Dee Karl: Charles Wang Talks about RDP - to the NYT Usually tight lipped, Charles Wang speaks candidly with NY Times writer and published hockey author, Jeff Z. Klein

Dee Karl: Charles Wang Talks about RDP - to the NYT
Usually tight lipped, Charles Wang speaks candidly with NY Times writer and published hockey author, Jeff Z. Klein
- Dee Karl

Dee Karl: Charles Wang Talks about RDP - to the NYT
Usually tight lipped, Charles Wang speaks candidly with NY Times writer and published hockey author, Jeff Z. Klein
- Dee Karl

Thanks Dee! Keep up the great work! you get two thumbs up bcs this blog is twice as good as the last one! They just get better and better!

Wow, why post anything at all?

Do you not know our GM? He takes after uncle Lou. You won't hear about anything until it's signed and done with. Then about 3 hours everyone on twitter and tsn report it you'll write a blog about a breaking story!!

Fill holes in lineup?

Waiver wire, of course.

Now onto real talk. I posted it at the end of the last blog so ill repeat it here now... I know we would all love to get Horton for JTs wing but I still feel he's a long shot and with all his concussion problems I'm not 100%comfortable agreeing to a long term deal. My choice would be Clarkson. This would solve multiple needs. You'll not only get offensive production but finally have someone to protect JT who can play regular min on his line and be productive. Who would wanna step on the ice against us with him Martin and clutter! He's just the type of player we need and fits this teams identity perfectly! Thoughts?

I'm not worried about the UFA's because no marquee name is going to sign unless he really wants to be a part of this team.

Now onto real talk. I posted it at the end of the last blog so ill repeat it here now... I know we would all love to get Horton for JTs wing but I still feel he's a long shot and with all his concussion problems I'm not 100%comfortable agreeing to a long term deal. My choice would be Clarkson. This would solve multiple needs. You'll not only get offensive production but finally have someone to protect JT who can play regular min on his line and be productive. Who would wanna step on the ice against us with him Martin and clutter! He's just the type of player we need and fits this teams identity perfectly! Thoughts?
- oopsb13

Clarkson who wants six years six million per? Yeah no

Fill holes in lineup?

Waiver wire, of course.
- Jacob582

Thanks for your input

I'm not worried about the UFA's because no marquee name is going to sign unless he really wants to be a part of this team.
- Fan101

You could probably say that about any UFA signing with any team.

I wouldn't say the free agency pool is "thinning out" Free Agency hasn't even started yet. Lecavalier signed in Philly, a guy everyone knew wasn't going to sign with the Isles anyway. And lets not forget there is the possibilty of trades.

Bottom line: Snow MUST make moves. He has no choice. The CBA doesn't let unattainable bonuses count towards the salary floor. Between Nabby, Streit, RDP and Thomas being off the books, the Isles are losing over $16M in salary. They have to make those dollars up somehow. Bailey, Hickey and Poulin aren't getting significant raises. Clutterbuck and Hamonic will get decent money, but not enough to bridge the huge gap between where they are now and the salary floor.

The Isles don't buy out RDP and use an amnesty buy-out to do it if they don't intend on making moves, whether they be trades or UFA signings. Let this thing run its course. A week from now I think we'll see a much better and more complete team on paper than right now.

Clarkson who wants six years six million per? Yeah no
- Cptmjl

So who are we getting that's going to fit that well and be any cheaper? Not saying I'd love 6milx 6years but if they could get him at a reasonable contract I just think he's the perfect for this team going forward

Now onto real talk. I posted it at the end of the last blog so ill repeat it here now... I know we would all love to get Horton for JTs wing but I still feel he's a long shot and with all his concussion problems I'm not 100%comfortable agreeing to a long term deal. My choice would be Clarkson. This would solve multiple needs. You'll not only get offensive production but finally have someone to protect JT who can play regular min on his line and be productive. Who would wanna step on the ice against us with him Martin and clutter! He's just the type of player we need and fits this teams identity perfectly! Thoughts?
- oopsb13

I like Clarkson, but not at $5M per. I think that's what he's looking for. If the Isles could get Clarkson for a reasonable number and a decent term, I'd like to see them get him.

I'm still more intrigued by the possibility of trades. There are teams out there up against the cap that MUST move players. I think the Isles can find better value on the trade market, albeit at a cost of assets.

I like Clarkson, but not at $5M per. I think that's what he's looking for. If the Isles could get Clarkson for a reasonable number and a decent term, I'd like to see them get him.

I'm still more intrigued by the possibility of trades. There are teams out there up against the cap that MUST move players. I think the Isles can find better value on the trade market, albeit at a cost of assets.
- Jethro09

I agree I just don't see snow moving many prospects or atleast the ones that could bring any real returns...we have a ton of good defense prospects so obviously some will have to be dealt sooner or later. Who would you go after via trades?

Now onto real talk. I posted it at the end of the last blog so ill repeat it here now... I know we would all love to get Horton for JTs wing but I still feel he's a long shot and with all his concussion problems I'm not 100%comfortable agreeing to a long term deal. My choice would be Clarkson. This would solve multiple needs. You'll not only get offensive production but finally have someone to protect JT who can play regular min on his line and be productive. Who would wanna step on the ice against us with him Martin and clutter! He's just the type of player we need and fits this teams identity perfectly! Thoughts?
- oopsb13

I think we have enough of the Clarkson types here at this point. While Clarkson is a good 'lunch pail' kinda guy and tough in front of the net, so is Martin, McDonald & Clutterbuck. Given Clarkson would probably be the best of the four, I'd prefer to see a bit more skill signed for the top line.


Xxkeaner17xX

I think we have enough of the Clarkson types here at this point. While Clarkson is a good 'lunch pail' kinda guy and tough in front of the net, so is Martin, McDonald & Clutterbuck. Given Clarkson would probably be the best of the four, I'd prefer to see a bit more skill signed for the top line.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I don't disagree but who would you go after via free agency or trade that would be a good fit?

I agree I just don't see snow moving many prospects or atleast the ones that could bring any real returns...we have a ton of good defense prospects so obviously some will have to be dealt sooner or later. Who would you go after via trades?
- oopsb13

I can't say, because I don't know who's on the block. I don't think they're real players for a guy like Bobby Ryan because, like you wrote, they're not going to move prospects that can bring in high returns. If Halak is on the block, he'd be my first choice to go after in goal. I always liked his game dating back to his days in MTL. He would be a good fit and probably wouldn't cost much by way of compensation. I like Hiller too, but he would probably cost us a roster player, likely Nielsen +.

On "D", I'd be very hesitant to trade for anyone, because "D" is such a premium position that you'll get fleeced on almost any deal you can make. teams aren't giving away top fours. You might have to just go with what you have (Lubo, A-Mac, Hamonic, Carkner, Strait, Hickey, Donovan/de Haan). Up front, I don't know if he's available, but James Neal would be great. Pitt just locked up Dupuis and Letang. I can't imagine they have the cap space to keep everyone. If Neal was on the block, I'd like the Isles to be all over that.

So who are we getting that's going to fit that well and be any cheaper? Not saying I'd love 6milx 6years but if they could get him at a reasonable contract I just think he's the perfect for this team going forward
- oopsb13

Nobody coming in will make more than $5M per season. No way Snow pays someone more than the $5.5M per he's paying JT.

Haha. I love how DiPietro Sr thinks DP going to sign somewhere else. LOL

Talk about being dillusion. Enjoy the freebie 1.5MM Wang mistake going to give him forever, I wish i was as fortunate

Wouldnt it be great if Flyers signed DP. LOL.

I don't disagree but who would you go after via free agency or trade that would be a good fit?
- oopsb13

Think of players who might have tailed off in points but a change of scenery would benefit them....

Setoguchi....comes to mind, especially with Minn have cap issues

Nobody coming in will make more than $5M per season. No way Snow pays someone more than the $5.5M per he's paying JT.
- Jethro09

Snow should just give JT an extension now. that 5.5MM he making is a steal in this day and age.

I feel like Snow going to try to work Bailey and Hamonic on the cheap and both going to be disgruntle.

I don't disagree but who would you go after via free agency or trade that would be a good fit?
- oopsb13

I'd focus on Tomas Vanek. He's reportedly available and the Isles have the young assets at defense to help Buffalo. If they can't get that one done, Bobby Ryan may be had. I'd certainly kick the tires on Horton, though I don't expect he'll choose the Isles. I wouldn't rule out Penner or Jagr. Jagr could be signed for a one year deal which would give Strome (or whoever) time to mature into the role.


Xxkeaner17xX

I can't say, because I don't know who's on the block. I don't think they're real players for a guy like Bobby Ryan because, like you wrote, they're not going to move prospects that can bring in high returns. If Halak is on the block, he'd be my first choice to go after in goal. I always liked his game dating back to his days in MTL. He would be a good fit and probably wouldn't cost much by way of compensation. I like Hiller too, but he would probably cost us a roster player, likely Nielsen +.

On "D", I'd be very hesitant to trade for anyone, because "D" is such a premium position that you'll get fleeced on almost any deal you can make. teams aren't giving away top fours. You might have to just go with what you have (Lubo, A-Mac, Hamonic, Carkner, Strait, Hickey, Donovan/de Haan). Up front, I don't know if he's available, but James Neal would be great. Pitt just locked up Dupuis and Letang. I can't imagine they have the cap space to keep everyone. If Neal was on the block, I'd like the Isles to be all over that.
- Jethro09

I would love halak too but all those groin injuries last year just bring back horrible memories lol. He would be a great fit he's only 29 and if healthy could put in plenty of solid years until we can develop one of our guys into a starter. I wrote yesterday I feel that franz is dealt this offseason for someone and as much as I love the guy we could def use an upgrade because he's not a 2nd line center

I'd focus on Tomas Vanek. He's reportedly available and the Isles have the young assets at defense to help Buffalo. If they can't get that one done, Bobby Ryan may be had. I'd certainly kick the tires on Horton, though I don't expect he'll choose the Isles. I wouldn't rule out Penner or Jagr. Jagr could be signed for a one year deal which would give Strome (or whoever) time to mature into the role.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I'm with you on Vanek the price would be steep but most likely worth it. I'd rather go with a guy like briere over Penney or jagr. Think he might be the better fit then those two