I would say its solid. exactly what i called for. rebalancing thr D without trading young guys. No buff or yandle. No Kesler. Rangers got better and Washington got better, that is scary. but as long as our D is 20% better then we won the arms race.
- SchennBros

Tonight will be a good test. Although with Halak the Caps should be a smidge better. Hopefully we don't need another ridiculous comeback.

Rangers got better only for really this and next year after that they'll be hurting
i HOPE mac donald will be here past this year
- 2Real

I think he will. It doesn't seem like homer to deal for a rental ya know? I'm speculating of course, but still

I love that as a fan base, we are never happy.

That's pretty close to Kesler...
- JAKEw1234

Adding guys like Goc, and Stempniak for nothing isn't bad.

I love that as a fan base, we are never happy.
- nails

I'm chill.

I love that as a fan base, we are never happy.
- nails

We are from Philly, we are di fined by our commiseration.

I think he will. It doesn't seem like homer to deal for a rental ya know? I'm speculating of course, but still
- Giroux_Is_God

They've already said they intend to sign him and MacDonald has already said he'd be open to signing a contract here before FA.

I think they'd like to see him play a few games while they look to work on a deal.

I love that as a fan base, we are never happy.
- nails

Seems that way. For months talking about needing to get a better mix on the defense, and better mobility. GM goes out and gets a player that helps there. And now it's he's going to be expensive, didn't get the right player, or whatever.

Adding guys like Goc, and Stempniak for nothing isn't bad.
- PLindbergh31

They aren't for nothing. Pens aren't going to have too many picks in this upcoming draft.

Seems that way. For months talking about needing to get a better mix on the defense, and better mobility. GM goes out and gets a player that helps there. And now it's he's going to be expensive, didn't get the right player, or whatever.
- MJL

Its always too expensive. Everyone wants another Zhitnik for Coburn. Those deals are incredibly infrequent. Not every trade can be a steal.

everyone happy?
- mydoglicks

beat the caps
but yes, I mean Couts and Schenn weren't trade for Bufyglien so there is that

Its always too expensive. Everyone wants another Zhitnik for Coburn. Those deals are incredibly infrequent. Not every trade can be a steal.
- PhillySportsGuy

The biggest issue in my mind is what is deemed an overpayment and what is too expensive. I don't think a lot of fans have kept up with the market, and salary inflation. 5M is a scary number to some, when it really isn't. 4.5-5M for a good solid defenseman is good value.

The biggest issue in my mind is what is deemed an overpayment and what is too expensive. I don't think a lot of fans have kept up with the market, and salary inflation. 5M is a scary number to some, when it really isn't. 4.5-5M for a good solid defenseman is good value.
- MJL

How would you compare MacDonald to Coburn? Would you say Coburn is much better? They're similar defensemen.

The biggest issue in my mind is what is deemed an overpayment and what is too expensive. I don't think a lot of fans have kept up with the market, and salary inflation. 5M is a scary number to some, when it really isn't. 4.5-5M for a good solid defenseman is good value.
- MJL

I know. Tomahawk sent me some comps. If MacDonald got paid over $4M it would be an overpayment, but are you really going to let a two-way defenseman leave because you didn't want to pay him $500k more per year? Just overpay the guy and live with it.

How would you compare MacDonald to Coburn? Would you say Coburn is much better? They're similar defensemen.
- JAKEw1234

We'll have to see. I think that MacDonald is better all around, but doesn't have the physical game that Coburn has.

How would you compare MacDonald to Coburn? Would you say Coburn is much better? They're similar defensemen.
- JAKEw1234

MacDonald has more offense, but Coburn is the better defensive player. Coburn is also bigger and stronger.

I know. Tomahawk sent me some comps. If MacDonald got paid over $4M it would be an overpayment, but are you really going to let a two-way defenseman leave because you didn't want to pay him $500k more per year? Just overpay the guy and live with it.
- PhillySportsGuy

The problem with a lot of comps is it doesn't always take into account market issues such as Free Agency, or when a player was signed. Salaries go up, not down.

The biggest issue in my mind is what is deemed an overpayment and what is too expensive. I don't think a lot of fans have kept up with the market, and salary inflation. 5M is a scary number to some, when it really isn't. 4.5-5M for a good solid defenseman is good value.
- MJL

Totally agree

The biggest issue in my mind is what is deemed an overpayment and what is too expensive. I don't think a lot of fans have kept up with the market, and salary inflation. 5M is a scary number to some, when it really isn't. 4.5-5M for a good solid defenseman is good value.
- MJL

you know what, if they can fit his salary in and still find a guy to play all the situations on the top pair this summer, then who gives a F what he costs

if by signing Amac they lose out on filling their biggest need, we should all have something to b itch about

they improved the mix and kept all their players except mez, that is pretty good

they haven't fixed their #1 need, but there is the draft and UFA to do it

if they are keeping coburn they need to get someone he can pair with successfully

The problem with a lot of comps is it doesn't always take into account market issues such as Free Agency, or when a player was signed. Salaries go up, not down.
- MJL

I know. I look at a guy like Scuderi from last year. He got under $4M. MacDonald is a better all around player, so he'll price himself a bit higher.

Callahan's gonna fit in well in Tampa's hard work approach to winning. I think they fleeced NY on this one.

okay just got in from the train. what did i miss?

WHAT THE (frank)

If AMac plays well over the next month I'd be OK giving him 4 years at $4.5m.

okay just got in from the train. what did i miss?
- stayinthefnnet

St. Louis for Callahan, 1st and 2nd
Vanek for decent prospect and 2nd
Moulson to Wild
Pens get Stempniak and Goc for 2 3rds and a 5th total
Flyers trade Mez to Bruins for conditional 3rd. (not certain of conditions yet)