kas23

Makes you wonder if we could've gotten him on the cheap though. Surely Pysyk for Hall was discussed, I hope.

If he actually hit FA, he definitely would have been offered more than 8.5 per season, likely around 11. And the tax savings really aren't that great. Only half his salary would've been not taxed. And as we all know from doing our taxes, state taxes pale in comparison to federal taxes.

It's baffling he would leave so much money on the table.

Sign and trade???

I totally agree with the beginning of your post, but am completely opposed to what you say at the end.

Imo, offer sheets aren't used enough in this league. They definitely make things interesting. Just imagine if we let EDM take Vanek. Oh, we can only dream...

First, poor examples. Not a day goes by on here where someone is not complaining about Moulson's contract. He's the perfect example of bust (outside of Leino). Then there's Kane. Again, not worth the money we pay him and some think we should either trade him or send him to the 3rd line. But, that's immaterial. The biggest question is: what Stamkos will we get? The 25 goal scorer or the 60 goal scorer? Considering I don't think anyone will score 60 in the near future, coupled with him getting older, my compromise is 30-35 goals per season. Is it worth it? Sure, for the next 3-4 years it definitely is. But what happens when we have to pay BOTH Samson and Jack? You willing to let one of them walk because we need to pay Stamkos the last 3 years of his contract?

I'm pretty sure I know how contracts work (more so than I wish), but that's neither here nor there. I guess we'll see how this plays out.

No doubt they'll be looking to do this. If they want to drive their price up, Buffalo is the perfect tool to do this. Plus, it makes zero sense for him to sign with Buffalo when his hometown team also wants him. Zero. That said, if Toronto wants to give him 12+ million every year for the next 7 years, due to us, I'll drive him to Toronto to sign his name. That'll be a crippling contract for them with only a slim chance he ever lives up to that contract. Newport is under a legal obligation to do what's in the best interest of their clients, not the negotiating GM. Getting the very best contract for their clients trumps any relationships they may have with GMs.

After Vesey signing on the 1st, it'll be great to see him suit up.

Yes. I don't want to overpay for Okposo just because we can.

He'll need to bulk up, but if he's molded correctedly, I'm sure he'll make a big splash.

I agree with this. But it could be a boom or bust moment for us. And the bust would be a bad one. At least I don't want GMTM going after JT wingers. Waste of time and money.

I don't think anyone is arguing we should rely on "all home grown talent". Our team should be significantly better even if we make no moves. If Kulikov works out and Vesey signs and is decent, I think we'll be fine. They aren't home grown. Next offseason, we can reassess where we are, how far away from a SC run, and then act according by adding more non-home grown talent.

Not to mention to ensure the opposing team win.

That is a great article. Everyone should be proud.

It doesn't. It just alters it. Kulikov has shown that he's a dedicated player who know how to excel in the NHL and not run off to the KHL. Drafting Russian players is a whole different story.

At this point, I'd even be satisfied with Buffalo running up the price so high it cripples the team he signs with.

OK. If you go to the Buffalo News webpage, you'll see the Nylander story as the top story. There is a photo of presumably our pick Nylander wearing a Sabres hat and sweater. But who if the other guy is the hat and jersey?

Duh. Obviously sexual work.

This is obviously overcompensation by GMTM in an attempt to throw the "I hate Russians" reputation. Really, this guy is the epitome of what GMTM hates.

July 1st. The rules.

I think Kane is going to be one way or another. Plus, there's Vesey.

It's official now. GMTM hates Russian players.

Definitely. In fact, Terry should grant Vesey a one-time dinner date with Kim in exchange for a signed ELC.