R. I. P. Carroll Shelby

I said Hemsky is worth more than a 1st rounder. Pay attention.
- Maxbone

No he isn't ... a player that is making five million for the next two years that is fragile as hell and hasn't had a 20-goal season in four years and one that doesn't play defense whatsoever isn't worth that much. Say no to drugs Richard.

No he isn't ... a player that is making five million for the next two years that is fragile as hell and hasn't had a 20-goal season in four years and one that doesn't play defense whatsoever isn't worth that much. Say no to drugs Richard.
- Oneonta Penguin

Ask Wayne Gretzky what he thinks of Hemsky's level of talent. Look at Hemsky's point-per-game average over his career and compare him to other players his age. Look at Hemsky's contract amount in relation to his point-per-game average compared to other players.

After doing all of that, tell me Hemsky isn't worth a pick that has a 25% - 30% chance of having an NHL career.

You guys really over value Stahl while belittling any player mentioned in a trade.

As an Oiler fan I wouldn't make that trade. Stahl has very little offensive upside and frankly he offers a lot penalty killing and defensively but isn't the type of player a smart GM overplays to aquire.
- Sabata

Utterly speechless. Your lack of hockey IQ or knowledge simply amazes me. So, Sam Gagner is all the sudden a relevant player? Even his old man would ship him to Pittsburgh for Staal. He knows Staal blows his son away in every facet of the game. The good thing, Shero wouldn't accept Gagner for Staal. No chance.

Ask Wayne Gretzky what he thinks of Hemsky's level of talent. Look at Hemsky's point-per-game average over his career and compare him to other players his age. Look at Hemsky's contract amount in relation to his point-per-game average compared to other players.

After doing all of that, tell me Hemsky isn't worth a pick that has a 25% - 30% chance of having an NHL career.
- Maxbone

Having a high talent level is one thing ... not playing up to that talent level is another. Alexander Daigle has incredible talent too. You say Staal has never had a 30-goal season, well neither has the Great Ales, unless you want to count one year at Hull at the turn of the millenium. You say Staal is only a 60-point type of player - 08-09 was Hemsky's last one - he isn't a 50-point scorer now. Last year 42 points in 47 games - this last year, the Great Ales Hemsky in 22 more games he had six less points. Please explain that. His healthiest year in years and stat decrease. He doesn't play any defense either. I wouldn't take the chance on Hemsky for that - 5 million per year that can't score 20 goals; can't out up 50 points and can't defend to save his life.

You say he is worth a first rounder; but a young kid who is one of the best two-way forwards in the game and has been for years and showed offensive upside this year is worth a fourth rate player in Gagner and a prospect that regressed like you wouldn't believe?

Having a high talent level is one thing ... not playing up to that talent level is another. Alexander Daigle has incredible talent too. You say Staal has never had a 30-goal season, well neither has the Great Ales, unless you want to count one year at Hull at the turn of the millenium. You say Staal is only a 60-point type of player - 08-09 was Hemsky's last one - he isn't a 50-point scorer now. Last year 42 points in 47 games - this last year, the Great Ales Hemsky in 22 more games he had six less points. Please explain that. His healthiest year in years and stat decrease. He doesn't play any defense either. I wouldn't take the chance on Hemsky for that - 5 million per year that can't score 20 goals; can't out up 50 points and can't defend to save his life.

You say he is worth a first rounder; but a young kid who is one of the best two-way forwards in the game and has been for years and showed offensive upside this year is worth a fourth rate player in Gagner and a prospect that regressed like you wouldn't believe?
- Oneonta Penguin

I like how Gagner keeps getting worse and worse with each post you make. 4th rate now? Pretty soon he won't be fit for 4th line duty in the Polish Elite League.

Keep up the good work. You're a blast to exchange messages with.

Ask Wayne Gretzky what he thinks of Hemsky's level of talent. Look at Hemsky's point-per-game average over his career and compare him to other players his age. Look at Hemsky's contract amount in relation to his point-per-game average compared to other players.

After doing all of that, tell me Hemsky isn't worth a pick that has a 25% - 30% chance of having an NHL career.
- Maxbone

Kessell got 2 first rd picks. Kessel is a better player then Hemsky

Kessell got 2 first rd picks. Kessel is a better player then Hemsky
- cburgess

Brian Burke is also a stupider GM than Steve Tambellini. What's your point?

I don't see Staal doing a sign and trade unless it's to Carolina.

I do think that possibility would be stronger than a lot of other things mentioned because:

A) The Canes might actually have some players the Penguins would want in a fair trade - a center like Sutter and maybe someone like Pitkanen...if the Pens included someone else in the deal (maybe Paul Martin...Martin makes 5M, Pitkanen 4.5M)

B) The Canes have the cap space to pay Staal

C) Staal would almost certainly want to play with his brother

D) Carolina and Pittsburgh are similar in size and Staal likes Pittsburgh...would probably be a good fit for him

E) The Pens like Staal and would want to make a move that would be good for him

I like how Gagner keeps getting worse and worse with each post you make. 4th rate now? Pretty soon he won't be fit for 4th line duty in the Polish Elite League.

Keep up the good work. You're a blast to exchange messages with.
- Maxbone

So are you ... Gagner worth the seventh, eighth or ninth pick overall? Looks like you had 15 beers before posting that, or got beaten in the head with an Easton.

Brian Burke is also a stupider GM than Steve Tambellini. What's your point?
- Maxbone

You are saying Hemsky is worth more then a 1st rd pick. What is he worth to you then? A sniper that was playing on the 3rd line on one of the worst teams in the league

So are you ... Gagner worth the seventh, eighth or ninth pick overall? Looks like you had 15 beers before posting that, or got beaten in the head with an Easton.
- Oneonta Penguin

Gagner is absolutely worth the 7th, 8th or 9th pick overall.

Come on. Do math.

Gagner is absolutely worth the 7th, 8th or 9th pick overall.

Come on. Do math.
- Maxbone

Because of his one 8 point game?

I don't see Staal doing a sign and trade unless it's to Carolina.

I do think that possibility would be stronger than a lot of other things mentioned because:

A) The Canes might actually have some players the Penguins would want in a fair trade - a center like Sutter and maybe someone like Pitkanen...if the Pens included someone else in the deal (maybe Paul Martin...Martin makes 5M, Pitkanen 4.5M)

B) The Canes have the cap space to pay Staal

C) Staal would almost certainly want to play with his brother

D) Carolina and Pittsburgh are similar in size and Staal likes Pittsburgh...would probably be a good fit for him

E) The Pens like Staal and would want to make a move that would be good for him
- icedog97

Not sure the Canes are a good match as far as return. Off the cuff, I'm not sure I'd do it, but Staal for Sutter and the fifth pick overall would make me think about it.

You are saying Hemsky is worth more then a 1st rd pick. What is he worth to you then? A sniper that was playing on the 3rd line on one of the worst teams in the league
- cburgess

Hemsky, if he is dealt at this year's NHL draft, will bring the Oilers a pick somewhere between #15 overall and #30 overall + a second asset. I'll use the Boston Bruins as an example, because they need an offensive RW.

Hemsky to Boston for their 1st round pick (20th overall) and a 3rd round pick. Although considering Boston's cap position, they'd likely need to move a contract to Edmonton to make the math work. Making this most likely a "Hemsky + something" for "1st round pick and a player with a bigger contract" type situation.

Gagner is absolutely worth the 7th, 8th or 9th pick overall.

Come on. Do math.
- Maxbone

Do what math? Because he had an 8-point game or had 11 of his 47 points in back to back games? Why not ask for the second pick? It seems like he will be joining Hemsky in the Hall of Fame down the road.

Not sure the Canes are a good match as far as return. Off the cuff, I'm not sure I'd do it, but Staal for Sutter and the fifth pick overall would make me think about it.
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't see the need for the big shake up in Pittsburg. They won the cup a few years ago, and have had awful luck with injuries the past few years. Crosby was not 100% in the playoffs. You could tell by the way he played. They just need Fleury to return to his usual self.

Because of his one 8 point game?
- cburgess

No. Because he's a .601 ppg player over his career, and someone who already has five years NHL experience even though he's only 22.

Do what math? Because he had an 8-point game or had 11 of his 47 points in back to back games? Why not ask for the second pick? It seems like he will be joining Hemsky in the Hall of Fame down the road.
- Oneonta Penguin

His picture in the hall will be right next to Jordal Staal's.

Swing and a miss.

Hemsky, if he is dealt at this year's NHL draft, will bring the Oilers a pick somewhere between #15 overall and #30 overall + a second asset. I'll use the Boston Bruins as an example, because they need an offensive RW.

Hemsky to Boston for their 1st round pick (20th overall) and a 3rd round pick. Although considering Boston's cap position, they'd likely need to move a contract to Edmonton to make the math work. Making this most likely a "Hemsky + something" for "1st round pick and a player with a bigger contract" type situation.
- Maxbone

You are stuck with Hemsky. 5 million for a soft sniper who struggles to score.

No. Because he's a .601 ppg player over his career, and someone who already has five years NHL experience even though he's only 22.
- Maxbone

a forward drafted in the 7th 8th or 9th spot will be getting more then a point every second game a gagner's age.

I like Staal, Gagner, Hemsky and Kessel. I think they're all really, really good hockey players.

a forward drafted in the 7th 8th or 9th spot will be getting more then a point every second game a gagner's age.
- cburgess

Check draft stats. You'll see you're incorrect. Some players absolutely do. A good majority don't.

His picture in the hall will be right next to Jordal Staal's.

Swing and a miss.
- Maxbone

Well, at least they will have Staal with a Stanley Cup and have a note that says he was a finalist for a major award in the NHL a few times. For Hemsky, or Gagner, not so much.

Love it ... Gagner is worth the seventh, eighth or ninth pick in the draft and he isn't good - isn't a 20-goal scorer; a 50-point producer or isn't close to being considered for a major award, but Staal can't fetch a top three pick plus and he is light years better? Got it.

I like Staal, Gagner, Hemsky and Kessel. I think they're all really, really good hockey players.
- Zezel

Aww. Group hug.