Michael Stuart: The Big Decision

You just have to, not for now but for 4-5 years from now. The contract is just too bad

You just have to, not for now but for 4-5 years from now. The contract is just too bad
- Meeqsb

That's the key. Perhaps they get another year out of him before doing it, but I'm not really sure.

Even with Barkov there, do you take him over Jones if Seth falls?

COL - Mackinnon
FLA - Drouin
TAMP - Jones
NSH - Barkov

Just my guess on the draft at this point with what Colorado has just thrown down.

Even with Barkov there, do you take him over Jones if Seth falls?

COL - Mackinnon
FLA - Drouin
TAMP - Jones
NSH - Barkov

Just my guess on the draft at this point with what Colorado has just thrown down.
- Steve-B

There is a lot of reports out there that Avs want Barkov. But no TB for sure takes Jones if they get that lucky

Even with Barkov there, do you take him over Jones if Seth falls?

COL - Mackinnon
FLA - Drouin
TAMP - Jones
NSH - Barkov

Just my guess on the draft at this point with what Colorado has just thrown down.
- Steve-B

If Jones is available, you select him. I don't think he'll get by Florida, though.

There is a lot of reports out there that Avs want Barkov. But no TB for sure takes Jones if they get that lucky
- Meeqsb

If the Lightning land Jones and Lecavalier gets bought out, they'll have to sign someone like Weiss, Briere, etc.

EDIT - It's a risky little game, which leads me to believe that the Lightning will wait until next year before buying out Lecavalier.

There is a lot of reports out there that Avs want Barkov. But no TB for sure takes Jones if they get that lucky
- Meeqsb

Crazy draft,

COL - Barkov
FLA - Mackinnon
TAMPA - Jones
NSH - Drouin

If Colorado wants to make sure Nashville does not get a #1 Center, all they have to do is take Barkov lol. Mack & Jones wouldn't go past #2 & #3.

Nashville will be in our division, lol can you imagine how out of place Drouin would be in Nashville. Uh you want me to play defense? Who do I pass to?

Crazy draft,

COL - Barkov
FLA - Mackinnon
TAMPA - Jones
NSH - Drouin

If Colorado wants to make sure Nashville does not get a #1 Center, all they have to do is take Barkov lol. Mack & Jones wouldn't go past #2 & #3.

Nashville will be in our division, lol
- Steve-B

Honestly, this would thrill me as a Lightning fan. Hold on to Lecavalier until next summer (re-evaluate at that point) and run with things.

If the Lightning land Jones and Lecavalier gets bought out, they'll have to sign someone like Weiss, Briere, etc.

EDIT - It's a risky little game, which leads me to believe that the Lightning will wait until next year before buying out Lecavalier.
- Michael_Stuart

Lightning are still in a semi rebuild. A step back for 2 steps forward

Lightning are still in a semi rebuild. A step back for 2 steps forward
- Meeqsb

Yeah, we're sort of on the tail end of a re-build here. This, to me, is the sort of transition year.

They should have traded him to Montreal when they had the chance!!!

you guys are crazy. you are completely forgetting about nishushkin who the bolts are way more high on than barkov. either way i think tyler johnson is our future number 2 center behind stamkos. also remember we have kucherov as well. i think the bolts take drouin to play with stammer cuz marty wont be around forever. i wouldnt be against signing briere at all actually. but for 3 mill or less. they will keep vinny till next season. i think they buy out malone or brewer this season. or they take jones if hes there forsure. and what are you guys crazy? the avs will clearly take mackinnon over barkov. they are both centers but mackinnon is a franchise player. barkov has comparisons to a staal brother. nishushkin is an ovechkin/malkin combo. i think if jones is gone they will take nish over drouin but it will be tight. they might even trade down a pick to nsh to take nish

From a business perspective, it just makes the most sense!

They should have traded him to Montreal when they had the chance!!!
- jimmc7722

there was a deal that sent him to the rangers but it got nixed.

you guys are crazy. you are completely forgetting about nishushkin who the bolts are way more high on than barkov. either way i think tyler johnson is our future number 2 center behind stamkos. also remember we have kucherov as well. i think the bolts take drouin to play with stammer cuz marty wont be around forever. i wouldnt be against signing briere at all actually. but for 3 mill or less. they will keep vinny till next season. i think they buy out malone or brewer this season. or they take jones if hes there forsure. and what are you guys crazy? the avs will clearly take mackinnon over barkov. they are both centers but mackinnon is a franchise player. barkov has comparisons to a staal brother. nishushkin is an ovechkin/malkin combo. i think if jones is gone they will take nish over drouin but it will be tight. they might even trade down a pick to nsh to take nish
- boltsfan48

I think they'll take Drouin over Nichushkin. To me, Barkov is the sleeper in the top-five. He's the guy who will surprise a lot of people in five to ten years. He will be an absolute stud.

From a business perspective, it just makes the most sense!
- LeftCoaster

I think it makes more sense next year than it does this year.

Avs spent more time interviewing Barkov than any other player. There have also been a ton of reports he is the player the Avs want. It is also odd that Sakic would include him when he said the avs weren't taking Jones. Barkov also has the size Mckinnon doesn't, the best 2 way play in the draft and amazing Faceoff potential.

I am not saying I would, however it would explain why the Avs are trying to get teams in the top 4 to trade up with them.

there was a deal that sent him to the rangers but it got nixed.
- boltsfan48

They should buy him out... I really like Vinny, but the contract is jus crazy.

Bolts need some "D" and some grit!!!

Avs spent more time interviewing Barkov than any other player. There have also been a ton of reports he is the player the Avs want. It is also odd that Sakic would include him when he said the avs weren't taking Jones. Barkov also has the size Mckinnon doesn't, the best 2 way play in the draft and amazing Faceoff potential.

I am not saying I would, however it would explain why the Avs are trying to get teams in the top 4 to trade up with them.
- Meeqsb

Very good points.

I think it makes more season next year than it does this year.
- Michael_Stuart

More sense?

Honestly, this would thrill me as a Lightning fan. Hold on to Lecavalier until next summer (re-evaluate at that point) and run with things.
- Michael_Stuart

I agree with holding off buying out Lecavalier for another season, that said buying out the contract would have a $2.1M cap hit through 2026 -27. Ugh.

I agree with holding off buying out Lecavalier for another season, that said buying out the contract would have a $2.1M cap hit through 2026 -27. Ugh.
- Leafsandbolts

No man, they will use a compliance buyout. They don't go against the cap, and the team saves 1/3 of the contract cost.

No man, they will use a compliance buyout. They don't go against the cap, and the team saves 1/3 of the contract cost.
- Meeqsb

You are absolutely correct. My mistake and time for bed. Thanks for the polite correction too!

Avs spent more time interviewing Barkov than any other player. There have also been a ton of reports he is the player the Avs want. It is also odd that Sakic would include him when he said the avs weren't taking Jones. Barkov also has the size Mckinnon doesn't, the best 2 way play in the draft and amazing Faceoff potential.

I am not saying I would, however it would explain why the Avs are trying to get teams in the top 4 to trade up with them.
- Meeqsb

Av's are one of the teams who could afford to let Barkov develop and finish up his military duty.