They could, but with next year's UFA being unlikely to produce the term/salary that we saw this year (definitely think the next CBA clamps down), might be risky: they might be better off resigning for comparable salaries as other stars have this year.

But who knows, maybe ANA can't afford to give out two 10-year front-loaded, heavily bonused contracts?
- gravyface

oh they definitely can't afford it...

as far as future cashing in though - even if new CBA has limits on term and max money, that max will still be in the $10M range I would imagine. Max term-max money deals for both is still cashing in pretty nicely... especially when they can sign another one in 5 yrs

Yup. Flames are a mess.

Just a female genetalia hair better than the CBJ's.

Leafs are in better shape than many think or care to admit. Unfortunately for Leaf fans, its still not up the standards of a playoff competetive team.
- Gunslinger

yes, but sadly, this can not be discussed without being branded an idiotic goggle wearing kool-aid drinking homer.

New Blue Jackets blog about Developement camp is up - approaching the 30 min mark, still zero comments...


just being petty

Sounds like Reilly impressed quite a bit at the development camp, looking forward to seeing this kid play

Sounds like Reilly impressed quite a bit at the development camp, looking forward to seeing this kid play
- Zezel

I really wonder what he would have done if healthy this past season in the OHL.

I really wonder what he would have done if healthy this past season in the OHL.
- Gunslinger

well he'd be an Oiler of course

and I still really hope he doesn't make the team. He lost a year essentially. Send him back, let him lead the WJC team and dominate the OHL. Not really room for him anyway given the number of offensive guys.

well he'd be an Oiler of course

and I still really hope he doesn't make the team. He lost a year essentially. Send him back, let him lead the WJC team and dominate the OHL. Not really room for him anyway given the number of offensive guys.
- Big_Lightnin

Agreed..dont do another Schenn..develop him properly with patience

well he'd be an Oiler of course

and I still really hope he doesn't make the team. He lost a year essentially. Send him back, let him lead the WJC team and dominate the OHL. Not really room for him anyway given the number of offensive guys.
- Big_Lightnin

Agreed.

Any clue what the invites are to the WJC this year?

I really wonder what he would have done if healthy this past season in the OHL.
- Gunslinger

well he'd be an Oiler of course

and I still really hope he doesn't make the team. He lost a year essentially. Send him back, let him lead the WJC team and dominate the OHL. Not really room for him anyway given the number of offensive guys.
- Big_Lightnin

I agree. I can't wait to see him healthy all year, in the WJC.


Rielly is in WHL not the O.


Sounds like there was some good showings. Rielly of course. Toninato sounds like he showed well. Guys that are physically mature like devane, Broll and Biggs sounds like they did well. Ross sounds like he was slow starting but did well last game.

What do you think of the Leafs making a run a Semin, and signing him to play with Grabovski and Kulemin on a line...

What do you think of the Leafs making a run a Semin, and signing him to play with Grabovski and Kulemin on a line...
- ThePresident

Horrible idea

Not the kind of guy we need on a young team.

What do you think of the Leafs making a run a Semin, and signing him to play with Grabovski and Kulemin on a line...
- ThePresident

I would consider it only if it were a 1yr deal....I wouldn't lock him up long term (to much of a risk)....

Unfortunately I don't think Semin will accept any 1yr deal.

I would consider it only if it were a 1yr deal....I wouldn't lock him up long term (to much of a risk)....

Unfortunately I don't think Semin will accept any 1yr deal.
- Pen15

I think 3 years would be realistic at this point. I can see Burke doing it, one because Semin won't end up with a frontloaded contract, and two because he's clearly a skilled player. He's not as bad as people make him out to be, not to mention in the past playoffs hasn't been all that bad either. Extremely skilled player that would give us weapons on both lines.

Horrible idea

Not the kind of guy we need on a young team.
- Gunslinger

He's not that bad if you don't listen to the media.

Horrible idea

Not the kind of guy we need on a young team.
- Gunslinger

Agreed....... And I'm not even sure Kulie even plays with grabo on the 2nd line. I think RC puts him on the 3rd line in a shutdown role with mcclement.

I think 3 years would be realistic at this point. I can see Burke doing it, one because Semin won't end up with a frontloaded contract, and two because he's clearly a skilled player. He's not as bad as people make him out to be, not to mention in the past playoffs hasn't been all that bad either. Extremely skilled player that would give us weapons on both lines.
- ThePresident

I agree...but I'd be weary of locking him up even for 3yrs. With the free agent class coming up next season, I'd like to see Burke clear up as much cap space as possible to have the flexibility to go after some big fish next season.

Semin totally has the ability to put up 40 goal seasons, but if it doesn't work out, it can end up being a train wreck. I'm also not sure how his style of play would jive with Carlyle's more restrictive system.

Agreed....... And I'm not even sure Kulie even plays with grabo on the 2nd line. I think RC puts him on the 3rd line in a shutdown role with mcclement.
- burn

So you'd be pissed if Burke signed Semin? I'm pretty sure it would make up the best 2nd line in hockey, Kulemin/Grabovski/Semin, would be incredible.

I agree...but I'd be weary of locking him up even for 3yrs. With the free agent class coming up next season, I'd like to see Burke clear up as much cap space as possible to have the flexibility to go after some big fish next season.

Semin totally has the ability to put up 40 goal seasons, but if it doesn't work out, it can end up being a train wreck. I'm also not sure how his style of play would jive with Carlyle's more restrictive system.
- Pen15

Very true with the Carlyle situation, all I know is we need to have another offensive threat on this team so every team doesn't just zero in on Kessel. With our luck, Semin will sign with the Wings and annually put up 90pts a season.

Very true with the Carlyle situation, all I know is we need to have another offensive threat on this team so every team doesn't just zero in on Kessel. With our luck, Semin will sign with the Wings and annually put up 90pts a season.
- ThePresident

I just think that he'll thrive more in a system like Chicago or Detroit....where they play more open and fluid hockey. I highly doubt Carlyle's system will allow for that type of game. Again, I'd sign him to a 1yr deal...but anything more than that is to big of a risk IMO.

What's even more worrisome to me is how Carlyle's system will affect Kessel. I hope I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that Carlyle's style will not jive with Kessel's play next year.

I just think that he'll thrive more in a system like Chicago or Detroit....where they play more open and fluid hockey. I highly doubt Carlyle's system will allow for that type of game. Again, I'd sign him to a 1yr deal...but anything more than that is to big of a risk IMO.

What's even more worrisome to me is how Carlyle's system will affect Kessel. I hope I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that Carlyle's style will not jive with Kessel's play next year.
- Pen15

I think at the end of the day, players like Kessel and Semin would be fine. Selanne was able to thrive under Carlyle.

So you'd be pissed if Burke signed Semin? I'm pretty sure it would make up the best 2nd line in hockey, Kulemin/Grabovski/Semin, would be incredible.
- ThePresident

Not really... I just don't see it as a big need for us. we Need Size, a top Center, a goalie and leadership. Semin doesn't fill any needs for us.

Plus the lazy, me first attitude isn't something I really want around the young guys.

I agree. I can't wait to see him healthy all year, in the WJC.


Rielly is in WHL not the O.


Sounds like there was some good showings. Rielly of course. Toninato sounds like he showed well. Guys that are physically mature like devane, Broll and Biggs sounds like they did well. Ross sounds like he was slow starting but did well last game.
- burn

ya I didn't think that looked right, but the post I was replying to said OHL so I went with it...

I just think that he'll thrive more in a system like Chicago or Detroit....where they play more open and fluid hockey. I highly doubt Carlyle's system will allow for that type of game. Again, I'd sign him to a 1yr deal...but anything more than that is to big of a risk IMO.

What's even more worrisome to me is how Carlyle's system will affect Kessel. I hope I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that Carlyle's style will not jive with Kessel's play next year.
- Pen15

Why does everyone think that Carlyle is going to play the trap/left wing lock?

Carlyle allows for offensive hockey, just demands defensive accountability.

ya I didn't think that looked right, but the post I was replying to said OHL so I went with it...
- Big_Lightnin

Yeah, I figured.

So you'd be pissed if Burke signed Semin? I'm pretty sure it would make up the best 2nd line in hockey, Kulemin/Grabovski/Semin, would be incredible.
- ThePresident

what?