I honestly don't understand all this complaining about paying taxes where i myself have chosen to live.

I have great public utilities, great public schools, streets park districts are very well maintained, i think they even clean the forest floors, good balance of homes, business, restaurants and entertainment and am only 20-30 minutes from the city.

You couldn't pay me money to live in Vegas. Sedona, Whiting, Flaggstaff is another story but those places aren't cheap either. And the driving you'll have to do to get anything.
- BetweenTheDots

The problem is not with paying taxes. It is with paying exorbitant taxes and not getting the notable result. CA schools are ranked somewhere around 35-37th in the country. Virtually nothing preventative is done to manage fires. Over a quarter of the homeless population in the country lives in CA. We have rolling blackouts because the state is progressively eliminating low cost and effective means of power generation. I have no problem with high costs of living as long as those costs are properly utilized.

I honestly don't understand all this complaining about paying taxes where i myself have chosen to live.

I have great public utilities, great public schools, streets park districts are very well maintained, i think they even clean the forest floors, good balance of homes, business, restaurants and entertainment and am only 20-30 minutes from the city.

You couldn't pay me money to live in Vegas. Sedona, Whiting, Flaggstaff is another story but those places aren't cheap either. And the driving you'll have to do to get anything.
- BetweenTheDots

I was transferred out here and really do not chose to live here. I am in Santa Monica about a mile form the Ferris Wheel at the beach that all the sports networks show in their intro. about how great California weather and living is. Santa Monica, where the average price of a 2 bedroom condo that is no better than a converted apt. is about $1.5 mil.

Here is what my tax dollars get me:

Schools are ranked 38th in the nation and are getting worse.

Santa Monica crime rates are 131% higher than the national average
Violent crimes in Santa Monica are 126% higher than the national average
In Santa Monica you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Santa Monica is safer than 3% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Santa Monica has increased by 9%.

I can get that, and not have to give up 10-13% of my income.

I do miss Lincoln Park, where I lived before I was transferred. I miss a vibrant city, friendly people, open parks and greenspaces, efficient transportation, and much more.

I do have a place in the Palm Springs area as well. Same state tax structure, but I would live there full time, but jobs are primarily in hospitality, of which I have no experience.

It is only going to get worse in California. Jeff Gundlach is the latest high net worth individual (worth about @2.2 billion) to say goodbye California.

At least I am not living in San Francisco, talking about a cesspool.

Hey what's wrong with Whiting. Indiana aside from the smell from the BP refinery? BTW that reminds me of a joke.
- boilermaker100

Hahaha not Whiting, oops, Williams but i guess none of them are in Nevada

They have been offered DeBrusk.
- wiz1901

Is that for sure or an rumored offer?

Is Bennett a guy that CAN play top six? I know virtually nothing about him other than the fact that he plays heavy. Who has he played with in the past? More 3rd liner type?
- Chunk

Bennett is definitely a 3rd liner and possibly a 4th liner if his offensive stats continue to slip.

In Calgary, he seemed to be centering the 3rd line with Lucic and Dube but has also played with Jankowski quite a bit.

Jankowski is supposedly a great defensive specialist who can play center and wing. Decent at the dot and uses his size well but doesn't have the nasty streak that Bennett has.

He is an RFA, what would he be looking for? $3.5-$4.0 at a minimum?
- LAHawk

I would that deal and hawks sign debrusk for 4 years st 3 to 4 million in that range be good for both sides.

I was transferred out here and really do not chose to live here. I am in Santa Monica about a mile form the Ferris Wheel at the beach that all the sports networks show in their intro. about how great California weather and living is. Santa Monica, where the average price of a 2 bedroom condo that is no better than a converted apt. is about $1.5 mil.

Here is what my tax dollars get me:

Schools are ranked 38th in the nation and are getting worse.

Santa Monica crime rates are 131% higher than the national average
Violent crimes in Santa Monica are 126% higher than the national average
In Santa Monica you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Santa Monica is safer than 3% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Santa Monica has increased by 9%.

I can get that, and not have to give up 10-13% of my income.

I do miss Lincoln Park, where I lived before I was transferred. I miss a vibrant city, friendly people, open parks and greenspaces, efficient transportation, and much more.

I do have a place in the Palm Springs area as well. Same state tax structure, but I would live there full time, but jobs are primarily in hospitality, of which I have no experience.

It is only going to get worse in California. Jeff Gundlach is the latest high net worth individual (worth about @2.2 billion) to say goodbye California.

At least I am not living in San Francisco, talking about a cesspool.
- LAHawk

Well that sucks for you and Chunk.

Hey Duff! I hear what you are saying and don't necessarily disagree. I'm all for finding any means to add young talent. My biggest concern comes from the Flames blogger here (and true, it is just one opinion):

Noah Hanifin has been a disappointment in Calgary. I don’t think there’s much room for debate about that.

He is no further along offensively than he was a few years ago. His points per game output this past season was the lowest since his rookie campaign.


And it’s not as if his defensive play makes up for it.

More nights than not Hanifin severely blows coverage(s) in the defensive zone and he is much too prone to head scratching mistakes.

There’s a reason he’s worth only +0.2 Goals Above Replacement over his two seasons in Calgary, according to EvolvingHockey.com. He just doesn’t move the needle at either end of the ice.

Yes, he’s 23. Yes, he’s an awesome skater. Yes, he has tools. But he always leaves you wanting more and, now 400+ games (playoffs included) into his NHL career, I doubt that’s going to change.

He sounds like a younger version of Gus. Hopefully Stan doesn't have a stroke and bring him back as well...
- Chunk

I was just throwing that out there as it seems to be Stan MO to pick up former 1st round picks . Hanifin a tall kid sometimes kids struggle as they grow into the size and he was rushed straight in (like Boqvist ) never a great idea with young Defenseman Bennett grit is what I like his offence may follow . .I just think both Saad and Maatta are gone this off season . I am a Saad fan and also feel Maatta is fine still young and played well in the playoffs has a long track record in the playoffs . I be just as happy if both players stayed . If they are going that was a deal I thought maybe up Stan's ally .

Hey look! Hockey!

Blackhawks prospect Philipp Kurashev made his regular-season debut for Lugano in Switzerland's top league today. He had two points, a primary assist and a secondary assist, in a 4-0 win over ZSC, which includes Marcus Kruger.

Calgary has only 3 signed D plus a RFA. Throw Maattz into the deal. Strome and Maatta for Bennett, and their 2nd pick or a good prospect.
- boilermaker100

I make that deal in a NY minute

Bennett is definitely a 3rd liner and possibly a 4th liner if his offensive stats continue to slip.

In Calgary, he seemed to be centering the 3rd line with Lucic and Dube but has also played with Jankowski quite a bit.

Jankowski is supposedly a great defensive specialist who is can play center and wing. Decent at the dot and uses his size well but don't have the nasty streak that Bennett has.
- Theo Fox

Sounds like a better 3rd line option than Strome, although it seems as though he would be playing with slightly better offensive talent here than he would in CAL. Color me interested...

I was just throwing that out there as it seems to be Stan MO to pick up former 1st round picks . Hanifin a tall kid sometimes kids struggle as they grow into the size and he was rushed straight in (like Boqvist ) never a great idea with young Defenseman Bennett grit is what I like his offence may follow . .I just think both Saad and Maatta are gone this off season . I am a Saad fan and also feel Maatta is fine still young and played well in the playoffs has a long track record in the playoffs . I be just as happy if both players stayed . If they are going that was a deal I thought maybe up Stan's ally .
- oldduffman

This is a well thought out, and reasoned comment and argument for the players mentioned. As such, it has no place here.

Thanks for the follow up Duff.

This is a well thought out, and reasoned comment and argument for the players mentioned. As such, it has no place here.

Thanks for the follow up Duff.
- Chunk

Thanks I think . Maybe we could move Saad and Subban for Rask and Debrusk I her he on the block .

Thanks I think . Maybe we could move Saad and Subban for Rask and Debrusk I her he on the block .
- oldduffman

I keep subban qualify him most likely won't cost much. If saad and Matta go to calgary then would want Bennett and a 1st. Hanafin is a bust pass.

I keep subban qualify him most likely won't cost much. If saad and Matta go to calgary then would want Bennett and a 1st. Hanafin is a bust pass.
- Scott1977

I also like Subban heard he is well liked in the room . Seemed to be in Coaches dog house last year ,did not even get a start in a back to back that finished with Detroit .The kid has the pedigree

I keep subban qualify him most likely won't cost much. If saad and Matta go to calgary then would want Bennett and a 1st. Hanafin is a bust pass.
- Scott1977

that would be a terrific deal. tough to get those 1st picks maybe a second deep draft.

I was transferred out here and really do not chose to live here. I am in Santa Monica about a mile form the Ferris Wheel at the beach that all the sports networks show in their intro. about how great California weather and living is. Santa Monica, where the average price of a 2 bedroom condo that is no better than a converted apt. is about $1.5 mil.

Here is what my tax dollars get me:

Schools are ranked 38th in the nation and are getting worse.

Santa Monica crime rates are 131% higher than the national average
Violent crimes in Santa Monica are 126% higher than the national average
In Santa Monica you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Santa Monica is safer than 3% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Santa Monica has increased by 9%.

I can get that, and not have to give up 10-13% of my income.

I do miss Lincoln Park, where I lived before I was transferred. I miss a vibrant city, friendly people, open parks and greenspaces, efficient transportation, and much more.

I do have a place in the Palm Springs area as well. Same state tax structure, but I would live there full time, but jobs are primarily in hospitality, of which I have no experience.

It is only going to get worse in California. Jeff Gundlach is the latest high net worth individual (worth about @2.2 billion) to say goodbye California.

At least I am not living in San Francisco, talking about a cesspool.
- LAHawk

Yeah, I'm glad I am RaleighHawk and not LAHawk (only talking location, not person)

We win that trade no matter the savings on $$$$.
- jhawk59

Other teamism at play. Saad is far better than Bennett. Maatta and Hanifin are a wash except the for the magic word "potential" Hanifin hasn't really progressed and is soft as baby poop.
Bennett is a 4C. Also slow AF.

Really? Hanifin's been a dog, and what has Bennett ever done?
- Chunk

Nothing but been a bust for the 3rdOA player taken.

We do? Giving up by far the best player in the trade in Saad, with no one to replace him in the top 6? Does gaining Hanafin to marginaaly bolster the D offset the loss of Saad, and what he does in the top 6?

If you want the cap space, just buy out Matta
- LAHawk

I don't even think Hanifin is a marginal upgrade over Maatta. He skated better but that is about it.

Your right Hanifin has been but still very young same with Bennett both need a fresh start and where better then here land of the broken toys .
- oldduffman

Hanifin has already been punted once.

Strome koko and 3rd for Anderson just remember he coming off major shoulder surgery.
- Scott1977

Too much for Anderson. Way too much for Anderson.

@PuckReportNHL

Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading says the Montreal Canadiens are open to trading the 16th overall pick, are looking for a top six forward. Doesn't sense there's a match right now, but we'll see in the days leading up to the draft.

Too much for Anderson. Way too much for Anderson.
- Elbows15

Other assets on Columbus would have to come back but that was base of trade on the hawks side.

@PuckReportNHL

Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading says word over the past week is that the Columbus Blue Jackets are listening on both of their goalies Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins. Doesn't mean they'll move them, but if they do they'd like to acquire a center for their top six. #CBJ