I agree. Sure we are a better team today with Crawford, but ultimately he is the backup on a non-contender as far as I am concerned. Hopefully the Devs prove me wrong, but this was not the best move for a rebuild that could hit cap issues in 2-3 years if our prospects start to become the players we hope they can be.
- bikeguy99

Seems unlikely we’d have cap issues in the near term but after 2 years Crawford is gone too. We are not a good team but you can’t just run kids out there and let them get destroyed every night. Goaltending is a great equalizer and we need to give the players a chance to win. I liked Schneider but he failed in the backup role and doing the same thing again seemed unwise.

Schneider was bought out because our owners are cheap. It's basically 2 mil off of the cap floor by having an extra player count against the cap.

Have fun watching Kulikov play great one game then look like a pylon the next.
- islansjet

We’re used to one good game followed by 5-7 bad. So we’ll take it 👍

]Schneider was bought out because our owners are cheap. It's basically 2 mil off of the cap floor by having an extra player count against the cap.
Scheider got bought out because his game fell apart. He went down to AHL and did not kay any better there. not the same goalie after the injury...
He was 9-25 last two years.terrible that's why he was bought out.

Murray-PK
Butcher-Severson
Kulikov - Smith
-----
Boquist -Nico- Gusev
Johnsson - Hughes -Palmieri
Bratt -Zacha - Foote
Wood -Zajac - Mcleod

Schneider was bought out because our owners are cheap. It's basically 2 mil off of the cap floor by having an extra player count against the cap.
- Pomegrant

This statement mazes zero sense. We bought out a goalie who cannot stay healthy and spent almost $4m on a backup that can also mentor our young star. I love that people are always hyper-focused on the cap, as if it will be a problem down the road. Yet, all we hear is that the owners don't spend enough money to make the team competitive.

How can it be both?

This is a good signing and we still have plenty of space. I like that Fitz is not spending just to spend. Hopefully he is just being patient while other teams are trying to figure out how to get under the cap.

My defensive pairings:

Murray - Severson
Kulikov - Subban
Butcher - ???
Extra: Carrick

Which prospect is going to make the NHL roster?

Smith
Walsh
Bahl
Okhotyuk

My defensive pairings:

Murray - Severson
Kulikov - Subban
Butcher - ???
Extra: Carrick

Which prospect is going to make the NHL roster?

Smith
Walsh
Bahl
Okhotyuk
- LenapeDevil

If Smith doesn't make the roster this year, he may be a bust. Idk if that's a stretch or an obvious thing. He nearly made it last year, had another stellar season in whatever league he's in.. he's gotta make it.

This statement mazes zero sense. We bought out a goalie who cannot stay healthy and spent almost $4m on a backup that can also mentor our young star. I love that people are always hyper-focused on the cap, as if it will be a problem down the road. Yet, all we hear is that the owners don't spend enough money to make the team competitive.

How can it be both?

This is a good signing and we still have plenty of space. I like that Fitz is not spending just to spend. Hopefully he is just being patient while other teams are trying to figure out how to get under the cap.
- ShoresideDevil

You buy him out this year, the cap hit lasts for four years. You wait one year and it stays for two. If the owners weren't so cheap they would just pay him for one year and bury him, then buy out next year so we get the full cap. But this way they have less to spend toward the floor.

I'm not saying they are doing this to avoid spending in free agency, they shouldn't waste money on mediocre FAs. I'm talking about how our cheap owners are trying to wring everything out of this team and all we've seen is ticket prices go up every year.

You buy him out this year, the cap hit lasts for four years. You wait one year and it stays for two. If the owners weren't so cheap they would just pay him for one year and bury him, then buy out next year so we get the full cap. But this way they have less to spend toward the floor.

I'm not saying they are doing this to avoid spending in free agency, they shouldn't waste money on mediocre FAs. I'm talking about how our cheap owners are trying to wring everything out of this team and all we've seen is ticket prices go up every year.
- Pomegrant

The best part about the pandemic is ticket prices come down! To zero because you can't go but hey, less traffic and easier parking!!! Just saying.

Seriously, there were/are some decent UFAs and discount pricing going on. We should make some smart adds. It's free assets.... I don't mind if Fritzy wants to shake down a team for some cap relief instead but this year is a legit opportunity for this team to advance the rebuild. Like what's happened so far...

If Smith doesn't make the roster this year, he may be a bust. Idk if that's a stretch or an obvious thing. He nearly made it last year, had another stellar season in whatever league he's in.. he's gotta make it.
- MartysBetter88

Thats absolutely a stretch. The only reason he wasnt playing pro hockey last season was because of the dumb chl/nhl rule. He got screwed being stuck in that spot where hes too good for juniors and not good enough for the NHL but cant play in the AHL. I expect him to make the team out of camp, but if the AHL season happens it wouldnt be the worst idea to have him start down there atleast for a few games to get his feet wet. Which i actually prefer for him. He's a 20 year old D, they sometimes develop slower. I still believe he has top pairing/#2 D upside and worst case scenario he's a 2nd pair guy.

He's our only D prospect, in my opinion, that will be a full top 4 NHL regular within the next 2 years. In reality he's likely our only D prospect who has top 4, or better, upside in general. I see people constantly overrating our D prospects and expecting them to be in the NHL in a year or two, and i dont know why. Everybody else besides Ty likely need multiple years in the AHL, especially Walsh. Bahl and Walsh are the next best two and i see both as 3rd pairing guys only. Maybe Bahl can be a good #4 but i see that as his absolute ceiling. Walsh can be a better Butcher, as in hes a decent 3rd pairing guy who can run a PP. It sucks covid happened, because Walsh really needed that last year in college for the better of his development, as he needs a ton of work on his defensive game. We have a lot of quantity instead of quality in the pipeline at D. So hopefully people lower their expectations on all of our D prospects except Smith, as hes the only one that should be in the NHL anytime soon

If Smith doesn't make the roster this year, he may be a bust. Idk if that's a stretch or an obvious thing. He nearly made it last year, had another stellar season in whatever league he's in.. he's gotta make it.
- MartysBetter88

Ummm, calling Smith a bust would be a serious over reaction. If anything I would not be surprised if they did not send him to the AHL and play top minutes on an improving team and build more confidence. If he sticks in the NHL he will be playing bottom pair minutes on a not so good NHL team. Lets try and develop a player properly as opposed to rushing them. I hope they make the right decision either way. Lets not make a dumb decision on an otherwise lost season.

Ummm, calling Smith a bust would be a serious over reaction. If anything I would not be surprised if they did not send him to the AHL and play top minutes on an improving team and build more confidence. If he sticks in the NHL he will be playing bottom pair minutes on a not so good NHL team. Lets try and develop a player properly as opposed to rushing them. I hope they make the right decision either way. Lets not make a dumb decision on an otherwise lost season.
- redmonsters

Agreed, not sure why so many people wanna rush the kids onto what is likely going to be a bad team. I've seen people saying they hope guys like Smith, Bahl, Walsh, Foote, ect all make the team and it just doesn't make sense to me. Let the damn kids develop. Give them bigger minutes on a young and up-and-coming Bing team and gain pro experience. Better to just let them over-cook in the AHL over rushing them and potentially ruining them in the NHL

Agreed, not sure why so many people wanna rush the kids onto what is likely going to be a bad team. I've seen people saying they hope guys like Smith, Bahl, Walsh, Foote, ect all make the team and it just doesn't make sense to me. Let the damn kids develop. Give them bigger minutes on a young and up-and-coming Bing team and gain pro experience. Better to just let them over-cook in the AHL over rushing them and potentially ruining them in the NHL
- vlongo4419

People want to rush the kids into action because the team has stunk for a long time and we've been sold on rebuilding thru the draft for bunch of years. The team has pushed this narrative and promoted these kids continuously. Last year it was Boqvist and Hughes were going to save us. Before that it was Nico (who's one of the few able to step in and contribute). They rushed Larsson (who survived) and Zacha too. Heck, they even pushed Seney and Speers quickly into NHL action.

I mean you are right that we should let our prospects develop properly. I'm just not surprised everyone (including myself) is impatient.

People want to rush the kids into action because the team has stunk for a long time and we've been sold on rebuilding thru the draft for bunch of years. The team has pushed this narrative and promoted these kids continuously. Last year it was Boqvist and Hughes were going to save us. Before that it was Nico (who's one of the few able to step in and contribute). They rushed Larsson (who survived) and Zacha too. Heck, they even pushed Seney and Speers quickly into NHL action.

I mean you are right that we should let our prospects develop properly. I'm just not surprised everyone (including myself) is impatient.
- Queenie_5_hole

Thats exactly my point, especially with Boqvist(Hughes was never not going to play in the NHL because he was the #1 pick). Boqvist clearly wasnt ready and instead of playing a big role in Bing all year, he wasnt playing well in the NHL and was demoted to a 4th line role or put in the press box. He should have spent the entire season in the AHL or back in Sweden. We have this happen with our prospects over and over, as you have mentioned a few, and yet people still want to continue to do it with other players going forward. That just doesn't make sense to me. How about we dont constantly do this with our young players? Sorry but people being impatient is a horrible excuse, rushing and ruining prospects is not how you turn this team around and will only make things worse.

This team is going to suck next year whether these kids play or not, accept that fact. So lets not double down and ruin our future while also still being a bad team on top of it. The AHL is the best spot for all of them right now, Bo/Foote/Bahl/Walsh, and honestly Smith too. The kids needs to earn their spot, not just have it be handed to them because they're a highly regarded prospect within the org. Like Smith right now, fans saying he needs to be on the team. NO, he doesnt actually. He needs to earn it. If he lights up camp then awesome, give him his spot. Like i said in an earlier post i expect Smith to make the team, but if doesnt then thats fine, put him in the AHL and let him grow/adapt to the pro game, which would be a good thing for him. I wouldnt be disappointed with that decision. This is how a good organization will handle it. Fans need to understand that

Thats exactly my point, especially with Boqvist(Hughes was never not going to play in the NHL because he was the #1 pick). Boqvist clearly wasnt ready and instead of playing a big role in Bing all year, he wasnt playing well in the NHL and was demoted to a 4th line role or put in the press box. He should have spent the entire season in the AHL or back in Sweden. We have this happen with our prospects over and over, as you have mentioned a few, and yet people still want to continue to do it with other players going forward. That just doesn't make sense to me. How about we dont constantly do this with our young players? Sorry but people being impatient is a horrible excuse, rushing and ruining prospects is not how you turn this team around and will only make things worse.

This team is going to suck next year whether these kids play or not, accept that fact. So lets not double down and ruin our future while also still being a bad team on top of it. The AHL is the best spot for all of them right now, Bo/Foote/Bahl/Walsh, and honestly Smith too. The kids needs to earn their spot, not just have it be handed to them because they're a highly regarded prospect within the org. Like Smith right now, fans saying he needs to be on the team. NO, he doesnt actually. He needs to earn it. If he lights up camp then awesome, give him his spot. Like i said in an earlier post i expect Smith to make the team, but if doesnt then thats fine, put him in the AHL and let him grow/adapt to the pro game, which would be a good thing for him. I wouldnt be disappointed with that decision. This is how a good organization will handle it. Fans need to understand that
- vlongo4419

You're right except the fans aren't the ones driving the bus. The organization is. This is the team's failure. The last couple of years we've ended up with a lot of AHL caliber talent on the team due to injuries and this is a result of the team not having enough NHL caliber players on the roster. Right now we have 9 forwards under contract plus Bratt as an RFA makes 10 forwards. But that group includes Mikey McLeod who isn't an NHL player! So really we have 9 NHLers when Bratt signs. So unless things change we are looking at starting the year with 3 prospects. We are short guys and despite this being a UFA buyers market. If we don't want prospects to get rushed in then Fritzy you need to add to the roster.

You're right except the fans aren't the ones driving the bus. The organization is. This is the team's failure. The last couple of years we've ended up with a lot of AHL caliber talent on the team due to injuries and this is a result of the team not having enough NHL caliber players on the roster. Right now we have 9 forwards under contract plus Bratt as an RFA makes 10 forwards. But that group includes Mikey McLeod who isn't an NHL player! So really we have 9 NHLers when Bratt signs. So unless things change we are looking at starting the year with 3 prospects. We are short guys and despite this being a UFA buyers market. If we don't want prospects to get rushed in then Fritzy you need to add to the roster.
- Queenie_5_hole

Yes it is a team's failure, but i wasnt talking about that. Im specifically talking about the fans. The ones who have absurdly high expectations for our prospects to be on the team, then will either female dog and complain about management/coaching if they arent on the roster or call the player a bust if dont make the team. Or even worse they will complain if a player, who is clearly not ready, doesnt make an impact and is essentially irrelevant like Boqvist last year. Then you have the fans who want/expect these young guys on the team but then also complain when we dont sign players and bring in free agents. Its just annoying seeing poop like this when it makes absolutely zero sense, and im glad other people feel the same way. Just let the kids develop. End of story.

As for the team itself, you need to leave a spot or two open for younger players just in case they actually light up camp and force you to keep them on the roster. You cant have bodies blocking them, which is why we let Rooney and Hayden go. Fitz has said he's not done, but people need to be patient. He has had a very good first offseason so far, so people need to listen to him and just be patient. He's not going to add players to just add them, or spend money to just spend it. If it makes sense or has potential to be good for this team LONG TERM, he will do it. This team is atleast 2-3 years away from competing, and thats what he's trying to build toward. His plan is clear as day

Agreed, not sure why so many people wanna rush the kids onto what is likely going to be a bad team. I've seen people saying they hope guys like Smith, Bahl, Walsh, Foote, ect all make the team and it just doesn't make sense to me. Let the damn kids develop. Give them bigger minutes on a young and up-and-coming Bing team and gain pro experience. Better to just let them over-cook in the AHL over rushing them and potentially ruining them in the NHL
- vlongo4419

I am all for Walsh/Bahl/Foote/Holtz not playing in the NHL this year. Holtz can season another year overseas, and the rest can play big roles in Bing. Its better for their development in the long run.

Smith and Boq should be making the jump to the NHL now. Not saying I have sky-high expectations, but Boq will be 22, had played very well in the AHL and is ready to continue his progress. Smith has dominted 2 consecutive seasons in the WHL, setting records and winning some hardware. I really think the guy needs to be pushed in a big way, and playing in the NHL is what he is ready for today. I can see him transitioning smoothly, similar to Butch, on with a much higher ceiling. Injuries are guaranteed, and because the guy plays LD/RD, he makes himself a prime candidate to join the 6 veteran D currently inked.

Johnsson Nico Palms
Kuokkonen Hughes Gusev
Boqvist Zacha Bratt
Wood Zajac Mcleod/Merk

Butcher Severson
Murray Smith
Kuli P.K

I am all for Walsh/Bahl/Foote/Holtz not playing in the NHL this year. Holtz can season another year overseas, and the rest can play big roles in Bing. Its better for their development in the long run.

Smith and Boq should be making the jump to the NHL now. Not saying I have sky-high expectations, but Boq will be 22, had played very well in the AHL and is ready to continue his progress. Smith has dominted 2 consecutive seasons in the WHL, setting records and winning some hardware. I really think the guy needs to be pushed in a big way, and playing in the NHL is what he is ready for today. I can see him transitioning smoothly, similar to Butch, on with a much higher ceiling. Injuries are guaranteed, and because the guy plays LD/RD, he makes himself a prime candidate to join the 6 veteran D currently inked.

Johnsson Nico Palms
Kuokkonen Hughes Gusev
Boqvist Zacha Bratt
Wood Zajac Mcleod/Merk

Butcher Severson
Murray Smith
Kuli P.K
- bikeguy99

If he earns the spot then sure. But i dont think Bo should be handed a spot on the team out of camp unless he lights it up. He's on loan to Sweden and couldnt even get onto an SHL team. He was relegated to playing in their 2nd league(which is a demotion from him playing very well in the SHL 2 and 3 years ago) and while he's playing decently, he's not exactly lighting it up. Again, depending on whatever other moves we make do we want Boqvist playing limited minutes in the NHL on a 3rd or even 4th line with less talented teammates AGAIN like last season or actually playing on the top line in the AHL? 3rd line maybe, but idk if he's there yet. I think that all of Bo/Foote/Walsh/Bahl will be in the AHL to start next season, if the AHL happens. When it comes to guys making the jump to the NHL this upcoming season out of camp im looking at Smith, Kuokannen, Merkley, and Sharangovich. Maybe Maltsev too. But like i said, they need to earn their spot. There are spots open. Nobody should be handed one or pushed into something if they're not ready because of their age or their level on the prospect pool scale in within our org.

If he earns the spot then sure. But i dont think Bo should be handed a spot on the team out of camp unless he lights it up. He's on loan to Sweden and couldnt even get onto an SHL team. He was relegated to playing in their 2nd league(which is a demotion from him playing very well in the SHL 2 and 3 years ago) and while he's playing decently, he's not exactly lighting it up. Again, depending on whatever other moves we make do we want Boqvist playing limited minutes in the NHL on a 3rd or even 4th line with less talented teammates AGAIN like last season or actually playing on the top line in the AHL? 3rd line maybe, but idk if he's there yet. I think that all of Bo/Foote/Walsh/Bahl will be in the AHL to start next season, if the AHL happens. When it comes to guys making the jump to the NHL this upcoming season out of camp im looking at Smith, Kuokannen, Merkley, and Sharangovich. Maybe Maltsev too. But like i said, they need to earn their spot. There are spots open. Nobody should be handed one or pushed into something if they're not ready because of their age or their level on the prospect pool scale in within our org.
- vlongo4419

I'm betting on Nathan Bastian making it.

I'm betting on Nathan Bastian making it.
- Queenie_5_hole

He absolutely could. I wouldn't mind throwing him onto the 4th line and just have him grind out there, and throw his big body in front of the net on the pp as well

He absolutely could. I wouldn't mind throwing him onto the 4th line and just have him grind out there, and throw his big body in front of the net on the pp as well
- vlongo4419

If Bratt is used on the RW like I am guessing he will, we really need a 1/2 LW to give us 3 lines of decent scoring depth. Come on over Hoffman! 2 years 6.5M per.

I'm betting on Nathan Bastian making it.
- Queenie_5_hole

Anybody other than Hayden will be a breath of fresh air.

If Bratt is used on the RW like I am guessing he will, we really need a 1/2 LW to give us 3 lines of decent scoring depth. Come on over Hoffman! 2 years 6.5M per.
- bikeguy99

We arent bringing in Hoffman. Fitz already said he was staying out of the big free agent market from the beginning and has reiterated it multiple times throughout interviews so i wouldnt get your hopes up. Unless he's willing to take a 1 year deal to play for a bad team for half the season just to get flipped at the deadline. So hard pass on Hoffman, luckily Fitz is staying away too. If we brought in a FA forward I'd rather go for Granlund or take a shot on Athanasiou, Kahun, or even Duclair. But im fine with what we're doing and staying out of it ouside of depth, focusing on the potential trade market.

I assume we'll keep all of our wingers in their natural position on their strong side. So Bratt/Johnsson on the left and Palmieri/Goose on the right. Thats likely our 4 top 6 wingers unless we bring in someone else through trade

We arent bringing in Hoffman. Fitz already said he was staying out of the big free agent market from the beginning and has reiterated it multiple times throughout interviews so i wouldnt get your hopes up. Unless he's willing to take a 1 year deal to play for a bad team for half the season just to get flipped at the deadline. So hard pass on Hoffman, luckily Fitz is staying away too. If we brought in a FA forward I'd rather go for Granlund or take a shot on Athanasiou, Kahun, or even Duclair. But im fine with what we're doing and staying out of it ouside of depth, focusing on the potential trade market.

I assume we'll keep all of our wingers in their natural position on their strong side. So Bratt/Johnsson on the left and Palmieri/Goose on the right. Thats likely our 4 top 6 wingers unless we bring in someone else through trade
- vlongo4419

With the space we have, offering him a 1 Yr deal at $7.5 or $8M doesn't sound all that bad if we keep in mind the asset we're buying at trade deadline. Bratt and MB are certainly to take bridge deals, as the market has been down and a longer term deal will not offer fiscal benefits. Use the remainder of the space on a winger that may yield a high return in the form of a prospect + pick at deadline?

Down side is, takes out of the potential trade market for cash-strapped teams. This would be a weaponizing of the space, as we are basically buyung future assets.

With the space we have, offering him a 1 Yr deal at $7.5 or $8M doesn't sound all that bad if we keep in mind the asset we're buying at trade deadline. Bratt and MB are certainly to take bridge deals, as the market has been down and a longer term deal will not offer fiscal benefits. Use the remainder of the space on a winger that may yield a high return in the form of a prospect + pick at deadline?

Down side is, takes out of the potential trade market for cash-strapped teams. This would be a weaponizing of the space, as we are basically buyung future assets.
- ShoresideDevil

Hoffman on a 1 year deal for 4-5 mil max is fine, anything more in both term and/or AAV is a hard pass for me. If we want to flip him at the deadline the other team needs to be able fit him too, and if we give him 7-8 mil like you suggest nobody is going to want him, even if we eat 50%. But yeah, we arent signing Hoffman anyway so its all a moot point


Your last point is essentially why Fitz said hes staying away from the big guys on the market. He wants the space open in case a trade falls into his lap from one of those cap strapped teams, and he doesnt want to be in a situation where we cant do it because we signed someone we should have just stayed away from.