What's a "Draisaitle"?
- THX1138

Cheap imitation of Draisaitl

What's a "Draisaitle"?
- THX1138

Cheap French knockoff of a quality German product.

Cheap French knockoff of a quality German product.
- Beergu

the entire western conference is gonna be stronger this year I think.

dallas, Winnipeg, phx, and cgy all got better on paper.
san jose and la didn't change much from what are obviously skilled, experienced dangerous teams.

we stood pat for the most part assuming strome and jokinen can replace ebs and pouliot.

we'll see how it plays out

the entire western conference is gonna be stronger this year I think.

dallas, Winnipeg, phx, and cgy all got better on paper.
san jose and la didn't change much from what are obviously skilled, experienced dangerous teams.

we stood pat for the most part assuming strome and jokinen can replace ebs and pouliot.

we'll see how it plays out
- HB77

Dallas needed defence... Jim Nill has a weird obsession with loading up on forwards.

Dallas needed defence... Jim Nill has a weird obsession with loading up on forwards.
- LittleRickyV2

I don't think it'll be enough to sink them this year. Lindell stepped up in a big way down the stretch and looks poised to either carry his own pairing or form an effective duo with Klingberg. Something like this would be good enough:

Methot- Klingberg
Lindell- Johns
Hamhuis- Nemeth/Patreyn
Oleksiak

With Honka and Heiskanen likely pushing for time through the season in the AHL. Just a year or two away from a pretty formidable backend in my eyes- especially behind a forward group as deep as theirs.

Benn- Seguin- Faksa
Janmark- Spezza- Radulov
Roussel- Hanzal- Ritchie
McKenzie- Shore- Pitlick/Flynn
Elie, Hintz, Richardinson and Gurianov

I don't think it'll be enough to sink them this year. Lindell stepped up in a big way down the stretch and looks poised to either carry his own pairing or form an effective duo with Klingberg. Something like this would be good enough:

Methot- Klingberg
Lindell- Johns
Hamhuis- Nemeth/Patreyn
Oleksiak

With Honka and Heiskanen likely pushing for time through the season in the AHL. Just a year or two away from a pretty formidable backend in my eyes- especially behind a forward group as deep as theirs.

Benn- Seguin- Faksa
Janmark- Spezza- Radulov
Roussel- Hanzal- Ritchie
McKenzie- Shore- Pitlick/Flynn
Elie, Hintz, Richardinson and Gurianov
- MaximumBone

On paper, That's as good of an offensive group as there is in the league.

On paper, That's as good of an offensive group as there is in the league.
- HB77

Yeah, it's some absurd depth. Even more impressive is its relative youth outside of Spezza and Radulov. That's the sort of situation I would love to have; just imagine the options With the top-heavy nature of our forward group, it's unlikely we'd be able to accrue that manner of depth as long as we have McDavid (and Draisaitl).

I think the only ones that can compete with them in both depth and top-end ability are Toronto and maybe Tampa and Winnipeg. Arizona could find that level if development goes well. Carolina and Minnesota have the depth, but lack the high end talent.

Yeah, it's some absurd depth. Even more impressive is its relative youth outside of Spezza and Radulov. That's the sort of situation I would love to have; just imagine the options With the top-heavy nature of our forward group, it's unlikely we'd be able to accrue that manner of depth as long as we have McDavid (and Draisaitl).

I think the only ones that can compete with them in both depth and top-end ability are Toronto and maybe Tampa and Winnipeg. Arizona could find that level if development goes well. Carolina and Minnesota have the depth, but lack the high end talent.
- MaximumBone

Tampa was the first team that came to mind. Winnipeg too.
Torontos debateable as so much depends on marner/nylander continuing their ascension with no sophomore slump.

But yeah- that group of theirs is sick.

As Mentioned in my previous post, I'm still waiting/ expecting Winnipeg to break out.
While wpg amd Dallas don't directly affect our playoff hopes in the pacific- any slumps and they could make life super difficult to grab a wildcard spot. and of course having to play them Multiple times goes without saying.

Let's hope we can stay afloat till sekeras return. Certainly doable. But yeah-
Alots's gotta go right .

Tampa was the first team that came to mind. Winnipeg too.
Torontos debateable as so much depends on marner/nylander continuing their ascension with no sophomore slump.

But yeah- that group of theirs is sick.

As Mentioned in my previous post, I'm also still waiting for Winnipeg to break out.
While they don't directly affect our playoff hopes in the pacific- any slumps and they could make life super difficult to grab a wildcard spot. and of course having to play them Multiple times goes without saying.

Let's hope we can stay afloat till sekeras return. Certainly doable. But yeah-
Alots's gotta go right .
- HB77

Winnipeg could be a truly terrifying monster of a team if they could just solve their systems play. I don't like the system Maurice employs and I feel like Byfuglien plays a big role in that. He's an excellent player but makes far too many glaring mistakes, finds himself out of position too often and seems to set the tone of the team in a way that encourages too many penalties. This is a horrible combination for a normal team, but especially such a young one riding the back of a bunch of young and streaky goalies.

All three major flaws contribute to needless goals against. This in turn shakes the confidence of the goalies which leads to weaker goals being allowed which deflates the team and causes more mistakes, etc. It's a vicious cycle that's centered around Byfuglien's weaknesses and both his and Maurice's inability to adjust.

If I were them, I'd have moved Byfuglien for an undoubtedly great return (young Dman, roster player and pick) and focused on a less disjointed breakout and neutral zone strategy. Build your D-zone strategy around Enstrom's methods and allow Trouba to truly develop into the elite #1 he's VERY capable of being. A D corps running Enstrom- Trouba, Morrissey- Myers as your top-4 is still an effective D corps in most capacities (albeit a tad injury-prone).

while a lot of their guys are somewhat NHL proven, their actual impact is debateable.
If I was McPhee, schmidt would be one of the guys I'd strongly hold on to. At least for the next couple years

But if he was available, agreed that pc should be all over that. At the very least we wouldn't be penciling gryba into a full time spot while sekera is gone. The two could battle for a spot and platoon depending on opponent etc.
- HB77

If the toughness-loving Gallant is willing to part with Emelin for a late 3rd..

But yeah, Schmidt's value will only appreciate. Wouldn't be a bad idea to keep the asset.

11 NHL defensemen though.. The ones not playing will see their value depreciate.

Sign Scottie Upshall. Yea or Nea?

Sign Scottie Upshall. Yea or Nea?
- Wildschwein

(frank) Nay!

(frank) Nay!
- Larsson_fan

Rather Pakarinen?

Maroon-McDavid-Strome(?)
Lucic-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi(?)
Jokinen-Nuge-Slepyshev/Jokinen/Kassian(?)
Slepyshev/Caggiula-Letestu-Kassian/Pakarinen(?)

I'd feel better having one more RW for bottom 6 depth reasons. Jagr would be lovely for one season. Iggy and Upshall are the only other two I can think of.

Rather Pakarinen?

Maroon-McDavid-Strome(?)
Lucic-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi(?)
Jokinen-Nuge-Slepyshev/Jokinen/Kassian(?)
Slepyshev/Caggiula-Letestu-Kassian/Pakarinen(?)

I'd feel better having one more RW for bottom 6 depth reasons. Jagr would be lovely for one season. Iggy and Upshall are the only other two I can think of.
- Wildschwein

Shane Doan

Shane Doan
- LittleRickyV2

Forgot about Doan. Gonna try and do so again.

Shane Doan
- LittleRickyV2

No Piutes, please.

Rather Pakarinen?

Maroon-McDavid-Strome(?)
Lucic-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi(?)
Jokinen-Nuge-Slepyshev/Jokinen/Kassian(?)
Slepyshev/Caggiula-Letestu-Kassian/Pakarinen(?)

I'd feel better having one more RW for bottom 6 depth reasons. Jagr would be lovely for one season. Iggy and Upshall are the only other two I can think of.
- Wildschwein

I'll take a pass on Upshall. Not for a single glaring flaw in his game, but more that we don't need more players of his skillset and should aim to populate our bottom-6 with greater skill. Adding Upshall only serves to cut-off opportunity for guys of comparable ability (Khaira and Pakarinen) and takes up an extra spot on our 50-man list (already at 49 w/ 2 SRs).

I'd explore Jagr as an option, but I think similar can apply to him. As effective as he has been for so long and as much as his presence would provide security, I'm torn by my belief that perhaps the team would be better off leaving the top-6 opportunity available for one of Slepy or Puljujarvi as a method to further motivate them and get them thinking about offense.

As for the roster set-up, I think the RWers are interchangeable based off opponent and game situation.

Starting Line-up (Vs Depth On D):

Maroon- McDavid- Strome
Lucic- Draisaitl- Slepyshev
Jokinen- RNH- Puljujarvi
Caggiula- Letestu- Kassian
Khaira & Pakarinen

Down A Goal:

Maroon- McDavid- Draisaitl
Lucic- RNH- Puljujarvi
Jokinen- Strome- Kassian
Caggiula- Letestu- Slepyshev
Khaira & Pakarinen

Up By A Goal:

Lucic- Draisaitl- Kassian
Jokinen- RNH- Strome
Maroon- McDavid- Letestu
w/ Slepyshev, Caggiula and Puljujarvi taking the odd shift.

With Jagr, I don't think the roster is as easily able to adapt as he's likely better suited to a.) consistent linemates and b.) a certain and slower style of attack. However, I could be very wrong on that and maybe his brilliant offensive mind and elite puck protection would make him a perfect linemate for McDavid (not unlike Maroon). At some point or another- and it's likely sooner than some think- this roster's top heavy forward corps will require the team to take these sorts of risks regularly; might as well get used to it now.

Shane Doan
- LittleRickyV2

Fuuuuuuck that. Dirty plug with little tangible to offer. I'd much rather give the time he'd likely demand to our young players so they're able to learn as they go.

Fuuuuuuck that. Dirty plug with little tangible to offer. I'd much rather give the time he'd likely demand to our young players so they're able to learn as they go.
- MaximumBone

Doan is in no position to demand anything.

Doan is in no position to demand anything.
- Larsson_fan

It's not a matter of demanding so much as it would be that he WOULD get the time (because veterans, NHL and stuff). Like Matt Hendricks, he'd likely get undeserved minutes due to his track record. Not a precedent I think the team should set.

I'll take a pass on Upshall. Not for a single glaring flaw in his game, but more that we don't need more players of his skillset and should aim to populate our bottom-6 with greater skill. Adding Upshall only serves to cut-off opportunity for guys of comparable ability (Khaira and Pakarinen) and takes up an extra spot on our 50-man list (already at 49 w/ 2 SRs).

I'd explore Jagr as an option, but I think similar can apply to him. As effective as he has been for so long and as much as his presence would provide security, I'm torn by my belief that perhaps the team would be better off leaving the top-6 opportunity available for one of Slepy or Puljujarvi as a method to further motivate them and get them thinking about offense.

As for the roster set-up, I think the RWers are interchangeable based off opponent and game situation.

Starting Line-up (Vs Depth On D):

Maroon- McDavid- Strome
Lucic- Draisaitl- Slepyshev
Jokinen- RNH- Puljujarvi
Caggiula- Letestu- Kassian
Khaira & Pakarinen

Down A Goal:

Maroon- McDavid- Draisaitl
Lucic- RNH- Puljujarvi
Jokinen- Strome- Kassian
Caggiula- Letestu- Slepyshev
Khaira & Pakarinen

Up By A Goal:

Lucic- Draisaitl- Kassian
Jokinen- RNH- Strome
Maroon- McDavid- Letestu
w/ Slepyshev, Caggiula and Puljujarvi taking the odd shift.

With Jagr, I don't think the roster is as easily able to adapt as he's likely better suited to a.) consistent linemates and b.) a certain and slower style of attack. However, I could be very wrong on that and maybe his brilliant offensive mind and elite puck protection would make him a perfect linemate for McDavid (not unlike Maroon). At some point or another- and it's likely sooner than some think- this roster's top heavy forward corps will require the team to take these sorts of risks regularly; might as well get used to it now.
- MaximumBone

I agree with your line-up combinations, but I guess I'm not totally sold on Puljujarvi making it with the big club this year. I can't shake this premonition that he is AHL bound (although the addition of Jokinen should help him, especially if they share a line). If he is sent to the AHL I'd hate to rely on Pakarinen as 4RW, as he impresses me not at all (though perhaps I'm being unfair).

Also Jagr with Draisaitl strikes me as an interesting combo. Both are big physical (frank)ers, who protect the puck well and use as much brain as they do brawn. Gives me a bit of a chub just thinking about it actually.

No Piutes, please.
- Larsson_fan

Damn rights. Seeing that wiener in Oilers silks would curdle my gut.

I agree with your line-up combinations, but I guess I'm not totally sold on Puljujarvi making it with the big club this year. I can't shake this premonition that he is AHL bound (although the addition of Jokinen should help him, especially if they share a line). If he is sent to the AHL I'd hate to rely on Pakarinen as 4RW, as he impresses me not at all (though perhaps I'm being unfair).

Also Jagr with Draisaitl strikes me as an interesting combo. Both are big physical (frank)ers, who protect the puck well and use as much brain as they do brawn. Gives me a bit of a chub just thinking about it actually.
- Wildschwein

I've considered that, but a concern I have and part of the reason I prefer a younger guy on his line is that he's found his greatest success when playing with a player who is faster than him. Hall and McDavid create space for Draisaitl's magic to function at it's peak. If you stick him between Lucic and Jagr, who's gonna bring that for him? Hence why I've kinda backed off on my Draisaitl-Slepy combos. I believe Puljujarvi is better suited to bring that speed off the wing down the road.

I think the best argument for bringing Jagr in is if you plan to stick him with McDavid to play the Draisaitl role on that line instead and free up Draisaitl and Strome- who I believe has the necessary speed- to work some magic down a line. This in turn would free up RNH with Jokinen and one of the youth to take on much easier minutes and would allow for the formation of a softer-minutes "development line".

This would also mitigate the costs associated with paying McDavid's wingers big money. If they thrive together, then you give Jagr another 1-year deal (justified by his age) and drop Maroon, who would require a long term deal, in favour of a different big body (perhaps Khaira, perhaps others). This could work until the team has it's next wave (Slepy, Puljujarvi and Caggiula) on middle-term (3-4 year deals), lower dollar cap hits in the 2-4 mil range. Then you give them the chance and they maybe go supernova while prepping the next wave (Benson, Yamamoto, maybe Maksimov, etc). Continue until Cups.

I agree with your line-up combinations, but I guess I'm not totally sold on Puljujarvi making it with the big club this year. I can't shake this premonition that he is AHL bound (although the addition of Jokinen should help him, especially if they share a line). If he is sent to the AHL I'd hate to rely on Pakarinen as 4RW, as he impresses me not at all (though perhaps I'm being unfair).

Also Jagr with Draisaitl strikes me as an interesting combo. Both are big physical (frank)ers, who protect the puck well and use as much brain as they do brawn. Gives me a bit of a chub just thinking about it actually.
- Wildschwein

thing about jagr is, is he totally ok with riding pine if in fact puju/slep worked out?
as we're obviously better served developing them for the long haul.

jagr obviously knows how the biz works and nothing is guaranteed. he also doesn't have a ton of options, so he might just agree to anything at this point if he wants to play badly enough. but yeah, if I'm pc I'm telling him youre the guy if our younger players cant fill those roles adequately. like we're gonna be doing all we can to develop puju, slepyshev, caggiula and even khaira (regardless that hes a bottom 6 guy- u follow my point. we wanna give those guys ice time) ahead of you. do you wanna spend whats probably your last season as a potential healthy scratch many nights?

if I'm jagr that's not super appealing until all options are exhausted.