NFT: NHL Draft and Offseason Discussion

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.

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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"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:

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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:

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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
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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:

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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:

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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:

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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*