I don't think its that crazy to see each of them get 40+ points. How many did MSL have this past season when he was "terrible"?
- xcheckmajor

MSL had 52 points this year. And, honestly, I don't think he's done. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think has speed has gone away, which is usually a prime indicator of a player being cooked. He had no confidence for much of the second half of last year. He was a total dumpster fire, there is no denying that, but at the same time, I would not be at all surprised if he posted 50+ points again next year, and if you do that on a $2 million contract, you're a bargain.

Richards can score about 40 points again next year as well. He practically did it this year playing 3rd line minutes for the Hawks (and was better in the playoffs as he always is).

Both of those guys at $2 million per would outperform their contracts by a mile.

MSL had 52 points this year. And, honestly, I don't think he's done. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think has speed has gone away, which is usually a prime indicator of a player being cooked. He had no confidence for much of the second half of last year. He was a total dumpster fire, there is no denying that, but at the same time, I would not be at all surprised if he posted 50+ points again next year, and if you do that on a $2 million contract, you're a bargain.

Richards can score about 40 points again next year as well. He practically did it this year playing 3rd line minutes for the Hawks (and was better in the playoffs as he always is).

Both of those guys at $2 million per would outperform their contracts by a mile.
- Pete V

I pretty much agree with this sentiment. I remember one game vividly last year where it was a 2-0 with Kreider and MSL and he kept up with him the entire way. I think he comes back with something to prove this year, wherever he lands

MSL had 52 points this year. And, honestly, I don't think he's done. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think has speed has gone away, which is usually a prime indicator of a player being cooked. He had no confidence for much of the second half of last year. He was a total dumpster fire, there is no denying that, but at the same time, I would not be at all surprised if he posted 50+ points again next year, and if you do that on a $2 million contract, you're a bargain.

Richards can score about 40 points again next year as well. He practically did it this year playing 3rd line minutes for the Hawks (and was better in the playoffs as he always is).

Both of those guys at $2 million per would outperform their contracts by a mile.
- Pete V

I agree, and them playing together being familiar with each other's tendencies, I think 80-90pts is very possible. That's $4M I'm willing to pay for Veteran Performance on a cusp team. Not like your spending $7M and trading away kids to buy a cup.

MSL had 52 points this year. And, honestly, I don't think he's done. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think has speed has gone away, which is usually a prime indicator of a player being cooked. He had no confidence for much of the second half of last year. He was a total dumpster fire, there is no denying that, but at the same time, I would not be at all surprised if he posted 50+ points again next year, and if you do that on a $2 million contract, you're a bargain.

Richards can score about 40 points again next year as well. He practically did it this year playing 3rd line minutes for the Hawks (and was better in the playoffs as he always is).

Both of those guys at $2 million per would outperform their contracts by a mile.
- Pete V

Put that age and diminishing skill together and you're not getting that output, don't forget that Richards played with Kane for most of the year and MSL played with Step and Kreider, I think MSL is worth a $2 million deal But I think the smart thing to do is move on

Put that age and diminishing skill together and you're not getting that output, don't forget that Richards played with Kane for most of the year and MSL played with Step and Kreider, I think MSL is worth a $2 million deal But I think the smart thing to do is move on
- KreiderBomb

As you said age and playing on the third line will see further diminishing returns. MSL took away ice time he shouldn't have been getting on PP and the top 6, my worry is that AV would just keep pushing him out there again in those situations.

I would take MSL on a prorated $1-2m deal but only if he came back in January. Let the kids play early and add depth if Miller, Fast or others don't increase their production.

I agree, and them playing together being familiar with each other's tendencies, I think 80-90pts is very possible. That's $4M I'm willing to pay for Veteran Performance on a cusp team. Not like your spending $7M and trading away kids to buy a cup.
- xcheckmajor

I don't see the both of them being here as really realistic. One or the other can happen if either of them is willing to take a $2 million type deal.

I will also say this, all the talk is focused on Talbot before the draft, which is should be given that trading him is pretty much inevitable, but I would also watch out for Hagelin and Klein as potential guys that could get moved sometime this summer.

I don't honestly think it will happen either, I don't think thats a direction this organization has even remotely considered. Probably a good thing to keep thinking young.

I think the Talbot deal will come during the draft. I'm really more concerned and intrigued with what we are doing with Hagelin. Thats the real unknown. Step is getting resigned for sure, Miller Fast no brainer on qualifying them, Nash is going nowhere and Talbot is definitely getting moved. Hags is the big ?

I don't honestly think it will happen either, I don't think thats a direction this organization has even remotely considered. Probably a good thing to keep thinking young.

I think the Talbot deal will come during the draft. I'm really more concerned and intrigued with what we are doing with Hagelin. Thats the real unknown. Step is getting resigned for sure, Miller Fast no brainer on qualifying them, Nash is going nowhere and Talbot is definitely getting moved. Hags is the big ?
- xcheckmajor

I wouldn't be certain about that

No to both Richards and MSL. It's time to move on. If Both came back here both would decline. That's just the way it goes with this Franchise and UFA's. See the extremely long list. The only to really live up to his billing was Gaborik. And the fan base was even split on him.

No to both Richards and MSL. It's time to move on. If Both came back here both would decline. That's just the way it goes with this Franchise and UFA's. See the extremely long list. The only to really live up to his billing was Gaborik. And the fan base was even split on him.
- tomburton99

Tom, I will only say this, living up to a $2 million billing is a lot easier to do than living up to a $7 million billing. It's a totally different type of signing. It's basically a Lee Stemniak signing on steroids.

Tom, I will only say this, living up to a $2 million billing is a lot easier to do than living up to a $7 million billing. It's a totally different type of signing. It's basically a Lee Stemniak signing on steroids.
- Pete V

You're right Pete but signing a player based on contract value doesn't mean production or success

You're right Pete but signing a player based on contract value doesn't mean production or success
- KreiderBomb

But, a 40 point year for a player making $2 million a year is a successful year. That same season for a player making $6 million a year, probably isn't a successful season.

If MSL, for instance, signs for $2 million and scores 50 points, that is great production relative to the cap.

I don't think Sather wanted to part with Richards. That's why it took so long to announce the buyout last year. He had to do it, but he wanted to show the player respect. I would not be surprised to see Richards back. He can be a third line center or play on the wing and be a part of the power play. I think the important thing is keeping his minutes down so he stays fresher and getting him for $2 million or less. I'm in favor keeping the team very much the same as last year but doing everything possible to add depth. I just don't see how the dollars are going to work without trading more than Talbot.

I will say, I could see one of MSL or Richards coming back on a cheap deal, I cannot see both, that would shock me

http://blogs.northjersey....lark_the_need_is_players/

I'm dying for a Talbot trade already, hope we get it tonight around say pick #4

You're right Pete but signing a player based on contract value doesn't mean production or success
- KreiderBomb

yes but you can't just assume lack of production because the players aren't favored. Fact is, MSL did still produce and with a fresh season start, should be given the benefit of doubt based on his abilities and past accomplishments. Same with Richards who produced 40pts. playing 3rd line in Chicago. I'm not saying Richards and MSL will be our top 2 guys playing 20min a night. I think they would be a great 3rd line of offense that can succeed with less expectations. Its a hard call, but like I said, probably not going to happen.

I will say, I could see one of MSL or Richards coming back on a cheap deal, I cannot see both, that would shock me
- jimbro83

I agree.

But, a 40 point year for a player making $2 million a year is a successful year. That same season for a player making $6 million a year, probably isn't a successful season.

If MSL, for instance, signs for $2 million and scores 50 points, that is great production relative to the cap.
- Pete V

Assuming you trade Talbot, that leaves to sign Stepan, Hagelin, Fast, Hunwick, Mcilrath, Jt Miller and a back up goalie. Pretty slim chance this all happens.

Assuming you trade Talbot, that leaves to sign Stepan, Hagelin, Hunwick, Mcilrath, Jt Miller and a back up goalie. Pretty slim chance this all happens.
- tomburton99

I really don't know why the Nash trade speculation has disappeared, I think it's going to happen

Assuming you trade Talbot, that leaves to sign Stepan, Hagelin, Hunwick, Mcilrath, Jt Miller and a back up goalie. Pretty slim chance this all happens.
- tomburton99

Figure that we'll save roughly $500k on the back up goalie, maybe more, every penny will help

I really don't know why the Nash trade speculation has disappeared, I think it's going to happen
- jimbro83

My bet, Hagelin or Klein gets traded and Nash stays.

Figure that we'll save roughly $500k on the back up goalie, maybe more, every penny will help
- KreiderBomb

Not 100% sure about that. There are some good backup options on the market, but they may cost $1 million. Skapski isn't an option because of his surgery, and the fact that he should play starters minutes in the AHL if he is healthy.

Not 100% sure about that. There are some good backup options on the market, but they may cost $1 million. Skapski isn't an option because of his surgery, and the fact that he should play starters minutes in the AHL if he is healthy.
- Pete V

we will probably end up with Jonas Gustavsson

Not 100% sure about that. There are some good backup options on the market, but they may cost $1 million. Skapski isn't an option because of his surgery, and the fact that he should play starters minutes in the AHL if he is healthy.
- Pete V

I agree. I think Curtis Mchellainy could get 1 mill AAV and he's probably at the bottom o the barrel in terms of NHL backups available.

we will probably end up Jonas Gustavsson
- jimbro83

Does the private ambulance that the club will have to acquire to shuttle him back and forth to the hospital count against the cap?

But seriously, I would be absolutely fine with that.