SportsCentre ‏@SportsCentre 8m8 minutes ago
DONE DEAL: @TBLightning re-sign forward Nikita Kucherov to a three-year, $14.298 million deal.
- DarthKane

Johnny G- 6x6.75
Kuch- 3x4.76

Panarin for 5x5.75???? Seems legit enough for me... lol

Here's my take on theze claims:

Pulkkinen (MIN). there is room for pressure on the minny bottom end, years of little production

Parenteau (NJD), simply looking for more goals, despite his defensive zone frailties

Condon (PIT), Fleury new home? Condon a placeholder backup until Tristan Jarry is ready?

Dahlbeck (CAR), depth? How many young defenders can a team carry?

Griffith (TOR), former London Knight for Leaf's Dale Hunter.
Small but able to play wing and centre on the low end.

Johnny G- 6x6.75
Kuch- 3x4.76

Panarin for 5x5.75???? Seems legit enough for me... lol
- gnosox1986

If Im Stan... I tell Q to put 72 with Toews. If 72 continues to tear it up away from Kane then we know he is worth the money. Kane has the rare ability to make room for himself and create scoring chances on a consistent basis.

I want to see if 72 can do the same. Also glad to see Q totally ignored Toews comments about the circus wheel left wing spot on his line last year. Q back to old habits and rolling out the same group for the top lines. Dont think Hoss has it anymore to be the #1 RW and appears more suited to playing with Kruger. Would really like to see..

72 19 14
64 15 88

or 72 19 81
14 15 88

Still think we need 1 more top 6'ish guy to help with depth. Gut says Hoss will wear down this year. The guy is a stud no doubt, but age/mileage catch up with us all. In a reduced role on the 3rd line he could be a terror. With heavy minutes as the #1 RW plus PK plus PP.....

If Im Stan... I tell Q to put 72 with Toews. If 72 continues to tear it up away from Kane then we know he is worth the money. Kane has the rare ability to make room for himself and create scoring chances on a consistent basis.

I want to see if 72 can do the same. Also glad to see Q totally ignored Toews comments about the circus wheel left wing spot on his line last year. Q back to old habits and rolling out the same group for the top lines. Dont think Hoss has it anymore to be the #1 RW and appears more suited to playing with Kruger. Would really like to see..

72 19 14
64 15 88

or 72 19 81
14 15 88
- z1990z

Hossa is perfectly suited to be 2RW, which is what he'll be playing. Just because Kane and Panarin don't play with the 1C doesn't mean their not the top RW and LW on the team. I mean, Kane has had the highest TOI for wingers since he pretty much came into the league, so he's just going to continue being 1RW.

Hossa is perfectly suited to be 2RW, which is what he'll be playing. Just because Kane and Panarin don't play with the 1C doesn't mean their not the top RW and LW on the team.
- L_B_R

Its not his skill, its whether the legs will hold up.

Its not his skill, its whether the legs will hold up.
- z1990z

So you think he's legs will hold up more on the line that needs to flip the ice the most against high QOC? I've never really understood this argument completely - get it from a TOI point of view, but like Kruger's transition numbers are some of the highest on the team despite having less TOI because he needs to drive possession the other way.

Q does need to manage Hossa's minutes this year, but Hossa should be fine in a top 6 role still (just like he did in the playoffs last year plus the WCH). Q can shift Kane and/or Panarin more with Toews for Hossa to rest. Less time on the PK could help as well, so hopefully Motte and Anisimov make him the 5th out.

Plus, knowing Q, these lines will be on full blender mode once the season gets going.

Edits edits edits...

If Im Stan... I tell Q to put 72 with Toews. If 72 continues to tear it up away from Kane then we know he is worth the money. Kane has the rare ability to make room for himself and create scoring chances on a consistent basis.

I want to see if 72 can do the same. Also glad to see Q totally ignored Toews comments about the circus wheel left wing spot on his line last year. Q back to old habits and rolling out the same group for the top lines. Dont think Hoss has it anymore to be the #1 RW and appears more suited to playing with Kruger. Would really like to see..

72 19 14
64 15 88

or 72 19 81
14 15 88

Still think we need 1 more top 6'ish guy to help with depth. Gut says Hoss will wear down this year. The guy is a stud no doubt, but age/mileage catch up with us all. In a reduced role on the 3rd line he could be a terror. With heavy minutes as the #1 RW plus PK plus PP.....
- z1990z

I think the KaneGB line is together to start so they can get some scoring while the young guys get on the job training. Q already said Panik earned a look on L1, so I feel like he's doing that to start. I do not doubt we see Breadman flanking Toews unless Panik is much improved.

So you think he's legs will hold up more on the line that needs to flip the ice the most against high QOC? They do need to manage his minutes this year, but Hossa should be fine in a top 6 role still (just like he did in the playoffs last year plus the WCH). Q can shift Kane and/or Panarin more with Toews for Hossa to rest.
- L_B_R

Just an opinion is all. He had a major fall off in production last year. Dont know if he was hiding an injury or the check engine light simply came on. Point being is that I still think we are short a skill guy for the top 6/9 to help balance things out a bit.

Just an opinion is all. He had a major fall off in production last year. Dont know if he was hiding an injury or the check engine light simply came on. Point being is that I still think we are short a skill guy for the top 6/9 to help balance things out a bit.
- z1990z

Not going to go into the debate again (because I've probably written a thesis on this subject), but the biggest impact on Hossa last year was lack of a consistent LW that fit Toews/Hossa more so than his age AND he still produced at a 2RW PPG while putting up 1LW underlying numbers. He is not likely to ever put up elite 1RW numbers again, but he should be fine for top 6 and it's not like he can't be moved later if one of the kids steps up / they acquire someone who can. Time and assignment management is going to be key for him, too, probably.

I think we all agree the Hawks are down a top 6 guy, but this team appears to be built more like the 2010/2013 Hawks teams rather than the 2015 one - meaning, 2 top 6 lines, strong checking line, and an additional line that will get more offensive zone starts. They'll need to play around to see what works. Q will probably change the lines after 1 period, who knows.

Not going to go into the debate again (because I've probably written a thesis on this subject), but the biggest impact on Hossa last year was lack of a consistent LW that fit Toews/Hossa more so than his age AND he still produced at a 2RW PPG while putting up 1LW underlying numbers. He is not likely to ever put up elite 1RW numbers again, but he should be fine for top 6 and it's not like he can't be moved later if one of the kids steps up / they acquire someone who can. Time and assignment management is going to be key for him, too, probably.

I think we all agree the Hawks are down a top 6 guy, but this team appears to be built more like the 2010/2013 Hawks teams rather than the 2015 one - meaning, 2 top 6 lines, strong checking line, and an additional line that will get more offensive zone starts. They'll need to play around to see what works. Q will probably change the lines after 1 period, who knows.
- L_B_R

The key could be that 3rd line. If they can create some pressure and chip in without giving up alot of goals then that is a huge boost to the top 6.

Not going to go into the debate again (because I've probably written a thesis on this subject), but the biggest impact on Hossa last year was lack of a consistent LW that fit Toews/Hossa more so than his age AND he still produced at a 2RW PPG while putting up 1LW underlying numbers. He is not likely to ever put up elite 1RW numbers again, but he should be fine for top 6 and it's not like he can't be moved later if one of the kids steps up / they acquire someone who can. Time and assignment management is going to be key for him, too, probably.

I think we all agree the Hawks are down a top 6 guy, but this team appears to be built more like the 2010/2013 Hawks teams rather than the 2015 one - meaning, 2 top 6 lines, strong checking line, and an additional line that will get more offensive zone starts. They'll need to play around to see what works. Q will probably change the lines after 1 period, who knows.
- L_B_R

Pretty much this.

I still think—until proven otherwise—while the design is to go two deep in legit scoring lines, the hawks are going to sputter on all but the PAK line. Maybe a real summer of rest for 19 and 81 and enough contribution form Panik flips the switch.

Maybe a trade will happen later in the year.

But the "logic" of moving Hossa down is doubly wrong right now for the above reason: you are already using spit and toilet paper to craft a legitimately dangerous two scoring lines. Now, for the sake of "spreading out the scoring" or trying to prove the "Hossa is a third liner" narrative, some want to replace HIM in the top 6 with a learner who REALLY doesn't belong there right now (Hinostroza, Schmaltz, whoever).

Makes zero sense. Sure, Q may tinker with Hoss with Kruger and say Motte at some point.

But at the end of the day, Hossa is not really the problem in the top 6, and no one else on the roster would solve it even if he were.

At first glance this makes me wonder if TvR will be the odd man out. Q likes his Keith - Hjalmarsson combo, so is TvR just holding Hammer's spot until he returns?
- DarthKane

I agree TVR does not appear to do anything better than Forsling (at least for now we will see how Forsling looks against the big boy regulars soon enough) and Forsling has a much bigger upside. But Kempny Seabrook as the 3rd pair? Yikes. I'd assume Campbell and Forsling would be the bum slaying offensive minded 3rd pair.

Pretty much this.

I still think—until proven otherwise—while the design is to go two deep in legit scoring lines, the hawks are going to sputter on all but the PAK line. Maybe a real summer of rest for 19 and 81 and enough contribution form Panik flips the switch.

Maybe a trade will happen later in the year.

But the "logic" of moving Hossa down is doubly wrong right now for the above reason: you are already using spit and toilet paper to craft a legitimately dangerous two scoring lines. Now, for the sake of "spreading out the scoring" or trying to prove the "Hossa is a third liner" narrative, some want to replace HIM in the top 6 with a learner who REALLY doesn't belong there right now (Hinostroza, Schmaltz, whoever).

Makes zero sense. Sure, Q may tinker with Hoss with Kruger and say Motte at some point.

But at the end of the day, Hossa is not really the problem in the top 6, and no one else on the roster would solve it even if he were.
- John Jaeckel

JJ the issue is not Hossa in the Top 6. He clearly still belongs. The issue is can Kruger be your go to shutdown guy with two rookies on his wings? You diminish his value if you can't trust his line to shutdown other top lines (which I don't if he has two rookies with him). That means more heavy lifting for the Toews line. Which in turn means his line will struggle to score 5 on 5 again. Toews is one of the top 2 centers in the game but he can't be both a shut down center and then his lines best scoring option/playmaker too.

Personally I want to see Hossa with Kruger in order to take some of the heavy lifting off Toews' back and then put either Panarin or Kane with him.

If those lines remain as constructed its the same team as last year. With only one scoring lines and your third line has two rookies instead of Shaw and TT.
Guess it is kind of any way you split it. The improved back end is not going to make the Panik Toews Hossa line a dominant 5 on 5 scoring line.

Wow, Versteeg couldnt even earn a contract in Edmonton after they traded Yakupov.

He just signed with Calgary (or is about to)

Wow, Versteeg couldnt even earn a contract in Edmonton after they traded Yakupov.

He just signed with Calgary (or is about to)
- hawkeytalkman

Most of the EDM fans I saw thought he would sign and were sad to see him go, FWIW.

Clark will - and he did: 13 for 20, OPS = 1.882.

Grace almost matched him: 11 for 17, OPS 1.799.
- StLBravesFan

Two of my all time favorite first basemen which is weird in a way as both played for teams the Cardinals hated but kind of goes with the respect i have for Stevie Y and JT.

Most of the EDM fans I saw thought he would sign and were sad to see him go, FWIW.
- JRoenick97

Smart move by Burke:

General Fanager ‏@generalfanager 10s11 seconds ago View translation
Comparing cap costs for #Flames:
Bollig in CGY, no Versteeg: $1.25M + $0M = $1.25M
Bollig in AHL + Versteeg: $0.3M + $0.95M = $1.25M

Smart move by Burke:

General Fanager ‏@generalfanager 10s11 seconds ago View translation
Comparing cap costs for #Flames:
Bollig in CGY, no Versteeg: $1.25M + $0M = $1.25M
Bollig in AHL + Versteeg: $0.3M + $0.95M = $1.25M
- DarthKane

No brainer IMHO

So rosters have to be set today at 4Pm are there any teams on the fence on what to do? (IE are deciding to keep a guy waiver exempt and send down a guy that is not) I assume you can still waive a player and then he does not clear waivers till WED at noon. DES is Going LTIR. I know TOR is stull trying to decide what to do they need to move 3 guys off the roster.

So rosters have to be set today at 4Pm are there any teams on the fence on what to do? (IE are deciding to keep a guy waiver exempt and send down a guy that is not) I assume you can still waive a player and then he does not clear waivers till WED at noon. DES is Going LTIR. I know TOR is stull trying to decide what to do they need to move 3 guys off the roster.
- kmw4631

Desjardins is on just regular IR, not LTIR. LTIR would actually stop them from 'banking' cap space. Hawks are right at the limit right now, with about $50-55k in space, but don't need the extra cap space LTIR would provide.

Yzerman I think is proving he is the best GM in the league.
Amazing how he is keeping the talent he has. I think the are set to win it all this year

Yzerman I think is proving he is the best GM in the league.
Amazing how he is keeping the talent he has. I think the are set to win it all this year
- HamiltonHawk

He will have his own cap hell in a few years. It's how the league is setup. The no income tax thing helps too.

Most of the EDM fans I saw thought he would sign and were sad to see him go, FWIW.
- JRoenick97

Apparently EDM offered him a contract, but he chose CGY for a top 6 spot.

Desjardins is on just regular IR, not LTIR. LTIR would actually stop them from 'banking' cap space. Hawks are right at the limit right now, with about $50-55k in space, but don't need the extra cap space LTIR would provide.
- L_B_R

noted, On IR he does not count toward 23 but Does count toward the cap. They could move him to LTIR if they find a use for the cap space. I still think at some point they should waive Roz. no reason to carry the $600K cap hit when it could be used for bonus money for Campbell or Panarin.

He will have his own cap hell in a few years. It's how the league is setup. The no income tax thing helps too.
- JRoenick97

All of this. Being a no-income tax state is a HUGE benefit to keep your cap hits friendlier compared to markets elsewhere because that is real world money the players get to keep. Some markets needed to offer stamkos $2 mil more AAV just so he would take home the same paycheck

I also think Yzerman might be playing with fire too much more often than most would like.

Sure, its his job to stand firm and not cave to the demands of the players at every turn, but one of these times you feel he might get burned by a player walking, signing an offer sheet, etc.

Not every player is out there to give the team a sweetheart deal. Still have guys like Palat, TJohnson, and Drouin coming up.

If I were any of those tampa players and Yzerman was offering me a lower cap hit but pitching the no income tax in Florida, I would DEMAND a full NTC with the deal, because guess what, if you buy the pitch at the lower AAV and he trades you to a California team in the next year, your paycheck just got a LOT smaller on a sweetheart deal you gave another team in another state.