Avs spent more time interviewing Barkov than any other player. There have also been a ton of reports he is the player the Avs want. It is also odd that Sakic would include him when he said the avs weren't taking Jones. Barkov also has the size Mckinnon doesn't, the best 2 way play in the draft and amazing Faceoff potential.

I am not saying I would, however it would explain why the Avs are trying to get teams in the top 4 to trade up with them.
- Meeqsb

What have you seen or heard that leads you to believe they are trying to get Florida, Tampa or Nashvillie to trade up?

The AV's already declined Calgary's three first round picks.

What have you seen or heard that leads you to believe they are trying to get Florida, Tampa or Nashvillie to trade up?

The AV's already declined Calgary's three first round picks.
- Sabata

When Roy literally said "We are considering trading the First overall pick" then said "They weren't looking to trade any lower than the top 3" lmao. Also when Sakic finished off his statements on who they were drafting with "If we don't trade the pick". Its not from a source but literally from the Coach/Vice GM and the Vice Pres of hockey operations lmao.

And the Calgary trade was a Joke. Adding the 22nd and the 28th picks to the 6th still doesn't make it worth the high level talent the #1 will get you. Plus the Avs HATE the Flames with the O'reilly stunt they tried to pull because Feaster was dumb enough to break the unwritten rule that GM's don't offer sheet each others players as well as not understanding it never works.

When Roy literally said "We are considering trading the First overall pick" then said "They weren't looking to trade any lower than the top 3" lmao. Also when Sakic finished off his statements on who they were drafting with "If we don't trade the pick". Its not from a source but literally from the Coach/Vice GM and the Vice Pres of hockey operations lmao.

And the Calgary trade was a Joke. Adding the 22nd and the 28th picks to the 6th still doesn't make it worth the high level talent the #1 will get you. Plus the Avs HATE the Flames with the O'reilly stunt they tried to pull because Feaster was dumb enough to break the unwritten rule that GM's don't offer sheet each others players as well as not understanding it never works.
- Meeqsb

Well, that's why I asked.


There is no unwritten rule. Its been happening every year and the fact is, if a trade will help his team a GM pulls the trigger. Sakic is a smart guy and if Calgary made an offer he felt bettered the AV's it would be done on a heart beat. The NHL isn't the school yard. The only GM stupid enough to be that way is Burke and his attitude has him unemployed.

I have to disagree with you about the Calgary trade offer. It represents a great offer if you're trying to balance your team with high level depth. It certainly wasn't a joke and don't lose sight of the fact that it was a starting point.

It will be interesting but I expect regardless of Sakic and Roy's statements the AV's will be keeping the number one pick.

Well, that's why I asked.


There is no unwritten rule. Its been happening every year and the fact is, if a trade will help his team a GM pulls the trigger. Sakic is a smart guy and if Calgary made an offer he felt bettered the AV's it would be done on a heart beat. The NHL isn't the school yard. The only GM stupid enough to be that way is Burke and his attitude has him unemployed.

I have to disagree with you about the Calgary trade offer. It represents a great offer if you're trying to balance your team with high level depth. It certainly wasn't a joke and don't lose sight of the fact that it was a starting point.

It will be interesting but I expect regardless of Sakic and Roy's statements the AV's will be keeping the number one pick.
- Sabata

I wasn't trying to come off as rude, I was literally laughing lol.

There is spoken agreement amongst GM's not to use offer sheets because all it does is make the GM's leverage against themselves in a situation where the player really doesn't have any leverage anyways so they are just hurting themselves and that offer sheets NEVER work. Didn't work for Weber, Vanek, Hjarlmerson(sp) or O'reilly.

Feaster really is the worst Gm in the league right now though, he is just a laughing stock.

The difference between the top 3 players and a player you could take at #6 is pretty large and the lower 20's don't even hold 1/50th the value the higher end picks do. Look at the players drafted in the top 3, they are the superstars and you don't trade that away for pretty much anything.

I think the Avs would like to trade down, get a solid asset and draft Barkov. If they can't I think they take Mckinnon.

I wasn't trying to come off as rude, I was literally laughing lol.

There is spoken agreement amongst GM's not to use offer sheets because all it does is make the GM's leverage against themselves in a situation where the player really doesn't have any leverage anyways so they are just hurting themselves and that offer sheets NEVER work. Didn't work for Weber, Vanek, Hjarlmerson(sp) or O'reilly.

Feaster really is the worst Gm in the league right now though, he is just a laughing stock.

The difference between the top 3 players and a player you could take at #6 is pretty large and the lower 20's don't even hold 1/50th the value the higher end picks do. Look at the players drafted in the top 3, they are the superstars and you don't trade that away for pretty much anything.

I think the Avs would like to trade down, get a solid asset and draft Barkov. If they can't I think they take Mckinnon.
- Meeqsb

The 'drop off' from elite to great, to me, exists at four or five depending on how you view Nichushkin. It's MacKinnon, Barkov, Drouin, Nichushkin, Jones (in no particular order) and then it drops off. That's just my feel.

There's a report circulating on Twitter that the Lightning will be buying out Malone, but keeping Lecavalier. That's sort of what everyone here expected. Probably the right move for this season. Nothing confirmed yet, though.

The 'drop off' from elite to great, to me, exists at four or five depending on how you view Nichushkin. It's MacKinnon, Barkov, Drouin, Nichushkin, Jones (in no particular order) and then it drops off. That's just my feel.
- Michael_Stuart

Mckinnon could be Tavares eqs, Drouin could be St.louis like, Jones could be Rafalski like but I just have this feeling Nichushkin could be the next Kovalev.

I think I will be happy if the Avs get either Jones, Mckinnon or Barkov(through a trade). They all work and all do something different for the team but they all make them better.

More curious to see if they take a Dman with their Second. Hopefully Hagg or McCoshen (or whatever his name is) is still available.

There's a report circulating on Twitter that the Lightning will be buying out Malone, but keeping Lecavalier. That's sort of what everyone here expected. Probably the right move for this season. Nothing confirmed yet, though.
- Michael_Stuart

I think buying him out next season makes the most sense. Gives the lightning more time to evaluate their roster, let prospects grow and figure out a game plan.

There's a report circulating on Twitter that the Lightning will be buying out Malone, but keeping Lecavalier. That's sort of what everyone here expected. Probably the right move for this season. Nothing confirmed yet, though.
- Michael_Stuart

this just made my weekend a little brighter even hearing that. waiting a year to reevaluate Lecavalier's contract is absolutely the best option. we have very little depth at center and while I love Johnson, with his size he's pretty much a #1 or #3 Center so he wouldnt be an ideal replacement at 2C, unless we flanked him with size like Purcell and Nichuskin (which im ok with lol)

my gut says that this move is indicative Management feels there is a good chance we will be getting Jones and can therefore wait on V4, whereas if we were taking Barkov, Mackinnon, or Nichuskin they could slot in right away.

edit. having said that, I'm hoping for Nichushkin. the more I watch this guy the more I think his Malkin/Ovie/Nash type play is just what we need.

buying out vinny creates a big hole, Johnson will not fill or any other player currently in the bolts sytem.

Once bought out 27 teams will be lined up to sign him and we are left trying to fill a huge void for some maybe two/three years; stammers great but he cannot carry the team and until salo used vinnies foot for a target he was the best 2 way player we had and led in hits; you can't replace that and good luck trying and please do not say BR, rather have gomez.

Yes his contract sucks but it is what it is; still the best option out there.

Just my thoughts and opinion, then again I also am a season ticket holder who will drop my seats quicker than barry Melrose coached the bolts.

buying out vinny creates a big hole, Johnson will not fill or any other player currently in the bolts sytem.

Once bought out 27 teams will be lined up to sign him and we are left trying to fill a huge void for some maybe two/three years; stammers great but he cannot carry the team and until salo used vinnies foot for a target he was the best 2 way player we had and led in hits; you can't replace that and good luck trying and please do not say BR, rather have gomez.

Yes his contract sucks but it is what it is; still the best option out there.

Just my thoughts and opinion, then again I also am a season ticket holder who will drop my seats quicker than barry Melrose coached the bolts.
- vinnybolt4life

agree with this 100%. more backward steps than we can plod forward without him. before that SALO slap shot and then the preceding break in his foot, (the team hit our 7 game losing streak around at time) he jumped out of the gates roaring and everyone was wondering where he came from. I think he does the same this year and puts the buyout talk to rest for good

There's a report circulating on Twitter that the Lightning will be buying out Malone, but keeping Lecavalier. That's sort of what everyone here expected. Probably the right move for this season. Nothing confirmed yet, though.
- Michael_Stuart

This is the best move for us. Yzerman can re-evaluate Vinny next year but for now Malone it is.

The Hedman/Lidstrom comparisons were the best.
- Michael_Stuart

I really liked Hedman going into the draft, but man, he is downright frightening to watch sometimes. I imagine he makes Lightning fans lose sleep.

I really liked Hedman going into the draft, but man, he is downright frightening to watch sometimes. I imagine he makes Lightning fans lose sleep.
- Blackstrom2

Still young. A new coaching staff should help with his development. The potential is clearly there. I'm not worried yet. If he gets to 26 or 27 years old and the inconsistency still exists, I'll worry.

There's a report circulating on Twitter that the Lightning will be buying out Malone, but keeping Lecavalier. That's sort of what everyone here expected. Probably the right move for this season. Nothing confirmed yet, though.
- Michael_Stuart

A twitter source.... Seems Legit.

My question is...why has his play fallen off so much already? He is 32 but has been on the decline for a few years. He should still be in his prime. Are there legitimate health concerns that are kept under the radar?

My question is...why has his play fallen off so much already? He is 32 but has been on the decline for a few years. He should still be in his prime. Are there legitimate health concerns that are kept under the radar?
- PoileRulezzzYo

He played 39 of 48 games and had 32 points, it's not like his numbers split in half. Injuries have plagued him over the past few years, but he's still a top notch center.

My question is...why has his play fallen off so much already? He is 32 but has been on the decline for a few years. He should still be in his prime. Are there legitimate health concerns that are kept under the radar?
- PoileRulezzzYo

He has played with and tgrough injuries. He suffered a brutal hit years back . He still misses game yet manages to almost be a point per game player his talent and force are still heavily noted, i find his speed has dropped and it drove me nuts but found out he was playing with a broken foot sbecayse he supports his team so much. On top of it all his presence of leaderahip in the locer room is what the bolts can't affors to rid of

He has played with and tgrough injuries. He suffered a brutal hit years back . He still misses game yet manages to almost be a point per game player his talent and force are still heavily noted, i find his speed has dropped and it drove me nuts but found out he was playing with a broken foot sbecayse he supports his team so much. On top of it all his presence of leaderahip in the locer room is what the bolts can't affors to rid of
- RileyB77

Weeeeeee only 8 days til the draft yahoooo

My question is...why has his play fallen off so much already? He is 32 but has been on the decline for a few years. He should still be in his prime. Are there legitimate health concerns that are kept under the radar?
- PoileRulezzzYo

Matt Cooke's elbow.

Here's a question for you guys. Seeing how you guys are looking to move or buyout Lecavalier's contract what would you think of this trade:

Buf:
Lecavalier
#3 pick

Tampa:
Vanek
#16 pick
1 of our 2nds/or a prospect

This allows youto save there buyout for Malone and you still get a 1st and a top 6 forward. We get a top 3 talent and a good veteran to help our younger C's.

Here's a question for you guys. Seeing how you guys are looking to move or buyout Lecavalier's contract what would you think of this trade:

Buf:
Lecavalier
#3 pick

Tampa:
Vanek
#16 pick
1 of our 2nds/or a prospect

This allows youto save there buyout for Malone and you still get a 1st and a top 6 forward. We get a top 3 talent and a good veteran to help our younger C's.
- hbcamp1820

No thanks. I'm not looking to get rid of Lecavalier's contract. I've gone on record saying that I want him to stick around. Trading our number two center, captain, and leader of the franchise with the number three pick for Vanek and a couple selections that may or may not pan out doesn't make sense. Buying out Malone and keeping Vinny and the 3 makes way more sense.

Here's a question for you guys. Seeing how you guys are looking to move or buyout Lecavalier's contract what would you think of this trade:

Buf:
Lecavalier
#3 pick

Tampa:
Vanek
#16 pick
1 of our 2nds/or a prospect


This allows youto save there buyout for Malone and you still get a 1st and a top 6 forward. We get a top 3 talent and a good veteran to help our younger C's.
- hbcamp1820

I don't see a young talented proven defenseman anywhere in this list along with another pick in the top 10!!! not to even mention something else for vl4

how come eklund has rumors on almost every team but tampa

it might just be me, but this is how ive seen it in my short time here

correction: I just read his blog and he states florida and tampa are very much in the lead for luongo? I never knew we needed him. im confident in what weve got and how are we going to afford him?