I'd prefer something like this:

Risto Player X
McCabe Player Y
Bogo Guhle
Falk
- Stripes77

As would I...but in reality we don't have the assets to get two new top-4 D. A 2nd pairing? Sure. But getting a #2 D to play with Risto is going to cost us Kane, possibly more. And that is 1 step forward 2 steps back. You would be banking on Bailey, Nylander, or Baptiste to make up the goals Kane is scoring this year...and I don't think they are ready

I'd prefer something like this:

Risto Player X
McCabe Player Y
Bogo Guhle
Falk

Player Y could be an early 30's type veteran that can be a 4 guy that can move down to the 3rd pairing when Guhle is ready.

The hard part of course is finding that top pairing guy with Risto.
- Stripes77

Player X will cost a lot
Y? because Z says so.....

They don't have to at all. They could absolutely keep him.

What they absolutely cannot do is go into next season with relatively the same blue line
- sbroads24

Well, yeah, Kuli and Franson wil be gone.

If we continue status quo, without trading anything, probably will have to build the D through the Draft and FA.

As would I...but in reality we don't have the assets to get two new top-4 D. A 2nd pairing? Sure. But getting a #2 D to play with Risto is going to cost us Kane, possibly more. And that is 1 step forward 2 steps back. You would be banking on Bailey, Nylander, or Baptiste to make up the goals Kane is scoring this year...and I don't think they are ready
- feetontheair22

I think Player Y will be easier to find.

See my edit on that post.

Player X will cost a lot
Y? because Z says so.....
- cabin

You could probably get player Y for Z and a prospect or a mid round pick

Well, yeah, Kuli and Franson wil be gone.

If we continue status quo, without trading anything, probably will have to build the D through the Draft and FA.
- mattsox

Like I say every time I hate drafting defenseman they take way too long to develop try trading for one that a team has been developing and has been in the system .. going to cost a little more but it's better than waiting 4 years

I think Player Y will be easier to find.

See my edit on that post.
- Stripes77

Lots of anal itics regarding Risto and team mate performance. Him and McCabe should be together forever.

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Rasmus Ristolainen has 22 of his 36 points in the 25 games that he has been paired with Jake McCabe. Just 14 points in the other 35 games.

Which I don't think they will.

I get why Kane is linked to the bolded.

Move value for value kind of thing.

But for Murray to make this team legit he needs to find a way to improve the blue line without moving high end offense unless of course Murray thinks both Bailey and Baptiste are going to play in the top 6 next year.

This is where I agree that Murray moved a ton of assets early in the rebuild that I am sure he is kicking himself a little bit even though Kane, O'Reilly, and Lehner are all proving to be good to great players for them.
- Stripes77

I'm all for keeping Kane through next year if he can add to the blue line other ways.

I'm hesitant about a big extension at Okposo type money though.

Like I say every time I hate drafting defenseman they take way too long to develop try trading for one that a team has been developing and has been in the system .. going to cost a little more but it's better than waiting 4 years
- GERBE!!!75PTS

So you don't want to draft defensemen because they take a long time to develop but expect a team to trade a good one to you even though they took the time to develop said player?

It's going to cost more than just a little bit more...

Lots of anal itics regarding Risto and team mate performance. Him and McCabe should be together forever.
- cabin

Like hank-myers , chainsaw- Hank

Just have instant chemistry together and it works

Like hank-myers , chainsaw- Hank

Just have instant chemistry together and it works
- GERBE!!!75PTS

That's why I question separating the 2

I think people need to calm down on the Guhle train a bit.

He has yet to even play in the minors let alone be a steady top 4 NHL d-man right now.

I'm all for keeping Kane through next year if he can add to the blue line other ways.

I'm hesitant about a big extension at Okposo type money though.
- sbroads24

If Kane were to sign for $6 million per I would be okay with it.

Then it would be up to Murray to move out the Gorges, Moulson and Bogo contracts and to draft well to replenish the bottom 6.

It would be a Blackhawk type team very top heavy but they get away with it (or did for so long) because of great drafting.

Like I say every time I hate drafting defenseman they take way too long to develop try trading for one that a team has been developing and has been in the system .. going to cost a little more but it's better than waiting 4 years
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Um, Have you seen how many 19-21 YO d-men are playing steady minutes in the league right now?
Edit:
http://www.quanthockey.co...men-stats.html#dem-charts

So you don't want to draft defensemen because they take a long time to develop but expect a team to trade a good one to you even though they took the time to develop said player?

It's going to cost more than just a little bit more...
- Stripes77

Well we could have a forward that we've been developing that they might have their eye on
But yes a almost fully develop player is going to cost a pretty penny but it's better than waiting for 4 years imo

I think people need to calm down on the Guhle train a bit.

He has yet to even play in the minors let alone be a steady top 4 NHL d-man right now.
- ImThatGuy

I think he could hang in the second pairing right away but it would be ugly at times.

I think he should be in Buffalo next year. On the 3rd pairing to start and let him work his way up.

He plays a smart simple game. If he flounders in Buffalo send him down to Rochester. But I think he has earned a chance to start the season in Buffalo.

Um, Have you seen how many 19-21 YO d-men are playing steady minutes in the league right now?
- ImThatGuy

I'm saying developed wise as in they've been in the AHL for 2 years or around age 22 ready to make NHL

- Crimsoninja

That pic might be older than you so you can't post it .

- Crimsoninja

I think that happened after Campbell hit Umberger.

Well we could have a forward that we've been developing that they might have their eye on
But yes a almost fully develop player is going to cost a pretty penny but it's better than waiting for 4 years imo
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Or they could draft one of the Swede or the Finish defensemen this draft and play him right away...

- GERBE!!!75PTS

I kinda feel like the guy in the blue suit looks like me when I read most of your posts every day.

I kinda feel like the guy in the blue suit looks like me when I read most of your posts every day.
- Der Kaiser

Same

Same
- cabin

kids these days