I liked what I saw from Drai against the Calgary squad. Was pushing guys around all night hopefully his wingers can capitalize on the changes he'll create.
Location: PC is a genius for drafting mcdavid Joined: 02.20.2007
Sep 22 @ 3:00 PM ET
That Russel deal will be directly responsible for making it difficult to not only retain players, but upgrade on the backend.
It's bad for multiple reasons
Love patty, but we can't pay him 4 mil.
Even another 25 goal campaign and I'd be looking elsewhere for comparable contributions if in fact he demands those dollars .
3 mil max. Short term
If they're trying to get the guy going and into a rhythm, it seems like a really odd decision to leave Puljujarvi out of this game. He's probably the player that needs the reps the most and he's only got the one split squad game. Not a huge deal; just curious to me.
That Russel deal will be directly responsible for making it difficult to not only retain players, but upgrade on the backend.
It's bad for multiple reasons
Love patty, but we can't pay him 4 mil.
Even another 25 goal campaign and I'd be looking elsewhere for comparable contributions if in fact he demands those dollars .
3 mil max. Short term - HB77
Pretty sure that's as much on the Sekera, Lucic (especially given his similar role) and even the Nuge deals as it is on the Russell deal. I get that it's your belief that Russell is far less worthy of his contract than those two, but this was a foregone conclusion the moment we got McDavid. One way or another, this team would have a harder time retaining mid-tier talent. It didn't help but it's not directly responsible.
As for upgrading on defense, I don't know that that's entirely necessary. While my personal belief is that a 3 year deal would've been FAR better, the extra deal is manageable. He was a zero-cost placeholder to take on tougher minutes for the next year or two until Nurse and Benning is fully prepared to usurp him and Sekera.
The way I see it, we were looking at stomaching this contract, dealing our future for Hamonic or signing a far less proven and perhaps less effective veteran to fill the gap. As a result of Sekera's expected absence, I don't believe that last one was an option worth considering.
Never said it was even close to as bad; just that you at least had a chance against the bottom half of the roster. However, that was before you informed me that Boeser wasn't dressed for the game.
Never said it was even close to as bad; just that you at least had a chance against the bottom half of the roster. However, that was before you informed me that Boeser wasn't dressed for the game. - MaximumBone
No Boeser and no Demko. Subban might be injured. No Dahlen either (mono). Not sure why Juolevi isn't playing
I really really like Yamomoto. I think that kid is going to steal a roster spot this year.
No Boeser and no Demko. Subban might be injured. No Dahlen either (mono).
I really really like Yamomoto. I think that kid is going to steal a roster spot this year. - Codes1087
While I think he's played well enough to, I don't think it would be enough to negate the countless positives of sending him down for another year or two.
While I think he's played well enough to, I don't think it would be enough to negate the countless positives of sending him down for another year or two. - MaximumBone
That kid has a ton of skill. The only thing you have to question is whether or not him playing more minutes in the minors would benefit him more than pluggin him into your bottom 6 and having him play way less.
That kid has a ton of skill. The only thing you have to question is whether or not him playing more minutes in the minors would benefit him more than pluggin him into your bottom 6 and having him play way less. - Codes1087
For me, it's a matter of getting him used to playing huge minutes, giving him a chance to really focus on building up his lower body even more and putting off the need to pay him any larger future contract until a ways down the road when the team figures to have more space available (post-Russell, Nuge, Sekera and maybe Lucic).
I don't see a benefit to keeping him up that isn't just as easily put off for a year or two. However, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing him up for his 9-game trial at the end of the year or into the postseason (ala Couture in his "rookie year").
That Russel deal will be directly responsible for making it difficult to not only retain players, but upgrade on the backend.
It's bad for multiple reasons
Love patty, but we can't pay him 4 mil.
Even another 25 goal campaign and I'd be looking elsewhere for comparable contributions if in fact he demands those dollars .
3 mil max. Short term - HB77
He'll get 4 million... Whether it's with the Oilers or elsewhere.
I think it's very probable that both Yammy and Pulju get sent down by the time Slep comes back. Jokinen has the ability to play RW and he is one year removed from a 60 point season.
Strome
Caggiula
Slepyshev
Kassian
Jokinen
All capable of 35 points while Strome and Jokinen are capable of 50+
