Michael Pachla: The value of goaltending. Plus Evander Kane, Justin Bailey and more...

I would have guessed Foligno had a 3 point game during his rookie season, last night being his first, was a surprise to me.

I would have guessed Foligno had a 3 point game during his rookie season, last night being his first, was a surprise to me.
- Mentalorgasm5

good point...and good to see you around again

Quite a difference from the Philly game in that our shots beat the goalie this time. The habs are terrible without Price.

The logic behind an ultra-strong group of skaters in front of an average to above average goalie is sound, but without a group like the Chicago Blackhawks

The whole point of a scorched earth rebuild and tanking for Eichel was so that we could do this. If Murray's done this right, they will just need Lehner to be ok to good, not great. Which is fine since I'd prefer to rely on the 18 skaters up front than the 1 guy in net.

Why do ppl keep talking like "frontloading a contract" makes ANY difference at all when it comes to resigning other guys?

The cap hit for McGinn (or anyone) will be the same EVERY year,
No matter how the contract is structured


As far as McGinn goes...
1) he'll absolutely be traded, 100%
2) we may look to bring him back, but not if we get Stamkos (obviously), and I think Murray will have a few other targets in mind
3) idk if it even makes sense to bring him back?
-we have other guys taking leadership roles
-we have guys that play his style (Foligno, Girgensons, Larsson, Bailey)
-and it could keep a guy like Bailey in the AHL for extra time bc we don't have too many roster spots at Forward that are gonna be available (unless we start making trades)

I'm not saying I'd hate bringing him back,
But at this point it makes more sense not to IMO

Quite a difference from the Philly game in that our shots beat the goalie this time. The habs are terrible without Price.
- Khmylev

Every time I looked at their lineup last year I was baffled at how good they were?
But I guess that's what happens when your goalie has an MVP season
I like some of their guys quite a bit,
But it's obvious that this team is dependent on Price
Reminds me a bit of our Hasek teams
Although I think they have a bit more talent around Price than we did with the Dominator

trade larsson and mcginn!! and seek a big and good 3line center !!

Why do ppl keep talking like "frontloading a contract" makes ANY difference at all when it comes to resigning other guys?

The cap hit for McGinn (or anyone) will be the same EVERY year,
No matter how the contract is structured


As far as McGinn goes...
1) he'll absolutely be traded, 100%
2) we may look to bring him back, but not if we get Stamkos (obviously), and I think Murray will have a few other targets in mind
3) idk if it even makes sense to bring him back?
-we have other guys taking leadership roles
-we have guys that play his style (Foligno, Girgensons, Larsson, Bailey)
-and it could keep a guy like Bailey in the AHL for extra time bc we don't have too many roster spots at Forward that are gonna be available (unless we start making trades)

I'm not saying I'd hate bringing him back,
But at this point it makes more sense not to IMO
- jdfitz77

4+4+4+4= 16 mil, 4mil AAV

5+2.5+2.5+2.5= 12.5, 3.125mil AAV

It does make a bit of difference, but I still wouldn't want him back at that price.

Girgensons back at practice today. Could play tomorrow.

4+4+4+4= 16 mil, 4mil AAV

5+2.5+2.5+2.5= 12.5, 3.125mil AAV

It does make a bit of difference, but I still wouldn't want him back at that price.
- Sabresfan-365

The only way it makes a difference is of the total value is less, like in your example
That's not what ppl keep saying though
They're like, just "frontloading it" which to implies they think that a lesser salary later on will count less against the Cap & this "not hurt when we have to re-sign other players"

It just seems like there's quite a few ppl that are misunderstanding how the Cap actually works

Unless it's me that's misunderstanding their point?

Girgensons back at practice today. Could play tomorrow.
- chilliard77

Wouldn't be surprised if they give him &/or Larsson an extra game or 2 off to let Bailey stay a little longer
He's looked good

trade larsson and mcginn!! and seek a big and good 3line center !!
- morglan19

Stamkos is the Center we are gonna go after in free agency

Stamkos is the Center we are gonna go after in free agency
- jdfitz77

Is that a fact or a prayer?

The only way it makes a difference is of the total value is less, like in your example
That's not what ppl keep saying though
They're like, just "frontloading it" which to implies they think that a lesser salary later on will count less against the Cap & this "not hurt when we have to re-sign other players"

It just seems like there's quite a few ppl that are misunderstanding how the Cap actually works

Unless it's me that's misunderstanding their point?
- jdfitz77

No you're right there is a misunderstanding from other folks. The whole point in front-loading a deal is so that the total amount can be less. AAV is consistent though

4+4+4+4= 16 mil, 4mil AAV

5+2.5+2.5+2.5= 12.5, 3.125mil AAV

It does make a bit of difference, but I still wouldn't want him back at that price.
- Sabresfan-365

So you wouldn't want McGinn at a $3.1m cap hit? His AAV now is $2.95M so that isn't much of an increase. I'd do that.

I know people are jumping on ROR a bit lately for not scoring, but he still does have 7 points in the last 6 games. He is still generating offense even if it's not by scoring goals. He had a few opportunities that just missed, including a bouncing puck that he couldn't put home in close vs Boston. I think teams are playing him tougher as the eastern conference teams now see what he brings to the game. Once he gets one goal by I bet many more will follow. Teams are playing him differently so he has to adjust. He seems like a smart enough player to be able to do that.

so you think we had a chance to win stamkos?
and who in D-men we can win?

So you wouldn't want McGinn at a $3.1m cap hit? His AAV now is $2.95M so that isn't much of an increase. I'd do that.
- mhp

The Blackhawks third line: Desjardins, Panik, Teravainen makes a combined 2.7 mil on the cap

That's how I think it should be. There's some character, talent and speed. And it leaves enough money for the core players.

Why do ppl keep talking like "frontloading a contract" makes ANY difference at all when it comes to resigning other guys?

- jdfitz77

From a cap perspective it doesn't make a difference. But it can make a difference. If two teams offered you the same exact term and money, wouldn't you prefer the one that put 10 mill in your pocket the first year? It also gives you more cash in the event that you are bought out later on.

So you wouldn't want McGinn at a $3.1m cap hit? His AAV now is $2.95M so that isn't much of an increase. I'd do that.
- mhp

Thats fair market value for him. Soo many different directions we could go. the only thing we really know for sure is that legwand will be gone next season.

The Blackhawks third line: Desjardins, Panik, Teravainen makes a combined 2.7 mil on the cap

That's how I think it should be. There's some character, talent and speed. And it leaves enough money for the core players.
- Sabresfan-365

Well with Bylsma ya never know what our 3rd line will be lol.

I do understand your point but I think signing McGinn at that cap hit is a wise investment. You could have a future 3rd line of McGinn-Girgs-Bailey and that aav could still break down to around 2.8-3. Again, who knows what our 3rd line will look like next year or in future years.

I guarantee that McGinn will get more than $3.1m / year AAV, and that example of 5+2.5+2.5+2.5 cannot happen, price can only drop 10% each year.

I'd like to see what you could get for McGinn. I like the player but if Murray can aquire a 2nd round pick in this year's draft and a prospect, it may be worth it. Also...

Does Bailey get sent back to Rochester once Girgs, Ennis and others return or has he earned the right to stay from here on out? Thoughts anyone?

I'd like to see what you could get for McGinn. I like the player but if Murray can aquire a 2nd round pick in this year's draft and a prospect, it may be worth it.
- mattsox

I think McGinn will definitely be traded at the deadline. The question is do you make a hard pitch for him in free agency and at what cost?