I think Minnesota would be a good place to offload a veteran forward....one guy may have even played there in college?

Can someone hit the fast forward button to September?

I don't think the Wild can do anything till they get their RFAs sorted out.

Granlund had 69 points and Niederreiter had 57. And the both already had bridge deals. So it's not gonna be cheap.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild

Ugh every time I hear or see Bemidji State, all I can think of is that smug turtle Pierre McGuire and his relentless efforts to mention Matt Read played there.

I don't think the Wild can do anything till they get their RFAs sorted out.

Granlund had 69 points and Niederreiter had 57. And the both already had bridge deals. So it's not gonna be cheap.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild
- Feanor

Which is why I think they will need to fill out the rest of the roster (1 or 2 guys) with cheap players. They have some rookies that could come in, but might want to rely on a veteran. Plus it's Chuck Fletcher. All points to them being a team that would A) want to find a cheap trade and/or B) claim someone on waivers

But Read isn't cheap, even at 50%.

But Read isn't cheap, even at 50%.
- Feanor

I said Read to bring up Bemidji State tbh, but I still think there will be enough space for someone like him

Devils are another team that has space on both the roster and on the cap

Training camp is going to be very interesting....we can debate how it's all going to shake out but these positions and decisions will be decided at camp. Guys like Leier and Laughton are young guys whom have really gotten better in the last 1 1/2 years.....will they make that jump again this year and force their way on ? Sanheim and Myers? Depends on camp. You can't look at what a guy was last year.....especially the young guys. I too have gut feelings but this year there could be an argument for 10 new guys compared to who started out opening night last year on the roster.
- landros 2

Absolutely, this will be the most interesting preseason since 2011 when we got our first look at Voracek, Schenn, Couturier and Simmonds.

Ugh every time I hear or see Bemidji State, all I can think of is that smug turtle Pierre McGuire and his relentless efforts to mention Matt Read played there.
- dubc55

This!

Some well known forwards are still UFAs: Jagr, Fisher and Vanek stand out to me.

https://www.capfriendly.c...8/salary/all/forwards/ufa

Lower down the totem pole, I'm a bit surprised guys like Parenteau, Chiasson, Stafford and Winnink are still unsigned. They all scored 20+ points.

Man, I guess the hot weather had people feeling angry and insensitive yesterday

FWIW, here is how I see the lines possibly shaking out:

Lindblom-G-Jake
Giroux and Jake are both pass first players and need someone who can work the wall and corners, go to the net and finish. I think Lindblom's skill set would mesh very well with them.

Weal-Couturier-Simmonds
Weal and Simmonds have already shown good chemistry and Coots makes everyone who plays with him better at ES.

TK-Patrick-Filppula/Raffl
It's a bit of risk starting a 19 year old rookie with a 20 year old sophomore, but they have enough vets to add some experience to the line. While Filppula at first would seem the more likely fit due to his better skills, I can also see Raffl getting some shifts with the kids due to his grittier style of play and willingness to go the net.

The 4th line is the toughest to call, though Filppula or Raffl will likely be filling one spot. I think 2 of Laughton, Lehtera, Read or Weise fill out the line and the other 2 are spares while Leier and Vecchione start in LHV. However moves could be made if Leier and/or Vecchione has a great camp, but, no matter what, I think the 10 guys getting ice time on the top 3 lines are pretty safe bets to be in the lineup.

Man, I guess the hot weather had people feeling angry and insensitive yesterday
- arichardson22

Or some folks are just insensitive douchebags all the time. Who really knows?

ttt

Or some folks are just insensitive douchebags all the time. Who really knows?
- BiggE

I hate to say it but the world seems to have changed enough that most people are insufferable douchenozzles. I try to just let to go and live the best I can and try not to be one of those idiots myself.

I'm addicted to love

Or some folks are just insensitive douchebags all the time. Who really knows?
- BiggE

Valid point, unfortunately

I read that this kids parents were bodybuilders and he was raised with great nutrition and also working out properly young. Can this strength give him an edge over say Laughs and Raffs...

I'm addicted to love
- Scoob

Thanks for the perfect setup.

I read that this kids parents were bodybuilders and he was raised with great nutrition and also working out properly young. Can this strength give him an edge over say Laughs and Raffs...
- Konalover

he is pretty sexy too...definitely hotter than laughts

I'm addicted to love
- Scoob

Are you reaching out for help?

I hate to say it but the world seems to have changed enough that most people are insufferable douchenozzles. I try to just let to go and live the best I can and try not to be one of those idiots myself.
- dragonoffrost

You're one of the good guys, amigo!

FWIW, here is how I see the lines possibly shaking out:

Lindblom-G-Jake
Giroux and Jake are both pass first players and need someone who can work the wall and corners, go to the net and finish. I think Lindblom's skill set would mesh very well with them.

Weal-Couturier-Simmonds
Weal and Simmonds have already shown good chemistry and Coots makes everyone who plays with him better at ES.

TK-Patrick-Filppula/Raffl
It's a bit of risk starting a 19 year old rookie with a 20 year old sophomore, but they have enough vets to add some experience to the line. While Filppula at first would seem the more likely fit due to his better skills, I can also see Raffl getting some shifts with the kids due to his grittier style of play and willingness to go the net.

The 4th line is the toughest to call, though Filppula or Raffl will likely be filling one spot. I think 2 of Laughton, Lehtera, Read or Weise fill out the line and the other 2 are spares while Leier and Vecchione start in LHV. However moves could be made if Leier and/or Vecchione has a great camp, but, no matter what, I think the 10 guys getting ice time on the top 3 lines are pretty safe bets to be in the lineup.
- BiggE

I think Filp will mostly be in the top 9, playing LW. I like the idea of Filp playing LW and Konceny playing RW for some reason, I'm not sure exactly why. You can put them next to either Couts or Patrick and I could see it going well.

These line combos are so much more fun to put together than years past.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Vecchione's Outlook for 2017-18 and Beyond
- bmeltzer

I think it's weird Vecchione's name keeps coming up. He has a chance but we have Laughton with plenty of NHL experience. We have Lehtera whose best position I see center and a legitimate NHL bottom six player. We basically signed this kid and gave him a game a day later just to see if he can play. I think he has a very slim chance but I don't see it (of course I could be wrong).

Thanks for the perfect setup.
- dragonoffrost

Oh dear god, 80s pop!