When you're that good, you're good. Don't be a hater, or better phrased, a RANGER
- Guile

hey man, no hate, just respect. I don't like it, but it's hard to win more convincingly than that.

On a related note, I've been asking why Sullivan didn't run away with the Jack Adams for weeks and weeks. should of won

His worst viewed move/trade... Despres for Lovejoy, turns out to be one of his best.
- Guile

I've always supported that statement (though Ben coulda been had for much less, he was great if not average in the playoffs)

I know bonino just had an amazing cup run for you guys so he is very popular in here but he is not better than backs ..not close ...bonino is a 3C and nothing more ...if you traded Malkin bonino could not take the 2C spot but a backlund could ...I say good on bonino for playing above his head but let's be realistic here
- Redmile247

If we're being realistic Malkin isn't going anywhere, and HBK was the second line Pittsburgh for a long time down the stretch and our most offensively potent line in the playoffs, so there's that.

I've always supported that statement (though Ben coulda been had for much less, he was great if not average in the playoffs)
- DeflatedPucks

I think as most said... had it been Bortz for Lovejoy, and Despres for Cole... there'd be near zero female doging about value of players.

He is a cap bump throw in when he is making what he makes. Pittsburgh cannot justify trading MAF to clear cap and bring in an at best third D pairing guy that tries to kill zebras making 5.25 for the next year.

You get a starting goalie for 5.75 and we get a third pair Dman at best for 5.25? pass.

Stop talking about two years ago. It was a career year for him. Let's talk this year. It's sort of like when Toronto fans were coming on here talking Kulemin would be this great compliment to Malkin because he was once a 30-goal scorer. Problem was, when they were doing that, he was two years removed from that and he hasn't amassed 10 since.
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't see a fit so I agree but I will not accept he is a Bickell cap dump ...overpaid yes ...but no Bickell

Enjoy it while it lasts, the stats should show whose contributed in the playoffs the last 5 years...

active ppg leaders:

1. Crosby GP124,G 49,A 88, PTS 137 (1.105 ppg)
2 Evgeni Malkin GP124,G 48,A 81,PTS 129 (1.040 ppg)


- DeflatedPucks

Toews isn't far off

124Gp 39G 69A Pts108 .87ish ppg

Can't we just agree that they are all awesome at hockey?

I don't see a fit so I agree but I will not accept he is a Bickell cap dump ...overpaid yes ...but no Bickell
- Redmile247

Bickell is no longer an NHL caliber player. That's a class below Wideman for sure. But Wideman is a cap dump in any potential trade at this point. Can't pay that much for a bottom pairing guy unless the pot was very very sweet.

And even considering that deal, if true, is retarded for the reasons I stated. Don't give me your already set in your biased opinion, because I've seen your posts.

It's a dumb idea for Pittsburgh to consider.
- Oneonta Penguin

Please explain then how getting a kings ransom for a young unproven player and continuing with a proven asset as a short term holdover until your other young high ceiling goaltender is such a horrible idea but getting minimum value for the proven vet to turn the reigns over to the unproven young player is genius. Both moves have their merit and serve different paths the organization can take, both paths have potential rewards and both have potential drawbacks, someone that truly gets it would be able to see that but I guess for the people that struggle it's much easier to just say hey that's my opinion so screw everyone else.

You continue to fail at selling Wideman to Pittsburgh. There is no justification for Pittsburgh to remotely have interest.
- Oneonta Penguin

I never once tried to sell him to Pitt ...I'm smart enough to see there is no fit ..but you guys talk like he is Bickell, clarkson et al

Check out insidepitts sports and other websites, I've seen this in at least 5 different spots (including CGY radio this morning)
- mventres

Yea no kidding they would give the #6 for a franchise goalie and exactly why Pittsburgh would be stupid to agree to it.

Toews isn't far off

124Gp 39G 69A Pts108 .87ish ppg

Can't we just agree that they are all awesome at hockey?
- schoobs2731

No. All Pittsburgh vs Chicago and Crosby vs Toews arguments must be reduced to pissing contests where stats are pitted against intangibles. The people have spoken.

Chris Chelios agrees!
- DeflatedPucks

Chelios ...what a freak of nature ...didn't he play til he was 45

Please explain then how getting a kings ransom for a young unproven player and continuing with a proven asset as a short term holdover until your other young high ceiling goaltender is such a horrible idea but getting minimum value for the proven vet to turn the reigns over to the unproven young player is genius. Both moves have their merit and serve different paths the organization can take, both paths have potential rewards and both have potential drawbacks, someone that truly gets it would be able to see that but I guess for the people that struggle it's much easier to just say hey that's my opinion so screw everyone else.
- jaydogg1974

Cap space and upside. Gotta take risks to make it in a cap league. Just the way the cookie crumbles. Say we move Murr instead of Fleury and the player we get at #6 isn't NHL ready. Where are we getting the cap space to acquire defensive depth beyond just 6 defensemen?

I posted this last blog before it went Truman Kapute:

Calgary is now officially tied to Varly on top of Bishop and Fleury. People ask why not start at some outlandish asking price like the 6th overall or Bennett. Well there's why. The longer we take to lure in Calgary's attention with a worthwhile offer, the longer they have to explore and be seduced by other options. It's not Fleury or bust for Calgary. It may be Calgary or bust for us.
- Victoro311

Have thought this for a while. And if JR blows it, he needs to be tarred and feathered - regardless of the magic he did last year.

No. All Pittsburgh vs Chicago and Crosby vs Toews arguments must be reduced to pissing contests where stats are pitted against intangibles. The people have spoken.
- Victoro311

I find it interesting though that the "multiple Cups" argument for Toews is slowing dying...

I honestly think it takes something like Backlund and the 35 though most Flames posters don't seem to agree. I dont know if 2 2nd rounders will be enough for GMJR. Somehow I doubt it will be. Which is a bit of a shame as Backs is a really good 3C and defensively responsible. The problem is he doesnt exactly fill a need for Pitt. Maybe Colborne but I doubt that is too exciting either. TB may end up being the best trade partner.
- FLflames34

35th and Shink/Kylington I think makes most people happy.

There is no other two way center in the league right now that is better than Jonathan Towes. He brings so much more to the game than Crosby or Mulkin does!!

There is no other two way center in the league right now that is better than Jonathan Towes. He brings so much more to the game than Crosby or Mulkin does!!
- clander

ok.

There is no other two way center in the league right now that is better than Jonathan Towes. He brings so much more to the game than Crosby or Mulkin does!!
- clander

Lol... He is a great player and leader but come on now

If we're being realistic Malkin isn't going anywhere, and HBK was the second line Pittsburgh for a long time down the stretch and our most offensively potent line in the playoffs, so there's that.
- Victoro311

Crosby
Malkin
Bonino

Who gets the tougher D pairings to face ?

Also his linemates weren't exactly of 3rd line quality ...so you have a guy who gets weak opposition and linemates who should be top 6 even one who is top 3 ...seriously bonino won the lotto with this scenario falling into his lap

I posted this last blog before it went Truman Kapute:

Calgary is now officially tied to Varly on top of Bishop and Fleury. People ask why not start at some outlandish asking price like the 6th overall or Bennett. Well there's why. The longer we take to lure in Calgary's attention with a worthwhile offer, the longer they have to explore and be seduced by other options. It's not Fleury or bust for Calgary. It may be Calgary or bust for us.
- Victoro311

The point that is getting lost in this though is that GMJR isn't actively trying to trade MAF and doesn't care if he trades him now or not, there's no concern with chasing Calgary off because there's no urgency to make the move, if there's no urgency to make the move then there's no risk is shooting for the stars.

There is no other two way center in the league right now that is better than Jonathan Towes. He brings so much more to the game than Crosby or Mulkin does!!
- clander

Both Kopitar and Bergeron are better options at two way center. Koptiar is a bit cheaper and is more dynamic and Bergeron is a lot cheaper, a better defensive forward, and puts up similar offensive production.

The second half of your post, well...

Please explain then how getting a kings ransom for a young unproven player and continuing with a proven asset as a short term holdover until your other young high ceiling goaltender is such a horrible idea but getting minimum value for the proven vet to turn the reigns over to the unproven young player is genius. Both moves have their merit and serve different paths the organization can take, both paths have potential rewards and both have potential drawbacks, someone that truly gets it would be able to see that but I guess for the people that struggle it's much easier to just say hey that's my opinion so screw everyone else.
- jaydogg1974

It's pretty simple logic.

1. Murray's performance thus far
2. Murray will be making 600K this year and then is a RFA. He won't be making the same as Fleury after that ... less, so you save money
3. Murray is our starter
4. Murray is young and controllable
5. Murray is the anti-Fleury. When he gives up a bad goal, he rebounds from it.
6. Trading Murray for the 6th overall doesn't yield us a single thing for two or three years on the NHL level because that player more than likely has to develop still. This is a pretty easy concept to understand and people don't seem to get it. And if that pick busts, you get what in return exactly for a young star goalie? Dumb move.

I know bonino just had an amazing cup run for you guys so he is very popular in here but he is not better than backs ..not close ...bonino is a 3C and nothing more ...if you traded Malkin bonino could not take the 2C spot but a backlund could ...I say good on bonino for playing above his head but let's be realistic here
- Redmile247

Backlund can play wing too right?

There is no other two way center in the league right now that is better than Jonathan Towes. He brings so much more to the game than Crosby or Mulkin does!!
- clander

and yet, he posted 58 points in 80 games and is making 10.5 million. Malkin posted 58 points in 57 regular season games and didn't have the line mates JT has. So, stop the foolish acting.