Akakabuto

I fear his time is short here as well. Maybe Yzerman can deal him to a Western Canada team, where is from, and maybe he can ignite some kind of career. I know drafts are crap shoots for the most part, but (I know Holland wanted to dump Pav's salary) most of us, if not all, wished that Holland would've just drafted Chychrun. Here's to hoping that we aren't saying the same thing about Zadina and Hughes 4-5 years from now. That trade was great because it got us Hronek with that extra pick who is better than Chychrun.

Oh I wasn't advocating for it and I don't think trading both will happen. Just saying that the reward would be handsome.

My main attraction to Vatanen is his possibility as trade bait. Make up the powerplay however works. I agree with this wholwheartedly and I don't think I proposed to such a thing even though I don't see that same level of talent in him offensively as you do. All I'm saying is take it step by step. All in good time etc etc.. Starting off as a seventh defenseman with regular opportunities due to the very tight schedule is where he is at imo. He will inevitably get a good chunk of ice time due to the injuries that will sideline Nemeth and DeKeyser some portion of this season.

Thank you for this great tip, kind sir!

Yeah, I guess, but I'm certain that this team under this general manager is all about "the best player plays - the younger the better". We have nothing to fear from disgruntled veterans, they are in no way part of this teams future - short term or long term - and I think that is clear to all. I have heard Blashill state in several interviews that the Red Wings won't make decisions based what is gonna help them win the game on tuesday night but on what's good for the future so I'm gonna hold him to his word. That's why I thought Vatanen could be a good fit. Cholowski should need to grab a spot on the team first before anybody thinking of him quarterbacking the PP.

Thats up to Cholowski isn't it? No matter if he is to battle with Staal or Merrill he has to grab the spot. 7th d-man with some minutes here and there should be a good starting point for him this year. Injuries will also happen so he will get his chance for sure. I hope we get to see Staal as little as possible.

He is bound for STL. He signed a PTO with a full contract ready to be signed. The hold up is technicalities regarding maximazing St Louis cap space though players going on LTIR when the season starts.

I wouldn't mind Stevie taking a shot at Vatanen. Could be a good trade piece and make our defense look alot better. Nemeth - Hronek DeKeyser - Vatanen Merrill - Stecher

I take this back. Dude clearly have some major issues with his left shoulder/arm.

https://www.capfriendly.com/rfas Only 8 still unsigned RFA's left.

Broberg sat out the game before. Some nagging minor injury I think.

I mean, trading Mantha and Larkin wouldn't be the absolute worst thing that could happen to this franchise.

I guess this is the appropriate thread to wish everybody a Happy New Year! We still have a long way to go but we hit our low point the past season and things are starting to look up!

...

Another reason to play Niederbach with Raymond and Holtz is that he has a 71,5 FO% (4th in the tournament). The US and Sweden looks very similar in style of play and quality of the teams. US got better centermen but Swe has better defense.

Also; the Raymond/Holtz-line hasn't really got going. Team Sweden lost their two top C before the tournament due to Covid-restrictions and Sundsvik - who's been good - was suppose to play bottom six. Swe commentators wondering why they aren't trying Niederbach on that top line role instead.

Yup, Sweden is playing this way too nice. Need to get up in your opponents faces more in games like this. Shots 64-6.

So no east vs west in the Stanley cup?

Anybody know what conference we are in? Or are those scrapped all together?

Apparently he said no to a $2.2M offer from Holland.

AA goes to LA. $1.2M

I assumed it was somehow covid related. Shame. I am pretty excited for Germany as an up-and-coming hockey nation and games like this are not a good look for the sport.

Anybody know why Germany only dressed 14 players for this game? (2-16 vs CAN)