Minnesota looks like the next team to challenge the Kings and Senators for 2020 lottery. They ought to seriously consider blowing it up and stock piling draft picks. As much as their cap space permits, offer to be the next Arizona and take on dead weight contracts for some picks/ prospects.
The only move Sakic made recently that seems a bit odd to me was playing Makar in the playoffs. Thus forefeiting his Seattle Expansion draft exempt status. I totally get the idea of giving the kid valuable experience, and moreover, once you make the playoffs, do whatever it takes to win. But now...
Remember Sakic's ability as a GM was being questioned heavily just a year and a half ago, right up to Duchene trade. Before that, Avs looked like a lost franchise with a couple of uber talented players. Here we are 18 months later, and the so called experts are fighting for a seat on the Avs...
Not to mention the Avs had the 4th & 16th picks last month. Byram is a pretty sure bet D-man in a couple years, not sure about the C at 16th pick.
They have plenty of space to trade for another high quality player, or even a UFA next summer. Of course, it could all to shit if Grubauer doesn't...
I had definitely wanted the Kings to take the Marleau contract/ buy out with the Toronto 1st rounder. But looking at Cap Friendly, don't think they could've fit $6M of dead money under cap without trading a Quick, Toffoli, etc.
And since Blake is clearly holding onto those guys in hopes their...
I think Ottawa is the only team where taking on the Lucic contract (without dumping another significant salary) is even a remote possibility. Arizona and Carolina have moved up away from the floor, so those destinations won't work. A team has got to be in super rebuild mode, more of "tear it...
Still wondering if Quick goes to Columbus??? Calgary , Edmonton, Carolina, and a couple others also looking pretty precarious in net. I know all the previous chatter was its suppose to be easier to trade a goalie in the off-season. But maybe we gotta get to the halfway point of the season...
Carolina got a 1st rounder in 2020 for the Marleau contract. Good deal for nothing but cash and of course, cap space.
Still think the Kings could use their extra cap space to take on a short term contract problem from another team (EDM, Vegas, etc). Maybe that 1st rounder CAR got sets a high...
I think Blake really wants to pump up Toffoli first. I think they wait until January / February to trade him in the hopes he has a good 1st half.
Either way, I agree his days are numbered.
Smart move by Quacks. The big cap hit for Perry's buyout is next year at $6M (other years are around $2M). The only current players with expiring contracts they would want to resign next year are Terry and Sprong.
With Perry gone, gotta say my disdain for the Ducks is a little less strong now...
I'm thinking the Karlsson contract will look bad by mid December. Unless it's some secret sign and trade (highly doubtful).
No idea how much up and coming talent Sharks have in their system, but they currently only have 1 1st, 1 2nd, and 2 3rd round picks in the next 3 NHL DRAFTS combined!!
Wondering if the Hawks trade for LD Maatta signals they are taking a Forward at #3, and not Byram. ? Unless they are somehow dumping Seabrook or Keith (unlikely).
Imagine if LA packaged Voynov as part of a bigger trade to swing another 1st round pick? Bettman would have to announce his name right there at the podium.
No way he would let that happen.
Maybe I'm just jaded, but I swear I saw more diving in these playoffs than before. Of course, the blown calls have gotten a ton of spotlight. Combine that with what sure felt like a rigged lottery, and it feels like the NHL is headed towards the same level as NBA.
Tonight I've watched all of...
China is loading up on hockey, both coaching and players. Building up on their new KHL team, looks like they really want to have a competitive (relatively competitive) team during 2022 Beijing Olympics. Maybe hoping for Germany type run, especially if NHL players are out again. Best wishes for...
1. I agree take the best available at #5. There are a handful of forwards projected in the #4 - #8 range of draft. Colorado likely gets first crack at that group if CHI takes the defenseman Byram at #3. So Kings should just have 2 forwards targeted at their #5 spot, and they obviously take...
Conflicting info:
ESPN article made it sound like NHL / Bettman said we would be free to sign with any team after reinstatement.
Mayors Manor article says Kings still own his rights, and will trade him rather than sign.
??? Who knows ???
Wonder if he can get stint in AHL for conditioning...
While I agree that Vegas has certainly been coddled, I think Gallant was pissed at how bad the sewer rat faced Logan Couture embellished that call. Dude ran down the tunnel like he was late for his ambulance ride to the hospital. Only to return to the bench a minute later when SJ scored on the...
I see the point. That is why Calgary traded him. But it's also why Carolina will have to trade him for under value.
In the end, Jack Johnson (who pulled the same thing) worked out well for the Kings in the Carter trade.