[quote=3flyerkids]
Myers could be a number one. He's got the tools. Just needs to get consistentcy

Lombardi went out of his way to hold onto his young assets, which he believed to be the core of his team. Sure, he traded for Carter. However, when he included Jack Johnson, he had Voynov, Martinez, and Muzzin in the pipeline. When he traded for Richards, he had Taffoli in they system ready to replace Simmonds.

My basic point is I would be surprised to see Hexy trade a young asset with value unless he already has a prospect in the system ready to replace. Since there isn't much organizational depth, I really believe he will be shopping in the bargain bin in free agency looking for good deals. And I'm okay with this strategy.

[quote=3flyerkids]

I don't see the Sabres moving him this summer. There's no reason to in my opinion. He had a better year and just might have started to find his game again

Lombardi went out of his way to hold onto his young assets, which he believed to be the core of his team. Sure, he traded for Carter. However, when he included Jack Johnson, he had Voynov, Martinez, and Muzzin in the pipeline. When he traded for Richards, he had Taffoli in they system ready to replace Simmonds.

My basic point is I would be surprised to see Hexy trade a young asset with value unless he already has a prospect in the system ready to replace. Since there isn't much organizational depth, I really believe he will be shopping in the bargain bin in free agency looking for good deals. And I'm okay with this strategy.
- ravishingone

We've been begging for bargain bin UFA's around here for awhile.

This is a good post.

Lombardi went out of his way to hold onto his young assets, which he believed to be the core of his team. Sure, he traded for Carter. However, when he included Jack Johnson, he had Voynov, Martinez, and Muzzin in the pipeline. When he traded for Richards, he had Taffoli in they system ready to replace Simmonds.

My basic point is I would be surprised to see Hexy trade a young asset with value unless he already has a prospect in the system ready to replace. Since there isn't much organizational depth, I really believe he will be shopping in the bargain bin in free agency looking for good deals. And I'm okay with this strategy.
- ravishingone

Far better to sign "lesser" free agents to short, cap friendly deals than to repeat the mistakes of giving a year too many (or 5 years too many) to a bigger name veteran player.

Far better to sign "lesser" free agents to short, cap friendly deals than to repeat the mistakes of giving a year too many (or 5 years too many) to a bigger name veteran player.
- Jsaquella

Homer was always willing to step to the plate and swing for the fences. I really believe Hexy will be less ambitious, especially in the first couple of years. For better or worse, the Cup aspirations of this team will be shouldered by G, Mason, Coots, Voracek, B. Schenn, and Read. All of them are just about untouchable. I'll be interested to see how Hexy molds the team around these guys.

Ooops, I forgot about Simmonds also.

Far better to sign "lesser" free agents to short, cap friendly deals than to repeat the mistakes of giving a year too many (or 5 years too many) to a bigger name veteran player.
- Jsaquella

As if 2004 wasn't bad enough. Everyday and for the next 5 years I get reminded of it looking at the flyers on capgeek. awesome.

If you can't beat them. Sign them 10 years later.

If I save a penny a day I'll have enough for my Duncan Keith 2020 flyer jersey.

I don't see the Sabres moving him this summer. There's no reason to in my opinion. He had a better year and just might have started to find his game again
- Just5

They may not, but they do need some help up front.
I would happy if Hextall could just pick up some legit help for the blueline. Coburn needs a partner and right now...he doesn't have one. So go to work Hexy

[quote=3flyerkids]

I believe MacDonald will be paired with Coburn and receive the tough match-ups at 5 on 5. Berube used this pair when Kimmo was injured at the end of the season. The team is probably not going to have a bona fide #1 d-man on the roster. Streit will be on the point on first PP unit assuming Kimmo retires. MacDonald will be on the point on the second PP unit and eat PK minutes. Unless something drastic happens, I expect Coburn and MacDonald to get the most minutes on the backend.

I believe MacDonald will be paired with Coburn and receive the tough match-ups at 5 on 5. Berube used this pair when Kimmo was injured at the end of the season. The team is probably not going to have a bona fide #1 d-man on the roster. Streit will be on the point on first PP unit assuming Kimmo retires. MacDonald will be on the point on the second PP unit and eat PK minutes. Unless something drastic happens, I expect Coburn and MacDonald to get the most minutes on the backend.
- ravishingone

I hope that's not the case. I like both players but we will need more talent and depth to go further

[quote=3flyerkids]

It would be just one pairing. I'm of the belief either L. Schenn or Grossmann will not be on the roster. Also, I fully expect one of the rookies to crack the top 6 and be slowly broken in with sheltered minutes and hopefully gaining more responsibility as the season progresses.

[quote=3flyerkids]

I think Streit could work with him.

I am absolutely fine with only making minor moves in free agency and staying patient. Hopefully they can draft an impact forward with the 17th pick and I'd be thrilled if they could move both VL and Grossmann for whatever picks they can get.

Re-sign Timonen or another vet if Kimmo wants too much $$ or wants to go to a contender and let the kids battle it out for the 6th spot. Up front, sign Rasmussen if you can, let Laughton see if he can earn a spot and see if you can replace Hall with a pk guy with more speed.

Finally re-sign Emery; he's a solid back -up and just as importantly, he gets along really well with Mason.

Oh, and btw, Toews is a beast and holy crap Gaborik gets it right back!

edit: The goal was Voynovs

I am absolutely fine with only making minor moves in free agency and staying patient. Hopefully they can draft an impact forward with the 17th pick and I'd be thrilled if they could move both VL and Grossmann for whatever picks they can get.

Re-sign Timonen or another vet if Kimmo wants too much $$ or wants to go to a contender and let the kids battle it out for the 6th spot. Up front, sign Rasmussen if you can, let Laughton see if he can earn a spot and see if you can replace Hall with a pk guy with more speed.

Finally re-sign Emery; he's a solid back -up and just as importantly, he gets along really well with Mason.

Oh, and btw, Toews is a beast and holy crap Gaborik gets it right back!
- BiggE

I'll be interested to see where Raffl plays. Berube has stated he believes he will turn into a scorer in the NHL. But where? Center or Left wing. I would be okay with moving Grossmann and signing Kimmo for that amount on the cap. Kimmo is the consummate professional, being a mentor to one of the rookies would be tremendous.

I think Streit could work with him.
- Just5

He probably could, but I still wouldn't feel that would be a number pair. I want Streit to have some top PP minutes because he has a great shot.
I would feel better with another addition to the blue line. I think they really need that to be competitive.

I am absolutely fine with only making minor moves in free agency and staying patient. Hopefully they can draft an impact forward with the 17th pick and I'd be thrilled if they could move both VL and Grossmann for whatever picks they can get.

Re-sign Timonen or another vet if Kimmo wants too much $$ or wants to go to a contender and let the kids battle it out for the 6th spot. Up front, sign Rasmussen if you can, let Laughton see if he can earn a spot and see if you can replace Hall with a pk guy with more speed.

Finally re-sign Emery; he's a solid back -up and just as importantly, he gets along really well with Mason.

Oh, and btw, Toews is a beast and holy crap Gaborik gets it right back!

edit: The goal was Voynovs
- BiggE

Wouldn't mind keeping Grossman on board. The D I think would be fine with a bargain bin signing at the end of july.

Streit-Coburn
AMac-Schenn
Bargain bin Offensive guy gives way to Ghost/Grossman

Wouldn't mind keeping Grossman on board. The D I think would be fine with a bargain bin signing at the end of july.

Streit-Coburn
AMac-Schenn
Bargain bin Offensive guy gives way to Ghost/Grossman
- Just5

I'd be fine with that

Lombardi went out of his way to hold onto his young assets, which he believed to be the core of his team. Sure, he traded for Carter. However, when he included Jack Johnson, he had Voynov, Martinez, and Muzzin in the pipeline. When he traded for Richards, he had Taffoli in they system ready to replace Simmonds.

My basic point is I would be surprised to see Hexy trade a young asset with value unless he already has a prospect in the system ready to replace. Since there isn't much organizational depth, I really believe he will be shopping in the bargain bin in free agency looking for good deals. And I'm okay with this strategy.
- ravishingone

mason raymond?

Wouldn't mind keeping Grossman on board. The D I think would be fine with a bargain bin signing at the end of july.

Streit-Coburn
AMac-Schenn
Bargain bin Offensive guy gives way to Ghost/Grossman
- Just5

trade grossman for justin braun

I'll be interested to see where Raffl plays. Berube has stated he believes he will turn into a scorer in the NHL. But where? Center or Left wing. I would be okay with moving Grossmann and signing Kimmo for that amount on the cap. Kimmo is the consummate professional, being a mentor to one of the rookies would be tremendous.
- ravishingone

My guess is he ends up on the wing. Only time will tell if he can work on his finishing ability enough to be a 2nd liner or is his ceiling the 3rd line. This is a big season for him, he turns 26 in December and really isn't a kid.

Wouldn't mind keeping Grossman on board. The D I think would be fine with a bargain bin signing at the end of july.

Streit-Coburn
AMac-Schenn
Bargain bin Offensive guy gives way to Ghost/Grossman
- Just5

We need more than that. I know it is not easy to come by, but they really need to upgrade by addition. UFA or trade... I don't care, just add a legit top 4 guy

trade grossman for justin braun
- 2Real

why would sharks want that?

mason raymond?
- 2Real

I really don't know a lot about Raymond. I believe they want to sign winger who can play in the top 9 for $3 million or under. I do believe Art Ross Akeson has a better chance of cracking the top 9 this fall with Homer being removed as GM.

Akeson is one of those WTF moves by the organization. Isn't called up at all during the season until the last game of the season. Of course, he then gets inserted in top 9 role for the playoffs. I just don't get why he couldn't have gotten more then 1 regular season game.

My guess is he ends up on the wing. Only time will tell if he can work on his finishing ability enough to be a 2nd liner or is his ceiling the 3rd line. This is a big season for him, he turns 26 in December and really isn't a kid.
- BiggE

They need him on left wing I think

As Hockey Night in Canada goes to break, they show a replay of Toews' goal, his celebration and a fan giving the double bird to him. Lol