I'm dying to see how Dubas not only resolves the Marner issue but acquires a couple of defensemen that turn the Leafs from pretenders to contenders. Losing Marleau's cap hit is one huge part of it. Can he find a few more lucky horeshoes?
- paulr

Toronto Maple Leaf (Cliff Notes version):

2004 = Last time won a playoff series
(15 years ago, even though > 50% teams annually make the playoffs)

1967 = Last time won a playoff series against their historical main rival/nemesis
(the Montreal Canadian, 52 years and running)

1959 = Last time won a playoff series against their main current rival/nemesis
(the Boston Bruins, 60 years now, inc this year)

Hang tight, they are on pace for a 2079 playoff season relevancy.

I listened to the podcast of the interview and didn't hear that comment about Gus. Bowman said "not focused on trading" Keith and Seabrook. No mention of Gus.
- boilermaker100

It's from this tweet:

Stan Bowman subtly mentions that Erik Gustafsson isn't going anywhere next season, which is the smart move. He's a UFA next summer.

But #Blackhawks have some decisions to make a year from now about their defense: https://t.co/1EtLBKTxYW https://t.co/3qWnSu3htz

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 25, 2019

Bet you VGK has multiple offers involving lots of permutations of players and salaries.

There will be no fleecing. Someone will blink and offer up more than the others.
- Return of the Roar

It's called "making a market" - up against the wall (uhhh...cap) or not.

If there is a market for whomever you're trying to move, you can get value back, even if you're forced to sell.

Bet you VGK has multiple offers involving lots of permutations of players and salaries.

There will be no fleecing. Someone will blink and offer up more than the others.
- Return of the Roar

One of the problems Vegas has is there are not many teams with cap space, even Carolina had to shed some salary to sign Aho, get a goalie, resign Williams, etc. and Arizona is just about capped out.

It's called "making a market" - up against the wall (uhhh...cap) or not.

If there is a market for whomever you're trying to move, you can get value back, even if you're forced to sell.
- StLBravesFan

Exactly. McPhee is no dummy. Proven that already.

Toronto....TBD, but history not on their side.

One of the problems Vegas has is there are not many teams with cap space, even Carolina had to shed some salary to sign Aho, get a goalie, resign Williams, etc. and Arizona is just about capped out.
- LAHawk

Carolina only shed salary because they want to acquire at least one more forward in the offseason on top of signing Aho et al.

No one at all interested in the services of Zucharello? Not even hearing his name being mentioned.

Debrincat's ELC PPG was is so far in a lower range than $8m players. If, as I said in my original comment, he was to really produce more/exceed this next year, it could be higher but currently his comps are normal $6mx6 range (give or take $1m x 1 year).

Skinner is not a comparable to Debrincat because he was a UFA, going by arbitration rules.
- L_B_R

Your discussion of the comps for Strome and Cat illustrate objectively what I’ve been thinking subjectively - neither is worth, nor should they receive $8M AAV.

Your suggestion of $6x6yrs is pretty close to those of us who have been advocating more of a bridge deal. And, I’d be more comfortable with those deals having had the opportunity to see both play at least one round in the playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leaf (Cliff Notes version):

2004 = Last time won a playoff series
(15 years ago, even though > 50% teams annually make the playoffs)

1967 = Last time won a playoff series against their historical main rival/nemesis
(the Montreal Canadian, 52 years and running)

1959 = Last time won a playoff series against their main current rival/nemesis
(the Boston Bruins, 60 years now, inc this year)

Hang tight, they are on pace for a 2079 playoff season relevancy.
- DontKnowNutin

The Leafs were in the Norris with the Hawks for 10-12 years though meaning a playoff series win against the Habs or B's would mean a Stanley Cup but that still hurts.

Something HAS to be up in Vegas, doesn't it?

Aren't they above the 10% excess even as we speak?
- StLBravesFan

they are...almost 7 mildo over the cap with 19 players signed and one of those is clarkson @ 5.25

stasny, clarkson, smith, eakin, reaves, miller...at least 3 possibly 4 of those guys are adios...

One of the problems Vegas has is there are not many teams with cap space, even Carolina had to shed some salary to sign Aho, get a goalie, resign Williams, etc. and Arizona is just about capped out.
- LAHawk

There are seven teams in the NHL as we speak with 20 or more players under contract for next year with $10MM or more of cap space.

All is quiet there but something is up in Vegas. Just not sure if it's CHI or someone else.
- Tyler Cameron

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Isn't that the phrase?

It's from this tweet:

Stan Bowman subtly mentions that Erik Gustafsson isn't going anywhere next season, which is the smart move. He's a UFA next summer.

But #Blackhawks have some decisions to make a year from now about their defense: https://t.co/1EtLBKTxYW https://t.co/3qWnSu3htz

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 25, 2019

- L_B_R

My bad. Yes he did mention that Gustafsson and Keith aren't going anywhere.

Exactly. McPhee is no dummy. Proven that already.

Toronto....TBD, but history not on their side.
- Return of the Roar

Well, it’s McCrimmon now since he was promoted to GM, but yeah, I’m sure McPhee is looking over his shoulder given the cap concerns he created.

they are...almost 7 mildo over the cap with 19 players signed and one of those is clarkson @ 5.25

stasny, clarkson, smith, eakin, reaves, miller...at least 3 possibly 4 of those guys are adios...
- bogiedoc

Sounded to me over the weekend that VGK is primarily interested in moving Statsny and Pacioretty. Exactly the guys the Hawks don't want or need - old, long term, big AAV deals.

Sounded to me over the weekend that VGK is primarily interested in moving Statsny and Pacioretty. Exactly the guys the Hawks don't want or need - old, long term, big AAV deals.
- Return of the Roar

Yep, and I’m sure Pittsburgh would have preferred to trade us Gudbranson or Johnson. Stan got Maatta.

The point being Vegas might have to adjust to find a willing trade partner.

All is quiet there but something is up in Vegas. Just not sure if it's CHI or someone else.
- Tyler Cameron

Oh do tell!

All is quiet there but something is up in Vegas. Just not sure if it's CHI or someone else.
- Tyler Cameron

Vegas has about a half hour to qualify the three RFA's on their NHL roster - Gusev, Nosek and Subban. -

Yep, and I’m sure Pittsburgh would have preferred to trade us Gudbranson or Johnson. Stan got Maatta.

The point being Vegas might have to adjust to find a willing trade partner.
- Chief4Feathers

Chicago on one side who can only sign guys to one year deals with teams who can't take salary back, versus any other team with space beyond this season.

Stan will get outbid unless we give enough back in picks/prospects.

they are...almost 7 mildo over the cap with 19 players signed and one of those is clarkson @ 5.25

stasny, clarkson, smith, eakin, reaves, miller...at least 3 possibly 4 of those guys are adios...
- bogiedoc

eakin and reeves for 4th 6th and fortin vegas really has no leverage plus that would clear about 6 million and fills 2 needs hawks need.

Vegas has about a half hour to qualify the three RFA's on their NHL roster - Gusev, Nosek and Subban. -
- boilermaker100

GM must be at home with a cold.

If DeBrincat hits 30+ goals this year he is going to get big money. Thanks to the Coyotes being stupid Strome doesn't have the same kind of resume and he won't be as expensive to sign.

Chicago on one side who can only sign guys to one year deals with teams who can't take salary back, versus any other team with space beyond this season.

Stan will get outbid unless we give enough back in picks/prospects.
- Return of the Roar

Well, we’ll see what happens. However, Stan doesn’t have to do a deal, unless it’s right for his team. However, Vegas has no choice.

So far, I like what Stan’s been doing this offseason. Picking up value without diminishing his roster. No need for him to change course now in an unnecessary bidding war with Vegas.

Vegas has about a half hour to qualify the three RFA's on their NHL roster - Gusev, Nosek and Subban. -
- boilermaker100

Nosek would be perfect for the 4th line

If DeBrincat hits 30+ goals this year he is going to get big money. Thanks to the Coyotes being stupid Strome doesn't have the same kind of resume and he won't be as expensive to sign.
- pjm901

Agreed, Cat is lined up to get more than Strome. But what do you define as big money and term for Cat’s next contract?