The Boqvist situation is going to get settled in training camp. It will be NHL or back to Sweden; but he literally could play on any line.

What line he starts on might not matter that much. People get injured. Line combos change. Todd didn’t say he absolutely wouldn’t play 4th line. Just it’s not ideal and he might not stay stateside.

Conversely if he is fighting for a 4th line role the team might decide they’d rather have a grinder like Hayden in anyway.

The only thing absolute is he won’t be in the AHL.
- Queenie_5_hole

With everyone healthy, our 4th line will look more like a 3rd line anyway. Its not like he'll be playing with fringe NHLers, as long as there are opportunities for him to move higher up the lineup when injuries hit I don't see it being a problem for Boqvist.

I really hope Ray doesn't go after Shattenkirk.
- rmdevil313

I get where you are coming from.
Overall I’d rather keep (extend) Vats then sign Shatts.

I get where you are coming from.
Overall I’d rather keep (extend) Vats then sign Shatts.
- Queenie_5_hole

Same, no need to add Shattenkirk to this mix. If Smith looks like the real deal I would probably also let Vatanen go in the offseason or trade him away if we are out of it by the deadline. PK and Severson should be handling the top 4 minutes on the right side for the next few seasons no need to add Rags rejects.

why is the fan base so obsessed with Shattenkirk. I don't understand.

Hall controls where he signs but Ray Ray is the one who has to ensure the franchise doesn’t end up empty handed.

Hall doesn’t have a no trade or movement clause so Ray can send him anywhere and we have the cap space to make a trade work for any team. We could get a substantial return if it comes to that. Problem is Ray has been better at getting overpaid on weaker players the getting a lot for higher end guys.
- Queenie_5_hole

Shero won't let his top asset walk for nothing. No chance. If he isn't extended by the start of Nov, he will be moved, ideally with a #1RW as part of the return. With Gusev, Boq, Bratt, and Coleman all jockeying for LW TOI, something will have to give.

why is the fan base so obsessed with Shattenkirk. I don't understand.
- Pomegrant

We're desperate for a #4RD I guess.......

Just leave the lineup as is. I don't think any more moves are necessary. We have to see what we have in these players and Ray will make a trade if the opportunity arises.

No to Gardiner who isn't signed for a reason. Definite no to Shattenkirk. He may have been nice two years ago but totally unnecessary on this current roster.

shatts can play in the AHL and just call him up when needed

I get where you are coming from.
Overall I’d rather keep (extend) Vats then sign Shatts.
- Queenie_5_hole

Even if we trade Vats, I'd rather roll with Mueller/Carrick rotating in the lineup.

shatts can play in the AHL and just call him up when needed
- cu45161

I'm sure he'd be just thrilled with that offer.

Even if we trade Vats, I'd rather roll with Mueller/Carrick rotating in the lineup.
- rmdevil313

As long as Ty Smith looks legit in the NHL you’re probably right.

As long as Ty Smith looks legit in the NHL you’re probably right.
- Queenie_5_hole

Let's say Smith isn't ready, even if we traded Vats and didn't sign Shattenkirk we are still playing:

Greene-PK
Butcher-Severson
Mueller-Carrick

It's not great, but I don't see how Shattenkirk makes it any better. (frank) him.

Let's say Smith isn't ready, even if we traded Vats and didn't sign Shattenkirk we are still playing:

Greene-PK
Butcher-Severson
Mueller-Carrick

It's not great, but I don't see how Shattenkirk makes it any better. (frank) him.
- smellmyfinger

True! If anything, we target a LD. Gardiner. But I feel like we should see what this D line can do! If Vats or Smith is moved to the left, it brings a lot of balance.

Let's say Smith isn't ready, even if we traded Vats and didn't sign Shattenkirk we are still playing:

Greene-PK
Butcher-Severson
Mueller-Carrick

It's not great, but I don't see how Shattenkirk makes it any better. (frank) him.
- smellmyfinger

I like Carrick but I don’t see how Shatts isn’t a better option in this lineup. With Vats and Smith in I’d agree.

Don't forget Reily Walsh is on the horizon as well

Hard to argue Tampa isn't the best possible destination for shattenkirk.

Hard to argue Tampa isn't the best possible destination for shattenkirk.
- MartysBetter88

Getting an NHL defenseman for 1 year X $1.75M is even more low risk then the Wayne Simmonds signing. It's practically getting an asset for free.

Both guys have had a couple down years and some real injuries to deal with. It's a good buy low gamble for Tampa.

This just isn't true. Win a round or two in the playoffs and he stays.
- Pomegrant

This is a terrible strategy. How did that work out for Columbus or the Islanders? The last round or two we won was in 2012! If he wants to stay, I haven't heard one fan object to the long term contract or money... if he doesn't, this is a business and thanks for your time! I cannot see Shero allowing him into the locker room in 2020 if there is not a new deal.

I'm glad none of you are the GM of this team.

I'm glad none of you are the GM of this team.
- Pomegrant

I think we are all grateful Ray Ray is in charge.

Getting an NHL defenseman for 1 year X $1.75M is even more low risk then the Wayne Simmonds signing. It's practically getting an asset for free.

Both guys have had a couple down years and some real injuries to deal with. It's a good buy low gamble for Tampa.
- Queenie_5_hole

after the past month has afforded me to calm myself about Simmonds. .it's re-registering that we paid 5mil, albeit 1 season, but 5 MIL for a guy that was terrible last year. I'm going to just assume other teams were offering 4.5 for 1 year.. because all things considered, that's batpoop crazy. I know Shatty was bought out, but if Simmonds had more years on that deal he might've been bought out also, with the way he was playing.

psh. unreal. psh.

Even if we trade Vats, I'd rather roll with Mueller/Carrick rotating in the lineup.
- rmdevil313

yeesh. I think I'd rather Shattenkirk than Mueller. I know this is moot now, but I just can't get behind Mueller.. like at all. He's thankfully (hopefully) the 8th option for our defense. He struck me as too slow mentally and physically last season.

after the past month has afforded me to calm myself about Simmonds. .it's re-registering that we paid 5mil, albeit 1 season, but 5 MIL for a guy that was terrible last year. I'm going to just assume other teams were offering 4.5 for 1 year.. because all things considered, that's batpoop crazy. I know Shatty was bought out, but if Simmonds had more years on that deal he might've been bought out also, with the way he was playing.

psh. unreal. psh.
- MartysBetter88

Simmonds gonna get 30 goals this year.

This just isn't true. Win a round or two in the playoffs and he stays.
- Pomegrant

Maybe if the Devils give him the captaincy too he'll definitely resign! Surely he will.

I'm glad none of you are the GM of this team.
- Pomegrant

Dude if I was the GM we would have Provorov........AND LEMIEUX!!!!!