Ryan Wilson: How Mike Johnston Is Propping Up His Lower End Players How Mike Johnston Is Propping Up His Lower End Players

I see Horny is doing well so far...

So those Malkin trade rumors...

Thought the Islands went 0-7 on the PK? Didn't that last one that was only a few seconds count?

Sill will slide off the game day roster once Bennett returns. That only leaves Adams, and he's played well. Those guys have been on the ice for 1 goal against between the two of them, and that was Adams on the PP.

have always had the idea, but was reading how a hopeful KHL team in Milan is hoping to put together a 4 team tournament with 2 teams from the NHL and two from the KHL.

got me thinking whether in the next 5-10 years we could turn this into a European soccer type tournament like the Champions League where the top teams from all major leagues come together for one big tournament. Then that had me thinking whether you'd start to see a shift and see more European/Russian players stay in their home countries and play for hometown teams and watch that take off.

For those that arent familiar, the Champions League in soccer is a round robin and then tournament that has the top teams from the English, Italian, Spanish, German, and Russian (maybe one more league) leagues come together and play in one big tournament. It's easier for them because they have much more teams and a much more diversify group of talent to spread out so I'd be interested to see if hockey could make it work.

So my question is would you guys like that and if so would you be willing to see more foreign players go back and play for their home town teams, bring the pool of NHL talent down, but see this tournament be that much better with the talent of all 4 or 5 leagues?

might be a blog topic if there is enough time in between games.

I see Horny is doing well so far...
- jochfr

If only he played on the same line as Nick Bonino(Boner)...

Interesting read. I've always thought it made more sense to give your offensive stars the most OZ starts possible and to find some capable defensive/possession forwards in your bottom 6 to handle the hard minutes.

Scuderi for clutterbuck. Help our bottom 6 and weaken the islanders lol.

Its too early to read too much into this but I hate the fact we still aren't getting bottom 6 scoring. Sutter and Bennett on the third line will help eventually. Be interesting to see our bottom 6 compares to the rest of the league this year...they were so bad last year I don't remember what an average bottom 6 looks like

Although the bottom 6 isn't putting up points at least they're possessing and not getting dominated like last year. Sill might not be a full time NHL'r, but I don't hate him like I did Glass and Adams last year. At least there is some pace to his game and he throws a lot of hits without taking himself completely out of the play like Glass.

Spaling missing a wide open net last night.....he's got to bury that.

Although the bottom 6 isn't putting up points at least they're possessing and not getting dominated like last year. Sill might not be a full time NHL'r, but I don't hate him like I did Glass and Adams last year. At least there is some pace to his game and he throws a lot of hits without taking himself completely out of the play like Glass.

Spaling missing a wide open net last night.....he's got to bury that.
- madmike71

I cringed when he missed the net, I figured that was a goal for sure.

Although the bottom 6 isn't putting up points at least they're possessing and not getting dominated like last year. Sill might not be a full time NHL'r, but I don't hate him like I did Glass and Adams last year. At least there is some pace to his game and he throws a lot of hits without taking himself completely out of the play like Glass.

Spaling missing a wide open net last night.....he's got to bury that.
- madmike71

Saw that. I still think we need some more size up front on the bottom six forwards. That's why I cried when Oscar Sundqvist was sent packing. He has size and hands, where else in our bottom six do you see that? Can he be called back at any point of the season? Anyone?

Adams-78 more regular season games + playoffs till retirement. In all seriousness hasn't the coach been putting out the offensive guys after the 4th line has been in the zone hitting and tiring out the other team? Wasn't that how they scored there even strength goals?

Saw that. I still think we need some more size up front on the bottom six forwards. That's why I cried when Oscar Sundqvist was sent packing. He has size and hands, where else in our bottom six do you see that? Can he be called back at any point of the season? Anyone?
- powerhouse

Sundqvist and Kappenen both need to finish out their season before they can rejoin the pens, but the fact that their season end before our playoffs begin (I think) this leaves the door open For either of them to join us. I mean just think about it, when we heard about them being sent back for another year of experience under their belts you immediately assume it means they can't be back in a pens uniform again until next training camp, but when you look at it closer they are getting the experience they need playing against men in their own pro leagues and could still be brought in if we have a need before our season even ends. It's something to possibly look forward to as long as their not coming in strictly because the team has the injury bug.

Adams can hold his own on the 4th line, but the guy is slow. My ideal 4th line would be speed, speed, and more speed. I'm hoping megna gets his chance soon

Sundqvist and Kappenen both need to finish out their season before they can rejoin the pens, but the fact that their season end before our playoffs begin (I think) this leaves the door open For either of them to join us. I mean just think about it, when we heard about them being sent back for another year of experience under their belts you immediately assume it means they can't be back in a pens uniform again until next training camp, but when you look at it closer they are getting the experience they need playing against men in their own pro leagues and could still be brought in if we have a need before our season even ends. It's something to possibly look forward to as long as their not coming in strictly because the team has the injury bug.
- ImScore71

This is why I'm more than ok with a sutter trade. Sundqvist swoops in to provide depth at the 4C spot and malkin should be back at center. Don't forget spaling could also play C as well. I still wouldn't waste a year off of kaps contract though. His EL contract will be very valuable

Saw that. I still think we need some more size up front on the bottom six forwards. That's why I cried when Oscar Sundqvist was sent packing. He has size and hands, where else in our bottom six do you see that? Can he be called back at any point of the season? Anyone?
- powerhouse

He can come back to the NHL after his season in Europe ends. From what I understand, hes on one of the best teams over there so he prob can't come back here until his playoffs are over.

Same with Kapanen.

Edit - just saw someone already answered this. My bad.

This is why I'm more than ok with a sutter trade. Sundqvist swoops in to provide depth at the 4C spot and malkin should be back at center. Don't forget spaling could also play C as well. I still wouldn't waste a year off of kaps contract though. His EL contract will be very valuable
- drummer829

I like Goc but he hasn't stood out much this year. Competent third liner (if we traded sutter) but hopefully he can show a bit more in case we do trade Flats.

P.s. I think Perron is the guy we should target. I think they will want way too much for Yaks who is exciting, but a bit risky. Sutter and dumo could prob land Perron because of their intense need for a center. Can't think of to many other NHL ready "2nd line centers" on the market from the oilers perspective.

At the game last night, I noticed Sid's line being paired with Despres and Scuderi several times. Isn't that like throwing an anchor to the lifeboat? Scuderi has been one of the worst players in both the Dallas and NY games. UGH

The great 87 never lets me down congrats Sid on 500 career assist bring us lord Stanley home this year

I've been impressed with Spaling to start the season. He works well along the boards and in front of the net. Production is the ultimate decider in all players and right now producing with Will and Adams isn't easy. He had a much better game last night and his pk ability is strong.

As far as value goes... 2.2 is too much, but his salary is hardly the albatross on this club.

So its been pretty much agreed upon by people on here that one of our most realistic trade partner if we were to deal off Martin is the Wild. However, if we wait for the deadline, the chances of making a hockey trade go down significantly since Minn would be looking to contend and be unwilling to part with one of their young forwards. Coyle is pretty much out of the question, but we have a shot at Nino.

Watching the Notre Dame games this year so far have reminded me of something. The Wild have a nice under the radar forward prospect named Mario Lucia who has been a bright spot on a pretty abysmal Irish squad this year. Kid's got size and a sniper's shot, is quick, and his IQ is well above average. He's a jackal of an opportunist when it comes to positioning himself for the snipe. Martin being a rental and all, what would you guys say to a Lucia and draft picks for Martin at the deadline? Won't help us this year, but Lucia's likely gonna leave ND after this season and there's a shot he could be ready for the show by next season. He could become the sniper that we lost in James Neal for much cheaper. Plus, we could always use another 1st.

So its been pretty much agreed upon by people on here that one of our most realistic trade partner if we were to deal off Martin is the Wild. However, if we wait for the deadline, the chances of making a hockey trade go down significantly since Minn would be looking to contend and be unwilling to part with one of their young forwards. Coyle is pretty much out of the question, but we have a shot at Nino.

Watching the Notre Dame games this year so far have reminded me of something. The Wild have a nice under the radar forward prospect named Mario Lucia who has been a bright spot on a pretty abysmal Irish squad this year. Kid's got size and a sniper's shot, is quick, and his IQ is well above average. He's a jackal of an opportunist when it comes to positioning himself for the snipe. Martin being a rental and all, what would you guys say to a Lucia and draft picks for Martin at the deadline? Won't help us this year, but Lucia's likely gonna leave ND after this season and there's a shot he could be ready for the show by next season. He could become the sniper that we lost in James Neal for much cheaper. Plus, we could always use another 1st.
- Victoro311

If you are a contender, you cannot trade a piece of your top 4 for a prospect. It has to be for an impact top 6 forward. There are teams who will be interested. It will take time. GMJR will need time to evaluate this club over the year to see exactly what he wants and needs.

So its been pretty much agreed upon by people on here that one of our most realistic trade partner if we were to deal off Martin is the Wild. However, if we wait for the deadline, the chances of making a hockey trade go down significantly since Minn would be looking to contend and be unwilling to part with one of their young forwards. Coyle is pretty much out of the question, but we have a shot at Nino.

Watching the Notre Dame games this year so far have reminded me of something. The Wild have a nice under the radar forward prospect named Mario Lucia who has been a bright spot on a pretty abysmal Irish squad this year. Kid's got size and a sniper's shot, is quick, and his IQ is well above average. He's a jackal of an opportunist when it comes to positioning himself for the snipe. Martin being a rental and all, what would you guys say to a Lucia and draft picks for Martin at the deadline? Won't help us this year, but Lucia's likely gonna leave ND after this season and there's a shot he could be ready for the show by next season. He could become the sniper that we lost in James Neal for much cheaper. Plus, we could always use another 1st.
- Victoro311

I see San Jose, Dallas, and Anaheim as more likely locations. all have decent forward depth and could use a d-man like martin

Realistically, almost every NHL should be interested in Martin. There is no reason to not be interested in that good of a D-man. The variable is price, and desire to resign and secure him as "their" D-man.

Teams that want him as a rental, will more likely not be dealing a top 6 winger, but a high draft pick and prospect. Also much more likely these teams are going to the playoffs.

Team that want him to keep and anchor their top line, are more likely to be giving a top 6 winger. More likely these teams are not making the playoffs, or a cusp team that would be a 7 or 8 seed and unsure.

My opinion, but its how I see it playing out most likely.