He apparently has bulked up a little bit. Currently listed as 192 lbs. on Chicago Wolves page:

http://www.chicagowolves.com/team/roster

Bottomline... If we could get him without parting with a roster player or prospect that has a chance to crack the NHL line-up then there is very little risk and high potential reward.

He apparently has bulked up a little bit. Currently listed as 192 lbs. on Chicago Wolves page:

http://www.chicagowolves.com/team/roster

Bottomline... If we could get him without parting with a roster player or prospect that has a chance to crack the NHL line-up then there is very little risk and high potential reward.
- EvenStevens

Bingo.

I like everything I've read about Rattie. I don't mind the size issue much. But I think you hit the nail on the head. If you can give up Dumoulin or Dumoulin + for a guy like Rattie, Jurco, etc, you do it. A chance to they can contribute this year (honestly, look at what our roster looks like with Dupuis out...we shouldnt be so dependent on a guy like Dupuis). Worst case, we have better balance in the farm system for the future.

I will be so happy the day GMJR actually moves some of our D for forwards. I'm also too jaded from the last few years of Shero to think it will happen. I'll believe it when I see it. I really hope that it's Dumoulin, Samuelsson, Scuds on the block if it's for prospects. Martin, Pouliot shouldn't be moved unless they're bringing back something that can make an impact this year.

If we don't get a blue chip winger this year, we can't really move any of our top 3-4 draft picks either. Kunitz and Dupuis are in the twilights of their career, we're going to need the depth in a couple years.

I will be so happy the day GMJR actually moves some of our D for forwards. I'm also too jaded from the last few years of Shero to think it will happen. I'll believe it when I see it. I really hope that it's Dumoulin, Samuelsson, Scuds on the block if it's for prospects. Martin, Pouliot shouldn't be moved unless they're bringing back something that can make an impact this year.

If we don't get a blue chip winger this year, we can't really move any of our top 3-4 draft picks either. Kunitz and Dupuis are in the twilights of their career, we're going to need the depth in a couple years.
- cygnus41

Sammy cleared waivers... Scuds will bring back a late pick if gmjr fleeces a desperate gm. Doumalin martin erhoff despres poiliot Harrington are our trade chips. Picks if its for a doozy.

Sammy cleared waivers... Scuds will bring back a late pick if gmjr fleeces a desperate gm. Doumalin martin erhoff despres poiliot Harrington are our trade chips. Picks if its for a doozy.
- ChrisMS

I'd be holding on to Harrington and Pouliot. Agree on the others but when your greatest secondary asset is extreme depth at D, the top guys need to be held onto.

I believe St Louis and Tampa are great places to find some younger offensive talent. I'm interested in Brett Connolly. I've seen him play a little bit going back to his days with the Prince George Cougars, albeit that was some time ago, note: he has put up similar numbers in Syracuse to that of Rattie.

I would dare suggest that Tampa has a similar log jam at forward much like St Louis, and Pittsburgh on the back end.

Just a thought.

I believe St Louis and Tampa are great places to find some younger offensive talent. I'm interested in Brett Connolly. I've seen him play a little bit going back to his days with the Prince George Cougars, albeit that was some time ago, note: he has put up similar numbers in Syracuse to that of Rattie.

I would dare suggest that Tampa has a similar log jam at forward much like St Louis, and Pittsburgh on the back end.

Just a thought.
- penguins-4-life

Tampa is in the division which complicates it a bit but I agree. Connolly, Palat, Kucherov, Killorn, Erne would all be great here. Just not sure if they'd give any of the guys up at this point.

I will be so happy the day GMJR actually moves some of our D for forwards. I'm also too jaded from the last few years of Shero to think it will happen. I'll believe it when I see it. I really hope that it's Dumoulin, Samuelsson, Scuds on the block if it's for prospects. Martin, Pouliot shouldn't be moved unless they're bringing back something that can make an impact this year.

If we don't get a blue chip winger this year, we can't really move any of our top 3-4 draft picks either. Kunitz and Dupuis are in the twilights of their career, we're going to need the depth in a couple years.
- cygnus41

This! I'll be over the moon when this happens, as long as it doesn't include puolliott or Martin.

This! I'll be over the moon when this happens, as long as it doesn't include puolliott or Martin.
- Bradlee3

I've said this before, we've got maybe 4 or 5 years of Sid and Geno in their primes. I'd trade virtually any of our D not named Maatta but the return must be commensurate. If Pouliot's name comes up, I'm looking for a can't miss forward that's NHL ready.

I've said this before, we've got maybe 4 or 5 years of Sid and Geno in their primes. I'd trade virtually any of our D not named Maatta but the return must be commensurate. If Pouliot's name comes up, I'm looking for a can't miss forward that's NHL ready.
- madmike71

+ this. Simply for the use of commensurate.

Tampa beating the crap out of the rangers at msg. 4 - 1 now.

Rangers en route to a 7-11 record. How the hell do we have so much problems with them lately??

Tampa beating the crap out of the rangers at msg. 4 - 1 now.

Rangers en route to a 7-11 record. How the hell do we have so much problems with them lately??
- Conse

I'm sure there will be Rags fans blaming this loss on Malkin and Cindy's tears.

Tampa beating the crap out of the rangers at msg. 4 - 1 now.

Rangers en route to a 7-11 record. How the hell do we have so much problems with them lately??
- Conse

The Toronto and Rangers games are both "eat at you" type of games. Both teams will likely stumble a bit. In a seven game series everything will equal out....if either or both make the playoffs.

Tampa beating the crap out of the rangers at msg. 4 - 1 now.

Rangers en route to a 7-11 record. How the hell do we have so much problems with them lately??
- Conse

I'm curious to see how we'll play tomorrow after that slugfest Saturday as well. Looks like the Rags didn't respond so well.

I've said this before, we've got maybe 4 or 5 years of Sid and Geno in their primes. I'd trade virtually any of our D not named Maatta but the return must be commensurate. If Pouliot's name comes up, I'm looking for a can't miss forward that's NHL ready.
- madmike71

I said something about possibly throwing the idea of trading Letang for a legit winger and one would have thought the world was going to end. If a package involves trading Letang to get a top 6 winger for a few years below 5 million then you also could look at extending Martin and ehroff. Idk possibilities are there but at what cost? I'm just excited to see where this team is heading.

I said something about possibly throwing the idea of trading Letang for a legit winger and one would have thought the world was going to end. If a package involves trading Letang to get a top 6 winger for a few years below 5 million then you also could look at extending Martin and ehroff. Idk possibilities are there but at what cost? I'm just excited to see where this team is heading.
- nateca44

I actually think Letang has been rock solid this year. Been nice to see.

I said something about possibly throwing the idea of trading Letang for a legit winger and one would have thought the world was going to end. If a package involves trading Letang to get a top 6 winger for a few years below 5 million then you also could look at extending Martin and ehroff. Idk possibilities are there but at what cost? I'm just excited to see where this team is heading.
- nateca44

Not sure why you would trade your best Dman in his prime just to resign 2 guys in their mid 30's and fill the rest with prospects that ppl on HB forums that have 0 NHL scouting experience say are good.

I actually think Letang has been rock solid this year. Been nice to see.
- Emperor Filonius

He has been really good. I guess having passing options and not being hung out to dry is helping his game.

Not sure why you would trade your best Dman in his prime just to resign 2 guys in their mid 30's and fill the rest with prospects that ppl on HB forums that have 0 NHL scouting experience say are good.
- sammy87

I didn't say go pick up prospects. And you have to give to get. In a few years Matta is going to be our top D man and Martin and Erhoff are quality veterans to help bring along our prospects. It was a thought thrown out. Not like I'm hating on Letang, just see his value being the highest.

I didn't say go pick up prospects. And you have to give to get. In a few years Matta is going to be our top D man and Martin and Erhoff are quality veterans to help bring along our prospects. It was a thought thrown out. Not like I'm hating on Letang, just see his value being the highest.
- nateca44

His value is the highest, but in a few years Crosby and Malkin will be 30 and 29, Dupes and Kunitz will be 38, and Ehroff and Martin will be 37 and 37. Then you have prospects that might be good. The team needs to be good now, not in a few years.

His value is the highest, but in a few years Crosby and Malkin will be 30 and 29, Dupes and Kunitz will be 38, and Ehroff and Martin will be 37 and 37. Then you have prospects that might be good. The team needs to be good now, not in a few years.
- sammy87

Honestly, a year or two from now could be one of our best teams if we play our cards right. Pouliot, Kapanen, Sundqvist, Harrington, Despres, Bennett and Maatta would be a real nice infusion of youth around our core. Hopefully we have a suprise player as well who really thrives in the bottom 6 like a Megna, Rust, Uher, Archibald, etc. And we would have cap space to burn.

We don't know what will happen but adding another youngish winger would be huge for the long term. Kunitz / Dupuis could be full time bottom 6ers or traded at that point. I know we are win-now but interesting to take a peak at what the future may hold.

Honestly, a year or two from now could be one of our best teams if we play our cards right. Pouliot, Kapanen, Sundqvist, Harrington, Despres, Bennett and Maatta would be a real nice infusion of youth around our core. Hopefully we have a suprise player as well who really thrives in the bottom 6 like a Megna, Rust, Uher, Archibald, etc. And we would have cap space to burn.

We don't know what will happen but adding another youngish winger would be huge for the long term. Kunitz / Dupuis could be full time bottom 6ers or traded at that point. I know we are win-now but interesting to take a peak at what the future may hold.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Absolutely. We can all agree that Letang is our best dman, that being said we have nhl ready defenseman waiting in the ahl. I feel Letang could swing an e.Kane. perfect fit for Crosby

Honestly, a year or two from now could be one of our best teams if we play our cards right. Pouliot, Kapanen, Sundqvist, Harrington, Despres, Bennett and Maatta would be a real nice infusion of youth around our core. Hopefully we have a suprise player as well who really thrives in the bottom 6 like a Megna, Rust, Uher, Archibald, etc. And we would have cap space to burn.

- YouMeAndDupuis9

That is only if they actually pan out the hype that people put on them.

That is only if they actually pan out the hype that people put on them.
- Ben37

Pouliot, Kapanen, Sundqvist, Harrington, Despres, Bennett and Maatta

Pouliot is potential top four or a bottom pairing offensive beast like Torey Krug. Kapanen is a top six winger with elite Finnishing ability, Sudqvist is a bottom six guy with size and bottom six talent.
Harrington and Despres are both tweeners who could be top four or be a really good 3rd pairing player.

We know Beau and Maatta already. I think the only one, in my opinion of course, that has the chance to dissapoint is Kapanen because everyone else has a predefined skill set and body type, Kapanen can still grow and develop into something we possibly could not see coming.

Pouliot, Kapanen, Sundqvist, Harrington, Despres, Bennett and Maatta

Pouliot is potential top four or a bottom pairing offensive beast like Torey Krug. Kapanen is a top six winger with elite Finnishing ability, Sudqvist is a bottom six guy with size and bottom six talent.
Harrington and Despres are both tweeners who could be top four or be a really good 3rd pairing player.

We know Beau and Maatta already. I think the only one, in my opinion of course, that has the chance to dissapoint is Kapanen because everyone else has a predefined skill set and body type, Kapanen can still grow and develop into something we possibly could not see coming.
- usethe1-2-2

Beau hasn't been healthy enough for a long enough time to prove what he has. Maatta I agree with. The rest of them are what you think they could become. They might never become.

As of right now. Outside of Maatta and maybe Bennett they all have the potential to be really good or end up playing in Europe in 3 years because they couldn't hack the NHL.