This is a solid analysis but I do think you're undervaluing Giroux's defensive abilities based solely off this past season. It was an up-and-down campaign in which G had several glaring lapses in his own zone. At different times thru the year he was either trying too hard to be a difference maker at both ends of the ice (bc the team was desperate for points) or uncharacteristically taking plays off on the backcheck. The year before he was very good defensively. The shortened campaign he was average. So no, he's not Datsyuk or Toews but he has that ability. He's coming off a bad year all around, but overall he's good in the two-way game. He wasn't Selke material last season (he was barely average), but he has that type of ability. He just needs to find the consistency in his own zone that has eluded him recently.
- phillyphanatic

EXACTLY!

Its do or die for Schenn this season. Its time to step up to the plate.
- GOA88

Brayden Schenn's contract is up after this year.

He can make a lot of money with a break out year this year.

If pierogies and beer help him shoot at a 17.1% clip--someone hire Mrs. T


- Moose_15

This has now inspired my meal for the 1st game of the season!
Too funny.
And if you think I'm dissing Vorachek I think his numbers are even more impressive considering he didn't start well!

This is a solid analysis but I do think you're undervaluing Giroux's defensive abilities based solely off this past season. It was an up-and-down campaign in which G had several glaring lapses in his own zone. At different times thru the year he was either trying too hard to be a difference maker at both ends of the ice (bc the team was desperate for points) or uncharacteristically taking plays off on the backcheck. The year before he was very good defensively. The shortened campaign he was average. So no, he's not Datsyuk or Toews but he has that ability. He's coming off a bad year all around, but overall he's good in the two-way game. He wasn't Selke material last season (he was barely average), but he has that type of ability. He just needs to find the consistency in his own zone that has eluded him recently.
- phillyphanatic

Not to reopen the can of worms, but I was speaking in regards to his career, not just this season.. I dont think he has ever been more than just ok defensively. I have never considered him above average in that regard.

This has now inspired my meal for the 1st game of the season!
Too funny.
And if you think I'm dissing Vorachek I think his numbers are even more impressive considering he didn't start well!
- FlyersGrace

Can I come? I'll bring the Pilsner Urquell!

Brayden Schenn's contract is up after this year.

He can make a lot of money with a break out year this year.
- johndewar

He's an RFA but yeah I see that.
Of course you can say the same thing about either of our goalies and Read and Gus as well...

Wouldn't that be good for the player and the team that picks him up not to mention the NHL?

Say Edmonton is way under the cap. They sign him to a two way contract for league minimum as their 51st contract. He gets a little bump in pay, the chance to make an NHL roster and the Oilers get another option at the minor league level.

The salary cap is still intact. What's the down side for anyone?
- mayorofangrytown

Even if the team sends him down, they're still on the hook for whatever he's scheduled to earn playing in the minors, even if it doesn't count against the cap. He also counts against the player share of the HRR split, since two-way deals are counted as NHL direct costs, while NHL teams' share of their affiliate's revenues are oddly not included in hockey related revenue.

The occasional contract #51 might not pose a threat to integrity the system, but if they lifted or expanded the contract-limit by any amount, players would be looking at escrow increases, small market teams would be faced with yet another competitive disadvantage, and salaries for lower-tier players would probably increase across the board.

Can I come? I'll bring the Pilsner Urquell!
- Moose_15

Nice. I could use a lighter beer than Guiness in my fridge. And it would be a change from Molson...

That's a good point but I do think that if he doesn't improve this season he will not be factored in as highly into our long term plan. The trade rumors will go up and we all know Homer isn't shy about trading someone...
Each season is one to prove yourself, but he's had some time to stretch his legs. Gotten good opportunities, if he doesn't live up to them he's going to see them begin to dry up and passed to other players knocking on the same door.
- FlyersGrace

Its the same line of thinking that Columbus had with Voracek. Jake just turned 24 and is coming off his best season. He has also played 4 (3 1/2) years in the NHL. Schenn has played in the equivilant of 1 full NHL season. Schenn has shown flashes of why people thought he was the top prospect in the game. I would love to see him put it all together and have a breakout season but I wont freak out and give up on him if he struggles. I dont think he will fall out of the team's longterm plans if he goes through more growing pains this year.

Nice. I could use a lighter beer than Guiness in my fridge. And it would be a change from Molson...

- FlyersGrace

I love a dark hoppy lager myself. It gets ya drunk quicker. Not a fan of light beer, not much flavor.

I love a dark hoppy lager myself. It gets ya drunk quicker. Not a fan of light beer, not much flavor.
- GOA88

Too much hopps in a beer and I get the hiccups and everyone makes fun of me throughout the night.

Its the same line of thinking that Columbus had with Voracek. Jake just turned 24 and is coming off his best season. He has also played 4 (3 1/2) years in the NHL. Schenn has played in the equivilant of 1 full NHL season. Schenn has shown flashes of why people thought he was the top prospect in the game. I would love to see him put it all together and have a breakout season but I wont freak out and give up on him if he struggles. I dont think he will fall out of the team's longterm plans if he goes through more growing pains this year.
- KINGKENZO

I hear ya, but he def needs to show improvement, Im not expecting him to score 30 goals or anything like that. 20 is a realistic expectation playing on one of the top 2 lines.

Its the same line of thinking that Columbus had with Voracek. Jake just turned 24 and is coming off his best season. He has also played 4 (3 1/2) years in the NHL. Schenn has played in the equivilant of 1 full NHL season. Schenn has shown flashes of why people thought he was the top prospect in the game. I would love to see him put it all together and have a breakout season but I wont freak out and give up on him if he struggles. I dont think he will fall out of the team's longterm plans if he goes through more growing pains this year.
- KINGKENZO

K, I'll give you that. We'll see how he does this year. I want him to stay so Luke has a nice warm fuzzy for our team. I want him happy... But I'm biased...

I hear ya, but he def needs to show improvement, Im not expecting him to score 30 goals or anything like that. 20 is a realistic expectation playing on one of the top 2 lines.
- GOA88

I dont disagree and I think that is a realistic expectation but he would really have to regress to be given up on.

K, I'll give you that. We'll see how he does this year. I want him to stay so Luke has a nice warm fuzzy for our team. I want him happy... But I'm biased...

- FlyersGrace

Nice. I could use a lighter beer than Guiness in my fridge. And it would be a change from Molson...

- FlyersGrace

Just in case someone out in cyberspace doesn't know already:

Guinness is good for you.

Its do or die for Schenn this season. Its time to step up to the plate.
- GOA88

I doubt this very much.

I dont disagree and I think that is a realistic expectation but he would really have to regress to be given up on.
- KINGKENZO

I never said I would give up on him, Holmgren has a track record though. Im a big supporter of keeping Couts and Schenn long term.

I doubt this very much.
- dingo8urbaby

Tell that to Holmgren. lol

B. Schenn will do just fine this season. He won't be a bust until he's 22.
- Moose_15

moose you are the voice of reason

Isn't it sad that I had to think about which lockout you were talking about?
Man the NHL needs to get it's crap together.

- FlyersGrace

Was thinking the same thing: 1994-95? 2004-05? 2012-13?

I would LOVE if Couts becomes.... lets say at least a Jordan Staal. I feel he has potential to be better though.

I love a dark hoppy lager myself. It gets ya drunk quicker. Not a fan of light beer, not much flavor.
- GOA88

goa the color and hop rate have nothing to do with getting drunk, that is the percent alcohol you are thinking of

previously mentioned and much loved guinness which is pretty black in color (although not all that hoppy) comes in at a mild 4.2% alcohol by volume, so you can drink a few without falling over

I would LOVE if Couts becomes.... lets say at least a Jordan Staal. I feel he has potential to be better though.
- GOA88

gasp, we do agree

moose you are the voice of reason
- Marc D

If this is what you think reason sounds like--then, sure. Thank you.