No way. And the longer he waits the closer he gets to that tipping point where the value inherently goes down. Not the value of Duchene, but what people are willing to give for him.
- Isleshockeyman

I just don't understand how he's going to come out on top here, unless Duchene goes back to COL and absolutely kills it this year. That's entirely possible too, but if he doesn't then Sakic is (frank)ed. Especially if he has another down year. Then he's in the last year of his deal after two consecutive down years and his trade value is severely diminished.

Kings as a WC won the Cup in 2012 and Detroit won the Cup in the 2007-8 season as a Presidents trophy winner. 1 to 1. Though recently, it goes to show that anybody in any playoff position can go all the way.
Not scared of the Caps and I think Montreal is weak at Center and defense. Price can only do so much.
- bgainesDM

No, it would be 9-1. 1 from the WC and 9 outside of the WC. No one mentioned the Presidents trophy except you. Anyone can go all the way, but the odds are drastically different. But you keep sticking to your "dollar and a dream" fantasy.

No, it would be 9-1. 1 from the WC and 9 outside of the WC. No one mentioned the Presidents trophy except you. Anyone can go all the way, but the odds are drastically different. But you keep sticking to your "dollar and a dream" fantasy.
- JimmyP

Interesting, thats chiefs sign at the local truck stop.

I just don't understand how he's going to come out on top here, unless Duchene goes back to COL and absolutely kills it this year. That's entirely possible too, but if he doesn't then Sakic is (frank)ed. Especially if he has another down year. Then he's in the last year of his deal after two consecutive down years and his trade value is severely diminished.
- eichiefs9

It's hard to figure out Sakic's plan. I'm betting he got more than one fair offer. It almost seems like he was just trolling the other GMs. I wonder if this hurts his reputation.

It's hard to figure out Sakic's plan. I'm betting he got more than one fair offer. It almost seems like he was just trolling the other GMs. I wonder if this hurts his reputation.
- JimmyP

I don't see how it couldn't. My understanding from what I've read is that there were a few offers that met his demand then he upped it and wanted more. That's not a GM that I would want to deal with. "is this trade actually going to go or are you going to pull the plug at the last minute".

Interesting, thats chiefs sign at the local truck stop.
- mdw7413

As I pointed out in previous posts, they finished with the same record as NSH, but as we know this NSH team won in the past seasons. The Isles down the stretch failed to ẃin the po spot because they collapsed in some key pressure games. One of my key criticisms is their infatuation ẃith drafting the nice boys. I'll even go so far as saying JHS is all mouth. Too many guys who are not as edgy as you find on some teams. If there is a knock on JT is he is introverted and not a guy the team binds around. I think he has learned to be more of a leader, but I'm sure mgt uses that aspect of his personality against him. However he is the older guy now and should embrace the role better. The whole team though has this quality of being plain personalities in the mold of Wang and Snow.

As I pointed out in previous posts, they finished with the same record as NSH, but as we know this NSH team won in the past seasons. The Isles down the stretch failed to ẃin the po spot because they collapsed in some key pressure games. One of my key criticisms is their infatuation ẃith drafting the nice boys. I'll even go so far as saying JHS is all mouth. Too many guys who are not as edgy as you find on some teams. If there is a knock on JT is he is introverted and not a guy the team binds around. I think he has learned to be more of a leader, but I'm sure mgt uses that aspect of his personality against him. However he is the older guy now and should embrace the role better. The whole team though has this quality of being plain personalities in the mold of Wang and Snow.
- Fan101

Not sure where you're going with this post. If it's that there isn't much grit on this team, then you are correct. That's what Ladd & chimera were supposed to bring a little of (cue, 7). I think JT is more of a lead-by-example kid of guy. Doesn't strike me as a rah-rah type. I don't know how management would use that against him.
They didn't miss a playoff spot because of stretch collapses. They missed because Zippy the chimp had no idea how to coach a team and destroyed the beginning of the season.

Honestly losing JT for nothing would probably spell the end of the franchise. Couldn't imagine fans showing up if that happened.
- mdw7413

Meh. That's a bit melo dramatic. Fans don't show up now and haven't been for years. It would certainly hurt the franchise but it's not going to end it. There will be life after JT if he doesn't sign. If we had a good GM we could have even potentially been a better team for it if he left.

Not sure where you're going with this post. If it's that there isn't much grit on this team, then you are correct. That's what Ladd & chimera were supposed to bring a little of (cue, 7). I think JT is more of a lead-by-example kid of guy. Doesn't strike me as a rah-rah type. I don't know how management would use that against him.
They didn't miss a playoff spot because of stretch collapses. They missed because Zippy the chimp had no idea how to coach a team and destroyed the beginning of the season.
- Isleshockeyman

I was surprised by that comment also, but then I figured he meant "use it against him during the contract negotiations under way."

A little reading on the Aves.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-290356108?tid=281151520

I was surprised by that comment also, but then I figured he meant "use it against him during the contract negotiations under way."
- JohnScammo

Grit isn't even mentioned in JTs negotiations. The Islanders are asking JT what do we need to do to make you sign an eight year deal.

Grit isn't even mentioned in JTs negotiations. The Islanders are asking JT what do we need to do to make you sign an eight year deal.
- nyisles7

I believe you are correct (uncharacteristically). I was just interpreting Fan101's comments.

Grit isn't even mentioned in JTs negotiations. The Islanders are asking JT what do we need to do to make you sign an eight year deal.
- nyisles7

Even I would not mention grit during JT's negotiations.

I just don't understand how he's going to come out on top here, unless Duchene goes back to COL and absolutely kills it this year. That's entirely possible too, but if he doesn't then Sakic is (frank)ed. Especially if he has another down year. Then he's in the last year of his deal after two consecutive down years and his trade value is severely diminished.
- eichiefs9

Sakic is painting hinself into a corner if Duchene is still on the team at the start of camp. I can't imagine him killing it this year on that team though I can imagine him getting killed along with the rest of the avs.

I was surprised by that comment also, but then I figured he meant "use it against him during the contract negotiations under way."
- JohnScammo

I figured that's what he meant but how? "JT, we know you're the quiet type, so just sign what we tell you to". I just don't see it.

Organization shies away from the players with big egos but it is hard to win in pro sports without ego. If they don't get paid the big bucks they pout, if they do get the big bucks they sometimes get complacent. JT has said he plays for the love of the game so the money is only one factor. Unfortunately they have reps and sports agencies behind them and wealthy team owners who have a lot invested already so they are out to bid on their services as ufa's. I'm betting on the team having a good year and coming together as a group. Big positive is the owners are spending up to the cap.

True, Snow is from the Wang era when he was losing 15M a year and was looking for a low payroll. Also hoping Weight and the staff will have more input now into player personnel decisions.

Grit isn't even mentioned in JTs negotiations. The Islanders are asking JT what do we need to do to make you sign an eight year deal.
- nyisles7

Yep. Pretty sure Snow isn't telling Brisson "have Johnny add some grit to his game and we'll sign him".

Meh. That's a bit melo dramatic. Fans don't show up now and haven't been for years. It would certainly hurt the franchise but it's not going to end it. There will be life after JT if he doesn't sign. If we had a good GM we could have even potentially been a better team for it if he left.
- Cptmjl

Organization shies away from the players with big egos but it is hard to win in pro sports without ego. If they don't get paid the big bucks they pout, if they do get the big bucks they sometimes get complacent. JT has said he plays for the love of the game so the money is only one factor. Unfortunately they have reps and sports agencies behind them and wealthy team owners who have a lot invested already so they are out to bid on their services as ufa's. I'm betting on the team having a good year and coming together as a group. Big positive is the owners are spending up to the cap.

True, Snow is from the Wang era when he was losing 15M a year and was looking for a low payroll. Also hoping Weight and the staff will have more input now into player personnel decisions.
- Fan101

Being able to spend to the cap doesn't mean sh!t if you don't spend it wisely. If you give out bad contract after bad contract, you get to the cap ceiling pretty quick and still don't have a team ready to contend.

- mdw7413

How is he wrong?

This team isn't better than Columbus the pens or caps, I thi k they are better than the rangers devil's and canes although canes are much improved. Wc sucks it's time to be a team that's in 15 games left in the season and they aren't there yet. Gaines I'm giving you my avatar cause you're (frank)ing delusional, Toronto not making the playoffs and Tampa being 50/50. Toronto is my pick to win that division honestly and Tampa is right there I think Florida has a bounce back too

How is he wrong?
- Isleshockeyman

Doesn't matter. Captain is always wrong. Its the way the universe works.

Doesn't matter. Captain is always wrong. Its the way the universe works.
- mdw7413

I believe you are correct (uncharacteristically). I was just interpreting Fan101's comments.
- JohnScammo