I don't want Buffalo or Edmonton to get another top pick.
- Scabeh

It would suck, because the players career would be over even before it started.

It would be great though:

29th: Edm
30th: Buf
31st: Ott
- plantheparade

Maybe wishful thinking on your part. Doubt very much Edmonton doesn't at the very least compete for a playoff spot. Buffalo has some very good players, will be much better IMO. Remember, last summer about this time, Edmonton was the cup favourite for many.

It would suck, because the players career would be over even before it started.
- PatC80

does talbot bounce back this year? edmonton's forward's are still pretty thin, but may not matter if with mcdavid and good goaltending.

idk, where edmonton finishes is wild guess for this guy over here.

does talbot bounce back this year? edmonton's forward's are still pretty thin, but may not matter if with mcdavid and good goaltending.

idk, where edmonton finishes is wild guess for this guy over here.
- Tumbleweed

If I had to make a prediction today, I'd say they'll be close to a playoffs spot, but won't make it in.

I expect a bounce back season from Klefbom, a full season of Sekera will also help and Talbot shouldn't be as atrocious.

Even Lucic cannot really be worse.... or at least won't start the season dragging down McDavid on the first line.

They'll be better.... but will it be enough? Not sure.

does talbot bounce back this year? edmonton's forward's are still pretty thin, but may not matter if with mcdavid and good goaltending.

idk, where edmonton finishes is wild guess for this guy over here.
- Tumbleweed

West will be more interesting this year. Calgary, except for goaltending is improved IMO. I think the Coilers will be significantly better - what will be interesting is which teams will miss the playoffs? Which are really the bubble teams?

3 years - 21M for Fleury in Vegas.

3 years - 21M for Fleury in Vegas.
- Scabeh

going for that 1st round pick in next few seasons as well.
ott and mtl are getting some tough competition!

West will be more interesting this year. Calgary, except for goaltending is improved IMO. I think the Coilers will be significantly better - what will be interesting is which teams will miss the playoffs? Which are really the bubble teams?
- winsix

I think a team like Minnesota will drop out of the playoffs.... they're not a bad team but there are better ones making a push for their spot.

West will be more interesting this year. Calgary, except for goaltending is improved IMO. I think the Coilers will be significantly better - what will be interesting is which teams will miss the playoffs? Which are really the bubble teams?
- winsix

yeah, i don't know if calgary did enough to move up in the pacific.

nucks are poop. yotes are better but not there yet. ducks are a gibson injury away from last place. sj/la should be in the mix. vegas? they are another who the (frank) knows for me.

I think a team like Minnesota will drop out of the playoffs.... they're not a bad team but there are better ones making a push for their spot.
- Scabeh

I agree with this, and I also think the Stars will be better, as will Calgary and Edmonton. For me, Avs, LV could also miss the playoffs. Avs might have two lottery picks.

yeah, i don't know if calgary did enough to move up in the pacific.

nucks are poop. yotes are better but not there yet. ducks are a gibson injury away from last place. sj/la should be in the mix. vegas? they are another who the (frank) knows for me.
- Tumbleweed

nashville, winnipeg, st louis are three best teams in west imo - that's a very tough division. (colorado, chicago, dallas, minny in there as well).

pacific is really by far the worst division right now.
i think la, sj, vegas won't make it - ana, edm and cgy in.

western conference is way less interesting than eastern - apart from McDavid, Kane, Subban and Laine, the West lacks 'star power' (as for players that get people excited).

yeah, i don't know if calgary did enough to move up in the pacific.

nucks are poop. yotes are better but not there yet. ducks are a gibson injury away from last place. sj/la should be in the mix. vegas? they are another who the (frank) knows for me.
- Tumbleweed

LA is a big question mark as well. They added Kovi, but they are ancient. Brown had a career year after 4 stinky ones. They will be slow as (frank) and vulnerable imo. Great goalie, but it is a speed game these days and that team has what 8 players (mostly their core players too!) over 30

LA is a big question mark as well. They added Kovi, but they are ancient. Brown had a career year after 4 stinky ones. They will be slow as (frank) and vulnerable imo. Great goalie, but it is a speed game these days and that team has what 8 players (mostly their core players too!) over 30
- winsix

i think la and sj both have another couple years before a nucks fall off the cliff season. just my guess.

i think la and sj both have another couple years before a nucks fall off the cliff season. just my guess.
- Tumbleweed

you might be right, considering taxes

nashville, winnipeg, st louis are three best teams in west imo - that's a very tough division. (colorado, chicago, dallas, minny in there as well).

pacific is really by far the worst division right now.
i think la, sj, vegas won't make it - ana, edm and cgy in.

western conference is way less interesting than eastern - apart from McDavid, Kane, Subban and Laine, the West lacks 'star power' (as for players that get people excited).
- plantheparade

chicago sucks. i expect a trade coming from them. but they're defense is terrible as it stands.

you might be right, considering taxes
- plantheparade

John Tavares Could Save Nearly $12 Million In Taxes On His New Contract

https://www.forbes.com/si...ew-contract/#5e6cf81f1ab7

I am skeptical..will wait for UG to investigate this claim

John Tavares Could Save Nearly $12 Million In Taxes On His New Contract

https://www.forbes.com/si...ew-contract/#5e6cf81f1ab7

I am skeptical..will wait for UG to investigate this claim
- senstroll

"could have saved more in Tampa"

John Tavares Could Save Nearly $12 Million In Taxes On His New Contract

https://www.forbes.com/si...ew-contract/#5e6cf81f1ab7

I am skeptical..will wait for UG to investigate this claim
- senstroll

The most popular poster on this site, will have nightmares for weeks.

3 years - 21M for Fleury in Vegas.
- Scabeh

seems risky

since its not the Leafs i like it

Can you maybe deliberate on a few of the points you made?
- plantheparade

Is it possible for the Leafs to take on Brouwer's contract to pry out Andersson? This year obviously wouldnt bother the Leafs but even if they bury him eg. Brooks Laich they'll still be on the hook for 3.5 mil in 2019/20.

I don't have the numbers in front of me but after paying the big 4 I'm guessing Leafs are pinned for money and can't use that cap leverage.

I'm sure Calgary would love to get out from under Brouwer though and maybe get a Brown in the process. He would upgrade their wing depth for sure ahead of Lazar and Mangiapane. I don't know just spit balling here but the Leafs have a legit contender and now is the time to strike for not only improving but using good asset management.

I believe Dubas will be smarter than Lou though and won't just be handing out 2nds like candy.

Edmonton will not finish last with McDavid, impossible.

Buffalo is trending up... they just drafted Dahlin, have Mittdelstatsd (butchered it) coming and Reinhart showing signs of breaking out... Eichel, Ristolainen...

Too much talent to finish last again imo.
- Scabeh

I keep thinking every year buffalo will turn it around.

They lost Kane and ROR though who were pretty good point producers. Not to mention ROR faced the top teams. They’ll be hard pressed to finish outside the bottom 6-10 imo.

Can we talk realistic trades? Things that may improve the Leafs?

...
- Mrbs71

I get where you're coming from, but I don't know if I'd change anything yet. I think they plan to see how the projected top-4 do, and I think they might be best to find out what Gardiner is seeking before they trade him! If he wants more than 5.5, you probably jettison him.

One of the greatest weapons the Leafs have is the depth on the wing. When you can roll out Kapanen and his speed on the 4th line, you get to emphasize your offense because all 4 lines become dangerous. I'd also hate to lose his speed on the PK.

I love Brown's work ethic and team first attitude. He deserves a broader role on the team, but it's a deep team. If someone were being traded because their potential and potential return exceeds their utilization, it would probably be Brown. But if Hyman were injured, Brown would be a great fill-in doing that role on any line.

I still can't believe we ____________

I still can't believe we ____________
- BestRapperAlive

are not butter