The pissing & moaning yesterday was unbelievable. We finally lock down some grit and character and eveyone needs their mommy to hold them and tell them everything will be alright. I honestly don't know WTF this fan base wants except to b1tch about every decision that is made.
- Marwood

We want allstar players at half the cost their worth.

That being said, I like having Dorsett here, Sbisa i don't mind i just don't like the cost. I would have been a bit more OK with it were he to get 2.9mil per year.

I should probably avoid the posts where people suggest this is a good contract.
- Nucker101

Edler was -39 last year and we kept him.

Yet the fan base has been complaining for years that we don't have a good, consistent bottom six.

Interesting perspective but I don't think it is as simple as you think it is.
- bloatedmosquito

This year's bottom 6 is as good as it's ever been. It's the lack of another legit top 6 point-producer(ideally at 2LC) that's the only weak spot up front. And on the back end they just need a guy who can create offense at 5v5 and on the PP.

Both difficult and costly pieces to acquire

Luca Sbisa is 7th-worst among NHL Defensemen in goals against per 60 minutes(min 30 games played)

1. Eric Brewer(TOR)
2. Jared Cowen(OTT)
3. Jamie Oleksiak(DAL)
4. Tyson Strachan(BUF)
5. Oscar Klefbom(EDM)
6. Roman Polak(TOR)
7. Luca Sbisa(VAN)
8. Chris Butler(STL)
9. Thomas Hickey(NYI)
10. Trevor Daley(DAL)

And guys like Polak and Daley play against other top lines most nights.
- Nucker101

Can you break that down into games of 20, first 20, second 20, third 20 and lastly the past 20 to see if he's improving? And while you're at it, break that down into the first 40 games vs the last 40 games...k thanks.

If you're gonna throw poop like that out there qualify it.

OEL is -4 in his last 69 games but he's -17 for the year #changesthings

The annoying part is that he's ranked near the bottom in goals allowed on a decent team and as a pending RFA he didn't have a whole lot of leverage. Even if they like him and see potential why not give him another one year "prove it" deal? It's not like he's worth that money right now.

It's easy to find a physical 6/7 guy who isn't a shutdown dman or an offensive one.
I'd rather just give Corrado/Biega or Pedan a shot at less than a million.

And sure it's not a crippling contract but every overpay adds up. If you overpay 5 guys by 500k-1 Million, that's between 2.5M-5M hat can be used for a legit upgrade. I'd rather overpay for a dman who at least is good at something(Either defensively or offensively). If you just want a physical presence with Sbisa's ability, they're easy and cheaper to acquire.

3.6 million for a guy who can't defend or generate offense.
- Nucker101

Sounds like you are giving him no chance to improve next season regardless of us seeing him improve this season... so I don't have a problem imagining the coaching staff and managers think they can shape his game up somewhat.

He's not a UFA. I'm not worried about the implications of paying him a little extra. These players will or will not live up to their contracts... it's all stop gap while we rebuild through drafting, rookie FA's and and smart trades for young players. There's room for these contracts unless you think this summer is about throwing money out there to win a cup.

You can't let Matthias walk for nothing.

- VanHockeyGuy

At the tdl, I thought any team that wanted Matthias was getting a rental. We didn't move him, give up anything and held pat, I look at Matthias as a rental we acquired last season. Just hoping he is effective in the post season and if he isn't, then not signing will have been a good decision. can't lose.

I like Matthias, but not really too worried about losing him or Richardson. Maybe we will go with some more youth in the lineup or Benning will make some moves this summer.

Feeling positive.

The pissing & moaning yesterday was unbelievable. We finally lock down some grit and character and eveyone needs their mommy to hold them and tell them everything will be alright. I honestly don't know WTF this fan base wants except to b1tch about every decision that is made.
- Marwood

Ha ha ya. Well said.

I agree, but that's what JB looks like he's doing. Unless Matthias signs for very little.
- bloatedmosquito

He has had flashes of brilliance but nothing that would constitute a big raise imo.

Some guy on MSNBC just said "Back to the Future made you take time travel seriously"

The annoying part is that he's ranked near the bottom in goals allowed on a decent team and as a pending RFA he didn't have a whole lot of leverage. Even if they like him and see potential why not give him another one year "prove it" deal? It's not like he's worth that money right now.

It's easy to find a physical 6/7 guy who isn't a shutdown dman or an offensive one.
I'd rather just give Corrado/Biega or Pedan a shot at less than a million.

And sure it's not a crippling contract but every overpay adds up. If you overpay 5 guys by 500k-1 Million, that's between 2.5M-5M hat can be used for a legit upgrade. I'd rather overpay for a dman who at least is good at something(Either defensively or offensively). If you just want a physical presence with Sbisa's ability, they're easy and cheaper to acquire.

3.6 million for a guy who can't defend or generate offense.
- Nucker101

I agree, I can understand why people like him even if I don't but I have yet to hear any argument that justifies his contract length or amount or why it needed to happen now.

Most GM's save money on RFA's and don't rush into paying them, but Benning felt this was necessary at this point, instead of waiting for the off-season and seeing what options he has as well how Sbisa does in the playoffs.

Kris Russel, Danny DeKeyser, Ryan Ellis, Tyson Barrie have all been signed to contracts recently as pending RFA's at much more manageable amounts. Comparing him to Engelland (UFA), Fayne (UFA) etc doesn't make any sense.

At the tdl, I thought any team that wanted Matthias was getting a rental. We didn't move him, give up anything and held pat, I look at Matthias as a rental we acquired last season. Just hoping he is effective in the post season and if he isn't, then not signing will have been a good decision. can't lose.

I like Matthias, but not really too worried about losing him or Richardson. Maybe we will go with some more youth in the lineup or Benning will make some moves this summer.

Feeling positive.
- hillbillydeluxe

I’m starting to like Matthias' game. He's big, good speed, he can play centre or wing effectively, scoring ability, and he's got a power move to the net. So many of our players shoot from the perimeter. Nice to see some physicality for a change.

He has had flashes of brilliance but nothing that would constitute a big raise imo.
- thundachunk

I could have said the exact same thing above Sbisa.

I’m starting to like Matthias' game. He's big, good speed, he can play centre or wing effectively, scoring ability, and he's got a power move to the net. So many of our players shoot from the perimeter. Nice to see some physicality for a change.
- bloatedmosquito

Reminds me of David Booth, But Booth Couldn't:

Score
Play a full week
play center

Booth Can:
Wrestle Phil Kessel and live to tell the tale.

Can you break that down into games of 20, first 20, second 20, third 20 and lastly the past 20 to see if he's improving? And while you're at it, break that down into the first 40 games vs the last 40 games...k thanks.

If you're gonna throw poop like that out there qualify it.

OEL is -4 in his last 69 games but he's -17 for the year #changesthings
- LeftCoaster

Does it really matter what he puts up, you will likely just say #fancystats are stupid.....

He did show that Sbisa was 13th worst in the past 30 games so he improved from 6th worst to 13th worst, yay!!!


He is also ranked the worst out of Canuck D in terms of goals for and goals against per 60 of the 6 D that have played the most this season.

The only thing Sbisa does well is play physical, which is needed on this team but the criticism is that Benning has overpaid for it.

Hitting is important but it generally means that you are chasing the play. 3 of the top 10 hitting teams are in the playoffs, 9 of the bottom 10 teams in the playoffs....

I agree, I can understand why people like him even if I don't but I have yet to hear any argument that justifies his contract length or amount or why it needed to happen now.

Most GM's save money on RFA's and don't rush into paying them, but Benning felt this was necessary at this point, instead of waiting for the off-season and seeing what options he has as well how Sbisa does in the playoffs.

Kris Russel, Danny DeKeyser, Ryan Ellis, Tyson Barrie have all been signed to contracts recently as pending RFA's at much more manageable amounts. Comparing him to Engelland (UFA), Fayne (UFA) etc doesn't make any sense.
- belcherbd

Andrew Macdonlad played 58 games this season most of which were healthy scratches. 5 mil per until 2020 signed as an RFA.

Does it really matter what he puts up, you will likely just say #fancystats are stupid.....

He did show that Sbisa was 13th worst in the past 30 games so he improved from 6th worst to 13th worst, yay!!!


He is also ranked the worst out of Canuck D in terms of goals for and goals against per 60 of the 6 D that have played the most this season.

The only thing Sbisa does well is play physical, which is needed on this team but the criticism is that Benning has overpaid for it.

Hitting is important but it generally means that you are chasing the play. 3 of the top 10 hitting teams are in the playoffs, 9 of the bottom 10 teams in the playoffs....
- belcherbd

Sure it matters, because it means he's improving, and hopefully he keeps improving. Benning was most likely saving a bit of face by signing him, defending his Kesler trade.

He was 40th or something in blocked shots, he was relatively healthy all year, he played in the 3/4 hole as well as the 5/6. It's not really a big deal at all as I don't see it affecting the cap in a negative way as we head into the draft or summer.

So many things can change between now and October.

I could have said the exact same thing above Sbisa.
- bloatedmosquito

Other than the very beginning of the season I have really liked what I saw from Sbisa. Never the less you are correct.

I’m starting to like Matthias' game. He's big, good speed, he can play centre or wing effectively, scoring ability, and he's got a power move to the net. So many of our players shoot from the perimeter. Nice to see some physicality for a change.
- bloatedmosquito

He is good on the pk too. I wish he was more physical but I guess that isn't his game.

So many variables on what can happen in the off season when it comes to moves.

When Vrbata was signed, I was happy we finally were able to sign a top 6 ufa who could bring some scoring but still wasn't really sure how he would work out. Had been hoping we were going to sign someone more physical. But it has worked out wonderfully so far. So, I guess I am saying it is too early to be concerned with Richardson or Matthias not signing, it still might happen and if they are not back then there is opportunity for others in the system or the possibility of someone new being brought in.

I am not expecting both Weber and Stanton back next season. Can see Clendening take one of their spots.

Andrew Macdonlad played 58 games this season most of which were healthy scratches. 5 mil per until 2020 signed as an RFA.
- thundachunk

Have you heard or read anyone congratulating PHI for that signing?

Have you heard or read anyone congratulating PHI for that signing?
- belcherbd

All the time

Have you heard or read anyone congratulating PHI for that signing?
- belcherbd

In the beginning of the signing he was a steal now not so much.

Sure it matters, because it means he's improving, and hopefully he keeps improving. Benning was most likely saving a bit of face by signing him, defending his Kesler trade.

He was 40th or something in blocked shots, he was relatively healthy all year, he played in the 3/4 hole as well as the 5/6. It's not really a big deal at all as I don't see it affecting the cap in a negative way as we head into the draft or summer.

So many things can change between now and October.
- LeftCoaster

I agree with both these statements, so many things can change but by signing him now to this imo overpayment he has limited his ability to adapt to potential changes this summer.

We have already seen how teams that are close to the cap get taken advantage on the trade market.

Does it really matter what he puts up, you will likely just say #fancystats are stupid.....

He did show that Sbisa was 13th worst in the past 30 games so he improved from 6th worst to 13th worst, yay!!!


He is also ranked the worst out of Canuck D in terms of goals for and goals against per 60 of the 6 D that have played the most this season.

The only thing Sbisa does well is play physical, which is needed on this team but the criticism is that Benning has overpaid for it.

Hitting is important but it generally means that you are chasing the play. 3 of the top 10 hitting teams are in the playoffs, 9 of the bottom 10 teams in the playoffs....
- belcherbd

I have little doubt that Benning is aware of the fancy stats and he still feels that the player is worth paying for now. I imagine he believes that this deal will be a bargain in 2 years. Further, I'm very sure that the team looks at every goal and scoring chance the opposition has and the factor in what went wrong, why it happened and who is to account for it. So there may be causality to the goals against stat or it may be a coincidental accumulation of goals being scored despite and in spite of Sbisa.

From a far more casual perspective, Sbisa plays with an edge and he's stopped playing above his abilities in the offensive zone. He's made progress and I don't fear him on the ice. I think the deal is fine.

In the beginning of the signing he was a steal now not so much.
- thundachunk

He has never performed well for Philly, had one good season with NYI was traded and extended 6 years. This is the first year of the deal and like you said has been a healthy scratch.

Can you break that down into games of 20, first 20, second 20, third 20 and lastly the past 20 to see if he's improving? And while you're at it, break that down into the first 40 games vs the last 40 games...k thanks.

If you're gonna throw poop like that out there qualify it.

OEL is -4 in his last 69 games but he's -17 for the year #changesthings
- LeftCoaster

Already did the last 30 games, he "improved" to 13-worst. OEL is a stud, his numbers relative to his teammates are great considering he gets the hardest minutes as well. Even if he was bad defensively he still provides offense unlike Sbisa.