nowhere2005

We can only hope the following tweet is true: @TBTimes_JSmith: #tblightning and UFA defenseman Dan Girardi "seem close - if not done" - per @FriedgeHNIC latest "30 Thoughts." Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Yes.

I'd rather we go after some of these reclamation projects, such as Grigorenko than any of the older UFA's. Low risk, high reward should be the approach. Only sign older players on one year deals, with the intent of shipping them out at the trade deadline. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Lots of former 1st rounders being cut loose. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

#BigBody #NetFrontPresence

FWIW, Grigorenko not being qualified by the Avs. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Exactly. They overvalued his size. Vilardi was the best pick at this spot.

Stupid pick Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My guess is that Holland would be laughed at and told not to call again. There's basically no way that Silvferberg goes unprotected by Anaheim. Bieksa will either be asked to waive his NMC, they buy him out, or Anaheim offers an incentive for Vegas to not draft the unprotected player that Anaheim wants to keep.

Or we're selecting the wrong guys in the draft. But then, maybe it's both...

Copy/paste error. Here's the correct link. http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=33931

From Elite Prospects: "Undersized player with very impressive vision. Sandberg reads the game really well and is a skilled playmaker with good creativity. Good two-way game. Skates hard and well. Excellent team player. Fierce competitor and likes to agitate." http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=3393 Since we were interested in Victor Ejdsell, Hakan probably saw Sanberg and Erik Brännström as well. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I honestly didn't see much from Shattenkirk that would make me want to even pursue him as a FA. The team needs a top pairing D, and Shattenkirk doesn't fill that need. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Despite some places reporting him choosing Nashville, still seems pretty up in the air to me My guess would be that the HV71 contract would have an 'Out' clause in it, which would terminate the contract if he either signs with, or makes the roster of an NHL team. The NHL contract might also be structured to allow him to play for HV71 'On Loan' if he doesn't make the NHL roster. This could very well be what's holding things up.

If by 'Finesse', you mean smaller, then yes I would go for Suzuki. From what I've read, it sounds like he gets to the dirty areas on the ice, and is capable of elevating the play of those around him. I think he's about the same size a Yzerman was, and is bigger than Gaudreau. From THW: "It’s easy to see why he’s rising. He’s a center. He’s fast. He’s smart. He’s not done growing." Then there's this: "While slightly undersized he is not shy to play physically and go to the net or dig for pucks in the corner" What's not to like? http://thehockeywriters.com/nick-suzuki-2017-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

Rafalski is exactly who I was thinking of, and there's also Tory Krug in Boston, who would be the closest current comparable player I can think of.

Thoughts on a potential Finnish defense pairing of Saarijarvi and Valimaki? I like the fact that Valimaki has spent some time on NA sized ice in the WHL, and should compliment Saarrijarvi nicely with a LH shot and physical presence.

Assuming the concern with Necas is his size, but it sounds like he's got some really desirable characteristics such as creativity, speed, high effort, and face off proficiency. THW just posted their analysis. Quotables “Plays a very confident two-way game. Defensively responsible, has a great engine and doesn’t tire.” – Jeff Marek, Sportsnet.com “Necas (6-0, 167) is an excellent skater with a fine set of tools. He was captain for the Czech Republic at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in August and had two goals and four assists in four games. He’s fast, has great balance and has confidence in his ability to score and create opportunities. ” – Mike Morreale, NHL.com “A rather smallish-sized energy player with great offensive upside and creativity. A lightning-quick skater who likes to handle the puck and creates scoring chances. Can distribute the puck with accuracy and likes to set up teammates.” – Dennis Schellenberg "His elite-level speed, skating and ability to make plays offensively, defensively and in the faceoff circle make him a strong candidate to become a dynamic top-six playmaking center." http://thehockeywriters.com/martin-necas-2017-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

I just clicked through, and we got Tippett at #9. It only takes a few dumb GM's to fall in love with another player for him to drop. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Mats Zuccarello was undrafted, and fairly well hyped from what can recall. He's been a significant contributor for the Rangers so far in the playoffs, and has averaged 50+ points per season in his four full seasons in the NHL. If you could get that level of performance for 'free' in terms of not using a draft pick, then why not roll the dice with Ejdsell? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Empty netter by. Arvidsson 4-1 Preds. Bye bye Hawks!

Not known to be much of a hitter - only 19 hits in 82 games last season. Statistical comparison to Ericsson

The outer shape is that of a guitar pick, which I'd assume is an attempt to tie into Nashville's music history. I have no idea about the three stars in the circle. Edit- elements of the Tennessee state flag inside the guitar pick.

I've heard we have an offer for Jagr of $1.5M, while Pittsburgh's offer is around $1M. He may have something left in the tank, but I just can't see Jagr getting along with Babcock over the course of a full season.

Same salary as last season (6.2M) per LeBrun. http://twitter.com/#!/Real_ESPNLeBrun/status/82820416082690048