We took Risto at 8 and his development time was pretty quick. So it's possible to have that happen as well. But overall, you're right. Defense typically takes longer to develop.
- HonkFortheGoose

I agree, that did happen. But signing Raddysh (21 years old) would be like taking a D in first round and getting him this year (maybe). Pretty impressive stats and is an "A".

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=205556

The reason I say forward is that plugging in a sniper with Eichel (and Rinehart for that matter) in a few years with a low salary is what Pitt is doing. Then find experienced D at only a year or two to keep them motivated to produce and we could be in good shape.

I agree, that did happen. But signing Raddysh (21 years old) would be like taking a D in first round and getting him this year (maybe). Pretty impressive stats and is an "A".

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=205556

The reason I say forward is that plugging in a sniper with Eichel (and Rinehart for that matter) in a few years with a low salary is what Pitt is doing. Then find experienced D at only a year or two to keep them motivated to produce and we could be in good shape.
- Lilroot9

Chicago has done this for years as well. It's how both teams have managed to keep their core set of guys and still remain competitive year to year. I think this offseason could get real interesting for us for sure. It was already going to be an interesting one because of the expansion draft, but add in the fact that now there's a new GM and the coaching staff for both clubs needs to be rebuilt and you have yourself a recipe for a very busy summer.

Chicago has done this for years as well. It's how both teams have managed to keep their core set of guys and still remain competitive year to year. I think this offseason could get real interesting for us for sure. It was already going to be an interesting one because of the expansion draft, but add in the fact that now there's a new GM and the coaching staff for both clubs needs to be rebuilt and you have yourself a recipe for a very busy summer.
- HonkFortheGoose

Chicago was a little different cause they have 2 (maybe 3) stud D men. Pittsburgh has some good D men, but not this year and they are still in the cup finals.

I agree, could (should) get real interesting this summer. I only worry he wont trade players he knows little about where we all want turn over here.

Chicago was a little different cause they have 2 (maybe 3) stud D men. Pittsburgh has some good D men, but not this year and they are still in the cup finals.

I agree, could (should) get real interesting this summer. I only worry he wont trade players he knows little about where we all want turn over here.
- Lilroot9

And even on his best day, Letang is not elite imo

This kovalchuk situation is such garbage. When Kovy "retired" to Russia, there were reports all over the place that Devils ownership was going broke and they were getting emergency bailouts from the league. They're conviently granted amnesty and now, on the backend, they're going to benefit by his desire to return in the form of a sign-and-trade.

THey made a horrible contract that they were able to get out of because the Ruble was doing terrific around Kovy's "retirement" date largely because of oil prices. Now the ruble sucks and he wants back.

TLDR; devils should have to honor their original contract if they want him back

And even on his best day, Letang is not elite imo
- jcragcrumple

I think he is top end, but elite I would say no too. Elite should be like maybe top 5 in the sport currently.

This kovalchuk situation is such garbage. When Kovy "retired" to Russia, there were reports all over the place that Devils ownership was going broke and they were getting emergency bailouts from the league. They're conviently granted amnesty and now, on the backend, they're going to benefit by his desire to return in the form of a sign-and-trade.

THey made a horrible contract that they were able to get out of because the Ruble was doing terrific around Kovy's "retirement" date largely because of oil prices. Now the ruble sucks and he wants back.

TLDR; devils should have to honor their original contract if they want him back
- jcragcrumple

I agree. NHL has 100% guaranteed contracts unless you buy out a player. If they bought him out they would be paying for another 20 years.

We all know the KHL lure is there, but to give him a 12 (or 15?) year deal, that is on them.

This kovalchuk situation is such garbage. When Kovy "retired" to Russia, there were reports all over the place that Devils ownership was going broke and they were getting emergency bailouts from the league. They're conviently granted amnesty and now, on the backend, they're going to benefit by his desire to return in the form of a sign-and-trade.

THey made a horrible contract that they were able to get out of because the Ruble was doing terrific around Kovy's "retirement" date largely because of oil prices. Now the ruble sucks and he wants back.

TLDR; devils should have to honor their original contract if they want him back
- jcragcrumple

Id take him and put him with Jack Eichel

Id take him and put him with Jack Eichel
- Acup2buff

I could see Philly being a good fit, but idk if the Devils would trade within the division

I get that Subban was more highly touted in general when he was drafted, but Ullmark has more NHL experience and in his time in the NHL has looked very much the part. Subban only has 2 games under his belt and has a 5.81 GAA in each of them.
- HonkFortheGoose

Can't really judge by that small of a sample size
Subban has been good in the minors...
still highly regarded

you do realize that the sabres roster is 48% canadian, 29 % american, and 23 % other. right? and who knows how many of your fan base is Canadian. of which if you didn't have . you probably wouldn't have and NHL team. so ease up on the Canadian /american thing. its a worthless dog that poops in its own house let alone where it eats.
- ziffles