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Welcome Eric Staal!

Cheap veterans on 1-year contracts doesn’t block prospects from getting their shot. It’s giving long extensions to declining players that do. Adding a Anisimov or a Staal is fine with me.

I am not convinced that Yzerman is going to go with the current roster and just add the kids though. I see Bobby Ryan returning (unless he's announced retirement) and maybe there is some water to Anisimov getting a PTO? The ONLY kids out of waiver options is Smith, so if we give him roster spot, that only makes 12 FWD's. The usual number is 14. Like I said, I don't see Yzerman just giving 2 rosters spots to kids. Not that they wouldn't deserve the opportunity, but I just think Yzerman would opt for a couple of vets at this point. Maybe, MAYBE Veleno earns a spot, but I do beleive that there will be two vets here instead. There are a few names out there in the 27-35 year old range. He has expressed how he'd like a couple more RH'd shots. Ryan would be one, then there a few others. Nikita Gusav - 28 Kyle Palmeri - 30 Alex Chiasson - 30 Tyler Bozak - 35 ...just a couple of examples.

I only said what I said to get Stephens in the lineup. I wasn't fanning any Ras v. Joe flames. I don't care which one plays Wing. I want to see both here, and Stephens play as well. Heck move Larkin to wing and keep both at C for all I care.

Thus ends the @mackel summer vacation from LGWs

I would, but I realistically only expect one of them to play in the NHL this year.