The SC finals are in the rearview and the longest season in NHL history is put to bed.
The NHL Awards are handed out on Thursday night and the draft begins Friday night at the Sphere in Vegas.
The off-season is expected to be a busy one with the first salary cap increase since COVID. The players association opted to leave salaries as is instead of accepting a pay cut during the COVID season(s) and to do that they basically borrowed against future earnings, which suppressed the cap at the current levels.
Anyway, lot of activity could happen between now, the draft and free agency. Several big names rumored to be on the trading block.
Trevor Zegras (MTL and NYR among those named as "interested")
Martin Necas
Patrik Laine
Linus Ullmark (just traded to OTT)
Nikolaj Ehlers
Maybe Mitch Marner and more and then there is buyouts, FA, etc.
Here is the Ullmark trade FWIW:
TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired G Linus Ullmark from @NHLBruins in exchange for (Boston’s original) ’24 first-round draft pick (no. 25 overall), C Mark Kastelic and G Joonas Korpisalo. As part of the transaction, the #Sens will retain 25% of Korpisalo’s remaining salary.… pic.twitter.com/0xRMxi8wZS
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) June 24, 2024
Mitch Marner would be a good get. He would be the type of player the Rangers have been seeking at RW and would certainly be better than a washed up Wheeler or washed out Kakko. Whether the Rangers could pay him would be the question.
Rangers have a decision to make with Trouba, not a top pair defenseman, and will be making $8M next year. They will get his 15 team list on July 1st. Maybe once and for all this teaches upper management to STOP with the NTC, NMC that they seem to hand out like Halloween candy.
The core needs an infusion of new blood. Who stays? Who goes? How do they maneuver salary?
They still have quality pieces to build around and have a good team in 2024-25.
Should be interesting.
The core needs an infusion of new blood. Who stays? Who goes? How do they maneuver salary?
They still have quality pieces to build around and have a good team in 2024-25.
Should be interesting.
I expect a hockey trade: one of the dmen under contract (Pelech Pulockl for a F with term.
The core needs an infusion of new blood. Who stays? Who goes? How do they maneuver salary?
They still have quality pieces to build around and have a good team in 2024-25.
Should be interesting.
think they are using a pick to dump pageau then either signing a FA like marchessault (played w/ roy in juniors) or trading their first for someone like ehlers.
whatever they add the improvement next year needs to come from within. Sorokin tanked hard and Dobson did his annual playoff houdini.
Rangers have a decision to make with Trouba, not a top pair defenseman, and will be making $8M next year. They will get his 15 team list on July 1st. Maybe once and for all this teaches upper management to STOP with the NTC, NMC that they seem to hand out like Halloween candy.
it's that early '70s again.
I'd keep Trouba and be done with him in 2 years before I gave a long term deal to Lindgren. I love Lindgren, but at 26 he's already hurt constantly, the way he plays above his weight class is not conducive to aging well.
Larry Brooks has written a number of compelling columns on the Rangers over the last week on Trouba, Igor, and roster in general. most are behind the paywall though.
Expansion or relocation? Just not sure if you mean a new franchise or if SLC is temporary for the "Coyotes" (as had been speculated).
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Reactivation of coyotes seems unlikely. Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City are favorites for expansion.
Expansion or relocation? Just not sure if you mean a new franchise or if SLC is temporary for the "Coyotes" (as had been speculated).
PLEASE no more expansion!! THe owners Ponzi scheme is getting more absurd with each new team. Pretty soon it will be 83 teams with 1 game against each team regular season. Enough already.
And Canadians will bitch even more
Atlanta? Seriously? for a 3rd time? Give it up already. Not crazy about Houston as a sports town but I see the importance of the market. KC is a real good sports town. They had the Scouts but that was half a century ago. It would probably work out well there today.
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The team that has beaten the Rangers in the ECF has gone on to win the Cup.
Rangers have a decision to make with Trouba, not a top pair defenseman, and will be making $8M next year. They will get his 15 team list on July 1st. Maybe once and for all this teaches upper management to STOP with the NTC, NMC that they seem to hand out like Halloween candy.
it's that early '70s again.
I'd keep Trouba and be done with him in 2 years before I gave a long term deal to Lindgren. I love Lindgren, but at 26 he's already hurt constantly, the way he plays above his weight class is not conducive to aging well.
Larry Brooks has written a number of compelling columns on the Rangers over the last week on Trouba, Igor, and roster in general. most are behind the paywall though.
Agree that they should look to replace Lindgren, his style of play is going to wear down his body similar to Dan Girardi.
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Reactivation of coyotes seems unlikely. Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City are favorites for expansion.
Expansion or relocation? Just not sure if you mean a new franchise or if SLC is temporary for the "Coyotes" (as had been speculated).
Did you see the arena layout at the Delta Center for hockey? It's worse than Barclays Center was for the Islanders. So many restrictive sightlines because the arena was never built for hockey.
I watched the series and some of the other Oiler games and don't see all the hoopla around McDavid. I rememeber the days of prime Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby. He doesn't check those boxes for me. He is okay. But certainly not a game changer IMHO.
I watched the series and some of the other Oiler games and don't see all the hoopla around McDavid. I rememeber the days of prime Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby. He doesn't check those boxes for me. He is okay. But certainly not a game changer IMHO.
I could not disagree more. Every shift I see him, I think that's the best hockey player I have ever seen (understanding full well that the level of play is far better than it was during the 80s/90s).
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announcing McDavid was the Conn Smythe winner.
I watched the series and some of the other Oiler games and don't see all the hoopla around McDavid. I rememeber the days of prime Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby. He doesn't check those boxes for me. He is okay. But certainly not a game changer IMHO.
I could not disagree more. Every shift I see him, I think that's the best hockey player I have ever seen (understanding full well that the level of play is far better than it was during the 80s/90s).
Beat me to it. He's the best player in the league. He should be a Ranger in 10 years if history is any indicator.
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who are very tight with the cap.
The core needs an infusion of new blood. Who stays? Who goes? How do they maneuver salary?
They still have quality pieces to build around and have a good team in 2024-25.
Should be interesting.
think they are using a pick to dump pageau then either signing a FA like marchessault (played w/ roy in juniors) or trading their first for someone like ehlers.
whatever they add the improvement next year needs to come from within. Sorokin tanked hard and Dobson did his annual playoff houdini.
This team has to get younger and more skilled. I also don't believe Lou would agree with that statement. Roy may be a very good coach, but right now he has a roster that is not built to keep up with most teams in the league.
Nope. A whole lotta JAGs on that roster.
Zegras would be intriguing.
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The Oilers team is really not that good beyond the top five players.
Nope. A whole lotta JAGs on that roster.
Zegras would be intriguing.
Zegras would be a great get. Pushes possession, has two 60 point seasons under his belt, a lot of potential.
Roenick finally made it, Datsyuk is in, and.....COLIN FUCKING CAMPBELL??????????? Builder, my ass.
I don't think it's as bad in EDM as most of you seem to think. I thought goalie was their biggest issue and you can argue Skinner should have saved goal #2 but he wasn't why they lost.
I think they need a veteran more than a Zegras. Marner or someone like that IMO. and a veteran D - someone like Chychrun or even Savard. And I know those two are very different.
He had a second or two there to put the puck in, did someone get a stick in there or did he just blow a flat tire?
He had a second or two there to put the puck in, did someone get a stick in there or did he just blow a flat tire?
He got his stick held (legally) by Verhaeghe or one of the FLA forwards. i think it was Verhaeghe.
as do Pavel Datsyuk (1st ballot) and Shea Weber (1st ballot)
I thought Weber was still on someone's roster.
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In comment 16542413 BrettNYG10 said:
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The Oilers team is really not that good beyond the top five players.
Nope. A whole lotta JAGs on that roster.
Zegras would be intriguing.
Zegras would be a great get. Pushes possession, has two 60 point seasons under his belt, a lot of potential.
With the rumors of Zegras and Kane, I just don't know how they fit the mold of what Drury wants, which is bigger and faster.
I don't think he's a good fit for either EDM or NYR. Especially at C. if you think Chytil struggled on the dots, he looks like Bergeron next to Zegras. But...he's young so it's not surprising, but on a contender it's also not something tolerable.
Depending on the money Kane could be a good fit for NYR.
Bigger and Faster doesn't have to mean every single player on the roster is bigger and faster.
as do Pavel Datsyuk (1st ballot) and Shea Weber (1st ballot)
I thought Weber was still on someone's roster.
Lol and the annual snub of Patrik Elias lives on. Roenick & Datsyuk are more than worth but Shea Weber finished playing 5 minutes ago and we had to rush him in?
They have to break up the Boys Club- Matthews, Marner, Willie, and Taveras. Those 4 take up a lot of cap space. I’d rather see guys built more for the playoffs than the regular season.
Hey pjcas….I have a trade proposal for you…
Marner to HABS
For
Josh Anderson, Arber “Jackeye”, and Jason Struble, plus your 2nd 1st round pick in 2024.
Deal?
You finally can get rid of your whipping boy, Josh A, and you have so many Dmen needing to play like Hutson and Mailloux so losing those two won’t hurt you. Finally you acquire a top 3-6 player you desperately need.
I'm doubtful it gets done. A younger team who can take more risk (Detorit) is probably a more logical landing spot.
Eric, Sorokin is good, but honestly, I think Joseph Woll, age 25, had a very good season as the #2 goalie. His save % is about equal to Sorokin and his GAA is also about the same as Sorokin. I think Woll will be the starter and honestly, I don’t see much if any of an upgrade with Sorokin over Woll.
I need more- physicality on both forwards and defense. That’s why I chose two tough young hombres from the HABS and Josh Anderson ….who usually scores 15- 20….not this year….and plays well in the playoffs….something my boys need more of.
Bottom line::Sorokin may be considered the #1 if he came over, but barely. And like I said, we need other things….like big tough bodies made for the playoffs.
They have to break up the Boys Club- Matthews, Marner, Willie, and Taveras. Those 4 take up a lot of cap space. I’d rather see guys built more for the playoffs than the regular season.
Hey pjcas….I have a trade proposal for you…
Marner to HABS
For
Josh Anderson, Arber “Jackeye”, and Jason Struble, plus your 2nd 1st round pick in 2024.
Deal?
You finally can get rid of your whipping boy, Josh A, and you have so many Dmen needing to play like Hutson and Mailloux so losing those two won’t hurt you. Finally you acquire a top 3-6 player you desperately need.
no chance.
I'm not a Marner fan, but also apparently Hughes' phone is ringing off the hook with GMs asking about Xhekaj.
in case it wasn't clear about me - Xhekaj is the epitome of the kind of player I like. he has the hardest shot on MTL, hardest hitter and he one of the toughest fighters in the league. Yeah, he has flaws, but I wouldn't trade him for a player who I don't think adds many wins.
Even though I don't like Marner I'd trade Anderson, Harris, and a 2nd round pick.
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Marner gone!
They have to break up the Boys Club- Matthews, Marner, Willie, and Taveras. Those 4 take up a lot of cap space. I’d rather see guys built more for the playoffs than the regular season.
Hey pjcas….I have a trade proposal for you…
Marner to HABS
For
Josh Anderson, Arber “Jackeye”, and Jason Struble, plus your 2nd 1st round pick in 2024.
Deal?
You finally can get rid of your whipping boy, Josh A, and you have so many Dmen needing to play like Hutson and Mailloux so losing those two won’t hurt you. Finally you acquire a top 3-6 player you desperately need.
no chance.
I'm not a Marner fan, but also apparently Hughes' phone is ringing off the hook with GMs asking about Xhekaj.
in case it wasn't clear about me - Xhekaj is the epitome of the kind of player I like. he has the hardest shot on MTL, hardest hitter and he one of the toughest fighters in the league. Yeah, he has flaws, but I wouldn't trade him for a player who I don't think adds many wins.
Even though I don't like Marner I'd trade Anderson, Harris, and a 2nd round pick.
I was hoping you made this counter proposal in jest, but now I’m beginning to think you are being serious. Now, you are aware Marner has scored 85+ points in 4 of his 8 years in Toronto. And you want to throw me a small bone named Jordan Harris…a guy who can’t even start on your bottom dwelling team. A 2nd round pick is usually not much…and as we both know, every HABS fan wants to open the door to let Josh out the door.
And to add Injury to insult, my brother is telling me HABS are willing to give up much much more to acquire…..drum roll please…..MARTIN NECAS! A guy who averages about 40+ points a season….much much less than Mariner’s 90+.
You know HABS need a much better 2nd line….Marner fits quite nicely. Team him with Dachshund, assuming he can stay healthy, and your 2 line should get some attention.
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In comment 16542621 5BowlsSoon said:
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Marner gone!
They have to break up the Boys Club- Matthews, Marner, Willie, and Taveras. Those 4 take up a lot of cap space. I’d rather see guys built more for the playoffs than the regular season.
Hey pjcas….I have a trade proposal for you…
Marner to HABS
For
Josh Anderson, Arber “Jackeye”, and Jason Struble, plus your 2nd 1st round pick in 2024.
Deal?
You finally can get rid of your whipping boy, Josh A, and you have so many Dmen needing to play like Hutson and Mailloux so losing those two won’t hurt you. Finally you acquire a top 3-6 player you desperately need.
no chance.
I'm not a Marner fan, but also apparently Hughes' phone is ringing off the hook with GMs asking about Xhekaj.
in case it wasn't clear about me - Xhekaj is the epitome of the kind of player I like. he has the hardest shot on MTL, hardest hitter and he one of the toughest fighters in the league. Yeah, he has flaws, but I wouldn't trade him for a player who I don't think adds many wins.
Even though I don't like Marner I'd trade Anderson, Harris, and a 2nd round pick.
I was hoping you made this counter proposal in jest, but now I’m beginning to think you are being serious. Now, you are aware Marner has scored 85+ points in 4 of his 8 years in Toronto. And you want to throw me a small bone named Jordan Harris…a guy who can’t even start on your bottom dwelling team. A 2nd round pick is usually not much…and as we both know, every HABS fan wants to open the door to let Josh out the door.
And to add Injury to insult, my brother is telling me HABS are willing to give up much much more to acquire…..drum roll please…..MARTIN NECAS! A guy who averages about 40+ points a season….much much less than Mariner’s 90+.
You know HABS need a much better 2nd line….Marner fits quite nicely. Team him with Dachshund, assuming he can stay healthy, and your 2 line should get some attention.
Why do you think teams will be desperate to bail you out of a bad contract for a soft player who doesn’t win you games? His point totals are high because of the offensive scheme and who he has around him. The market is not as high for Marner as you would like.
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In comment 16542699 pjcas18 said:
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In comment 16542621 5BowlsSoon said:
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Marner gone!
They have to break up the Boys Club- Matthews, Marner, Willie, and Taveras. Those 4 take up a lot of cap space. I’d rather see guys built more for the playoffs than the regular season.
Hey pjcas….I have a trade proposal for you…
Marner to HABS
For
Josh Anderson, Arber “Jackeye”, and Jason Struble, plus your 2nd 1st round pick in 2024.
Deal?
You finally can get rid of your whipping boy, Josh A, and you have so many Dmen needing to play like Hutson and Mailloux so losing those two won’t hurt you. Finally you acquire a top 3-6 player you desperately need.
no chance.
I'm not a Marner fan, but also apparently Hughes' phone is ringing off the hook with GMs asking about Xhekaj.
in case it wasn't clear about me - Xhekaj is the epitome of the kind of player I like. he has the hardest shot on MTL, hardest hitter and he one of the toughest fighters in the league. Yeah, he has flaws, but I wouldn't trade him for a player who I don't think adds many wins.
Even though I don't like Marner I'd trade Anderson, Harris, and a 2nd round pick.
I was hoping you made this counter proposal in jest, but now I’m beginning to think you are being serious. Now, you are aware Marner has scored 85+ points in 4 of his 8 years in Toronto. And you want to throw me a small bone named Jordan Harris…a guy who can’t even start on your bottom dwelling team. A 2nd round pick is usually not much…and as we both know, every HABS fan wants to open the door to let Josh out the door.
And to add Injury to insult, my brother is telling me HABS are willing to give up much much more to acquire…..drum roll please…..MARTIN NECAS! A guy who averages about 40+ points a season….much much less than Mariner’s 90+.
You know HABS need a much better 2nd line….Marner fits quite nicely. Team him with Dachshund, assuming he can stay healthy, and your 2 line should get some attention.
Why do you think teams will be desperate to bail you out of a bad contract for a soft player who doesn’t win you games? His point totals are high because of the offensive scheme and who he has around him. The market is not as high for Marner as you would like.
Josh Anderson and Jordan Harris…..are you kidding me?
you're trying to make me give you a better offer for a player I don't want. I'd rather have Zegras than Marner.
if he (Zegras) can pan out at C the Habs don't rely on Dach to stay healthy and are very strong at C.
if that was not FLA but a better media market it could have been the highest, but still a good thing.
“If I had the Rangers payroll, I'd never lose a game.”
you're trying to make me give you a better offer for a player I don't want. I'd rather have Zegras than Marner.
if he (Zegras) can pan out at C the Habs don't rely on Dach to stay healthy and are very strong at C.
Just curious, who are you willing to give up to get Zegras? He has never scored more than 65 points, usually with 20+ goals…and wasn’t he injured this past year? You can’t afford to have another Kirby Dach on your team.
Imknow he is young…23 years, so his upside may be higher….and I don’t want Marner either, but outside the playoffs, the kid is a beast.