I have some, though not too much, faith that on some level, LA has gotten worse. (as have the Sharks) Their last run, while spectacular, they barely made it out of-not once, but twice, and are going into this next SCF (if they make it) handicapped by Voynov being out, and Richards production not adequately replaced. I think they (and the Bruins) have both seen their last deep run for some time to come. The hill-to-climb seems to be in the Central, who we are decent against. I think we'd beat the Blues or the Hawks in a best of seven- I'd worry more about the Jets than I would those two. Nashville- not so confident. I expect, (and won't be disappointed if)we get to the second round.
- roland_hazard

I disagree with the first part about the Sharks and Kings.

Sharks have Hertl, Pavelski, and Couture as a wave of good players about to take over from Thornton and Marleau, although they may not be going anywhere with their ntc's. Kings I think are still really deep and just worn down a bit from their last run. Maybe Quick is having confidence/consistency issues too.

But for sure the Central is just getting stronger.

The goal for the year was to make the playoffs, making it to the second round would be great. But anything less than winning the cup will be a disappointment to many.

- VanHockeyGuy

worth it just to keep a camera on him. Saw a segment a while back where the Kings players were talking about him and laughing. Much of it was more his answers to media questions that he has little patience for.

Boychuk: 7 years, $42M
- nucks_94

and he is 31.....man that contract is going to hurt the Isles in the future.

worth it just to keep a camera on him. Saw a segment a while back where the Kings players were talking about him and laughing. Much of it was more his answers to media questions that he has little patience for.
- hillbillydeluxe

I like the Sutters, meat & potatoes good ol boys. Benning kind of reminds me of that as well.

I like the Sutters, meat & potatoes good ol boys. Benning kind of reminds me of that as well.
- VanHockeyGuy

Just waiting for Benning to do the old Jim Nabors, "golly"

but he does come across as very sincere and not one to bs much if he can help it. He might have some secret agendas or strategies that he keeps close to the vest, but comes across as a really down home sort of guy. Just going about his business.

and he is 31.....man that contract is going to hurt the Isles in the future.
- belcherbd

I'd rather give him 6.5 for 4yrs

I'd rather give him 6.5 for 4yrs
- A_SteamingLombardi

Ya, maybe, I don't know, he is getting paid based off of one really good season, I have my doubts about him being a top pairing guy for the next 4 years let alone 6.
He might get 40 this year but hasn't come close to that before.

Bieksa got 40 or more 3 times in his career, Boychuck is 2 years younger and a bit bigger but otherwise comparable styles of play. I wouldn't pay a 31 year old dman with no history of offensive abilities anywhere close to that range.

Ya, maybe, I don't know, he is getting paid based off of one really good season, I have my doubts about him being a top pairing guy for the next 4 years let alone 6.
He might get 40 this year but hasn't come close to that before.

Bieksa got 40 or more 3 times in his career, Boychuck is 2 years younger and a bit bigger but otherwise comparable styles of play. I wouldn't pay a 31 year old dman with no history of offensive abilities anywhere close to that range.
- belcherbd

2 words

Garth Snow

2 words

Garth Snow
- A_SteamingLombardi

Is Wang gone now? He is/was supposed to be very hands on.

They are finally having some success, I guess they don't want to look too far ahead but hold onto everything they have that is working now.

I disagree with the first part about the Sharks and Kings.

Sharks have Hertl, Pavelski, and Couture as a wave of good players about to take over from Thornton and Marleau, although they may not be going anywhere with their ntc's. Kings I think are still really deep and just worn down a bit from their last run. Maybe Quick is having confidence/consistency issues too.

But for sure the Central is just getting stronger.

The goal for the year was to make the playoffs, making it to the second round would be great. But anything less than winning the cup will be a disappointment to many.
- hillbillydeluxe

I agree, Sharks are in a weird transition right now. They clearly have the players to be a contender for another 4-5 years, but their management (including coaching staff)has to change. This whole stripping the C every other 3-4 year is detrimental to any one trying to step up. TM's coaching job should end after this season. He's good, but he can't take this team any further. Kings are set for another 4-5 years as well. They have Pearson, Toffoli, Martinez, Muzzin and Shore as the "young players". Kopitar, Brown and Doughty are still under 30 and under long term contracts. I don't think they are gassed from all the playing in the last 4 years. The style they play is very effective in a series but not so much game-to-game in the regular season. They've slid in on a banana peel every season and this year is no different.

Good luck tonight

I agree, Sharks are in a weird transition right now. They clearly have the players to be a contender for another 4-5 years, but their management (including coaching staff)has to change. This whole stripping the C every other 3-4 year is detrimental to any one trying to step up. TM's coaching job should end after this season. He's good, but he can't take this team any further. Kings are set for another 4-5 years as well. They have Pearson, Toffoli, Martinez, Muzzin and Shore as the "young players". Kopitar, Brown and Doughty are still under 30 and under long term contracts. I don't think they are gassed from all the playing in the last 4 years. The style they play is very effective in a series but not so much game-to-game in the regular season. They've slid in on a banana peel every season and this year is no different.

Good luck tonight
- puckhog

I don't want to say good luck.

Nobody wants to face the Kings in the post season. And the only way a team wants to see them in the post season is if they are playing another team and battling it out, wearing rivals down. A very dangerous team.

- VanHockeyGuy

Reminds me of Sloth from the movie The Goonies...

Rocky Road!!!!

Hahah 7 years at 31 years old.

4 years too long in length.

Garth Snow back to his usual tricks.

Hahah 7 years at 31 years old.

4 years too long in length.

Garth Snow back to his usual tricks.



- classic321

To be fair that is absolutely what Boychuk would have commanded as a UFA. Marc friggin Methot is around that mark cap hit wise. So if you're in the market for a top 4 Dman then in that sense it's not an overpayment. The only thing Snow might be guilty of here is not being able to negotiate a discount with a rostered player.

I personally don't think Boychuk is good enough to warrant that salary but many GMs would disagree.

Marwood saying he is not into meat has made me go on a red meat eating spree. Beef and broccolis tonight tomorrow meatball subs on fresh made hoagies. Then more meat on Saturday.

To be fair that is absolutely what Boychuk would have commanded as a UFA. Marc friggin Methot is around that mark cap hit wise. So if you're in the market for a top 4 Dman then in that sense it's not an overpayment. The only thing Snow might be guilty of here is not being able to negotiate a discount with a rostered player.

I personally don't think Boychuk is good enough to warrant that salary but many GMs would disagree.
- AlexF

I was hoping Benning would go after McQuid in the FA but looking that this I am not sure if I want McQuid at the price he will come at. I would rather keep KB and resign Tanev.

To be fair that is absolutely what Boychuk would have commanded as a UFA. Marc friggin Methot is around that mark cap hit wise. So if you're in the market for a top 4 Dman then in that sense it's not an overpayment. The only thing Snow might be guilty of here is not being able to negotiate a discount with a rostered player.

I personally don't think Boychuk is good enough to warrant that salary but many GMs would disagree.
- AlexF

I think to the a Bad General Manager this is what he would have gotten on the open market.

But man Boychuk's game is all about physicality, and once he reaches that 34+ mark.........

I was hoping Benning would go after McQuid in the FA but looking that this I am not sure if I want McQuid at the price he will come at. I would rather keep KB and resign Tanev.
- Linden_4_Capt

Usually there are a few different tiers in UFA, the first tier is almost always overpaid. Green, Ehrhoff, Fransen, Martin, Michalek, Sekara will get big contracts likely.

Then you have guys like Jackman, Oduya, Petry, Beauchemin, who will get paid less and might outperform the tier above. ( I could see the argument that McQuaid fits into this tier)

The last tier tends to be where most the best value deals come in and I think that is where Mcquaid falls. Also there would be Meszaros, Hejda, Bartowski, Weaver, Irwin, Volchenkov, Kostka, Benoit, Prosser etc.

Marwood saying he is not into meat has made me go on a red meat eating spree. Beef and broccolis tonight tomorrow meatball subs on fresh made hoagies. Then more meat on Saturday.
- thundachunk

Shut up.

Marwood saying he is not into meat has made me go on a red meat eating spree. Beef and broccolis tonight tomorrow meatball subs on fresh made hoagies. Then more meat on Saturday.
- thundachunk

After all that steak talk I had to hit up the keg last night 30 oz bone in Rib eye mmmmmm

Usually there are a few different tiers in UFA, the first tier is almost always overpaid. Green, Ehrhoff, Fransen, Martin, Michalek, Sekara will get big contracts likely.

Then you have guys like Jackman, Oduya, Petry, Beauchemin, who will get paid less and might outperform the tier above. ( I could see the argument that McQuaid fits into this tier)

The last tier tends to be where most the best value deals come in and I think that is where Mcquaid falls. Also there would be Meszaros, Hejda, Bartowski, Weaver, Irwin, Volchenkov, Kostka, Benoit, Prosser etc.
- belcherbd

I'm not sure Ehrhoff will get the big contract as his stats have been average this year. That being said, I could see a 4 year $16m contract from an overpayer

After all that steak talk I had to hit up the keg last night 30 oz bone in Rib eye mmmmmm
- SMP8719

I'm not sure Ehrhoff will get the big contract as his stats have been average this year. That being said, I could see a 4 year $16m contract from an overpayer
- WhiteLie

True he might not, but some desperate team looking to add offensive dmen might throw money at him, there are not many offensive guys available this year. My point more was that the perceived high end guys usually get overpaid and many less flashy guys often get signed to reasonable contracts.

After all that steak talk I had to hit up the keg last night 30 oz bone in Rib eye mmmmmm
- SMP8719

You too

True he might not, but some desperate team looking to add offensive dmen might throw money at him, there are not many offensive guys available this year. My point more was that the perceived high end guys usually get overpaid and many less flashy guys often get signed to reasonable contracts.
- belcherbd

I agree, someone will throw a really long term high value contract at him based on his past abilities. I think Buffalo changed him though from chasing money to long-term team success