DerekRoyforPres

Not to be a jerk and correct people, but actually you would pay DC taxes. The state that gets first crack at you for income tax purposes is the state in which the money was earned. You will have to pay income tax in the state where you lived as well but there are exceptions to the latter.

No, you are taxed according to where you earn the income (finally my bar exam studying for the past 3 months is put to some practical use). I have heard of states taxing away team's players for the few games they play each year in their state (I do not know if this is true, but it would seem to be acceptable). I am certain, however, that he would face New York income tax if he played for the Sabres. Which is exactly why Dwight Howard is an idiot for insisting on playing in Brooklyn and not going to Houston (no state income tax), but that is for a different forum). Also, I do not know if this has been mentioned; isn't there some provision in the CBA that makes anyone who signs a contract that begins after he is 35 buyout proof? Meaning that even if Doan was terrible after the first 2 seasons, you would still have the full cap hit after a buyout? If that provision applies, then it is something to consider.

I didn't get the memo, so Vanek is the new whipping boy now that Roy is gone? Ok good, I'll take note. I think we should keep Vanek because he has elite goal scoring ability, albeit a bit streaky at times. For example, Bobby Ryan has averaged 32.75 goals each season for the past 4 seasons (the only 4 he was a regular player); Nash has averaged 34.6 over the past 5 seasons; Vanek has averaged 32.8 goals over the last 5 seasons. Therefore, looking at those numbers, is it really worth trading away Vanek + X for Nash or Ryan? I mean Vanek has only 1.8 less goals per season than Nash over the last 5 seasons. Ryan is actually .05 less goals per season for his career than Vanek has had over the last 5 seasons. Plus, Vanek has been one of our more consistent playoff scorers the last 2 trips. In 2011 he was the only one who could put the puck in the net with 5 goals in 7 games. And I think we all remember the Boychuk Chop in 2010, he was basically carrying the team until that point. I do not think trading Vanek (other than straight up) is worth it for either of these players. Plus, I just bought his Jersey last season, and that would be a waste of good money.

When I said top 3 I was referring to Koivu of course. Clutterbuck is a great 3rd liner. Backstrom may be past his prime (by a mile), this season will be very telling. I actually think Harding is going to be the key to their success. Outside of their top 3 (and Clutterbuck if you insist), they are not amazing on offense. Furthermore, their D is still thin.

I actually tend to agree. Their D is extremely thin outside of Suter and Gilbert. Also unless PMB and Steoguchi return to form, they are three skilled players and everyone else. They will contend for a playoff spot, but I do not think this means they are even close to contending for a Stanley Cup.

The Good: -Good skater (at least before the injury) -Can be a great two-way player -Can take over a game at times (but will disappear at times) -Dynamic and creative at times -Kills penalties when needed (and when he doesnt take them) The Bad: -Takes some untimely penalties (usually just lazy hooks) -Dives enough that he does not get the calls even when they are legitimate -His shot is decent but certaintly now elite -Bad turnovers at times -He has not shown that he will be the same guy who had 33 points in 33 games -Compare records with and without him in the 2010-2011 season (dramatically better without him) -Lazy line changes that puts his teammates in precarious positions -Nothing special on the shootout Overall: I think this could turn out to be a great move for Dallas. With a term attitude already established, I think the off-ice concerns are a lot less of an issue than people would like to admit. It sucks that we had to give up a guy like him for a 3rd liner, but Buffalo needs a change of pace and so does Derek Roy. Looking forward to having Ott, but I am worried where Buffalo will get its offense.

I would love to see Buffalo land the Wizard himself, Ray Whitney. Veteran prescence with a cup win, check. Play maker who can put up 50-60 points, check. Could probably be had for 4 mil/2 years (seemingly low risk when we have a 70mil cap. Thoughts?

I think writing off Stafford's contract after a 20/30 performance is silly. He has plenty of time to make that contract worth while. He made the same salary as Roy and produced more goals and total points. Also, if you look around the league, there were plenty of worse contracts (Leino amongst them).