Shoot shooter, and I'm a Mason fan. No doubt nice 5 on 5 SPG over the last 3-4 years, I read Cordell too.

Bernie Parent maybe, Mason no.
- Mr Ricochet

I love Philly fans saying Goaltending isn't the problem while Mason let in a goal from center ice and was sniped from distance numerous occasions in the Capitals series. Caps were not playing well in Round 1 and a goalie like Crow in net and they knock off Ovi+Co in Round 1, IMO.

Whether it is the greed of the players, their families or their agents, I don't think anyone should be paid more than Sidney Crosby. Those championships were won with a TEAM and depth players were very impactful. Sure, the NHLs BS cap growth predictions impacted things a bit, but I do not think either one needed to be the highest paid player in the league (at the time of the deals). I hope they feel like they got what was "fair" as excellent players are traded year after year to make room for their contracts. I love all 3 guys, but with this cap #, they are all overpaid by about $1-2mil each, IMO
- EnzoD

I'm still fine with their contracts. But just wait until some GM pays Stamkos $12 million.

We went back and forth yesterday and I agreed Toronto most likely makes the most sense for a few reasons for Crawford-I have no clue if he would want to okay that deal. But of the very few places who could actually foot the $6 mill salary for Crawford, to me Toronto is the most attractive. But I still don't think a mid or bottom 1st round pick would be enough.

I also still think the math works best and the return is greater if Shaw is signed and traded or if a team writes a sheet for over $3.6 mill and the Hawks didn't match...But rather simply took the picks (1st-3rd) and allocated whatever cap space they wanted to Shaw's replacement.

I hear the same story that I heard when I mentioned Dano could be dealt on Hartman and McNeill. If you think Shaw can be undisciplined...If Hartman replaces him I would suggest watching with one eye closed. I don't think Bowman would have much trouble parting with McNeill and Hartman...Certainly much easier for him to lose those two than Shaw.
- Al

Maple Leafs make a lot of sense as a spot for CC. The big money sponsors, Bell/Rogers, the NHL and the ticket buying fans don't want to stomach another season like last year where there was no interest in watching the team. This is a rebuild that Bettman doesn't want to last 5 years, they need to be competitive asap because they are the real financial honeypot of the league.

The Loafs own 12 picks in this year's draft - moving a couple of them and a backup goalie is a small price to pay for a top level goaltender.

That said, the Hawks can't win a trade like that.

But just wait until some GM pays Stamkos $12 million.
- DarthKane

#GoLeafsGo.

#GoLeafsGo.
- 50 Mission Cap

Most likely.

I recall a draft day - not too long ago - when Mark McNeil was drafted in the first round and I thought to myself "this is the answer to our chronic 2C dilemma." While time has necessitated I adjust my expectations - I'm still left wondering how this kid hasn't been able to come up and provide solid minutes as a 3rd/4th line player?

For those of you better able to follow his game at Rockford - what do you see as the issues holding him back?
- Chief4Feathers

And on draft day it was said by "national" guys that McNeill was the most ready of all forwards drafted that year to play in the NHL (not the best but most ready), although that ended up waaaaay off. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2011e.html........... I agree with a guy of his size, 4 full years of Major Junior, 3 full years in Rockford the "kid" deserves more than just 1 NHL game to date. ONE game.

Maple Leafs make a lot of sense as a spot for CC. The big money sponsors, Bell/Rogers, the NHL and the ticket buying fans don't want to stomach another season like last year where there was no interest in watching the team. This is a rebuild that Bettman doesn't want to last 5 years, they need to be competitive asap because they are the real financial honeypot of the league.

The Loafs own 12 picks in this year's draft - moving a couple of them and a backup goalie is a small price to pay for a top level goaltender.

That said, the Hawks can't win a trade like that.
- RickJ

Stuart Percy for CC? CC has a large cap hit in a season where decent goalies are gonna be every where.

I'm still fine with their contracts. But just wait until some GM pays Stamkos $12 million.
- DarthKane

Pure speculation here, but does anyone think 88/19 somewhat regret looking for max $$ after seeing Leddy, Sharp, Saad, Oduya and now possibly Shaw and Crow traded away? As for Stamkos, doesn't look as quick since the snapped leg bone. I wouldn't pay a penny over $8mil/yr.

I love Philly fans saying Goaltending isn't the problem while Mason let in a goal from center ice and was sniped from distance numerous occasions in the Capitals series. Caps were not playing well in Round 1 and a goalie like Crow in net and they knock off Ovi+Co in Round 1, IMO.
- EnzoD

Really goaltending isn't the issue for us. Mason didn't have a great year and some gaffs but he was having personal issues and inj issues. To trade our goalie for Crawford is a laterial move and adding more cap and years when we have a goalie of the future in the ahl looking to play. We are not interested in obtaining salary with term left. We are trying to remove it including mcdud and streit and poss Shultz involved. We are good where we are. maybe we have one of our current tenders on the roster in two years along with a rookie as we start to contend or maybe another goalie all together. Bottom line is if we are getting younger and better our gm would bite. If not we will hold the course.

Stuart Percy for CC? CC has a large cap hit in a season where decent goalies are gonna be every where.
- 50 Mission Cap

As long as someone takes his full cap hit, I'd hope Stan would take what he can get and not have a repeat of the Sharp fiasco....

Maple Leafs make a lot of sense as a spot for CC. The big money sponsors, Bell/Rogers, the NHL and the ticket buying fans don't want to stomach another season like last year where there was no interest in watching the team. This is a rebuild that Bettman doesn't want to last 5 years, they need to be competitive asap because they are the real financial honeypot of the league.

The Loafs own 12 picks in this year's draft - moving a couple of them and a backup goalie is a small price to pay for a top level goaltender.

That said, the Hawks can't win a trade like that.
- RickJ

That said, the Hawks can't win a trade like that

Correct and the issue will come down to if they want to take the chance now or wait until they have no other choice. This could be a lose the room trade if they struggle without Crawford.

I'm might be in the minority but I would rather deal Anisimov now or wait until next summer. Opening up another $3-$4 mill puts Bowman in a much more comfortable spot for now.

@CapFriendly

The #Ducks have signed Sami Vatanen to a 4-year contract extension. Vatanen was arbitration eligible. https://t.co/6t6quSUedm

Most likely.
- DarthKane

I actually think Detroit Rock city has a really good shot. B-low has no shot.

Gonna be interesting couple of weeks.

I love Philly fans saying Goaltending isn't the problem while Mason let in a goal from center ice and was sniped from distance numerous occasions in the Capitals series. Caps were not playing well in Round 1 and a goalie like Crow in net and they knock off Ovi+Co in Round 1, IMO.
- EnzoD

Yo Zo, not that you, or anyone else, is interested, when I was 12 I let one past from THEIR blueline playing the Elmhurst Huskies Black. If I live to be 100 I'll never forget it.

I was watching that game when Mason mangled that shot. Thing is it is incredible how a puck will dip, dive, and zig from a distance but that one didn't.

Really goaltending isn't the issue for us. Mason didn't have a great year and some gaffs but he was having personal issues and inj issues. To trade our goalie for Crawford is a laterial move and adding more cap and years when we have a goalie of the future in the ahl looking to play. We are not interested in obtaining salary with term left. We are trying to remove it including mcdud and streit and poss Shultz involved. We are good where we are. maybe we have one of our current tenders on the roster in two years along with a rookie as we start to contend or maybe another goalie all together. Bottom line is if we are getting younger and better our gm would bite. If not we will hold the course.
- jmdodgeser4

You may think so but I truly believe that a better goalie in net and Flyers win that series. Hextall may agree, he may not....TWT. How much for Simmonds??

As long as someone takes his full cap hit, I'd hope Stan would take what he can get and not have a repeat of the Sharp fiasco....
- EnzoD

If the leafs want to take a run at Stammer, I can't see them taking CC and the full contract.

Yo Zo, not that you, or anyone else, is interested, when I was 12 I let one past from THEIR blueline playing the Elmhurst Huskies Black. If I live to be 100 I'll never forget it.

I was watching that game when Mason mangled that shot. Thing is it is incredible how a puck will dip, dive, and zig from a distance but that one didn't.
- Mr Ricochet

It's a backbreaker. You were 12, Mason is a veteran starting NHL tendy. I watched every game of the PHI-CAPS series(bc it was physical and great hockey) and Mason let in several softies. If Philly thinks they can contend next year, I don't see why they wouldn't want to add Crow.

EDIT: How many goalies do we have on the board? You are all a bit off your rocker for putting your body in front that frozen rubber biscuit! No thank you!! Respect!

i know beating a dead NHL horse...but I am fed up with teams esp the hawks making deals and dumping players ONLY because of $$$ and nothing to do with hockey...what an assinine way to run a business

Joe IMO they need to bring in 100 guys and try and find one who can fill a spot. Yea Hartman and McNeill would be near the top of that list of 100.

My new mantra until this fiasco of a cap system is fixed is how can we get less worse year to year not how we can get better, cuz you can't get better.

There isn't a way to get better when each year you lose a Sharp, Oduya, Saad, any rental or the assets given up for that rental (Shaw-Crow?). Even useful marginal players like Versteeg.

The very best hope is to minimize damage, how to get less worse.
- Mr Ricochet

Hey Mr. R...The problem isn't just losing those players its what Bowman has or hasn't gotten in return in deals. As several have pointed out in the last couple blogs his record is less than stellar over the last 18 months or so...

whether its moving young controllable talent at the TDL and not addressing a real need in regard to the defense. Holding out on deals (Sharp, Leddy) because you're trying to get more/or win the deal which this front office has a history of as well as rewarding star players for time served and you've got cap hell.

But your point is well taken unless the cap is fixed and allowed to start climbing the top teams will continue to hemorrhage and that's bad for the league...but Bettman doesn't seem to care.

i know beating a dead NHL horse...but I am fed up with teams esp the hawks making deals and dumping players ONLY because of $$$ and nothing to do with hockey...what an assinine way to run a business
- bogiedoc

I'm a huge fan (not as much as MrPaulish), but he's like a pit bull. Would absolutely love him or Matt Martin in the bottom six. Now those guys actually "deter", and can play some hockey too. BTW, Mashinter is a UFA right? So Stan will (hopefully) get an upgrade at enforcer....
- EnzoD

Gotta love what a Martin can bring to a bottom 6 but Wilson is a 1st rounder, went straight from Major Junior to the NHL, just turned 23 and has 3 full years in the big leagues at 6ft 4in 225-230lbs.

The kid has middle 6, maybe 2nd line, power forward skills. http://www.hockeydb.com/i...s/pdisplay.php?pid=130599

Pure speculation here, but does anyone think 88/19 somewhat regret looking for max $$ after seeing Leddy, Sharp, Saad, Oduya and now possibly Shaw and Crow traded away? As for Stamkos, doesn't look as quick since the snapped leg bone. I wouldn't pay a penny over $8mil/yr.
- EnzoD

maybe but even if they got 2 mil less per year...the hawks still have problems....stagnant cap tied to revenues, the loonie and oil are the culprit

i know beating a dead NHL horse...but I am fed up with teams esp the hawks making deals and dumping players ONLY because of $$$ and nothing to do with hockey...what an assinine way to run a business
- bogiedoc

We all love a good hockey trade. I agree. However Who ever told you life (or hockey) was fair, lied to you.

@CapFriendly

The #Ducks have signed Sami Vatanen to a 4-year contract extension. Vatanen was arbitration eligible. https://t.co/6t6quSUedm
- DarthKane

Wow!! They sign and move him or is it Fowler who goes?

@CapFriendly

The #Ducks have signed Sami Vatanen to a 4-year contract extension. Vatanen was arbitration eligible. https://t.co/6t6quSUedm
- DarthKane

So that must means Fowler is on his way out?