They may look better, but only as Maple Leafs (Leaves).

However, it's not just the money/cap you'd be paying, you'd have to pay that on top of giving up players/prospect assets as well. That's what the real issue is. Do you want to give up hard assets AND take on their contracts? It's not the same as if they were available as UFAs.
- jmatchett383

The longer a team waits more teams fill holes but other teams feel more desperate if they really need scoring or defense. However the asking price I've heard is still from what I heard a 1st a top prospect and a top 6/4 roster player for both of them. That's too high and I don't think they'll get that and this will drag on much like the Nash rumors did for 2 years before someone caved

Yes, but Sutter alone won't (and can't, $$-wise) get it done. To get Kessel, you're going to have to free up cap space, give up players/picks of good value, and then tie into an 8-year/$64M contract. I could see either happening, but not both.

But yes, were they both available as UFAs, I agree they'd get similar deals.
- jmatchett383

Toronto's going to retain some -- how much is anyone's guess

But they've been pretty open that they're not going to be on the roster for them in the fall, so something will get figured out

This past year, yes.

Also, they won a round in both 2011 and 2012, the 2 years prior to his offer sheet.

And you know what? I don't feel one bit sorry for them because they strung him along instead of locking him up, and ended up paying more than they wanted (and were able) to. I like Nashville, but don't feel the least bit sorry for them.
- jmatchett383

Think about how screwed we'd be now if we got him. All those picks we'd lose out on. Our prospect system today producing hopefully 2-4 top d men verse one over paid one. He's still one the best in the game but at some point they'll have to pay forsberg josi and Jones and weber will be a problem

Toronto's going to retain some -- how much is anyone's guess

But they've been pretty open that they're not going to be on the roster for them in the fall, so something will get figured out
- AllInForFlyers

Toronto refused to retain any they said they'd take back a bit contract but will not retain salary past 2 years.

Toronto refused to retain any they said they'd take back a bit contract but will not retain salary past 2 years.
- Tfaehner

Last thing I read was that they'd retain 2 for Kessel

I could see them not wanting to retain for Phaneuf. $7 isn't that bad, if they take back a contract

Shea Weber receives a $13mm payment today.
- Jsaquella

Does Vinny get his today?

Last thing I read was that they'd retain 2 for Kessel

I could see them not wanting to retain for Phaneuf. $7 isn't that bad, if they take back a contract
- AllInForFlyers

Vinny and AMac for Phaneuf works for me.

Does Vinny get his today?
- landros 2

Yup

Today is the day the Flyers sign Enroth

Vinny and AMac for Phaneuf works for me.

- BiggE

Our lives just aren't that good

Think about how screwed we'd be now if we got him. All those picks we'd lose out on. Our prospect system today producing hopefully 2-4 top d men verse one over paid one. He's still one the best in the game but at some point they'll have to pay forsberg josi and Jones and weber will be a problem
- Tfaehner

I don't think he'll be a problem. They'll have a problem, but it's a "which superstar are we going to keep" one, and that's a good one to have. I think they'll keep him, partly due to his play, partly to his "face of the franchise", and partly because of their $$ investment in him.

Also, if the Flyers had Weber, they (or Nashville) probably don't have the prospects they do now, because they would have (likely) better records. Morin and Sanheim were both taken ahead of their projected spots, so they could have been available to Nashville. Also, they could have done a decline and trade a la Chris Gratton, where the Flyers made a "separate" trade and sent players to Nashville to acquire back some/all of those picks.

Although, I'm biased because he's my favorite NHL player.

Vinny and AMac for Phaneuf works for me.

- BiggE

A new dressing room for Phaneuf to get punched out in....

Our lives just aren't that good
- AllInForFlyers

If Hextall could make that deal, I'd proclaim him the Messiah.

Yup
- BiggE

Happy Canada day for Vinny I guess.

If Hextall could make that deal, I'd proclaim him the Messiah.
- BiggE

If Arizona doesn't take Wheels, I just don't see how anyone does

Trading him without retaining salary might be the hardest thing to do in the sport today, now that Clarkson got moved and Richards' deal was terminated

Happy Canada day for Vinny I guess.
- landros 2

Considering how much he's already made in his career and the fact that Tampa will be paying him til roughly the end of time, I think every day is Happy Day in Vinny's world.

What time does FA officially start? Noon ET?

Does Vinny get his today?
- landros 2

Vinny is relaxing poolside at his mansion or golfing without a care in the world

If Arizona doesn't take Wheels, I just don't see how anyone does

Trading him without retaining salary might be the hardest thing to do in the sport today
- AllInForFlyers

Trading him without retaining salary is about as likely as the Phillies trading Ryan Howard for Mike Trout.

What time does FA officially start? Noon ET?
- jmatchett383

Yeah, I think so.

If Arizona doesn't take Wheels, I just don't see how anyone does

Trading him without retaining salary might be the hardest thing to do in the sport today
- AllInForFlyers

I'd say asking Rinaldo to skate a full shift without doing something stupid is slightly harder.

Edit: Not hard to ask, hard to ask and have him follow through.

Trading him without retaining salary is about as likely as the Phillies trading Ryan Howard for Mike Trout.
- BiggE

Chances = 1/infinity

So you're saying there's a chance...

Chances = 1/infinity

So you're saying there's a chance...
- jmatchett383

Trading him without retaining salary is about as likely as the Phillies trading Ryan Howard for Mike Trout.
- BiggE

this Phils squad is making me flashback to the early 70s

Off topic, but I was watching NHL Network and they were talking about the Bieksa trade. They showed a clip, maybe 10-15 seconds, where a guy hit him and they went to the boards. Bieksa grabs the guy in a headlock and then, out of nowhere, drops his gloves and just starts punching the guy. Guy didn't even know he was in a fight. I hate Kevin Bieksa, one of the most overrated players in the last 5 years.

That is all.