I want to see Juloevi beat out Hutton and Pouliot for a job..
- thundachunk

I think he starts in Utica, he plays well and forces a trade when another team has a LHD go down which allows us to move Hutton/MDZ.

Yup.


Even though I firmly believe Benning overpaid in UFA, I like that he targeted guys who have a history of playing well in checking roles. As much as we enjoyed watching Vanek and Vrbata score goals and were hoping Eriksson would too, it makes way more sense to give the easy minutes to develop the young players offensively.
- Nucker101

Bang on.

I like Pouliot . He eventually put up good numbers , he plays both sides ( not a gay comment ) Still very young , cheap . I would like to give him more time
- VANTEL

I thought he'd be a better skater after reading the scouting reports when we traded for him. Still don't like his defensive game. Hope he proves me wrong.

Tanev and Gagne for Liljegrin and a third?

[quote=mauryballstein]


You named 6 positives .

Last year everything went wrong. I don't think everything turns around but I do see some things getting better.

I like Pouliot . He eventually put up good numbers , he plays both sides ( not a gay comment ) Still very young , cheap . I would like to give him more time
- VANTEL

He has no trade value and his ability to play both sides makes him worth while to keep for this season. Deal him at the deadline if you can get the pick back.

Next year you have Hughes and Joulevi coming in full time on the left.

I hope Edler is dealt at the deadline and then resigned in the off season.

Tryamkin probably comes back next season.

Then you have Stetcher, Tanev and Gudbranson.

Hopefully Florida is pushing for a playoff spot and comes sniffing around to get Gudbranson back.

I think he starts in Utica, he plays well and forces a trade when another team has a LHD go down which allows us to move Hutton/MDZ.
- mauryballstein

Del Zotto is NHL. Hutton is AHL.

I thought he'd be a better skater after reading the scouting reports when we traded for him. Still don't like his defensive game. Hope he proves me wrong.
- Nucker101

One year cheap contract . Make or break. I think he gets a little better . I thought his skating was better too but it was not.

I like Pouliot . He eventually put up good numbers , he plays both sides ( not a gay comment ) Still very young , cheap . I would like to give him more time
- VANTEL

So do I, I think Pouliot is better than both Hutton and Stecher at the end of last season.

[quote=VANTEL]I think things will be different this year not better for overall position in the standings. We still finish last in the west and it wont be close.

The fact that the sedins arent getting all the offensive zone starts will really change the look of this team.

Del Zotto is NHL. Hutton is AHL.
- thundachunk

Bounce back season. I expect him to be a big surprise this season. Like from crap to average. No way he plays as bad as last season.

Bounce back season. I expect him to be a big surprise this season. Like from crap to average. No way he plays as bad as last season.
- mauryballstein

Out of 2 seasons he has been crap for 1.5, Biega is better overall

So do I, I think Pouliot is better than both Hutton and Stecher at the end of last season.
- Makita

Agreed. Though I would like to point out that most of Pouliot’s mistake were him jumping up in the play to create offence at the wrong time.

Bounce back season. I expect him to be a big surprise this season. Like from crap to average. No way he plays as bad as last season.
- mauryballstein

I Expect the opposite. He will get passed even farther off the depth chart.

Out of 2 seasons he has been crap for 1.5, Biega is better overall
- Makita

I like biega like I like Gaunce. Perfect spare part guy who can sit and you can toss in when injuries hit.

I honestly hope Hutton has a hot start and is moved.

I Expect the opposite. He will get passed even farther off the depth chart.
- thundachunk

I agree about being passed. We have Joulevi and Hughes coming. There is absolutely no spot for him next year.

[quote=mauryballstein]

I definitely don't think this year will be sunshine and rainbows but I don't think it will be as bad as most expect either.

I look at teams like Detroit who are super old and I know they will be diving for a top prospect.

I wonder about Chicago's aging D and they could fall

Ottawa Mtl Det Islanders Buffalo Arizon Edmonton could all fall below us .

I see next years defense looking like:

Edler Stetcher
Hughes Tanev
Joulevi Tryamkin

Extras: Sautner, McEneny

TDL:

Edler dealt and resigned - I think he would waive for this.
MDZ
Hutton
Puliot
Gudbranson

Deal them all for picks.

I agree about being passed. We have Joulevi and Hughes coming. There is absolutely no spot for him next year.
- mauryballstein

I would be happy with Edler Hughes OJ next year with Tanev ???? ????

[quote=VANTEL]
Detroit and Chicago will fall. I still think they are better than us, just like us both will be adding young players.

Arizona finally takes a step.

Edmonton and Calgary play better.

Buffalo will be better. Still horrible defense but brought in a few solid forwards for depth.

I would be happy with Edler Hughes OJ next year with Tanev ???? ????
- VANTEL

Fabbro and Tyler Myers

I'll be absolutely shocked if Chicago is worse than the Canucks.

I'll be absolutely shocked if Chicago is worse than the Canucks.
- golfingsince

Why's that?

[quote=mauryballstein]


Even if Det and Chi are a little bit better I still think they will dash for the bottom (Tank) . They will be on a different mission. Like I said a few times at TDL about 6 teams change direction and purposely lose while we will be trying to improve.

I'll be absolutely shocked if Chicago is worse than the Canucks.
- golfingsince

3 points difference last year