Do not worry you are getting P Kane for a 5th rounder Remember? Problems solved.

I know some really attractive women here in the states with Oakleys that are in fact not dbags but if you said men instead of everyone then you’d be mostly right

Kessel has also shown that he doesn’t need an elite center to produce. Don’t you think that a line of Keller, Schmaltz and Kessel would be poor defensively and would be pretty easy to play against?

Hinostroza was on pace for 39 ES points playing primarily with Richardson as his center. Don’t you think it makes at least some sense to pair him with Schmaltz? I also think Soderberg would be a natural fit on the LW here as he could also play down low on the breakout making that line better defensively. That allows you to pair Keller with Dvorak or Stepan, he’s shown chemistry with both and then Phil can be on the RW. Not only does it not sound like the worst lines ever, it looks like something Tocchet would do

Btw you keep talking about Soderberg like he’s junk. I know you’re disappointed that we didn’t get more but it looks like we were swinging and missing at other FAs so Chayka pulled the trigger. Soderberg has had over 30 ES points ever single season except one. Schmaltz was on pace for about 35 as a Coyote. I’m not expecting 20 goals, but I think 40 points playing a responsible game could be expected. 40 would’ve put him at the 4th highest forward pace on the team last year
- WSCTeton17

People always think certain lines will be better defensively, but their answer to fix that problem is always to add a grinder to the line.

Kessel, Schmaltz and Keller don't have to be good defensively. They have to have the puck more than 50% of the time. The rest takes care of itself.

Personally, I might like Stepan in that role instead of Schmaltz, but really, it's a line likely to get dusted when up against what most teams can throw at you with their first line.

That line is OK, but the real problem is going to be getting that line away from other team's best players.

Don't need much offense when Raanta Claus gonna get 81 shutouts this year. One gets by him in the last period of the season, pure luck though

I would have loved one more elite scorer. Specifically, it would have been great if we could’ve somehow landed Kessel without giving up Galchenyuk, as I am a firm believer he will be a 30 goal scorer this year.

But I am not as worried as you are Tanner. We need about 40 more goals. Kessel should be good for half of that...not that he’ll score 20 more goals himself, but he will impact the lineup in such a way that the goal total goes up. So you need another 20 goals....you can’t see a scenario where Keller, Schmaltz make up for that alone? Let alone an expectation that Grabner, Stepan and even hinotroza will most likely have larger totals than last year?

You have to get off this “Soderberg is the worst” Schtick because you keep pointing to his goal scoring. He wasn’t brought in for goal scoring. He was brought in for depth and balance, and the key is his deal expires at the end of the year. Chayka couldn’t spend that money in free agency because he needs that room for Keller, Hayton, Hinostroza, etc going forward.

I would have loved one more elite scorer. Specifically, it would have been great if we could’ve somehow landed Kessel without giving up Galchenyuk, as I am a firm believer he will be a 30 goal scorer this year.

But I am not as worried as you are Tanner. We need about 40 more goals. Kessel should be good for half of that...not that he’ll score 20 more goals himself, but he will impact the lineup in such a way that the goal total goes up. So you need another 20 goals....you can’t see a scenario where Keller, Schmaltz make up for that alone? Let alone an expectation that Grabner, Stepan and even hinotroza will most likely have larger totals than last year?

You have to get off this “Soderberg is the worst” Schtick because you keep pointing to his goal scoring. He wasn’t brought in for goal scoring. He was brought in for depth and balance, and the key is his deal expires at the end of the year. Chayka couldn’t spend that money in free agency because he needs that room for Keller, Hayton, Hinostroza, etc going forward.
- Dahlmanyotes

I agree. The cost to acquire Soderberg was low and the fact that he only has one year on his contract works in our favor. If he pans out we can do a couple more years at a lower cap hit and if not we can allocate those funds elsewhere, as you said. Cap space likely won’t be an issue over the next few seasons which is nice

I would have loved one more elite scorer. Specifically, it would have been great if we could’ve somehow landed Kessel without giving up Galchenyuk, as I am a firm believer he will be a 30 goal scorer this year.

But I am not as worried as you are Tanner. We need about 40 more goals. Kessel should be good for half of that...not that he’ll score 20 more goals himself, but he will impact the lineup in such a way that the goal total goes up. So you need another 20 goals....you can’t see a scenario where Keller, Schmaltz make up for that alone? Let alone an expectation that Grabner, Stepan and even hinotroza will most likely have larger totals than last year?

You have to get off this “Soderberg is the worst” Schtick because you keep pointing to his goal scoring. He wasn’t brought in for goal scoring. He was brought in for depth and balance, and the key is his deal expires at the end of the year. Chayka couldn’t spend that money in free agency because he needs that room for Keller, Hayton, Hinostroza, etc going forward.
- Dahlmanyotes

The point of criticising Soderberg is that "depth and balance" are not worth #4.5 million. The Coyotes are capped out now, and could use that money.

He is a replacement player. Yes, he's coming off a good year and brings good thigns to the team, but for the league minimum you can get the same thing, and that is irrefutable. The difference between Carl Soderberg and the worst player in the NHL would be impossible to even see with the naked eye.
(And that isn't saying he is bad, this accounts for 80-90% of the NHL's players).

It just isn't worth spending money on depth in a salary cap league that is driven by the performances of elite players.

The point of criticising Soderberg is that "depth and balance" are not worth #4.5 million. The Coyotes are capped out now, and could use that money.

He is a replacement player. Yes, he's coming off a good year and brings good thigns to the team, but for the league minimum you can get the same thing, and that is irrefutable. The difference between Carl Soderberg and the worst player in the NHL would be impossible to even see with the naked eye.
(And that isn't saying he is bad, this accounts for 80-90% of the NHL's players).

It just isn't worth spending money on depth in a salary cap league that is driven by the performances of elite players.
- James_Tanner

You're not considering term in your equation.

You're not considering term in your equation.
- MJL

If the Coyotes were not making moves to be competitive this year, then I wouldn't even care. But his contract this year is the problem. It's great that it expires, but it's still hurting them now.

I'm looking forward to the new intermission act. They're going to stop flinging Howler into the net on a toboggan, and Phil is going to come out and fill the net with hot dogs. Eat the last one, and fill the net with 30+ goals.

He's the biggest star forward to play in the desert since probably Roenick. There isn't a huge media presence in the room after games. The Yotes media personality is a hottie. He can go wherever the (frank) he wants and nobody is going to know who he is. From all the things you hear about Phil, he's going to love that.

If the Coyotes were not making moves to be competitive this year, then I wouldn't even care. But his contract this year is the problem. It's great that it expires, but it's still hurting them now.
- James_Tanner

No, it's really not. They have the Hossa LTIR exemption to play with to get plenty of cap space if needed. The only potential of harm that can do is for bonus overages for next season. If he had term on the deal, you might have a point but he doesn't.

No, it's really not. They have the Hossa LTIR exemption to play with to get plenty of cap space if needed. The only potential of harm that can do is for bonus overages for next season. If he had term on the deal, you might have a point but he doesn't.
- MJL

What are you talking about? With the exception for LTIR they might have five million to spend, but that's not better than $9.


Five million won't get you too much, but you could add a superstar player for nine. The one thing they need.

The point of criticising Soderberg is that "depth and balance" are not worth #4.5 million. The Coyotes are capped out now, and could use that money.

He is a replacement player. Yes, he's coming off a good year and brings good thigns to the team, but for the league minimum you can get the same thing, and that is irrefutable. The difference between Carl Soderberg and the worst player in the NHL would be impossible to even see with the naked eye.
(And that isn't saying he is bad, this accounts for 80-90% of the NHL's players).

It just isn't worth spending money on depth in a salary cap league that is driven by the performances of elite players.
- James_Tanner

Really? Irrefutable? Please cite instances of at least 5 players who are objectively on par with Soderberg and are earning the league minimum. Since it's so prevalent, you should be able to list at least 31. One for each team.

You've written 3 blogs in a row which are mostly devoid of hyperbole (big word again, sorry) and the comments have reflected this appropriately. If you would just leave out the click-bait you wouldn't get abused by people like Bill. Until that happens, you're just a hack.

What are you talking about? With the exception for LTIR they might have five million to spend, but that's not better than $9.


Five million won't get you too much, but you could add a superstar player for nine. The one thing they need.
- James_Tanner

LOL, seriously James! Their team is set. Having 5M of available cap space going into a season is a ton of cap space. Do you know what that amount of cap space does for you at the deadline, prorated? What superstar player is available in August? In September, in October? LMAO.

Before you start throwing out comments like "what are you talking about" learn the salary cap and how it works. You obviously are unaware.

Really? Irrefutable? Please cite instances of at least 5 players who are objectively on par with Soderberg and are earning the league minimum. Since it's so prevalent, you should be able to list at least 31. One for each team.

You've written 3 blogs in a row which are mostly devoid of hyperbole (big word again, sorry) and the comments have reflected this appropriately. If you would just leave out the click-bait you wouldn't get abused by people like Bill. Until that happens, you're just a hack.
- Levit8

It is irrefutable because outside of first line players - which Soderberg is not - the rest of the league is nearly interchangable.

Just this summer the Leafs signed Garret Wilson, Kenny Agosino, Nick Shore, Jason Spezza and Ilya Miheyev. combined they make roughly what Soderberg makes and each and everyone one of them is just as good, or so close that with an extra $3.5 to spend, you'd never notice the difference.

Its not hyperbole if it's true. And as usual, you fail miserable in your gotcha attempt........you'll never gotch me.

It is irrefutable because outside of first line players - which Soderberg is not - the rest of the league is nearly interchangable.

Just this summer the Leafs signed Garret Wilson, Kenny Agosino, Nick Shore, Jason Spezza and Ilya Miheyev. combined they make roughly what Soderberg makes and each and everyone one of them is just as good, or so close that with an extra $3.5 to spend, you'd never notice the difference.

Its not hyperbole if it's true. And as usual, you fail miserable in your gotcha attempt........you'll never gotch me.
- James_Tanner

And now you're back to doubling down on statements that are objectively wrong.
You named 3 NHL/AHL "tweeners", one guy who has yet to play an NHL game and Spezza who with all do respect, is not the player he once was. None of these players are even close to Soderberg. Your only accurate statement is that they make league minimum.
And what is it if it's not true? One of your normal blogs?
I get you every time...literally. I can't help it if you refuse to acknowledge facts.
I fail miserable?
I don't want to "gotch" you. That's just creepy.

It is irrefutable because outside of first line players - which Soderberg is not - the rest of the league is nearly interchangable.


- James_Tanner

It is irrefutable that you couldn't make a more ignorant and incorrect statement.

And now you're back to doubling down on statements that are objectively wrong.
And what is it if it's not true? One of your normal blogs?
I get you every time...literally. I can't help it if you refuse to acknowledge facts.
I fail miserable?
- Levit8

100% agree. The whole statement of everyone not on the first line being interchangeable is junk. Garrett Wilson is not an offensive threat whatsoever, he signed for not much less than Labanc. That doesn’t make them almost equal

It is irrefutable that you couldn't make a more ignorant and incorrect statement.
- MJL

If that’s the case about them all being interchangeable, the Wings should trade Abdelkader for Crouse. It only makes sense.

If that’s the case about them all being interchangeable, the Wings should trade Abdelkader for Crouse. It only makes sense.
- RafiDRW

You're ignoring the fact that i said nearly. Its true though. Outside of 90 or so skaters, the rest of the league really doesn't have much range between the best and worst player if you measure per minute impact.

There is some difference, but ultimately teams screw themselves by paying mid range players.

If that’s the case about them all being interchangeable, the Wings should trade Abdelkader for Crouse. It only makes sense.
- RafiDRW

The wings would win that trade. Abdelkator makes a horrible 4.5 and Crouse is near the league minimum. I wouldn't claim Abdelkator for free on waivers at that cap hit.

It's actually the perfect example of what I'm talking about, because if you spend it correctly that 3.5 million difference will improve your team way more than the slight difference in impact between the more established bad player.

I think anyone who has ever seen a Bruins game in the last few years should agree with me.

If you measure the performance of every player in the NHL, the range of about 10% of players is bigger than the last 90%.

Essentially, the best non-first line player and the worst player in the league are barely any different from each other.


Since we know that elite players make all the difference , and since any WOWY chart can show you that pairing them leads to better results, it's common sense to stack your best players together, or it should be.

No matter who you put on your second and third lines, they're likely to come close to even against any team that doesn't have enough first liners to build an elite second line. (So like 5 teams).

Since most teams usually spread the wealth a bit, the Coyotes could make up for not having the BEST first line by having 3 top players on it. If they can win the first line battle half the time, they can be a playoff team.
- James_Tanner

beyond laughable jimmy.

beyond laughable jimmy.
- daryl stanley

I've been doing this for a long time now, and I can tell you that a sign I am right is that when people refuse to think the situation through and make lame attempts to be condescending, without even offering an argument.

Because, in reality, almost all new concepts seem "laughable" at first. It's pathetic to insult without argument though, which is about 10 x more "laughable."


The fact is if you measure the impact of every player in the NHL most of them make no difference. This in fact lines up with the already proven concept of the NHL being a strong line game (elite players decide games, depth doesn't really matter).

Finally, since it's a salary cap league, its a very important concept. If you want to win in the NHL don't pay your Abdelkators or Soderbergs and in stead use that money on elite players.

It's a sound concept, the math backs it up and it lines up with many things we already know.

I've been doing this for a long time now, and I can tell you that a sign I am right is that when people refuse to think the situation through and make lame attempts to be condescending, without even offering an argument.

Because, in reality, almost all new concepts seem "laughable" at first. It's pathetic to insult without argument though, which is about 10 x more "laughable."


The fact is if you measure the impact of every player in the NHL most of them make no difference. This in fact lines up with the already proven concept of the NHL being a strong line game (elite players decide games, depth doesn't really matter).

Finally, since it's a salary cap league, its a very important concept. If you want to win in the NHL don't pay your Abdelkators or Soderbergs and in stead use that money on elite players.

It's a sound concept, the math backs it up and it lines up with many things we already know.
- James_Tanner

The EXACT OPPOSITE reason why the Blues won the CUP.
Geez!!!

If the Top 4 are all that matters, how did Boston lose to Blues. (Wait for it...goalie luck???)

How did Tampa lose to CBJ....Tampa Top 4 are MILES ahead of Jackets Top 4.

The notion is soooo lame I could come up with COUNTLESS examples of depth overcoming a Top 4 loaded lineup.

Just when Tanner puts out 2-3 sensible blogs in a row he has to present something as brutally laughable as the 4th best player on a team and the worst player in the league are inches apart, and that depth players matter squat.

Wait and see again, how Leafs fare with 7-8 minimum salary players playing lines 3 and 4, and defence 4-5-6-7....

Stars or not, depth is NECESSARY to win! (Especially in playoffs, when teams game-plan over 7 gruelling games for the stars.)

I've been doing this for a long time now, and I can tell you that a sign I am right is that when people refuse to think the situation through and make lame attempts to be condescending, without even offering an argument.



- James_Tanner

You do this on pretty much a daily basis on every thread when others expose your "theories".

I love analytics. And I love that you James, have made a career out of pointing to analytics that people don’t understand to make bold claims. A general comment is that most commenters simply don’t understand analytics and their rebuttals to you are ignorant and would be amusing, if they weren’t so frustrating!

With all of that said, I’m just telling you....you are messing up on your analysis that is leading to this conclusion that only elite players matter and most of the league is interchangeable. There is a little truth in that, but you make illogical jumps from that truth.

True, Soderberg is not really a 60 pt player...last year was lucky, and we should expect more than 25 points, to be honest. So you are then saying “well just about anyone can put up 25 points, so he’s interxhangeable and not worth the money”...but if you get in to advanced analytics and a little more granular in your analysis, you will see that many people gets those 25 points in soft minutes, or in bursts. Ie Duclair who will play like an all star for five games, and then disappear for 20.

Soderbergs 25 points come mostly playing against outmatched lines, starting in a Defensive position, with average line mates. But he is consistent and durable every single night, which means other guys don’t have to change their role, which brings more consistency to their games, and the whole lineup benefits. So is his point production interchangeable?? Sure. Is his impact on the game and lineup interchangeable? Absolutely not.

You really need to consider analytics around decision externalities in order to avoid falling in to some of these false conclusions!