So far, So good, I think

[chy1127]

The old: Homer is really banking on some young guys stepping up. We got rid of a shit load of goals with Carter, Richards, Versteeg and Leino going. We gave up close to 100 goals right there. I am sure most wanted Leino but not at $4.5 for 6 years. The Sabres are going to find out he is not a 30 goal or top 3 forward. That being said, I hope he does have success in the future. Liked Carcillo and ODonnell but not losing sleep with them or Versteeg going. Also don't care abut Zherdev but would have like Powe back.

The new: Schenn, Jagr, Simmonds, Talbot, Voracek, Bryzgalov and Lilja. Simmonds and Schenn should both be 15-20 goal guys. Schenn has more potential but rookie years are always tough. Jagr 25-30 and real help on a struggling PP. Talbot to help an average PK (We will love his max every night effort) Voracek 25. IF(big if) we get this production and Jvr and Giroux continue to grow, we should have a better offense than last year.
Lilja is more than adequate as a 6/depth guy. Bryzgalov is the big name goalie that we have wanted for years.

We also have some depth with Holmstrom, Testwuide, Read, Kalinski and Nodl fighting for the roster. Nodl may sneak into the top 9 again if Talbot goes to 4th line. Defense had Bartulis, Gustafsson, Marshall and ourdon tring to crack the line up.

Lines
Jvr - Giroux - Voracek
Hartnell - Briere - Jagr
Simmonds -Schenn - Nodl/Testwuide/Read
Talbot - Betts - Holmstrom/Shelly

Defense
Pronger - Carle
Timonen - Coburn
Meszaros - Lilaj/Bartulis/Gustafsson.

I see at least 245 goals and last year it was 256! D as good, maybe better and with better goaltending, maybe even a shut out or 2 should lead to fewer goals. Also Jagr is a SO specialist.

Speed, youth, effrot and desire. I think that is our new team.

 

[FlyerFinFan]

Yep agreed but I still believe they'll make at least one more move which would bump either Talbot or Nodl to the 4th line making this team strong from top to bottom. Gags would be a nice fit beside Simmonds and Schenn!

 

[Vadered]

I think you guys are overestimating Jagr's production. 25-30 is a reach, 20-25 seems more reasonable but still on the high end. He had 19 goals in 49 games in the KHL last year. That extrapolates to around 32 or so in an 82 game season, and the level of competition is gonna jump for him. Also, he isn't getting younger, and he's going to need to play more games than he's used to. I think he'll do fine, but he isn't the Jagr of 1995 or even 2005. Think 25-45-70 would be great numbers to see from him, but I expect closer to 20-30-50, as he's never been much of a passer. 3.3 mill was probably a bit much, but he's signed and that's that.

I do agree that we should expect big things from Giroux and JVR. They won't improve as much as I'd like because they're probably going to be against the top defense pairs, but they'll get more ice time too. What I'm really hoping is that our third line steps up quick. Our strength through much of the last season was our offensive and defensive depth - I'm okay with how we are defensively, but if our third line can help pitch in and make opponents reconsider how they match up against us, that's when we get dangerous.

As is, I don't think we come out on top in the division. Assuming Crosby and Malkin are healthy, they'll probably beat us out. I see us coming in 4th-7th, depending on luck, injuries, and whatnot, but I certainly hope I'm wrong. We'll see!

 

[FlyerFinFan]

Vadered I don't think you're off I've said it before that if Schenn comes on strong they'd be a contender. The key is making the playoffs and getting a decent matchup and if so they'll be better because Carts did squat for them in years past. The rest of the team as whole can make up for Richie and Leino's losss. Don't underestimate Bryz's value though...this team should be very good defensively now that they trust their goaltending.

 

[mall3013]

Gagne is gone so who is left that can be signed without trading or cutting salary at this point?

 

[FlyerFinFan]

They may just save the cap room until the trade deadline....

 

[flyersfan4706]

By "I think" do you mean in your opinion or you suppose?

 

[PhillyBoston781]

They may just save the cap room until the trade deadline....

I would really prefer that at this point. They've made a lot of significant moves and I wouldn't mind seeing where the holes are for half a season before they commit any more of the cap.

Still, if they can pull off something ridiculous and get Stamkos or something, I'd obviously be psyched. Otherwise, let's see what we got.

 

[chy1127]

By "I think" do you mean in your opinion or you suppose?

Opinion. This is a season with great potential but could also be a step back. Who knows how many goals/points Jvr, Schenn, Voracek and Simmonds will get. Giroux has done it for a full season, so we can pencil him in for another 70, 80+ season. No history with 4 guys we are going to count on heavily. Also, will Jagr be 20, 25, 30, 35? If he get mid to upper 30's and helps on the PP then this will be a really good move. Just no way to tell.

 

[FlyerFinFan]

That's why I like the idea of waiting until the trade deadline they could be buyers or sellers so why tip your cards now? The only way is if someone fell into their laps for cheap like a samsonov at 1 mil or something.