Buyout.
- thundachunk

Exactly.

I'm pretty certain they were expecting more than what he showed right away. A bit more of a physical contribution in the bottom6, perhaps.

They were contending—it made no sense to trade an asset that was contributing for one they didn't expect to contribute until a few years later.

Contending teams don't do that on purpose.

Doesn't really matter. It's far in the past, and I'm happy they have Kassian, and that he's making positive steps.
- Fosco

I am not sure if I want to presume to understand what Gillis was thinking but I guess he thought the team was fine on the scoring front and could afford to lose Hodgson for that coveted power forward. It sounds like he was really mistaken re what Hodgson was actually providing.

But yes, Kassian has been playing better.

I'm pretty certain they were expecting more than what he showed right away. A bit more of a physical contribution in the bottom6, perhaps.

They were contending—it made no sense to trade an asset that was contributing for one they didn't expect to contribute until a few years later.

Contending teams don't do that on purpose.

Doesn't really matter. It's far in the past, and I'm happy they have Kassian, and that he's making positive steps.
- Fosco

This was my biggest problem with the trade. I like Kassian and I think he has the ability to be a very effective player. But, at the time it would have been nice to get a roster player ready to go for the playoffs.

Buyout.
- thundachunk

That isn't a Gillis decision, it's an ownership decision. And it's the same for every single franchise, so don't start thinking that means the Aquilini's are running things more than any other owner because of it. GMs need ownership approval to write cheques for $20M to buyout players. Just the way it is.

Does it seem asinine to anyone else that Gillis is demanding a roster player that is preferably a center? It seems to me that Forcing a guy like Sutter into any package is ridiculous. Is he going to help the team win a cup in the next year or two? No. Would we not be better off with another high end prospect or 1st? Go for three awesome assets instead of a help me now? Is sutter such an upgrade over Schroeder that he must be included in the package?

I know we have a large gap in the center ice department but is Sutter really going to fix that? Schenn, Couts or players of their ilk would not players like Sutter...

If the coaching philosophy has to fit the roster why was AV fired.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Because the team couldn't win in the playoffs - and he wore out his welcome and it was time for a change.

I don't think Torts was hired because the roster fit his style.

Coaches need to adjust their philosophies beccause
a) they inherit a roster that isn't necessarily suitable for their style
b) the game changes - winning styles, rules etc...

Enough with the defencemen already. This team needs forwards who can generate offence.
- fiveandagame

They could flip that trade

Does it seem asinine to anyone else that Gillis is demanding a roster player that is preferably a center? It seems to me that Forcing a guy like Sutter into any package is ridiculous. Is he going to help the team win a cup in the next year or two? No. Would we not be better off with another high end prospect or 1st? Go for three awesome assets instead of a help me now? Is sutter such an upgrade over Schroeder that he must be included in the package?

I know we have a large gap in the center ice department but is Sutter really going to fix that? Schenn, Couts or players of their ilk would not players like Sutter...
- 89_hockey

Sutter sucks. End of story.

Does it seem asinine to anyone else that Gillis is demanding a roster player that is preferably a center? It seems to me that Forcing a guy like Sutter into any package is ridiculous. Is he going to help the team win a cup in the next year or two? No. Would we not be better off with another high end prospect or 1st? Go for three awesome assets instead of a help me now? Is sutter such an upgrade over Schroeder that he must be included in the package?

I know we have a large gap in the center ice department but is Sutter really going to fix that? Schenn, Couts or players of their ilk would not players like Sutter...
- 89_hockey

Totally agree. I think it's bizarre as well, I think even Gillis would prefer those 2 guys over Sutter though(if not then he's really lost it). But if Philly ain't buying then don't force yourself with needing a young center, especially if Sutter is the best you can get. Get back the max value you can. It's not like Sutter actually has top 6 upside, 3rd line centers can be found(hell, we may have one in Santorelli potentially plus guys like Horvat/Gaunce are in the system).

I am not sure if I want to presume to understand what Gillis was thinking but I guess he thought the team was fine on the scoring front and could afford to lose Hodgson for that coveted power forward. It sounds like he was really mistaken re what Hodgson was actually providing.

But yes, Kassian has been playing better.

- hillbillydeluxe

If I recall, Gillis or Gilman (can't remember) said they underestimated how ready Kassian was at the time of the trade.

I think your suggestion for the reason of the trade is very plausible, but I still believe they were expecting some kind if immediate physical impact from him in the bottom 6, regardless of whether they weren't expecting him to contribut offensively right away.

I'll leave it at that.

Like I said, I'm a Kassian fan and it wasn't my purpose to rehash this subject to this degree—just wanted to point out that it was a bold move.

I don't have it backwards. Torts was a horsesh!t hire if they expected him to have success with this group.

As for the "bold move" debate, I don't view the Hodgson or Schneider trades as bold moves as much as they were desperate cop outs. Neither player had to be panic-traded when they were. The Schneider deal was done to avoid what would have been a truly bold move (dealing with Luongo).
- DrChristianTroy

So then why haven't they changed the make up of the team to fit Torts style?

It p!sses me off that media is saying the fans took out their frustrations on Lack by chanting Luo. Ron Wilson and DC had the right idea saying they were voicing their displeasure toward Torts and MG. Well no sh!t. I hate guys like PJ calling the fans out like we are a bunch of idiots not supporting our goalie and isn't our #1 goalie Luongo?That is who I was supporting. My #1 olympic goalie is always going to get the start over our back up in a venue like that. What the fu@k was Torts thinking? I was ok with Torts for the season up until this point. This season much like last year at this time has become a fiasco. I love this team and will always cheer the players on the ice but f@ck somethings got to give here. Lets not let this team get K Lowe level. I was a supporter of MG through the bad and the good and for the most part he has done pretty well and I still support him but at this point he has to really do something special to keep his job. #FAfireeveryone

Rant over. Don't worry Chompsey I will go bipolar in a few minutes.
- thundachunk

PJ Stock and Fahrhan Lalji are both more emotional than most teen age girls.

Lalji was almost crying in his twitter feed for poor Luongo, blaming the fans for their atrocities...AKA, Luoing.

Fans are upset, and if those guys can't figure out why, and think Lack is being picked on, they need to give their heads a shake.

Sutter sucks. End of story.
- AlexF

He's a solid player, but there's no way in hell that he's good enough to be a centrepiece for a player like Kesler.

Does it seem asinine to anyone else that Gillis is demanding a roster player that is preferably a center? It seems to me that Forcing a guy like Sutter into any package is ridiculous. Is he going to help the team win a cup in the next year or two? No. Would we not be better off with another high end prospect or 1st? Go for three awesome assets instead of a help me now? Is sutter such an upgrade over Schroeder that he must be included in the package?

I know we have a large gap in the center ice department but is Sutter really going to fix that? Schenn, Couts or players of their ilk would not players like Sutter...
- 89_hockey

Gillis should be targeting Neal if he wants to make a bold move with the Pens.

Because the team couldn't win in the playoffs - and he wore out his welcome and it was time for a change.

I don't think Torts was hired because the roster fit his style.

Coaches need to adjust their philosophies beccause
a) they inherit a roster that isn't necessarily suitable for their style
b) the game changes - winning styles, rules etc...
- docmorgan

BS. Pete Carroll is one of the best Head Coaches I've ever witnessed in any sport/any league. He had ZERO success while he was at the mercy of some other guy's roster build. Then went to USC with full control & built a dynasty... Came back to the NFL with the same power and has built the best roster top to bottom that I've ever seen with the Seahawks (because the pieces fit his personal philosophy). The same group of Seahawks wouldn't be near as dominant under sayyy Greg Schiano. Coaches NEED roster input when you're hiring them for their tactical vision. Otherwise, hire a motivational speaker.

Tanknation in full affect.

Canucks have recalled archibald instead of Jensen to replace Daniel.

So then why haven't they changed the make up of the team to fit Torts style?
- docmorgan

Because they're in(frank)ingcompetent! Gillis doesn't get it.

If Its Pittsburgh were dealin Kes to, We should be asking for Olli Matta.....Fukk Sutter.

They could flip that trade
- docmorgan

Who, Gillis?

He's a solid player, but there's no way in hell that he's good enough to be a centrepiece for a player like Kesler.
- Nucker101

Yup.

Come on Philly deal...

Gillis should be targeting Neal if he wants to make a bold move with the Pens.
- hillbillydeluxe

From what I have read, the Pens have a massive hard on for Kesler and are pursuing aggressively. With that said, Gillis should absolutely be targeting Neal.

If I recall, Gillis or Gilman (can't remember) said they underestimated how ready Kassian was at the time of the trade.

I think your suggestion for the reason of the trade is very plausible, but I still believe they were expecting some kind if immediate physical impact from him in the bottom 6, regardless of whether they weren't expecting him to contribut offensively right away.

I'll leave it at that.

Like I said, I'm a Kassian fan and it wasn't my purpose to rehash this subject to this degree—just wanted to point out that it was a bold move.
- Fosco

I guess I can't argue with it being a bold move. But the idea that he could be an immediate impact sounds like it was a real gamble iirc Kassian was being scratched a bit at the time.

But as I said, Kassian has been playing better of late and seems to be more comfortable with the puck. He has made mistakes but I wouldn't expect it otherwise.

Why does Torts accept the gunslinger in Bieksa and not some other players?

Gillis should be targeting Neal if he wants to make a bold move with the Pens.
- hillbillydeluxe

Why would the Pens in a win now mode trade away their only 40 goal winger? They are in the business of trading future pieces for players that can upgrade them now.

Tanknation in full affect.

Canucks have recalled archibald instead of Jensen to replace Daniel.
- Chest Rockwell

Strange. Archibald has been mediocre for the Comets since returning to the AHL.

Yup.

Come on Philly deal...
- Fosco