Well, if it's in a package for an elite player, sure. But generally, I see a guy who scored at a 75 point pace on the third line during the lockout and whose coach plays him below Bozak despite the fact that the stats all say Kadri is superior. In fact, I think it's pretty much universally acknowledged that Carlyle is the worst coach in the NHL.
- James_Tanner

Yeah well lots of players have good years, common it seems in the short seasons, I just don't see the potential for Kadri to be elite in anyway.

Nah Jimmy, you weren't dumb, just optimistic before the season started, no different than Florida, Toronto and Edmonton fans.
- Jeropotato

Glad you see it that way. I will always be optimistic about my team's chances in the preseason.

I'll still cheer for every goal and hope they win every game - that's my job as a fan.

Unfortunately my job as a writer is to attempt (at least once a month) to look at things objectively. And when I do that, I see a team that has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Sure, no one wants to be accused of tanking, but McDavid could quite literally save the franchise, or, at least cement it. Even if you don't get him, whether it's Eichal or that russian kid or Dylan Strome, the top of the draft is full of potentially elite pivots.

Stop this silly "tanking" talk! You`ll piss off Kevin Lowe and disrupt his 24 year rebuild plan

Did you think Nashville would lead the west as well? Or that Calgary and Vancouver would be where they were at this point?
- Jeropotato

actually I did say Nashville would make it with the goalie healthy i did say Calgary wouldn't be bottom 5 and i said Vancouver new coach they will be in the top as well. Flame if you want but that's the truth take it or leave it.

No poop, that's because I don't try to convince myself that the Oilers can get gold for garbage. You Leaf fans should try it.
- Jeropotato

Why are you being a tool making yourself look very dumb

Yeah well lots of players have good years, common it seems in the short seasons, I just don't see the potential for Kadri to be elite in anyway.
- Jeropotato

I have seen probably 80 to 90% of the games he's played. It depends on how you define elite. Is he Crosby, Malkin, Giroux elite? No. But is he say a perennial 70 point guy who might hit 90 in his best year and who drives possession, draws penalties and makes your team tougher to play against? Yes, that is what I see.

I think he's a decent first line centre and among the best second line centres when he finally puts it all together. Also, I think he could be converted fairly easily to a winger.

Why are you being a tool making yourself look very dumb
- jake24242

This coming from the legendary Jake24242? Probably the biggest joke of a poster on HockeyBuzz? You realize when people unjustly refer to your fan base "Leafs Fans" , like its a derogatory term, it's because of 1% of them giving them a bad name. You my friend, are the poster boy for that 1% and always have been. Now run along so Tanner and I can finish our convo.

actually I did say Nashville would make it with the goalie healthy i did say Calgary wouldn't be bottom 5 and i said Vancouver new coach they will be in the top as well. Flame if you want but that's the truth take it or leave it.
- jake24242

I got nothing against you, but if that is what you said, I think you're just lucky you're right for right now.


Ana, Chi, Stl, MN, LA - to my mind, right now, total playoff locks.

Dallas, Nashville - Almost certain to make it.

That leaves one spot for Calgary, Vancouver, SJ, Winnipeg and Colorado to fight over. I know I'd bet my money on the team with Dushene and Mackinnon, not to mention the best goalie of the group.

Stop this silly "tanking" talk! You`ll piss off Kevin Lowe and disrupt his 24 year rebuild plan
- cdjaakkola

Nice.

Stop this silly "tanking" talk! You`ll piss off Kevin Lowe and disrupt his 24 year rebuild plan
- cdjaakkola

Lets see here....we need to draft 4 centers, 6 D, 2 Goalies, 8 wingers ....account for 25% of them to be busts....yeah 24 years seems right by my kitchen math.

Teams most likely to want Vermette don't yet have the cap space. Have to wait.

Stop this silly "tanking" talk! You`ll piss off Kevin Lowe and disrupt his 24 year rebuild plan
- cdjaakkola

if every year since the last cup win is considered rebuilding then I feel hella sorry for TOR and VAN

I got nothing against you, but if that is what you said, I think you're just lucky you're right for right now.


Ana, Chi, Stl, MN, LA - to my mind, right now, total playoff locks.

Dallas, Nashville - Almost certain to make it.

That leaves one spot for Calgary, Vancouver, SJ, Winnipeg and Colorado to fight over. I know I'd bet my money on the team with Dushene and Mackinnon, not to mention the best goalie of the group.
- James_Tanner

Why is Dallas almost certain to make it? Sharks have been poop all year and have 2 points over that two man team

if every year since the last cup win is considered rebuilding then I feel hella sorry for TOR and VAN
- TheNugeIsHuge

No, only missing the playoffs

No, only missing the playoffs
- Nucker101

it does feel like 24 years

Teams most likely to want Vermette don't yet have the cap space. Have to wait.
- hbk

Disagree, he's a bargain at under 4 million and the Coyotes are paying it anyway, so they can easily take back salary.

Why is Dallas almost certain to make it? Sharks have been poop all year and have 2 points over that two man team
- FinAddict

I just think they will. I like their goalie, I like the trade they made last week, and I think their forwards are pretty great.

Why is Dallas almost certain to make it? Sharks have been poop all year and have 2 points over that three man team
- FinAddict

fixed

Disagree, he's a bargain at under 4 million and the Coyotes are paying it anyway, so they can easily take back salary.
- James_Tanner

He is a bargain but AZ can't take on additional salary and over half the Leage has less than $2 M in cap space. Furthermore, the acquiring team may want to add other assets beyond Vermette which may also require cap space. More teams with cap space = greater potential demand. I'd be out with an absurd asking price right now and try to wait teams out.

Doan is 35+ deal with a NMC. your stuck with him until that contract expires. Besides the Coyotes would never move him. Let's get real.
- tomburton99

Doan will retire before accepting a trade anywhere. He's a Coyote for the rest of his career!

Glad you see it that way. I will always be optimistic about my team's chances in the preseason.

I'll still cheer for every goal and hope they win every game - that's my job as a fan.

Unfortunately my job as a writer is to attempt (at least once a month) to look at things objectively. And when I do that, I see a team that has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Sure, no one wants to be accused of tanking, but McDavid could quite literally save the franchise, or, at least cement it. Even if you don't get him, whether it's Eichal or that russian kid or Dylan Strome, the top of the draft is full of potentially elite pivots.
- James_Tanner

Problem is, right now 4-5 teams look like they're racing to the draft, 3 of those teams aren't going to have a shot at either of those two. Would suck to finish third worst. Or second and have someone behind you win the lottery.

Edmonton apparently is looking but TSN is saying they won't give up any core players or picks.

I agree time for the Coyotes to re-build...that means sending OEL to Detroit with his -15 plus/minus rating so far this season

Edmonton apparently is looking but TSN is saying they won't give up any core players or picks.
- VanHockeyGuy

Guess that means Yak/Ebrle are staying. I bet they're shopping Schultz and Perron mostly. Maybe Petry if he doesn't want to re-sign.

Trade Michalek too.