If Crosby & Malkin agreed to play with the guys they did in the playoffs...
And won the whole thing...
I can't imagine them saying no to Vesey

Maybe that's not the case in Chicago
But Kane did agree to play with Panarin last year, who was unproven at the time. And Toews had had linemates cycle in & out the last few seasons...
Reasonable to think they'd have an open mind as well
- jdfitz77

They haven't been able to talk to Vesey, so they haven't been able to guarantee him playing time.

I also doubt it's as easy as it is to guarantee that with Crosby or Toews as it is Eichel. Only one of then has actually played with Vesey

Preds are hands down better than the Hawks today
- sbroads24

No way

Hawks...
-Cups
-Toews & Kane
-great cast around them
-still legit contenders
-closer to Canada

Preds...
-no real playoff success
-good forwards, but not on the same level (yet)
-although they've been spending more $$$, they don't push the Cap limit like many other teams do

Basically,
The Preds are talented & promising...
But until they do something more on the ice,
They're still very unproven

They haven't been able to talk to Vesey, so they haven't been able to guarantee him playing time.

I also doubt it's as easy as it is to guarantee that with Crosby or Toews as it is Eichel. Only one of then has actually played with Vesey
- sbroads24

Doesn't mean they won't talk to Vesey when they can
His agent didn't drop Chicago's name outta the blue
Vesey is at least interested in hearing what they have to say

No way

Hawks...
-Cups
-Toews & Kane
-great cast around them
-still legit contenders
-closer to Canada

Preds...
-no real playoff success
-good forwards, but not on the same level (yet)
-although they've been spending more $$$, they don't push the Cap limit like many other teams do

Basically,
The Preds are talented & promising...
But until they do something more on the ice,
They're still very unproven
- jdfitz77

Preds lost in round two while the Hawks lost in round 1. How come there playoff success and experience didn't lead them past St. Louis?

Hossa is 37
Keith 34
Seabrook 31

They are getting old.

Preds traded a 31 year old Weber for a 27 year old Subban
They have Johansen entering his prime. Josi in his prime. Forsberg in his prime. It's not even close who I'd choose

Preds lost in round two while the Hawks lost in round 1. How come there playoff success and experience didn't lead them past St. Louis?

Hossa is 37
Keith 34
Seabrook 31

They are getting old.

Preds traded a 31 year old Weber for a 27 year old Subban
They have Johansen entering his prime. Josi in his prime. Forsberg in his prime. It's not even close who I'd choose
- sbroads24

I get what you're saying...
But it's not about who YOU would pick

That's the first round of playoffs the Preds have EVER won
Chicago is still the standard

Vesey's agent said he wants to tak to Chicago
Doesn't really get any clearer than that

I get what you're saying...
But it's not about who YOU would pick

That's the first round of playoffs the Preds have EVER won
Chicago is still the standard

Vesey's agent said he wants to tak to Chicago
Doesn't really get any clearer than that
- jdfitz77

It is?

The Leafs used to be the standard when they were one of 6 teams, they aren't the standard anymore. The Hawks aren't contenders right now.

I get what you're saying...
But it's not about who YOU would pick

That's the first round of playoffs the Preds have EVER won
Chicago is still the standard

Vesey's agent said he wants to tak to Chicago
Doesn't really get any clearer than that
- jdfitz77

Just a little FYI
2010–11 Lost Conference Semifinals (Canucks), 2–4
2011–12 Lost Conference Semifinals (Coyotes), 1–4
2015–16 Lost Second Round (Sharks), 3–4

They have made it to the 2nd round 3 times in the 18 seasons as a franchise.
Now they get a full season of RyJo and have PK on the team. I see them being more of a powerhouse rolling around come playoff time. PK could be that factor to give them the clutch goals they need to get over the hump.

Just a little FYI
2010–11 Lost Conference Semifinals (Canucks), 2–4
2011–12 Lost Conference Semifinals (Coyotes), 1–4
2015–16 Lost Second Round (Sharks), 3–4

They have made it to the 2nd round 3 times in the 18 seasons as a franchise.
Now they get a full season of RyJo and have PK on the team. I see them being more of a powerhouse rolling around come playoff time. PK could be that factor to give them the clutch goals they need to get over the hump.
- DDM-Coga

Agreed. They are a legitimate threat out West

Agreed. They are a legitimate threat out West
- sbroads24

they really could use one more trigger man in their top 6 on the 2nd line

but a team that can put Forsberg, Neal, Johansen, Subban, Josi on the ice at the same time, Thats some series top loaded fire power

Is he better than Mike Green in his prime?
- rmiethaner

No, Mike Green was special when he was in his prime. Barrie is a good defenseman, but he's not special.

Agreed. They are a legitimate threat out West
- sbroads24

I do think they're good
I'm not really in disagreement about that

But you are dismissing Chicago,
When Vesey's own agent said they're on his short list...

It's not that what you're saying is wrong necessarily
But it obviously doesn't apply here to Vesey's situation

Just a little FYI
2010–11 Lost Conference Semifinals (Canucks), 2–4
2011–12 Lost Conference Semifinals (Coyotes), 1–4
2015–16 Lost Second Round (Sharks), 3–4

They have made it to the 2nd round 3 times in the 18 seasons as a franchise.
Now they get a full season of RyJo and have PK on the team. I see them being more of a powerhouse rolling around come playoff time. PK could be that factor to give them the clutch goals they need to get over the hump.
- DDM-Coga

Damn...
I stand corrected
This is what Sunday Funday drinking does to me
Lol

My point though was that they clearly don't have the track record of success that the Hawks do in the playoffs

I'm frankly surprised he didn't sign w the Preds
I do think they'll still be a good team for a while
(Possible goalie concern though)

The Erat for Forsberg trade was brilliant
Imagine the Caps forwards group of they still had him!

I do think they're good
I'm not really in disagreement about that

But you are dismissing Chicago,
When Vesey's own agent said they're on his short list...

It's not that what you're saying is wrong necessarily
But it obviously doesn't apply here to Vesey's situation
- jdfitz77

My point was disagreeing that Chicago was his "#1" choice. I think he could choose them, but IMO that's kind of a long shot. They are declining into an average team. They have some stars but are rapidly losing depth, and in a short time will be minus Hossa and Keith

Nashville doesn't have a Toews, a Crosby, or a Malkin type center. You're talking about three of the top 5 centers in the world.
- Stripes77

No, but Ryan Johansen is really, really good. And will probably terminate at the level just below those guys.

I do think they're good
I'm not really in disagreement about that

But you are dismissing Chicago,
When Vesey's own agent said they're on his short list...

It's not that what you're saying is wrong necessarily
But it obviously doesn't apply here to Vesey's situation
- jdfitz77

I think the "be on a good team" is more of blanket statement from him. Its the franchise and location that is probably driving it more for him. The kid has been surrounded by North East Hockey, Original 6 teams, went to Harvard, grew up in Boston. I think there is a certain hockey lifestyle he wants to be part of.

If he signs in Boston..are they a better team than the Preds. Probably not, but he would be a god that first season and I think hes wants part of the prestige that goes along with the older franchise

My point was disagreeing that Chicago was his "#1" choice. I think he could choose them, but IMO that's kind of a long shot. They are declining into an average team. They have some stars but are rapidly losing depth, and in a short time will be minus Hossa and Keith
- sbroads24

Obviously none us have a clue if he even has an order to his list
But u can't say Chicago isn't a factor bc Nashville is a good team
He obviously blew off the Preds & wants to talk to the Hawks

So while you're reasoning might be right about the direction of both teams...
It certainly appears Cesey doesn't see it that way

Are they #1?
Idk
But they're in the top 5 for sure
If winning now matters,
Chicago & Pitt have the advantage over teams like Buffalo, Toronto & Boston

Other factors will probably play a role on his thinking though

My point was disagreeing that Chicago was his "#1" choice. I think he could choose them, but IMO that's kind of a long shot. They are declining into an average team. They have some stars but are rapidly losing depth, and in a short time will be minus Hossa and Keith
- sbroads24

So what do we think his criteria are?

- where I fit in line up
- coach
- $/contract
- how good team is.

I wonder how big the last one is. You'd think the better the team, the tougher it is to play top 6.

I also wonder how good this guy is. Is he necessarily a top 6 on a good team?

If Crosby & Malkin agreed to play with the guys they did in the playoffs...
And won the whole thing...
I can't imagine them saying no to Vesey

Maybe that's not the case in Chicago
But Kane did agree to play with Panarin last year, who was unproven at the time. And Toews had had linemates cycle in & out the last few seasons...
Reasonable to think they'd have an open mind as well
- jdfitz77

It was probably more like Q said "Here are the lines" and the players said "yes coach". While I normally hate using war/military metaphors/similes when talking about sports because it cheapens what the soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen actually do. Sports are more like the military where the coach is the commander and the players are the grunts that do what they're told. Commanders don't run their plans by their grunts to see if they approve. In the same vein that coaches don't run their lineups by the players for approval.

I think the "be on a good team" is more of blanket statement from him. Its the franchise and location that is probably driving it more for him. The kid has been surrounded by North East Hockey, Original 6 teams, went to Harvard, grew up in Boston. I think there is a certain hockey lifestyle he wants to be part of.

If he signs in Boston..are they a better team than the Preds. Probably not, but he would be a god that first season and I think hes wants part of the prestige that goes along with the older franchise
- DDM-Coga

That could be right
Tough for us to know right now bc all the info we get is secondhand at best
I do think it's clear that his short list will include...
Buffalo, Toronto, Boston & Chicago
Based on what we're hearing
And it seems very reasonable to me that he'd meet with Pitt & NYR as well
Idk if there's other teams he'd consider or not

But Chicago is definitely one of them
And that worries me more than if it was just Toronto & Boston we were going up against to get him

Should know on a little over 2 weeks though

So what do we think his criteria are?

- where I fit in line up
- coach
- $/contract
- how good team is.

I wonder how big the last one is. You'd think the better the team, the tougher it is to play top 6.

I also wonder how good this guy is. Is he necessarily a top 6 on a good team?
- Canada Cup

Maybe. I think whats important is he could be a top 6 forward next year at ELC price. Highly sought after in todays nhl.

It was probably more like Q said "Here are the lines" and the players said "yes coach". While I normally hate using war/military metaphors/similes when talking about sports because it cheapens what the soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen actually do. Sports are more like the military where the coach is the commander and the players are the grunts that do what they're told. Commanders don't run their plans by their grunts to see if they approve. In the same vein that coaches don't run their lineups by the players for approval.
- Wetbandit1

I doubt it even came to that
Kane said they pretty much had instant chemistry
So the discussion prob didn't even have to happen
I do think if Kane or Towes were consulted about Vesey, they'd have an open mind about it
Tough to see why they wouldn't want to bring in a talented kid & give him a shot
Esp after a 1st round loss
And losing a few more players (Shaw especially)

That could be right
Tough for us to know right now bc all the info we get is secondhand at best
I do think it's clear that his short list will include...
Buffalo, Toronto, Boston & Chicago
Based on what we're hearing
And it seems very reasonable to me that he'd meet with Pitt & NYR as well
Idk if there's other teams he'd consider or not

But Chicago is definitely one of them
And that worries me more than if it was just Toronto & Boston we were going up against to get him

Should know on a little over 2 weeks though
- jdfitz77

Who knows how it all pans out, but he might become to the biggest villain in the league if he throws a curve ball and signs with a random team in the West.

Imagine if he signed with the Sharks, this site would turn into a powder keg

So what do we think his criteria are?

- where I fit in line up
- coach
- $/contract
- how good team is.

I wonder how big the last one is. You'd think the better the team, the tougher it is to play top 6.

I also wonder how good this guy is. Is he necessarily a top 6 on a good team?
- Canada Cup

Depends
Ex: Pittsburgh

Obviously none us have a clue if he even has an order to his list
But u can't say Chicago isn't a factor bc Nashville is a good team
He obviously blew off the Preds & wants to talk to the Hawks

So while you're reasoning might be right about the direction of both teams...
It certainly appears Cesey doesn't see it that way

Are they #1?
Idk
But they're in the top 5 for sure
If winning now matters,
Chicago & Pitt have the advantage over teams like Buffalo, Toronto & Boston

Other factors will probably play a role on his thinking though
- jdfitz77

I never said Chicago wasn't a factor. I said I think they are a long shot. If being a good team was the only factor, he would have signed in Nashville.

Chicago isn't northeast
Chicago isn't his hometown
Chicago hasn't been able to guarantee him a top 6 spot
Chicago isn't getting better, they are getting older
Chicago doesn't have a lot of cap space for down the road.

This doesn't lead me to believe they would be his #1 choice

Who knows how it all pans out, but he might become to the biggest villain in the league if he throws a curve ball and signs with a random team in the West.

Imagine if he signed with the Sharks, this site would turn into a powder keg
- DDM-Coga

Hahaha
What if he signed with the Preds?!
Now that would be something