Zeke

He doesn't have to instigate,the fact that he's on the bench will be enough of a deterent to other players.

Tkachuk is a big name player,but he hasn't impressed me in years.His price will be high because St.Louis will not want to send him to a divisional rival. Gary Roberts is from the east and I read that he can be had for a third. I know he's 40,but he's a heart and soul player when it counts.(a la Yzerman style) Last time I checked,Chelios was 45. He is playing way solid defence.

I'm so tired of seeing our small skilled forwards being roughed up without any retribution,that I would take him,even if he sits on the bench.

Does Holland re-sign him next year? If yes,at what price?

Puck possession was instituted back with the Russian Five. That team was suited for that style,and continued to win.Styles have changed since then,especially in the playoffs,and we have not be able to adapt,hence the early exits. Puck possession requires greater skill,and it sure is pretty to watch when it works,but teams in the playoffs seem to be able to disrupt our flow,frustrate us and eventually beat us.

And Tkachuk is? I'd rather have Gary Roberts for a third than Tkachuk for a first and a prospect.

Schneider is a defensive liability and seems to be bringing less to the offensive upside to his game. Lang and Schneids to Montreal for Souray and a second.Would you do it?

We need a team player who gives his all in the playoffs and can be had for a decent price.A solid rental player like Gary Roberts can be picked up for a third pick,maybe a second at most.He wants to be close to his family in Toronto,so why not play for a contender for a few months? We need a team player who gives his all in the playoffs and can be had for a decent price.A solid rental player like Gary Roberts can be picked up for a third pick,maybe a second at most.He wants to be close to his family in Toronto,so why not play for a contender for a few months?

Upper management provides the staffing (Holland) and middle management has to make it work (Babcock).No one is that delusional about the lack of team toughness,but his boss picked this team. What's he supposed to say,we need about 3 or 4 tough,hardnosed Canadians (a la Don Cherry mode) to survive the playoffs?

I know Bobby Smith who coached Tkachuk years ago.From his experiences,this guy is a total jerk and a cancer on the team.He's the last guy we need,not to mention his skill set is greatly diminished.