Aaron Musick: Avs rebound in Minnesota
Jedi Varly to the rescue

BIG WIN!!!

Gotta keep Duchene at center. It is a night and day difference.

Gotta keep Duchene at center. It is a night and day difference.
- buffntuff

No poop.. He was winning faceoffs (Him and Muells) controlling the play. Hey and Stastny was doing the same thing.. You can't have two guys who need to control the play that much on the same line.

Would of been nice if Sacco had figured it out a little earlier.. Like say vs CBJ?

No poop.. He was winning faceoffs (Him and Muells) controlling the play. Hey and Stastny was doing the same thing.. You can't have two guys who need to control the play that much on the same line.

Would of been nice if Sacco had figured it out a little earlier.. Like say vs CBJ?
- Steve-B

That's what I've been trying to tell people. Both puck possession guys that cancel one another out.

That's what I've been trying to tell people. Both puck possession guys that cancel one another out.
- martok2309

Still want to see McGinn on the left side with Duchene. That line needs someone that goes to the net. Mueller and Duchene are good along the boards and behind the net.

Stastny has Jones to do that, but Jones & McGinn were not to bad with Stastny. It will be interesting to see if Sacco moves Olver to the left side with Stastny or Duchene once Downie is back. I was also surprised Sacco did not try to put McGinn next to O'Reilly.

How about McGinn's hands in traffic tonight? He made some pretty good decisions in the offensive zone while being pressured that kept the play moving forward.

That's what I've been trying to tell people. Both puck possession guys that cancel one another out.
- martok2309

I feel you, Gomez and Kaberle

I come in peace.

Allot of talk amongst Sabres fans is about how we now own 4 top 40 picks in the draft this year.

Our biggest need arguably is for a top line center. With Duchene, Stastny, and O'riley all down the middle do you see the Avs looking at Stastny as expendable?

Maybe its a similar case with Vancouver in Hodgson. The nucks had a luxury at center and moved Cody for other needs...

I dont know what Colorado exactly needs but Ill give a hypothetical draft day trade.


Buffalos 1st round pick (10-15th overall)+2nd round pick+Jordan Leopold+Joel Armia(Our top prospect) for Stastny

I come in peace.

Allot of talk amongst Sabres fans is about how we now own 4 top 40 picks in the draft this year.

Our biggest need arguably is for a top line center. With Duchene, Stastny, and O'riley all down the middle do you see the Avs looking at Stastny as expendable?

Maybe its a similar case with Vancouver in Hodgson. The nucks had a luxury at center and moved Cody for other needs...

I dont know what Colorado exactly needs but Ill give a hypothetical draft day trade.

Buffalos 1st round pick (10-15th overall)+2nd round pick+Jordan Leopold+Joel Armia(Our top prospect) for Stastny
- HotSauceBlueChs

There is no way Buffalo gives away that much but a 1st, 2nd and a prospect for Stastny. Yes I would.

I still thinks get eventually gets traded for a top 2 dman of some kind but you never know.

Aaron Musick: Avs rebound in Minnesota

Jedi Varly to the rescue
- martok2309

Ohhhh Wild. We have begun the dive for top five.

I come in peace.

Allot of talk amongst Sabres fans is about how we now own 4 top 40 picks in the draft this year.

Our biggest need arguably is for a top line center. With Duchene, Stastny, and O'riley all down the middle do you see the Avs looking at Stastny as expendable?

Maybe its a similar case with Vancouver in Hodgson. The nucks had a luxury at center and moved Cody for other needs...

I dont know what Colorado exactly needs but Ill give a hypothetical draft day trade.


Buffalos 1st round pick (10-15th overall)+2nd round pick+Jordan Leopold+Joel Armia(Our top prospect) for Stastny
- HotSauceBlueChs

I'd trade stastny for your 1st, armia and who ever you want to make the cap work

I come in peace.

Allot of talk amongst Sabres fans is about how we now own 4 top 40 picks in the draft this year.

Our biggest need arguably is for a top line center. With Duchene, Stastny, and O'riley all down the middle do you see the Avs looking at Stastny as expendable?

Maybe its a similar case with Vancouver in Hodgson. The nucks had a luxury at center and moved Cody for other needs...

I dont know what Colorado exactly needs but Ill give a hypothetical draft day trade.


Buffalos 1st round pick (10-15th overall)+2nd round pick+Jordan Leopold+Joel Armia(Our top prospect) for Stastny
- HotSauceBlueChs

Nah.. Got a left handed number 2 D your willing to give up? Oh plus a 3rd line center that is great at faceoffs? Stastny is not going anywhere.. Actually as much as people hate to admit it.. O'Reilly is and will probably stay in the same position as Jordan Staal. Go ask Pit if they will trade you Staal just because they have 3 top 2 centers. If O'Reilly was not so good defensively yeah I could see one of our centers being moved.

O'Reilly is good enough to be our defensive center and put up points. Duchene until he figures himself out will be the 2nd line center probably getting easier match-ups. Or drawing match-ups off the other two..

After that Jay McClement just needs to be relevant on the 3rd line and play good on the PK. His line mates will probably see 6-7 minutes of ice time while he gets somewhere near 9. The rest of the lines getting 15, 17, & 18-19 minutes depending on what team we are playing and what the match-ups look like. Nothing wrong with that.

They will all get paid and get ice time. =)

(Could change at the end of next year if Duchene is putting up a 70 point season but as of right now hes not ready.)

Nah.. Got a left handed number 2 D your willing to give up? Oh plus a 3rd line center that is great at faceoffs? Stastny is not going anywhere.. Actually as much as people hate to admit it.. O'Reilly is and will probably stay in the same position as Jordan Staal. Go ask Pit if they will trade you Staal just because they have 3 top 2 centers. If O'Reilly was not so good defensively yeah I could see one of our centers being moved.

O'Reilly is good enough to be our defensive center and put up points. Duchene until he figures himself out will be the 2nd line center probably getting easier match-ups. Or drawing match-ups off the other two..

After that Jay McClement just needs to be relevant on the 3rd line and play good on the PK. His line mates will probably see 6-7 minutes of ice time while he gets somewhere near 9. The rest of the lines getting 15, 17, & 18-19 minutes depending on what team we are playing and what the match-ups look like. Nothing wrong with that.

They will all get paid and get ice time. =)

(Could change at the end of next year if Duchene is putting up a 70 point season but as of right now hes not ready.)
- Steve-B

The reason I disagree is because the idea of "lines" is how you spread out ice time. And Raydar and landy will always get top 2 minutes. I can understand staying with 3 top 2 centers is not a bad thing. Eventually we will end up trading stastny, and if someone is willing to to overpay for stastny then hell yes. For now we just play who ever is the hottest.

The reason I disagree is because the idea of "lines" is how you spread out ice time. And Raydar and landy will always get top 2 minutes. I can understand staying with 3 top 2 centers is not a bad thing. Eventually we will end up trading stastny, and if someone is willing to to overpay for stastny then hell yes. For now we just play who ever is the hottest.
- Meeqsb

Ice time is fine.. Some people will see more time depending on penalties and power-play time. Beyond that there is enough to go around. The last win before this vs Anaheim Duchene - Stastny got about 19 minutes while O'Reilly got around 16 minutes. O'Reilly's line was still a major force in the game.

Tonight..

Olver (15:23) - O'Reilly (19:05) - Landeskog (18:02)

Connolly (14:32) - Duchene (17:23) - Mueller (17:09)

McGinn (13:46) - Stastny (16:13) - Jones (16:07)

McLeod (08:11) - McClement (11:56) - Hejduk (08:28)

Like I said depends on the team we are playing, and how special team minutes come into it. But based on how close that is.. I would say they are rolling the top 3 pretty much. Which also allows for us to stay a little more fresh as the season goes along.

Ice time is fine.. Some people will see more time depending on penalties and power-play time. Beyond that there is enough to go around. The last win before this vs Anaheim Duchene - Stastny got about 19 minutes while O'Reilly got around 16 minutes. O'Reilly's line was still a major force in the game.

Tonight..

Olver (15:23) - O'Reilly (19:05) - Landeskog (18:02)

Connolly (14:32) - Duchene (17:23) - Mueller (17:09)

McGinn (13:46) - Stastny (16:13) - Jones (16:07)

McLeod (08:11) - McClement (11:56) - Hejduk (08:28)

Like I said depends on the team we are playing, and how special team minutes come into it. But based on how close that is.. I would say they are rolling the top 3 pretty much. Which also allows for us to stay a little more fresh as the season goes along.
- Steve-B

Which is fine for now but eventually having a large amount of cap hit on 3 centers is also going to hinder us a tad

Which is fine for now but eventually having a large amount of cap hit on 3 centers is also going to hinder us a tad
- Meeqsb

I will bet you 20$ right now it looks something like this after we resign everyone.

Stastny - 6.6M

Duchene - 5M (Tavares - 5.5M)

O'Reilly - 4M (Staal - 4M)

EJ - 4-4.5M

Dude.. We have the cap space I have already showed you how it's not going to hurt us to have all three. As well as being able to afford to add 14M in payroll after everyone is signed. The core guys will probably all get 4-5 years or more. I don't get how you still think it's going to hinder us..

Loving the debate guys. Now let me ask you this. What if we got a deal for Ryan suter but it would cost stastny. Are you interested? Would you do that?

Loving the debate guys. Now let me ask you this. What if we got a deal for Ryan suter but it would cost stastny. Are you interested? Would you do that?
- martok2309

After he is signed.. Next year.. Yes..

Now.. Unsigned.. NO

As highly doubtful as that is to happen just after a team signs him. (Apparently not us "cries") If I am playing the game. I am hoping Hishon is back healthy and Sage Boss puts on some weight so those two can compete for a roster spot.

Or.. We would need a good legit 3rd line center. I like Jay.. but I like him better being outstanding on the 4th line instead of just ok on the 3rd.

How about you play this game with me instead... My dreams come true, we sign both Parise & Suter. Then trade Jones + Wilson + Hishon + 1st for Ryan. (With a D signed Wilson would be on the outs) Obviously Jones is signed and Hishon is back.. This would be done say at the end of training camp or during the preseason. Hey the Ducks need a second line center. It could happen..

And before anyone asks.. Yes we could afford it cap wise.

I feel you, Gomez and Kaberle
- jugkope

Yeah those 2 suck.

Loving the debate guys. Now let me ask you this. What if we got a deal for Ryan suter but it would cost stastny. Are you interested? Would you do that?
- martok2309

In a heart beat. It is easier to replace a quality 3rd line center than it is to obtain a top 2 Dman

I will bet you 20$ right now it looks something like this after we resign everyone.

Stastny - 6.6M

Duchene - 5M (Tavares - 5.5M)

O'Reilly - 4M (Staal - 4M)

EJ - 4-4.5M

Dude.. We have the cap space I have already showed you how it's not going to hurt us to have all three. As well as being able to afford to add 14M in payroll after everyone is signed. The core guys will probably all get 4-5 years or more. I don't get how you still think it's going to hinder us..
- Steve-B

We can, but 4-6M is way to much for a 3rd line center. Bottom 6 players can still be effective but don't cost as much. Players like Downie and Mcginn are still very talented but wont cost a ton. That way we can spend our cap on some top 6 wingers, our Dcore or Varly's raise in 2 years. Also don't forget about Gabe as well as Duchene's and Raydars 2nd contract raises after the ones your mentioned.

We are still rebuilding, so most contracts wont hinder us. Its once we are a contending team that it will come in to focus. Look at buffalo and any team Talon has ever owned.

We can, but 4-6M is way to much for a 3rd line center. Bottom 6 players can still be effective but don't cost as much. Players like Downie and Mcginn are still very talented but wont cost a ton. That way we can spend our cap on some top 6 wingers, our Dcore or Varly's raise in 2 years. Also don't forget about Gabe as well as Duchene's and Raydars 2nd contract raises after the ones your mentioned.

We are still rebuilding, so most contracts wont hinder us. Its once we are a contending team that it will come in to focus. Look at buffalo and any team Talon has ever owned.
- Meeqsb

In 5 years you know how much different the cap will be than it is now? If everyone is locked up for a good amount of time. (Everyone expensive) And we are winning.. I think raises get distributed accordingly to keep a good team together.

Most of the great teams have All stars with reasonable cap hits.. Because those guys care about the team. If the team has mostly been together for that long. How many do you think walk for say another 1-2M per year? Especially to another rebuilding team.. You also give them contracts of 4-5 years so that their last year they are still a RFA. Allowing you to assess their intentions and demands.. Then you either retain or trade while they still have value.

Oh and I always count Landeskog's cap hit as 3.5M, meaning even when he gets a raise 1-2M will not be that bad.

(Buff added an ass ton of UFA's from other teams that were not even All star caliber. It would not be the same..)

I really think what is more interesting to think about is not particular players such as suter but to think about what matter in this situation.

I think its not whether we can afford to spend money or whether having 3 top 2 centers is a good or bad thing. How much should you pay a player by the position he plays.

Stastny this year was untouchable because there really wasn't anything that would make our team better right now if we traded for him. He is still a great player.

However, O'reilly is looking like: our future captain, the avs best center this year, and as great as he is defensively he is no longer a 3rd liner. Peca was a 3rd liner, Raydar is just too skilled and has great chemistry with the avs best winger in Landeskog. Also, you don't draft a player #3 overall in Duchene and play him as a winger or give him 3rd line minutes. He is a top 2 center. We also have Hishon as a prospect who is great friends with the aforementioned.

Stastny has been inconsistent, older and on a team with amazing depth at center. He is just the odd man out and has great Trade value.

I think Stastny just isn't in the long term future of the avs. That doesn't mean we have to move him anytime soon.

If a team offers up a Suter or a package of a high 1st and a prospect on the level of Armia, you really can't pass that up.

In 5 years you know how much different the cap will be than it is now? If everyone is locked up for a good amount of time. (Everyone expensive) And we are winning.. I think raises get distributed accordingly to keep a good team together.

Most of the great teams have All stars with reasonable cap hits.. Because those guys care about the team. If the team has mostly been together for that long. How many do you think walk for say another 1-2M per year? Especially to another rebuilding team.. You also give them contracts of 4-5 years so that their last year they are still a RFA. Allowing you to assess their intentions and demands.. Then you either retain or trade while they still have value.

Oh and I always count Landeskog's cap hit as 3.5M, meaning even when he gets a raise 1-2M will not be that bad.


(Buff added an ass ton of UFA's from other teams that were not even All star caliber. It would not be the same..)
- Steve-B

Landeskog when he is up for a contract will most likely be seeing numbers near 5 or 6.

Also as good as Sherman is at signing contracts, you think the avs agents will let the avs get away with deals like that.

After he is signed.. Next year.. Yes..

Now.. Unsigned.. NO

As highly doubtful as that is to happen just after a team signs him. (Apparently not us "cries") If I am playing the game. I am hoping Hishon is back healthy and Sage Boss puts on some weight so those two can compete for a roster spot.

Or.. We would need a good legit 3rd line center. I like Jay.. but I like him better being outstanding on the 4th line instead of just ok on the 3rd.

How about you play this game with me instead... My dreams come true, we sign both Parise & Suter. Then trade Jones + Wilson + Hishon + 1st for Ryan. (With a D signed Wilson would be on the outs) Obviously Jones is signed and Hishon is back.. This would be done say at the end of training camp or during the preseason. Hey the Ducks need a second line center. It could happen..

And before anyone asks.. Yes we could afford it cap wise.
- Steve-B

That were to happen just call us Team America (thogh the theme song would be great)