Meszaros from a summer ago would probably be the stronger comparison.
- Tomahawk

Yeah, they've been actively shopping VL for a while now. Hartnell came out of nowhere.

Semin is actually a pretty ok defensive player. He's been a plus player since 08-09 season.
- J35Bacher

Well, maybe he's changed, but I know that he was constantly bashed in Washington for being lazy and uninterested. People always said he was the most talented player on the team but he didn't care enough.

- aightwebang17

He's gonna get it. Just wait.

I'd rather leave VL at center and try Schenn on LW. That makes 3 players who are average/adequate defensively (on a league-wide basis) who can all score. It lets VL stay at his accustomed spot instead of again trying him at a different position. But either way, I think one of VL or B Schenn has to be your 2C (assuming they're both on the roster).
- jmatchett383

If that's the case, than I would suggest:

Schenn-G-Jake
Raffl-VL-Read
Umberger-Couturier-Simmonds

I really think that VL needs wingers that can both skate, carry the puck and play well defensively in order for him to succeed and I think that the Couturier line could really be a beast on the cycle, while still being very good defensively.

Some people seem very hesitant about splitting up Read and Couturier, but come on, we aren't talking about splitting Gretzky and Kurri here and both players, IMO, are smart and talented enough to succeed with anyone.

Yeah, they've been actively shopping VL for a while now. Hartnell came out of nowhere.
- jmatchett383

They only started shopping Vinny once the season ended. We don't know how long the have been shoppiong Hartnell. Just because they didn't tell us doesn't mean they didn't try before.

Semin is actually a pretty ok defensive player. He's been a plus player since 08-09 season.
- J35Bacher

His contract is still a nightmare though

I think Rinaldo is on the bubble as it is. Berube was willing to get rid of Hartnell for stupid penalties and undisciplined play. SO I think Rinaldo is going to be under that same microscope.

All of the line combos I have been playing with don't even have Rinaldo in the building.

Schenn G Simmonds
Umberger Vinny Voracek
Akeson Cooter Read
Bella Laughton Raffl
- MBFlyerfan

I'd like to see the line up balanced with the bjective of getting the most valuable players on the ice as much as possible.

Schenn Giroux Voracek
Read Couturier Simmonds
Umberger Vinny Akeson(spot up for grabs)
Bella Laughton Raffl (Besides Raffl, 2 spots up for grabs)
Rinaldo

Coburn-Streit
MacDonald-Schenn
Kimmo-Grossmann

If that's the case, than I would suggest:

Schenn-G-Jake
Raffl-VL-Read
Umberger-Couturier-Simmonds

I really think that VL needs wingers that can both skate, carry the puck and play well defensively in order for him to succeed and I think that the Couturier line could really be a beast on the cycle, while still being very good defensively.

Some people seem very hesitant about splitting up Read and Couturier, but come on, we aren't talking about splitting Gretzky and Kurri here and both players, IMO, are smart and talented enough to succeed with anyone.
- BiggE

Yes but what they do together for this team is important. No one ever say John Madden, Jay Pandolfo or Sergi Begin were marquee playersut what they did for the Devils was very important to them.

- aightwebang17

Nice TV.

His contract is still a nightmare though
- BiggE

Yeah but if he plays with Giroux and scores 40 goals is it a nightmare then?

Yes but what they do together for this team is important. No one ever say John Madden, Jay Pandolfo or Sergi Begin were marquee playersut what they did for the Devils was very important to them.
- J35Bacher

Well they would still work together on the PK and lines can be adjusted depending on game situations. I just think that both can also succeed working with other players.

Yeah but if he plays with Giroux and scores 40 goals is it a nightmare then?
- J35Bacher

Considering his track record when it comes to work ethic, thats a big if.

His contract is still a nightmare though
- BiggE

Not to mention CAR already has two Staals, Lindholm, Skinner, Nash and McClement... what are they going to do w/ Vinny... play him on the wing?

Not to mention CAR already has two Staals, Lindholm, Skinner, Nash and McClement... what are they going to do w/ Vinny... play him on the wing?
- Tomahawk

Yeah, we all know how well that works!

To be fair only one poster recommended a Schenn for Kane deal. But totally agree.
- coffee junkie

It actually was not a recommendation. It was a question. I never said that I would do the trade. Just thought it was worth discussing. For the record I am fine if they went into the season as is.

Considering his track record when it comes to work ethic, thats a big if.
- BiggE

From who? Media reports? Guess Giroux has a drinking problem then from the pictures we have seen of him getting taking in the other day and the pictures of playing beer pong with the casts on after wrist surgery.

If the guy does his job when it is game time i'll take him on my team. They guy can score and is someone who could be an asset.

Don't I know you from somewhere?
- BulliesPhan87

Nope... I remember a guy with a name like yours who had Majora's Mask on... never seen you before.

From who? Media reports? Guess Giroux has a drinking problem then from the pictures we have seen of him getting taking in the other day and the pictures of playing beer pong with the casts on after wrist surgery.

If the guy does his job when it is game time i'll take him on my team. They guy can score and is someone who could be an asset.
- J35Bacher

From the Hockey News

SCOUTING REPORT
Assets: Owns one of the best shots in the NHL. Has the creativity, offensive wizardry, explosiveness and soft hands of a supreme goal-scorer. Is lethal one-on-one and can break a game open at any time.
Flaws: Could use more muscle on his 6-2 frame, since he can struggle in physical contests. An unpredictable sort, he needs to better utilize his linemates and work on his defense. Is somewhat injury-prone and moody.
Career Potential: Supremely slick but inconsistent scoring winger.

Plus, he had 22 goals and 42 points in 65 games last year, not sure you can just pencil him in for 40 goals and 80 points.

I am just presenting examples of deals where maybe it is bad contract for bad contract but at least your getting something you can use. Maybe Vinny for Semin doesn't make sense. What about Shane Doan. He is on the decline but he can play wing and is only for one year. I just don't like the mix with Vinny. I know everything is just speculation. Just think there are other avenues to get a deal done.

Nope... I remember a guy with a name like yours who had Majora's Mask on... never seen you before.
- Guile

Masks will not help me defeat Count Dracula.

I am just presenting examples of deals where maybe it is bad contract for bad contract but at least your getting something you can use. Maybe Vinny for Semin doesn't make sense. What about Shane Doan. He is on the decline but he can play wing and is only for one year. I just don't like the mix with Vinny. I know everything is just speculation. Just think there are other avenues to get a deal done.
- J35Bacher

I understand and Doan is a guy I would love to swap Vinnie for. Sadly, I don't think Phoenix would make the deal nor would Vinnie want to go out west.

Masks will not help me defeat Count Dracula.
- BulliesPhan87

Being "The Guy" might. Don't you Wanna Be the Guy?

From the Hockey News

SCOUTING REPORT
Assets: Owns one of the best shots in the NHL. Has the creativity, offensive wizardry, explosiveness and soft hands of a supreme goal-scorer. Is lethal one-on-one and can break a game open at any time.
Flaws: Could use more muscle on his 6-2 frame, since he can struggle in physical contests. An unpredictable sort, he needs to better utilize his linemates and work on his defense. Is somewhat injury-prone and moody.
Career Potential: Supremely slick but inconsistent scoring winger.

Plus, he had 22 goals and 42 points in 65 games last year, not sure you can just pencil him in for 40 goals and 80 points.
- BiggE

I don't see anything saying poor work ethic.

I am just presenting examples of deals where maybe it is bad contract for bad contract but at least your getting something you can use. Maybe Vinny for Semin doesn't make sense. What about Shane Doan. He is on the decline but he can play wing and is only for one year. I just don't like the mix with Vinny. I know everything is just speculation. Just think there are other avenues to get a deal done.
- J35Bacher

But if Doan is on the decline and has one year left...why would they trade for Vinny, who is on the decline, who has four years left?