What if they can get Stone or Duchene with that space and go all in.
- Justin Lowe

I follow them very closely. Just my humble opinion. No team has as much depth, talent and speed, up and down the line up.

Their adjustment this year was to play more gritty up and down the lineup. Which they have. I believe they are in top 10? top half of league in hits. They deliberately play that way.

Their offense is ridiculous, a legitimate chance to average 4 goals a game for a season.

In the end you may be right, but if you are tweaking that team, you keep all the grit you can.

Yeah, but Panarin and Kane will have about 100 points apiece. Also, that goalie lineup has to be reviewed. I wouldn't depend on Crawford for the whole season.
- boilermaker100

Honestly though the reunion of players to the team always seem to fall short of expectations, aka Saad, Campbell, Versteeg and so on

Honestly though the reunion of players to the team always seem to fall short of expectations, aka Saad, Campbell, Versteeg and so on
- BetweenTheDots

There’s only one former Blackhawk that should return.... Frolik.

There’s only one former Blackhawk that should return.... Frolik.
- DarthKane

Hahaha

Yandle in the all star game? What a joke

With regards to TB trades. I would be all in on LHD Sergachev to pair with Joki as top pair Dline. He's behind Hedman & McDonagh on depth chart, and both getting paid.

Maybe Murphy, Gustafson, 2nd or 1st round of 2020 pick for Callahan, LHD Sergachev, RHD Cernak, LW Katchouk, RW Raddysh. I would be willing to throw in Forsling or mid-level prospect if they wanted to include Coburn to clear more salary cap.
- DrewDawg

You should ask for Kucherov adn STamkos too...

Ship Joki out, you're (frank)ing kidding me! He needs time and yes the window is shut, if you limp along as a franchise then you become what the Red Wings have become. I respect the Red Wings but they tried to band aid that franchise and it cost them dearly. You're kidding your self if you think all these franchises are in the driver's seat when they are pressed against the cap, teams who aren't know this and play hard ball. When has a team pressed against the cap win a trade when they had to ditch salary?

Thinking about this, Caps, Pens and Peg had to trade a solid player, over paid player, in return get a draft pick, Peg really got raked over the coals by the Habs, you're dreaming if this ends well for any cap strapped teams
- BetweenTheDots

Raked over the coals? I’ve gotta say I’ve never heard that but I think I know what you mean. Here’s exactly what that trade was: Steve Mason (who was AWFUL - not even an NHL player last year) plus Joel Armia who had all of 29 points last year for the Jets, a 4th rounder and a 7th rounder. That is an absolutely awful example imo. The Bickell/TT example discussed earlier is much better but we already dissected that one as well. Bickell was again not playing anywhere near NHL caliber of play when he was dealt, TT hadn’t strung together a solid top season yet. You’re confusing trades of players with literally no NHL value with players that are still performing in the NHL at some capacity. Callahan is on pace for 24 points getting TOI as a 4th liner. He still brings a solid defensive presence as a depth player. Honestly, look at what Pominville strung together for a bit in Buffalo. if say the Devils were the team to take him on, they might not even buy him out. They might keep him on as a mentor of sorts for their incredibly inexperienced roster. If NJD have to send over a minor leaguer but they also get comparable to what Montreal got for taking Mason, then yes they’ll do it all day.

Having said that, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Tampa sends say 4 years of JT Miller, 1 year of Callahan to NJD for Joseph Anderson and a 2nd rounder. The Devils likely keep Callahan for the season and maybe they keep JT as their 2C but likely they deal JT Miller as they continue their rebuild. In JT Miller they get a 25 year old 2-way center who is on his way to his way to his 3rd 50+ point season already even though his usage this year on the incredibly deep TBL squad is 3rd line and PP. What is a player of that stature worth? Well, Pitt gave up a #4 D man in Ian Cole, a higher end goalie prospect in Gustavsson, a 1st round pick, and a 3rd round pick. Miller has more term and is younger; gotta believe he holds more value. So for giving up a decent, cost-controlled depth player and a 2nd NJD could possibly receive an aged veteran, a 1st, a 3rd, a relatively high end prospect, and expiring contract defender (possibly replaced with a younger, cost controlled player). This also clears $11MM in cap space for the Lightning moving forward. Maybe they re-sign Stralman for less or Bouwmeester on the cheap and don’t miss a beat. Miller on the 3rd line is a huge luxury for the Lightning

I admire the guy's passion for the game. But that team is picking top 5 again
- Elbows15

People were saying the exact same things about the Canucks, Coyotes and Islanders this year. The Canucks have had a ton of injuries and are in a wild card spot, the Isles are first in the Metro, and the Coyotes despite missing half their starters are somehow still somehow in the thick of it. Sometimes things just pan out

Yeah, but Panarin and Kane will have about 100 points apiece. Also, that goalie lineup has to be reviewed. I wouldn't depend on Crawford for the whole season.
- boilermaker100

I was thinking about that as well. Obviously I’m just spitballing, they would likely sign an NHL backup and keep delia in the minors for emergencies. Maybe they get a guy like Howard for a year. If it doesn’t work out and they’re out of a playoff spot then they send him off for a draft pick

Raked over the coals? I’ve gotta say I’ve never heard that but I think I know what you mean. Here’s exactly what that trade was: Steve Mason (who was AWFUL - not even an NHL player last year) plus Joel Armia who had all of 29 points last year for the Jets, a 4th rounder and a 7th rounder. That is an absolutely awful example imo. The Bickell/TT example discussed earlier is much better but we already dissected that one as well. Bickell was again not playing anywhere near NHL caliber of play when he was dealt, TT hadn’t strung together a solid top season yet. You’re confusing trades of players with literally no NHL value with players that are still performing in the NHL at some capacity. Callahan is on pace for 24 points getting TOI as a 4th liner. He still brings a solid defensive presence as a depth player. Honestly, look at what Pominville strung together for a bit in Buffalo. if say the Devils were the team to take him on, they might not even buy him out. They might keep him on as a mentor of sorts for their incredibly inexperienced roster. If NJD have to send over a minor leaguer but they also get comparable to what Montreal got for taking Mason, then yes they’ll do it all day.

Having said that, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Tampa sends say 4 years of JT Miller, 1 year of Callahan to NJD for Joseph Anderson and a 2nd rounder. The Devils likely keep Callahan for the season and maybe they keep JT as their 2C but likely they deal JT Miller as they continue their rebuild. In JT Miller they get a 25 year old 2-way center who is on his way to his way to his 3rd 50+ point season already even though his usage this year on the incredibly deep TBL squad is 3rd line and PP. What is a player of that stature worth? Well, Pitt gave up a #4 D man in Ian Cole, a higher end goalie prospect in Gustavsson, a 1st round pick, and a 3rd round pick. Miller has more term and is younger; gotta believe he holds more value. So for giving up a decent, cost-controlled depth player and a 2nd NJD could possibly receive an aged veteran, a 1st, a 3rd, a relatively high end prospect, and expiring contract defender (possibly replaced with a younger, cost controlled player). This also clears $11MM in cap space for the Lightning moving forward. Maybe they re-sign Stralman for less or Bouwmeester on the cheap and don’t miss a beat. Miller on the 3rd line is a huge luxury for the Lightning
- WSCTeton17

Barring an injury, Tampa does not trade anyone until maybe the summer.

Raked over the coals? I’ve gotta say I’ve never heard that but I think I know what you mean. Here’s exactly what that trade was: Steve Mason (who was AWFUL - not even an NHL player last year) plus Joel Armia who had all of 29 points last year for the Jets, a 4th rounder and a 7th rounder. That is an absolutely awful example imo. The Bickell/TT example discussed earlier is much better but we already dissected that one as well. Bickell was again not playing anywhere near NHL caliber of play when he was dealt, TT hadn’t strung together a solid top season yet. You’re confusing trades of players with literally no NHL value with players that are still performing in the NHL at some capacity. Callahan is on pace for 24 points getting TOI as a 4th liner. He still brings a solid defensive presence as a depth player. Honestly, look at what Pominville strung together for a bit in Buffalo. if say the Devils were the team to take him on, they might not even buy him out. They might keep him on as a mentor of sorts for their incredibly inexperienced roster. If NJD have to send over a minor leaguer but they also get comparable to what Montreal got for taking Mason, then yes they’ll do it all day.

Having said that, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Tampa sends say 4 years of JT Miller, 1 year of Callahan to NJD for Joseph Anderson and a 2nd rounder. The Devils likely keep Callahan for the season and maybe they keep JT as their 2C but likely they deal JT Miller as they continue their rebuild. In JT Miller they get a 25 year old 2-way center who is on his way to his way to his 3rd 50+ point season already even though his usage this year on the incredibly deep TBL squad is 3rd line and PP. What is a player of that stature worth? Well, Pitt gave up a #4 D man in Ian Cole, a higher end goalie prospect in Gustavsson, a 1st round pick, and a 3rd round pick. Miller has more term and is younger; gotta believe he holds more value. So for giving up a decent, cost-controlled depth player and a 2nd NJD could possibly receive an aged veteran, a 1st, a 3rd, a relatively high end prospect, and expiring contract defender (possibly replaced with a younger, cost controlled player). This also clears $11MM in cap space for the Lightning moving forward. Maybe they re-sign Stralman for less or Bouwmeester on the cheap and don’t miss a beat. Miller on the 3rd line is a huge luxury for the Lightning
- WSCTeton17

But you still didn't provide an example of one team against the cap winning the trade? Unless im missing something all the teams against the cap had to give?

Strome is the only addition. Koekkoek is a fringe NHL player. Panarin isn't going to make them contenders. Been there, done that. Crawford may be done for all we know. Even if he comes back, its only a matter of time before he out again. Ben Lovejoy? Come on. The guy is 34. He would just be in the way at this point on the Hawks.

The Hawks are rebuilding. They already started.
- Elbows15

Aren’t the Islanders supposed to be rebuilding as well? It’s also pretty hard to tell your players that you’re rebuilding and have them tank like you might want them to. 2 years ago Crow had a .929sv%. What if he does that again next year?

Prior to the start of the season everyone thought Vancouver was nuts for signing veterans for bigger than normal money and term but heck here they are, despite a ton of injuries they’re still in it somehow

Yandle in the all star game? What a joke
- BetweenTheDots

He’s actually been sick. He was really solid in the passing competition yesterday and the guy is clearly skilled

He’s actually been sick. He was really solid in the passing competition yesterday and the guy is clearly skilled
- WSCTeton17

He's clearly overrated

Barring an injury, Tampa does not trade anyone until maybe the summer.
- TrueGrit

The entire conversation has been about trading guys in the offseason. It’s all about people calling it “cap hell.” Well, everyone is under the cap now so obviously this season is out the window. It’s forward thinking

The entire conversation has been about trading guys in the offseason. It’s all about people calling it “cap hell.” Well, everyone is under the cap now so obviously this season is out the window. It’s forward thinking
- WSCTeton17

10-4

People were saying the exact same things about the Canucks, Coyotes and Islanders this year. The Canucks have had a ton of injuries and are in a wild card spot, the Isles are first in the Metro, and the Coyotes despite missing half their starters are somehow still somehow in the thick of it. Sometimes things just pan out
- WSCTeton17

All 3 teams still suck, islanders wil fold like a cheap tent in the playoffs

Barring an injury, Tampa does not trade anyone until maybe the summer.
- TrueGrit

They will make a trade to help for the playoff push, but then that'll cost them prospects and draft picks in the off season to dump salary

They will make a trade to help for the playoff push, but then that'll cost them prospects and draft picks in the off season to dump salary
- BetweenTheDots

If there is an injury. The team has ZERO needs right now. They rotate and sit many players that would play regular shifts on most other teams.

The irony, is there are teams that would trade them some assets to add Callahan for a playoff push.

Aren’t the Islanders supposed to be rebuilding as well? It’s also pretty hard to tell your players that you’re rebuilding and have them tank like you might want them to. 2 years ago Crow had a .929sv%. What if he does that again next year?

Prior to the start of the season everyone thought Vancouver was nuts for signing veterans for bigger than normal money and term but heck here they are, despite a ton of injuries they’re still in it somehow
- WSCTeton17

No one expects players to tank for one. Players aren't stupid. Pretty sure they know when they are on a bad team.

That was before Crawford missed the better part of two season due to concussions. In today's NHL, everyone is close to the playoffs.

Look at the Devils from last season. Nice story but its a team further away from Cup contention because of it.

But you still didn't provide an example of one team against the cap winning the trade? Unless im missing something all the teams against the cap had to give?
- BetweenTheDots

There’s a huge difference between just being up against the cap and being up against the cap with awful contracts. Tampa Bay literally has one awful contract that’s isn’t expiring and it’s Ryan Callahan. If you think that this one player with a modified NMC next year is going to derail the entire roster then that’s foolish. I also never said they were going to win the trade, I just said it’s not going to be as bad as people think. For next season alone they may only need to liquidate Callahan and they may need to move a player like Miller to do so. They’re essentially moving out a 2nd liner (they’re using Miller as a 3rd liner because he’s a luxury they can afford until next season) and a 4th liner (Callahan is on pace for 24 points) and in return I’m sure they could pull back a solid yet cost effective 3rd liner

Let’s also not forget that if Tampa simply buys him out, they still save over $3.1MM and can trade Miller for full value. This would still clear up over $8MM which is plenty for them to re-tool. If the cap goes up to $83MM which it’s predicted to, and they buy him out they still have over $13MM for Paquette, Erne, Point, and a couple of depth defenders

For those of you who didn’t read it all. I started delving into these past trades / future options because of Blackhawk fans who think there’s going to be a ton of feasting going on with teams like WPG, Tampa, and Toronto

He's clearly overrated
- BetweenTheDots

I mean, he’s not the greatest defender in the world but he is kinda on pace for 65 points this year. There are 8 defenders with more points, I think all of them have higher cap hits other than Chabot who will obviously get paid after his ELC and Barrie

All 3 teams still suck, islanders wil fold like a cheap tent in the playoffs
- BetweenTheDots

The Canucks aren’t like the Leafs, they don’t sellout when the team sucks. Making the playoffs would be a win for the fan base (as much as I hate to say that). The same can be said for AZ if they somehow snuck in - they really need some validation even with all these injuries. I would love to see them draft high. The Isles: honestly who knows. They’re getting great goaltending which could stay that way or could fall flat. Sure looks like they’re going to be buyers tho

If there is an injury. The team has ZERO needs right now. They rotate and sit many players that would play regular shifts on most other teams.

The irony, is there are teams that would trade them some assets to add Callahan for a playoff push.
- TrueGrit

He’s still a useful player but with another season at $5.8MM, I don’t see it. I think the most likely scenario is that they dish him off with JT Miller and get a useful young depth player with term coming back

So, in the short-term Tampa is going to be fine because their depth is crazy. They might lose one player for next season and I think it’ll be JT Miller.

The Leafs? I think they’ll package up Kadri or Brown and maybe a pick with Zaitsev and then they’ll be fine.

Winnipeg is interesting because of Trouba. They might re-sign Myers and trade Trouba for futures which frees up cap space but they also have useful players in Little and Perreault that teams will absolutely line up for. Kulikov they might have to give NJD a 2nd to take for his last season, small price to pay to keep your studs.

THESE ARE USEFUL ROSTER PLAYERS. Don’t make the confusion that these are Steve Mason or Bryan Bickell where they’re providing negative NHL value

One thing I just remembered too, the Hawks had Conn Smythe winners when they won those cups so they had bonus overages because of that. It was $1.3MM in 2010 when Toews won it. The cap was $59.4MM that year. It’s projected to be $83MM next year