GrassValleyGreg

And 76 pages later, we have our answer. Don't understand it from a "surrounding yourself with playmakers to boost your point production" standpoint. But whatever. Good luck little Jimmy. Time to move on.

Sorry this comes off as a d**k. Who cares? To each their own. What a thread!!

Take it easy fellas. I was referring to CT Fab, who sounds like he had a traumatic experience there. Like I said not for people who don't like cities. Absolutely. But I don't think you'll find a more international metro with such unique density, allowing for limitless cuisine, art, comedy, or any other cultural pleasure all within a city block. Not to mention a one-of-a-kind (at least in US) transit system, beautiful early century architecture from brownstones to bridges, iconic Olmsted parks, underrated beaches within a short drive, etc etc etc. As an urban planner and a resident of NYC, San Fran and now LA (among others), I can say this is a general consensus among those interested in American cities.

My god this has devolved into a bunch of small town boys ripping on what is arguably the greatest city in the world? No, not for everybody, but LOL at the guy who said you can pretty much find what you find in NYC anywhere. So is NJ out? My darkhorse pick never had a chance. :(

Why not after all is said and done, a simple: "after careful deliberation, we felt x was the best fit for jimmy"? Simple. I guess "too far from home" is polite but it was poorly handled and not helping the kid's image. And I'm not anti-JV; count me in the apathetic "who cares I want the season to start now" camp. I say NJ. The train point makes sense (especially after the Detroit rejection). I think their forwards are underrated. Schneider obviously. And why the hell are they being considered if there wasn't something about the franchise and/or environment that he liked? Wants to be close too mommy so maybe he prefers the quiet, coddled experience of an empty Prudential Arena (just kidding...sort of).

I know posters are either in the "petulant little child" or "earned his right to choose" category (you're only two options), but Detroit too far away from home? Why would his management team let this go public? It's a 2 hour flight. There has to be 10+ flight options per day. You are an adult now Jimmy, a member of the workforce. You might have to go further east than the I-95 to earn your multi-mill salary.

Absolutely. My mistake. Better keep your head up Lawson. It was still nice to see Fitz line a guy up at his size.

Good write-up here and I agree with most of the author's analysis. Fitz was on ice in all situations and looked smooth. He even had the biggest hit in the Canada blowout. Didn't get a chance to see much Rasmus but read his two-way play was on display. No doubt Thompson was on another level and looks like a steal for the Blues.

Love this thread.

Highlights from Jack and Jim's Beer League (aka offseason porn). Lil Jimmy is #19, Eich of course #15. The duo showed the camaraderie of old pals out there. Subtle stick taps on the ass between whistles, exchanging smiles on the bench, even embracing as they congratulated their goalie for the win; all the stuff you look for in a strong on-ice relationship. Optimistic about our chances. Highlights include: 5:25. JV showing escapability and gaining the zone with balance to lead a 2-on-1 with Jack who finds the trailer. 9:30 another 2-on-1 with Jim and Jack, showboatin a bit. 11:15 JV with a snipe (from Eich) 20:00 JV showing off the handle and Hobey Baker finish 22:05 2-on-1 with Jim and Jack. Jimmy prepared for Jack's common last-second pass. A result from knowing each other's game? 24:28 Jack feeds Jimmy for a breakaway. Tries five-hole but misses his spot.

Damn, shouldn't have clicked on the politics thread. Really an incredible display of ignorance and obliviousness to a reality outside of your own. Victim blaming two innocent dead men in a racially charged post on a hockey fan site message board. Try breaking out of the shell you must live in and see the amazing diversity and good of the world. Won't check back so no need to respond. And I'll do my best to forget your username!

Talk about needing to find your chill. Most people here are raising concerns about the character, not the process. If you can't see why some would be concerned about a kid who has never played an NHL game, yet is courting each team in the NHL in search of his most lucrative second contract, then you are being willfully ignorant and/or in a crappy mood.

With such authority and self-certainty? Kane is the perfect 3rd liner on a Stanley Cup squad. This is an incredible contract for a top 6 forward who drives puck possession, works the boards and is a pest in front of the net (especially when looking at the other FA deals). Those saying his stats are a product of playing with Tavares (actually haven't seen many saying that; rather they were curious if it was) did not watch much Island these last few years. First, Okposo didn't play much with Tav last year. Second, the guy has high skill (he has plus speed), matched with even higher effort, to stand on his own. I think he will be a crowd favorite here. Nice blue collar player. Also we are building a nice little collection of American players (come on Vessey!). Hockeytown USA.

Thanks Hoss. Great read. I'm in on the Pu hype. The tape looks like Taylor Hall-level speed and quickness. Great stick length too. Like Dudacek said, it's a highlight reel, but as the announcers reference, that "other gear" he found this year in his development is promising.

Maybe. But in Round 3, the board gets clustered and BPA can be 6 equally rated skaters. One might emerge because of fit, position, or possibly in this case, to complete the holy Boston youth triumvirate. Playing with the kids you grew up with is an awfully nice bonus. Who knows, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't on TM mind.

Could this have played into Tim's calculus with the pick? I wonder how much.

Had a friend play with Douggie for a year in Niagara and even at a young age called him "not very likable" and a "bit of a head case", whose early skill and success was already begin to inflate his ego. Take that for whatever it's worth, especially because it was when he was 17. But I'd say getting traded by two teams is definitely a red flag, maybe not for his watchable game play, but for his locker room character. I'd pass. Put me on the Kuli as a great backup plan and possibly more cost-effective decision. I've always liked his game - smooth and calm. if Risto continues developing and can be that #1, he'd be a fine complement. We say we need a PP QB, but I don't see it as make or break. I think Eich at one point and Risto at another will be just fine. Our issue was 5x5 last year, not PP.

FWIW, although not a common poster, the one argument I’ve repeated is that Fowler is overrated by many on this board. I watch Ducks games (live in LA) and have paid particular attention to Cam this year, particularly after rumors had it that he was a target of Murray. I mostly agree with the article posted by 3putt. He will be a strength and nice addition to our PP and it’s easy to imagine him and Eich easily gaining the zone with their speed. But the concerns about his mental lapses on D are real. And his shot is soft. We will be getting a dynamic, pass-first defenseman who will likely frustrate in his own end (don't want to say it but a less awkward Myers, who I am a fan of). It will be tolerable with his current contract, but not sure if the fan base could stomach much more. I also agree with dudacek’s scarcity argument among top defensemen in the league. In the end, I have faith in Murray. If he feels Fowler can mesh with Risto and bring that dynamism to our PP (the thought of his speed and EIch’s is certainly enticing), then full speed ahead. I would be surprised (and disappointed) if he gives up the 8th. Lastly, thank you all for carrying the conversation this offseason. All high quality insight. Excited to share the night with you tomorrow (today for some). EDIT: Missed your latest two posts duda. Like always, you are dead on. Also, I don't think Shatty v. Fowler is close with Shat being the far superior offensive playmaker. Both not strong defensively, but Shatty is a difference maker and top 2 guy when paired with sound d-man.

Sabres all over the ice today. Fasching looks like NHL power forward against top quality opponents. Reinhart getting all kinds of PT after not seeing the ice much in games prior. McCabe excelling at jumping down on weak side and was just robbed on the game tying goal. All good things. When does the season start? Also, I'm sure it's been discussed in this thread, but what's the feeling on Eich sitting this one out? Larkin is out there, as are other young players coming off long seasons. Too good for it? Plain exhaustion?

Clicking on all cylinders for sure but the Rangers are a mess right now led by a lost Hank who doesn't want to be there. I know there has been a lot of hope for Yandle on this board but the guy is brutal defensively and has been a disappointment manning the point all year. No way I want to invest the money he'll demand on market. Lets hope we can get lucky and snag an RFA. Vatanen is just what we are missing and would be my target.

Live in LA, go to about 10 Ducks games a year and watch most others. I really don't understand the obsession with Fowler on here. Enamored with speed? There is a reason he is often third on PP and not a factor on PK. Average shot and average in his own end. Good offensive player with speed and handle no doubt but not the player a bunch of you are making him out to be. Just my informed opinion.

Wow and a breakaway save on Compher! Showcasing incredible flexibility!

Peterson very impressive through the first two periods. First time I've seen a full game from him. Agile and quick when moving laterally. Quiet in his movement and very sound positionally.

I've accepted Kane. And once you do, it's wonderful.

The maturation and growing compete level of these kids is something to behold. :)