amato

Other than this last shortened season, Chychurn hasn't played a full season yet. I'm not saying I wouldn't trade for him because of that, but I'd be skeptical of giving up two firsts and definitely use it to try to drive down his price some.

Nolan Patrick is starting to feel a lot like Riley Sheahan 2.0.... he's still young though, and has some time to develop into more. but he has not looked as promising as you'd hope from a former #2 overall pick. Brady Tkachuk is rumored to be looking at an 8 year, 64 mill contract offer from the Sens right now. Don't see why he wouldn't just take that. I'd be VERY interested in any of Pettersson, Dahlin, or Hughes. But only in a trade and I don't see that happening.

Damn, another year I didn't make the cut I guess...

Ironic that he's calling Carolina childish in the middle of a temper tantrum type rant

I did forget about MAF to Chicago, and the fact that Toews didn't play last year. I'd agree they've improved a lot as well.

FTFY

I'm thinking about the same. I'd agree that LA has improved quite a bit. Best case scenario, most our losses are one point games, we finish 10 from the bottom, and win the draft lotto

Yeah I'm very excited this year. Whether we turn the corner standings wise remains to be seen, so I'm trying to stay a little cautious. But we're clearly turning the corner roster wise, which in and of itself is very exciting.

Great deal. Excited to see Vrana with a full off season to build up some chemistry with Larkin. Is it hockey season yet??

We're holding out hope for Z. They say your 40s are really where your back is in the best shape of your life.

Yes.

Hard to get much worse with the talent they have. But yeah, they're definitely headed in the right direction. Tatar is a great add for them. They need scoring depth.

I really like bobby ryan, but I'd rather the spot be earned by Raymond or Berggren. Maybe Ryan will get a camp invite if no one else signs him by then and keep his spot that way, or get signed around then if a younger guy isn't ready for that role.

Apparently Kane and his wife are going thru a messy divorce.... So, this could be wrong. But also, based on what I know about Kane, this could easily be correct.... Yikes.

Ryan Reaves to the rangers for a third rounder. Guess Tom Wilson really got to them

There goes another pipe dream. Who's next? Sloppy fourths at this point.. can't wait to get to sloppy fifths. Then we'll have to call him Jim Bean

Us and Tampa just keep passing him back and forth

That's the exact line I had in mind (Or Gagner if Namestnikov is fourth line center). Rasmussen is not a rookie anymore. He's over 100 games played at this point. He is young though, for sure; and while I do understand your point, I think pairing him and Veleno with a vet will be great for them and their development. They could learn a lot, and third line minutes can be planned out against weaker opponents lines to "shelter" them some. There will be mistakes and growing pains, I'm sure. But we can afford that at this point in time. Not saying it'd be a season long line or anything (few really are with blash running things), but it seems like a solid starting point for Veleno if he proves he's ready for the NHL through camp and preseason. I also like this plan but would rather Veleno and Fabbri switch spots, then put Veleno at center on that third line. Obviously camp and such will give us a better indication of who will be at center. But it feels great to have some depth and options behind Larkin.

I missed this one yesterday: Buffalo has acquired Will Butcher and a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft from New Jersey in exchange for future considerations. It's not a bunch in return, but I honestly would not have minded that for us, at least before the d-man signing.. might be a little bit of a log jam of we added him now. But butcher shows a little promise as a puck moving type.. bet they'll be able to flip him at the trade deadline.

I imagine Veleno coming up as third line center at first, with a veteran who knows the center position on one of his wings to help his development. Could be part of why we re-signed Gagner. Or Namestnikov could be that guy. Plenty of mentor options for him. Loving our mixture of young guys and not too old vets right now. Rosters in a very solid spot for the upswing of a rebuild imo.

Wouldn't mind another top ten pick, obviously. But I think the defense upgrades alone move us up into the 10-15 pick range. I hope we finish 10 and win the draft lottery finally cash in on all that bad lotto luck

Jersey loves overpaying defensemen

Love it!! He's who I was hoping for most, I think.

*sad holland noises*

i did a double take at first haha wouldn't mind that at all.