I'd settle for deposing him, but whatever happens after that I leave to the locals.
- Wildschwein

Truthfully, I think that lineup sucks. Not because you put together a bad lineup but because it's featuring 3 rookies that will be relied upon in big roles (and because some of the supporting cast blows).

If Strome is our second line center again next year we have major problems.
- eichiefs9

If he's a center at all we have problems

Truthfully, I think that lineup sucks. Not because you put together a bad lineup but because it's featuring 3 rookies that will be relied upon in big roles (and because some of the supporting cast blows).

If Strome is our second line center again next year we have major problems.
- eichiefs9

Most of Strome's "bad play" attributes to the ineptitude of Brock Nelson's play this 2nd half of the season. Toronto is letting their kids play. Let's let ours play too. I've given up on Nelson but not Strome. You can swap Ladd or Chimera for the 2nd line spots if you want.

Pretty hard up since your wife left, eh?
- BINGO!

I'd settle for deposing him, but whatever happens after that I leave to the locals.
- Wildschwein

Will the locals have pitchforks?

Most of Strome's "bad play" attributes to the ineptitude of Brock Nelson's play this 2nd half of the season. Toronto is letting their kids play. Let's let ours play too. I've given up on Nelson but not Strome. You can swap Ladd or Chimera for the 2nd line spots if you want.
- bgainesDM

It's not a knock on Strome as much as it is a statement that we need a better 2nd line center. Strome has had a great resurgence, but I don't think he's suited for the scoring needs that come with being the team's 2nd line center.

6
- eichiefs9

Total bust then, offer him to McPhee to not claim Strome, Quine or Prince.

It's not a knock on Strome as much as it is a statement that we need a better 2nd line center. Strome has had a great resurgence, but I don't think he's suited for the scoring needs that come with being the team's 2nd line center.
- eichiefs9

Tyler Johnson or bust for 2C.

Why? A guy that gets to the dirty spots in the crease and scores, Tavares(assuming he rebounds next year), and the guy who is in 4th right now in 5 on 5 primary assists.

This line is top 5 in 5 vs 5 points per 60 min. Imagine if JT rebounded next year.
- bgainesDM

Name one other team that's in playoff contention that Bailey would play on the top line.

It's not a knock on Strome as much as it is a statement that we need a better 2nd line center. Strome has had a great resurgence, but I don't think he's suited for the scoring needs that come with being the team's 2nd line center.
- eichiefs9

I think Barzal will be that guy eventually.

Total bust then, offer him to McPhee to not claim Strome, Quine or Prince.
- nyisles7

I'd rather offer McPhee Kulemin and get back a franchise winger, based on his trade history.

Truthfully, I think that lineup sucks. Not because you put together a bad lineup but because it's featuring 3 rookies that will be relied upon in big roles (and because some of the supporting cast blows).

If Strome is our second line center again next year we have major problems.
- eichiefs9

Don't think there's much of a choice as beau barzal and ho-sang are good enough to make the team. Toronto has done it and played well I think they are all gonna be here unless we have 15 forwards on one way deals and 3 goalies and barzal goes down cause of waivers but that could never happen could it?

I'd rather offer McPhee Kulemin and get back a franchise winger, based on his trade history.
- eichiefs9

He'll never live that trade down.

It's not a knock on Strome as much as it is a statement that we need a better 2nd line center. Strome has had a great resurgence, but I don't think he's suited for the scoring needs that come with being the team's 2nd line center.
- eichiefs9

SUCKS !

Will the locals have pitchforks?
- ses111

Since the locals are New Yorkers I assumed they'd have weapons of middling destruction.

Not sure a pitchfork qualifies as such.

I think Barzal will be that guy eventually.
- bgainesDM

That's the hope, but it's not a guarantee and it's highly likely to happen right away. So in the meantime, I'd greatly prefer to bring in some outside help to take over that spot. Tyler Johnson probably wouldn't have a major acquistion cost, would probably sign for somewhere in the 5yr 25M-27.5M range, and can slide to wing if/when Barzal is ready to take over the 2C spot.

I think Barzal will be that guy eventually.
- bgainesDM

Once he's ready 2 or 3 more years?

I'd rather offer McPhee Kulemin and get back a franchise winger, based on his trade history.
- eichiefs9

One of the most beautifully lopsided trades of the last decade.

Don't think there's much of a choice as beau barzal and ho-sang are good enough to make the team. Toronto has done it and played well I think they are all gonna be here unless we have 15 forwards on one way deals and 3 goalies and barzal goes down cause of waivers but that could never happen could it?
- Upstate_isles

It should work fine with the right coaching. Have to think all 3 will be on the team next year. I'm fine with Barzal starting as 3C is Duchene or Johnson are brought in.

Name one other team that's in playoff contention that Bailey would play on the top line.
- David_Volek

I know I know the Colorado avalanche! Am I right? What do I win?

And their fans thought trading Hall for Larsson was stupid. Not gonna trust their opinions on this either.
- bgainesDM

Fine..Eakins was awful with those young players

Since the locals are New Yorkers I assumed they'd have weapons of middling destruction.

Not sure a pitchfork qualifies as such.
- Wildschwein

Based off the NYS gun laws I would venture to guess that their laws on weapons of middling destruction are also unnecessarily restrictive.

One of the most beautifully lopsided trades of the last decade.
- Wildschwein

I would say it was the most definitive lopsided trade of the last decade.

Name one other team that's in playoff contention that Bailey would play on the top line.
- David_Volek

Let's play another game. Name one other team that's in playoff contention that Phil Kessel would play only on the 3rd line?

Chemistry matters, dude. JT likes having Bailey on his line. It's his choice. And who else is feeding him the puck for majority of his goals this year? He almost had another primary assist against WPG when he fed the puck to Pelech and Pelech just didn't finish.

I know I know the Colorado avalanche! Am I right? What do I win?
- Upstate_isles

Are they in playoff contention?