If they drop the cap, there will be subsequent rollbacks. They have to. They would devise some sort of plan so that the rollback is like proportional from the 70.2 million cap ceiling to the current cap ceiling. For example, the rollbacks would be 91% (64/70.2) of the current contract. That way, any team that would've been at the cap ceiling is now at the cap ceiling under the new cap.
- _Zippy_

Last time around, it was a 24% rollback.

I can't see it only being 9% this time around.

If there's any solace, it's that I highly doubt the league would want to miss the Winter Classic. There's probably a great chance the season starts up and the first game is the Winter Classic. That would give them three months and change for a season. Factor that in for 15/16 games in January, February, and March, and 6 or 7 in April, and the league could realistically do a 50 game season, or shorter.
- _Zippy_

I'm sure NBC will insist on a Winter Classic, be it on New Year's Day or later.

Quite frankly, I could live without it.

It was cool the first time (no pun intended).

Now it's just a bad game on terrible ice, played in front of 80,000 people who can't even see the game.

Okay then.

If Tallinder is the guy to go, then what could be the return. Realistic destinations are probably Detroit, Edmonton, maybe St. Louis. Only thing of interest, to me, from Detroit is Helm. From Edmonton is maybe Paajarvi possibly Gagner, however do those both have higher value than Tallinder? From St. Louis, D'Agostini, Berglund, Stewart could be trade bait, and the latter two probably have more value that Tallinder.

When it really comes down to it, our defensemen aren't going to warrant a return we would want or need. We would have to add something of significance, and we don't have first round picks to toss around or top-end prospects either.
- _Zippy_

Nashville, Islanders if they don't get visnovsky, Minnesota, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and possibly Carolina could all use Dmen as well. I am sure there is someone out there.

I doubt we get a top-six forward without giving up one of our better prospects. We don't exactly have the greatest prospect pool behind Tedenby, JJ, Urbom, Gelinas, and Merrill, and none of them are close to NHL-ready. Maybe we can pry a Mason Raymond type player for one of our excess defensemen, but that's about it.

The thing is, at this point in time, we have two top-nine spots open. Likely, Tedenby should take one of them. We don't exactly have any young guys that are NHL-ready. The "best" we might have is a Matt Anderson or a Steve Zalewski, not exactly the guys you want to see in your top-nine. Either that, or use one of the fourth liners.

Quite honestly, Sykora gives us that versatility (C/W) and the depth scoring we need. He gives us one more reliable, set in stone option in the top nine who can score. As much as we hope, we haven't seen the latter from Tedenby or Josefson all that often and we can't guarantee one of the fourth liners can do it either.
- _Zippy_

I agree with Tedneby but my problem with Skyora is that he is more of a 4th liner now then a 2nd/3rd. I hate to say this but I "might" rather see players like Anderson (who is 29yrs old himself) or Joe Whitney then Skyora. I would really like Lou to either sign a player like AK-46 or trade a package including any of these players Greene/Tallinder/Fayne/Clarkson/prospects for a top 6 player. BTW, I would take Mason Raymond in a heartbeat. I think he has some potenial to be a lot better.

I'm sure NBC will insist on a Winter Classic, be it on New Year's Day or later.

Quite frankly, I could live without it.

It was cool the first time (no pun intended).

Now it's just a bad game on terrible ice, played in front of 80,000 people who can't even see the game.
- Atomic Wedgie

Once they started using the same teams over and over, I was done with it. Those same teams are on NBC every sunday.

Once they started using the same teams over and over, I was done with it. Those same teams are on NBC every sunday.
- rmdevil313

As a Leafs season ticket holder, I was offered tickets before they went on sale to the general public.

Oddly enough, I wasn't tempted to spend my New Year's Eve in Detroit or "downtown" Ann Arbor.

As a Leafs season ticket holder, I was offered tickets before they went on sale to the general public.

Oddly enough, I wasn't tempted to spend my New Year's Eve in Detroit or "downtown" Ann Arbor.
- Atomic Wedgie

I feel bad for the city. Its got nothin going for it.

Last time around, it was a 24% rollback.

I can't see it only being 9% this time around.
- Atomic Wedgie

Yeah, but last time, a lot of teams were paying a ton more than they are paying now, it's only a maximum decrease of 6 million from the current cap ceiling to his proposed cap ceiling. Teams like Rangers were paying players through the roof, Holik would've accounted for nearly a quarter of the Rangers payroll.

Nashville, Islanders if they don't get visnovsky, Minnesota, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and possibly Carolina could all use Dmen as well. I am sure there is someone out there.
- rmdevil313

Nashville can't afford to give up forwards, and they would also want a forward.

Islanders could be a scenario. Maybe a guy like Bailey or Okposo, but again, how much value do they hold compared to Tallinder. Chicago has seven defensemen under contract and are trying to move Hjalmarsson, I doubt they would add unless it's a significant guy. Pittsburgh, doubtful we deal in the division, but a guy like Kennedy could be available based on his play at the start of next season. Then again, we have to ask the value question. Carolina is interesting, maybe a Tlusty or a bigger deal for a guy like Jokinen.

Tough to see where we could make a realistic deal.

Devils signed Butler.

Devils signed Butler.
- _Zippy_

Plan the parade.

Plan the parade.
- rmdevil313

Just another option, more competition. The way I see it, he is given every chance you can imagine to make the team. He can either take the chance and run with it, or enjoy his time in the minors.

Nashville can't afford to give up forwards, and they would also want a forward.

Islanders could be a scenario. Maybe a guy like Bailey or Okposo, but again, how much value do they hold compared to Tallinder. Chicago has seven defensemen under contract and are trying to move Hjalmarsson, I doubt they would add unless it's a significant guy. Pittsburgh, doubtful we deal in the division, but a guy like Kennedy could be available based on his play at the start of next season. Then again, we have to ask the value question. Carolina is interesting, maybe a Tlusty or a bigger deal for a guy like Jokinen.

Tough to see where we could make a realistic deal.
- _Zippy_

Not to sure about that Nashville thing. They've always survived with a less than stellar forward group. They could use a replacement for Suter. I've heard chicago is in the market for a 2nd line C and a top 4 dman.

Not to sure about that Nashville thing. They've always survived with a less than stellar forward group. They could use a replacement for Suter. I've heard chicago is in the market for a 2nd line C and a top 4 dman.
- rmdevil313

Is Tallinder an upgrade over Hjalmarsson or Oduya?

If he is, then maybe I could see a deal worked out for Stalberg or Bickell or, though I doubt it, Frolik. Frolik had his best years (20g 20a) under none other than DeBoer.

Just another option, more competition. The way I see it, he is given every chance you can imagine to make the team. He can either take the chance and run with it, or enjoy his time in the minors.
- _Zippy_

Agreed, can't hurt, low risk and maybe he (like Bernier) can find his game again here. He's still young so there is room for improvement.......just hoping Lou isn't done yet.

Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils Going Nowhere + Would you Give Sykora a 2 Year Deal?
- Todd.Cordell

WHAT?! YOU MEAN THEY AREN'T RELOCATING?! BUT I HATE THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING AND I WANT THEM GONE!


/every other fan

Is Tallinder an upgrade over Hjalmarsson or Oduya?

If he is, then maybe I could see a deal worked out for Stalberg or Bickell or, though I doubt it, Frolik. Frolik had his best years (20g 20a) under none other than DeBoer.
- _Zippy_

I'm not so sure they are looking to upgrade over those two, rather add more depth or be allowed the flexibility to flip Hjalmarsson for a 2nd line C without creating another hole.

I actually think Frolik would be the most logical option as he would match up salary wise with Tallinder.

I'm not so sure they are looking to upgrade over those two, rather add more depth or be allowed the flexibility to flip Hjalmarsson for a 2nd line C without creating another hole.

I actually think Frolik would be the most logical option as he would match up salary wise with Tallinder.
- rmdevil313

He's cheaper too so the Devils can cut salary for when they get taken over by the NHL.

Devils signed Butler.
- _Zippy_

WHERE DID THIS MONEY COME FROM?! I NEED ANSWERS!

He's cheaper too so the Devils can cut salary for when they get taken over by the NHL.
- _Zippy_

Win win win.

Win win win.
- rmdevil313

Seriously though.

He was either on pace or had seasons of 40 points in each of DeBoer's three seasons in Florida. He was traded mid-season in 2010-2011 when they had the fire sale in Florida. Could be a good option.

Seriously though.

He was either on pace or had seasons of 40 points in each of DeBoer's three seasons in Florida. He was traded mid-season in 2010-2011 when they had the fire sale in Florida. Could be a good option.
- _Zippy_

I'd be on board with getting him. I could see Chicago off loading a winger if their young guns like Saad, Morin, and/or beach impress.

Hell no to Frolik. Talent without dedication is not what I want on my team.

Also, where is puckhog. Gotta know if his power goes out every time it rains in Indy.

WHAT?! YOU MEAN THEY AREN'T RELOCATING?! BUT I HATE THEM MORE THAN ANYTHING AND I WANT THEM GONE!


/every other fan
- shvingter88

For me, I have nothing personal against the Devils. I just think three NYC metro area NHL teams is one too many and since the Isles are the Ranger's natural #1 rival, I would hate to see them go. There's too many teams in this league. Talent's too watered down.

For me, I have nothing personal against the Devils. I just think three NYC metro area NHL teams is one too many and since the Isles are the Ranger's natural #1 rival, I would hate to see them go. There's too many teams in this league. Talent's too watered down.
- GioRock

so the devils should relocate is that what you mean