NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 14, 2022
Analysis of some of the biggest signings and trades from the opening day of free agency, a look at two of the notable free agents still available and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
THE ATHLETIC: Johnny Gaudreau explained why he signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He said the experience of playing at Nationwide Arena and speaking with current and former Columbus Blue Jackets players were motivating factors behind his decision.
Former Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 13. (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I analyzed Gaudreau’s new contract and those of the other noteworthy signings for Bleacher Report yesterday. His decision to go to Columbus generated considerable surprise on social media. It also left Calgary fans bewildered and upset after he rejected a more lucrative offer from the Flames to join the Jackets. Whatever the reason behind his decision, he makes the Blue Jackets a better team and should accelerate their rebuilding process.
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Gaudreau was reportedly interested in signing with the Flyers but their limited salary-cap space meant they weren’t able to make room for him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flyers’ offseason moves haven’t sat well with their fans who’ve been quite critical on social media. It’ll be interesting to see what general manager Chuck Fletcher intends to do to improve his roster for next season.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA/VEGAS HOCKEY NOW: The San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights each made significant cost-cutting trades with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Sharks shipped defenseman Brent Burns to the Hurricanes while the Golden Knights sent them winger Max Pacioretty.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mike Grier, the Sharks’ new general manager, is wasting little time addressing his club’s need for an overhaul following several seasons of decline. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, got nothing in return for Pacioretty. They are paying the price for their pursuit of big-ticket talent over the past couple of years in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are going for it. Burns has three years left on his contract with the Sharks retaining 33 percent of his $8 million cap hit. Pacioretty is a year away from unrestricted free agent eligibility. Both should provide a welcome boost of experience and offense to their lineup as they attempt to stage a run for the Stanley Cup in 2022-23.
THE DENVER POST: The Colorado Avalanche haven’t given up trying to bring back Nazem Kadri as their second-line center. The 31-year-old Kadri is the biggest name remaining among this year’s crop of unrestricted free agent talent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly shows the Avs with $3.9 million in cap space. They’ll have to shed some salary if they intend to bring back Kadri.
THE ATHLETIC: The Dallas Stars attempted to re-sign John Klingberg before the defenseman became an unrestricted free agent but weren’t able to reach an agreement. The door appears closed on a return after the club signed blueliner Colin Miller and added winger Mason Marchment.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Klingberg is the top defenseman still available in the UFA market. Speculation linked him to the Seattle Kraken but other clubs could get into the bidding.
OTTAWA SUN: Claude Giroux was all smiles as he met with local media after signing a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Senators. Giroux makes his offseason home in Ottawa and said he was excited to be joining his hometown club. “They’ve got a lot of talented guys who like to work hard and compete,” said Giroux. “I just like the character of the team, and I’ll fit right in with them.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is the Senators’ most significant UFA signing in years. Giroux was linked to the Sens for months but there was speculation the 34-year-old forward would prefer signing with a Cup contender. He should bring a welcome boost of experience and leadership to their roster.
TSN: The New Jersey Devils have reportedly signed former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Ondrej Palat to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils were in the market for a top-six winger. Palat is a solid two-way forward with considerable playoff experience. He’ll be a solid addition to the rebuilding Devils in their quest to become a playoff contender next season.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: The Bruins made a noteworthy addition by acquiring Pavel Zacha from the Devils in exchange for Erik Haula. They’re also still in talks with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci on one-year, bonus-laden contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A former first-round pick, Zacha struggled to play up to expectations in New Jersey. Perhaps the move to Boston will help the 25-year-old forward improve his game. As for Bergeron, there have been conflicting reports saying he’s going to return while others claim he’s still pondering his future.
DAILY FACEOFF: The Lightning wasted little time locking up three players eligible for restricted free agent status next summer. Defensemen Mikhail Sergachev and Erik Cernak and center Anthony Cirelli were all signed to lucrative long-term contract extensions.
SPORTSNET: The Anaheim Ducks signed former New York Rangers center Ryan Strome to a five-year, $25 million contract on Wednesday evening.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The 29-year-old Strome will fill the Ducks’ second-line center position. This is a good move by the rebuilding club, bringing in some experienced depth to take some of the burden from rising star Trevor Zegas.
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman spent just under $20 million via free agency yesterday to make his club more competitive next season. He added forwards David Perron, Andrew Copp and Dominik Kubalik and defensemen Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings have patiently rebuilt over the past three seasons. These veteran additions should help them take the next step toward playoff contention next season. Perron, Copp and Chiarot will bring veteran skill and leadership to the Wings roster.
DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Rangers traded defenseman Patrik Nemeth and two draft picks to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for defense prospect Ty Emberson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was a straightforward salary dump by the Rangers, freeing up cap space to put toward re-signing RFA winger Kaapo Kakko.
SPORTSNET: The Calgary Flames brought back defenseman Nikita Zadorov on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million.
As an oiler fan i am happy and sad to see Johnny leave Calgary. While i have no love for the flames, it was fun seeing the flames and oilers at the top of the division and meeting in the playoffs. It leaves a large hole to fill.
I really like Carolina’s moves and i have to think they are an early favorite to emerge from the east.
Yes I dont see career years coming for the Flames forwards next season without that cog
Carolina improved their powerplay but lost some speed and players that worked in that system-Nino and Trocheck. Time to see if Kotkamiemi is a 2nd line center…..
Agree there ds. I hardly see the additions of frequently-injured Pacioretty, who hasn’t played anywhere near a full season since 2016-17 and with steadily diminishing output and costs $7 mil per off the cap, and defensively-challenged D Brent Burns who turns 38 next march and has 2 years to run at $5,280,000 per as significant improvements over what they lost.
@George
Canes lost to the Rangers because their powerplay fizzled. so these moves do fix that if this old duo can stay healthy for them.
but their Brindy style of play that has led to success will not be as well oiled with the changes imho
I agree with George, the Pacioretty trade doesn’t make sense for Carolina. Unless they have a deal to ship Gardiner there in the future:)
Wow. And it ain’t done yet! Gives a whole new meaning this coming season to the old sales pitch “program … get’cher program here … can’t tell the players without a program …”
Why would Gaudreau leave money on the table and want to play in Cbus? Jackets fans know, but we’ll let all the experts that think the NHL still only has 6 teams keep wondering.
The speculation, here in Ohio, is that he’s heard what a great place to raise a family Central Ohio is, so he reached out to the Jackets’ front office.
Believe as much of that as you want.
I believe none of that. My guess is that Johnny hockey wanted to be a Flyer but those bone heads mismanaged their cap terribly and hired a dinosaur for a coach on top of that. Columbus is close to home and there is no pressure to win. Easy living if you ask me.
Hi Pupinabox
I’d like to know what Jackets fans know
Once he said his goodbye’s to Flames…. All media speculation centred on Flyers, Devils, Isles…. and then …. Wow….Clb !!!
What’s the inside scoop?
Hi Paul Bowles, what’s the scoop with Liane? not enough cap space.
Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve gone to CapFriendly and, once Jenner and Texier come off the LTIR, the Jackets are over the cap. About the only way I can see for them to keep Laine and be cap complaint would be to trade Voracek, Nyquist and one or two low salary guys for futures. I don’t see that happening.
Then, again, Jarmo is making a habit of engineering WTF moves, so we’re just going to have to wait and see.
Wow once again Sweeney underwhelms and what’s happening with Krejci and Bergeron? This is getting almost comical one reporter says Bergy’s signed then a couple of hours later nothing concrete yet. This is the biggest con since Frank Abagnale. Once again management pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes. Will not watch and haven’t watched in almost five years free agent frenzy. The bruins never do anything.
Never an ounce of intelligence involved in your comments. Just jump ship and bandwagon another team. Best part is Sweeney will be here for 4 more yrs.
Rick
Keep this up and your not invited to Sweeney’s big Labour Day cookout…. He’s making his famous slow braised ribs, and his home-made peach cobbler is to die for
46 and 37. Will sign under market value. But not like 2 mil a yr. Sounds like 46 will not take a big of discount as bruins are hoping for
Are Bergeron and Krejci both playing for league minimum? I see only 4 mil left in cap space and still need to sign recently aquired Zacha.
Slick
Both will be taking a hometown discount with a big part being incentive clauses like games played etc that can be carried on to next years cap. They will still have to make moves to sign all 3 at least 1 forward and 1 d man
Rick, you didn’t like the Zacha deal. I thought that was a good valued trade.
I believe the hold up with Bergy and Krecji is Sweeney is trying to move out contracts, so the deals don’t eat up to much of next years contract.
Players to be considered:
Coyle 5.25
Smith 3.1
Nosek 1.75
Reilly 3
Grzelcyk 3.68
Forbort 3
The Bruins on the left side have Lindholm 1st pairing i would give 3rd pairing to Zboril, meaing i would ship out 2 of the 3dman listed, one for sure.
That gives another $3m cap space. I like Coyle but as i stated before $5m is to much for a third line C.
If Sweeney can move out a couple of contracts, I think you’ll see the signings happen quickly.
Love to see a guy constantly complaining about something he doesn’t watch or care about. Unfortunately a lot of that type of logic going around.
Hmm, this was supposed to go under Rick’s comment. Although I don’t even read his comments and don’t care.
My vote for GM Gold medal for moves/signings over the last few days… Dorion
Sens are looking good…. Just needs a Top 4 Dman and that should do it
Stevie Y went on a UFA bonanza… but other than Copp and Chairot …. the others are 1 and 2 year contracts ….. vets to round out and buffer/mentor the young rising stars
TSN panel rated the 7 🇨🇦 teams’ goalie tandems for the upcoming year… and they put Leafs at 6th …. “only because of the uncertainty with Price”…. so if Price is healthy to start…. TSN proudly ranks Leafs as having 🇨🇦‘s worst tandem….. 💩🤬😭
Emily Kaplan’s analysis of mass exodus moves in Chi had merit… she said ownership has backed Davidson fully to strip it entirely down, and OK with going “with a team full of 21 year olds”. Kane says he’s staying until he sees how season unfolds….. for sure he moves in-year (TDL likely, but I’d love to see a move before then)
Johnny Hockey accepting in Columbus shocked the crap out of me
Palat ,5 @ $6 M on Devils…. a bit of a surprise
Knights finally got breathing room with the Patches move; now with WeberLTIR… have $6.4 M for 5 positions. If they can move Martinez…. $11.7 M for 6 positions
Pens…. Acquisition of Rutta almost certainly signalled HexBurkie moving Marino. Also still an extra LD….. Marino and say Dumo… that’s $8 M more space…. Who are the takers??
Oil taking Campbell???? Kuemper is a much better goalie IMHO; much bigger; just won cup; only 19 months older; and he signed for only $250 K more… why did Oil not go after Kuemper .
I would think Kuemper was likely the first choice for Holland but original rumors had him looking to get 6 plus and who knows if he had interest w the oilers at all. After 2 seasons missing out on goalies in both ufa and trade market, i think holland went after the one he could get vs risk missing out on both ufas…again.
I am happy w campbell/skinner dual. And former leafs seem to do well in edm
Thanks 1Oilerfan
Makes sense
” why did Oil not go after Kuemper ?”
Perhaps because the analysis of the people they pay to list the preferences had Campbell ahead of him?
Questions like that only come from us armchair GMs.
Yeah, Kuemper is just coming off a cup – with a pretty damned good team in front of him. Matt Murray had 2 cups under his belt when he came to Ottawa. Which added absolutely nothing to their fortunes.
Hi George
See above from 1Oilerfan…. looks like he’s right. TSN had mentioned yesterday re Kuemper looking originally for 6 (or 7) years….
Agree with 1Oilerfan…. Not worth it to fool around as UFA opens and try and get the better goalie….possibly miss out on a starter of any calibre…. Lock up what they can or be without altogether
It was not so much that Kuemper won the cup; or that he had a better defensive team in front of him….it’s just my opinion that he’s the better goalie (I believed that even before Soupy came to Leafs)
Time will tell
So George are you saying a good goalie on a good team equals some success but the same said good goalie on a bad team equals bad results? That’s a fair assessment.
I’m just saying a lot of Kuemper’s success came from having a Stanley Cup winning team in front of him – excellent top to bottom – pp – pk. Not saying he isn’t a good goalie – what I am saying is that Campbell is clearly regarded by the Oilers brain trust as being just as good – if not better – and turned in a pretty good season with a far less overall talented team in front of him than did Kuemper.
In other words, I think the Oilers hired experts know a lot more about the abilities of players they’re looking at than any one of us in here. Maybe that’s why Campbell over Kuemper. 1oilerfan may have “heard” something but that could be as much hearsay as fact.
I am surprised Dorion isn’t in on Klingberg ..
As mentioned yesterday , I gave Dorion an academy award performance , he’s not done !
Gaudreau departure to Columbus is mind boggling ???
As for the Leafs, I am definitely in their corner .
If there is any sign of negativity , the reason is obvious – I cannot stomach KYLE DUBAS !!!!
Good for Dorion and good for Claude Giroux. Here come the Sens. Not sure I’d rank their goaltender tandem ahead of the Leafs though, at least not until mid-season.
Heh BCLeaf Fan, do I detect a bit of “if the Leafs brought them in they have to better ….?”
Samsonov got pulled so often in Washington he wore out a path to the bench – are you saying he’s better than Forsberg as a back-up?
As for Murray, if Ottawa thought he would be better going forward than Talbot why would Dorion have dealt him while holding back a big chunk of his cap hit?
Like I mentioned before, the Sens need to seriously build up the D. Its what will hold them back from either being a bubble team or not. Fans need to temper their expectations…for some that’s impossible.
BCLeaf Fan, you’re right when you compare the numbers and history. George also isn’t wrong but it’s more a matter of perspective.
Player evaluations on here are farts in the wind. For instance, the samsonov deal has potential to be a good get, in fact so far George, not surprisingly, unlike many hockey writers like that signing… I’m not where George is but definitely on the fence and I’d rather wait and see.
Murray on the other hand, if he’s healthy it’s a big win and if not…it shouldn’t be a surprise, right George?
The current tandem, both money and skill wise is better than last year, or at worse, no better. I’ll take that considering the year they had with their previous tandem which some here would argue it would be better than what they have now even though it would cost the Leafs over $8m which is something obvious to Leafs fans and not so much the non fans.
I don’t think Talbots play and contract are all that great, it’s a good move but if the Leafs signed a 35yr old for effectively a cost of over $5m per – when you factor in the 25% cap retention – isn’t a good look for them but for Ottawa both hits will be off the books and by them Forsberg has proven to be a starter, hopefully…so it’s a good more for them and not the best if it was the Leafs.
With some good players on good contracts I expect the Leafs making more moves well into the beginning of the season. The good thing about the Leafs is that they will remain a top tier team, warts and all which is more than you can say about most teams. Some here ignore that fact and can’t be bothered with facts.
George I’m sorry but someone having an opinion doesn’t mean it has to be better because it’s Toronto. You argued on this exact same thread that teams do their own evaluations. Sure Ott retained his salary, obviously Tor didn’t value him at that salary, even if they see the same potential in him as in Campbell Murray is significantly cheaper to Tor, for shorter term and a younger goalie who has shown he can win in the playoffs. It’s like Feschuk in the Star talking about how they are paying more for their goalies than last year, ignoring that the salaries paid last year aren’t relevant this year because they aren’t available. They evaluated the way they think is relevant and got a starter for nothing but part of his contract to a team where the guy who coached him when he was 10 years old is on the staff, a guy he still trains with. I don’t know which is the better tandem but if Murray is going to rebound it’s hard to argue he’d have a better chance on any other team for the internal stuff. The ridiculous fan-base is a different story, manh times worse than the people who hate the Leafs but somehow know everything about them.
Jaysus tb, I was having a bit of fun with BCLeaf Fan … and I think he realizes that. Your response is what targets some Leaf fans in the eyes of the worst “trolls” in here. Some of you guys really do need another layer of skin.
Oh, and by the way, I didn’t rate the Leafs tandem lower than that of the Senators – most of the pundits who follow the game for a loving and report on all its aspects are the ones who did that.
I’ve already gone on record as saying that, should Murray shake off his recent 2-year string of nagging injuries they could have a very good starting goalie on their hands and, IF he does do that then, yes, he is better than Talbot. Clearly, Dorion didn’t want to gamble on that, however.
Pengy , Ottawa has been linked to Marino , I am sure they could work a deal with a couple of prospects / picks going back. The bigger question is will Marino sulk when he gets traded to a Canadian team? he already balked at joining Edmonton who owned his rights. A RHD locked into a cap friendly deal with 5 years term remaining is likely appealing to many teams.
I do not want a sulker/unhappy camper in Ottawa. If he’s that chauvinistic let him stay there. In fact deal him to Arizona.
chauvinistic? not sure what he did or said to get that label. If he has the right attitude he would be a good addition George.
Hi Fergy22
I have heard nothing to indicate that he’d sulk at a move
He wasn’t agreeable (a few years ago)re signing with Oil
I have seen many posts summarizing his rationale but I have not seen a quote from him re his reasons
Sens on the rise…. Other than being sad from moving away from the team he’s been on; and friends; and selling a house…. It should be just like any other player being traded. In this case …. He’d be traded to a team in the rise.
I could see angst if he was traded to Arz to play in front of 4,900 (at best) for at least the next 4 years.
What is your suggested trade?
Pengy the offer could be young dman on ELC + young forward , maybe a mid round pick thrown in. I am assuming Pens want to clear space to re-sign Kapanen so adding players who are on ELC’s and can still move to and from the minors without protection is what they would be looking at. Example BernardDocker , Sokolov or Kastelic or Lodin and a 4th for Marino. Or it could be the 2nd they just picked up for Brown and a young player ready to take the next step.
I think Marino has long since drifted off Dorion’s radar screen. He’s intent on acquiring another local – Weegar – and Florida still has to clear significant cap space – so something is still brewing there.
Hi Fergy
That said s acceptable
Pens could then flip part of that to Arz to take Zucker …. LOL
Better still; if Dorian IS interested in Marino….
Marino and Zucker for future considerations
Dorion then buys out Zucker (at the 2nd buyout window [Joseph Arb]) …. Cap hit minimal and don’t need space this year or next, Sens don’t give up assets
Hi Fergy
That said s acceptable
Pens could then flip part of that to Arz to take Zucker …. LOL
Better still; if Dorian IS interested in Marino….
Marino and Zucker for future considerations
Dorion then buys out Zucker (at the 2nd buyout window [Joseph Arb]) …. Cap hit minimal and don’t need space this year or next, Sens don’t give up assets
Dorion has done enough “buying out” and, in fact, may still have a candidate of his own in Zaitsev – although I doubt it comes to that. He isn’t an idiot – and taking on Zucker under any circumstances – including “future considerations” is just wishful-thinking in the extreme by Penguins fans. NOT gonna happen. Marino ain’t THAT good.
RE: Johhny Hockey. It’s His Team, in a town with only one pro sports franchise (well, 2 if you count OSU football). No press pressure, similar to Tampa, a low bar for the first couple of years, and a rebuild far enough along that he’ll be there for the good years if they happen. I don’t know that Calgary didn’t just wear him out, nothing on purpose but leaving him with the feeling that no matter what he did it wasn’t good enough. Not every good player can be comfortable in the bright lights of the Canadian media markets….and most of us don’t have jobs where we read in the papers how we failed to do what was expected of us.
We can evaluate the skating and shooting and read the stats, but we almost never see inside the players head or hear about the impact on the family unless something really bad happens. But, I think, just as there is a need for a certain type of guy “in the room” there is a level of psychological mismatch that will motivate a change, even if we can’t see it, and, sometime, when a guys game takes off like a rocket, it not a physical change but all of a sudden finding a perfect psychological fit.
Ya, we fans need to stop being surprised at players making decisions of where to play that doesn’t fit the standard narrative.
Everybody is different, just like the real world.
Some it is all about winning, some it is family, some is team mates and organization, some is money.
Having said that I believe Johnny when he said he loved Calgary, it is a fantastic city, I lived there for a decade. Think Denver but better. And he did take off last year. It is no where near the microscope that TOR is, even less so than EDM.
Good for Johnny, hope it works out for him.
Gotta say I bet Calgary fans wish the Flames would have pressed Johnny for an answer a year ago and moved him if he didn’t sign an extension. Not saying Johnny was being dishonest, he just wasn’t forced into making that decision.
Makes PLD look better doesn’t it?
Unless you are one of the elite teams (like top 4 to win cup) teams can’t afford to let high end guys walk for free. That decision needs to come the summer before UFA. I think MGT needs to get more aggressive in this regard.
Ray Bark, interesting reference to PLD and the answer is yes.
The only downside to PLD comment he said he love to play for Montreal.
The good new for Winnipeg is Montreal might be set at C with Suzuki and Dach, no room at the forum.
Chevy needs to move PLD, i would think 2yrs is more attractive then 1yr.
Agree 100% on PLD Caper.
Needs to be the right fit, good team with the cap space that needs a top 2 C and has the assets.
Perhaps the TDL this year makes it possible if a team has some LTIR accrued.
Julian BrisBois signs Cernak, Cirellia, Sergachev in summer before Free Agency Yr to reasonable eight year deals. You mean like that?
Haha, can’t comment on the value of those deals, but ya!
Four pro sports teams.
1) Blue Jackets, NHL
2) Crew, MLS
3) Clippers, AAA baseball
4) Destroyers Arena football
caper, am I missing something here – everyone keeps talking about Dach like he’s the second coming or something – the guy has played 152 NHL games and has the grand total of 19 goals. What has he done – anywhere – that makes him a sure thing, and why, all of a sudden, is he being penciled in as a # 2 C? He has an awful lot to prove before being anointed. Being s elected 3rd overall means absolutely zilch.
Ray and Richard, I agree with both of you.
Too many in the media think they have to write negative stories to explain what is wrong with the team or the player. Too many fans think it is ok to dump on a player if the team underperforms, heck some fans criticize the player even when the player leads the team to victory.
It is like they are going for clicks and don’t have any concerns on how it might affect the player or the team .
I also believe that Treliving needed to be more aggressive last year with trying to sign Gaudreau. IMO he needs to press Tkachuk to sign long term at a fair deal or trade him for as big of a return as possible. If the player doesn’t want to play in the market they might as well find out and trade them for someone who wants to be there.
The shocking part about Gaudreau is he went to CBJ and asked if he could play for them? Insanity..
Marino and Dumoulin not going anywhere. Pettersson or Matheson will be the one to go. Friedman and Ruhwedel are not top 6 dmen. Matheson can’t play with Letang long term they are the same kind of player.
Fire the cannon!!!!!!
Pfft
At least I can celebrate my team. You’re just a joke. One that has gotten too old to be funny anymore.
Thank you Klinger mr vet you’d be out of your depth in a parking lot puddle.
Oooooo, another feeble attempt at insult. What else can be expected from someone whose comments about his favorite team would sound stupid coming from a nine year old who knows nothing about hockey.
Paul , the more you stoke the fire the longer it burns. If no one comments he may get tired talking to himself.
Fergy, I used to think that too, but it doesn’t matter.
Still, Ray, why take the time to reply at all to him? Worse investment than crypto.
Well a lot less risk than crypto LJ! Just trying to be funny, I often miss in that regard on here.
Never did get the whole crypto thing, don’t think I ever will. I don’t even know why it is a thing unless you are making criminal transactions, other than that it has zero utility where there are not better options. Pretty small market compared to it’s overall value IMO.
Ahhhh, but it’s fun to poke this particular bear. His moronic replies make me laugh.
I thought bobo was going to get retained 50% if traded. I guess either florida changed their mind or no other team wanted to do a deal. (maybe the ask going back to florida was too high?
Philly in brawl mode =lol
Ducks have about 34 mil in space and all they do is get strome? hmmm maybe Laine will be a duck soon.
I really don’t mind what Dubas did so far with the tandem tenders but I was kinda hoping to Land Big Zadorov (and glad ottawa didn’t either) but the game ain’t over as more dealios have to be in place.
I do like what dorion did. That team is going to be real pesky again. Yzeram did grat too also getting pysyk and olli Matta -good on them and looking better.
Calgary is in jaw drop mode and maybe they take a swing at Laine in order to get back some scoring,..either that or it may be rebuild mode.
P Kane probably realizing he will hook up with a true contender come trade deadline just before this up coming playoffs so he politically sayes ” he will wait and see ” and it will be a cheaper cap hit come that time.
Maybe Johnny Hockey became disgruntled with the Flames over the treatment of his good friend Sean Monahan???
They didn’t deliberately injure Monahan. So, what “treatment?” You don’t produce – you don’t play. He’s a fading asset.