Tarasenko has as many goals in fewer games, 3 times as many assists, a better +/-, and all from less TOI. Yakupov definitely looks good, but as far as being "Rookie of the Year material"... He's not quite keeping up with the people he'll be competing with for that award over there, so it's rather presumptuous to think he will over here.
- Antilles

Tarasenko 2 years older, never played North American hockey, and is also playing with Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Thoreson, who isn't a good NHLer, but is a dominant player in Euro hockey. Yakupov has nobody of that calibre on Neftekhimik.

Schultz isn't a raw rookie. He's NHL ready.

There's a reason 26 teams made offers to him and he's leading the AHL in scoring.

You don't hold a guy back if he's good enough.
- robin_steele264

I doubt this is a the case, and am sure Schultz will be fine but a few years go the Canadiens had Jason Ward and Benoit Gratton tearing up the AHL. I believe they were 1-2 in points and then when given a chance in the NHL did absolutely nothing.

Th AHL is a development league and many AHLers become good players in the NHL but there are always the Ward's and Locke's out there.

I doubt this is a the case, and am sure Schultz will be fine but a few years go the Canadiens had Jason Ward and Benoit Gratton tearing up the AHL. I believe they were 1-2 in points and then when given a chance in the NHL did absolutely nothing.

Th AHL is a development league and many AHLers become good players in the NHL but there are always the Ward's and Locke's out there.
- willey101

Schultz wouldn't be in the AHL if there was no lockout.

Laughs your making me laugh. Your a smart guy and I know your being sarcastic. You being University educated and all would know the benifits an NHL team has on a Canadian City is basically like a money tree. I am not talking the profit of the Team or the Arena but the surrounding benifits like money spent in the city from visitors to businessses that pay taxes eg Resturants, hotels, bars/lounges, has more value to the city than the actual team.
Why do you think Quebec City wants back in and Winnipeg got back in and gave the richest man in Canada a non-compete clause and 12 million dollars a year in subsidy. They prolly make it back 2-3 times over in addittional money brought into the city.
- longbottom

I'm making you laugh? Is Thomson also getting revenues from everything non-hockey related 11 months of the year? I don't know if he is, but I highly doubt it. And 70% of Winnipeg's arena was funded by a private owner. Anyway, nobody is denying the benefits of having a hockey franchise in a city... Who is denying this? It sure as hell wasn't me. This is all about getting the best deal possible, and what Katz proposed is insulting. LB, this is basic finances. The value of money depreciates over time... Revenues will grow as costs of tickets increase, however Katz contribution will remain the same over a 35 year period. He simply wants too much for too little. I'm not denying the benefits, that's why I said let him keep revenue from the games, while allowing him to host games "at cost" or even below.

His demands are outrageous, and it would be beneficial if the city funded the stadium and kept most revenues generated by that stadium themselves. If you disagree with this, you're wrong. Of course there are extra revenues generated for surrounding businesses (this would still happen if the stadium was city owned), but this is only part of the equation... You're ignoring the revenue created within the stadium too... That's a very big thing to ignore.

If you actually think they'd be better off giving Katz what he wants versus building it themselves and allowing him to host games at or below costs, you're incredibly wrong. Fail. I'd give you an F for suggesting that... Actually, I'd kick you out of my class for suggesting it

If Katz doesn't like it, let him leave... Katz will tarnish the name of his precious pharmacies, and Edmonton would get another team... One where they won't need to be raped for 35 years.

They've played the same amount of games. And you do know tarasenko is 2 years older than yakupov right? I'd say he's keeping up admirably. Also yakupov has 2 years of North American hockey under his belt compared 0 for tarasenko. Tarasenko is an awesome talent but your argument is pretty weak for taking yak out of the rookie of the year race
- ystoil

I was mostly joking, however your reply is wrong. Unless you know something the KHL itself doesn't know, in which case you should call them and correct their website for stats. Yak has 2 years experience on smaller rinks, versus Tarasenko has 4 years of pro experience.... edge Tarasenko. You do know the age difference for these two means nothing for the Calder trophy being discussed, so it's pointless to bring it up, right? I'll say it again. Yak isn't keeping up with his competition for ROY in his current situation, it's presumptuous to say he suddenly will in a different one. Doesn't count him out of the Calder race, but it's a valid point. Sorry if it cuts into the Oiler faithful's mental masturbation over how good they will be.

Tarasenko 2 years older, never played North American hockey, and is also playing with Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Thoreson, who isn't a good NHLer, but is a dominant player in Euro hockey. Yakupov has nobody of that calibre on Neftekhimik.
- BarDownBobo

Tarasenko isn't playing on the same line as either of those players.

If Mitt Romney wins you may see a rise in the USD, although it may only be temp, as investors may have renewed confidence in the American dollar.
- LeftCoaster

If Zomney wins there may be no American Economy at all
http://www.youtube.com/wa...er_embedded&v=6TiXUF9xbTo

I doubt this is a the case, and am sure Schultz will be fine but a few years go the Canadiens had Jason Ward and Benoit Gratton tearing up the AHL. I believe they were 1-2 in points and then when given a chance in the NHL did absolutely nothing.

Th AHL is a development league and many AHLers become good players in the NHL but there are always the Ward's and Locke's out there.
- willey101

From what I've watched of Schultz in the AHL so far (two poopty game streams online, so to be fair it's a small sample size) I think he could experience some growing pains defensively when he jumps into the NHL. I don't think Edmonton is worried about that though because their young guns still need to grow for a couple years until they're ready to contend. Schultz needs to get a little stronger, but he's going to have to rely on smart positioning and good stick skills to be effective defensively.

His offensive game is sharp, and in my opinion will be NHL ready when he jumps up. His skills will translate well to the Edmonton powerplay and I think he'll quickly become their 'go to' offensive jump starter on the powerplay. He's got good vision, and he knows it. He has a sense of confidence when he creates plays that allows him to try and be a little more creative, and his ability to carry the puck to gain zone is very good.

I was mostly joking, however your reply is wrong. Unless you know something the KHL itself doesn't know, in which case you should call them and correct their website for stats. Yak has 2 years experience on smaller rinks, versus Tarasenko has 4 years of pro experience.... edge Tarasenko. You do know the age difference for these two means nothing for the Calder trophy being discussed, so it's pointless to bring it up, right? I'll say it again. Yak isn't keeping up with his competition for ROY in his current situation, it's presumptuous to say he suddenly will in a different one. Doesn't count him out of the Calder race, but it's a valid point. Sorry if it cuts into the Oiler faithful's mental masturbation over how good they will be.



Tarasenko isn't playing on the same line as either of those players.
- Antilles

You two arguing about who has the best great young player makes this leafs fan sad.

You two arguing about who has the best great young player makes this leafs fan sad.
- Scruffton

I hope you win the lotto this year and get MacKinnon. Leaf fans deserve him.

I'm making you laugh? Is Thomson also getting revenues from everything non-hockey related 11 months of the year? I don't know if he is, but I highly doubt it. And 70% of Winnipeg's arena was funded by a private owner. Anyway, nobody is denying the benefits of having a hockey franchise in a city... Who is denying this? It sure as hell wasn't me. This is all about getting the best deal possible, and what Katz proposed is insulting. LB, this is basic finances. The value of money depreciates over time... Revenues will grow as costs of tickets increase, however Katz contribution will remain the same over a 35 year period. He simply wants too much for too little. I'm not denying the benefits, that's why I said let him keep revenue from the games, while allowing him to host games "at cost" or even below.

His demands are outrageous, and it would be beneficial if the city funded the stadium and kept most revenues generated by that stadium themselves. If you disagree with this, you're wrong. Of course there are extra revenues generated for surrounding businesses (this would still happen if the stadium was city owned), but this is only part of the equation... You're ignoring the revenue created within the stadium too... That's a very big thing to ignore.

If you actually think they'd be better off giving Katz what he wants versus building it themselves and allowing him to host games at or below costs, you're incredibly wrong. Fail. I'd give you an F for suggesting that... Actually, I'd kick you out of my class for suggesting it

If Katz doesn't like it, let him leave... Katz will tarnish the name of his precious pharmacies, and Edmonton would get another team... One where they won't need to be raped for 35 years.
- laughs2907

Damn Laughs... Well done!! I am not sure what the (frank) is going on here with all of these people sticking up for an oversized baby thats still in the infancy stages of ownership wanting to pull out everytime something is not going his way... TRUST me the fans, city and LEAGUE are BIGGER than 1 (frank)ing owner...

I hope you win the lotto this year and get MacKinnon. Leaf fans deserve him.
- laughs2907

No poop... As much as I hate the leafs due to media etc... They really need a few things to happen once we ever get back the NHL... 1) Fire Burke! 2) win the lotto and draft a decent fwd...

I hope you win the lotto this year and get MacKinnon. Leaf fans deserve him.
- laughs2907

Him and Phil the thrill would be a great one two punch.

Damn Laughs... Well done!! I am not sure what the (frank) is going on here with all of these people sticking up for an oversized baby thats still in the infancy stages of ownership wanting to pull out everytime something is not going his way... TRUST me the fans, city and LEAGUE are BIGGER than 1 (frank)ing owner...
- saskoil21

In the previous deal, Katz was bending the city over... When you factor in what the city is giving Katz, Katz is getting revenues from everything 11 months of the year, and casino rights for $4 million a year. That's unheard of... Revenue on everything 11 months of the year is HUGE!!

No poop... As much as I hate the leafs due to media etc... They really need a few things to happen once we ever get back the NHL... 1) Fire Burke! 2) win the lotto and draft a decent fwd...
- saskoil21

Definitely. Burke is the most overrated GM in the league. That's what happens when you have a big mouth I suppose.

Definitely. Burke is the most overrated GM in the league. That's what happens when you have a big mouth I suppose.
- laughs2907

Burke has a big mouth, you are correct.
He makes stupid statements like how he was going to trade for the rights to Tavares ( as if the Islanders are morons)
He denied there was anything to the Schenn for JVR rumours and then makes the trade later.
And our team will be a long shot, again, to make the playoffs.

But he does have a Cup on his resume, and the US team he put together with inferior talent at the Olympics almost beat Canada.

So overrated might not be the best choice of words.

Burke has a big mouth, you are correct.
He makes stupid statements like how he was going to trade for the rights to Tavares ( as if the Islanders are morons)
He denied there was anything to the Schenn for JVR rumours and then makes the trade later.
And our team will be a long shot, again, to make the playoffs.

But he does have a Cup on his resume, and the US team he put together with inferior talent at the Olympics almost beat Canada.

So overrated might not be the best choice of words.
- Rang

i thought his mouth suits his big head though

i thought his mouth suits his big head though
- Killbot460

True, I am tired of his act and his melon is the size of his ego

Interesting tidbits on Omark... http://dlvr.it/2PNSDK.

Burke has a big mouth, you are correct.
He makes stupid statements like how he was going to trade for the rights to Tavares ( as if the Islanders are morons)
He denied there was anything to the Schenn for JVR rumours and then makes the trade later.
And our team will be a long shot, again, to make the playoffs.

But he does have a Cup on his resume, and the US team he put together with inferior talent at the Olympics almost beat Canada.

So overrated might not be the best choice of words.
- Rang

Not sure i give him as much cred as u for that american team. he played the underdog card relentlessly which basically gave them nothing to lose. smart. ill give him that. but Its the teams that have too many players too choose from where the job gets difficult.

Im not neccasarily attempting to step on the yanks accomplishments, but who shoulda made it that didnt? (imo, thats where his influence ends. i wont say 1 way or another if he had anything to do with the system they played)
Its also the 1 game scenario that puts so much pressure on the favs.
Not too mention ryan miller got extremely hot at the right time.

True, I am tired of his act and his melon is the size of his ego
- Rang

Interesting tidbits on Omark... http://dlvr.it/2PNSDK.
- saskoil21

That would be an interesting line combo for the Wings to try at some point- assuming they were to trade for Omark's rights, that is. With the amount of success the trio is having relative to seasoned NHL stars, you have to imagine that it's at least a possibility.

Not sure i give him too much cred for that american team. he played the underdog card relentlessly which basically gave them nothing to lose. Its the teams that have too many players too choose from where the job gets difficult.

Im not neccasarily attempting to step on the yanks accomplishments, but who shoulda made it that didnt? Its the 1 game scenario that puts so much pressure on the favs.
Not too mention ryan miller got extremely hot at the right time.
- hugefemale dog77

Well I think the Russians had a much better team talent wise.
And the Swedes were quite deep too.

But taking the pressure off his team and putting it on Canada from the very beginning was smart management in my view.

In any case , it's ancient history now my only point was he does deserve some credit for his Cup and the Olympics.

I also think he has failed in Toronto big time. Hopefully I am wrong and the collection of B level prospects he has found turn into a contender.

But when I look at Edmonton's prospects I see not just a Cup but maybe multiple Cups if the team defense is good enough.

I'm (frank)ing pissssed, would 1 side just bend and sign the paper already??? I really don't think the players care about the fans any more.

Burke has a big mouth, you are correct.
He makes stupid statements like how he was going to trade for the rights to Tavares ( as if the Islanders are morons)
He denied there was anything to the Schenn for JVR rumours and then makes the trade later.
And our team will be a long shot, again, to make the playoffs.

But he does have a Cup on his resume, and the US team he put together with inferior talent at the Olympics almost beat Canada.

So overrated might not be the best choice of words.
- Rang

Scott came on board to play with Rob, and he's lucky Pronger wanted out of Edmonton. But regardless, he did get them both, so good on him for that.

Burke has a big mouth, you are correct.
He makes stupid statements like how he was going to trade for the rights to Tavares ( as if the Islanders are morons)
He denied there was anything to the Schenn for JVR rumours and then makes the trade later.
And our team will be a long shot, again, to make the playoffs.

But he does have a Cup on his resume, and the US team he put together with inferior talent at the Olympics almost beat Canada.

So overrated might not be the best choice of words.
- Rang

lolz