Since his name got thrown around a few times, what is Leier's potential? He made the WJC but was used in a 4th line/extra forward role, which didn't really suit him. I figure he goes to Adirondack/whever next year. Where does he fit? Is he viewed as a Raffl/Read type player (3rd liner that can jump up) or does he need to play in a scoring role (a la Hart Ross Akeson)?
- jmatchett383

I believe he's more two-way. I see him with third line potential. He's the captain of Portland and plays on the PK.

Another reason I think we will be quiet is because I think B.Schenn is playing himself off the table...He has been really good lately
- nonpoint22

Absolutely. Before this season, he was the big piece we could do without. But his line (and Simmonds in particular) have been our best line for a while now. Even Vinny is better (still not good, but better). Speaking of Vinny, he got very lucky that puck knuckled and dropped yesterday.

I'd be willing to move Mez and a 1st to Vancouver for Edler and a 3rd, they'd need to take Mez off our hands to make the salaries work.

On 2nd thought I'd rather move Mez to Boston for a 2nd and then our 1st to Vancouver for Edler.
- BiggE

Unless your getting a star you dont trade your 1st....The best way to build the backline is still through the draft

I believe he's more two-way. I see him with third line potential. He's the captain of Portland and plays on the PK.
- PhillySportsGuy

So would you say Raffl/Read, maybe somewhere between them?

Unless your getting a star you dont trade your 1st....The best way to build the backline is still through the draft
- nonpoint22

Absolutely. This draft won't be AS deeply talented as last year's, but there are still good defensive players to be had in the late teens/20s.

Absolutely. Before this season, he was the big piece we could do without. But his line (and Simmonds in particular) have been our best line for a while now. Even Vinny is better (still not good, but better). Speaking of Vinny, he got very lucky that puck knuckled and dropped yesterday.
- jmatchett383

I would love to see Schenn away from Vinny and Briere for an extended period of time. The line of 19-10-17 looked great when they were together.

I've, also, noticed B. Schenn playing very well in his own zone. He's been winning puck battles behind the net. That line does get hemmed in, but I feel it has more to do with Simmer and Vinny roaming too much and getting out of position.

Spector saying Philly is interested in Ehrhoff...

Absolutely. Before this season, he was the big piece we could do without. But his line (and Simmonds in particular) have been our best line for a while now. Even Vinny is better (still not good, but better). Speaking of Vinny, he got very lucky that puck knuckled and dropped yesterday.
- jmatchett383

Vinny is starting to play a little better...I almost wonder if maybe a Simmonds Giroux Schenn 1st line would be in the cards...THen again you dont want to mess with line chemistry when its starts to click

I am glad a Canucks fan is here..whats the fan base feelings toward Lu..I almost feel like most canucks fans want him traded cause they feel bad for him. Any thoughts?
- nonpoint22

From my perspective that's pretty much it, thought it was all put to rest and yet the same thing happens again with Lack playing dominant hockey.

The Heritage Classic snub was ridiculous, i'd be happy to see him moved for next to nothing merely do to the way this organization has treated him, its ludicrous and humiliating as a fan.

Spector saying Philly is interested in Ehrhoff...
- ImThatGuy

I'm interested in him, but not at the likely price (roster player not named Downie/Rinaldo + high pick/good prospect).

Spector saying Philly is interested in Ehrhoff...
- ImThatGuy

I am sure most "buyers" are "interested" until Murray drops the asking price on them

So would you say Raffl/Read, maybe somewhere between them?
- jmatchett383

Something like that. We'll see what kind of offense he produces. Take his current numbers with a grain of salt as he plays on an offensive juggernaut.

I like his two-way ability. Thats what gives me hope he'll be able to find a nice role in the NHL.

Yeah, I wouldn't trade him unless it's for a Weber/Pietrangelo type. Even for OEL, I'd be hesitant (as good as OEL is). The kid is already so good, and seems to have an infinite ceiling.
- jmatchett383

I would move him for:

1. Weber
2. Pieterangelo
3. Doughty
4. OEL

Since it would take more than Couturier to get any of those 4 I am not interested in making that deal.

That's tough. I'm really not looking to move a first for anything except a blockbuster at the draft/offseason. Edler has had a shaky year, so I'd like to try to get him for quanitity over quality.
- jmatchett383

My hope, and yeah its a risk, is that they would be moving a pick somewhere between 17-19 for a legit top 4 puck mover under 30. I'm willing to take that risk especially if I can pick up an additional 2nd for Mez.

While I don't prefer trading a first, and this draft looks like a solid one, I still don't think its as good as '13 or '15. Thats why I'd do it.

I am sure most "buyers" are "interested" until Murray drops the asking price on them
- nonpoint22

I love Ehrhoff.

From my perspective that's pretty much it, thought it was all put to rest and yet the same thing happens again with Lack playing dominant hockey.

The Heritage Classic snub was ridiculous, i'd be happy to see him moved for next to nothing merely do to the way this organization has treated him, its ludicrous and humiliating as a fan.
- Whiskey-Tango

Seems they went from complacent to crap when Torts arrived.

Vinny is starting to play a little better...I almost wonder if maybe a Simmonds Giroux Schenn 1st line would be in the cards...THen again you dont want to mess with line chemistry when its starts to click
- nonpoint22

I'd leave the top 2 lines as they are. Hartnell, somehow, just helps Giroux. Even when Hartnell's not playing well, he seems to make Giroux better.

However, I'd definitely put Raffl with Coots/Read. It's amazing how well they have played with Downie dragging them down.

From my perspective that's pretty much it, thought it was all put to rest and yet the same thing happens again with Lack playing dominant hockey.

The Heritage Classic snub was ridiculous, i'd be happy to see him moved for next to nothing merely do to the way this organization has treated him, its ludicrous and humiliating as a fan.
- Whiskey-Tango

It's his contract. They might as well just amnesty him. It's become such a ridiculous distraction.

Absolutely. This draft won't be AS deeply talented as last year's, but there are still good defensive players to be had in the late teens/20s.
- jmatchett383

Theres also a lot of busts to be had between 15-20 in most years. If they can acquire an additional 2nd, I'd risk it

I would love to see Schenn away from Vinny and Briere for an extended period of time. The line of 19-10-17 looked great when they were together.

I've, also, noticed B. Schenn playing very well in his own zone. He's been winning puck battles behind the net. That line does get hemmed in, but I feel it has more to do with Simmer and Vinny roaming too much and getting out of position.
- PhillySportsGuy

huh?

My hope, and yeah its a risk, is that they would be moving a pick somewhere between 17-19 for a legit top 4 puck mover under 30. I'm willing to take that risk especially if I can pick up an additional 2nd for Mez.

While I don't prefer trading a first, and this draft looks like a solid one, I still don't think its as good as '13 or '15. Thats why I'd do it.
- BiggE

I think he's 31 actually, but whatever. And yeah, this draft isn't as deep as the ones around it (projected), and they could do a lot worse (see: Eminger, Steve). But I really think he could be had for less (2nd + 3rd + prospect).

I think he's 31 actually, but whatever. And yeah, this draft isn't as deep as the ones around it (projected), and they could do a lot worse (see: Eminger, Steve). But I really think he could be had for less (2nd + 3rd + prospect).
- jmatchett383

Edler is 27.
Edit: In todays NHL he'll cost a 1st

huh?
- JoeRussomanno

Briere/Schenn played together a lot last year/switching between C and wing.

huh?
- JoeRussomanno

They saddled him with Briere all last season. They have saddled him with Vinny for much of this season. I would like to see them stop putting him with guys who can't play the wing.

Edler is 27.
- BiggE

My bad, I was thinking Hamhuis. You're right.
Still, if he truly is available, I'd try to jump the market without moving a first/top-9 player. Vancouver may actually be the perfect place for Akeson to break through, as he seems like the kind of player they could use.