HumanSlinky39

Rough couple of months for Flames fans. Get their teeth kicked in in the Battle of Alberta, watch Gaudreau sign with CBJ, of all places, and now this.

1) Sabres continue improving (41-32-9, 91 pts), but fall just short of the playoffs. 2) Comrie emerges as a legitimate starter (~.914 / ~2.68 GAA) 3) Cozens has a breakout season (23G/36A/59 PTS)

Honestly, probably #1, but certainly no lower than #3.

I NEED to hear the behind the scenes details on the Gaudreau deal. Left A TON of money on the table in CGY supposedly to play closer to home in NY/NJ/PHI, then on FA Day 1, CBJ...a franchise that has NEVER attracted bigtime FAs...or even kept their own...swoop in and get him on a pretty damn sweetheart deal.

Holy smokes! Gaudreau to the CBJ... Blue Jackets to Islanders/Devils:

This is a low-key fantastic signing. Physical guy, RHD, Russian and snuffs out opponents offenses. No downside to this one.

I readily admit to being a KA fanboi because I love the way he has developed a plan for building sustainable success after years of execs making terrible decisions on contracts and trying to take shortcuts, but I'm not above criticizing decisions he makes, either. I'm an old school hockey fan, so I yearn for more size/toughness on the team, but KA has a differing opinion and that's fine. He's very likely smarter and knows a ***** load more about hockey and where it's going than I could every dream. That said, I LOVE adding depth down the middle. Any of those guys could end up on the wing, as well. Savoie was a homerun, IMO. The guy I've wanted since we found out where we were picking. Danny Briere clone. Thought Leinonen was a reach, but he was the highest rated G in the draft and they probably didn't think he'd be there at 74. Likely hedging his bets in case one of Portillo or Levi flake (ftr, I don't think either of them will). Like the Neuchev and Komarov picks. Lindgren's mom is a smoke show, so onboard there in the hopes we get to see more of her. Overall, sold 'A' from me.

Yep, signed a 2 year deal. Cam Talbot is NOT happy.

Yeah, position versatility is a thing here now. Honestly, I thought Mitts was carving out a nice role for himself over the season's last month. I thought he was our best checking forward over that time.

Lambert to WPG

Eh, you can get guys that bring his assets younger and much cheaper.

Three smallish guys bothers the part of me that desperately wants to see a more physical team, but can't really knock any of the picks individually. Three highly skilled guys and centers to boot.

Huh. Lambert gonna be there at 28?

Chicago is an uncontained, raging dumpster fire. Good, I hope it f'n hurts.

Murray to the Leafs. Book it and celebrate.

That's a helluva pick for the Wild.

Yeah, I'd say so. But there's time for that.

Speaking for myself, his "floor" seems pretty high. Might not develop into a star, but seems to be a pretty safe bet to be a solid contributor.

Whoopsie...click to enlarge. Ostlund...

Ostlund. Building that C depth.

Damn, wanted Lekkerimaki. Lambert?

Rutger who?

I've heard both, but they're pretty close.