nfreeman

I think everyone should remember that Vesey is an unproven commodity. It's quite likely that he'll have only a modest impact for the next couple of seasons. Stamkos, OTOH, is a major star who will have a significant impact immediately.

Perhaps, but I think everyone will agree that getting Stamkos AND winning a lot for an extended period will put the Sabres into "unquestionably elite and desirable franchise" territory.

I like Mirtle but I think he suffers from Canadian hockey writer nationalism syndrome. Also, is one of your references to Detroit meant to be TB? Otherwise Mirtle may have lost some sharpness.

Well, I'd say Kurri had the speed, although that's not quite the same as "explosiveness." He also had great hands, but you're probably right about the puck handling.

I disagree with #1 and #3, but you are right about #2. It's just not realistic to say "I'd only sign Stamkos to a 5-year deal or shorter." That means you wouldn't sign him.

Also: the Miami Herald writer I mentioned upthread also said that he thought the primary reason Florida traded Kulikov was that they didn't think they'd be able to sign him to an extension.

It sounds like BS to me.

I'm thinking Jari Kurri.

Great list hoss.

I assume you are referring to refunds (not returns)? And in particular perhaps you are asking whether state taxes are deductible from taxable income for federal income tax purposes? If so, the answer is yes, but the deduction (like most of them) phases out above a certain income level -- so while you're right that it reduces what would otherwise be the spread between NYS and FLA (as does the fact that the athletes pay taxes in the state for each road game), the difference is still substantial.

He's a fantastic player.

I agree with the bolded, but I think that there's a reasonable chance they keep him even after they sign Stammer. 2 main variables IMHO: 1 -- as you noted, how well he plays 2 -- how much the cap rises. I think there's a pretty good chance that Kane plays very well, in multiple areas, and is a tough MF, for the next 2 years -- and that as a result, GMTM and everyone here will want to keep him. I also think there's a so-so chance that the Canadian dollar will rise enough against the US dollar between now and the trade deadline in 2018 to push the cap high enough so that it will be a no-brainer. Expensive core forwards 3 years from now: ROR, Stammer, Eichel, Reino, Kane Rising youngsters, some of whom will have to be dealt: Nylander, Fasching, Vesey, Asplund Expensive core defensemen 3 years from now: Risto, XXX? Mid-priced core defensemen: Kulikov, McCabe The 10th-13th forwards and 5th-7th defensemen will be cheap, mostly young, and cycled through based on cost and production. That's a team I'm extremely psyched to see, btw.

Yes indeedly.

It's still way too soon to know about Risto.

Good call. On the first point -- I think there are plenty of reasons why he might prefer Buffalo (and certainly plenty in Toronto's favor as well). On the 2nd -- while Newport will certainly pursue its clients' interests, part of their skill set, and their client offering, is their access/relationships with GMs. They aren't going to jerk around GMTM and TP. Good post, although I think it's quite likely that they agree on an extension with Kane (I think I may be in the minority there though).

Well, I haven't done the DNA testing as IKP recommends -- it's a good suggestion, but I'm not sure I'm going to bother -- but the style and content of their posts are too different for me to believe it. I agree that both of them are inclined towards conspiracy theories, but that's where the similarities end IMHO. Their technical writing styles are pretty different -- GoDD often made great points, but was a bit sloppy with his prose, while the other guy is quite precise. Perhaps it's the OCD. More importantly, GoDD crossed the line (and regrettably did so too often), but he was funny and IMHO generous of spirit. The other guy is just bitter and from outer space.

FWIW, a writer from the Miami Herald was on WGR with Howard Simon yesterday and spoke quite highly of Kulikov.

Me too, and I'd add that I'm out at anything longer than 3 years -- which I think makes it a non-starter, because someone will give him at least 5 years (and probably more).

There is no certainty in life or on anonymous message boards, but I'm highly confident that the current tinfoil hat dude isn't GoDD (if that's who you were referring to). And I appreciate the support, although I'll also say that I'm more bemused by the accusation than offended. Do tell! Thanks. So it seems like Kane's pre-Sabres baggage is comprised entirely of (i) the Vegas cash photos, (ii) him wanting out of Winnipeg and (iii) him not getting along with teammates in Winnipeg? That's it, right? i.e. no brushes with the law or anything else untoward? If so, the allusions in this thread to his "history" and "past sexual allegations" and similar items seem rather overblown.

Unbelievable.

On 5th Ave.? It's OK but nothing special. Next time, I'd suggest, in order: 1. Bagel Hole (7th Ave & 12th St.) 2. Bergen Bagels (Bergen & Flatbush) 3. La Bagel Delight (2 locations -- 7th Ave. & 6th St. and 7th Ave. & Carroll St.)

Good stuff. I was heartbroken when they traded Rico. Scotty secured a very high spot on my Arya Stark list that day.

Which bagel place? If the answer is dunkin' donuts, you are suspended indefinitely.

Was Kane ever arrested in Winnipeg? Or anywhere else for that matter?

I beg to differ, but fully recognize that this is a question that we all bring our baggage to.