I agree, I don't think either will be bought out..the cap benefits aren't great enough. Higgins can ride the bus and Burrows will play on the 4th line
- CanuckDon

Would you prefer Lack or Markstrom + Brisebois ?
- CanuckDon

Why would Markstrom be involved? He was part of the Lu trade to Fla.

When Lu left I was preparing myself for the start of a rebuild. I've always been firm in believing that any rebuilding team needs young stars to start the process correctly. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overalls sure make rebuilding easier.

Considering that I would have been more than happy with a Lack/Markstrom tandem while JB restocks the shelves. Instead I got to watch Miller mope through the seasons, giving up the same softies Lu gave up.

Why would Markstrom be involved? He was part of the Lu trade to Fla.

When Lu left I was preparing myself for the start of a rebuild. I've always been firm in believing that any rebuilding team needs young stars to start the process correctly. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overalls sure make rebuilding easier.

Considering that I would have been more than happy with a Lack/Markstrom tandem while JB restocks the shelves. Instead I got to watch Miller mope through the seasons, giving up the same softies Lu gave up.


- bloatedmosquito

Yup.

Kopitar is the new captain of the kings. Only a matter of time before they get rid of Brown

There is some merit in that madness. Traditionally, NHL teams have had a definite #1. In Vancouver's situation, I think it might be warranted to have two goaltenders sharing the duty. We all know this team's travel schedule is ridiculous. You constantly hear talk of reducing the number of games our #1 gets because they are exhausted by the end of season.

Old traditions are hard to break in the NHL.
- bloatedmosquito

Just looking at Dallas, you have to wonder if the goalies just had off years, or they never got into any sort of rhythm to put some wins together?

Playing in the west, the travel wears you down more so than the east.

So many variables, just because an approach works one year doesn't mean it will work the next. The second guessing never ends.

You're just doing that to piss me off.
- bloatedmosquito

...................

Kopitar is the new captain of the kings. Only a matter of time before they get rid of Brown
- NorthNuck

He's got a $5.875-million cap hit and is signed through to 2022.

That buyout is going to sting mightily.

Hopefully it works out better for Carolina than Dallas. What a disaster! The Stars will likely be forced to buyout Lehtonen
- CanuckDon

I didnt think Lehtonen was that bad this year, but his cap his is definitely too high for his play. Dallas needs to make some decisions and figure out how they can improve goaltending (Fleury?) while cutting costs. More than half their D is UFA

Why would Markstrom be involved? He was part of the Lu trade to Fla.

When Lu left I was preparing myself for the start of a rebuild. I've always been firm in believing that any rebuilding team needs young stars to start the process correctly. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overalls sure make rebuilding easier.

Considering that I would have been more than happy with a Lack/Markstrom tandem while JB restocks the shelves. Instead I got to watch Miller mope through the seasons, giving up the same softies Lu gave up.


- bloatedmosquito

That's fair, not everybody likes Miller...personally, I like the fact Markstom is working alongside a solid Veteran as opposed to a taco eating comedian. Hopefully we recoup a few pics for Miller at the deadline assuming we are out of the playoff picture

TSN 1040: Ray Ferraro wonders that if the Canucks are going to buy out Alex Burrows or Chris Higgins for just dead salary cap space and not creating any on ice benefit, what is the point of buying them out?

I tend to agree. We don't need the space desperately so trade or keep the contracts so we don't have to deal with them for more than a year.
- NorthNuck

It really depends on what they wanna use the money for. It's presumptuous of him to say that if he doesn't know what the plan is.

With an extra 3 million in cap space, on top of their 9 million, they could hypothetically sign Eriksson and Lucic to deals.

It really depends on what they wanna use the money for. It's presumptuous of him to say that if he doesn't know what the plan is.

With an extra 3 million in cap space, on top of their 9 million, they could hypothetically sign Eriksson and Lucic to deals.
- LeftCoaster

Stamkos!!

I didnt think Lehtonen was that bad this year, but his cap his is definitely too high for his play. Dallas needs to make some decisions and figure out how they can improve goaltending (Fleury?) while cutting costs. More than half their D is UFA
- WhiteLie

One of them needs to be bought out. They were both brutal in the playoffs. Perhaps they can buyout Lehtonen and trade for Lack

He's got a $5.875-million cap hit and is signed through to 2022.

That buyout is going to sting mightily.
- bloatedmosquito

Just looking at Dallas, you have to wonder if the goalies just had off years, or they never got into any sort of rhythm to put some wins together?

Playing in the west, the travel wears you down more so than the east.

So many variables, just because an approach works one year doesn't mean it will work the next. The second guessing never ends.
- hillbillydeluxe

The teams that will be successful in the future will have management groups that buck the traditions of the NHL. I hate this term but 'think outside the box'.

So many old guys still pulling the strings.

Stamkos!!


- fiveandagame

I wish

One of them needs to be bought out. They were both brutal in the playoffs. Perhaps they can buyout Lehtonen and trade for Lack
- CanuckDon

Bought out or traded with some assets attached. I was looking at PITT and them trading Fleury, Niemi would be a good tandem and save cap space for them, but then DAL would have $5.9 Lehtonen and $5.75 Fleury. CAL needs a goalie, but I doubt they take Lehtonen even with a ton of salary retained and Reimer on the FA market and rumours of Bishop, Crawford, Andersen, etc. all being available for trades

It really depends on what they wanna use the money for. It's presumptuous of him to say that if he doesn't know what the plan is.

With an extra 3 million in cap space, on top of their 9 million, they could hypothetically sign Eriksson and Lucic to deals.
- LeftCoaster

Would you stop saying poop like that! Are you condoning this? I hope not, because then you and I have a big (frank)ing problem.

The teams that will be successful in the future will have management groups that buck the traditions of the NHL. I hate this term but 'think outside the box'.

So many old guys still pulling the strings.
- bloatedmosquito

Three of the top 4 teams in the West this year had tandems: Dallas, St. Louis and Anaheim. I think the west will begin hoarding above average goalies and play more tandems

Am I not aware that we now have Sarcasm Thursday?

Would you stop saying poop like that! Are you condoning this? I hope not, because then you and I have a big (frank)ing problem.
- bloatedmosquito

I'm just saying what I think Benning would do, I DO NOT think like Benning! Simply guessing as he wants to compete for the playoffs.

Am I not aware that we now have Sarcasm Thursday?
- bloatedmosquito

I like it

Would you stop saying poop like that! Are you condoning this? I hope not, because then you and I have a big (frank)ing problem.
- bloatedmosquito

No better way to follow the Boston model but then to just get Boston. Yes I know loui wasn't there for the SCF

He's got a $5.875-million cap hit and is signed through to 2022.

That buyout is going to sting mightily.
- bloatedmosquito

It's 3.85 in 2027 when it ends. Something crazy. If bought out

Three of the top 4 teams in the West this year had tandems: Dallas, St. Louis and Anaheim. I think the west will begin hoarding above average goalies and play more tandems
- WhiteLie

I'm not a hockey guy. I've played at a low level but don't have a clue about the intricacies of managing a pro hockey team. But the scenario you point out above just makes sense to me, especially for some western teams.

I think it will take some time for the mentality of managers, coaches, and players to change. But it will eventually.

I'm just saying what I think Benning would do, I DO NOT think like Benning! Simply guessing as he wants to compete for the playoffs.
- LeftCoaster

Let me put it this way, if Vantel has some telekinetic connection to Benning then I’m absolutely terrified for the future of my team.