Those are your predictions? And did we make the playoffs?
- aflyerpower8

It'll come down to the wire. I really don't know. I think it'll be really close though

Well, what is a trainer going to say?
- PhillySportsGuy

"Unfortunately, there's still a little bit too much Luke Schenn to go around..."

I think that fans grasp that the LTIR rule works, what you don't get is that people were discussing a hypothetical situation that came out of a rumor that Pronger was possibly being considered for a league job, and what considerations could come from him collecting a paycheck from a NHL team and being involved in the discipline process at the same time. There's definite potential for conflict of interest in that hypothetical scenario.


- Jsaquella

You can incorrectly assume that I don't grasp something all you want. I'm fully aware of the hypothetical situation and the rumor. If the rumor is in fact true, and the DOPS which is part of the NHL is interested in Pronger to work for them. Isn't it safe to assume that it was discussed internally if that would be on board, and if the NHL and Bill Daly would approve it? That makes sense to me. So until we know whether that is in fact true or not, how exactly is LTIR stopping Pronger from accepting a job with the NHL and the DOPS?


Regardless, before now, I have not commented on that rumor, or if it would be an issue with the NHL.

As far as Mogilny, regardless of why the exemption came about, the fact remains, he was granted one. That means another one could be granted in the future. Are you saying that the NHL and NHLPA can't negotiate a change to the CBA? Because it's happened before, for a few different reasons.


So yes, hypothetically, the NHL and NHLPA could negotiate an exception that would allow Pronger, Savard and Ohlund to retire without causing cap penalties to their teams, given the nature of their injuries and unlikelihood of being able to resume their careers. Will they? Probably not. However, that was not a consideration in the discussion of the hypothetical.


- Jsaquella

I never stated that an exemption couldn't be granted in the future, or that the NHL and NHLPA can't negotiate a change in the CBA. There is a reason why exhibits and articles in the CBA are intentionally left blank. And unlike most people, I've actually read both the 2005 and the current CBA. And I am fully aware of provisions written into the CBA just for something like that to be done, if it is necessary. So just to be perfectly clear. My position isn't that it can't be done. My position is that it's not necessary.

See, the whole thing about a hypothetical is, it might not happen or even be likely to happen. I keep repeating hypothetical because you repeatedly have said you don't discuss hypotheticals, yet you've made numerous posts about this one. Seems strange.
- Jsaquella

Thanks for explaining what a hypothetical is


You're incorrect in stating that I keep repeating that that I don't discuss hypothetical's. That claim is made by others. It's a case by case basis. Sometimes in a discussion, a hypothetical is appropriate to make an opinion, sometimes it's not in my view.

"Unfortunately, there's still a little bit too much Luke Schenn to go around..."
- mcefalu

The season looks a little different if he plays well, doesn't it?

I agree, but whether it's wrong or not isn't the point. The point is that the NHL has made a statement (not a verbal one) that they are perfectly fine with appending the rules of the CBA related to the cap, so it's not outside the realm of possibility that they could do it again if they feel so inclined.
- jmatchett383

I never stated that it was outside of the realm of possibility that they could do it again. My position is that it's not necessary, because there is no problem with it to this point.

"Unfortunately, there's still a little bit too much Luke Schenn to go around..."
- mcefalu

Exactly.

The season looks a little different if he plays well, doesn't it?
- AllInForFlyers

Absolutely. I think LSchenn is going to be better this year, provided Del Zotto doesn't drag him down

- mayorofangrytown

Metro
1.Pens
2. Rags
3. CBJ
4. Devils
5. Flyers
6. Isles
7. Caps
8. Canes

Atlantic
1. Bruins
2. Lightning
3. Habs
4. Wings
5. Leafs
6. Sens
7. Panthers
8. Sabres

Central
1. Blues
2. Hawks
3. Stars
4. Wild
5. Avs
6. Jets
7. Preds

Pacific
1. Sharks
2. Ducks
3. Kings
4. Coyotes
5. Flames
6. Canucks
7. Oilers
- PhillySportsGuy

Drop the Wings a few spots and bring the Preds up a few and I think you're pretty on point.

CBJ comes down a bit as well. 50% of their top 6 is out with injury. And on top of that Johansen is coming in with no pre-season play.

Absolutely. I think LSchenn is going to be better this year, provided Del Zotto doesn't drag him down
- mcefalu

He played so well during the lockout season -- if we get that guy for 82 games, I'll be ecstatic

Drop the Wings a few spots and bring the Preds up a few and I think you're pretty on point.
- hereticpride

I don't really like the Preds forwards. Wings always seem to stay in the race and make the playoffs even when they don't have the talent. They made it last year despite all of the injuries. Their young players finished the season pretty strong too.

If Datsyuk can come back healthy and play most of the year, I think they're a cup contender. Maybe they add a Dman at the TDL.

CBJ may struggle early on, but I think they'll come on later. It's a long season.

The solution I've always seen is this:

A) Player suffers career ending injury.

B)Player legally acknowledges that their NHL career is over.

C)Team is freed of the cap hit. But must still pay the player the full remainder of the contract.

And in the unlikely event a player should ever attempt to make a comeback in the NHL they must play at a lower, fixed rate determined by the league and must re-sign with their former team, unless said team is not interested.
- hereticpride

That ignores the issue of skewing the players share.

That is a sensible and logical solution.

However, sadly, the NHL has no interest in sensible and logical solutions.
- BiggE

In terms of why the Cap is in place, and why the NHL wanted a Cap. It is not sensible and logical for them.

My predictions would be:

Atlantic: Tampa, Boston, Montreal, Detroit, Toronto, Florida, Ottawa, Buffalo
Metro: Pitt, NYI, NYR, Philly, Columbus, Washington, NJ, Carolina
Central: St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nashville, Winnipeg
Pacific: Anaheim, San Jose, LA, Vancouver, Arizona, Edmonton, Calgary

This was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.

Drop the Wings a few spots and bring the Preds up a few and I think you're pretty on point.

CBJ comes down a bit as well. 50% of their top 6 is out with injury. And on top of that Johansen is coming in with no pre-season play.
- hereticpride

The Flyers definitely need to bank points on the Blue Jackets -- I have this feeling that Nathan Horton's either done, or close to done. Johansen's a very good player, but I just can't believe a guy can miss all of training camp/preseason and be ready to rock from Game 1 on.

Any cushion the Flyers can get on them will be a good thing

Same with the Rags -- Stepan being out can't help them

My predictions would be:

Atlantic: Tampa, Boston, Montreal, Detroit, Toronto, Florida, Ottawa, Buffalo
Metro: Pitt, NYI, NYR, Philly, Columbus, Washington, NJ, Carolina
Central: St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota, Nashville, Winnipeg
Pacific: Anaheim, San Jose, LA, Vancouver, Arizona, Edmonton, Calgary

This was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.
- aflyerpower8

Why is everyone getting so carried away with the Islanders? They added some nice pieces, but they missed the playoffs by a lot last year. They were well out of the race when JT got hurt.

I think they'll be improved, but putting them ahead of the Rags?

Why is everyone getting so carried away with the Islanders? They added some nice pieces, but they missed the playoffs by a lot last year. They were well out of the race when JT got hurt.

I think they'll be improved, but putting them ahead of the Rags?
- PhillySportsGuy

I agree. And I'm not saying that they won't be good or haven't improved. But I don't see them as a juggernaut, or top team in the east yet.

I agree. And I'm not saying that they won't be good or haven't improved. But I don't see them as a juggernaut, or top team in the east yet.
- MJL

Yeah. I'm still not sure about their depth. They have a nice top 6 and they have some actual starting caliber defenseman, but they aren't on the Rangers or Penguins level imo.

Let's get this on like donkey kong. Missing the game though. Summer league final tonight.

Why is everyone getting so carried away with the Islanders? They added some nice pieces, but they missed the playoffs by a lot last year. They were well out of the race when JT got hurt.

I think they'll be improved, but putting them ahead of the Rags?
- PhillySportsGuy

I like Halak in goal and the additions of depth forwards like Kulemin and Grabo as well as the defensemen they just picked up.

Yeah. I'm still not sure about their depth. They have a nice top 6 and they have some actual starting caliber defenseman, but they aren't on the Rangers or Penguins level imo.
- PhillySportsGuy

All I can say is that all the talk and discussion about what team is going to be good, and what team is going to be bad. What player is going to be good is over. And that's really the beauty of the game. Never know what is going to happen.

The Flyers definitely need to bank points on the Blue Jackets -- I have this feeling that Nathan Horton's either done, or close to done. Johansen's a very good player, but I just can't believe a guy can miss all of training camp/preseason and be ready to rock from Game 1 on.

Any cushion the Flyers can get on them will be a good thing

Same with the Rags -- Stepan being out can't help them
- AllInForFlyers

A good start to the season for the Flyers would sure help. Wouldn't want to have to dig out of a hole again this season.

Why is everyone getting so carried away with the Islanders? They added some nice pieces, but they missed the playoffs by a lot last year. They were well out of the race when JT got hurt.

I think they'll be improved, but putting them ahead of the Rags?
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't think they are ahead of the Rangers, but they're in the mix with the Flyers, Devils, Jackets and Caps.

Their goaltending was atrocious last year, and their defense definitely had some holes. Halak should be a vast improvement and a healthy Tavares gives them a superstar level player. They have a solid top four now in Vishnovsky, Hamonic, Boychuk and Leddy, and they added good, solid two way depth in Grabovski and Kulemin.

In the short term, they are improved. The trouble comes when the prices they paid come due.

I like Halak in goal and the additions of depth forwards like Kulemin and Grabo as well as the defensemen they just picked up.
- aflyerpower8

Halak will help. The Grabo/Kulemin signings seem like the types of deals that will blow up in the Isles face. I like both of those guys, but that's a long term and a lot of money for two guys who were depth forwards on teams that missed the playoffs.

Why is everyone getting so carried away with the Islanders? They added some nice pieces, but they missed the playoffs by a lot last year. They were well out of the race when JT got hurt.

I think they'll be improved, but putting them ahead of the Rags?
- PhillySportsGuy

I liked the moves they made this off-season. Adding kulemin and grabovski, as well as having a healthy JT will significantly improve their offense.

They added Boychuk and Leddy to their D core.

And Halak and Johnson as their goaltenders.

On paper, they look like a pretty damn good team. I think they'll finish 3rd or 4th in the metro