Jeremy Laura: A summer reading program featuring the works of Kevin Allen

Summers are short in da U.P. so reading books are reserved for the harsh long winters. I have way too many projects to complete while the weather is good!
But I will always have time to see the Clif's notes versions on your blogs!

As for Reinhart:
I would just offer Raz and the NY 2nd for Rhino....Gotta see what Berggren can do on NA ice and know what his true value is! Raz is worth at least a 2nd. I think he would do nicely on BS's 3rd line, and net front on the 1st PP unit.
Rhino can have 2nd line C, Veleno and Vlady can compete for 3rd...

As for Reinhart:
I would just offer Raz and the NY 2nd for Rhino....Gotta see what Berggren can do on NA ice and know what his true value is! Raz is worth at least a 2nd. I think he would do nicely on BS's 3rd line, and net front on the 1st PP unit.
Rhino can have 2nd line C, Veleno and Vlady can compete for 3rd...
- HenryHockey

Long time listener on this page, first time caller. I don't think Ras pushes the needle for Buffalo. Would you trade Larkin away for Tage Thompson and a 2nd? I wouldn't, but that's about the equivalent. That said, Yzerman could prove to be a magician when the Draft comes up. I just don't see Buffalo giving away Reinhart.

Long time listener on this page, first time caller. I don't think Ras pushes the needle for Buffalo. Would you trade Larkin away for Tage Thompson and a 2nd? I wouldn't, but that's about the equivalent. That said, Yzerman could prove to be a magician when the Draft comes up. I just don't see Buffalo giving away Reinhart.
- GutsoftheHawk

Larkin had a bad season, but he is better than Rhino. Toews went to the Avs for 2 2nds. And Raz is a player that can be in the line-up right away, unlike a pick. So an NHL ready player + a 2nd round pick is worth more than 2 2nds. And because this is the Sabers, they are going to field a lot of low ball offers. But, we will see.

As for Reinhart:
I would just offer Raz and the NY 2nd for Rhino....Gotta see what Berggren can do on NA ice and know what his true value is! Raz is worth at least a 2nd. I think he would do nicely on BS's 3rd line, and net front on the 1st PP unit.
Rhino can have 2nd line C, Veleno and Vlady can compete for 3rd...
- HenryHockey

I think Ras has “grabbed” the third line center role. I don’t know what his market value is right now, but I think there’s a perception that he may not be able to be top 6.

For Berggren, keep in mind how much scouting for all the clubs was focused on Europe this past year. JB has hit the radar, while Veleno continues to struggle. On North American Ice, Veleno can’t grab the center position. On international ice, he was bounced back and forth as well. Berggren has grabbed the spot internationally with more certainty. I don’t know if there is a deal Yzerman can swing for Reinhart, but he could possibly challenge for the top center spot in Detroit during a healthy campaign. He could be an exciting get for whoever grabs him

Long time listener on this page, first time caller. I don't think Ras pushes the needle for Buffalo. Would you trade Larkin away for Tage Thompson and a 2nd? I wouldn't, but that's about the equivalent. That said, Yzerman could prove to be a magician when the Draft comes up. I just don't see Buffalo giving away Reinhart.
- GutsoftheHawk

Ras worked really hard to get confidence from Yzerman that he can hold down the third line center spot. I don’t know how far that’s going to push the needle for anyone, to be fair. I think Reinhart will be the easiest deal to do, in some ways for Buffalo. Eichel is injured, Ristolainen can be perceived as having an “attitude problem”. The haul desired for Eichel is being countered with, “what’s his injury? Why is he upset that you wouldn’t let him get surgery? What is the recovery? You have a player that doesn’t want to be there and may not play right away, etc.”. I think it’s a yeoman’s task for BUF to get value on all 3 before the draft (especially if Reinhart isn’t extended yet. He’s arbitration eligible). At this point, if Yzerman put a player on the ice in a magician’s box, sawed them in twain, and two high caliber players jumped out of the boxes I wouldn’t be overly shocked. His ability to gauge a deal, to get or exceed value and the ability to keep any of it from leaking out is near super human

Larkin had a bad season, but he is better than Rhino. Toews went to the Avs for 2 2nds. And Raz is a player that can be in the line-up right away, unlike a pick. So an NHL ready player + a 2nd round pick is worth more than 2 2nds. And because this is the Sabers, they are going to field a lot of low ball offers. But, we will see.
- HenryHockey

I think, in a healthy season (Larkin played hurt all year) for Larkin and a healthy environment for Reinhart, the two have a bit more in common. That’s impossible to prove without seeing it happen, of course. I really do think Raz has lost a little of his shine. He’s finding a spot, to be sure, but I don’t know that the rest of the league sees him breaking into a top 6 role at this point. Sabres, for sure, are going to have some hang up phone calls.

I think Ras has “grabbed” the third line center role. I don’t know what his market value is right now, but I think there’s a perception that he may not be able to be top 6.

For Berggren, keep in mind how much scouting for all the clubs was focused on Europe this past year. JB has hit the radar, while Veleno continues to struggle. On North American Ice, Veleno can’t grab the center position. On international ice, he was bounced back and forth as well. Berggren has grabbed the spot internationally with more certainty. I don’t know if there is a deal Yzerman can swing for Reinhart, but he could possibly challenge for the top center spot in Detroit during a healthy campaign. He could be an exciting get for whoever grabs him
- Jeremy Laura

I probably need to add a little more to get a deal on getting Rhino, but the thing is not to give up a 1st, or a player that has a yet to be discovered ceiling. Adding a 3rd to Raz and the NYR 2nd is about all I would LIKE to be dealt. There will be other center options to be considered and Veleno should get a chance to see where he will play also!

I probably need to add a little more to get a deal on getting Rhino, but the thing is not to give up a 1st, or a player that has a yet to be discovered ceiling. Adding a 3rd to Raz and the NYR 2nd is about all I would LIKE to be dealt. There will be other center options to be considered and Veleno should get a chance to see where he will play also!
- HenryHockey

I think you hit the sweet spot of stress in trying to figure these out. Veleno was considered a “steal” when we got him. His speed as fantastic, his back checking isn’t so hot. Where I’ll rest on it is, if Yzerman makes the deal then he’s projected the players to the best of his ability (far better than mine). First round picks are considered taboo for many of the readers.

It gets harder and harder to get these deals put together without finding a major hiccup. Thank goodness Yzerman does it in stealth mode!

“And Howe” is an awesome read about Gordie. Highly recommend it. Talks a great deal about Colleen & the kids. Superb read. Another good book about influential Michiganders is “Empire Builders”, great read about great people.

Rhino would be an amazing get. The cost right now, I think, would be way too high. CBJ is going to own this deal, or Eichel. They have the 1sts and some decent players to work with. That being said, I wonder how much Jarmo will want to deal a 1st away for either of those guys. Not sure what folks could use as comparables to set a foundation for a deal because someone like Ike’s hard to judge with not knowing the nature of the injury, nor the prognosis. That being said, I think Rhino becomes the “better” player in the absence of medical data. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st. Of course at this point, no one can say what anyone’s worth.

And HELL NO to Larkin going anywhere except Newberry to Timber Charlie’s for the pizza-sized cheese burger then back to Detroit!!!!

Dougie H has been given permission to talk to other teams. Wonder if this is a ploy to show him what he “thinks” he deserves on the market won’t be met in the flat-cap era, and grease the skids for a shorter term, higher $$ deal back in Raleigh….?

Dougie H has been given permission to talk to other teams. Wonder if this is a ploy to show him what he “thinks” he deserves on the market won’t be met in the flat-cap era, and grease the skids for a shorter term, higher $$ deal back in Raleigh….?
- mcmastermike1968

I honestly wonder if Carolina ownership just has no idea on how to negotiate hockey deals. Someone will back up the truck for Dougie. I think you’re right that CBJ could have a huge advantage depending on which picks they’ll part with. I’d love Hamilton, for sure. I just don’t know if that $ is going to be something Yzerman would do. Only he knows, for sure. He’s got to be able to get 7+, even in the “flat cap world”. It could boil down to the signing bonus. Whoever can give him the million dollar annual salary and the rest in bonus wins? It’s a lot more take home

“And Howe” is an awesome read about Gordie. Highly recommend it. Talks a great deal about Colleen & the kids. Superb read. Another good book about influential Michiganders is “Empire Builders”, great read about great people.

Rhino would be an amazing get. The cost right now, I think, would be way too high. CBJ is going to own this deal, or Eichel. They have the 1sts and some decent players to work with. That being said, I wonder how much Jarmo will want to deal a 1st away for either of those guys. Not sure what folks could use as comparables to set a foundation for a deal because someone like Ike’s hard to judge with not knowing the nature of the injury, nor the prognosis. That being said, I think Rhino becomes the “better” player in the absence of medical data. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st. Of course at this point, no one can say what anyone’s worth.

And HELL NO to Larkin going anywhere except Newberry to Timber Charlie’s for the pizza-sized cheese burger then back to Detroit!!!!
- mcmastermike1968

CBJ is going to get a decent center and has the capital to do it. They believe they can do a quick retool and be back in contention in a a couple years. With 3 1st's to spend on a quality center and Seth Jones to trade for a quality player and a prospect, they have capital to spend for young players. Hopefully they can stop the exodus of quality players, but then maybe Stevie is there to benifit when Werinski decides to leave.

CBJ is going to get a decent center and has the capital to do it. They believe they can do a quick retool and be back in contention in a a couple years. With 3 1st's to spend on a quality center and Seth Jones to trade for a quality player and a prospect, they have capital to spend for young players. Hopefully they can stop the exodus of quality players, but then maybe Stevie is there to benifit when Werinski decides to leave.
- HenryHockey

That is a brutal issue. Players want the bright lights/big city (or some Vitamin D). The GM and ownership keep trying to put a good team on the ice. My only
Complaint is the canons. Those freak me
Out. If CBJ goes all in for a retool, lots of respect their way. That would be exciting for fans

As for Reinhart:
I would just offer Raz and the NY 2nd for Rhino....Gotta see what Berggren can do on NA ice and know what his true value is! Raz is worth at least a 2nd. I think he would do nicely on BS's 3rd line, and net front on the 1st PP unit.
Rhino can have 2nd line C, Veleno and Vlady can compete for 3rd

What are you smoking? 2 2nd round nothings for an experienced goal scorer and consummate team player, no franking way. Sams return should be just under eichels.

Sams consistently getting better and entering his prime. The Sabres should deal Jack and sign Sam.

If Sam and Jack should be traded it’ll take four years just to find Sams replacement.

With what you can get in trading eichel, retooling the Sabres is going to be easier if they keep Sam.

All in all I don't think anyone knows what the Sabres will get for Rhino. But if Friedman is right and they have atleast 7 teams calling on Rhino, I believe they will get a pretty good return. I still hope out of the 3 Eichel Rhino Risto that he is the one that stays and resign's.

I humbly suggest you check out Open Ice by Jack Falla. He worked for Sports Illustrated covering hockey before going into teaching at Boston University where I and many others tried to take every class he taught. The book is a series of essays focusing on hockey, life, and the intermingling of the two. So many good reads here and they are perfect bathroom reading as most of the essays will only take 10 minutes or so. Some of my favorites include, checking fantasy hockey stats in the Sistine Chapel, pilgrimage to every Original Six arena, and my personal favorite The Life of Hobey Baker which i have always wanted to turn into a movie.

I humbly suggest you check out Open Ice by Jack Falla. He worked for Sports Illustrated covering hockey before going into teaching at Boston University where I and many others tried to take every class he taught. The book is a series of essays focusing on hockey, life, and the intermingling of the two. So many good reads here and they are perfect bathroom reading as most of the essays will only take 10 minutes or so. Some of my favorites include, checking fantasy hockey stats in the Sistine Chapel, pilgrimage to every Original Six arena, and my personal favorite The Life of Hobey Baker which i have always wanted to turn into a movie.
- Big Daddy J

Sounds like my kind of reading!

As for Reinhart:
I would just offer Raz and the NY 2nd for Rhino....Gotta see what Berggren can do on NA ice and know what his true value is! Raz is worth at least a 2nd. I think he would do nicely on BS's 3rd line, and net front on the 1st PP unit.
Rhino can have 2nd line C, Veleno and Vlady can compete for 3rd

What are you smoking? 2 2nd round nothings for an experienced goal scorer and consummate team player, no franking way. Sams return should be just under eichels.

Sams consistently getting better and entering his prime. The Sabres should deal Jack and sign Sam.

If Sam and Jack should be traded it’ll take four years just to find Sams replacement.

With what you can get in trading eichel, retooling the Sabres is going to be easier if they keep Sam.
- MLew65

I added a little more in a later post...But I just don't think the Wings should give up their 1st's this early in the rebuild. I am sure other teams will offer 1st's and I never said that Rhino is not worth a 1st.

I added a little more in a later post...But I just don't think the Wings should give up their 1st's this early in the rebuild. I am sure other teams will offer 1st's and I never said that Rhino is not worth a 1st.
- HenryHockey

Wholly agree, H2. Giving up a 1st stalls the rebuild, and I think we're getting close to the "end" of it....still some work to do, but.... I keep the 1sts and see what falls out later on in the trade market.

You will love it. Trust me. He was a great professor that unfortunately passed away not too long ago. He has another book called Home Ice which was about building his backyard rink every winter. Back when you could do that sort of thing.

One of my favorite memories was him walking in one morning. He casually says he was working on a story all weekend about a french hockey player, .... Mario Lemieux. Only like 5 of us really appreciated the gravity of that comment.