Let's hope MacT's like Homer and he'll make an acquisition based on the player torching his team in a single-game sample?
- Tomahawk

He hasn't done much of anything yet...Of course what he has done is head scratching.

Team badly needs defensive help and he trades the most reliable defensive defenseman in Ladislav Smid for prospects, addresses a "need" in goal by signing Bryzgalov and has done little else besides.

I'd take Johnson over Staal every day of the week... neither have really put up the level of offensive production that were expected out of them, but Johnson's damned steady on both sides of the puck and he's going to be on the ice more than Staal just by virtue of his position.

If they redrafted the whole thing, Backstrom and Toews would fight it out for #1, and G would be in the top-5 for sure.
- Tomahawk

I think Toews is the hands-down slam dunk #1 pick, all respect to Backstrom. Backstrom would be #2, Giroux and Kessel are probably #3/4. Lucic might knock Staal out of the top-5.

I think Toews is the hands-down slam dunk #1 pick, all respect to Backstrom. Backstrom would be #2, Giroux and Kessel are probably #3/4. Lucic might knock Staal out of the top-5.
- jmatchett383

He would for me. Lucic is one of those "man, I'd love him if he played for the team I root for" guys, imho.

He would for me. Lucic is one of those "man, I'd love him if he played for the team I root for" guys, imho.
- Scoob

not only that, but the guy is pretty freakin clutch

Because the Meszaros bad contract ends in about 9 months, while Streit lasts until 2017...of course that totally ignores the logic of a team needing defense help trading for a solely offensive defenseman in Streit.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, but that's why I put Mez out there.

Why would the Oil accept Streit's contract?

Hemsky is this year and next year and that's it.

Yeah, but that's why I put Mez out there.

Why would the Oil accept Streit's contract?

Hemsky is this year and next year and that's it.
- johndewar

Hemsky's UFA after this year.

He hasn't done much of anything yet...Of course what he has done is head scratching.

Team badly needs defensive help and he trades the most reliable defensive defenseman in Ladislav Smid for prospects, addresses a "need" in goal by signing Bryzgalov and has done little else besides.
- Jsaquella

Crazy Homer has plenty of Defensive Defenseman for sale!!

I think Toews is the hands-down slam dunk #1 pick, all respect to Backstrom. Backstrom would be #2, Giroux and Kessel are probably #3/4. Lucic might knock Staal out of the top-5.
- jmatchett383

It's easy to give Toews a bump due to team accomplishments, but if we're talking about pure demonstrated NHL talent and production, Backstrom is probably the guy. It's only a dead heat because Toews brings so many critical intangibles to the table.

Crazy Homer has plenty of Defensive Defenseman for sale!!


- johndewar

It's really ironic how well matched the Flyers and Oilers are as potential trade partners.

It's easy to give Toews a bump due to team accomplishments, but if we're talking about pure demonstrated NHL talent and production, Backstrom is probably the guy. It's only a dead heat because Toews brings so many critical intangibles to the table.
- Tomahawk

I'd take his skill +leadership ability over Backstrom's skill. That's just me though.

He hasn't done much of anything yet...Of course what he has done is head scratching.

Team badly needs defensive help and he trades the most reliable defensive defenseman in Ladislav Smid for prospects, addresses a "need" in goal by signing Bryzgalov and has done little else besides.
- Jsaquella

He must feel like he's got something in Taylor Fedun... and they have a ton of decent D prospects in OKC... maybe MacT had the hard realization that this team is still a good 1-2 years away from making any noise, and he'd better start making room for kids.

I'd take his skill +leadership ability over Backstrom's skill. That's just me though.
- jmatchett383

Both will probably end up in the HHOF when all is said and done... you couldn't go wrong with either.

He must feel like he's got something in Taylor Fedun... and they have a ton of decent D prospects in OKC... maybe MacT had the hard realization that this team is still a good 1-2 years away from making any noise, and he'd better start making room for kids.
- Tomahawk

Smid wasn't exactly a grey beard, but I get that angle...but then why add Bryz? Dubnyk has been up and down, but last time we saw Bryzgalov behind a questionable defensive team he was up and down, as well.

Both will probably end up in the HHOF when all is said and done... you couldn't go wrong with either.
- Tomahawk

I don't think Backstrom's HOF-worthy. Then again, Toews isn't yet, either. There's a slew of others currently playing I'd put ahead of them.

Smid wasn't exactly a grey beard, but I get that angle...but then why add Bryz? Dubnyk has been up and down, but last time we saw Bryzgalov behind a questionable defensive team he was up and down, as well.
- Jsaquella

It strikes me as more of a low-commitment move to placate the fan-base than a definite win-now move. If Bryz is terrible, MacT can just waive the guy without any real lasting damage to the franchise. There will be some egg on MacT's face, but that's easy enough to brush off.

I don't think Backstrom's HOF-worthy. Then again, Toews isn't yet, either. There's a slew of others currently playing I'd put ahead of them.
- jmatchett383

Based on just scoring, Backstrom is the lone guy from the class who is over a PPG for his career. He's a stellar player for the Caps

It strikes me as more of a low-commitment move to placate the fan-base than a definite win-now move. If Bryz is terrible, MacT can just waive the guy without any real lasting damage to the franchise. There will be some egg on MacT's face, but that's easy enough to brush off.
- Tomahawk

True...and maybe the team can come together in their hatred of him.

Based on just scoring, Backstrom is the lone guy from the class who is over a PPG for his career. He's a stellar player for the Caps
- Jsaquella

Until the likes of Bure, Fedorov, and Lindros get in, I'd keep Backstrom out.

Raffl not at practice; possible he may have been sent down

Meanwhile in Detroit; Daniel Cleary may be a healthy scratch

Until the likes of Bure, Fedorov, and Lindros get in, I'd keep Backstrom out.
- jmatchett383

Bure and Fedorov are going to be in the HHOF... it's just a matter of time.

Lindros... his chances being low have more to do with political reasons than anything.

Until the likes of Bure, Fedorov, and Lindros get in, I'd keep Backstrom out.
- jmatchett383

Well, Bure is in. He got elected last year.

Both Lindros and Fedorov belong...look at Cam Neeley being in as my argument for both Lindros and Tim Kerr

Bure and Fedorov are going to be in the HHOF... it's just a matter of time.

Lindros... his chances being low have more to do with political reasons than anything.
- Tomahawk

Well, in Bure's case, that time was 364 days ago

Well, in Bure's case, that time was 364 days ago
- Jsaquella

Raffl not at practice; possible he may have been sent down

Meanwhile in Detroit; Daniel Cleary may be a healthy scratch
- AllInForFlyers

Rosehill's solid game means he's now a fixture in the lineup. Look for a 3 year extension any day now.

Raffl hasn't impressed in the least, but I do not for the life of me get the refusal to play McGinn on the 4th line. This nonsense that they believe he needs top line minutes is ridiculous. Mcginn isn't a top line player in the NHL. In fact if he's going to make it as a regular it will be as a 4th line player.

- Tomahawk

Maybe he meant Valeri?