Actually, I was just trying to offer perspective, that a third of the league's teams think they can convince the exact same couple people to sign with them, and all for the exact same reason.

But fyi: no one on the Blues is mad about getting an all-star goalie for a near league minimum contract because he only got us to the second round of the playoffs when the starter went down. In fact, consider his far cheaper salary, cheaper cost to obtain, superior GAA, superior save %, and over twice as many shut outs in fewer games played; the Av's should probably be embarrassed to compare Elliott to Varlamov.
- Antilles

Considering the Blues as a team had the lowest goals against average, it's not shocking to see Elliott do so well. Good to see them doing well but I'd like to see Varlamov play a full season like he played the second half before we compare the two guys.

Hopefully both continue to play well and my two favorite teams will meet in the conference finals in a few years.

Actually, I was just trying to offer perspective, that a third of the league's teams think they can convince the exact same couple people to sign with them, and all for the exact same reason.

But fyi: no one on the Blues is mad about getting an all-star goalie for a near league minimum contract because he only got us to the second round of the playoffs when the starter went down. In fact, consider his far cheaper salary, cheaper cost to obtain, superior GAA, superior save %, and over twice as many shut outs in fewer games played; the Av's should probably be embarrassed to compare Elliott to Varlamov.
- Antilles

Internet, Serious Business...yada yada...

You keep on enjoying Elliott, but keep this in mind when you're watching next season: Varlamov can make key saves without needing five guys in front of him blocking shots and gumming up the slot. Can Elliott do the same?

Considering the Blues as a team had the lowest goals against average, it's not shocking to see Elliott do so well. Good to see them doing well but I'd like to see Varlamov play a full season like he played the second half before we compare the two guys.

Hopefully both continue to play well and my two favorite teams will meet in the conference finals in a few years.
- martok2309

Fair enough. However, I do think it's worth noting: Elliott's GAA was below 2 prior to the Blues coaching change and installing a tight defensive system. Ultimately, I do agree in a few years Varlamov may compare favorably to Elliott. But my point remains: it's foolish of the poster to call Elliott "bad" when he outplayed Varlamov by so much this season.

You keep on enjoying Elliott, but keep this in mind when you're watching next season: Varlamov can make key saves without needing five guys in front of him blocking shots and gumming up the slot. Can Elliott do the same?
- Dissent

Yes.

Yes.
- Antilles

I hear there's an opening in the Flyer's organization for head goalie scout. You should think about applying...

Could O'Reilly be had?

And if so, would you prefer a package of tier 2 talent, ie, Stalberg, Hjalmarrson, and Pirri (Top 6 RW, top 4 D and truly promising young C). Or trade your own pieces for a more notorious player, and what you say is a need (RW talent) - O'Reilly and say, McGinn or Mueller for Kane?

Could O'Reilly be had?

And if so, would you prefer a package of tier 2 talent, ie, Stalberg, Hjalmarrson, and Pirri (Top 6 RW, top 4 D and truly promising young C). Or trade your own pieces for a more notorious player, and what you say is a need (RW talent) - O'Reilly and say, McGinn or Mueller for Kane?
- nathanjf

Factor is off limits plain and simple
You have a better chance of landing stastny

Factor is off limits plain and simple
You have a better chance of landing stastny
- DDM-Coga

If he were a Blackhawk he'd be off limits in my books too. Do you think that he is off limits REALLY, or just with the fanbase? If the Great One can be traded anyone can. Not interested in Stastny. Would overpay for O'Reilly though.

If he were a Blackhawk he'd be off limits in my books too. Do you think that he is off limits REALLY, or just with the fanbase? If the Great One can be traded anyone can. Not interested in Stastny. Would overpay for O'Reilly though.
- nathanjf

He's established himself as part of the core. Leads, wins faceoffs, kills penalties and now he scores too. Not saying he's untradeable but it would have to be a very serious offer.

Fair enough. However, I do think it's worth noting: Elliott's GAA was below 2 prior to the Blues coaching change and installing a tight defensive system. Ultimately, I do agree in a few years Varlamov may compare favorably to Elliott. But my point remains: it's foolish of the poster to call Elliott "bad" when he outplayed Varlamov by so much this season.
- Antilles

Agreed 100%. Elliott had the better year and I applaud how great his story was.

If he were a Blackhawk he'd be off limits in my books too. Do you think that he is off limits REALLY, or just with the fanbase? If the Great One can be traded anyone can. Not interested in Stastny. Would overpay for O'Reilly though.
- nathanjf

Lmao the only ones who like Raydar more than the fans is MGMT, you would have to offer up nothing less than Toews or Seabrook for Raydar. I cant think of anyone more unobtainable with the exception of Lando right now that him

Actually, I was just trying to offer perspective, that a third of the league's teams think they can convince the exact same couple people to sign with them, and all for the exact same reason.

But fyi: no one on the Blues is mad about getting an all-star goalie for a near league minimum contract because he only got us to the second round of the playoffs when the starter went down. In fact, consider his far cheaper salary, cheaper cost to obtain, superior GAA, superior save %, and over twice as many shut outs in fewer games played; the Av's should probably be embarrassed to compare Elliott to Varlamov.
- Antilles

Elliot had a great year, and he deserved it, however if I had to choose between Elliot and Varly, I would choose Varly every time. Elliots play had a lot to do with the team infront of him, and while he earned the numbers he put up this year, he showed in the playoffs that he still has a way to improve.

He's established himself as part of the core. Leads, wins faceoffs, kills penalties and now he scores too. Not saying he's untradeable but it would have to be a very serious offer.
- martok2309

For sure he is a core player, I love the kid's game, he's a takeaway machine too.

Could O'Reilly be had?

And if so, would you prefer a package of tier 2 talent, ie, Stalberg, Hjalmarrson, and Pirri (Top 6 RW, top 4 D and truly promising young C). Or trade your own pieces for a more notorious player, and what you say is a need (RW talent) - O'Reilly and say, McGinn or Mueller for Kane?
- nathanjf

How about:

Col: Kane, Hjalmarrson

Chi: O'Byrne (bottom 4 D-man), Barrie (young puck moving d-man big upside), Hishon (offensive center pretty good upside), Pickard(great goalie prospect), Brophy

For sure he is a core player, I love the kid's game, he's a takeaway machine too.
- nathanjf

I can see O'Reilly with the potential of being a Micheal Peca/Guy Carbonneau/Mike Richards type player. Consistent 60 point, hard working, defensive first style player, leads by example.

How about:

Col: Kane, Hjalmarrson

Chi: O'Byrne (bottom 4 D-man), Barrie (young puck moving d-man big upside), Hishon (offensive center pretty good upside), Pickard(great goalie prospect), Brophy
- jonathonpeddle

No way Chicago does that, thats scraps for Kane. Kid is still a premier skilled player. We would have to look at parting with a core player to get a core player. Love Kane but wouldnt part with any of the core kids for him.

How about:

Col: Kane, Hjalmarrson

Chi: O'Byrne (bottom 4 D-man), Barrie (young puck moving d-man big upside), Hishon (offensive center pretty good upside), Pickard(great goalie prospect), Brophy
- jonathonpeddle

That is a tough trade to really comment on because you are trading 2 established high level NHL talent for prospects. Hishon, barrie and Pickard are all very good prospects, however none of them are proven.

The trade is a No, interesting thought, and one of the better I have heard on this sight but it would be a no. Its just too much of a risk and doesn't make enough sense for both teams to have legs.

bring on the boo birds, i don't care what people say about his attitude, I think Semin would be a great addition to Colorado. The guy has all the talent in the world if he can get onto a roster that can really bring out the confidence he needs. Other than that, I'd say Colorado can add a little more size and intimidation...Travis Moen is probably one of the most under-rated players in the free agency and he makes any team he plays on better....also, just wait until Denver gets a look at Michael Sgarbossa within the next few years...you're dynamo forward dreams are gonna come true..this guy has Dastyukian hands and vision

bring on the boo birds, i don't care what people say about his attitude, I think Semin would be a great addition to Colorado. The guy has all the talent in the world if he can get onto a roster that can really bring out the confidence he needs. Other than that, I'd say Colorado can add a little more size and intimidation...Travis Moen is probably one of the most under-rated players in the free agency and he makes any team he plays on better....also, just wait until Denver gets a look at Michael Sgarbossa within the next few years...you're dynamo forward dreams are gonna come true..this guy has Dastyukian hands and vision
- sudburyboy

I'd gladly take Semin for 4 mil a year for a couple over doing absolutely nothing at all, which I'm thinking might be the case when all's said and done. Wait, nevermind, forgot we're going to be playing boring Sacco hockey next year instead of anything that suits the young, fast, aggressive players we have . Still think Duchene-Mueller-Semin on the 4th line would look good playing nine minutes a game though.

bring on the boo birds, i don't care what people say about his attitude, I think Semin would be a great addition to Colorado. The guy has all the talent in the world if he can get onto a roster that can really bring out the confidence he needs. Other than that, I'd say Colorado can add a little more size and intimidation...Travis Moen is probably one of the most under-rated players in the free agency and he makes any team he plays on better....also, just wait until Denver gets a look at Michael Sgarbossa within the next few years...you're dynamo forward dreams are gonna come true..this guy has Dastyukian hands and vision
- sudburyboy

I would be happy with Semin, everyone and their dog want Parise on their team next season, chances of getting him to Colorado are slim to none. Maybe Varly was doing some recruiting over at the World Championships for us. Give him a 3 year at 5 per season deal and im sold. Bc of that Hemsky deal, this is the starting point

I'd agree that signing Semin would be a good idea, also far more likely than landing Parise or Suter. I think the Parise was a teammate for USA with Stastny, so he might play here thing is far overplayed and really has no draw and Suter is going to go to a contender. Semin is actually a friend of Varly though and a lot less people are going to go for him initially on the first day of free agency because of his reputation.

I'd agree that signing Semin would be a good idea, also far more likely than landing Parise or Suter. I think the Parise was a teammate for USA with Stastny, so he might play here thing is far overplayed and really has no draw and Suter is going to go to a contender. Semin is actually a friend of Varly though and a lot less people are going to go for him initially on the first day of free agency because of his reputation.
- Avs-Ice

Instead of Parise/Suter, it could be Semin/Carle which would be just fine. Carle is severely underrated.

Of course as I say this Eklund says Suter has interest in Colorado.

Of course as I say this Eklund says Suter has interest in Colorado.
- martok2309

I Know right. Right as I am trying to tell myself to be realistic, he gets my hopes all high again

Ek you Bastard

In a perfect world we could sign Suter, he would really compliment Johnson I think. Though Eklund saying he is interested gives us no chance of signing here.