tom webster

He gave up $2 million because he could have signed after his sophomore season so he gave up two years plus pro-rated 3rd.

I've pretty much stayed out of this but has anyone considered the following; 1) Vesey gave up at least $2M to earn this right 2) he is not the first player to do this 3) teams like using their middle picks on college players because it gives them extra time to evaluate them and hang onto their rights

Risto will sign a long term deal within the next week, perhaps before the weekend is out.

I'm sorry, I wasn't really paying attention to this thread. The Toronto game is a problem if you want to use the tickets I have. I've been offered $3000 for the 16 tickets so unless you want to match that, you will either have to find access to other tickets or choose another game. A regular weekday game or less attractive weekend game and my tickets will cost you about $80 per(I think 6 are around $70 and the other 10 are around $85)

Not to mention that teams like drafting college players because they get to retain their rights an extra two years. Why aren't we arguing to change the CBA so teams have two years to sign any player. Aren't teams violating the spirit of the draft by retaining some player's rights longer then others? Why is is it fair for teams to exercise their full rights but when a player does it it's because he is entitled?

Who does he have to beat out to play with Toews? Both Ladd and Shaw are gone.

Exactly. As far as the Sabres go, he is no different then Cliff Pu. If he develops he will be another asset to be used on their way to a Stanley Cup contender. If not, just another swing and a miss on a third rounder. Anything more and he just speeds the process up.

People said the same thing about Panarin.

He could easily see time in Toews line, especially considering Hossa age and amount of time he has been missing. Very few guys are going to stay four years in school. Guys that develop early realize the faster they start their careers, the faster they burn that entry level contract. Only guys this pertains to are late developers or actual students.

I believe Al Arbour was last player to wear glasses

I'm pretty sure any guarantee would violate the CBA. Otherwise every team with deep pockets would make similar offers. What would stop Sabres from saying we will give you $5 per year salary and Pegula Sports and Entertainment will give you $20M per year to be our official spokesman?

I'm not really predicting anything for him(I may not live down my leading the Pysyk bandwagon) just saying two things; 1) I have three times heard GMTM mention Evan's play when called up 2) every contender seems to have its Tyler Johnson

Agreed although I'm not sure he was a lock to make roster out of camp. There's no reason to talk to him. You qualify him, at which price he's a bargain, and give him one more year to prove his worth.

That may be true but GMTM was wowed by Rodrigues' play when called up. Every championship contending team ends up with a surprise contributor that comes out of nowhere, you guessed McCabe last year, who knows who it could be this year.

I mentioned the possibility of a $90M cap a few pages back and was ridiculed.

I'm still not 100 % sure this is true. And yes, I know GMTM said it but Nashville was prepared to sign him in March and use him in playoffs and other college free agents signed after the season.

You want to put together a game outing next year I can get you 16 tickets in close proximity to each other.

While I agree Chz is one to listen to, I'd say there are a few others. However, according to what I've heard, the NHLPA has verified that Bogo does have a valid NMC.

If Edmonton traded Hall for Bogosian and 8, their whole management team would be fired and GMTM would win executive of the year before the official start of the year.

That is another rule that has been reported in conflicting ways. It is my understanding that acquiring a player's rights at this point does not allow you to offer the max term. Honestly I haven't been paying as close attention as in the past so maybe one of the more in tune posters can clarify.

Or the listeners inability to comprehend what they are saying shouldn't be mis-interpreted as an indication that their discourse was unclear or unprepared. Since the NHL hasn't yet released the actual rules there has been some conflicting information being put out with regards to NTC and NMC's and the hosts attempted to explain the ambiguity.

Personally, I think way too much thought is being put into potential expansion losses. If each team can only lose one player, no team is going to lose a difference maker. Sure, you may lose a valuable depth player but no one is losing the missing link standing between a Cup winner and an also ran.

Only because you never saw Jocelyn Guervernmont(sic) I'm not sure McKee was ever the best defenseman on his team let alone of all time

It is really a he said/ he said situation. Both sides have given very different opinions as to what was said or promised and both sides have very real reasons to shade the truth. As usually in a case like this, the truth probably falls somewhere between. I would be very happy with Vesey signing here as long as it is not the big move upfront this summer.

Make no mistake, Caggiulla knew he would have a tough time making team with similar type forwards in abundance in Buffalo. He was greatful for opportunity Buffalo gave him in training camp but in the end Edmonton was best chance at making NHL roster of a team on the rise. Murray is in the market for high end forwards plus a veteran depth forward on a one or two year deal. Drake isn't what they are looking for.