalie. The Islanders have two first-round picks (No. 11 and No. 12) to use to add young prospects or trade away for help on defense or in net. 2. Hurricanes: Don Waddell is the team�s new general manager and he has made it clear he wants to change the look of his roster. He�s looking for a goalie and a top-six forward. The Hurricanes will get immediate help today because they pick No. 2 in the draft and are expected to grab scorer Andrei Svechnikov, the draft�s highest-ranked forward. 3. Canadiens: Montreal�s most pressing need is a No. 1 center, and early intrigue of the draft will be whether they will take center Jesperi Kotkaniemi with the No. 3 pick. Most teams have scoring winger Filip Zadina ranked No. 3 behind defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Svechnikov. Will the Canadiens address the need? Or will they trade Max Pacioretty to land a center? They could do both. 4. Rangers: The rebuilding Rangers have three first-round picks (Nos. 9, 26 and 28) and are willing to move center Kevin Hayes. They would like to move up to land one of the top defensemen in the draft or a top-flight defensive prospect. If they could move to No. 2 or No. 3, they would grab one of the premium scorers. 5. Senators: The trading of Mike Hoffman might just be the first step for the Senators, who own the No. 4 pick. Some Senators critics believe they are making a mistake by not giving that pick to Colorado to complete the Matt Duchene deal. By keeping it, they will give up their top pick in 2019 to the Avs. The Senators are expected to be among the worst teams next year, which means they will have a ticket to the Jack Hughes sweepstakes. Hughes is an American center expected to go No. 1 in 2019.

Link - ( New Window )

it is incredible how quickly a team's outlook can turn around. This has potential of being franchise defining draft for us if we see JT extension and trades with our top picks.

So cheers to blind faith in Lou, I will be glued to the twitter feed until we hear the good news. no way we will be disappointed right?

(including me) need to be prepared for is time to value for these picks.

I hear many beat writers speculate that even top 5 picks need a year or two of experience before they are ready for the NHL.

Dahlin falls into the exception category (like McDavid) but I've heard even players like Zadina, Kotkaniemi, Hughes, etc. all need time.

So just about having proper expectations.

in Hamilton. Price? Age (he's just 25 still)?

I'd love Hamilton on the Habs.

Quote:

Larry Brooks ‏ @NYP_Brooksie As reported here long ago, Rangers have no interest in Dougie Hamilton. Flames believed not to have made Adam Fox available but sure sounds like Travis Hamonic could be had.

In comment 13997270 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Quote: Pierre LeBrun ‏Verified account @PierreVLeBrun Expectation is that J.P. Barry, agent for Ilya Kovalchuk, will meet with the top four contenders for the UFA's services today _ Boston, L.A., SJ and Vegas _ to advance proceedings along.

Larry Brooks
‏

@NYP_Brooksie

Remains unlikely given the state of the team, but told Kovalchuk still has eyes for Rangers.

Kovalchuk has too many suitors, no way they're outbidding all of those other teams for him.

Brooks is a fucking hack anyway.

a FA, never saw the appeal, but every year he was on the list of "breakout goalie candidates".

Still just 26, but he clearly hasn't broken out yet.

Falls into the Cam Ward category for me, want nothing to do with him s my starter, but could do worse as a backup in a pinch.

allegedly also being shopped by CAL.

I'd like him on MTL, but not for Pacioretty.

I think he'd be attractive to many teams, a 22 year old C, who is still learning the game, probably a 3C today, but with upside.

is going to drop right to the Rangers and he'll be the steal of the draft.

People will look back and after Dahlin and Svechnikov and say WTF were those teams thinking to pass on Zadina.

Quote:

Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg 13s13 seconds ago It's difficult not to surmise that Zadina's draft stock has dipped somewhat in the past two months while Kotkaniemi's, Dobson's and to a lesser extent Tkachuk's has risen. I would not be shocked if those three go ahead of him tonight...but as always never sure.

In comment 13997333 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

Kovalchuk has too many suitors, no way they're outbidding all of those other teams for him.

Nor should they.

Why is Zadina thought to be dropping? Anyone know?

In comment 13997441 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 13997333 arcarsenal said: Quote: Kovalchuk has too many suitors, no way they're outbidding all of those other teams for him. Nor should they. Why is Zadina thought to be dropping? Anyone know?

I've read it's "his skating is not elite" and I am not a professional scout by any stretch, but he was dominant every time I saw him. Before I knew who he was he stood out.

His hands and shot are at a rare elite level, IMO he's a legit NHL goal scorer, and he's not tiny with still room to grow into his frame (he's already 6'1 and probably 200 pounds).

The three sentences I've read.

IMO because other players (like Kotkaniemi) are rising more than Zadina.

6 months ago no one had Kotkaniemi in the top 10, very few had him top 20. Now he's going #3?

People have fallen in love with Noah Dobson's skating.

Oliver Wahlstrom switching from Harvard has an impact (as a Harvard commit I'd stay away knowing there's a chance you may not see him for 3 to 4 years), but from BC he could join the NHL after a year.

Some people 100% believe that Brady Tkachuk will be the best offensive player in this draft, he's not a 6' 3" meat head, he has legit offensive skill.

a lot of that combined to people valuing other players over the elusive Zadina (IMO).

If the Rangers could pull off a deal to move up and grab him, I'd be very happy.

.

takes him at #3 and all the talk is a smoke screen.

I hope so at least.

I'd be happy with Zadina, Kotkaniemi or a couple other players even Tkachuk.

say that he's a strong skater. I don't know if that makes him "elite", but watching his highlight videos, he sure looks like he can skate. May not have top-shelf pure speed, but quick and strong on his skates.

In comment 13997469 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

If the Rangers could pull off a deal to move up and grab him, I'd be very happy.

I think this is right. I don't think he'll fall to the Rangers, but his stock has fallen just enough where I think a top 6 team would allow themselves to trade down and miss out on him for the right price.

He's already 200 pounds and 6 foot tall. Tough to pass on a kid who already at 18/19 has that size/skill combo. I don't think he falls any further than Detroit. But if he does, as said here, he'd definitely be the steal of the draft for whomever got him.

In comment 13997483 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

say that he's a strong skater. I don't know if that makes him "elite", but watching his highlight videos, he sure looks like he can skate. May not have top-shelf pure speed, but quick and strong on his skates.

He can do it all offensively. I'm not sure about his defense, it's hard to tell in the tournaments I saw him play, never saw any of his games in the Q.

Watch the draft tonight, every time one of the NBCSN announcers says "he plays a 200 foot game" take a drink.

You'll be legally drunk before pick 5.

I think it's hard to tell how these forwards all will acclimate to the NHL defensive side of the game.

Is about 1% of the fans have ever seen a prospect play. I watch a) looking for trades, b) to see a quick view of the player as I have no clue other than what I read.

though these days for the interested fan it's a lot easier to see them with NHLN, NBCSN, and even other sports channels showing all of the world juniors tournaments (I have seen all of them and probably every one of the top 2 rounds prospects), they show KHL games (playoffs at least) Canada juniors playoffs and NCAA playoffs.

So it used to be I 100% agree with you, now I'm fortunate enough to have seen a lot of these guys (even in limited chances it better than 0), but most fans don't work from home like me with the luxury of watching a US vs Sweden game at the Hlinka Memorial at 10:15 AM on a weekday (LOL).

seeing a little bit more smoke about pacioretty getting moved, what type of return would you be hoping for if they do decide to move him?

In comment 13997527 2cents said:

Quote:

seeing a little bit more smoke about pacioretty getting moved, what type of return would you be hoping for if they do decide to move him?

Rumor is Pacioretty plus a 2nd for Ryan O'Reilly.

MTL has 4 second round picks this draft.

I'd rather not include the 2nd, but Max has just one year left on his contract and will turn 30 soon.

I think that's probably a fair trade - especially with the position value of ROR as a C. Downside is ROR has 5 years left at $7.5M or something like that.

Best case IMO is they re-sign Max for a 3 year 18M deal. Something like that. instead of trading him.

In comment 13997533 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997527 2cents said: Quote: seeing a little bit more smoke about pacioretty getting moved, what type of return would you be hoping for if they do decide to move him? Rumor is Pacioretty plus a 2nd for Ryan O'Reilly. MTL has 4 second round picks this draft. I'd rather not include the 2nd, but Max has just one year left on his contract and will turn 30 soon. I think that's probably a fair trade - especially with the position value of ROR as a C. Downside is ROR has 5 years left at $7.5M or something like that. Best case IMO is they re-sign Max for a 3 year 18M deal. Something like that. instead of trading him.

This is going to be an excited draft IMO, cant wait to see how it all plays out.

I saw ROR is due 7.5M bonus on july 1, I think that will certainly play a part in what is coming back and I wonder if MTL will settle to move Max for anything less then NHL ready talent.

which I'm sure pj knows about, argues for Mtl sending the 3rd pick to the Rangers for #9 and #28 (or Hayes). They predict the Rangers would pick Zadina (friend of Chytl) but I hope they would take Hughes.
TRade scenario - ( New Window )

SOLD!

In comment 13997564 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

SOLD!

LOL I didn't include Spooner cause that is ludicrous -- but sure, I would do that in a NY minute :)

an RFA.

I don't hate him.

but it would take a better player. I'd move back to #9 though.

A compendium of ratings that shows level and variance. It would seem after the first two consensus picks + Zadina,there are two levels, there is one level and then 7,8,9,10 on another. SO it would seem the Rangers could still get an excellent player at 9.


Draft tool - ( New Window )

and so would the Habs :)

cause of the Tkachuck and Quinn relationship.

is one of my favorite players in this draft.

He can run people over, yet he's shown (when playing against similar competition) he can score from all methods, greasy goals, sniper shots, and positional rebounds)

I just don't like him at #3 because there are better players.

If the Canadiens drop down with DET I'd take Tkachuk there in a heart beat.

A lot of scouts do in fact believe after Svechnikov (who doesn't get enough press IMO) Tkachuk will be the best NHL offensive player in this draft.

I wouldn't argue too much with that.

I hope you are right. But for where he is currently (#4) there is a lot of variation (though Kotkaniemi has the most variation among the top ten).

I would rather have Hughes on trade and if no trade I hope they get Tkachuk or Wahlstrom at #9.

Craig Anderson to the list of available goalies.

for less than ROR for more if you get what I mean.

Not the same player, but Lindholm has a role on my team.

but I wouldn't pay him a lot either.

Quote:

Pierre LeBrun ‏Verified account @PierreVLeBrun Meeting between Elias Lindholm camp and Hurricanes' brass did not go well today, I'm told. Still far apart on a contract. A trade now is very much possible.

In comment 13997611 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Craig Anderson to the list of available goalies.

Good fit for the Isles if Grubauer is too expensive. Perhaps an Anderson/Lehner duo?

is 100 years old, but he does have that Brett Saberhagen-like every other year do well thing going, so he's due for a good year.

In comment 13997498 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

though these days for the interested fan it's a lot easier to see them with NHLN, NBCSN, and even other sports channels showing all of the world juniors tournaments (I have seen all of them and probably every one of the top 2 rounds prospects), they show KHL games (playoffs at least) Canada juniors playoffs and NCAA playoffs.

To your point, this guy has a site with shift vids. May crash since this was on reddit.
Link - ( New Window )

To avs for 2nd rd pick

made that deal if I was the Islanders. That is a steal for Colorado.

It was important for WAS to move him to a Western team.

Orpik is 37 years old, and a salary dump (just one year), but a 2nd for Grubauer is probably fair.

funky jersey
Link - ( New Window )

on the clock. No surprises here.

NHL does it right. 3 min per pick I believe.

so far. Dahlin and Svechnikov, #1 and #2. Nothing to think about there.

Now it gets interesting.

Wiw

...

#prayforpj

In comment 13997676 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

Wiw

You ain�t kidding...

Throw in a case of natty light and the 9th for Brady here. What do you say?

In comment 13997679 pganut said:

Quote:

#prayforpj

I'd be fine with Zadina, Kotkaniemi or even Tkachuk.

Can they really screw this up?

will cut Orpik. If they do would not be shocked to see the Isles take a look.

Kotkaniemi?

In comment 13997685 The 12th Man said:

Quote:

will cut Orpik. If they do would not be shocked to see the Isles take a look.

Please no to Toe-pick.

can't complain

Wow

was the right pick, but I won't complain.

pj, there's definitely center depth once hes ready. But you have to rent a rat to gnaw that thing off his face.

Went with the long game. Takes guts.

Till 9??

No?

In comment 13997690 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

Wow

I wasn't going to say anything, but would it kill them to interview her?

OTT goes D here preparing for losing Karlsson.

In comment 13997701 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997690 Jay in Toronto said: Quote: Wow I wasn't going to say anything, but would it kill them to interview her?

Ha ha. Would have turned the sound off and focused ;)

to OTT.

Zadina slips.....

Absolutely crazy

guess this means they expect to keep Karlsson.

.

They could trade up for Zadina, but it looks they're going to get a really good player regardless (like Quinn Hughes, Dobson, Wahlstrom...)

Zadina, Wahlstrom, Dobson (in that order, for me)

Larry Brooks
‏

@NYP_Brooksie

OK, so Tkachuk to Senators fourth overall. Of course, if he plays three more years at BU, he can sign with the Rangers as a free agent.

In comment 13997716 Anakim said:

Quote:

They could trade up for Zadina, but it looks they're going to get a really good player regardless (like Quinn Hughes, Dobson, Wahlstrom...) Zadina, Wahlstrom, Dobson (in that order, for me)

I've been saying all along they'd get a good player at 9. I felt like it was at least an 11 - 12 player high-end player draft, even as high as 15.

They don't seem to be moving

In comment 13997723 Anakim said:

Quote:

They don't seem to be moving

And they will

to the Yotes.

Zadina is still there....

I guess teams have put a premium on Centre

Maybe Hughes will slip to the Rangers

So who will slip to 9?

At least one of Zadina, Wahlstrom, Dobson and Hughes will drop to the Rangers



And that fits in perfectly with the Rangers needs. The two biggest needs for the Rangers are wing help and RHDs. Zadina and Wahlstrom are excellent wingers and Dobson is an excellent RHD.

has been allegedly looking to move out of this pick.

For teams who like Zadina, Hughes, Wahlstrom, bouchard...this is where you make your move.

.

Needs D. Gotta be Hughes

That's okay. I'd be thrilled with Wahlstrom, Dobson or Hughes

to DET, I bet when he fell they decided not to trade.

.

Top player available. Smart

Geez, move over, Alex Ovechkin

are going to regret passing on Zadina. Even if Kotkaniemi, Hayton, and Tkachuk are all good, Zadina will be better.

I'm hoping for Wahlstrom

.

Dobson or Wahlstrom for the Rangers, please!

Darn

looked smug. Like heh #7, hold my beer.

He looks like he just got out of diapers

In comment 13997770 Anakim said:

Quote:

He looks like he just got out of diapers

He had two brothers there, I don't think Jack looked much younger than Quinn. Luke is the younger one.

have to go Wahlstrom here I think.

They have an absolute blue chip winger in Wahlstrom just sitting there. He fits a need and his shot is already better than many NHL players.

Wahl Strom or Dobsen or Bouchard

In comment 13997773 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

have to go Wahlstrom here I think.

I'd have to agree. Hard to pass him up here.

In comment 13997773 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

have to go Wahlstrom here I think.

+1

In comment 13997775 Anakim said:

Quote:

They have an absolute blue chip winger in Wahlstrom just sitting there. He fits a need and his shot is already better than many NHL players.

I don't think Dobson is a bad pick either though.

Rangers have a lot of options here and many are good.

Who is the Rangers top pair D? Skjei and ?

Is it a Dallas/New York thing?

In comment 13997779 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997775 Anakim said: Quote: They have an absolute blue chip winger in Wahlstrom just sitting there. He fits a need and his shot is already better than many NHL players. I don't think Dobson is a bad pick either though. Rangers have a lot of options here and many are good. Who is the Rangers top pair D? Skjei and ?

Right now, Shattenkirk. Or Pionk. It's a need, but this team has absolutely zero offensive weapons except for Buchnevich.

In comment 13997782 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 13997779 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 13997775 Anakim said: Quote: They have an absolute blue chip winger in Wahlstrom just sitting there. He fits a need and his shot is already better than many NHL players. I don't think Dobson is a bad pick either though. Rangers have a lot of options here and many are good. Who is the Rangers top pair D? Skjei and ? Right now, Shattenkirk. Or Pionk. It's a need, but this team has absolutely zero offensive weapons except for Buchnevich.

*Wingers

But surprising he went here with the 2 good D and Wahlstrom still available.

.

won't like the pick, but I read Kravtsov a couple people had as a top 5 talent.

was right when he said from 3 - 13 or so, there just isn't a lot of separation between these guys.

In comment 13997780 Anakim said:

Quote:

Is it a Dallas/New York thing?

I don't think they're booing NY, I think they're not showing Bettman, because they boo after every pick leaves the stage.

Gorton has to be different

Rankings

THW (Pike�s Picks): 36th (final)
Future Considerations: 28th (final)
ISS: not in top 31 (final)
Bob McKenzie: 12th (final)
Craig Button: 23rd (final)

In comment 13997796 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Gorton has to be different

Smartest guy in the room syndrome

Away.

Disappointed didn't take Wahlstrom or even Dobsen.

We're no better off than we were with the rummy calling the shots.

I'm gonna puke

Just take dobson and wahlstrom and worry about the g situation later

.

But Wahlstrom to the Styx would be aggravating.

Mark Edwards has Kravstov #6 in the draft, it's only a podcast/audio interview, but around the 1:30 mark he talks about him.

Edwards knows his shit.

Still I would have taken Wahlstrom, especially with him de-commmitting to Harvard, but there are guys who knows their shit who I trust.
Top 7 in the draft - ( New Window )

Thought for sure he was destined for the NYR.

Islanders look like a thriving, functional organization and the Rangers look like they did in the early years of Glen Sather.

crying about hockey players they have never seen play, like they know something.

I'm sick to my stomach

good players here.

Wahlstrom and Dobson could be playing for them next year.

Love the Bouchard pick also. A "one man breakout" on D. #6 overall rating picked at 12.

Anak, hope you didn't puke on your shoes. Get some rest before the later first round picks.

In comment 13997817 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

good players here. Wahlstrom and Dobson could be playing for them next year.

Considering I was expecting Kravtsov (who I think was woefully underrated) and Smith I am very happy. Also glad Islanders didn't get cute (a la Bruins passing on Barzal)

.

In comment 13997820 pganut said:

Quote:

Love the Bouchard pick also. A "one man breakout" on D. #6 overall rating picked at 12. Anak, hope you didn't puke on your shoes. Get some rest before the later first round picks.

Wahlstrom de-committed from Harvard and is going to BC (some say he was rejected by Harvard admissions, but I never heard that).

Wahlstrom at BC singaled to me he could play in the NHL much sooner than a Harvard kid.

In comment 13997823 Mike in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 13997817 pjcas18 said: Quote: good players here. Wahlstrom and Dobson could be playing for them next year. Considering I was expecting Kravtsov (who I think was woefully underrated) and Smith I am very happy. Also glad Islanders didn't get cute (a la Bruins passing on Barzal)

Agree on Kravstov, he's very underrated IMO, and much of it is he's got another year in the KHL definitely.

so IMV it's why I dropped him lower, I want a top 10 pick to play sooner (though realistically even Kotkaniemi is likely to play in Finland again).

Capitals win the Cup

Hurricanes take a franchise player in Svechnikov

Islanders take two top-6 talents in Wahlstrom and Dobson

Flyers take the best player available in Farabee



And Rangers go with the Russian Man of Mystery

In comment 13997829 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997820 pganut said: Quote: Love the Bouchard pick also. A "one man breakout" on D. #6 overall rating picked at 12. Anak, hope you didn't puke on your shoes. Get some rest before the later first round picks. Wahlstrom de-committed from Harvard and is going to BC (some say he was rejected by Harvard admissions, but I never heard that). Wahlstrom at BC singaled to me he could play in the NHL much sooner than a Harvard kid.

Yeah, I saw that he'd switched to BC and in my exuberance to post stuck with Harvard. I agree he'll likely be there for only a year or 2 max. Love his shooting comps are to Ovechkin and Bossy. There's a really good article on him and his family from a couple of weeks back at The Athletic if you get a chance to read it.

Farabee, hoped somehow the Canadiens packaged a couple seconds and moved up for him.

Maybe the player who helped himself the most at the WJC.

In comment 13997840 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Farabee, hoped somehow the Canadiens packaged a couple seconds and moved up for him. Maybe the player who helped himself the most at the WJC.

Other than Zadina, you mean...though I guess in hindsight he really didn't

In comment 13997813 Anakim said:

Quote:

Islanders look like a thriving, functional organization and the Rangers look like they did in the early years of Glen Sather.

Have to say how much this is music to my ears.

For me, I think it's Ty Smith, Dom Bokk, Joseph Veleno, Bode Wilde

In comment 13997847 Anakim said:

Quote:

For me, I think it's Ty Smith, Dom Bokk, Joseph Veleno, Bode Wilde

Cretainly the 3 you named ex-Bokk are in there. Smith is a Swiss army knife with great offensive skill (size is the only question, although smaller D are becoming more prevalent in the speed league). I never expected the Isles to land Wahlstrom and Bouchard, so Smith and Veleno we�re the two I really wanted heading into the draft.

decade makes when you actually have someone running the Islanders that knows hockey. So happy with this past week. sign JT next and everything starts to fall into place.

Who are still out ther. Miller has tremendous upside.

Where have you seen these skaters play?

.

a lot (Kaut) though think he was overdrafted, but this point in the draft starts getting beyond my scouting prowess.

I like Veleno, Smith, Kupari, Sandin, Bokk, K'Andre Miller, Merkley

In comment 13997857 The 12th Man said:

Quote:

decade makes when you actually have someone running the Islanders that knows hockey. So happy with this past week. sign JT next and everything starts to fall into place.

They still need a goalie and better dmen....alot to do before being too excited. Things are looking up but the 2 biggest weaknesses are still weaknesses

by the Devils

In comment 13997859 XBRONX said:

Quote:

Where have you seen these skaters play?

NHL Network and You Tube. NHL Network aired the WJC and many games of the Memorial Cup.

In comment 13997863 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997857 The 12th Man said: Quote: decade makes when you actually have someone running the Islanders that knows hockey. So happy with this past week. sign JT next and everything starts to fall into place. They still need a goalie and better dmen....alot to do before being too excited. Things are looking up but the 2 biggest weaknesses are still weaknesses

I believe they will be addressed tomorrow. I say the wheeling and dealing will start in earnest with the 2nd round picks tomm. I expect one or both to be moved.

In comment 13997862 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

a lot (Kaut) though think he was overdrafted, but this point in the draft starts getting beyond my scouting prowess. I like Veleno, Smith, Kupari, Sandin, Bokk, K'Andre Miller, Merkley

Merkley is the biggest wildcard. Talk about high risk, high reward.

for hockey? Right

In comment 13997875 XBRONX said:

Quote:

for hockey? Right

Yes. Like here, you can see Kravstov's every shift
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 13997874 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 13997862 pjcas18 said: Quote: a lot (Kaut) though think he was overdrafted, but this point in the draft starts getting beyond my scouting prowess. I like Veleno, Smith, Kupari, Sandin, Bokk, K'Andre Miller, Merkley Merkley is the biggest wildcard. Talk about high risk, high reward.

Agree, but some of these kids are so young, I would take the chance.

In comment 13997878 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13997874 Anakim said: Quote: In comment 13997862 pjcas18 said: Quote: a lot (Kaut) though think he was overdrafted, but this point in the draft starts getting beyond my scouting prowess. I like Veleno, Smith, Kupari, Sandin, Bokk, K'Andre Miller, Merkley Merkley is the biggest wildcard. Talk about high risk, high reward. Agree, but some of these kids are so young, I would take the chance.

Yeah, but the last thing the Rangers need is another Del Zotto.

Hoping the Rangers go for two of: Veleno, Bokk, Wilde, McIsaac, Addison

Merkley, to SJS

.

What the hell is that?

.

now what?

.

But the Rangers sure do love their elite skating...

they look 14 and 15...was Reese reincarnated at MSG?

at this point of the 1st round. Most mocks had him between right about here.

Steve Kournianos
‏

@TheDraftAnalyst

Rangers take raw but skilled dman K'Andre Miller from the NTDP. Traded up to get him so he must gave been high on their board. Going to Wisconsin. Can skate and shoot, smothering defense.

Miller seems to be kind of a divisive prospect. I've read some glowing reports that say he has a really high ceiling, and others....not so much

.

Craig Button says Kravtsov has a clause in his KHL contract giving him an out if he makes an NHL team out of camp next season

Mark Edwards
‏

@MarkEdwardsHP

So #NYR get Kravtsov and Miller. Love it. HUGE upside. I think he�s only just scratched the surface of his offensive game. Hige and can skate. Rave reviews on interviews. #NHLDraft

His physical gifts are as impressive as anyone in the draft. He's just got a long way to go to keep learning how to play his position since he's a converted forward. Rare size/speed combo, similar to Kreider.

In comment 13997928 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

His physical gifts are as impressive as anyone in the draft. He's just got a long way to go to keep learning how to play his position since he's a converted forward. Rare size/speed combo, similar to Kreider.

Sounds almost like Sean Day. Rangers sure do put a premium on taking elite skaters.

he was on my list above.

Great size, good shot, I think he'll need some time though.

He's committed to play for Granato at Wisconsin, I'd hope he goes for a year.

Does everything well, with upside to do everything really well.

Sort of like a bigger McDonagh with less polish.

excellent coaching at Wisconsin.

Both picks lead me to believe we are taking the longer view.

We're pretty steep at C and Veleno may seem a bit redundant, but he's clearly the best player available.


Wilde has the physical tools and he's also a RHD, which we desperately need

In comment 13997936 Anakim said:

Quote:

We're pretty steep at C and Veleno may seem a bit redundant, but he's clearly the best player available. Wilde has the physical tools and he's also a RHD, which we desperately need

Well at least one of them will be there

He should fit in well with Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Lindkvist.

Poor Sam Rosen

looks like Kurt Warners wife.

Let's see Mrs. Svechnikov again.

.

Red Wings come away with both Zadina and Joe Veleno

.

And by good names, I mean names that I've heard of:

Serron Noel
Jared McIsaac
Bode Wilde
Jake Wise
Jack McBain
Filip Hallander
Calen Addison
Kirill Marchenko
Ryan McLeod
Benoit Olivier-Groulx
Jonatan Berggren
Akil Thomas
Jett Woo
Liam Kirk
Mattias Samuelsson



Rangers pick 39th, and then have two third rounders

Rick Carpiniello
‏
Verified account

@RickCarpiniello

Gordie Clark said #NYR ranked Kravtsov as 2nd best forward in the draft and made that decision a while ago

In comment 13997967 Anakim said:

Quote:

Rick Carpiniello ‏ Verified account @RickCarpiniello Gordie Clark said #NYR ranked Kravtsov as 2nd best forward in the draft and made that decision a while ago

I'm guessing Svechnikov was #1 if we are to believe the Brooks article from Sunday

But shit, imagine if we passed on Zadina...

But by all accounts the Rangers targeted high upside with each of their picks tonight. That�s all I can really ask for. They�re taking a chance on what they believe is high end talent and they�re not playing it safe. Honestly Gordie and his staff deserve the benefit of the doubt. They don�t have many misses on their track record.

And I�m seeing those that know more than me about these prospects very excited about the picks, especially the last two.

In comment 13997803 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

We're no better off than we were with the rummy calling the shots.

Greg,this is the opposite of what the Rangers did tonight

I won't get nuts simply because I don't know enough about these guys. With football, I actually know a bit about most of the players in the early rounds and have seen them play and feel like I've got an informed opinion. With hockey it's different..

That said... based on everything I read and knew, it seemed like Whalstrom should have been the guy. I really thought we were going to take him.

Kravtsov was a complete surprise - seemed totally off the radar and like a guy we may have even been able to get with one of the other two picks we had.

I guess I'll just default to the scouting here and hope that they really saw something in this kid - it seems like they're trying to hit a home run on him and must have thought there was something special there.

Through being a sports fan all these years, I know you really have to just let it play out and can't overreact one way or another. I was pretty disappointed.. but I've got to give the kid a chance before I lose my mind.

I thought Zucker was a weird, random comp - but he did just have a breakout year and registered 64 points, so I guess that's not the worst thing in the world.

Just felt like a reach.. but what the hell do I know. I'll root for him and hope I'm wrong.

to go off the radar with the top pick. Like everyone else here, I�m sure the parallel to the Giants passing on Darnold may have creeped into your thoughts. Will be more than interesting to see how Wahlstrom plays out across town.

Regarding Miller, sounds like a very high ceiling guy but just how much more does he really have to do before he�s legitimately an NHL
ready D man.

If nothing else, it�s nice to see the size they�ve gained while the league seems to get smaller and more skilled specifically on the backline. Who, after all is going to replace Staal hitting the oppositions forwards in the crease with their purse?

I feel for Hank, who�s right smack in the middle of a rebuild. What will that look like this season and would he reconsider his NTC?

In comment 13997966 Anakim said:

Quote:

And by good names, I mean names that I've heard of: Serron Noel Jared McIsaac Bode Wilde Jake Wise Jack McBain Filip Hallander Calen Addison Kirill Marchenko Ryan McLeod Benoit Olivier-Groulx Jonatan Berggren Akil Thomas Jett Woo Liam Kirk Mattias Samuelsson Rangers pick 39th, and then have two third rounders

Wow.. very impressive. I watch a lot of streaming Junior hockey when I travel and even I haven't seen some of those guys you listed play.

Between this and all of the NCAA football you watch to know so much about the draft, how do you have time to sleep???

Kudos.

In comment 13998004 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

I won't get nuts simply because I don't know enough about these guys. With football, I actually know a bit about most of the players in the early rounds and have seen them play and feel like I've got an informed opinion. With hockey it's different.. That said... based on everything I read and knew, it seemed like Whalstrom should have been the guy. I really thought we were going to take him. Kravtsov was a complete surprise - seemed totally off the radar and like a guy we may have even been able to get with one of the other two picks we had. I guess I'll just default to the scouting here and hope that they really saw something in this kid - it seems like they're trying to hit a home run on him and must have thought there was something special there. Through being a sports fan all these years, I know you really have to just let it play out and can't overreact one way or another. I was pretty disappointed.. but I've got to give the kid a chance before I lose my mind. I thought Zucker was a weird, random comp - but he did just have a breakout year and registered 64 points, so I guess that's not the worst thing in the world. Just felt like a reach.. but what the hell do I know. I'll root for him and hope I'm wrong.

Kravtsov would not have fallen to 26. Looking at some of the Forwards who were drafted in the 11-20 range I think someone would have taken him.

scout who has his own site now.

Quote:

Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg 8m8 minutes ago I think the Rangers will regret not taking the stud dman in Dobson instead of a Russian winger with one great KHL playoff showing. They didn't replace McDonagh when the opportunity was there. Lias Andersson at 7 last year was too high as well IMO.

I disagree on Lias and I'd have taken Wahlstrom, but could easily have taken Dobson in that spot.

from watching them play just a handful (the Samuelssons Ulf and Kjsell's sons, and a few more).

Quote:

Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg 57m57 minutes ago Noel. Mc:Leod and McIsaac are all going to go very early in the second round. I would expect the Habs to take one of them if there. Berggren and Marchenko are the wildcards. I think the #Habs would be happy to come away with two out of that group.

In comment 13998036 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

scout who has his own site now. Quote: Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg 8m8 minutes ago I think the Rangers will regret not taking the stud dman in Dobson instead of a Russian winger with one great KHL playoff showing. They didn't replace McDonagh when the opportunity was there. Lias Andersson at 7 last year was too high as well IMO. I disagree on Lias and I'd have taken Wahlstrom, but could easily have taken Dobson in that spot.

Cannot argue with the Rangers if they picked BPA with the pick. They didn't pick from need which is smart with such a high pick.

I didnt watch ANY regular season KHL games, only playoff. Whether this kid just had a hot streak or not is irrelevant. He has great skill. That's obvious.

As an Islanders fan, I hope hes just streaky haha

Quote:

Mitch Brown ‏ @MitchLBrown 10h10 hours ago K'Andre Miller (#NYR) was the most well-rounded defenceman in my data set. Mobile, powerful, skilled, smart. Great man-on-man defender with puck-moving ability. I think his offence is underrated, too.

In comment 13998039 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Quote: Matt Smith ‏ @Snakebite350 7h7 hours ago So much talent still available tomorrow to start the 2nd round. #NHLDraft Serron Noel Jared McIssac Akil Thomas Ryan McLeod Bode Wilde Mattias Samuelsson Jake Wise Jett Woo (And many more)

Those are a lot of the guys I'm familiar with. Mostly from wjc. I obviously rooted hard for the US guys on the list.

I DID get go see some of Thomas. He is a a pure skill player. Magician with the puck.

In comment 13998041 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Quote: Mitch Brown ‏ @MitchLBrown 10h10 hours ago K'Andre Miller (#NYR) was the most well-rounded defenceman in my data set. Mobile, powerful, skilled, smart. Great man-on-man defender with puck-moving ability. I think his offence is underrated, too.

That's deceiving in a draft with Dahlin.

defense, but yeah I agree and I like Miller but I don't have him before any of Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist, Dobson, Bouchard then we can talk.

And I wasn't second guessing the Rangers going BPA, only sharing some other people's thoughts.

pj, interesting.

Scratching my head on NZ Defense categories:
Control Entry Against.....100%
Control Entry Prevention....69%"

Highest score vs. one of his lowest...and how do you parse what those two categories mean or signify in the run of play?

In comment 13998045 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

defense, but yeah I agree and I like Miller but I don't have him before any of Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist, Dobson, Bouchard then we can talk. And I wasn't second guessing the Rangers going BPA, only sharing some other people's thoughts.

I know.

And I think Dahlins D is underrated. He jumped into the play often because he was THTAT much better than the other guys

Maybe even in this thread. Dahlin with the puck is like mcdavid with the puck a little. So elusive. I haven�t see a D like him since maybe Coffey

In comment 13998047 ColHowPepper said:

Quote:

pj, interesting. Scratching my head on NZ Defense categories: Control Entry Against.....100% Control Entry Prevention....69%" Highest score vs. one of his lowest...and how do you parse what those two categories mean or signify in the run of play?

I�m not sure. Analytics / advanced stats are not my strong suit. Maybe Brett or Kyle or pganut or someone else knows.

I felt all three locals did very well.

Rangers stocked the cupboard with some high ceiling talent. It will take several years for Kravtsov and Miller to develop but that�s what you do in a rebuild draft.

Isles lucked out with top guys at their positions. I like Dobson. Wahlstrom is a little too one dimensional for my tastes but he should be able to score at the NHL level.

Devils lucked out with Ty Smith dropping. He�s the exact prototype they were looking for at LD. Good on both ends, elite skater with high hockey IQ.

In comment 13998073 Sammo85 said:

Quote:

I felt all three locals did very well. Rangers stocked the cupboard with some high ceiling talent. It will take several years for Kravtsov and Miller to develop but that�s what you do in a rebuild draft. Isles lucked out with top guys at their positions. I like Dobson. Wahlstrom is a little too one dimensional for my tastes but he should be able to score at the NHL level. Devils lucked out with Ty Smith dropping. He�s the exact prototype they were looking for at LD. Good on both ends, elite skater with high hockey IQ.

As I stated earlier in the thread, I had expected the Islanders to have Kravtsov and Smith at 11 and 12 and they ended up going to Rangers and Devils respectively

I was hoping for him but I didn't think he would get past the Isles at 12. I was expecting Miller or Kupari to be the pick. Shero has done a nice job rebuilding the system with D prospects. I thought that Reilly Walsh was a steal in the 3rd round last year and he had an excellent freshman season for Harvard. Smith, Walsh, Davies, Sissons, Chainey, and Jacobs are a solid group to add to Butcher and Severson.

had the Rangers three 1st round selections ranked as follows;

6. Kravtsov
16. Lundvkist
20. Miller
Hockeyprospects.cpm top 31 - ( New Window )

Maybe to Montreal?

that Damon Severson might be on the move. I am not a big fan of that unless the Devils plan on signing two defensemen in free agency.

seeing Ted Drury's son being discussed at the draft. I played against Ted most of my youth hockey career and through high school.

Ted went to Fairfield Prep for High School (same school Chris Drury went to a couple years later).

Chris now being with the Rangers FO, no better scout familiar with Jack Drury than his uncle.

In comment 13998105 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

that Damon Severson might be on the move. I am not a big fan of that unless the Devils plan on signing two defensemen in free agency.

Pacioretty?

I think Max gets moved today, or at least heavily shopped.

David Amber
‏
Verified account

@DavidAmber

Kovalchuk has picked his team and expect an announcement very soon. #NHLDraft

of the 2nd is Mattias Samuelsson.

Kjell's son.

He was captain of the US WJC team that lost to the Fins, he is massive and very physical.

I like him and he's a guy I think we be one where people look back on and say how did he fall to the 2nd round?

LOL all the remaining players I'm familiar with are flying off the board in the 2nd.

I'm going to tap out soon.

Maybe watch the Habs first two picks of this round.

In comment 13998134 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13998105 Jay on the Island said: Quote: that Damon Severson might be on the move. I am not a big fan of that unless the Devils plan on signing two defensemen in free agency. Pacioretty? I think Max gets moved today, or at least heavily shopped.

I doubt it, the Devils are pretty set at LW. They need help at RW and D so trading Severson for a LW doesn't make much sense to me.

to the Kings

In comment 13998138 Anakim said:

Quote:

David Amber ‏ Verified account @DavidAmber Kovalchuk has picked his team and expect an announcement very soon. #NHLDraft

LA Kings. 3-year deal

take the first goalie

Olof Lindbom

I won't knock either this pick or the Lias Anderson so called 'reach' until we see them at MSG vs NHL opposition and show they can't live up to their draft status. Stay the course and support this youth movement.

In comment 13998095 JPinstripes said:

Quote:

had the Rangers three 1st round selections ranked as follows; 6. Kravtsov 16. Lundvkist 20. Miller Hockeyprospects.cpm top 31 - ( New Window )

As with all these post-draft reviews in every major sport, so much subjectivity and decidedly different viewpoints on most players beyond the top 10 or 15. Kravtsov is one who excites quite different assessments, perhaps in part because he's a KHL guy? As with most on this thread, Wahlstrom would have been the preferred pick.

On Lundkvist, smallish at 5'11" but JPinstripes service has him ranked ahead of Miller, presumably because latter is raw as a D.

stufftherun empathizes with Henrik playing through this long term rebuild: it is what it is and maybe he should throw his weight behind it, in various ways. But he likely won't.

Always smart.

who appears on Anak's list

It rarely works out. The NHL has shown you can win with a goalie you get later on.

Buffalo, Detroit, and the Islanders drafts so far.

but mainly because I know the players they drafted.

In comment 13998162 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Buffalo, Detroit, and the Islanders drafts so far. but mainly because I know the players they drafted.

That's my criteria as well. Haha

Have to love these 1st 3 picks, the 4th pick, this kid is very small do not know much about him, looks like he is going to be playing in U Conn this year. Scored over 40 goals 2 years ago. Only had 6 last year. Here is where some of the rankings had him. Looks like trying to catch lightning.

Ranked #57 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM

Ranked #128 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Ranked #102 by ISS HOCKEY

Ranked #68 by MCKEEN'S HOCKEY

Ranked #31 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)

Ranked #87 by TSN/McKenzie

Steve Kournianos
‏

@TheDraftAnalyst

Rangers at 70 take defender Jacob Ragnarsson. Marcus's kid. Good size and overall game. Nothing flashy but plays aggressive and can put up points

they are drafting definitely BPA. Jakub Skarek 54th best rated prospect Islanders grab him at 72. Another solid value pick. Bode being ranked 18th and getting him at 41 is unbelievable.

In talking about Emberson NHL draft coverage commented on the Badgers' ability to develop Dmen. Good news in terms of Miller.

but still a lot for a 35-year old who hasn't played in the NHL in 6 years.

Quote:

Bob McKenzie ‏Verified account @TSNBobMcKenzie 56m56 minutes ago Kovalchuk deal is three years with an AAV of $6.25M. Same as Patrick Marleau.

and these two may not start out together as a D pairing, Samuelsson may need a year, but eventually these guys could play a long time alongside each other.

Quote:

Jourdon LaBarber ‏ @JourdonLaBarber 39m39 minutes ago Islanders draftee Bode Wilde on Mattias Samuelsson: �They�re getting a guy who will complement Dahlin pretty well. I can just imagine those two playing together. Mattias will definitely lock it up defensively and shut down and allow a guy like Dahlin to have a bit of freedom.�

Boooooo!

Staple reporting it's SJ, Dallas, and Toronto definite, and two other teams(possibly Vegas and TB) . St Louis is out.

He'll re-sign but they're going to make Lou sweat.

I've warmed to the Kravtsov pick a bit. What he did in the KHL playoffs at his age was pretty impressive. They're trying to hit this one over the fence and get a star instead of play it safe. It'll suck if he doesn't pan out, but I can understand the logic. He'll need time to develop, so we won't reap immediate benefits here. But I don't hate it.

when you don't lock someone up when you have the chance.

You can say it's expected, but the more teams he meets with the better the chance he falls in love with one of them.

Big risk and I know it's a regime change, but poor management by NYI.

In comment 13998208 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

when you don't lock someone up when you have the chance. You can say it's expected, but the more teams he meets with the better the chance he falls in love with one of them. Big risk and I know it's a regime change, but poor management by NYI.

Duh. Not to be curt but this has been discussed ad nauseum for two years in islander internet circles. It's abysmal asset management to lose him for nothing, but that ship sailed under Snow.

The x factor is the growing concern that his fiancee is a Yoko. Wants west coast or Canada.

taken only Europeans and Americans in this draft.

In comment 13998212 yatqb said:

Quote:

taken only Europeans and Americans in this draft.

We also don't have a lot of Canadians on the roster. Spooner (who probably won't return), Gilmour (who may not return), and Marc Staal (who shouldn't return)


Howden and Ronning look pretty good, though

Named Blade

In comment 13998212 yatqb said:

Quote:

taken only Europeans and Americans in this draft.

and look at the sizes.

Montreal has taken 11 players so far and only 2 over 6 feet.

They've drafted 3 C's 5'11 or lower.


14 D were drafted in round 1. only 5 greater than 6 feet.

A far cry from the 90s and early aughts

Bob McKenzie

Looks like CGY and CAR are in Central Registry finalizing a trade. Big deal. Elias Lindholm involved. Noah Hanifin too

In comment 13998221 Anakim said:

Quote:

Bob McKenzie Looks like CGY and CAR are in Central Registry finalizing a trade. Big deal. Elias Lindholm involved. Noah Hanifin too

Both Lindholm and Hanifin? Maybe for Dougie Hamilton and Sam Bennett?

"Can you please tell those fucks Barry Trotz never made it out of the second round until last year and Lou has been a grease stain since the cap was introduced?"

Also that Anak is going to be the Giants GM, while also having the time to watch every 17 year old hockey player and college basketball player.

In comment 13998223 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13998221 Anakim said: Quote: Bob McKenzie Looks like CGY and CAR are in Central Registry finalizing a trade. Big deal. Elias Lindholm involved. Noah Hanifin too Both Lindholm and Hanifin? Maybe for Dougie Hamilton and Sam Bennett?

That would still be a coup for the Flames

Adam Fox too (rumored to be a Rangers target)

to CAL, but it's sort of like shuffling the deck chairs.

not that any players are bad in the trade, but Hanifin is younger but not better than Hamilton and Lindholm is probably a little better than Bennett (and a few years older), but both are probably 3C's maybe 2C for Lindholm - but not by a lot.

My point is it's a change of scenery trade and probably money relief to CAL.

In comment 13998227 Anakim said:

Quote:

Adam Fox too (rumored to be a Rangers target)

Bob McKenzie
‏
Verified account

@TSNBobMcKenzie

Hamilton, Ferland and Fox heading to Carolina.

In comment 13998229 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 13998227 Anakim said: Quote: Adam Fox too (rumored to be a Rangers target) Bob McKenzie ‏ Verified account @TSNBobMcKenzie Hamilton, Ferland and Fox heading to Carolina.

For Hanifin+?

and Lindholm.

Pretty even trade.

by Av's.

I love this attitude. I hate that MTL passed on this kid.

Quote:

"When I'm going to play against Montreal and Ottawa, I'm going to want to fill the net to show them that they haven't made the right decision"-Filip Zadina.

In comment 13998229 Anakim said:

Quote:

In comment 13998227 Anakim said: Quote: Adam Fox too (rumored to be a Rangers target) Bob McKenzie ‏ Verified account @TSNBobMcKenzie Hamilton, Ferland and Fox heading to Carolina.

Not as bad as I thought, but I think the Flames win this one

doesn't sign, the Flames win it by a lot. the Harvard kids are always a risk IMO, because so many want to graduate.

Once they graduate why not test FA.

In comment 13998205 Diversify yo bonds said:

Quote:

Staple reporting it's SJ, Dallas, and Toronto definite, and two other teams(possibly Vegas and TB) . St Louis is out. He'll re-sign but they're going to make Lou sweat.

The Rangers are not one of the finalists.:)

Get this done and move on or trade his rights and move on.

We need to move on, not very concerned by the teams in that list other than Toronto.

In comment 13998236 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

doesn't sign, the Flames win it by a lot. the Harvard kids are always a risk IMO, because so many want to graduate. Once they graduate why not test FA.

Yep. And while Dougie may be the best player in the trade as it stands right now, you have to wonder why he's on this third NHL team.

Six Defensemen, two wingers, and a goalie in nine picks for the Rangers. No Canadians. No Centers. 4 Swedes.

Ty Smith in the first round was a great pick and he should go well in the future with Butcher, Severson, and Walsh.

Adding D Xavier Bernard in the 4th was a great move. He is 6'3 and 203. He is reportedly an excellent skater and passer who loves to hit people. His offensive game is developing but he didn't get a lot of PP time in juniors. He has a booming slap shot so he should produce more once he receives some power play time. The Devils desperately need size on the blue line and this kid brings it. Hopefully he will continue to develop an offensive game because scouts say he has top 4 upside.

Pacioretty might be heading to SJ

In comment 13998258 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

Pacioretty might be heading to SJ

Friedman says no. At least not until they meet with JT

fired his agent. LOL. Not sure if it's because he didn't get traded, didn't get an extension (yet), or other reason. 2nd time he's fired agents.

Liam Kirk went to 189th overall. Kirk is the first England-born and developed-in-England player.

if we ever learn the reason.

Quote:

Allan Walsh ‏Verified account @walsha 37m37 minutes ago We are proud announce that Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens is now a client of Octagon.

For prep winger Riley Hughes.

weeks really busy:

Quote:

HockeyStatMiner ‏ @HockeyStatMiner 1m1 minute ago So what's next in the NHL offseason, you ask? via @CapFriendly:

Huh, well, he did have his wtf moments in SCF

Philipp Grubauer signed a 3 year $10 million dollar extension with Colorado.

Bob McKenzie
‏
Verified account

@TSNBobMcKenzie

John Carlson on verge of re-signing in WSH. 8 year deal.

years 64M for Carlson. I like him, but that seems like a lot.

In comment 13998919 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

years 64M for Carlson. I like him, but that seems like a lot.

Karlsson's ears just perked up

In comment 13998919 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

years 64M for Carlson. I like him, but that seems like a lot.

Wowzers. That's a lot of coin.

I didn't realize Carlson had a 68 point year - but still, way above his career norms. If he's that player going forward, it's not a bad deal. But if he reverts to his career numbers... egh.

The Bruins? F-me. With Bergeron and Krejci there, adding JT would practically had them the cup. C's most important position to win cups.

Quote:

Islanders C John Tavares' highly-anticipated interview period begins on Tuesday, and many organizations are lining up to talk to the top free agent on the market. Along with the Isles, the Stars, Maple Leafs, Sharks, and Lightning are meeting with the 27-year-old center between today and Wednesday, per TSN's Darren Dreger. There will also be phone conversations with 2-3 teams, including the Bruins, that could potentially lead to in-person meetings.

Link - ( New Window )

we'll both have guys on the Badgers next year :)

In comment 13999232 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

we'll both have guys on the Badgers next year :)

the home town kid. I love he's playing for Granato. I think Gorniak can have a future. And he's in the right place to develop.

You want to see the bounds of hockey height tested watch Cole Caufield as a Badger commit. He was 5' 6" in the WJC, and he was excellent. Can a 5' 6" player excel at advanced levels? I don't know anymore. He could grow too of course.

I also liked Alex Turcotte, another freshman recruit at Wisconsin from the USNDT.

did not tender Zach Fucale. Another argument against drafting a goalie early (pick #36). this kid was all world at 17/18, now he's an AHL backup, maybe even ECHL at 23.

this week will be as awful. Best to avoid Twitter/news sites as much as possible and wait and hope for the best over the weekend.

who did not receive QO's making then free agents.

Lehner, Mrazek, Duclair, DSP, Rieder

NOTE: The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Vegas Golden Knights have not announced who received qualifying offers.

He's clearly not going to be what we all thought when we traded him, but he still has potential to be a top-nine piece. He's only 22.

Arizona hasn't exactly been aces at developing talent, so sure, kick the tires.

failure so far. Strong pass on a rebuilding team, imo.

think there's anything wrong Duclair. Some players take a little longer to develop their NHL game. And like Eli says "you can't teach speed".

He's not a fit on MTL, they're all set with fast, small, forwards who haven't reached their potential.

Tavares odds per Wyshinski

Islanders: 2:1
Sharks: 3:1
Lightning: 7:1
Leafs: 10:1
Stars: 12:1
Preds: 15:1
Bruins: 20:1
Vegas: 25:1

Tavares Odds - ( New Window )

Had a deal for Pacioretty with 1 of the draft picks but backed off when the board fell their way

This
Link - ( New Window )

like MTL is trying to become more unlikable.

I normally take a root for laundry approach with all sports, but Voynov is a rare piece of shit I couldn't be happy about signing.

Quote:

L.A. Lariviere ‏ @L_A_theRiver Confirming MTL has expressed interest for D Slava Voynov. Delicate situation. Has a court date July 2 in California for a pardon. NHL will then take the steps to decide on reinstating him. Or not. #Habs #LAKings #KHL

In comment 13999946 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

This Link - ( New Window )

Wow this is huge news, speaks volumes on how isles brass viewed the two guys they drafted 11 & 12 would love to see Lou follow up on this and still find a way to land him.

with Wahlstrom either. I think the Isles made out like bandits in that opening round.

In comment 13999946 KWhite2250 said:

Quote:

This Link - ( New Window )

I'm sort of glad it worked out this way, I think ROR, while a good center, is expensive and not going to be a huge difference maker in MTL.

The trade would have been a mistake for MTL - especially depending on "the other pieces"

concerns lead to Wilde dropping.

I didn't hear specifically any details, but explains some of his fall.

I know he was left off the Summer Showcase roster (pre-cut down), but never heard why. he also de-committed from Michigan and didn't hear any explanation for that either. Could play in the OHL or even Islanders next year if he makes the team.

The Summer Showcase is end of July and a lot of recent draft picks play in it as do 2019 draft eligibles (like Jack Hughes). Good tourney to watch to see some of the young guys.

K'Andre Miller from the Rangers is on the roster, as is Wahlstrom (not sure who from the roster will actually play yet).

the roster still has 40 or so players. I don't think the US will have two teams, last year I think Canada had two teams.

Miller... 5 years $5mil+/year
Link - ( New Window )

for him, always liked him, always on my list of breakout candidates, always disappoints.

Quote:

Pierre LeBrun ‏Verified account @PierreVLeBrun 25s26 seconds ago Year by year compensation for JT Miller in his new deal: $5.25M, $6M, $4.5M, $6M, $4.5M

Tampa to sign Tavares

going into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Builders category.

Has anyone ever been booed their entire HOF acceptance speech?

he's one of the most universally detested commissioners I can remember. Him and Goodell.

Quote:

Scott Morrison ‏Verified account @morrisonSNET 1m1 minute ago 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Class: Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Martin St. Louis, Alexander Yakushev and builders Gary Bettman & Willie O'Ree

Quote:

Dan Rosen ‏Verified account @drosennhl 41s41 seconds ago Who didn't make the Hall of Fame this year: Daniel Alfredsson, Curtis Joseph, Boris Mikhailov, Theo Fleury, Jeremy Roenick, Alexander Mogilny, Steve Larmer.

Feel like Roenick belongs.

quite a bit of speculation about Tavares to the Lightning.

Holy shit. Would be close to the NHL version of a super team.

Stamos
Kucherov
Tavares

Hedman
Vasilevsky
McDonagh

Might be as dominant as the Gretzky Oilers.

Hope it doesn't happen.


Also heard Plekanec back to the Habs. Could have predicted that one.

In comment 14000057 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

going into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Builders category. Has anyone ever been booed their entire HOF acceptance speech? he's one of the most universally detested commissioners I can remember. Him and Goodell.

Never gets old
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14000567 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

quite a bit of speculation about Tavares to the Lightning. Holy shit. Would be close to the NHL version of a super team. Stamos Kucherov Tavares Hedman Vasilevsky McDonagh Might be as dominant as the Gretzky Oilers. Hope it doesn't happen. Also heard Plekanec back to the Habs. Could have predicted that one.

That would be good news for the Rangers. If TB wins the cup, the conditional 2nd would turn into a first rounder in 2019. That would be three straight years of having multiple first round picks. Not bad when you consider Sather used to trade them away like they were tic tacs.

Goodell or Bettman.

is obviously better than the last pick in the 2nd round, but I hesitate to call this good news for anyone other than TB if it happens.

In comment 14000599 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

is obviously better than the last pick in the 2nd round, but I hesitate to call this good news for anyone other than TB if it happens.

Well another positive is it gets Tavares out of the division.

In comment 14000601 figgy2989 said:

Quote:

In comment 14000599 pjcas18 said: Quote: is obviously better than the last pick in the 2nd round, but I hesitate to call this good news for anyone other than TB if it happens. Well another positive is it gets Tavares out of the division.

That I'd agree with and I didn't mean to say if the Rangers get eliminated they shouldn't root for TB to win the cup to improve that pick, they should, but the NHL draft is really top heavy for historical success.

For example, pick #31, only 29% of players picked #31 even play 100 NHL games. Regardless of quality. Only 10% become top 6F/top 4D. 85% however are "4th line or worse"

Statistically speaking, historically (over a 23 year sample) pick #31 is actually worse than pick #62 (32% of players picked at #32 play in 100 NHL games, but only 7.5% become top 6/4 and 86% are "4th line or worse").

Anyway, it's all just numbers if your scouts are good they'll beat the percentages, just saying it's not as great a prize to have take a way the sting of seeing the ex-Rangers win a cup (if you care about things like that).

In comment 14000607 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 14000601 figgy2989 said: Quote: In comment 14000599 pjcas18 said: Quote: is obviously better than the last pick in the 2nd round, but I hesitate to call this good news for anyone other than TB if it happens. Well another positive is it gets Tavares out of the division. That I'd agree with and I didn't mean to say if the Rangers get eliminated they shouldn't root for TB to win the cup to improve that pick, they should, but the NHL draft is really top heavy for historical success. For example, pick #31, only 29% of players picked #31 even play 100 NHL games. Regardless of quality. Only 10% become top 6F/top 4D. 85% however are "4th line or worse" Statistically speaking, historically (over a 23 year sample) pick #31 is actually worse than pick #62 (32% of players picked at #32 play in 100 NHL games, but only 7.5% become top 6/4 and 86% are "4th line or worse"). Anyway, it's all just numbers if your scouts are good they'll beat the percentages, just saying it's not as great a prize to have take a way the sting of seeing the ex-Rangers win a cup (if you care about things like that).

PJ, I definitely agree and usually outside the top 5-10 picks, it's all a crap shoot. I am on board with a full rebuild and the more assets you can get the better chance you will have to hit on picks. At a minimum, they are building depth. It's a far cry from when Sather was at the reigns and would throw away picks on trying to chase a cup. Just my opinion of course.

In comment 14000567 pjcas18 said:

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quite a bit of speculation about Tavares to the Lightning. Holy shit. Would be close to the NHL version of a super team. Stamos Kucherov Tavares Hedman Vasilevsky McDonagh Might be as dominant as the Gretzky Oilers. Hope it doesn't happen. Also heard Plekanec back to the Habs. Could have predicted that one.

Where is this specualtion? Most of the bigger hockey experts are saying they expect him back to isles

agree, most still have the Islanders as the favorites, but more than a couple beat guys on twitter suggested not so fast, here's why the Lightning can be attractive (and it starts with $$ and the lack of state income tax in FL, then goes on to the quality of the team being a contender, etc.)

In comment 14000621 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

agree, most still have the Islanders as the favorites, but more than a couple beat guys on twitter suggested not so fast, here's why the Lightning can be attractive (and it starts with $$ and the lack of state income tax in FL, then goes on to the quality of the team being a contender, etc.)

Thanks, just thought I had missed something. I assume tomorrow will be the day all of us Isles fans celebrate or go back to same old shit despite hiring lou and trotz

How the hell can they afford to sign him? Look at their cap numbers:

Stamkos 8.5 million
Hedman 7.87 million
Callahan 5.8 million
Palat 5.3 million
Miller 5.25 million
Johnson 5 million
Kucherov 4.766 million (due for a new contract soon)
McDonagh 4.7 million
Stralman 4.5 million
Killorn 4.45 million

They reportedly have less than 200K in cap room.

In comment 14000716 Jay on the Island said:

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How the hell can they afford to sign him? Look at their cap numbers: Stamkos 8.5 million Hedman 7.87 million Callahan 5.8 million Palat 5.3 million Miller 5.25 million Johnson 5 million Kucherov 4.766 million (due for a new contract soon) McDonagh 4.7 million Stralman 4.5 million Killorn 4.45 million They reportedly have less than 200K in cap room.

I read that you dont have to be under the cap until a certain day....not sure if true. So they can sign him and then worry about trading guys

was traded (unfortunately to MTL) in many scenarios.

They have a lot of money off the books next year (most on D - all the ex-Rangers D - McDonagh, Girardi, Stralman), plus Coburn - freeing up over $17M starting next year.

They can make it work.

Callahan was also a candidate to dump.

In comment 14000716 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

How the hell can they afford to sign him? Look at their cap numbers: Stamkos 8.5 million Hedman 7.87 million Callahan 5.8 million Palat 5.3 million Miller 5.25 million Johnson 5 million Kucherov 4.766 million (due for a new contract soon) McDonagh 4.7 million Stralman 4.5 million Killorn 4.45 million They reportedly have less than 200K in cap room.

According to cap friendly they are $5M under the cap with 20 of 23 contracts.

After JT Miller extension.

Maybe the 200k is after RFA tenders to players like Paquette.

.

Isles +125
Sharks +275
Leafs +500
Bruins +700
Stars +800
Lightning +850

In comment 14000716 Jay on the Island said:

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How the hell can they afford to sign him? Look at their cap numbers: Stamkos 8.5 million Hedman 7.87 million Callahan 5.8 million Palat 5.3 million Miller 5.25 million Johnson 5 million Kucherov 4.766 million (due for a new contract soon) McDonagh 4.7 million Stralman 4.5 million Killorn 4.45 million They reportedly have less than 200K in cap room.

I'm sure the Rangers will bail out Stevie Y

In comment 14000716 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

How the hell can they afford to sign him? Look at their cap numbers: Stamkos 8.5 million Hedman 7.87 million Callahan 5.8 million Palat 5.3 million Miller 5.25 million Johnson 5 million Kucherov 4.766 million (due for a new contract soon) McDonagh 4.7 million Stralman 4.5 million Killorn 4.45 million They reportedly have less than 200K in cap room.

They would have to make a trade.