second hot take, i dont think he would be. considering how good that washington defence is, it is very concerning that Alzners underlying numbers are so poor, particularly the defensive ones.

Even with his horrible 2nd half McCabe still looks better. The most telling bit for me was i think the nbc? or CSN broadcast where the colour commentator flat out said the caps were better off with alzner out and schmidt in because of his foot speed.

Thats a big red flag.


In short, this screams kulikov 2.0 sans back injury
- Sabresfan-365

I wonder if he was dealing with some sort of injury, because he all of a sudden seemed to fall apart. Either that or Bylsma's system just had him all turned around and backwards. I don't know. Something just didn't seem right overall.

If we could get him around 4mm for 3 years i would take him
- MCGUIZZY

he will get 5.5 per for at least 5 years IMO

http://www.spotrac.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/

Spotrac has him as an RFA. Now I don't know
- sbroads24

its weird, i think it might be cause he went unqualified last year for a bit and was technically a ufa for those 2 or 3 weeks? But i guess that means he goes back to RFA status since he doesnt have enough years pro?

my guess is alzner is going to be overpaid, not great for offense or uptempo and his body will break down due to his style, like rivet and regehr
- homiedclown

there's guys like Orpik who play that style & have remained effective into their 30s though as well

If we're looking to upgrade the left side,
he might be our best bet

I don't think he's a true "top pair" guy,
But he can play defense well in his own end

Those who say he'll be overpaid are likely correct though...
but that's most UFAs

Maybe our new GM can be slick enough to make all the trades we want,
but it seems like a lot to accomplish in a short period of time

I wonder if he was dealing with some sort of injury, because he all of a sudden seemed to fall apart. Either that or Bylsma's system just had him all turned around and backwards. I don't know. Something just didn't seem right overall.
- HonkFortheGoose

ever since he came back from the injury, he was "off"

- Sabresfan-365

Damian Cox is a moron

I wonder if he was dealing with some sort of injury, because he all of a sudden seemed to fall apart. Either that or Bylsma's system just had him all turned around and backwards. I don't know. Something just didn't seem right overall.
- HonkFortheGoose

I think they just gave him way too much ice time and increased quality of competition that it eventually took its toll. Telling him to do things hes just not cut out to do.

its weird, i think it might be cause he went unqualified last year for a bit and was technically a ufa for those 2 or 3 weeks? But i guess that means he goes back to RFA status since he doesnt have enough years pro?
- Sabresfan-365

He's ufa

he will get 5.5 per for at least 5 years IMO
- homiedclown

you might be right.

ever since he came back from the injury, he was "off"
- homiedclown

It definitely seemed that way, which is why I was leaning toward the injury thing. Maybe he wasn't really 100%.

He's ufa
- Matthews_Auston

2 different pens writers say hes RFA and it fits with age and # of years pro

there's guys like Orpik who play that style & have remained effective into their 30s though as well

If we're looking to upgrade the left side,
he might be our best bet

I don't think he's a true "top pair" guy,
But he can play defense well in his own end

Those who say he'll be overpaid are likely correct though...
but that's most UFAs

Maybe our new GM can be slick enough to make all the trades we want,
but it seems like a lot to accomplish in a short period of time
- jdfitz77

trade for

brodin or scandella


trade for ekholm


trade for one of the ducks lefties

misread the capfriendly page, saw UFA status but it was for his original deal coming out of college with the oilers.

trade for

brodin or scandella (Kane++)


trade for ekholm (Reinhart)


trade for one of the ducks lefties (this years 1st+)
- homiedclown

I don't think we have the assets to makes all these trades

did not expect that, @fitz you were right lol
- Sabresfan-365

To be fair,
I didn't say that LA would definitely let us talk to him
Just that I wouldn't rule it out yet

Most teams don't wanna be seen as holding a guy back...
so although it happens,
I never assume they'll say no to letting a guy interview for a promotion with another organization
Does seem to happen more in hockey than other sports though

I don't think we have the assets to makes all these trades
- chilliard77

we just need 1


the right 1

Damian Cox is a moron
- Matthews_Auston

That is bad. Very bad.

To be fair,
I didn't say that LA would definitely let us talk to him
Just that I wouldn't rule it out yet

Most teams don't wanna be seen as holding a guy back...
so although it happens,
I never assume they'll say no to letting a guy interview for a promotion with another organization
Does seem to happen more in hockey than other sports though
- jdfitz77

its just surprising because theyve said no on two separate occasions, did something change recently?

I don't think we have the assets to makes all these trades
- chilliard77

making just the ekholm one would be outstanding.

trade for

brodin or scandella


trade for ekholm


trade for one of the ducks lefties
- homiedclown

Personally I think we could use a top 4 righty just as much or more than a lefty. Especially if Antipin or Guhle work out. Need an upgrade over Bogo

trade for

brodin or scandella


trade for ekholm


trade for one of the ducks lefties
- homiedclown

Sounds great...
but that would have us giving up quite a bit to get all those guys
Or are u just saying make 1 of those deals?

Someone made a good point earlier about McCabe too...
while an upgrade would be nice,
We have him for a great salary the next 2 years
And even though he struggled at times this past season,
I'd still predict he gets better

I'm more than ok keeping him around

we just need 1


the right 1
- homiedclown

I'm hoping we can add two top 4 guys

making just the ekholm one would be outstanding.
- Sabresfan-365

And I don't know if the Preds do it

its just surprising because theyve said no on two separate occasions, did something change recently?
- Sabresfan-365

I haven't really looked into it,
But sometimes these situations are confusing as to who is "saying no"

I'm still trying to figure out if it was the NYR who denied us an interview with Drury, or if he wasn't interested for whatever reason?

Who was it that LA denied him being interviewed?
And was that this year, or last?
Bc time frame could have something to do with it too

- Sabresfan-365