James Tanner: Idle Fantasy: Yandle, O'Reilly and Johansen Engaging in some speculation because it's the summer and why not?

ROR signed a OS to the Flames not Isles

ROR signed a OS to the Flames not Isles
- Danformo

Yeah, I know.

But he would have had to clear waivers because Calgary screwed up and didn't know the rules and thus the last place (I believe at the time) Islanders would have got him.

Yeah, I know.

But he would have had to clear waivers because Calgary screwed up and didn't know the rules and thus the last place (I believe at the time) Islanders would have got him.
- James_Tanner

how about the schenn brothers and a pick or prospect for o reily

"Only a top line forward away from contention" - for what exactly?

"Only a top line forward away from contention" - for what exactly?
- LeftCoaster

Lets see, allstar goalie, one of the best groups of D in hockey, tons of good high potential forwards, some great grinders, even some depth.......I am serious, put a top line forward or two on this team, and they can compete with anyone.

Lets see, allstar goalie, one of the best groups of D in hockey, tons of good high potential forwards, some great grinders, even some depth.......I am serious, put a top line forward or two on this team, and they can compete with anyone.
- James_Tanner

You're kidding yourself James! This is a lunch bucket group of forwards who are worse offensively than they were last year; despite having a good group of defencemen, they're not gonna contend until they get more skill down the middle.

Love to see them get better though, we're looking at a place in Scottsdale (Grayhawk) so I'd be inclined to buy season tickets.

Yeah, I know.

But he would have had to clear waivers because Calgary screwed up and didn't know the rules and thus the last place (I believe at the time) Islanders would have got him.
- James_Tanner

Nope Isles weren't last at the time. Sabres, Oilers (at least) were both ahead of them in the waiver order.

Nope Isles weren't last at the time. Sabres, Oilers (at least) were both ahead of them in the waiver order.
- isles10289

It was the Blue Jackets.

Lets see, allstar goalie, one of the best groups of D in hockey, tons of good high potential forwards, some great grinders, even some depth.......I am serious, put a top line forward or two on this team, and they can compete with anyone.
- James_Tanner

This is a fairly big stretch, outside of the defensive corps.

Lets see, allstar goalie, one of the best groups of D in hockey, tons of good high potential forwards, some great grinders, even some depth.......I am serious, put a top line forward or two on this team, and they can compete with anyone.
- James_Tanner

"Tons" of high potential forwards? Half the Coyotes top 6 couldn't crack the third line on an average team. Sam Gagner has potential, but Tampa shipped him out for a bag of pucks, so that should tell you how people value him. Hanzal? Still waiting for him to be the player they promised, and he's not getting any younger. Vermette is nice player, and a player I like an awful lot...as a third line center. Doan is an absolute beast, if this were 2003.

There are some nice players there, but to say they have the makings of a contender in the western conference by adding just one or two pieces is definitely a little bit of dreamland.

"Tons" of high potential forwards? Half the Coyotes top 6 couldn't crack the third line on an average team. Sam Gagner has potential, but Tampa shipped him out for a bag of pucks, so that should tell you how people value him. Hanzal? Still waiting for him to be the player they promised, and he's not getting any younger. Vermette is nice player, and a player I like an awful lot...as a third line center. Doan is an absolute beast, if this were 2003.

There are some nice players there, but to say they have the makings of a contender in the western conference by adding just one or two pieces is definitely a little bit of dreamland.
- Sandus

You are exemplifying the common theme that teams never improve from within.

Both Hanzel and Boedker are approaching their primes and are due to just get better and better.

Erat can be a very good player.

Domi and Samuelson are two guys worth being excited about.

Sam Gagner was traded for Teddy Purcell, and then cap room. His value is insanely higher than a 6th rounder. He could still be a star player.

If you added say Johansen, then the Coyotes would have a pretty young, high ceiling top 6.

I am not saying they are the new Chicago or anything, but they are so much better than people think.

Yeah, I know.

But he would have had to clear waivers because Calgary screwed up and didn't know the rules and thus the last place (I believe at the time) Islanders would have got him.
- James_Tanner

do your homework dude

do your homework dude
- Nolanders

Jeez, lighten up. Whether it was the Sabres, Blue Jackets or Islanders, the point remains the same - he wouldn't have went to Calgary.

I have to agree with James. I've always liked the 'yotes and loved the defense they can line up against any team. I think they could pull a 2012 New Jersey Devils cup run. All you need to do is be the hot team, and with Arizona's D and goaltending you just never know!

I have to agree with James. I've always liked the 'yotes and loved the defense they can line up against any team. I think they could pull a 2012 New Jersey Devils cup run. All you need to do is be the hot team, and with Arizona's D and goaltending you just never know!
- gsharlow015

That's what I'm saying! Why be a pessimist? Don't we all watch and love hockey for the fun it provides? Living in Toronto, I am privy to the most negative media and coverage of a team, I assume, in the world. So, I will try to provide objective analysis when it's called for, but I'm also gonna choose to look on the bright side of the offseason.

You are exemplifying the common theme that teams never improve from within.

Both Hanzel and Boedker are approaching their primes and are due to just get better and better.

Erat can be a very good player.

Domi and Samuelson are two guys worth being excited about.

Sam Gagner was traded for Teddy Purcell, and then cap room. His value is insanely higher than a 6th rounder. He could still be a star player.

If you added say Johansen, then the Coyotes would have a pretty young, high ceiling top 6.

I am not saying they are the new Chicago or anything, but they are so much better than people think.
- James_Tanner

It was noted on one of the many threads talking about he Kane and Toews contracts that NHL forwards nearly always peak productionwise between the ages of 23-25. The "prime" of a player is almost always a slight regression from that, followed by a period of several years or longer of consistency at that level before fully declining. It is very rare for a forward to improve significantly past the age of 25 and maintain it for more than one season.

With that said, I think Boedker will get a little better and more consistent, though not to any sort of star potential and to me doesn't make my top line. I think the Martin Hanzal you have now is probably the best you're going to get.

Domi and Samuelson are for sure worth watching, but neither will sniff the NHL this season, and probably not for most of next season either. And when they do come up, neither is going to give you 60+ points as a rookie, so expectations need to be tempered.

Adding Johansen would give you a franchise center for the next 8 years, who will have to wait at least 3-4 for competent linemates. Add O'Reilly too and you've got awesome depth down the middle and three pure helicopter lines.

It was noted on one of the many threads talking about he Kane and Toews contracts that NHL forwards nearly always peak productionwise between the ages of 23-25. The "prime" of a player is almost always a slight regression from that, followed by a period of several years or longer of consistency at that level before fully declining. It is very rare for a forward to improve significantly past the age of 25 and maintain it for more than one season.

With that said, I think Boedker will get a little better and more consistent, though not to any sort of star potential and to me doesn't make my top line. I think the Martin Hanzal you have now is probably the best you're going to get.

Domi and Samuelson are for sure worth watching, but neither will sniff the NHL this season, and probably not for most of next season either. And when they do come up, neither is going to give you 60+ points as a rookie, so expectations need to be tempered.

Adding Johansen would give you a franchise center for the next 8 years, who will have to wait at least 3-4 for competent linemates. Add O'Reilly too and you've got awesome depth down the middle and three pure helicopter lines.
- Sandus

I disagree with a lot of this,but one thing is for sure: Domi will be in the opening night lineup. I guarantee it.

Why do you suppose no one has OS'd Johansen yet? and maybe more importantly, why the hell are the Jackets playing hardball with him?

Why do you suppose no one has OS'd Johansen yet? and maybe more importantly, why the hell are the Jackets playing hardball with him?
- MnGump

I always try to at least keep in the back of my mind that these are professional hockey people and they know what they are doing, plus the fact I don't know much about Columbus makes more unsure.

I will say it seems bizarre to me to sign Dubinsky to a huge deal and then play hardball with the superior player. I would guess they want a bridge deal and Johansen wants to cash in now? If that's the case,who can blame him as he could get injured or whatever.

As for offer sheets, they are so rare, I think b/c teams fear reprisal. For instance, how much you wanna bet if it ever comes to it that Colorado offer sheets Monohan?

You are exemplifying the common theme that teams never improve from within.

Both Hanzel and Boedker are approaching their primes and are due to just get better and better.

Erat can be a very good player.

Domi and Samuelson are two guys worth being excited about.

Sam Gagner was traded for Teddy Purcell, and then cap room. His value is insanely higher than a 6th rounder. He could still be a star player.

If you added say Johansen, then the Coyotes would have a pretty young, high ceiling top 6.

I am not saying they are the new Chicago or anything, but they are so much better than people think.
- James_Tanner

Yotes have some decent help on the ice, but have proven over the past several seasons that they are nothing more than perennial over achievers. Without Tippett the Yotes would be bottom dwellers. IMO

Why do you suppose no one has OS'd Johansen yet? and maybe more importantly, why the hell are the Jackets playing hardball with him?
- MnGump

I assume a big part of the reason is because first round picks have a high perceived value for next year's draft. I'm also sure that CBJ would match almost all offers made for him.

I always try to at least keep in the back of my mind that these are professional hockey people and they know what they are doing, plus the fact I don't know much about Columbus makes more unsure.

I will say it seems bizarre to me to sign Dubinsky to a huge deal and then play hardball with the superior player. I would guess they want a bridge deal and Johansen wants to cash in now? If that's the case,who can blame him as he could get injured or whatever.

As for offer sheets, they are so rare, I think b/c teams fear reprisal. For instance, how much you wanna bet if it ever comes to it that Colorado offer sheets Monohan?
- James_Tanner

Yeah, I dunno either. You suppose there is something going on with Johansen behind the scenes? Attitude maybe? I've never heard anything but it does seem very bizarre that Kekäläinen seems to be playing with fire in regards to this kid. He allegedly doesn't want to pay him, yet claims the Jackets will match ANY offer sheet he signs.

I always try to at least keep in the back of my mind that these are professional hockey people and they know what they are doing, plus the fact I don't know much about Columbus makes more unsure.

I will say it seems bizarre to me to sign Dubinsky to a huge deal and then play hardball with the superior player. I would guess they want a bridge deal and Johansen wants to cash in now? If that's the case,who can blame him as he could get injured or whatever.

As for offer sheets, they are so rare, I think b/c teams fear reprisal. For instance, how much you wanna bet if it ever comes to it that Colorado offer sheets Monohan?
- James_Tanner

Your calling a guy who had one good season a superior player.......you know Chris Gratton had a 63 pts season.