tom webster

I’m sorry, I get all the arguments not to go all in for Meier, but if the return on this trade is what is being reported, this is, in my opinion, a big miss. They are not taking advantage of their unique cap position which will lessen as the cap stops being artificially depressed. This team is positioned to be a Cup contender as soon as next year and instead they are putting priority on acquiring more prospects who might be able to help in two or three years.

I think KA knows it as well. The “extra year” and the “not blocking a prospect” were just spin after Linus bolted. Analytics experts would scoff that he wouldn’t make up 8 points but even 4 at this point puts them solidly in the playoffs with a puncher’s chance.

Kevin Weekes, who seems much more accurate, didn’t list Buffalo as a possibility.

Yes, I agree with this. I was just trying to state best, and worst case parameters.

One can only hope that Levi has the same early success.

Maybe he can pull a Ken Dryden and win a Conn Smythe before a Calder. We both know, however, the odds of him coming in and setting the hockey world on fire are slim to none. Even the mentally, razor focused Ryan Miller had a crisis of confidence when his first turn as a starter didn’t go as planned.

I could guess but my conversations were more about whether Patrick was going to choose to go. To be honest, I didn’t ask about the other team. FWIW, the person I’m with just said Anaheim.

Took a little longer then expected but this should be done today.

Two things; 1) players want to win 2) players know better then anyone what needs to be upgraded in order to win. If this team believes a player is getting in the way of their winning, no matter how much they like them, they’ll vote for a trade. This front office has a firm handle on the pulse of the team and they are trying hard to make improvements.

What they should be doing is having a hearing for the officiating crew that missed it.

A) They don’t a defenseman like Orlov to trade B) Fans overvalue draft picks, especially picks at the end of the round or two years down the road

What are you talking about? They pick up a top 4 defenseman and a good grinder for picks that have a small chance of being better than bottom six forwards or third pair defensemen three years for now.

Kane to Rangers almost done.

As long as he listens to the right guys and is secure enough to go against their wishes when he thinks they are wrong. I’d be interested to know their rationale in pushing for three goalies. It’s one thing to listen to Chris Drury when he tells you that Satan has to go, another thing to listen to……,

I promise myself every time this comes up that I’m just going to stay out of it and every time I see another incorrect take my blood boils to the point that I have to stay off the site for a week to avoid the rabbit hole. But can I stay off just before deadline day, we will see

I’m not sure why you’d think that. He may not be a fan of Quinn/TG, but from what I know both Drury and Grier enjoyed their time here and Grier even returned for a second stint with Buffalo before retiring.

If you think he’s any good, which I don’t.

They are not giving up a two for Schenn.

They are not mutually exclusive. I want a d upgrade more as well but adding a forward like Lafferty won’t hurt.

I’m just talking fourth line, penalty killer. The only way they upgrade top 9 at this point is with a huge swing which I think we both see as unlikely at this point.

Sam Lafferty would be a decent depth player acquisition and Lance isn’t first to connect him to Buffalo. Great skater, decent size, penalty killer.

Because of the way O’Reilly’s contract was structured, it only cost Minnesota $75K in actual cash to retain 25% of his salary in order to acquire a 4th round pick.

The issue next year should be if Buffalo is best served by having the rookie get regular playing time. Depending on injuries and possible trades or other call ups, he might be the 13th or 14th forward. I think he might still be best served by sticking with the team but I doubt the team will burn a year of his contract unless he earns regular ice time.

It only cost Minnesota $75,000 in actual cash.

Colorado, the Cup champions, would be over $30M if Erik Johnson wasn’t on LTIR and like I said, several teams are spending over 30% of their cap on defense