Ryan Hartman signed a very respectable 1-year / 875k contract with the Preds.

Looks like he's hoping to build his game back up. Only problem is, I see him on the 3rd/4th line all year. Hard to break through with those kind of minutes.
- Justin Lowe

All he has to do is "luck" into 15 goals as a 3rd liner then some dumb ass team (Montreal, Florida, Vegas, LAK) will pay him 6x6 the following off season.

All he has to do is "luck" into 15 goals as a 3rd liner then some dumb ass team (Montreal, Florida, Vegas, LAK) will pay him 6x6 the following off season.
- mrpaulish

He might get paid that if he hits 20 again (did he hit 20 that one year?). I'd see him more as a 3-4 mil type player though.

Ryan Hartman signed a very respectable 1-year / 875k contract with the Preds.

Looks like he's hoping to build his game back up. Only problem is, I see him on the 3rd/4th line all year. Hard to break through with those kind of minutes.
- Justin Lowe

Bowman must be scratching his head. Should have gotten 3x as much with movement clauses included.

Today @ 9:35 AM ET
Look Matthews did a play-offs disappearing act - deal with it. Did you not read anything or see anything? Know who noticed? Babcock! Babcock benched him. Not just my opinion he disappeared - was the opinion of scores of hockey people. I don’t know where you live but if you missed this you are missing many things. Did you hear that there was such great tension between Babcock and Matthews that Babcock travelled to AZ to talk to Matthews. Why was this necessary? What do you think they talked about - how great Matthews had been?
- Z3Hawk


Yo, hard guy deal with what? Where in the above, whatever the hell you wrote, is the name Patrice Bergeron?

That's what I highlighted in whatever the hell was your last post when you so astutely claimed "but, but, but Bergeron doesn't shut down everyone". No sh*#, and Babe Ruth doesn't hit a homer every at bat.

Don't know where you live, don't care, but there are only a few, you seemingly being one of them, who would base any argument on Bergeron not being one of, if not the very best, shutdown players, not just centerman, on earth.

I'll simply let your words speak for themselves on that account.

Never uttered a syllable about Matthews but I'll also let your words about Matthews stand as well. That a 20 yr old C, playing 1st line, had a rough go vs the top shutdown player in the game and by extension is a bum.

Again I'll let your words speak for themselves on this account as well.

Same way I'll let your lack of ONE time posting Bovquist's name before he was drafted but post draft claim he was YOUR guy all along.

MrR - if you are going to feebly try to attack me at least try to have some level of accuracy attach to your comments. Don’t even shoot for 100% but surely you can shoot for 10%.

Dealing first with your Bovquist comment. You are totally wrong. In fact I clearly and openly stated on this very Blog that I had NOT promoted or championed Bovquist prior to the Draft. Go look it up if you wish. What I did say was that I didn’t believe for a second that Boqvist would actually be available at 8 and that I was ecstatic that he was available and that the Hawks selected him. I love this pick - for heaven’s sake hockey people had been talking of Boqvist as 2nd overall, after only Dalhin, a short period before. Everyone in Hawks’ Nation should love this pick. As I have said the proof is in writing if you wish to look it up.

Regarding Matthews I did respond regarding Bergeron. While Bergeron is a quality player he is not Superman. He doesn’t shut everyone down that he spends time playing against. If he was this infallible Boston would have far more success than they actually do. I’ve already made comments like this. If you are going to try to attack me regarding Matthews you’ll need to take on all the hockey people at the CBC and Sportsnet too. Not to mention the TSN hockey people. Not to mention the fact that his own Coach lost confidence in him. Most importantly Matthews lost confidence in himself.

Matthews is talked about as not only an elite player but an uber-elite player. Well MrR uber-elite players, who are going to demand super-huge contracts, should not disappear in the play-offs regardless of who they are playing against. If you are going to say you are in Crosby’s class you have to back it up. Matthews did NOT.

Today @ 9:35 AM ET
Look Matthews did a play-offs disappearing act - deal with it. Did you not read anything or see anything? Know who noticed? Babcock! Babcock benched him. Not just my opinion he disappeared - was the opinion of scores of hockey people. I don’t know where you live but if you missed this you are missing many things. Did you hear that there was such great tension between Babcock and Matthews that Babcock travelled to AZ to talk to Matthews. Why was this necessary? What do you think they talked about - how great Matthews had been?
- Z3Hawk


Yo, hard guy deal with what? Where in the above, whatever the hell you wrote, is the name Patrice Bergeron?

That's what I highlighted in whatever the hell was your last post when you so astutely claimed "but, but, but Bergeron doesn't shut down everyone". No sh*#, and Babe Ruth doesn't hit a homer every at bat.

Don't know where you live, don't care, but there are only a few, you seemingly being one of them, who would base any argument on Bergeron not being one of, if not the very best, shutdown players, not just centerman, on earth.

I'll simply let your words speak for themselves on that account.

Never uttered a syllable about Matthews but I'll also let your words about Matthews stand as well. That a 20 yr old C, playing 1st line, had a rough go vs the top shutdown player in the game and by extension is a bum.

Again I'll let your words speak for themselves on this account as well.

Same way I'll let your lack of ONE time posting Bovquist's name before he was drafted but post draft claim he was YOUR guy all along.

MrR - if you are going to feebly try to attack me at least try to have some level of accuracy attach to your comments. Don’t even shoot for 100% but surely you can shoot for 10%.

Dealing first with your Bovquist comment. You are totally wrong. In fact I clearly and openly stated on this very Blog that I had NOT promoted or championed Bovquist prior to the Draft. Go look it up if you wish. What I did say was that I didn’t believe for a second that Boqvist would actually be available at 8 and that I was ecstatic that he was available and that the Hawks selected him. I love this pick - for heaven’s sake hockey people had been talking of Boqvist as 2nd overall, after only Dalhin, a short period before. Everyone in Hawks’ Nation should love this pick. As I have said the proof is in writing if you wish to look it up.

Regarding Matthews I did respond regarding Bergeron. While Bergeron is a quality player he is not Superman. He doesn’t shut everyone down that he spends time playing against. If he was this infallible Boston would have far more success than they actually do. I’ve already made comments like this. If you are going to try to attack me regarding Matthews you’ll need to take on all the hockey people at the CBC and Sportsnet too. Not to mention the TSN hockey people. Not to mention the fact that his own Coach lost confidence in him. Most importantly Matthews lost confidence in himself.

Matthews is talked about as not only an elite player but an uber-elite player. Well MrR uber-elite players, who are going to demand super-huge contracts, should not disappear in the play-offs regardless of who they are playing against. If you are going to say you are in Crosby’s class you have to back it up. Matthews did NOT.
- Z3Hawk

You said you did not think Boqvist would be available AFTER the draft. Not a word on the kid BEFORE the draft. For reference I said BEFORE the draft would love Kotkanieni but didn't think he'd fall to 8. The difference between you and me.

Now I understand you'll be spouting you wanted Bovquist all along, assuming he hits as a player, and I'll be here for you 2-4-9-14 yrs from now.

Again as far as Matthews "disappearing" as a 20 yr old vs Bergeron, the best shutdown player on earth, (although I guess you dispute that the evidence being Baaaahston doesn't win enough(?), I'll let your words stand on their own. As the saying goes when an opponent is shooting themselves in the head step back and do nothing to stop him.

The shovel is yours, proceed.

Ryan Hartman signed a very respectable 1-year / 875k contract with the Preds.

Looks like he's hoping to build his game back up. Only problem is, I see him on the 3rd/4th line all year. Hard to break through with those kind of minutes.
- Justin Lowe

Not a bad contract, but I have to wonder if he is going to be traded again. Seems like the Preds want him to prove himself and if they don't see eye to eye(on his value) maybe he will be packaged in a deal during the season? Pure speculation on my part, but have to think that Hartman would want more than the Preds just gave him (term/dollars).

Not a bad contract, but I have to wonder if he is going to be traded again. Seems like the Preds want him to prove himself and if they don't see eye to eye(on his value) maybe he will be packaged in a deal during the season? Pure speculation on my part, but have to think that Hartman would want more than the Preds just gave him (term/dollars).
- breadbag

how does Hino get 1.5 and panik 2.9 and Hartman gets $875? he had 19 goals one year ago all 5 X 5. Bowman is just to much on f puss over in regards to contracts.

Ryan Hartman signed a very respectable 1-year / 875k contract with the Preds.

Looks like he's hoping to build his game back up. Only problem is, I see him on the 3rd/4th line all year. Hard to break through with those kind of minutes.
- Justin Lowe

Hartman's best NHL performance potential is likely how he played up until the end of the regular season in 2016.
If he can provide that this year, he should make more $ moving forward.

A younger version of myself would not be happy with the lack of in-game play. I used to hate practices when we didn't even touch the puck once or just did skating drills.

Funny how age shows how things hated at the time were so beneficial. Those bag skates and fundamental drills back in the day, baseball practices with zero batting practice too, ended up being the foundation from which you built.

Sucked at the time but without them there was simply no way to advance.
- Mr Ricochet

Coach Dale would be proud....

You said you did not think Boqvist would be available AFTER the draft. Not a word on the kid BEFORE the draft. For reference I said BEFORE the draft would love Kotkanieni but didn't think he'd fall to 8. The difference between you and me.

Now I understand you'll be spouting you wanted Bovquist all along, assuming he hits as a player, and I'll be here for you 2-4-9-14 yrs from now.

Again as far as Matthews "disappearing" as a 20 yr old vs Bergeron, the best shutdown player on earth, (although I guess you dispute that the evidence being Baaaahston doesn't win enough(?), I'll let your words stand on their own. As the saying goes when an opponent is shooting themselves in the head step back and do nothing to stop him.

The shovel is yours, proceed.
- Mr Ricochet

And honestly Babcock treated Marner the same way earlier in the season, it's called coaching. Unfortunately those kids on the Leafs don't have the depth the Blackhawks did in 2010 when Toews and Kane were just kids.

The Calgary Flames have signed centre Elias Lindholm to a 6-year, $29.1million contract. Lindholm scored 16 goals and added 28 assists for 44 points in 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season.


This to me, becomes that staring point with Nick schmaltz, who had 21 goals and 31 assists, and 52 points in 78 games...

So we can except Nick to make more than 4.8 mil with his next deal...

The Calgary Flames have signed centre Elias Lindholm to a 6-year, $29.1million contract. Lindholm scored 16 goals and added 28 assists for 44 points in 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season.


This to me, becomes that staring point with Nick schmaltz, who had 21 goals and 31 assists, and 52 points in 78 games...

So we can except Nick to make more than 4.8 mil with his next deal...
- wiz1901

As long as Schmaltz continues to backcheck like his hair is on fire, he is worth it.

Solid write up JL.

First off, RIP Ray. Regardless of the situation, passing away at that age (mine included,) is devastating.

As far as Hartman goes, it's a low payout strictly because it's a one year deal. A multiple season contract, and he's obviously much higher. The Preds are going to be in the hunt for the cup next season, so it fits that Hartman takes a "hometown" discount to stay there for a year.

I am pumped for this prospect camp. So much young potential on the blue line, it's a nice feeling.

All he has to do is "luck" into 15 goals as a 3rd liner then some dumb ass team (Montreal, Florida, Vegas, LAK) will pay him 6x6 the following off season.
- mrpaulish

Chicago’s offer would probably be the most attractive because it would include a NMC.

Chicago’s offer would probably be the most attractive because it would include a NMC.
- Spec41971

"Sheeeeiiiittttttt" -Senator Clay Davis

Ryan Hartman signed a very respectable 1-year / 875k contract with the Preds.

Looks like he's hoping to build his game back up. Only problem is, I see him on the 3rd/4th line all year. Hard to break through with those kind of minutes.
- Justin Lowe

Water always finds its own level.

Hartman is a 3rd/4th line NHL guy. Until he gets his game more disciplined he will most likely stay on the 4th line. Those who thought he was the second coming of Andrew Shaw were sadly mistaken.

The Calgary Flames have signed centre Elias Lindholm to a 6-year, $29.1million contract. Lindholm scored 16 goals and added 28 assists for 44 points in 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season.


This to me, becomes that staring point with Nick schmaltz, who had 21 goals and 31 assists, and 52 points in 78 games...

So we can except Nick to make more than 4.8 mil with his next deal...
- wiz1901

Let's just hope the decision to ink that deal does not happen until NEXT summer. Make him prove he is a consistent 50 point guy and can win some more battles and faceoffs.

And if I was Schmaltz's agent, I would make him wait until next summer.

Water always finds its own level.

Hartman is a 3rd/4th line NHL guy. Until he gets his game more disciplined he will most likely stay on the 4th line. Those who thought he was the second coming of Andrew Shaw were sadly mistaken.
- Return of the Roar

On a good team, Andrew Shaw is a 3rd/4th line guy...so there’s that.

On a good team, Andrew Shaw is a 3rd/4th line guy...so there’s that.
- Ogilthorpe2

Touche, and on the mark as usual.

The Calgary Flames have signed centre Elias Lindholm to a 6-year, $29.1million contract. Lindholm scored 16 goals and added 28 assists for 44 points in 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season.


This to me, becomes that staring point with Nick schmaltz, who had 21 goals and 31 assists, and 52 points in 78 games...

So we can except Nick to make more than 4.8 mil with his next deal...
- wiz1901

I think Stan should lock-up Schmaltz sooner rather than later, he’ll only get more expensive to sign after this season. I’d expect a 6-8 year deal for around $5-$5.5 million.

I think Stan should lock-up Schmaltz sooner rather than later, he’ll only get more expensive to sign after this season. I’d expect a 6-8 year deal for around $5-$5.5 million.
- DarthKane

Don't you think there is prudence in seeing if the guy can at least replicate his performance from last year? I don't know that you can prove he could be had cheaper, but you can for sure more accurately price his worth if he has consistency to his game.

Don't you think there is prudence in seeing if the guy can at least replicate his performance from last year? I don't know that you can prove he could be had cheaper, but you can for sure more accurately price his worth if he has consistency to his game.
- Return of the Roar

That is the risk. If he replicates his performance or exceeds it, the price probably goes up. If you sign him now, you probably get him for a bit less. To me, the coaching staff and the scouts should know what they have in him and the question will be if Stan can negotiate the right deal.

I think Stan should lock-up Schmaltz sooner rather than later, he’ll only get more expensive to sign after this season. I’d expect a 6-8 year deal for around $5-$5.5 million.
- DarthKane

Totally agree and don't forget the NTC.

And what if Schmaltz scores over 70 points next year? It's possible especially with 88 as your RW

Wouldn't it be great if the team rebounded next year with Toews, Seabrook, Saad and Keith playing like older versions of themselves and DKat, Schmaltz and Hayden bringing it up to the next level?

Keith made so many mistakes, Toews couldn't control the puck down low like he used to and Saad just couldn't score on the plethora of chances he had. A little better performance from those guys and slightly more solid goaltending I think we can at least sneak them into the playoffs. We were on the border up to Crawfords second extended absence and then we completely fell off the cliff.

Don't worry boys I'm back.

Any personnel moves since the Hossa deal?



Also, just drove past Hossa dragging two monster truck tires on chains down the street. He was wearing full Arizona Coyotes gear and I think I heard him yell '2019 Cup for Coyote!!!'. Something seems afoot.