I watched Giroux play in the Q, he was spectacular and great fun to watch. But, Giroux was never the dominant player or physical presence that Couturier was even though he put up better numbers.

People need to look closely at Couturier's draft year. The previous year he had won the scoring championship, he was the consensus #1 pick for his draft class. But he came back to play on a really bad team, he had slugs for line mates, he developed mono, he was also absent to play with Team Canada at the WJC. Yet, he still had the highest ppg ratio of any player in major CHL play. It is just bizarre that he dropped the way he did in the draft. When people think in terms of keeping this kid as a third line or fourth line skater they do not appreciate the high end of his talent. In terms of comparisons I would put him on the same development curve as Tavares. With these kind of talents you need to play them, you especially need to challenge their skill sets.

As I said before, this kind of stuff tends to get decided on the ice. I expect for Couturier to win the 2nd line center coming out of training camp and over the early season. Time will tell, I believe in the kid.
- spatso

Couturier is likely going to have to become a vastly improved skater to be a PPG player in the NHL.

anything has to be better than the shot-blockingfest that is the NHL playoffs...the new trap has emerged. they need wider ice...
- isaiah520

How will wider ice change that? All that will mean is that there is more room to the outside, where team's like the Rangers try to keep you anyway.

Out of all the Rookies going into last season, I had the most hope and excitement for Schenn. Now, he is thrid on the list, and if Wellwood can find out how to finish, might drop to 4th. Don't get me wrong I still like him, but as others have said, if your going to trade a rookie for a top blue-liner... I would rather it be Schenn.

they need to do something, it's just ridiculous. make the net bigger if they have too, idk. Rangers literally pack 3 guys + a goalie into the crease, I'd rather try to score on the laughing clown on the last hole of miniature golf course with a ping pong ball.
- JoeRussomanno

if they simply make the equip smaller and softer along w/ more room out there, that should be sufficient. once they mess w/ the net size, the record books are skewed forever. asterisk city...

I watched Giroux play in the Q, he was spectacular and great fun to watch. But, Giroux was never the dominant player or physical presence that Couturier was even though he put up better numbers.

People need to look closely at Couturier's draft year. The previous year he had won the scoring championship, he was the consensus #1 pick for his draft class. But he came back to play on a really bad team, he had slugs for line mates, he developed mono, he was also absent to play with Team Canada at the WJC. Yet, he still had the highest ppg ratio of any player in major CHL play. It is just bizarre that he dropped the way he did in the draft. When people think in terms of keeping this kid as a third line or fourth line skater they do not appreciate the high end of his talent. In terms of comparisons I would put him on the same development curve as Tavares. With these kind of talents you need to play them, you especially need to challenge their skill sets.

As I said before, this kind of stuff tends to get decided on the ice. I expect for Couturier to win the 2nd line center coming out of training camp and over the early season. Time will tell, I believe in the kid.
- spatso

I think your mistaken if you think that anyone isn't aware of his Junior career. And I also think your mistaken if you think that anyone is saying he's going to be a permanent 3rd line Center for his career. It's about where he fits right now, and the role that's best for him and the team.
I beleive in the kid also. Like I said I think he's going to be a 60-70 point guy, who plays an outstanding two way game and develop into one of the best 2 way players in the League. Is there a chance that his offensive game will develop higher? Sure there is. But as a comparison I see him somewhere between Jordan Staal and Jonathon Toews.

they need to do something, it's just ridiculous. make the net bigger if they have too, idk. Rangers literally pack 3 guys + a goalie into the crease, I'd rather try to score on the laughing clown on the last hole of miniature golf course with a ping pong ball.
- JoeRussomanno

Seeing more discussion of the Gainey rule. He proposed a delay of game penalty for any player leaving "both" feet in an attempt to block a shot from the point. One skate must remain in contact with the ice at all times if attempting to block a shot. His assumption is that point shots will get through much easier if the point man knows the guy in front of him cannot drop down for a block.

Depending on cost, I would love to sign Gaustad and Konopka for a 4th line checking line, and PK. Konopka-Gaustad-Talbot would be a hellasious line to play against.

Out of all the Rookies going into last season, I had the most hope and excitement for Schenn. Now, he is thrid on the list, and if Wellwood can find out how to finish, might drop to 4th. Don't get me wrong I still like him, but as others have said, if your going to trade a rookie for a top blue-liner... I would rather it be Schenn.
- RooNosHockey

So you think that Wellwood has a chance to be a better player the Schenn?

I think your mistaken if you think that anyone isn't aware of his Junior career. And I also think your mistaken if you think that anyone is saying he's going to be a permanent 3rd line Center for his career. It's about where he fits right now, and the role that's best for him and the team.
I beleive in the kid also. Like I said I think he's going to be a 60-70 point guy, who plays an outstanding two way game and develop into one of the best 2 way players in the League. Is there a chance that his offensive game will develop higher? Sure there is. But as a comparison I see him somewhere between Jordan Staal and Jonathon Toews.
- MJL

Could you compair him to Rod Brind'Amour?

Depending on cost, I would love to sign Gaustad and Konopka for a 4th line checking line, and PK. Konopka-Gaustad-Talbot would be a hellasious line to play against.
- RooNosHockey

How much are you willing to pay Gaustad to play on the 4th line? And do you think that Gaustad would sign somewhere and accept that role?

Could you compair him to Rod Brind'Amour?
- RooNosHockey

Yes.

Seeing more discussion of the Gainey rule. He proposed a delay of game penalty for any player leaving "both" feet in an attempt to block a shot from the point. One skate must remain in contact with the ice at all times if attempting to block a shot. His assumption is that point shots will get through much easier if the point man knows the guy in front of him cannot drop down for a block.
- spatso

well I swear I thought of something similar but felt as though my head would get ripped off, I actually like the idea except I'd go with you can't leave both feet, hell with it. It sure would be better than watching the 6 goalie defense the rangers have implemented.

Out of all the Rookies going into last season, I had the most hope and excitement for Schenn. Now, he is thrid on the list, and if Wellwood can find out how to finish, might drop to 4th. Don't get me wrong I still like him, but as others have said, if your going to trade a rookie for a top blue-liner... I would rather it be Schenn.
- RooNosHockey

I'd trade JvR, the guy with the hefty contract, long before trading a guy on a EL deal, especially if there's a bonus cushion and that EL deal drops to $900K

if they simply make the equip smaller and softer along w/ more room out there, that should be sufficient. once they mess w/ the net size, the record books are skewed forever. asterisk city...
- isaiah520

I suppose, the records are already skewed to me in a way. I mean guys who were getting 100 pts wouldn't be doing that today with the trapping, roadblock/bunker defenses we see now.

So you think that Wellwood has a chance to be a better player the Schenn?
- MJL

If he learns to finish. Let's not forget Wellwood was on the same line as Taylor Hall when they won the champ. Wellwood may have had a hand in that. He plays like his brother, but has a better defensive knack. If he could turn his speed and tenacity for the puck into a finisher... then he would be a great player.

As of now... No Wellwood is not better, but there is a chance he may surpass Schenn at some point. Who knows. Always in motion the future is.

in case anyone was wondering, my twitter did get hacked, sorry.

If he learns to finish. Let's not forget Wellwood was on the same line as Taylor Hall when they won the champ. Wellwood may have had a hand in that. He plays like his brother, but has a better defensive knack. If he could turn his speed and tenacity for the puck into a finisher... then he would be a great player.

As of now... No Wellwood is not better, but there is a chance he may surpass Schenn at some point. Who knows. Always in motion the future is.
- RooNosHockey

I think there is very little chance that happens. You never know. Wellwood is likely to be a career role player in the NHL. While Schenn is likely to be a top scoring line player. It's never an exact science, and anythng can happen. But that's what's most likely.

Couturier is likely going to have to become a vastly improved skater to be a PPG player in the NHL.
- bradleyc4

Kid is 6'3" and only 19 years old. I thought his skating looked pretty solid during the playoffs and much better than from his junior days.

Kid is 6'3" and only 19 years old. I thought his skating looked pretty solid during the playoffs and much better than from his junior days.
- spatso

By the time Briere's contract is up, Couts will be the top or 2nd line center.

in case anyone was wondering, my twitter did get hacked, sorry.
- JoeRussomanno

Can you get it unhacked, or do you have to close your account and make a new one?

Can you get it unhacked, or do you have to close your account and make a new one?
- BulliesPhan87

as far as I know just change the pw.

Edit: I just mention here because most of my followers are HBzzers and god only knows what went on last night, but if something was said derogatorily from my account about anyone it wasn't me and want people to know that.

How much are you willing to pay Gaustad to play on the 4th line? And do you think that Gaustad would sign somewhere and accept that role?
- MJL

I dont want to pay him too much, but call it a 3rd line energy line. I'll give him Jagr's 3 million, if your going to trade JVR for a top blue-liner.

I'd trade JvR, the guy with the hefty contract, long before trading a guy on a EL deal, especially if there's a bonus cushion and that EL deal drops to $900K
- Jsaquella

Me too. But I said out of the 3 rookies, Schenn would be the first one I would trade.

I dont want to pay him too much, but call it a 3rd line energy line. I'll give him Jagr's 3 million, if your going to trade JVR for a top blue-liner.
- RooNosHockey

I think some of Jagr's money is already being redirected at Jakub. The only issue I have with Gaustad is whether he fits under the cap.

in case anyone was wondering, my twitter did get hacked, sorry.
- JoeRussomanno

dam it, i thought your message was true...