I wouldn't mind him at all either, but I read that he's apparently asking the Isles for a long-term contract(3+ years) at a cap hit of around 4.5. So he may even get offered 5 mil per from a desperate team which is too much for a complementary player IMO.

You also have to keep in mind that the cap is going up to 69 mil so the average 3rd liner is going to make around 3 mil per and you'll see the average second liner making 4-5 mil. Similar to last season, people are going to be surprised at how much some FA's are going to get.
- Nucker101

It may go to 69 mil and then may be cut back next year to 65 after CBA . Gms need to be careful.

It may go to 69 mil and then may be cut back next year to 65 after CBA . Gms need to be careful.
- VANTEL

Good point, some GM's just can't help themselves though.

Good point, some GM's just can't help themselves though.
- Nucker101

Can we say Glen Sather?

Slater Koekkoek must improve defence

It may go to 69 mil and then may be cut back next year to 65 after CBA . Gms need to be careful.
- VANTEL

I love this sport, but this yet another example of the bush-league element of the NHL. The current CBA expires in Sept (why are there only temp CBAs in place anyway?), and yet in mid-May the negotiations haven't even begun. WTF kind of planning is that. If they really wanted to avoid a work stoppage, this meeting should have occurred last summer.

GMs having to play a guessing game over what happens with the next CBA, salary cap, etc is frankly ridiculous.

I love this sport, but this yet another example of the bush-league element of the NHL. The current CBA expires in Sept (why are there only temp CBAs in place anyway?), and yet in mid-May the negotiations haven't even begun. WTF kind of planning is that. If they really wanted to avoid a work stoppage, this meeting should have occurred last summer.

GMs having to play a guessing game over what happens with the next CBA, salary cap, etc is frankly ridiculous.
- AlexF

Bettman like to have a Richard waving contest so he can show who is in charge.

Who's a highend scoring threat that may be available? Like a Kovalchuk kinda of player, no not Kovy himself. Probably Nash hey. Desperately needing 5 on 5 scoring for the upcoming year!

I'm another year older today and still no Cup

Who's a highend scoring threat that may be available? Like a Kovalchuk kinda of player, no not Kovy himself. Probably Nash hey. Desperately needing 5 on 5 scoring for the upcoming year!

I'm another year older today and still no Cup
- LeftCoaster

Nash and Parise seem to be the main guns that are known to be available.

Who's a highend scoring threat that may be available? Like a Kovalchuk kinda of player, no not Kovy himself. Probably Nash hey. Desperately needing 5 on 5 scoring for the upcoming year!

I'm another year older today and still no Cup
- LeftCoaster

To get that you have to tamper with this line up we have now .Not too many fans want to do that. I don't like Kesler on the second line.

Who's a highend scoring threat that may be available? Like a Kovalchuk kinda of player, no not Kovy himself. Probably Nash hey. Desperately needing 5 on 5 scoring for the upcoming year!

I'm another year older today and still no Cup
- LeftCoaster

If Parise makes it to July 1st, every GM including Gillis should be trying to sign him. The guy is a franchise player in his prime and gets it done in the playoffs with clutch goals. I'd even prefer him over Suter.

Nash and Parise seem to be the main guns that are known to be available.
- AlexF

Here is a list of UFA forwards.

http://www.capgeek.com/uf..._id=F&stats_type=ICE_TIME

If Parise makes it to July 1st, every GM including Gillis should be trying to sign him. The guy is a franchise player in his prime and gets it done in the playoffs with clutch goals. I'd even prefer him over Suter.
- Nucker101

His list is Minny Det NYR.

His list is Minny Det NYR.
- VANTEL

I believe Schroeder works out with him in the off season. We just need to get him to put a bug in his ear and tell him Vancouver is where it is at.

I believe Schroeder works out with him in the off season. We just need to get him to put a bug in his ear and tell him Vancouver is where it is at.
- IanEsplen

The only cities Schroeder knows about are Winnipeg and Chicago.

If Parise makes it to July 1st, every GM including Gillis should be trying to sign him. The guy is a franchise player in his prime and gets it done in the playoffs with clutch goals. I'd even prefer him over Suter.
- Nucker101

Agreed, Parise is the man. I'd put him with the Sedins as his style of play would be a perfect compliment to them.

To get that you have to tamper with this line up we have now .Not too many fans want to do that. I don't like Kesler on the second line.
- VANTEL

Either put Kesler on the 2nd line wing or 3rd line center as a true shutdown line (with Hansen and Higgins) that can also provide offense. We'd need to bring in a quality center for the 2nd line though.

I believe Schroeder works out with him in the off season. We just need to get him to put a bug in his ear and tell him Vancouver is where it is at.
- IanEsplen

I HAVE HEARD INSIDE SOURCES SAY HE WANTS TO PLAY CLOSE TO HOME AND IT IS A LIST OF 3

Either put Kesler on the 2nd line wing or 3rd line center as a true shutdown line (with Hansen and Higgins) that can also provide offense. We'd need to bring in a quality center for the 2nd line though.
- AlexF

I have no problem with that at all my friend.

Either put Kesler on the 2nd line wing or 3rd line center as a true shutdown line (with Hansen and Higgins) that can also provide offense. We'd need to bring in a quality center for the 2nd line though.
- AlexF

AV is too stupid to put Kesler on the second line wing one of his golden boys!

Get rid of some money and players that don't work here, not that they are bad players but they are obviously not in AV's plans. This is purely hypothetical obviously...but...Keith Ballard and David Booth's contracts add up to $8.5 million dollars. Give that money to Parise and move Kesler to the RW! Either try Schroeder as your second line pivot or get one in the Schneider/Luongo trade.

For the love God Gillis, put together a second line for F**K sakes! While you're at it, sign Garrison and Schultz too

I have no problem with that at all my friend.
- VANTEL

But it makes way too much sense for AV to ever try it.

AV is too stupid to put Kesler on the second line wing one of his golden boys!

Get rid of some money and players that don't work here, not that they are bad players but they are obviously not in AV's plans. This is purely hypothetical obviously...but...Keith Ballard and David Booth's contracts add up to $8.5 million dollars. Give that money to Parise and move Kesler to the RW! Either try Schroeder as your second line pivot or get one in the Schneider/Luongo trade.

For the love God Gillis, put together a second line for F**K sakes! While you're at it, sign Garrison and Schultz too
- LeftCoaster

Hypothetical: We sign Schultz and Garrison. We sign a top six winger. Would you trade Lu for Lecavalier to center that second line and push for the cup (his contract length be damned)?

Hypothetical: We sign Schultz and Garrison. We sign a top six winger. Would you trade Lu for Lecavalier to center that second line and push for the cup (his contract length be damned)?
- AlexF

(Lines not to be taken seriously, just hypothetical)

Edler - Hamhuis
Bieksa - Garrison
Schutz - Tanev


Ballard, Alberts and Connauton would still be around barring a trade. If Ballard can't be dealt I highly doubt we are signing any dmen in free agency with Edler needing an extension after next year.

AV is too stupid to put Kesler on the second line wing one of his golden boys!

Get rid of some money and players that don't work here, not that they are bad players but they are obviously not in AV's plans. This is purely hypothetical obviously...but...Keith Ballard and David Booth's contracts add up to $8.5 million dollars. Give that money to Parise and move Kesler to the RW! Either try Schroeder as your second line pivot or get one in the Schneider/Luongo trade.

For the love God Gillis, put together a second line for F**K sakes! While you're at it, sign Garrison and Schultz too
- LeftCoaster

Best blog of the year.

Hypothetical: We sign Schultz and Garrison. We sign a top six winger. Would you trade Lu for Lecavalier to center that second line and push for the cup (his contract length be damned)?
- AlexF

Sorry Alex

(Lines not to be taken seriously, just hypothetical)

Edler - Hamhuis
Bieksa - Garrison
Schutz - Tanev


Ballard, Alberts and Connauton would still be around barring a trade. If Ballard can't be dealt I highly doubt we are signing any dmen in free agency with Edler needing an extension after next year.
- kent

I think most of us see it and hope for this.