Trettioåtta

So the draft starts at 7pm. But when is the first pick usually made? 7:10?

McCabe instead of Pysyk

That easily makes ROR's price $6 million +

A player slips every year. Who will it be this year? My guess is Crouse

As the cap basically always increases, in some ways the big contracts are most damaging in their early years. Look at Hossa's contract, huge when he signed it - now very fair value. The same would be true for ROR at 7.5 for 8 years. Plus he would still only be 32 or so when he finished it. We have tons of cap room now, and later (when it matters more) the cap should have increased enough to accommodate it

I wonder how much they complained when the sticks changed to carbon fibre

Ignoring the fact they now have 3 covers in 6 years or so; that cover design is hideous

I wonder if Grigo is concerned about his place on the Sabres. I.e. he is aware Reinhart and Eichel will be our 1/2 and that leaves his future as a third line centre

Duchene also will bring in a bigger return, perhaps let Colorado retool their whole roster. My personal favourite would be Landeskog, but that isn't happening anytime soon. ROR is better for us than Duchene as well because he is more used to playing wing. We have a glut of centres now, and Eichel and Reinhart will be our 1-2, so we don't need another offensive focused centre

I'm looking forward to reading PA's interpretation of these events. I'll give him a writing prompt: Kim is a control freak who refuses to let the paid staff do their jobs

You're missing the point. The issue is not who gets in and who doesn't - I agree, that for the most part that wouldn't change. The issue is that in a tied game with 5 minutes to go, both teams basically just dump the puck and play very defensive hockey, pushing for overtime so they can get at least 1, maybe 2 points. The 3-2-1 point system makes teams have something to gain by taking more chances late in the game. Especially if they are behind in the playoff hunt

Agreed. I assume it isn't done as it would open up the standings more - which would be a good thing because then there would be real buyers and sellers at the deadline, rather than have every team bar like 3 thinking they have a shot at the post season

So I think both Toronto and Arizona pick offence. Both need that big star player that can capture the audience. OEL is a star player, but defence is never as 'cool' as watching someone power past or dangle through a team and score. I think Arizona take Strome and Toronto take Marner. Basically I don't think Edmonton can get back into that top bracket. Draisaitl is not as good as the current draft is evaluated. i could see Carolina working though. Another solution for Edmonton could be 16 + something to get to a position for Provonov

I think Arizona take Strome, if they still have the pick. Giving Edmonton Hanifin anway

Oh God. I never knew I wanted this to happen so badly. Please oh please let this happen

I'd lean towards him just needing to grow up a bit

Hard to fake an eye test. Either you see the small letters or you dont.

They won't get all they ask for, as that is absurd. However, I think they could be bargained down to the equivalent of 21st, Grigo, Larsson and maybe something extra (like a Carrier). They wanted a top prospect - that is Grigo, despite his horrible player management/development. Grigo for them would be high risk/high reward, but if he worked out they might be trading a Sharp for 50 points + player and others. They wanted a first, and this gives them that - they won't get much higher really - want top 15 team wants an ageing star? They wanted a young top 6 player - they don't quite get this. But they do get a young third line player, who will probably develop into a player that can swing into the top 6 if needed. Maybe you add a prospect that hasn't done much like Carrier to sweeten the deal

Larsson, Carrier and 21st. Would people pay that?

I loved that game. I normally am not a huge fan of open world RPGs, but adored witcher 3.

Only the top 70 players get above $1.5 million in the KHL. So I guess his salary would be similar in both locations (1-1.25ish?) http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/11/21/evgeny-kuznetsovs-salary-is-in-the-khls-top-ten/ I think this is a leverage tactic to go from a two way to a one way contract

Not when you consider the amount of assets our organisation has taken from them :p

Nothing makes the players do this. It has been tradition for 20 years and they want/like doing it. Similar to everyone getting their day with the cup. it isn't like the NHL or Bettman is giving each of them a number and telling them to get in line.

If I lived in North America, I think I would just put hockey on in the background whilst I did whatever I was doing - e.g. cooking dinner. But when I have to stay up late, i'll generally be picky about what I watch - and including the playoffs, this is still about 95% Sabres.

Congrats! But I will be honest and say I am more impressed with K8P's bracket: http://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/?locale=en&intcmpid=bc2015-reg-tv#/picks?entry_id=283288 :p