woe to the have-nots
- isaiah520

The NHL's answer to a handful of teams facing possible bankruptcy is to ask for a 9% difference in split of hockey revenues with the NHLPA and not an overhaul of their own inter-club revenue split...Yeah that will solve the problems of Phoenix

So, immediately after the Hawks got handed the Cup, you expected Carter to be dealt?

I wasn't surprised the next summer when he was dealt, but had he been traded in 2010, I would have been stunned. All the Carter rumors came in 2011. I don;t recall any following the Cup loss to Chicago.

I agree on Laughton. He could be traded. So could Schenn or Couturier. I'm not convinced that any of them will be.
- Jsaquella

must have misunderstood when we were talking about 2010. after 2011, carter's exit seemed like a fait accompli.

The NHL's answer to a handful of teams facing possible bankruptcy is to ask for a 9% difference in split of hockey revenues with the NHLPA and not an overhaul of their own inter-club revenue split...Yeah that will solve the problems of Phoenix
- Jsaquella

they really need re-locations and /or contractions, but the circus will continue

Braydon Coburn. I think with an increased offensive role and more ice time, he puts up 35-40 points and continues to be a very good defensive defenseman.
- Jsaquella

Cosign this. Pending a full season, injury free, with top powerplay minutes and offensive encouragement from the coaching staff (skate the puck up, join the rush, et al) I can see Coburn surpassing 40 points. Coburn never gets elite defenseman shine mostly because of his lack of offensive production, but he's been part of an extremely deep and talented defense core. I'm not saying he could be a Karlsson (who's basically a 4th forward) but with a little offensive confidence coupled with the aforementioned increased playing situation time it's possible that he could really flourish and produce in his new role. He possesses a formidable cannon but his accuracy and execution definitely need work.

fait accompli
- isaiah520

Nice phrase.

I loved Carter's game and was sad to see him go. Sure there were certain aspects of his game that I wished he would address but overall he was a fantastic two-way center with an exceptional shot, speed, size and good around the net.

What we received in return for him looks to be amazing. Last season Couturier show and proved his ability to be a fantastic defensive center. What he accomplished against Malkin alone is really remarkable. Assuming Couturier develops his game and improves moving forward, does anyone seriously think he can match Carter's offensive ability? Sure with more playing time including time on the powerplay, I can see him being a regular 20-25 goal scorer. I can't see him flirting with a 50 goal campaign the way Carter did. That being said, Voracek was the other key piece in the deal and this kid is the real thing. If he does get 1st line duty alongside Giroux I've no doubt he'll surprise a lot of people.

Nice phrase.

I loved Carter's game and was sad to see him go. Sure there were certain aspects of his game that I wished he would address but overall he was a fantastic two-way center with an exceptional shot, speed, size and good around the net.

What we received in return for him looks to be amazing. Last season Couturier show and proved his ability to be a fantastic defensive center. What he accomplished against Malkin alone is really remarkable. Assuming Couturier develops his game and improves moving forward, does anyone seriously think he can match Carter's offensive ability? Sure with more playing time including time on the powerplay, I can see him being a regular 20-25 goal scorer. I can't see him flirting with a 50 goal campaign the way Carter did. That being said, Voracek was the other key piece in the deal and this kid is the real thing. If he does get 1st line duty alongside Giroux I've no doubt he'll surprise a lot of people.
- Pixote Andolini

i don't know if can match carter's 46 goal season, but i definitely think he could become a 30+ scorer no problem

he won some jr scoring titles if i'm not mistaken