I don't think we can know anything until what we see McDonagh and Stepan ultimately get
- jimbro83

Honestly I know we all discuss additions but to me, the key to winning in this league is cap and asset management. Or in other words, resource management. If you can do that you will be successful. I don't want to be the Flyers I want a legit plan. And if I am Sather I am worrying about making sure my house is in order before I do much else. IMO the priorities should be as follows. 1) RFA's resigned 2) Hank Extension 3) UFA to fill out roster/depth 4) Trades to improve roster.

If you can get the 3 big RFAs signed to good deals that make us all smile and get Hank extended with a reasonable cap hit then (while ignoring the Richards thing) it was a successful summer. We then have managed our cap successfully (again aside from Richards) and can make proper moves when the opportunity arises.

Offer sheets can be handed out on what date? I also think Sather is likely working on extensions as we speak. This organization is known for not publicizing contractual dealings. I expect all four to be re-signed early on this summer. Hagelin and Zuccarello will be the easier of the bunch, Stepan and McDonagh will obviously command higher salaries.
- MidnightMarauder

Well the are technically free agents. Just restricted that's all. So technically Mac and Step's agents can be on the phone with all other 29 teams talking money and terms and that makes me sick to my stomach.

Offer sheets can be handed out on what date? I also think Sather is likely working on extensions as we speak. This organization is known for not publicizing contractual dealings. I expect all four to be re-signed early on this summer. Hagelin and Zuccarello will be the easier of the bunch, Stepan and McDonagh will obviously command higher salaries.
- MidnightMarauder

Keep in mind that a team can send any offer sheet they want, but the players have to sign them to mean anything. So, do either Step or McDonagh want to be the guys that sign an offer sheet with one of the Rangers' chief rivals? Unless Sather is really low balling them, I don't think that is going to happen. But, strangers thing have happened, ie Weber signing a deal that really almost crippled the Predators.

I don't think we can know anything until what we see McDonagh and Stepan ultimately get
- jimbro83

And another point I hate discussing but my friend brought it up yesterday. At what salary and compensation do you not match for Step and Mac? I seriously think there is a threat here.

The winning teams, IMO, sign 4 or 5 core guys to longer term deals, and are able to transition their good third line types out, in exchange for guys coming through the system on entry level deals. The Hawks have been great at that.

Keep in mind that a team can send any offer sheet they want, but the players have to sign them to mean anything. So, do either Step or McDonagh want to be the guys that sign an offer sheet with one of the Rangers' chief rivals? Unless Sather is really low balling them, I don't think that is going to happen. But, strangers thing have happened, ie Weber signing a deal that really almost crippled the Predators.
- Pete V

IMO I think Weber signed that thinking he'd be a Flyer for sure But yea I have thought that. If your a Pred fan are you happy with Weber, your captain, signing a contract for mega money to another team which he knew would mean he's out of town or crippling your team to not sign any talent? If he did that in Philly or NY or Boston they'd run him out of town.

The winning teams, IMO, sign 4 or 5 core guys to longer term deals, and are able to transition their good third line types out, in exchange for guys coming through the system on entry level deals. The Hawks have been great at that.
- Pete V

I would add in that on those teams many a times there are about 2-3 role/support players that just fit well enough and a good enough price tag that they stick around for many years on that team with that same core group (I think the Rangers example of this will be Hagelin and the Hawks its Hammer and was Bolland , Wings Holmstrom etc.)

IMO I think Weber signed that thinking he'd be a Flyer for sure But yea I have thought that. If your a Pred fan are you happy with Weber, your captain, signing a contract for mega money to another team which he knew would mean he's out of town or crippling your team to not sign any talent? If he did that in Philly or NY or Boston they'd run him out of town.
- mrhattrick27

I hope the Habs offer sheet to McDonaugh as a FU to Sather

The winning teams, IMO, sign 4 or 5 core guys to longer term deals, and are able to transition their good third line types out, in exchange for guys coming through the system on entry level deals. The Hawks have been great at that.
- Pete V

They have also won two cups with Antti Niemi and Cory Crawford in goal.

They have also won two cups with Antti Niemi and Cory Crawford in goal.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Good teams make the playoffs. Hot teams win the championship.

They have also won two cups with Antti Niemi and Cory Crawford in goal.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Yeah, makes you wonder whether the goalie centric model is the best model.

I hope the Habs offer sheet to McDonaugh as a FU to Sather
- Jaciems

I don't get why it isn't a tactic. It is poo-pooed in the NHL because you get blacklisted by that GM. If that's a worry I don't do it to MTL but I would be doing it to lets say the Flyers. I mean they are your rival! You are actively TRYING to (frank) them over. I don't get why GMs avoid it so much. I'd be all over it if it came to a rival team I could care less about them liking me.

Is this the general consensus amongst Habs fans?

I personally think the Rangers did good with this deal as well but it's interesting to hear the other side's perspective.
- MidnightMarauder

I think it's possible that the Rangers didn't like what they saw chemistry wise with Thomas and Kreider, but have liked what they saw with Kristo in those international tournaments with Kreider and jumped on this opportunity.

Yeah, makes you wonder whether the goalie centric model is the best model.
- Pete V

Niemi, Crawford, Thomas and Quick have backstopped the last four cup wins. Just sayin.

Yeah, makes you wonder whether the goalie centric model is the best model.
- Pete V

I mentioned that in Travis's blog, I don't have to time for it but I am interested to see % of cap spent on Forwards vs. Defense vs. Goalie for what stats and math say is the best model based on making the playoffs and championships. Glen get on it!

Yeah, makes you wonder whether the goalie centric model is the best model.
- Pete V

Ryan miller considered elite and hasn't helped sabers much. I'm king of unpopular opinions but I'm torn on giving Henrik max contract. If I knew cap was going up or going away it would be no brainer but with hard cap at his age that's a big commitment.

I don't get why it isn't a tactic. It is poo-pooed in the NHL because you get blacklisted by that GM. If that's a worry I don't do it to MTL but I would be doing it to lets say the Flyers. I mean they are your rival! You are actively TRYING to (frank) them over. I don't get why GMs avoid it so much. I'd be all over it if it came to a rival team I could care less about them liking me.
- mrhattrick27

Most of the time, the player isnt worth the compensation needed to give up for the amount you need to overpay so the other team doesn't match.

I think it's possible that the Rangers didn't like what they saw chemistry wise with Thomas and Kreider, but have liked what they saw with Kristo in those international tournaments with Kreider and jumped on this opportunity.
- jimbro83

I can def see why the Rangers made this trade but whats in it for the Habs

Ryan miller considered elite and hasn't helped sabers much. I'm king of unpopular opinions but I'm torn on giving Henrik max contract. If I knew cap was going up or going away it would be no brainer but with hard cap at his age that's a big commitment.
- Chris Erwin

He deserves a payday, but I think some restraint needs to be shown with Hank.

I don't get why it isn't a tactic. It is poo-pooed in the NHL because you get blacklisted by that GM. If that's a worry I don't do it to MTL but I would be doing it to lets say the Flyers. I mean they are your rival! You are actively TRYING to (frank) them over. I don't get why GMs avoid it so much. I'd be all over it if it came to a rival team I could care less about them liking me.
- mrhattrick27

Wouldnt mind if NYR blacklisted the Habs!

Keep in mind that a team can send any offer sheet they want, but the players have to sign them to mean anything. So, do either Step or McDonagh want to be the guys that sign an offer sheet with one of the Rangers' chief rivals? Unless Sather is really low balling them, I don't think that is going to happen. But, strangers thing have happened, ie Weber signing a deal that really almost crippled the Predators.
- Pete V

As usual, good point Pete. Stepan seemed adamant about being back and for a long time. McDonagh, while didn't verbalized how strongly he feels for this organization, I sure feels the same way. If Sather doesn't get stingy in his dealings with these two, as well as Hagelin and Zuccarello, all will be happily back in the fold.

Most of the time, the player isnt worth the compensation needed to give up for the amount you need to overpay so the other team doesn't match.
- rangerdanger94

Ya but the point isnt to get the player, the point is to make the other team overpay and put them in a poopty position cap wise.

Ryan miller considered elite and hasn't helped sabers much. I'm king of unpopular opinions but I'm torn on giving Henrik max contract. If I knew cap was going up or going away it would be no brainer but with hard cap at his age that's a big commitment.
- Chris Erwin

Really makes you think...but we've seen hank singlehandedly steal wins in the regular season and steal a series or 2 in the playoffs.

I think it's possible that the Rangers didn't like what they saw chemistry wise with Thomas and Kreider, but have liked what they saw with Kristo in those international tournaments with Kreider and jumped on this opportunity.
- jimbro83

Have you seen some Kristo highlights? Kid can fly and has a great release.

Ya but the point isnt to get the player, the point is to make the other team overpay and put them in a poopty position cap wise.
- Jaciems

And if it backfires you are now in a cap nightmare and out 4 #1's