Whoa, wait.....is that now a thing??

I think Seth Jones represents as much of a marketing opportunity for Colorado (he's a home grown kid who learned to play hockey in Denver) as it is a hockey decision to draft him.

Have their been rumblings of Colorado passing on Seth Jones? I'd be shocked. Joe Sakic, himself, counseled Seth's father on how to help Seth along in his early hockey career. I would think Colorado drafting Jones would be a no-brainer, regardless of ISS dropping Jones to #2.
- johndewar

He only spent 4-years in Denver (ages 8-12), and spent most of his organized playing career in Texas, Michigan and Portland. The Avs connection has been a bit overblown based on that one anecdote from Popeye about Sakic.

Mac is #1 again according to the first post-Memorial Cup ranking.

Edler's numbers have been inflated from having the Sedin twins on the ice over 40% of shifts taken at ES, and virtually all the time he spends on the PP. He's also got a pretty decent d-partner in Bieksa to help him out. Defensively, he's never been anything special -- he's always had Hamhuis and Salo and Ohlund to do most of his heavy lifting for him on that side of the puck.

On the other hand, EJ's been tasked with carrying the likes of Hunwick and SOB on the ice -- he's had very little support in COL. He also faces tougher defensive assignments than Edler, and he's handled himself pretty well, despite his team as a whole being at the bottom of the league in GA/G 2 of the last 3 seasons. Unlike Edler, he doesn't enjoy top-PP minutes because the Avs are in love with using 5 forwards, and the quality/consistency of his forwards are nowhere close.

In addition to the advantages of age, right-handedness, contract affordability and size, he'd also cost less in terms of assets to acquire.

IMO, buying low on EJ would make a hell of a lot more sense than buying high on guys like Yandle, Edler, etc.
- Tomahawk

I don't necessarily think Edler for Simmonds is buying high, seems like a fair hockey deal. But I agree I liked EJ long term more than Edler, I think EJ still has an offensive game that will develop.

Edler's numbers have been inflated from having the Sedin twins on the ice over 40% of shifts taken at ES, and virtually all the time he spends on the PP. He's also got a pretty decent d-partner in Bieksa to help him out. Defensively, he's never been anything special -- he's always had Hamhuis and Salo and Ohlund to do most of his heavy lifting for him on that side of the puck.

On the other hand, EJ's been tasked with carrying the likes of Hunwick and SOB on the ice -- he's had very little support in COL. He also faces tougher defensive assignments than Edler, and he's handled himself pretty well, despite his team as a whole being at the bottom of the league in GA/G 2 of the last 3 seasons. Unlike Edler, he doesn't enjoy top-PP minutes because the Avs are in love with using 5 forwards, and the quality/consistency of his forwards are nowhere close.

In addition to the advantages of age, right-handedness, contract affordability and size, he'd also cost less in terms of assets to acquire.

IMO, buying low on EJ would make a hell of a lot more sense than buying high on guys like Yandle, Edler, etc.
- Tomahawk

Or they can just send us Ty Barrie.

Whoa, wait.....is that now a thing??

I think Seth Jones represents as much of a marketing opportunity for Colorado (he's a home grown kid who learned to play hockey in Denver) as it is a hockey decision to draft him.

Have their been rumblings of Colorado passing on Seth Jones? I'd be shocked. Joe Sakic, himself, counseled Seth's father on how to help Seth along in his early hockey career. I would think Colorado drafting Jones would be a no-brainer, regardless of ISS dropping Jones to #2.
- johndewar

Its a rumor. They say Roy wants McKinnon who many say very similiar to Crosby, while Jones might be more of a Hedman or E.Johnson. Its very interesting to think about.

I don't necessarily think Edler for Simmonds is buying high, seems like a fair hockey deal. But I agree I liked EJ long term more than Edler, I think EJ still has an offensive game that will develop.
- GirouxForTheShow

If the price is fair I would be very happy with either Edler or EJ.
I think Edler is a little bit more of the type of D man they don't have and sorely need, but either one would look great in Orange and Black.

I don't necessarily think Edler for Simmonds is buying high, seems like a fair hockey deal. But I agree I liked EJ long term more than Edler, I think EJ still has an offensive game that will develop.
- GirouxForTheShow

Simmonds has average nearly 30-goals/season the past couple of seasons as a 23-24 year old seeing 2nd/3rd-line minutes at ES... if Burrows can put up Simmer-type of numbers w/ the Sedins, what would Simmer be able to do with them? Perennial 30-40 goal scorer? I shudder at the thought.

As far as EJ, he had no trouble putting up points earlier in his career... he should be able to get back there with an expanded offensive role and better teammates.

if bryz is that dominant thru a plyoff run, yea, but when has he ever done that?
- isaiah520

At some point every player who has had a dominant playoff run, was in a time frame where they haven't done it yet. Some later then others.

At some point every player who has had a dominant playoff run, was in a time frame where they haven't done it yet. Some later then others.
- MJL

Thats true. Thomas Vokoun is one.

yes, but are they eager to cost themselves millions by giving him 8MM nxt yr if they are not sure that the contract will be brought to term? a little # crunching clearly reveals that there is more here than meets the eye. yes, it shall be very interesting to see how it goes
- isaiah520

They are giving him 8M and actually getting a service in return. That's Bryzgalov actually playing for the team. Versus paying him not to play for the team. What does the number crunching reveal? What I'm reading is a bias towards wanting him gone in every analysis offered.

Can I ask what brought on the Edler vs E.Johnson debate? Are there any solid rumors they may be moved? I can understand the Yandle vs Shattenkirk convo because Yandle was rumored to move before, and St. Louis is in FA trouble.

Edler's numbers have been inflated from having the Sedin twins on the ice over 40% of shifts taken at ES, and virtually all the time he spends on the PP. He's also got a pretty decent d-partner in Bieksa to help him out. Defensively, he's never been anything special -- he's always had Hamhuis and Salo and Ohlund to do most of his heavy lifting for him on that side of the puck.


- Tomahawk

His numbers aren't inflated. He's playing in those situations because he has the talent and ability to do so. And that is using a player correctly. And that's how the Flyers would use, or at least they should use him that way if they acquired him. You could make the same argument with pretty much all top offensive defenseman., They tend to spend a lot of time on the ice with the top offensive players. I disagree also with your description of Edler defensively. He's solid in both ends of the ice. He can play against top lines. Every top 2 way defenseman needs a good partner who compliments him as a player. That's what makes top defense pairings.

On the other hand, EJ's been tasked with carrying the likes of Hunwick and SOB on the ice -- he's had very little support in COL. He also faces tougher defensive assignments than Edler, and he's handled himself pretty well, despite his team as a whole being at the bottom of the league in GA/G 2 of the last 3 seasons. Unlike Edler, he doesn't enjoy top-PP minutes because the Avs are in love with using 5 forwards, and the quality/consistency of his forwards are nowhere close.

In addition to the advantages of age, right-handedness, contract affordability and size, he'd also cost less in terms of assets to acquire.

IMO, buying low on EJ would make a hell of a lot more sense than buying high on guys like Yandle, Edler, etc.
- Tomahawk

I didn't say that EJ wasn't a good player. But he's not as good as Edler is. And we have other players who can face the tougher defensive assignments. That's how you put a team together. I'm not looking to basement shop or buy low. I want the best player. And of all the defenseman rumored to possibly be available. Edler is my choice. He is significantly better then Erik Johnson.

Simmonds has average nearly 30-goals/season the past couple of seasons as a 23-24 year old seeing 2nd/3rd-line minutes at ES... if Burrows can put up Simmer-type of numbers w/ the Sedins, what would Simmer be able to do with them? Perennial 30-40 goal scorer? I shudder at the thought.

As far as EJ, he had no trouble putting up points earlier in his career... he should be able to get back there with an expanded offensive role and better teammates.
- Tomahawk

I'd trade a 35 goal Forward for a defenseman such as Edler. Especially with the need that the Flyers have. And Simmonds spends a lot of PP icetime playing with Giroux.

Last month he said he's interested in the NHL but the "timing has to be right." Quite frankly, I think the time is now. He backstopped his team to the Swedish championship this season and is at least as advanced as Bruins prospect Niklas Svedberg (the AHL's Rookie of the Year this year after winning the Swedish championship with Brynäs last year).
- bmeltzer

I would love to see Eriksson come over as he has developed nicely and is probably ready for a crack at a starters position and he is still a few years away from his prime time, go get him Homer.

He only spent 4-years in Denver (ages 8-12), and spent most of his organized playing career in Texas, Michigan and Portland. The Avs connection has been a bit overblown based on that one anecdote from Popeye about Sakic.

Mac is #1 again according to the first post-Memorial Cup ranking.
- Tomahawk

Um, that's 5 years of the kid's life. This isn't a 40 year old we're talking about. He's only 18 YO. Also, Colorado is where he picked up skating at age 5.

I kinda think you're underselling the Avs connection.

Um, that's 5 years of the kid's life. This isn't a 40 year old we're talking about. He's only 18 YO. Also, Colorado is where he picked up skating at age 5.

I kinda think you're underselling the Avs connection.
- johndewar

Imho he's as "connected" to the Avs as Bobby Ryan is "connected" to the Flyers.

Connection level = 0

I disagree also with your description of Edler defensively. He's solid in both ends of the ice.
- MJL

Why do you think his name is even out there? The Canucks have been disappointed in his inability to stabilize his two-way game... Botchford (TSN-contributor, Canucks beat) has reported that Edler is a bit of a head-case, who's prone to mental lapses. Management wants more from him, fans want more from him, he's far from an airtight finished product and he's got a lot to prove. The numbers are there, but like I said, it's a result of playing with cream of the crop players in all situations. Look under the surface and he's a lot more Joni Pitkanen than Nik Lidstrom at this point.

Imho he's as "connected" to the Avs as Bobby Ryan is "connected" to the Flyers.

Connection level = 0
- Scoob

Two totally different kids.

Two totally different backgrounds.

Um, that's 5 years of the kid's life. This isn't a 40 year old we're talking about. He's only 18 YO. Also, Colorado is where he picked up skating at age 5.

I kinda think you're underselling the Avs connection.
- johndewar

When the Flyers jumped up to take Kevin Marshall they passed on Eric Tangradi, who was born in Philly and had all kinds of success locally, who was taken with the very next pick.

All things being equal between Mac and Jones, I'm sure the connection would come into play. If the Avs feel like Mac is the better player, they're not taking Jones, even if he's Sherman's own blood.

Why do you think his name is even out there? The Canucks have been disappointed in his inability to stabilize his two-way game... Botchford (TSN-contributor, Canucks beat) has reported that Edler is a bit of a head-case, who's prone to mental lapses. Management wants more from him, fans want more from him, he's far from an airtight finished product and he's got a lot to prove. The numbers are there, but like I said, it's a result of playing with cream of the crop players in all situations. Look under the surface and he's a lot more Joni Pitkanen than Nik Lidstrom at this point.
- Tomahawk

I couldn't disagree more that the numbers are the result of playing with cream of the crop players. His numbers are the result of making plays. Not just being there. All top teams that have top puck moving defenseman, play with top offensive players. Are their numbers the result of that also? Edler is a dam good player. Do you call offering up an article by a beat writer, looking under the surface?
In the big picture, the overwhelming majority of NHL defenseman are closer to Pitkanen then Nik Lidstrom. He's arguably the best defenseman ever to play the game.
I hope the Canucks decide to trade him, and we can benefit from it. He's exactly what the Flyers need on the backend.

Two totally different kids.

Two totally different backgrounds.
- johndewar

I think the situations are different as well. Remember Bobby Clarke tried hard to get Anaheim to trade that pick to them so he could select Ryan. Since Colorado has the means aka the top pick, and the will, aka need for defense, then that might tip the balance for Colorado to pick him over McKinnon... but some people are putting McKinnon ahead of Jones.... So does Colorado do what everyone on this board is completely opposed to and take a team need, and player fit over someone that is listed as the BPA? Remember Colorado already has Statsny, Duchene, and O'Reiley.....

Two totally different kids.

Two totally different backgrounds.
- johndewar

Neither is "connected" to those teams other than being a somewhat "local" kid. Big whoop.

Or they can just send us Ty Barrie.
- bradleyc4

I love his game. Kid skates with his head up all time.

I was telling the Fan590 that it's always been my dream to shoot down a trade offer from a Sabres fan

Vanek would be a great addition, and playing with Giroux, he could probably put up 45-50 goals. But the Flyers have major cap issues, and even if they buy out Briere and Bryzgalov, they won't have a ton of room.
- Jsaquella

That's been the thing with Vanek. He's really never had an elite center, such as Giroux feeding him the puck, or vice versa.

That's been the thing with Vanek. He's really never had an elite center, such as Giroux feeding him the puck, or vice versa.
- Powerslave

What do you mean... Isn't Lieno setting him up like mad?

Neither is "connected" to those teams other than being a somewhat "local" kid. Big whoop.
- Scoob

They are "connected" because the current management in each city had a substancial impact in the kids hockey career. Ryan more-so in Philly. The difference is Philly didn't have the resources to get Ryan at the draft, while Colorado does.