I wanted an Okposo type but he'll never be traded to Pittsburgh so my other options would be Oshie and Ennis. I really like D.Brown too but his contract is just ridiculous. All of them would cost quite a bit to acquire.

Free agents I'd try to bring Thikonov for our 2nd/3rd line. Frolik seems to be expensive but is an interesting name. Soderberg I still don't know if he's a 3rd line or if he could lineup next to Geno. Big body.
- Barnaby36

I like Oshie. I just have yet to see a deal (outside of the crazy Malkin stuff) with STL that makes sense for Oshie.

Pass on Ennis.

Tik I wouldn't mind but I'd bank on him as a 4th liner.

Absolutely Frolik. I dont have a lot of interest in paying him any more than $3.5M. But I like him more than Belesky. My gut says if JR signs any FA, it will be Justin Williams.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I think he'll get $5M unfortunatelly that's why I hardly mention his name.

I don't want to waste assets on trades unless it's a can't miss guy. F it. Frolik and Soderberg would be good enough. Re-sign Winnik, Comeau for sure and think about Downie.

I like Oshie. I just have yet to see a deal (outside of the crazy Malkin stuff) with STL that makes sense for Oshie.

Pass on Ennis.

Tik I wouldn't mind but I'd bank on him as a 4th liner.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Do you think Tikhonov is cheap enough to be a 4th liner for us? If the price is right I'd want him on this roster for sure.

I wanted an Okposo type but he'll never be traded to Pittsburgh so my other options would be Oshie and Ennis. I really like D.Brown too but his contract is just ridiculous. All of them would cost quite a bit to acquire.

Free agents I'd try to bring Thikonov for our 2nd/3rd line. Frolik seems to be expensive but is an interesting name. Soderberg I still don't know if he's a 3rd line or if he could lineup next to Geno. Big body.
- Barnaby36

I like Oshie, but I could only see it happen if STL loved Sutter and wanted him as their 2C in a roster reconfiguration.
I actually grew up playing hockey against Dustin Brown (played with him briefly as well). He would literally take the puck and skate circles around teams in the offensive zone.
Frolik is rumored to want $5m/yr and I think he'll get it. It's an overpayment most likely, but I like good defensive forwards and he is definitely that.

I saw this on another site, just thought I'd pass it along.

"Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford will try to get Patrick Sharp from the Blackhawks. Don’t know if he’ll be able to get it done.The Islanders could be another team interested in Sharp."

I don't know anything about the writer, if he is a legit source or someone who just makes stuff up.

I also decided to make a team with Stafford and Sharp, just again to see the money. I traded Bennett and Sutter to Chicago. Bennett as a cheap wing to be a third line winger and Sutter to replace Richards and Vermette who are gone. Money is about even.

https://www.hockeyscap.com/armchair-gm/team/4867
- mmonana120

Sounds like JR is trying to drive a hard bargain with his real target. Throw Sharp into the conversation & the landscape changes.

and that 2nd line is useless.

PIT has room to get Soderberg for 2nd line LW, say $4.5/4yrs.

Trading Sutter would be indeed a good idea...CBJ, VAN seem likely, maybe COL if they plan to trade O'Reilly. Let's say CBJ. If we add Pouliot we could probably get: 8th + Jenner/Atkinson (also Rychel, but I would favor the other two). Otherwise, for Harrington + Sutter we could still get one of those guys plus a 2nd round pick.

Jackman/Oduya will probably cost around $4mil/yr for 3yrs or $4.5 on 2yr deal. I think either can play 3 more years, but would prefer 2 if they would take it. Hejda would probably take a 2yr deal at $3.5/yr.

Resign Winnik if reasonable price...

I haven't worked the cap numbers, but IF Dupuis is indeed back AND doesn't fit on 4th line (cap wise) then I would sign a guy like Halischuk at minimum and deal Kunitz for a 3rd or 4th rnd pick.

I'd deal Lovejoy for anything (man that Despres deal was HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE!)

I would keep Scuderi though. (a) I don't think buyouts are a good idea for a team who is going to be close to the cap for the next few years, (b) he only has 2 years left, (c) he has leadership/etc and can be a good 6/7 guy, (d) we'd have to pay somebody else to take him off our hands-if he even wants to, (e) I would hesitate to ask older guys to waiver their NT clause as it could have an impact on future FA signings.

Perron - Crosby - Hornquist
Soderberg - Malkin - Jenner/Atkinson
Dupuis/Kunitz - Spaling - Bennett
Halischuk - Sundquist - Winnik
Wilson

Letang - Maatta
Pouliot - Jackman/Odyua/Hejda
Demoulin - Chorny
Scuderi
- mventres

You don't need mine as a template then if you just create your own.

Signing a vet D when we have them already defeats the purpose of getting younger. Spend the cash on F. Lovejob would fill in for your 4m import when we already have Scuds - that's just simple business! I'm in favour of Chorney but playing for the whole season is the question - Scuds.

So my dynamic 3rd line has turned into mediocre average? You don't like Sven B? It's ok no one here does. He scored well in the playoffs AHL & don't really think he's been given a chance yet with a stable C. Dupuis plays well with Geno it's just the question of is he or isn't he still able to go?

Jenner - yep ok twist my arm! not sure they are letting him go probably more Rychel so would you still go there?

I try to keep our D together because they are going to dominate the NHL in a couple of years.

Sounds like JR is trying to drive a hard bargain with his real target. Throw Sharp into the conversation & the landscape changes.
- Aussiepenguin

So, who is JR's real target?

Tear it apart...

https://www.hockeyscap.com/armchair-gm/team/4812
- kfinl170

It's not too bad at all. I'd put Kruger and Winik on the third line and have Dumo instead of Suckjoy and I don't get the fascination with eaves. But those are small things.

Semin is 31... Skinner is going to cost more in assets and cap... Semin has out performed most of Skinner's career. Both are injury prone.

Why are you so stuck on spending way more for someone who hasn't had one year near half of Semin's career, and how do you know he is over? Please, give us your insider information on how someone that you don't even know the age of is done.
- Guile

I'm not stuck on skinner I don't care about him one way or another and all I have to do is use my eyes which are directly connected to my brain to see Semin not give a s about playing, scoring or his teammates. And every GM in the league agrees that's why none will touch him and he'll be back I the KHL very soon. Just because you want doesn't mean everyone else should fall in line. You're NOBODY just like the rest of us and I don't need insider information to know that either. And I wasn't talking to YOU in the first place, I get that your the number 1 Ryan Wilson acolyte and any criticism of him you take personally but why don't you try thinking for yourself, you might like it.

It's not too bad at all. I'd put Kruger and Winik on the third line and have Dumo instead of Suckjoy and I don't get the fascination with eaves. But those are small things.
- Dcoms

Eaves played well at the end of the season for Dallas. He played on the top line of Dallas with Jamie Benn as a fill-in. He paced at 24 goals as a fill-in. So, maybe, if the Pens had him on the 3rd/4th line and had injuries, he could fill-in on the top 6.

https://www.hockeyscap.com/armchair-gm/team/4831

Here's a redo...
- kfinl170

It's really good, other than Letestu. Good effort though

Eaves played well at the end of the season for Dallas. He played on the top line of Dallas with Jamie Benn as a fill-in. He paced at 24 goals as a fill-in. So, maybe, if the Pens had him on the 3rd/4th line and had injuries, he could fill-in on the top 6.
- so_buzz11

Interesting numbers. Comeau 2.0? It's always Nice to have guys like that on the cheap that's why I want to bring Downie back. He Can do it.

Eaves played well at the end of the season for Dallas. He played on the top line of Dallas with Jamie Benn as a fill-in. He paced at 24 goals as a fill-in. So, maybe, if the Pens had him on the 3rd/4th line and had injuries, he could fill-in on the top 6.
- so_buzz11

I guess I don't know him that well. He flies under the radar. But I like those numbers. I guess bring him aboard. If we can.

So, who is JR's real target?
- so_buzz11

That's the question & something I think we would all like to know! Depending on how bad it may be there is a definite possibility HB is going into melt down!

We should run a tote on who it will be. Not necessarily the details but just who it is??

Frolik
Semin
Skinner
Eberle
Beleskey
Sharp
Drouin
Rychel
Yak
Okposo
Other

Frolik
Semin
Skinner
Eberle
Beleskey
Sharp
Drouin
Rychel
Yak
Okposo
Other
- Aussiepenguin

Frolik - Likely to be expensive but certainly not the worst option talent wise
Semin - Someone to be considered IF the money can be cut in half. Malkin++

Skinner - Far too expensive an option for how often he's available to play

Eberle - Don't see us as a match with EDM for his services

Beleskey - Player that has ridden Getzlaf/Perry. Price/Term dictates. Pass.

Sharp - All we can offer would be too much or not enough. I lean to the latter.

Drouin - No chance. Yzerman will not be moving him. He and Cooper will coexist.

Rychel - As far as young talent goes, sign me up. Hope CBJ would sell low.

Yak - Very talented. Unfairly maligned. Still feel like EDM will be home for awhile.

Okposo - The only reason NYI would hang him out is for a BIG fish...think Kessel

Other - THIS is always an option

Personally, I like the idea of moving Sutter for pick(s). Kunitz if the deal is right for an NHL ready forward, prospect and/or pick(s). If they can spend a bit on Franson, Richards/Soderberg and then do depth signings that would make a difference. Someone like Eaves is a really decent player that can play up when needed. Add in some guuys in camp that'll be looking to take jobs. All good.

The market is starting to load up with guys that can be game changers so that could effect returns on Kunitz/Sutter but I think it's fair to say that the FA market might be easier to pick and pinpoint because of that too. Some teams might extend to try to pry bigger guys under contract already.

The in house options shouldn't be ignored either but as far as players that are ready to make a difference and need a new home, I like Tomas Jurco.

I'm not stuck on skinner I don't care about him one way or another and all I have to do is use my eyes which are directly connected to my brain to see Semin not give a s about playing, scoring or his teammates. And every GM in the league agrees that's why none will touch him and he'll be back I the KHL very soon. Just because you want doesn't mean everyone else should fall in line. You're NOBODY just like the rest of us and I don't need insider information to know that either. And I wasn't talking to YOU in the first place, I get that your the number 1 Ryan Wilson acolyte and any criticism of him you take personally but why don't you try thinking for yourself, you might like it.
- Dcoms

God... when you are a whiney child, it shows. Boo hoo, I disagreed and wanted some insight, so you flipped poop.

Frolik - Likely to be expensive but certainly not the worst option talent wise
Semin - Someone to be considered IF the money can be cut in half. Malkin++

Skinner - Far too expensive an option for how often he's available to play

Eberle - Don't see us as a match with EDM for his services

Beleskey - Player that has ridden Getzlaf/Perry. Price/Term dictates. Pass.

Sharp - All we can offer would be too much or not enough. I lean to the latter.

Drouin - No chance. Yzerman will not be moving him. He and Cooper will coexist.

Rychel - As far as young talent goes, sign me up. Hope CBJ would sell low.

Yak - Very talented. Unfairly maligned. Still feel like EDM will be home for awhile.

Okposo - The only reason NYI would hang him out is for a BIG fish...think Kessel

Other - THIS is always an option

Personally, I like the idea of moving Sutter for pick(s). Kunitz if the deal is right for an NHL ready forward, prospect and/or pick(s). If they can spend a bit on Franson, Richards/Soderberg and then do depth signings that would make a difference. Someone like Eaves is a really decent player that can play up when needed. Add in some guuys in camp that'll be looking to take jobs. All good.

The market is starting to load up with guys that can be game changers so that could effect returns on Kunitz/Sutter but I think it's fair to say that the FA market might be easier to pick and pinpoint because of that too. Some teams might extend to try to pry bigger guys under contract already.

The in house options shouldn't be ignored either but as far as players that are ready to make a difference and need a new home, I like Tomas Jurco.
- HopintheCordoba

So at this stage 'other' is favourite let's say 5/2.

I'll throw Semin in there with the Canes connection at 4/1
Rychel 6/1
Skinner 9/1
All others over 15/1.

God... when you are a whiney child, it shows. Boo hoo, I disagreed and wanted some insight, so you flipped poop.
- Guile

I don't see how Semin is untouchable for other GMs either. This is really the first time he's come up since going to CAR. I mean, he's been mentioned before but not the willingness to eat half his contract if it required it. I imagine CAR will be willing to rip it all up and start SOMEWHAT fresh. Why not take advantage of that and their need to stay above the cap floor? God knows that Eric is going to be in discussions again.

Also, I don't think there's any doubt that they look at the trade market as the best way to upgrade right now. If the contract is cut in half the only thing remotely concerning me is the term. I know Malkin would be happy though.

Also, just in case anyone is wondering this is a PUBLIC FORUM! You put something in and you're almost 100% likely to get feedback. It won't all be positive. Get over it.

I don't see how Semin is untouchable for other GMs either. This is really the first time he's come up since going to CAR. I mean, he's been mentioned before but not the willingness to eat half his contract if it required it. I imagine CAR will be willing to rip it all up and start SOMEWHAT fresh. Why not take advantage of that and their need to stay above the cap floor? God knows that Eric is going to be in discussions again.

Also, I don't think there's any doubt that they look at the trade market as the best way to upgrade right now. If the contract is cut in half the only thing remotely concerning me is the term. I know Malkin would be happy though.

Also, just in case anyone is wondering this is a PUBLIC FORUM! You put something in and you're almost 100% likely to get feedback. It won't all be positive. Get over it.

- HopintheCordoba

I just laugh whenever I get called a Ryan backer... Unlike him, I liked Fluery, and I was all over the Semin rumor a month before he mentioned it. I get the casual readers here have a very limited memory, but I was pushing for obtaining Semin on this roster before the the 2nd round of the postseason was over.

I just laugh whenever I get called a Ryan backer... Unlike him, I liked Fluery, and I was all over the Semin rumor a month before he mentioned it. I get the casual readers here have a very limited memory, but I was pushing for obtaining Semin on this roster before the the 2nd round of the postseason was over.
- Guile

Ok Semin 3/1.

'Other' still 5/2 favourite.

I just laugh whenever I get called a Ryan backer... Unlike him, I liked Fluery, and I was all over the Semin rumor a month before he mentioned it. I get the casual readers here have a very limited memory, but I was pushing for obtaining Semin on this roster before the the 2nd round of the postseason was over.
- Guile

Anyone that looks at the data and knows how to interpret it is going to generally converge on the same opinions. There were suggestions in here BEFORE Ryan Wilson made them. I know you were talking about Semin before RW brought him up. I know I talked about Eaves before it was suggested.

Anyone that looks at the data and knows how to interpret it is going to generally converge on the same opinions. There were suggestions in here BEFORE Ryan Wilson made them. I know you were talking about Semin before RW brought him up. I know I talked about Eaves before it was suggested.
- jfkst1

Anymore of this Eaves talk he might creep his way out from 'other'!

Apparently contract talks have started with Bennett and cole

Apparently contract talks have started with Bennett and cole
- nh4442

Let's hope Bennett doesn't tear up his knee or break a wrist signing his new deal.

Let's hope Bennett doesn't tear up his knee or break a wrist signing his new deal.
- madmike71

They need to send his ass to Mexico and get him on a cycle of steroids during the off-season.