Landeskog would be a distant third behind Saad and Panarin.

For the Hawks I believe Saad is the better choice, but for other teams (like Columbus) Panarin is the better option. There aren't any teams where Landeskog is the better option. Unless that team is shooting for the #1 overall draft pick.
- DarthKane

Wish he wasn't in what is now hockey hell, Colorado. Take it you're not a fan? Every time I see Landeskog, the team is unwatchable now but I take a look at him and a kid Mikko Ratenan I'm high on for a period here and there, he shows he has what it takes to be a top power forward in this league. Can and has gotten off 270 shots, 219 hits, 65 points, plays with an edge, is a mean dude and can skate. ........ I'm a fan even though he ruined my fantasy team last season.

I was just looking at Rado's cap and noticed the similarities between him and Saad and thought what if.

Duchesne and Landesgok for Toews, 1st and Debrincat.....spitballing of course

Done, done and done in my books plus you have another 4 million to spend elsewhere.

Leadership is great but it should not cost 10.5 million.

How well would the Hawks have done last year if Patrick Kane played in 17 games? They missed the playoffs the last day of the season with their best scorer out almost the entire year. Tampa, if they stay healthy, is built to be a serious Cup Contender for the next 5-7 years
- EnzoD

They just keep coming up with forward prospects like Namestinkov, Point, Gourde and draft guys like Kucherov 58th, Palat in the 7th, Johnson as an undrafted FA. Just a fun team to follow. ........ If they hit on Dmen like they did forwards they'd have a cup by now.

Wish he wasn't in what is now hockey hell, Colorado. Take it you're not a fan? Every time I see Landeskog, the team is unwatchable now but I take a look at him and a kid Mikko Ratenan I'm high on for a period here and there, he shows he has what it takes to be a top power forward in this league. Can and has gotten off 270 shots, 219 hits, 65 points, plays with an edge, is a mean dude and can skate. ........ I'm a fan even though he ruined my fantasy team last season.

I was just looking at Rado's cap and noticed the similarities between him and Saad and thought what if.
- Mr Ricochet

I don't mind Landeskog, but he's just not in the same league (figuratively) as Saad and Panarin.

They have very high excise and sales taxes. And if you're a rich athlete in Florida you'll be buying stuff.

Also, local taxes can be written off your federal form lowering your taxable income. You can't write off excise or sales taxes. So players in higher taxed states can lower their taxable income (thus tax burden) and also enjoy lower sales taxes. There are also contributions one can make, setting up foundations that can further lower your tax burden. There is a lot you can do to minimize your taxes. Another good thing is to start a business, an LLC. While you're getting your business up to speed, the investment costs can be written off and only when you're in the green do you start paying taxes. This is why you do see athletes, especially older ones or more savvy opening up car dealerships, restaurants, etc. This also explains why athletes buy gaudy, ridiculous monstrous homes that are 10k square feet with 8 bathrooms. Interest and mortgage deduction.

Guessing here, but Florida probably also taxes the poop out of their tourism industry, hotels, restaurants, etc. This is a neat way vacation states get tax revenue for services, by making visitors pay for it. Of course that allows a lower tax rate for actual residents, though they'd feel some burden when they went out to eat.

Oh yea, procreate. Get hitched. This helps on the tax bill too. but you pay bigly in other ways.

In the end it's a personal choice and taxes play only part of the role. Few people will live in an unsafe, poophole just because it's low taxed. I live where I live because of world class school system so I don't mind the heavy tax burden, a tax burden that actually helps me reduce my taxable income on the federal form. Of course, when my youngest graduates we'll move out of this county. I treat my local taxes as a "user fee" so to speak.
- kwolf68

Taxes are your entrance into a civilized society. Nothing is free or happens in a vacuum........ You're in PA? Been to Johnstown many times and the War Memorial to see HS hoops and ECHL hockey. Love the state.

You're asking me what the board would do/say? Go to any blog and fans female dog even when they win. ...... The way the question is presented I doubt you're asking me my response.

Stamkos before he was 22-23 scored 51, 45 and 60 goals in the NHL and with Toews & Kane running around making 10.5 per Stevie Y gets him inked at 8.5 long term? He then busts his leg and has some kinda heart condition and it's a bad deal?
- Mr Ricochet

I may have the timing wrong, did he get the extension after the leg and before the heart, or after both?

I also may have wandered off point a bit also, its just all the hype and greatness of Yzerman as a GM when his teams have never won anything, and you could argue have regressed since these guys all got paid.

I don't mind Landeskog, but he's just not in the same league (figuratively) as Saad and Panarin.
- DarthKane

I am really, really, really excited Saad is back. IMO he'll be hungrier and happier than ever and is probably sitting on his biggest year. ...... A perfect fit and maybe more importantly at a perfect time. This group needs more hunger, speed and size and Saad brings that.

I am really, really, really excited Saad is back. IMO he'll be hungrier and happier than ever and is probably sitting on his biggest year. ...... A perfect fit and maybe more importantly at a perfect time. This group needs more hunger, speed and size and Saad brings that.
- Mr Ricochet

Saad-Toews-Panik could be a dominant line. I also think that, if healthy, Sharp-Anisimov-Kane will be a very productive line. Excited to bring my 2013 Cup Crested #10 Hawks' Jersey out of retirement this year!

I may have the timing wrong, did he get the extension after the leg and before the heart, or after both?

I also may have wandered off point a bit also, its just all the hype and greatness of Yzerman as a GM when his teams have never won anything, and you could argue have regressed since these guys all got paid.
- vabeachbear

Injuries started afterwards IIRC. My point is that in brutal cap world it seems Stevie Y has a plan for it and sticks to his guns. Love how he sat out Drouin, allowed him back, picked up what many think is the best Dman prospect in hockey in Sergachev and a 2nd for Drouin before his cap hit would kill the structure and got Stamkos under market value.

Now he did ink Callahan to a bad deal long term and just signed Johnson after two injury plagued years. If the kid can't stay healthy he's stuck with him for 7 yrs but if he does he's got a helluva player for 5 mil per.

I like old school no nonsense guys and in this day and age there aren't enough of them. Stevie Y is one of those guys.

Saad-Toews-Panik could be a dominant line. I also think that, if healthy, Sharp-Anisimov-Kane will be a very productive line. Excited to bring my 2013 Cup Crested #10 Hawks' Jersey out of retirement this year!
- EnzoD

I'd like to see Q try more balance and move Panik down and maybe Hartman up but if he goes with Saad-Toews-Panik together can you imagine their possession numbers? All big guys who can play the wall like a fiddle.

OK, let me put it a different way then, what would this board do to Stan for giving these guys these contracts for guys who continually are hurt and miss a lot of games.

Can anyone say it was a genius move to sign Stamkos for what they did as much as he's been hurt.

Say what you want, but 8+ mil a year is a lot to pay a guy, whose missed the amount of games he has the last few years.

Again, put all of the TB factors in, and Yzerman is a genius, Stan sux and doesn't know what he's doing, but Tampa made it to 1 final, and missed the playoffs, and he's signing all those guys to long term deals
- vabeachbear

CapFriendly says they have $9.3MM cap space with 20 rostered - so resign Palatine and there is still $4/$5MM left another forward and defenseman - not bad for a team that should be in the mix for this year.

Main differences with Chicago - only $4.5 tied up in goalies instead of almost $7, and only 4 (so far) players at $5 or above instead of 6 here.

Lots of key UFAs/RFAs after this season, tho.

CapFriendly says they have $9.3MM cap space with 20 rostered - so resign Palatine and there is still $4/$5MM left another forward and defenseman - not bad for a team that should be in the mix for this year.

Main differences with Chicago - only $4.5 tied up in goalies instead of almost $7, and only 4 (so far) players at $5 or above instead of 6 here.

Lots of key UFAs/RFAs after this season, tho.
- StLBravesFan

Those are support/bottom 6 guys next year, Sage. They do have to get Palat done this year and Kucherov in two years. https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/lightning

I am really, really, really excited Saad is back. IMO he'll be hungrier and happier than ever and is probably sitting on his biggest year. ...... A perfect fit and maybe more importantly at a perfect time. This group needs more hunger, speed and size and Saad brings that.
- Mr Ricochet

I'm happier than you!!!

I had no issues with Panarin, but you have to give up talent to get talent in return. Hopefully Saad sticks around for the full 4 years and even more!

I'd like to see Q try more balance and move Panik down and maybe Hartman up but if he goes with Saad-Toews-Panik together can you imagine their possession numbers? All big guys who can play the wall like a fiddle.
- Mr Ricochet

Guys guys guys - we are talking about Q and his use of the Line-O-Matic blender. There are 64 possible line combinations if everyone plays in position. He will try everyone of those...

Guys guys guys - we are talking about Q and his use of the Line-O-Matic blender. There are 64 possible line combinations if everyone plays in position. He will try everyone of those...
- riozzo

In the first period of game 1.

I'd like to see Q try more balance and move Panik down and maybe Hartman up but if he goes with Saad-Toews-Panik together can you imagine their possession numbers? All big guys who can play the wall like a fiddle.
- Mr Ricochet

Saad-Toews-Hartman
Sharp-Anisimov-Kane
Wingels-Schmaltz-Panik
Hayden/Bouma-Kero-Jurco


I may be in the minority, but Wingels has always impressed with me with his speed, tenacity, and shot. Wingels/Panik doing the heavy lifting and Schmaltz as the playmaker on that line could be a darn good 3rd line.

Saad-Toews-Hartman
Sharp-Anisimov-Kane
Wingels-Schmaltz-Panik
Hayden/Bouma-Kero-Jurco


I may be in the minority, but Wingels has always impressed with me with his speed, tenacity, and shot. Wingels/Panik doing the heavy lifting and Schmaltz as the playmaker on that line could be a darn good 3rd line.
- EnzoD

I get the idea of spreading around the talent, but given the make-up of this team y'd stack the top 6 as much as possible. I know the consensus is that Sharp is done, but if Richards could play well with Kane I'd have to think Sharp will be ok as long as he's healthy.

I like Wingels too, but I still see him on the 4th line for now.

I get the idea of spreading around the talent, but given the make-up of this team y'd stack the top 6 as much as possible. I know the consensus is that Sharp is done, but if Richards could play well with Kane I'd have to think Sharp will be ok as long as he's healthy.

I like Wingels too, but I still see him on the 4th line for now.
- DarthKane

Would like to see if they could buy low on a guy like Duclair, would be perfect for 2LW

I get the idea of spreading around the talent, but given the make-up of this team y'd stack the top 6 as much as possible. I know the consensus is that Sharp is done, but if Richards could play well with Kane I'd have to think Sharp will be ok as long as he's healthy.

I like Wingels too, but I still see him on the 4th line for now.
- DarthKane

I don't think there will be an issue with the forward lines. Added speed, size and snarl in Saad, Sharp, Wingels and Bouma. The biggest concern, and I think it is a pretty big concern, is the defense. Going into the season with Kempny-Forsling-Rutta/Rosival as your bottom 3 has got to be keeping Q up at night.

Would like to see if they could buy low on a guy like Duclair, would be perfect for 2LW
- Sundevil

Good call. He was good with Arizona at one point but fell out of favour for some reason. He would likely be not too expensive to acquire and wouldn't demand much of a contract.

I don't think there will be an issue with the forward lines. Added speed, size and snarl in Saad, Sharp, Wingels and Bouma. The biggest concern, and I think it is a pretty big concern, is the defense. Going into the season with Kempny-Forsling-Rutta/Rosival as your bottom 3 has got to be keeping Q up at night.
- EnzoD

I hear you on the concern for defense. I'm not too worried about the top 4; Keith, Seabrook, Murphy and Kempny are solid. The bottom pairing is a big question mark.

I am really pulling for Forsling, but he's far from a sure thing. We're all excited about Rutta, but he's an even bigger question mark. Will Pokka get a shot now that he's not waiver exempt? Rozsival turns 352 this year so he can't be counted on. Plus I don't see any of the other kids in Rockford stepping up.

I hear you on the concern for defense. I'm not too worried about the top 4; Keith, Seabrook, Murphy and Kempny are solid. The bottom pairing is a big question mark.

I am really pulling for Forsling, but he's far from a sure thing. We're all excited about Rutta, but he's an even bigger question mark. Will Pokka get a shot now that he's not waiver exempt? Rozsival turns 352 this year so he can't be counted on. Plus I don't see any of the other kids in Rockford stepping up.
- DarthKane

I'd hope that Bowman is on the short list for one of Vegas' extra dmen. None of those guys are All-Stars, but they are serviceable depth dmen and probably wouldnt be too expensive to acquire via trade. Anything to keep Rosival off the ice.......

I'd hope that Bowman is on the short list for one of Vegas' extra dmen. None of those guys are All-Stars, but they are serviceable depth dmen and probably wouldnt be too expensive to acquire via trade. Anything to keep Rosival off the ice.......
- EnzoD

The Hawks had previous interest in Garrison back when he signed with Vancouver. Once Hossa goes on mid-season LTIR there could be a deal there. Defensively Garrison isn't as good as he use to be, but he still has one hell of a shot.

need young mobile defensemen.

need young mobile defensemen.
- ger68

All teams do.