Stamkos will get paid. Top guys do.

Guys like Lucic, Okposo, Eriksson, Boedker tend to benefit from weak FA options.

I was actually high on Boedker but when someone told me to really look at the numbers I found he is more of a Matt Read type. Yet he is probably going to get something like 4.5-5 million. Lucic probably around 6-6.5 maybe even 7.

If I am spending money I would rather spend a little more on an asset with 40 goal potential almost every season.
- J35Bacher

I even think it was released around trade deadline Boedker's agent and himself were seeking 6M in the offseason? Unless I'm thinking of another player.

Stamkos will get paid. Top guys do.

Guys like Lucic, Okposo, Eriksson, Boedker tend to benefit from weak FA options.

I was actually high on Boedker but when someone told me to really look at the numbers I found he is more of a Matt Read type. Yet he is probably going to get something like 4.5-5 million. Lucic probably around 6-6.5 maybe even 7.

If I am spending money I would rather spend a little more on an asset with 40 goal potential almost every season.
- J35Bacher

I understand why you expect guys to be overrated and overpaid...i just suspect that there will be more of a bidding war for Stamkos...maybe someone gets desperate if they miss on Stamkos.

Anyway I am not for signing anyone...which is where Hextall falls as well I would bet. "sign most expensive UFA" isnt exactly a page out of the draft and develop playbook

No real love for either team, but

Why on Earth did Simmonds get an additional two for roughing? Where was the roughing? I saw a case of two guys fighting. Seemed to me like the classic case of NHL officials not wanting a team to have a power play late in the game.
- Tiogadog

Flyers had 3 first period PP's.. From there on out it was all Caps..

I hate NHL officiating more than any other sport.

Kerry Fraser pointed out that the same call was made against Vandevelde in the final game of the season, but it wasnt. He ONLY got a roughing penalty.

Wilson with a blatant board, Simmonds does give him a little cross check, but that is let go 9/10 times if the players end up fighting. BS officiating in pretty much every game I have seen so far in these playoffs. The call the other night against Lindberg?

Its terrible. Every year too

I think Streit can be moved. Oilers are craving some defense help and Streit could be a guy that helps them with there youth.

I would retain some of MacDonald's salary or add something to make him more attractive like a 3rd round pick or Laughton

Buyout Umberger.

Yes the cap might be a little tighter to start but you continue to reshape the roster year after year.

Hell maybe you look to move Schenn after this year and sell high instead of signing him. Kadri deal is probably the starting figures.

I just don't think it as scary as others do
- J35Bacher

Can't see anyone wanting Streit. He seems to have really declined from last year. Has a hard time along the boards and is getting weaker defensively. Now that we have Ghost there is no need for him. Just don't see anyone wanting him

Schenn looked like he got hurt after the scrum at the end of the game. Anyone else see this?
- all-pgh

Probably pulled a calf from all the jumping around.

The biggest fear I've picked up based on people's thoughts on it is having 8M+ each for 3 forwards, which is understandable, but as you have said, there's way to work around it. I think we can move Streit but it's a shame we won't get a return for him like we all assumed before this season. Read could be a nice guy to ship to a young team with needed cap. I'd prefer to keep Schenn. And I guess we can't fully rule out Hexy fiddling with Amac. We all said Vinny wasn't tradeable for months.
- arichardson22

Exactly.

Also I don't know what they will do with Schenn. They obviously had some concerns since they tabled talks of a contract prior to the season when they signed Couturier to his deal.

Do they think he finally broke through? Or could it be one of those contract seasons where he goes back to be inconsistent after getting paid?

Can you give me a reason why?

Just curious what the rational would be.
- J35Bacher

It's all very Holmgren-esque.

Can you give me a reason why?

Just curious what the rational would be.
- J35Bacher

I can...You would include a pick or prospect to get rid of a bad contract? That is the definition of compounding your mistake. If a contract like AMacs prevents them from retaining their players (which it wont) you trade the guy you cant sign (see: Bickell / Saad) for actual assets that dont cost much...you dont trade the guy that creates the jam AND assets. I cannot even understand why this type of trade even keeps getting brought up. It is the dumbest trade you could possibly make

Less dumb because you could probably get value from him. But it is working backwards from what the team is trying to do. The point of rebuilding was to get young guys that would develop into players that would be considered good - [some say] elite. You appear to have hit on one...why would you turn around and trade him?

I understand why you expect guys to be overrated and overpaid...i just suspect that there will be more of a bidding war for Stamkos...maybe someone gets desperate if they miss on Stamkos.

Anyway I am not for signing anyone...which is where Hextall falls as well I would bet. "sign most expensive UFA" isnt exactly a page out of the draft and develop playbook
- YuenglingJagr

It all comes down to what Stamkos wants. All season Leafs fans and analysts have said Leafs are gonna be a favorite Bc they can offer most prob, but what if Stamkos wants to win? He has a lot of power in his decision and doesn't have to take a max deal; he could do a 3 or 4 year deal, then sign another contract elsewhere after. It's not likely Bc it's a gamble for injury, especially with his latest health issue, but you never know.

Probably pulled a calf from all the jumping around.
- Tomahawk

Fine. Let him blow up ovechkin. I'd be very, very sad.

I understand why you expect guys to be overrated and overpaid...i just suspect that there will be more of a bidding war for Stamkos...maybe someone gets desperate if they miss on Stamkos.

Anyway I am not for signing anyone...which is where Hextall falls as well I would bet. "sign most expensive UFA" isnt exactly a page out of the draft and develop playbook
- YuenglingJagr

Signing Stamkos doesn't preclude from drafting and developing. Hextall isn't a fan of giving assets for an aging vet.

A 26 year old Stamkos is a little different then trying to sign a 32 year old Backes.

It all comes down to what Stamkos wants. All season Leafs fans and analysts have said Leafs are gonna be a favorite Bc they can offer most prob, but what if Stamkos wants to win? He has a lot of power in his decision and doesn't have to take a max deal; he could do a 3 or 4 year deal, then sign another contract elsewhere after. It's not likely Bc it's a gamble for injury, especially with his latest health issue, but you never know.
- arichardson22

I have brought that up as well...it is an incredibly risky play for someone who has experience with severe injuries, but it could ultimately lead to the most earnings and possibly chances to win

Stamkos would come here and either get hurt or not be able to get past 23 goals

Not gonna dwell on this, as they played a fairly good game. One thing though:

On the 2nd goal, Ghost exited the box right after the Voracek turnover. He was a step in front of Beagle, but came out of the box and took his time to get to the bench, which led to a 3-on-2. Had he picked up Beagle, he makes it a 3-on-3 and it's likely a one-goal game. I love Ghost, and I'm sure that he was instructed to chance, but it's just something I noticed.

Exactly.

Also I don't know what they will do with Schenn. They obviously had some concerns since they tabled talks of a contract prior to the season when they signed Couturier to his deal.

Do they think he finally broke through? Or could it be one of those contract seasons where he goes back to be inconsistent after getting paid?
- J35Bacher

I think Schenn didn't get his contract offered Bc he didn't establish himself, nor was he in a consistent position (wing, center) to succeed. Whereas Couts established himself and his role practically since the Pens series his rookie year. This year he took great strides to establish who he is and who he can be. He was a highly ranked prospect so maybe this is is coming out year, but as you said maybe it's because of contract year. And I think Hexy will strongly evaluate all of these factors in the offseason. Only thing is Schenn wasn't really consistent early in the season / first half. His basically ppg pace in the 2nd half doesn't seem like a fluke to me. And I can't help but think the more space and chances he'd get if Jake was back to his last season form.

Even outside of the instigating minor, why would Simmonds open himself up to a five minute penalty with six minutes left in the game? It makes absolutely no sense.
- KGBflyers10

I still don't understand how Simmonds got an extra two there. It's getting ridiculous how the officials constantly throw extra minors and instigators at him whenever he fights. He and Wilson dropped the gloves at the exact same time.

other than Mason the Flyers had nothing last night
- vejim

Generated absolutely zero offense. Without Couturier to kill the endless penalties, now what?

Signing Stamkos doesn't preclude from drafting and developing. Hextall isn't a fan of giving assets for an aging vet.

A 26 year old Stamkos is a little different then trying to sign a 32 year old Backes.
- J35Bacher

I would guess the Flyers seriously consider Stamkos. They probably in the end wont sign him or even make an offer, but as was said, it is rare to have a big name free agent go go on the market who is only 26. That has to be considered.

I have brought that up as well...it is an incredibly risky play for someone who has experience with severe injuries, but it could ultimately lead to the most earnings and possibly chances to win
- YuenglingJagr

Yeah and even before the clots, fans and people were saying he hasn't looked like himself since that bad leg break. Curious to see how the clots impact his contract negotiations and If teams even try to use that as leverage to get him cheaper.

Flyers got the short end of the straw from officating last night. How what Wilson did ended up being a wash is beyond me.

On another note, Brayden Schenn is an animal. Loved him leveling Carlson right at the final buzzer.

Generated absolutely zero offense. Without Couturier to kill the endless penalties, now what?
- PLindbergh31

I hate fans like you. I don't hate you, but I hate fans like you. It's always doomsday. Go cheer for the Yankess.

I would guess the Flyers seriously consider Stamkos. They probably in the end wont sign him or even make an offer, but as was said, it is rare to have a big name free agent go go on the market who is only 26. That has to be considered.
- MBFlyerfan

Who also fills an immediate need currently and for the upcoming years. He's a pure goal scorer/sniper. Something we don't have on our NHL roster right now arguably.

I still don't understand how Simmonds got an extra two there. It's getting ridiculous how the officials constantly throw extra minors and instigators at him whenever he fights. He and Wilson dropped the gloves at the exact same time.
- PhillySportsGuy

Regardless, Simmonds>>Wilson. Good trade for the Caps.

Who also fills an immediate need currently and for the upcoming years. He's a pure goal scorer/sniper. Something we don't have on our NHL roster right now arguably.
- arichardson22

Truth.

I hate fans like you. I don't hate you, but I hate fans like you. It's always doomsday. Go cheer for the Yankess.
- jmatchett383

Negadelphia turned up to 11