This might be stupid question, but....

Can he (O'Reilly) still be offer sheeted?
- JCSabs06

You could probably acquire him for less picks in a trade though I would think.

Ummmm....Martin Brodeur?

It won't take much. Bozak, Komi and a 2nd
- The-O-G

Marty is one of the best goalies of all time. He also never played as many games as Luongo at the same point in their careers. Furthermore, you're ignoring the contract and cost to aquire him.

O'Reilly is the kind of player a team needs to go far and win in the NHL. I think he's not quite at the best player in the league stage but not quite just a player that produces b/c he plays with good players, i.e. he's better than Versteeg type.

But no one knows what he asking for and what the AVs are offering either. They over paid slightly for Statsny and jumped the gun a bit on Duchense. Really if their defense was better and their total forward depth was better they should be a really good team. But maybe it's coaching as well?

The truth is no team is making an offer sheet. Desperation that would break their highly illegal under the table agreement not to intrude on other teams' RFAs is in effect.

No way you have a player like Benn sit in limbo that long without picking up an offer sheet from someone.

O'Reilly is the kind of player a team needs to go far and win in the NHL. I think he's not quite at the best player in the league stage but not quite just a player that produces b/c he plays with good players, i.e. he's better than Versteeg type.

But no one knows what he asking for and what the AVs are offering either. They over paid slightly for Statsny and jumped the gun a bit on Duchense. Really if their defense was better and their total forward depth was better they should be a really good team. But maybe it's coaching as well?

The truth is no team is making an offer sheet. Desperation that would break their highly illegal under the table agreement not to intrude on other teams' RFAs is in effect.

No way you have a player like Benn sit in limbo that long without picking up an offer sheet from someone.
- BluemanGuruu

Also some of the changes in the CBA such as the draft lottery(anyone can win the number one over all all you need is a ticket to play), and a deep draft might be keeping teams away combined with the lowering of the cap and the ever present fear of retaliation on one of their own RFAs lurks out there.

I can't wait for the Preds to force Philly to over pay for one of their young talents in the coming years.

O'Reilly? Meh.

These "one year wonders" need to stop thinking that they're worth more than they really are.

This is half the bloody problem with over paying players in this league.

O'Reilly? Meh.

These "one year wonders" need to stop thinking that they're worth more than they really are.

This is half the bloody problem with over paying players in this league.
- As_I_See_It

Yup I agree but some team will give it to him.

Also some of the changes in the CBA such as the draft lottery(anyone can win the number one over all all you need is a ticket to play), and a deep draft might be keeping teams away combined with the lowering of the cap and the ever present fear of retaliation on one of their own RFAs lurks out there.

I can't wait for the Preds to force Philly to over pay for one of their young talents in the coming years.
- BluemanGuruu

Karma is one bad MF!

Yup I agree but some team will give it to him.
- KABLOOEY

What's he asking for?

What's he asking for?
- As_I_See_It

Not totally sure. The rumour is he wants 5M for 4+ years.

Not totally sure. The rumour is he wants 5M for 4+ years.
- whipper334

SEE YA!

SEE YA!
- As_I_See_It

No kidding. I think 3 years @ 3M would be fair...

This little fella is on everyone's radar. Really endears himself to people.
- Marwood

I know for sure that SystemTool really does give a rat's ass whether he has endeared himself to most people around here.

No really, he does care. Really.

O'Reilly? Meh.

These "one year wonders" need to stop thinking that they're worth more than they really are.

This is half the bloody problem with over paying players in this league.
- As_I_See_It

If the Avs end up paying pretty much what they offered...

Do we take this, plus the Subban signing, as anindication that the NHL has decided to get serious and do something about the retarded salary escalation.

No kidding. I think 3 years @ 3M would be fair...
- whipper334

Definitely more realistic, and FAIR!

Ummmm....Martin Brodeur?

It won't take much. Bozak, Komi and a 2nd
- The-O-G

Yeah, lets pick out the one goalie in history that had the mileage Luongo has and managed to produce at a high level into his 40's. It just so happens that that one example has to be pretty much the best goalie to ever play.

Unfortunately, Luongo is no Brodeur.

I know for sure that SystemTool really does give a rat's ass whether he has endeared himself to most people around here.

No really, he does care. Really.


- Aetherial

Let him live in his fantasy world. His screen name was derived from Margeret Atwood. Im willing to let him think he just beat the final boss of the internet if it helps him.

Yeah, lets pick out the one goalie in history that had the mileage Luongo has and managed to produce at a high level into his 40's. It just so happens that that one example has to be pretty much the best goalie to ever play.

Unfortunately, Luongo is no Brodeur.
- Aetherial

Well, to be fair, the Cup totals and personal achievements are quite comparable

The greatest part about all this is that the guys dictating that Luongo would be such a great player to have with that contract and at that age, none of them are making a case for Luongo to be on their team. Its hard to take anyone seriously when they're trying to sell you something they dont want themselves.

If the Avs end up paying pretty much what they offered...

Do we take this, plus the Subban signing, as anindication that the NHL has decided to get serious and do something about the retarded salary escalation.
- Aetherial

Maybe for the time being because everything is so fresh, but all it takes is a couple meat head GM's whose backs are up against the wall to screw things up for everyone.

I expect this summer's UFA period will be the time when everything goes back to stupid. At that point everyone will begin saying "what was the point of missing half a season if this is the kinda BS we're going to go right back to?"

It's time for GMs for grow some balls in order to keep everything in line.

Let him live in his fantasy world. His screen name was derived from Margeret Atwood. Im willing to let him think he just beat the final boss of the internet if it helps him.
- systemtool

I just kinda wondered who the F he was?

A user name based on Margaret Atwood?

Oh yeah, he belongs in the Canucks fan base, in a big, fruity way.

Maybe for the time being because everything is so fresh, but all it takes is a couple meat head GM's whose backs are up against the wall to screw things up for everyone.

I expect this summer's UFA period will be the time when everything goes back to stupid. At that point everyone will begin saying "what was the point of missing half a season if this is the kinda BS we're going to go right back to?"

It's time for GMs for grow some balls in order to keep everything in line.
- As_I_See_It

Yeah I could see that happening this summer. It may happen only because the new cap might mean some teams actually have to shed some salary.

Maybe there will be a significant free agent, and maybe the Leafs will not have to bid against other teams who are offering ridiculous contracts they know will never play out to completion.

Thank God that crap stopped.

Great sports column Ek....please, can tomorrows blog be about the Superbowl? I'm really curious to hear your take on what is going to go down on Sunday. Also, if in your spare time you get a chance to mix in a hockey rumour or 2, that would be great, thanks!
- The-O-G

Why are people so concerned with rumours from Eklund? Has anyone ever heard a rumour from EK that really happened? Are you that desperate that you want him to continue to just make stuff up to make you happy and for hits.

Well, to be fair, the Cup totals and personal achievements are quite comparable

The greatest part about all this is that the guys dictating that Luongo would be such a great player to have with that contract and at that age, none of them are making a case for Luongo to be on their team. Its hard to take anyone seriously when they're trying to sell you something they dont want themselves.
- systemtool

This is especially true when Luongo is outplaying Schneider and the Canucks window is closing...

So why are they trading him? It couldn't be the retarded contract could it?

I think Gillis is just holding out for a desparation offer from someone. If all he is being offered are pieces he could get in Free Agency anyway, why bother trading him?

It is the Canucks fans trying to justify any serious trade value that is the comedy in all this. I understand Gillis holding out completely.

Well, to be fair, the Cup totals and personal achievements are quite comparable

The greatest part about all this is that the guys dictating that Luongo would be such a great player to have with that contract and at that age, none of them are making a case for Luongo to be on their team. Its hard to take anyone seriously when they're trying to sell you something they dont want themselves.
- systemtool

If the Canucks didn't have Schneider then they would be glad to keep Luongo. They have a younger goalie who they think can carry the load. It doesn't take a genius to understand why they are looking to trade Luongo. Although I'm not surprised you're having a difficult time understanding this all.

Bozak + 2nd for O'Rielly