Well since we are in such a giving mood. Why not give montour to the kings and Larsson to the sharks. F it right. We are on day going to lose them anyways.
- Eman87654

Usually you're quite reasonable ... but on this I have to say you seem more than perturbed on losing Shea ... who is easily more replaceable than either Sami or Josh ... so what's up ??? Besides you valuing Shea more than others ?

Long time reader but first time posting cause I just had to say it.

You're an idiot.
- ocnuke

You beat me to it.

Usually you're quite reasonable ... but on this I have to say you seem more than perturbed on losing Shea ... who is easily more replaceable than either Sami or Josh ... so what's up ??? Besides you valuing Shea more than others ?
- dozerD10

We didn't have to give up anyone. If we bough out bieska and traded a dman before the expasion draft then we could have got a reasonable return for Theodore. It bothers me because this is what bob does sometimes. When we can't find a place for a player we devalue them and send them packing for cheap. Like maroon, palmerie, hagelin, belesky. It urcks me that fans are ok with this. Some are even praising bob for this. Shea Theodore was a talented prospect that can be a top pairing dman. There was no reason to give him up. And what we got was 3.2 in cap space for one year. Thats only for one year. We had all year to prepare for this but bob still botched it.

We didn't have to give up anyone. If we bough out bieska and traded a dman before the expasion draft then we could have got a reasonable return for Theodore. It bothers me because this is what bob does sometimes. When we can't find a place for a player we devalue them and send them packing for cheap. Like maroon, palmerie, hagelin, belesky. It urcks me that fans are ok with this. Some are even praising bob for this. Shea Theodore was a talented prospect that can be a top pairing dman. There was no reason to give him up. And what we got was 3.2 in cap space for one year. Thats only for one year. We had all year to prepare for this but bob still botched it.
- Eman87654

Your post is wrong on so many points, but I'm too lazy to get into it. I'll only address one of your points. Belesky. Read what Bob offered and what he took. We can't force a player to sign here if they don't want to.

I saw that Murray was tied for 4th in GM of the year voting. Give the guy a break. I hated to lose Theo, but buying out Bieksa and keeping Stoner and trading away another D (at half value) wasn't ideal either.

Unless you sit in that GM chair, you have no idea what transpires. I get as fans we're super passionate and get worked up, but that's expected. I'm willing to give Murray the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Long time reader but first time posting cause I just had to say it.

You're an idiot.
- ocnuke

Well. I try. But in any case was was doing twitter all day yesterday and there best response. " it doesn't matter. We have more dmen. " so im kind of tired. I mean just because you have alot of something does mean you should sell cheap. Anyways I'm glad my tirade had brought someone New. How about you stay and let your opinion be known.

Your post is wrong on so many points, but I'm too lazy to get into it. I'll only address one of your points. Belesky. Read what Bob offered and what he took. We can't force a player to sign here if they don't want to.

I saw that Murray was tied for 4th in GM of the year voting. Give the guy a break. I hated to lose Theo, but buying out Bieksa and keeping Stoner and trading away another D (at half value) wasn't ideal either.

Unless you sit in that GM chair, you have no idea what transpires. I get as fans we're super passionate and get worked up, but that's expected. I'm willing to give Murray the benefit of the doubt on this one.
- quackup

Bob could have signed belesky the year before for 3.6. And I'm tring to be nice.

We didn't have to give up anyone. If we bough out bieska and traded a dman before the expasion draft then we could have got a reasonable return for Theodore. It bothers me because this is what bob does sometimes. When we can't find a place for a player we devalue them and send them packing for cheap. Like maroon, palmerie, hagelin, belesky. It urcks me that fans are ok with this. Some are even praising bob for this. Shea Theodore was a talented prospect that can be a top pairing dman. There was no reason to give him up. And what we got was 3.2 in cap space for one year. Thats only for one year. We had all year to prepare for this but bob still botched it.
- Eman87654

1. If we traded a d-man and bought out Bieksa we wouldn't have anyone to expose for the expansion draft, so we would have needed to trade for yet another defenseman who is eligible.
2. Trading a defenseman like Vats before the ED was near impossible. How many teams had cap space and room to protect an additional defenseman?

I'm not going to defend BM for the Maroon and Palmieri deals because they weren't very good. But I'm not sure he could have done much better with the ED. He was basically a victim of drafting too well and having too many good, young defensemen.

BTW Beleskey? BM seems pretty smart right now for not signing him as he can barely stay in the Boston lineup.

Bob could have signed belesky the year before for 3.6. And I'm tring to be nice.
- Eman87654

Boston is paying him $3.8M per year to be a healthy scratch.

Boston is paying him $3.8M per year to be a healthy scratch.
- niedermayer27

Boston is deeper than us. Belesky would have played a top 6 role for us in the playoffs.

Bob could have signed belesky the year before for 3.6. And I'm tring to be nice.
- Eman87654

But he also insisted on a NTC. Don't forget that little tidbit of info.

He ended up signing with Boston and got a "modified" one. I have zero doubt Beleskey regrets his decision today, but good for Murray for rejecting that demand.

Bob could have signed belesky the year before for 3.6. And I'm tring to be nice.
- Eman87654

Losing guys like Beleskey, Theodore and Palmeri sucks, but we don't always know the full story.

Theodore was expected to be a full time NHL player this season by many. I expected him to get called up from SD and stay, but that did not happen.

What caught me by surprise this year was Brandon Montour, he was called up and virtually stayed up. Montour can really F&ck!n play, and the reality is that Shea Theodore was a part of a team that also had other offensive defensemen in Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, and Sami Vatanen.

Theodore will have a much better chance to be a top 4 D and PP QB with Vegas than he did with Anaheim. Maybe Theodore didn't want to spend another season driving between SD and the Honda Center. Best of luck to him, VGK are getting one helluva hockey player.

I'm much relieved that Manson went untouched during the expansion draft. It really sucked to have to watch that god-awful awards show in between draft picks.

I don't get all the strife over losing Shea Theodore. I'll admit, he's pretty good in the offensive zone but he's also pretty bad in the defensive zone. Not the best trait for a defenseman, IMHO. Besides, the Ducks D-men are now Fowler, Lindholm, Vatanen, Manson, Montour, Bieksa, and Larsson, who is sure to make the team, he made it last year and they didn't have room for him. Anyway, my point is. which one of those 7 is Theodore better than right now? Maybe Bieksa, but Carlyle chose to play an injured Bieksa over Theodore in the elimination game 6. What Murray did was trade a Gulls defenseman and Stoner and knocked another $4+ million off of cap space. Not bad.

I don't get all the strife over losing Shea Theodore. I'll admit, he's pretty good in the offensive zone but he's also pretty bad in the defensive zone. Not the best trait for a defenseman, IMHO. Besides, the Ducks D-men are now Fowler, Lindholm, Vatanen, Manson, Montour, Bieksa, and Larsson, who is sure to make the team, he made it last year and they didn't have room for him. Anyway, my point is. which one of those 7 is Theodore better than right now? Maybe Bieksa, but Carlyle chose to play an injured Bieksa over Theodore in the elimination game 6. What Murray did was trade a Gulls defenseman and Stoner and knocked another $4+ million off of cap space. Not bad.
- duxcup07

Agree 100%

There are a few plays off the top of my bucket during that post season run where he let his front of net coverage slip which lead to goals being scored.

I think it's fair to say Montour earned his keep this year.

Eaves is back. 3 years.

Eaves is back. 3 years.
- quackup

A very good signing for Anaheim, and a great day for Patrick Eaves and his family. Eaves is a journeyman that somehow managed to have a career year at the age of 32. Eaves developed a knack for finding open areas in the slot and got rewarded. I think his urgency to score was a missing ingredient for the Ducks prior to his acquisition. You get that sometimes, where its just shift after shift of mediocrity until you end up fishing the puck out of your net. Eaves showed up and beat goalies on the regular. Then Perry found his game, as other guys snapped out of their mid-season siesta. Eaves, Silfverberg and Perry is quite a formidable RW trio. After last summer's waiting game, I'm quite happy with what I'm seeing.

The word is Eaves cap hit is 3.1M per year. It could have been difficult, given the year he just had. Obviously there were some other factors there to keep in mind. Nevertheless, I think this is a fair contract, and is a win-win for both Eaves and Anaheim.

As for the NHL draft, it was a very quiet first round for the Ducks, as it just wrapped up. Certain circumstances allowed Anaheim to leverage this year's first round pick on what'll end up being a strong compliment to Getzlaf for the next 3 years, which is very important. Management has some choices to make prior to free agency. Mainly in regards to the 4th line, Rakell playing center and do they want to bring Holzer back. The only area personnel wise where there is room for improvement is on Getzlaf's LW. Free agency is limited for LWs. TBH, I don't think the answer Murray is looking for at LW can be found with this FA group. With all the players that need to be re-signed, in addition to the estimated 2 year development of Nick Ritchie and Max Jones, I think we'll see them wait.

A very good signing for Anaheim, and a great day for Patrick Eaves and his family. Eaves is a journeyman that somehow managed to have a career year at the age of 32. Eaves developed a knack for finding open areas in the slot and got rewarded. I think his urgency to score was a missing ingredient for the Ducks prior to his acquisition. You get that sometimes, where its just shift after shift of mediocrity until you end up fishing the puck out of your net. Eaves showed up and beat goalies on the regular. Then Perry found his game, as other guys snapped out of their mid-season siesta. Eaves, Silfverberg and Perry is quite a formidable RW trio. After last summer's waiting game, I'm quite happy with what I'm seeing.

The word is Eaves cap hit is 3.1M per year. It could have been difficult, given the year he just had. Obviously there were some other factors there to keep in mind. Nevertheless, I think this is a fair contract, and is a win-win for both Eaves and Anaheim.

As for the NHL draft, it was a very quiet first round for the Ducks, as it just wrapped up. Certain circumstances allowed Anaheim to leverage this year's first round pick on what'll end up being a strong compliment to Getzlaf for the next 3 years, which is very important. Management has some choices to make prior to free agency. Mainly in regards to the 4th line, Rakell playing center and do they want to bring Holzer back. The only area personnel wise where there is room for improvement is on Getzlaf's LW. Free agency is limited for LWs. TBH, I don't think the answer Murray is looking for at LW can be found with this FA group. With all the players that need to be re-signed, in addition to the estimated 2 year development of Nick Ritchie and Max Jones, I think we'll see them wait.
- IGotTheMemo

Were you thinking of Sam Steel? Because I know the Ducks are really really big on this kid?

With Regina of the WHL last year: GP-66 G: 50 A: 81 Pts: 131

Playoffs last year: GP-23 G: 11 A: 19 Pts: 30

Were you thinking of Sam Steel? Because I know the Ducks are really really big on this kid?

With Regina of the WHL last year: GP-66 G: 50 A: 81 Pts: 131

Playoffs last year: GP-23 G: 11 A: 19 Pts: 30
- quackup

Sam Steel is noteworthy when estimating future projections for the Ducks. He had a monster year in the WHL and does shoot left. However, he's slated as a center. The end of my post was specifically about a top line LW. As I've said before, with the transition game as big as it is, having a guy that can skate up the left side of the ice and keep the puck protected is a big deal. Ritchie and Jones are both young guys whom we don't know what their ceiling is. All I'm saying is when management is planning next year's roster, it'll be interesting to see how they'll handle the top line LW. Personally, with the prospects in the fold, and with Ritchie having another summer to mature; IMO it'd be a hasty, uncalculated move to sign one these very high mileage free agent left wings. Moreover, at least 5 core guys need to be re-signed within the next year. Many of which deserve a substantial raise.

With Eaves re-signed, this team has some offensive punch. Given that, the other Ducks that need to be re-singed by this time next year, and now that the first round of the NHL draft has passed, it'd probably be better to wait until December to reevaluate the LW situation. Also, this is hockey after all, and there are some insurance and depth positions that must be addressed. Murray has a lot on his plate, but he's started this summer off on the right foot.

Sam Steel is noteworthy when estimating future projections for the Ducks. He had a monster year in the WHL and does shoot left. However, he's slated as a center. The end of my post was specifically about a top line LW. As I've said before, with the transition game as big as it is, having a guy that can skate up the left side of the ice and keep the puck protected is a big deal. Ritchie and Jones are both young guys whom we don't know what their ceiling is. All I'm saying is when management is planning next year's roster, it'll be interesting to see how they'll handle the top line LW. Personally, with the prospects in the fold, and with Ritchie having another summer to mature; IMO it'd be a hasty, uncalculated move to sign one these very high mileage free agent left wings. Moreover, at least 5 core guys need to be re-signed within the next year. Many of which deserve a substantial raise.

With Eaves re-signed, this team has some offensive punch. Given that, the other Ducks that need to be re-singed by this time next year, and now that the first round of the NHL draft has passed, it'd probably be better to wait until December to reevaluate the LW situation. Also, this is hockey after all, and there are some insurance and depth positions that must be addressed. Murray has a lot on his plate, but he's started this summer off on the right foot.
- IGotTheMemo

Makes sense.

I know that projected C's often times start their career at wing (Rakell), then transition to C. That's what I could envision with Steel once he breaks in with the big club.

Well the bearded one is back. Happy he's aboard. It makes giving up that first round pick bearable. And since one of our biggest problems in last years playoffs was foward depth this also adresses a big need. To be honest I've kind of given up on a big signing or trade. Because most of our good assets are on the big club. So to gut the dman group and not get exactly what we need would be a mistake. Instead I'd like to look into getting maybe one more foward for our 3rd line and a back up goalie. I mean since we're probably not going to fill our needs with quality maybe quantity will sufic till the kids mature.

Like the Eaves deal on couple of fronts -
He fits with Getz so well - better wheels than Pears which in turn helps Getz -
He has an urgency about him that is not rushed and a determination that is welcome -
He can contribute both on the PK / PP which is added bonus -
Good locker room guy -
Can teach NR a thing or 2 about how to use his size and get more finish -
The # and term are just about perfect, I would have preferred 2 yrs but whatever if it took 3 to keep him cool -
Spreads out the scoring on lines nicely -

Maxime Contois - nice get by the Ducks - didn't think he'd be here - know the Pens wanted him also - good 2nd or 3rd line center and can play the wing -

Like the Eaves deal on couple of fronts -
He fits with Getz so well - better wheels than Pears which in turn helps Getz -
He has an urgency about him that is not rushed and a determination that is welcome -
He can contribute both on the PK / PP which is added bonus -
Good locker room guy -
Can teach NR a thing or 2 about how to use his size and get more finish -
The # and term are just about perfect, I would have preferred 2 yrs but whatever if it took 3 to keep him cool -
Spreads out the scoring on lines nicely -
- dozerD10

glad to hear we ere able to keep Eaves !

The NHL draft is over and done with. Anaheim had five picks and look to have drafted some promising prospects. I'm sure Ed will tackle this in a blog post soon. However, I'd figure I'd get the ball rolling. Here is the list:

1. Maxime Comtois, LW, 2nd round, 50th pick 6'2"
2. Antoine Morand, C, 2nd round, 60th pick 5'10" (shoots left)
3. Jack Badini, C/LW, 3rd round, 91st pick, 6'0"
4. Kyle Olson, RW, 4th round, 122nd pick, 5'10"
5. Olle Eriksson Ek, G, 5th round, 153rd pick, 6'2"

Anaheim only had 5 picks, but I think they understood where they can improve and put their eggs in that basket. Probably the stand out for me of this group is Maxime Comtois. Clearly, he's a lot like Nick Ritchie. That being, a smart, big LW. This franchise has invested heavily in development infrastructure, and being a draft and develop organization these picks reflect that. It'll be a couple years before any of these guys get a shot at the NHL, but now that the defensive prospects have matured into full-fledged NHL players, investing in the left side of the ice is a good decision.

The NHL draft is over and done with. Anaheim had five picks and look to have drafted some promising prospects. I'm sure Ed will tackle this in a blog post soon. However, I'd figure I'd get the ball rolling. Here is the list:

1. Maxime Comtois, LW, 2nd round, 50th pick 6'2"
2. Antoine Morand, C, 2nd round, 60th pick 5'10" (shoots left)
3. Jack Badini, C/LW, 3rd round, 91st pick, 6'0"
4. Kyle Olson, RW, 4th round, 122nd pick, 5'10"
5. Olle Eriksson Ek, G, 5th round, 153rd pick, 6'2"

Anaheim only had 5 picks, but I think they understood where they can improve and put their eggs in that basket. Probably the stand out for me of this group is Maxime Comtois. Clearly, he's a lot like Nick Ritchie. That being, a smart, big LW. This franchise has invested heavily in development infrastructure, and being a draft and develop organization these picks reflect that. It'll be a couple years before any of these guys get a shot at the NHL, but now that the defensive prospects have matured into full-fledged NHL players, investing in the left side of the ice is a good decision.
- IGotTheMemo

Badini is the best pick of this draft for Anaheim. Comtois looks pretty decent, but you can't trust defenses from the Q.

This just in ... the big story this offseason that anyone who is someone never expected ... this story is more surprising than getting a lone onion ring in your french fries. This story is more unexpected than hitting the button on a vending machine for a soda and getting 2 sodas. Don't stop there ... Oh, no, we're just getting started. This story is comparable to the rare candy code in Pokemon Red. Think the secret entrance to Bowser's Castle in Super Mario World, and that's the realm we're in. The world hasn't seen something this ground breaking since Windows 95. This is no blue cheese, ranch mix up. This is the real deal. The whole guacamole. The wolf that howls at the full moon. That's right folks, Korbinian Holzer is back! He signed a 2 year contract extension today. A great day for him and his family! I predicted that the planets would align for this very moment just this past Wednesday. It's on page 1 on my second post if you don't believe me, but this isn't about me. It's about Holzer, and he's back with a vengeance! Make no mistake, Anaheim's homing in on the Stanley Cup.