If it could be done for 5/$7mil, it's worth exploring.

But we also have to consider Ek will have won. Is Byfuglien worth that?
- Mononoke

In a world where Ek might win...

He's still 22 going on 23. He's a naturally slender guy. He will add some weight inevitably. It will just take a more natural progression than with some other guys. Duncan Keith at his age was in his first NHL season and put up 21 in 81. So who knows? He has work to do, if it can indeed be done.
- Mononoke

Would be awesome if he does become a player in that class, because you could absolutely run MDZ-Gudas as a third pair when you're good

If Provorov is as good as you guys are saying and he's a legit top-pairing guy -- and that guy, from what I saw at the draft, was already a physical specimen -- then we already have four of six defensemen that you need to be elite, because MDZ on a third pair is pretty damn good with the way he's been going

I don't know. Maybe you do check in on Byfuglien, see what he wants

Would be awesome if he does become a player in that class, because you could absolutely run MDZ-Gudas as a third pair when you're good

If Provorov is as good as you guys are saying and he's a legit top-pairing guy -- and that guy, from what I saw at the draft, was already a physical specimen -- then we already have four of six defensemen that you need to be elite, because MDZ on a third pair is pretty damn good with the way he's been going

I don't know. Maybe you do check in on Byfuglien, see what he wants
- AllInForFlyers

Gudas is a good bottom pair 4/5 player at best. But we may also have to consider MDZ is turning into a borderline top pair player. That has been our top pair this season, especially when Streit went down, and they've done exceedingly well. MDZ is turning into a stud. His offense is down, but I'm in the camp it's a combo of poor poor luck with team shooting %s, accentuated by playing on one of the lowest scoring teams (not last month and a half though) so far. I think his points will stabilize. Hampus Lindholm is his mirror image this year on the Ducks.

If MDZ performs like this into next season, a 6 year $30 mil contract would be a fantastic deal. They can pay a guy who actually deserves that contract.

Gudas is a good bottom pair 4/5 player at best. But we may also have to consider MDZ is turning into a borderline top pair player. That has been our top pair this season, especially when Streit went down, and they've done exceedingly well. MDZ is turning into a stud. His offense is down, but I'm in the camp it's a combo of poor poor luck with team shooting %s, accentuated by playing on one of the lowest scoring teams (not last month and a half though) so far. I think his points will stabilize. Hampus Lindholm is his mirror image this year on the Ducks.

If MDZ performs like this into next season, a 6 year $30 mil contract would be a fantastic deal. They can pay a guy who actually deserves that contract.
- Mononoke

I am all about everything you just typed -- that dude has been good

Would be awesome if he does become a player in that class, because you could absolutely run MDZ-Gudas as a third pair when you're good

If Provorov is as good as you guys are saying and he's a legit top-pairing guy -- and that guy, from what I saw at the draft, was already a physical specimen -- then we already have four of six defensemen that you need to be elite, because MDZ on a third pair is pretty damn good with the way he's been going

I don't know. Maybe you do check in on Byfuglien, see what he wants
- AllInForFlyers

Adding Byfuglien next season makes them a playoff team IMO with room for real growth depending on how the young guys develop. I just don't think top pairing dmen hit the market very often. Could take advantage of that at a time when the young guys will start funneling in with their ELCs

Adding Byfuglien next season makes them a playoff team IMO with room for real growth depending on how the young guys develop. I just don't think top pairing dmen hit the market very often. Could take advantage of that at a time when the young guys will start funneling in with their ELCs
- PhillySportsGuy

Sold -- you know by now that telling me that they're gonna make the playoffs, looking dangerous, is enough to get me onside PDQ

Holy poop! You're kidding me! What happened?
- MJL

Apparently he was sick too.....

White made contact with Jurco's chest initially, then through the hit the head is contacted. By no means was the head the primary point of contact, I've looked at it 50 times and every time he hits chest first. Shouldn't have been a major.

Sold -- you know by now that telling me that they're gonna make the playoffs, looking dangerous, is enough to get me onside PDQ
- AllInForFlyers

*Hands Byfuglien blank check*

White made contact with Jurco's chest initially, then through the hit the head is contacted. By no means was the head the primary point of contact, I've looked at it 50 times and every time he hits chest first. Shouldn't have been a major.
- flyerscup2011

I saw his head go back. And to the left. Back and to the left.

*Hands Byfuglien blank check*
- PhillySportsGuy

*Deep breath first*

Outplay the Rangers, end up losing in the gimmick. Get outplayed by Detroit, win the gimmick.

Grabbing points and playing well overall is a good thing. Team is showing resilience and the games are fun to watch. Got to be happy right now
- Jsaquella

Yes it is

*Hands Byfuglien blank check*
- PhillySportsGuy

Eddie Lacy - Dustin Byfuglien

Pablo Sandoval - Mo Vaughn

Bartolo Colon - Ghost

Eddie Lacy - Dustin Byfuglien

Pablo Sandoval - Mo Vaughn

Bartolo Colon - Ghost


- Mononoke

Imagine the dinner bills

Just a question for anyone who cares to answer; it's your opinion. Not right or wrong, whatever you say.

But my question is this: I think Ghost might very well be a top-pair defenseman. Not the prototypical size/strength, but more like Erik Karlsson is and Paul Coffey was, where they control the game with finesse, skill and hockey sense

Does anybody else see that? Because what I see is a kid who, while learning, is actually a solid defender with a good stick and very good instincts in his own zone and in the neutral zone
- AllInForFlyers

I think there is a chance he becomes a legit top pairing d man for sure...the game is changing and he simply does things that others aren't capable of....it's early but I wouldn't bet against him.

Eddie Lacy - Dustin Byfuglien

Pablo Sandoval - Mo Vaughn

Bartolo Colon - Ghost


- Mononoke

I loved Mo Vaughn. Now he was a baseball player

This is still pretty great

I saw his head go back. And to the left. Back and to the left.
- Mononoke

Is there a film of it?

Is there a film of it?
- MJL

- Mononoke

McDowell

Imagine the dinner bills
- Jsaquella

I'd hope they don't do the typical rookie hazing and make Ghost pay

This is still pretty great
- Jsaquella

Great, not elite

I'd hope they don't do the typical rookie hazing and make Ghost pay
- five4fighting10

He'd have to ask his parents to take out a second mortgage. If that doesn't work, fake their deaths to collect life insurance. Then enter into underground gambling rings to double his earnings. And it still wouldn't be enough.

Drouin with another pointless game and a -1. At this point would Ryan White + Nick Schultz be enough? Or too much?

anyone else ready for the 2 foot of snow coming