Ongoing NHL thread - Part deux

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I don't know why you're so convinced Okposo's gone? If the Isles' strategy is to keep trading away veteran goalscorers once they're up for UFA and replacing them with up-and-comers, I don't think they're ever going to go anywhere.

For all the rest, you're assuming every RFA is getting a low deal (they aren't) and every prospect will pan out (they won't) and goaltending will be just fine (it hasn't been on Long Island in forever and there are no guarantees they will with new prospects).

So yeah, there might be cap space, but that cap space might be the result of the Isles never actually solidifying their roster. If the plan is to wait another 2-3 years and hope the prospects can help then I have a feeling JT (or any other player with half a brain) is going to say "Uh, hey, I've been playing for ten years and we haven't stopped re-building. I'm about done with this."

They did okay without Okposo for part of the season last year. If they trade him they're going to get something good in return or they won't trade him. They'll let him walk at the end of the season. They aren't going to give Okposo 7 years 7M per year.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

They did okay without Okposo for part of the season last year. If they trade him they're going to get something good in return or they won't trade him. They'll let him walk at the end of the season. They aren't going to give Okposo 7 years 7M per year.

They did do okay without him. They were also playing shitty teams - of the 23 games he missed, 15 were against teams that wound up missing the playoffs. That injury really couldn't have come at a better time.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

They did do okay without him. They were also playing shitty teams - of the 23 games he missed, 15 were against teams that wound up missing the playoffs. That injury really couldn't have come at a better time.

Would you want & expect the Leafs to meet Okposo's contract demands? I agree with the Islanders in this case.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Would you want & expect the Leafs to meet Okposo's contract demands? I agree with the Islanders in this case.

If the Leafs had a centre like JT to play with him? Absolutely.

 

[forty_three]

Yesterday was Alexander Wennberg's 21st birthday. Scott Hartnell reacts accordingly.

 

[forty_three]

Somehow, I had never seen this.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

Pretty cool. Too bad Mario had to play for Pissburgh his whole career.

BarDown: Jagr's story on why Lemieux came out of retirement

 

[dare2be]

It was common knowledge back then (or most likely explanation) that Mario came back so that his son could see him play.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

I still remember cheering for the Pens in Mario's return game. That was the greatest performance I had ever seen in my short life.

 

[dash]

Will anybody else ever duplicate 5-way Mario (even-strength, power-play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty net goals in one game)

 

[juliansteed]

It was common knowledge back then (or most likely explanation) that Mario came back so that his son could see him play.

I heard there were a few reasons, that being 1 of them. Others included motivating Jagr, and protecting his investment.

This was kind of interesting and surprising to read:

One day he wandered into the staff room and started talking to the person sharpening our skates. Austin: 'Hi Steve, what's going on?' Steve: 'Hi, I'm sharpening the skates for our players, we have a game today.' Austin: 'I know, I will be there. And who's the player on the poster (pointing at Mario Lemieux poster)?'. 'That's your father!' said Steve. 'My father played hockey??'. Steve looked at Austin in disbelief and said 'Your father was the best player in the world for a long time!'. 'Oh, I didn't know,' said Austin and left to continue playing with his ball...

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Some rumblings about the Leafs wanting Travis Zajac? If Lou's history is any indication it's a bullshit rumor because Lou and his people don't leak anything.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Some rumblings about the Leafs wanting Travis Zajac? If Lou's history is any indication it's a bullshit rumor because Lou and his people don't leak anything.

Came out on Elliott's 30 Thoughts. I don't believe it either - Leafs need a lot of things, but if there is one thing the Leafs don't need it's a mediocre centre with a pricey long-term contract. They have enough of those as it is.

 

[Puck082]

Will anybody else ever duplicate 5-way Mario (even-strength, power-play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty net goals in one game)

That's one of those records that will never be matched. Against the Devils, right?

 

[dash]

That's one of those records that will never be matched. Against the Devils, right?

Yes sir.

 

[dash]

I know McJesus didn't play in the Oilers - Jets game last night, I was just wondering if he was awarded first star?

 

[forty_three]

"Assistant General Manager?"

"No, assistant to the General Manager"



Is Martin Erat still available?

 

[dash]

"Assistant General Manager?"

"No, assistant to the General Manager"



Is Martin Erat still available?

Maybe McPhee pulled a Costanza?

 

[Puck082]

"Assistant General Manager?"

"No, assistant to the General Manager"



Is Martin Erat still available?

He was already working with the team, I guess this is just a more official title. Nothing wrong with having McPhee in the fold.

 

[DragonfromTO]

Came out on Elliott's 30 Thoughts. I don't believe it either - Leafs need a lot of things, but if there is one thing the Leafs don't need it's a mediocre centre with a pricey long-term contract. They have enough of those as it is.

Could be something good coming along with him, one of those "buy a draft pick" type deals. But it would have to be an awfully good asset given how many years there are on that deal (5 or 6, right? I'm not sure)