They got better adding Ristolainen? I thought adding bad players would have the opposite effect.
- Cptmjl

They got better adding Ellis. I doubt Ristolainen really helps any team on the ice. He's never proven anything better than average and arguably is below that. With his cap hit plus what Fletcher gave up is insane for such a mediocre at best player.

Option 1 - give up the world for Risto
Option 2 - just sign DeAngelo for $1-2M and maybe show some tolerance for other opinions.

I know what I would have done.

They got better adding Ellis. I doubt Ristolainen really helps any team on the ice. He's never proven anything better than average and arguably is below that. With his cap hit plus what Fletcher gave up is insane for such a mediocre at best player.
- jfkst1

Agreed. Ristolainen has always been putrid but you are correct Ellis will most likely help but hopefully he doesn’t

Option 1 - give up the world for Risto
Option 2 - just sign DeAngelo for $1-2M and maybe show some tolerance for other opinions.

I know what I would have done.
- Kooleus

DeAngelo sounds like a legit problematic teammate. That said, he is getting excessive treatment for his political stance.

DeAngelo sounds like a legit problematic teammate. That said, he is getting excessive treatment for his political stance.
- jfkst1

I was excited for him because he grew up one town over from me. Hell, my daughter ended up having the same exact pediatrician that he had as a kid. I don't give a (frank) about his politics because that has nothing to do with hockey.

What does worry me is multiple instances of using homophobic and racial slurs against both opponents and his own teammates, has been suspended for abuse officials four times (twice as a professional), and trying to fight his own goaltender which apparently stemmed because he couldn't get past being benched for a game. I don't think I want that kind of teammate.

The kid's got a lot of talent, but there's a reason why he's going presumably be on his 4th team already.

I was excited for him because he grew up one town over from me. Hell, my daughter ended up having the same exact pediatrician that he had as a kid. I don't give a (frank) about his politics because that has nothing to do with hockey.

What does worry me is multiple instances of using homophobic and racial slurs against both opponents and his own teammates, has been suspended for abuse officials four times (twice as a professional), and trying to fight his own goaltender which apparently stemmed because he couldn't get past being benched for a game. I don't think I want that kind of teammate.

The kid's got a lot of talent, but there's a reason why he's going presumably be on his 4th team already.
- jmatchett383

Funny how Patrick Kane has done nearly all of the above, on top of actually getting charged with criminal offenses. But he kept his politics silent so...

(frank), you're stupid.
- Blackstrom2

That’s the best you can come up with?😂
I think most will agree you’re definitely devoid of intelligence, reason, and logic.

Funny how Patrick Kane has done nearly all of the above, on top of actually getting charged with criminal offenses. But he kept his politics silent so...
- Kooleus

This!

Blackstrom2 Is really STUPID!!!

While I agree Florida wins the Reinhart deal, I think the "risk factor" for Florida (or any team) is that Reinhart is RFA with arb rights, 1 year from bring UFA. He's toiled away through some pretty abysmal seasons with Buffalo and may just want a one year deal to be sure he's in he right situation. I think that affected the value of any return for him.

The Van/Ari trade is a tough one. Giving up the 9th overall pick (Guenther) hurts, for sure, but they did get a pretty good young scorer in Garland and I also think OEL may play better in Green's system. Can't forget Arizona is retaining 12% of his cap for the duration of the contract. I think for this season the win goes to Vancouver. . . They got out of 12 million dollars in bad cap in Eriksson Roussel, and Beagle, and I think the deal continues looking ok for Vancouver as long as OEL performs well enough and however long it takes Guenther to crack the NHL. Long-term, the win goes to Arizona, unless Garland puts up some ridiculous stats and stays long-term! Never know!!

I was excited for him because he grew up one town over from me. Hell, my daughter ended up having the same exact pediatrician that he had as a kid. I don't give a (frank) about his politics because that has nothing to do with hockey.

What does worry me is multiple instances of using homophobic and racial slurs against both opponents and his own teammates, has been suspended for abuse officials four times (twice as a professional), and trying to fight his own goaltender which apparently stemmed because he couldn't get past being benched for a game. I don't think I want that kind of teammate.

The kid's got a lot of talent, but there's a reason why he's going presumably be on his 4th team already.
- jmatchett383

Western zeitgeist is clearly trending towards the Orwellian so anyone openly opposing it will be dealt with harshly and DeAngelo gives them plenty of ammo to use.

two great post,hockeeguy9 and nsco1996, stating the truth is something we seldom receive anymore with the media and liberal hacks, thanks
- marleyreap

I don’t want to get into a political debate but…
I always find this hilarious. Yes the media fabricate and distort a lot. But no one has ever come close to the lies the Donald told daily. Dozens and dozens of utter lies every single day and he still continues the lies. I’m a right wing guy but man… the hypocrisy is rampant.

I was quite annoyed with your post about the NHL player that came out as some kind of hero last week. Quite frankly, I don’t give a rats behind about it. So what. I have two family members that are gay. Who cares. I don’t give them any special treatment, but I will defend them if picked on. Separating, and changing, any rules for people due to their sexual orientation, skin color, nationality, religion, etc. is racist in and of itself. Do what you’re supposed to do as a good human being, defend others’ rights, and live n let live. If we all do that, the world will be a better place. Enough with the patting each other on the back, or making a big deal out of nothing. Just be.....

That being said, I agree with your analysis of the trades. You did miss a few that other fans of west coast teams might want your take, but for the trades you addressed, they were spot on.

Here’s the bottom line. Talk hockey, not politics or social issues. We all have opinions, some good, some not so much, but this isn’t the place. It’s the reason I only watch hockey anymore. They haven’t gone overboard with it. When they do, I’m done, and so are many guys I play with in my beer league. This is a hockey forum. That’s it. Thanks for reading!!👍
- Hokeeguy9

You realize that you contradict your stance simply by writing one, don't you?

At the very least you're a tad naive for thinking that writing what you did WON'T create a "political" debate on a hockey forum. You know you could have private messaged Allen about his article, don't you?

One consideration with Risto is that for many years he was the only decent defenseman on the Sabres' roster. I often got the impression that he was heavily beleaguered playing on that team. While the Flyers don't have an amazing defense either he will at least have Provorov and Ellis to play alongside with, not to mention a more balanced and generally better offense. I expect him to do better with the Flyers (not that I want that ).

As for the Sabres, they were in the basement last season. Is it possible to go even lower?

Philly upgraded their D but at a high cost. They still don’t have a 3C and their small forwards will get bulldozed unless Fletcher can add some size.

Philly upgraded their D but at a high cost. They still don’t have a 3C and their small forwards will get bulldozed unless Fletcher can add some size.
- Minnyhock

I would agree with that.
I am hoping that Fletcher makes a deal for Zack Kassian.

I would agree with that.
I am hoping that Fletcher makes a deal for Zack Kassian.
- Nh_kong

Oilers fans are also hoping Fletcher makes a deal for Kassian. Sounds like a possible match then. Ek, talk to your sources...