Whats everyones thought on Detroit this year? and how long till they take major steps backwards? their core is so aged I can't see them handling a much younger division for the long term. oh and how bad will the panthers get pumped this year?

Whats everyones thought on Detroit this year? and how long till they take major steps backwards? their core is so aged I can't see them handling a much younger division for the long term. oh and how bad will the panthers get pumped this year?
- Jay Uller

Detroit almost missed this year, but then made the playoffs and did some damage.

Their age is battling against their organizational depth and intelligence. They always look one game away from falling apart or winning the cup.

Franson is a stud, if we could lock him up at 5-6 years for 4 mill that would be a steal imo... He's a cheap mans dion imo... but a bit more reliable in the back.

So, on a different note, who will be the next Russian star to defect?

Kovalchuk was a game changer. The KHL is a legitimate threat now in a way they weren't when they got Radulov.

The NHL certainly won this round of CBA negotiations, but have they inadvertently made the KHL an attractive option for NHLers? The money they pay over there is insane.

Detroit almost missed this year, but then made the playoffs and did some damage.

Their age is battling against their organizational depth and intelligence. They always look one game away from falling apart or winning the cup.
- Leeman4Gilmour

I think the grind against Boston alone will take a toll, just looking at the roster reminds me of the pre implosion Leafs with a couple better top players. Zetty at 32, Dats at 34 and Alfie now.. seems like a team that will live and die by the amount of injuries they take.

So, on a different note, who will be the next Russian star to defect?

Kovalchuk was a game changer. The KHL is a legitimate threat now in a way they weren't when they got Radulov.

The NHL certainly won this round of CBA negotiations, but have they inadvertently made the KHL an attractive option for NHLers? The money they pay over there is insane.
- Leeman4Gilmour

Any one of them in Buffalo.......they have no hotel rooms with windows? Right??

Better yet........lets let Buffalo join the KHL. That way their roster can play home games, on the road.

So, on a different note, who will be the next Russian star to defect?

Kovalchuk was a game changer. The KHL is a legitimate threat now in a way they weren't when they got Radulov.

The NHL certainly won this round of CBA negotiations, but have they inadvertently made the KHL an attractive option for NHLers? The money they pay over there is insane.
- Leeman4Gilmour

I could see Bryz signing in Russia and playing with Kovy again... oh wait was it BOB that played with him? meh either or

I could see Bryz signing in Russia and playing with Kovy again
- Jay Uller

Ovechkin? Malkin?

One of those Russian billionaires would probably give those guys upwards of 20 mil per year.

So, on a different note, who will be the next Russian star to defect?

Kovalchuk was a game changer. The KHL is a legitimate threat now in a way they weren't when they got Radulov.

The NHL certainly won this round of CBA negotiations, but have they inadvertently made the KHL an attractive option for NHLers? The money they pay over there is insane.
- Leeman4Gilmour

Nichushkin dropped to 10 because of that worry. Grigorenko may at the end of his ELC.

So, on a different note, who will be the next Russian star to defect?

Kovalchuk was a game changer. The KHL is a legitimate threat now in a way they weren't when they got Radulov.

The NHL certainly won this round of CBA negotiations, but have they inadvertently made the KHL an attractive option for NHLers? The money they pay over there is insane.
- Leeman4Gilmour

Anyone who would want to go to the KHL, let them go. The NHL will be just fine.

I'd like to lock Franson up long term, wasn't too sold on him when we first got him but thought he was pretty solid more recently.

Anyone who would want to go to the KHL, let them go. The NHL will be just fine.
- fifty__missions

I have no doubt about that. But some teams are going to get screwed royally.

Then again, some teams may get absolute steals in the draft as the Russkies fall down the board.

We trade Bozak for Grabovski yet?

Whats everyones thought on Detroit this year? and how long till they take major steps backwards? their core is so aged I can't see them handling a much younger division for the long term. oh and how bad will the panthers get pumped this year?
- Jay Uller

Detroit doesn't really worry me. They're a good team and should be shown the respect they've earned, but I think they'll have to duke it out with Toronto and Montreal for the 3 spot. I think Boston and Ottawa have 1 and 2 pretty well in hand.

Ovechkin? Malkin?

One of those Russian billionaires would probably give those guys upwards of 20 mil per year.
- Leeman4Gilmour

I doubt either of them... Malkin was NHL all the way, If the Caps keep mismanaging their team and leaving the top line to do eveything Ovi might get tired of it, but no time soon

Whats everyones thought on Detroit this year? and how long till they take major steps backwards? their core is so aged I can't see them handling a much younger division for the long term. oh and how bad will the panthers get pumped this year?
- Jay Uller

Until they suck I'll expect them to contend like they have for the past couple decades.

We trade Bozak for Grabovski yet?
- honesthockey

What's this "WE" sh!t ... TROLL

What's this "WE" sh!t ... TROLL
- .HOHO.

We as in I'm a bigger Leaf fan than most. At least I want "Leaf" players to succeed.

I thought Franson was really good this past year and in the playoffs, I'd lock him up

We as in I'm a bigger Leaf fan than most. At least I want "Leaf" players to succeed.
- honesthockey

I know ... Just kidding with you

gonna make some (frank)ing crazy meatball sammies go leafs go

gonna make some (frank)ing crazy meatball sammies go leafs go
- Zezel

Put a little in your pee hole

Guys....

I have been.drunk this entire time....

Put a little in your pee hole
- weirdoh

dude I know what I'm doing