The Official NHL Offseason (Cindy-free Zone) thread

[MizzouRah]

Damn you Nashville.. that defense is going to be brutal to play against.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Damn you Nashville.. that defense is going to be brutal to play against.

Blame Florida.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

Blame Florida.

yeah, I think the Avs made the right move there but I'm not super excited to see Jones stay in the division. Nashville's a perfect destination for him - he won't have the pressure of being the #1 guy like he would have had in Colorado.

[Danny]

It's so nice to finally have a team who can compete for the cup every year

[Danny]

Fantastic pick by the Kings in Zykov. First round talent and a big need for the organization.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Tyler Kennedy moved to SJ for a 2nd round pick. Honestly surprised Pittsburgh got that much for him. He was terrible for much of the year, on a $2m contract, then had a couple key goals in the playoffs.

He specializes at putting the puck right on the goaltenders logo. So maybe in the West, he'll take advantage of Luongo's missing heart and score a few that way.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

And now we see who overpays for Brian Bickell.

None other than Chicago themselves!

4 years, $16m

They moved some space eaters in Bolland and Frolik, so it doesn't kill them...but that's a lot of money for the Fernando Pisani/Max Talbot playoff out of nowhere guy of the year.

[hoopsguy]

Heard that Bolland would likely be cast aside to bring back Bickell.

So they gave away the guy who had the go-ahead goal in Game 7 to keep the guy who scored the tying goal in Game 7. Thought of that during the post-game, wondering if it would actually go down that way.

[bbor]

I'm excited to see Boland in a leaf uni....bye bye Bozak.....

[Danny]

At one point Marty Brodeur started 70+ games for 10 years in a row and67+ for 12 years.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

None other than Chicago themselves!

4 years, $16m

They moved some space eaters in Bolland and Frolik, so it doesn't kill them...but that's a lot of money for the Fernando Pisani/Max Talbot playoff out of nowhere guy of the year.

The good news is the first year is at only 2 million. The bigger money comes in later, at 4ish per year. Basically, he's got a year to earn his money, or I'm sure they'll try and find a taker for him.

[cubboyroy1826]

I was sad to see Frolik go but at his salary he needed to do more than be a very good penalty killer. Not real sad to see Bolland go as he was just okay and at $3 mill per year not worth it. As for the Bickell contract I think the cost was too much but if it is just $2 mill for the first year then I guess I am okay with next year. Between Frolik and Bolland they were able to free up about $5.5 mill per year which will definitely help.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

The good news is the first year is at only 2 million. The bigger money comes in later, at 4ish per year. Basically, he's got a year to earn his money, or I'm sure they'll try and find a taker for him.

Originally Posted by cubboyroy1826

I was sad to see Frolik go but at his salary he needed to do more than be a very good penalty killer. Not real sad to see Bolland go as he was just okay and at $3 mill per year not worth it. As for the Bickell contract I think the cost was too much but if it is just $2 mill for the first year then I guess I am okay with next year. Between Frolik and Bolland they were able to free up about $5.5 mill per year which will definitely help.

Cap hit, however, is the average value. So $4m per.

Still if they feel he's an important piece to the top 6, they are doing the right thing. They've won 2 cups in 4 years. You keep that group intact as long as possible, and fill in depth with rookie contracts, 1 year vet contracts.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Letang deal done.

$58m over 8 years, $7.25m per. A little above what I was hoping for.

Limited NTC - 15 teams. Still leaves enough wiggle room, if, in a handful of years, all the D drafted in the past 3 seasons are pushing him, with much cheaper contracts.

Overall solid though. Still only at $3.5m next year when the cap dips, this won't kick in until 14-15, when Orpik and a few other contracts expire.

Officially unofficial now...can't sign until Friday, but all terms agreed upon

[Suburban Rhythm]

TROLA

Flyers sign Vinny Lecavalier to 5 year deal, $4.5m per...with a full No Move.

I don't think the value is terrible for Philly...but I don't understand the move. He's still a good 2nd line center. But Giroux, Schenn and Couturier will all be restricted after this year, and getting raises.

[claphamsa]

Tyler Bozak wants 8 years, at 5 per.... thats insane!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

Tyler Bozak wants 8 years, at 5 per.... thats insane!

I'd consider Bozak at 8 years, $5m...total

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

TROLA

Flyers sign Vinny Lecavalier to 5 year deal, $4.5m per...with a full No Move.

I don't think the value is terrible for Philly...but I don't understand the move. He's still a good 2nd line center. But Giroux, Schenn and Couturier will all be restricted after this year, and getting raises.

Not a terrible deal...but not a great one...he will be 38 at the end of this contract.Where is this cap room coming from?

[Mota]

Vinny is already on the downward trajectory. He might be good for another 2 years or so but years 3-5 are going to be ugly.

[bhlloy]

lol, Flyers. There are teams that would have made sense for, but then those teams wouldn't already be 500k over the cap with Steve Mason as the only goalie on the roster and with 3 affordable guys hitting RFA next year.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - seriously, the only contracts the Flyers might move that are worth anything are Simmonds and maybe Luke Schenn, and it's not like teams will be queuing up for those bargains either. Where the hell are they going to get the money to get under the cap and get a goaltender from?

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

DOLA - seriously, the only contracts the Flyers might move that are worth anything are Simmonds and maybe Luke Schenn, and it's not like teams will be queuing up for those bargains either. Where the hell are they going to get the money to get under the cap and get a goaltender from?

I know its fun to rail on the Flyers but at least look at the cap situation before you go off on them. That 500k over the cap includes Chris Prongers 4.9 million dollar hit which will come off the cap once he is placed on LTIR. Brayden Schenn's bonuses are so unrealistic that once he misses a game, 2.3 million comes off the cap because there is no way he can get all his bonus money. Also, I am fairly certain that Coburn goes away via a trade (mostly likely to EDM) and that right there would free up another 4.5 million.

As for next year...Kimmo's 6 million comes off the books, as does Meszaros's 4.0 million...add the allotment for Pronger's 4.9 mil and there is almost 15 million dollars.

I thought they would focus more on their holes on D rather than get another Center like Vinny. He'll center the 2nd line between Simmonds and Schenn.

[bbor]

If Coburn gets traded that leaves a huge hole on D...they better plan on scoring 7 goals a game with that D and goaltending.I could see them signing Tim Thomas,but at what cost?

[Fidatelo]

Looks like the Jets have re-signed Clitsome for 3 years, $6.2M total. That seems like a pretty reasonable contract and I'm pretty cool with bringing him back at that kind of value.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by bbor

If Coburn gets traded that leaves a huge hole on D...they better plan on scoring 7 goals a game with that D and goaltending.I could see them signing Tim Thomas,but at what cost?

I agree...I can do the numbers bit but as far as trying to understand what Homer is trying to do...I am as Bryz once said "Lost in the woods".

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pascal Dupuis back to Pittsburgh, 4 years, $3.75m per

Not sure I like this one. I like the player, but about a year too long and $500-750k too much for my liking. But if they wanted to keep him, they had to go that high/long.

My biggest issue is: Bylsma back. Dupuis back. Kunitz back. Letang back.

I like all of them well enough. But Dupuis will be glued to Crosby's line now. When Crosby was bad in the Boston series, he needed someone who could carry the play on his own sometimes...Duper is not that guy.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Pascal Dupuis back to Pittsburgh, 4 years, $3.75m per

Not sure I like this one. I like the player, but about a year too long and $500-750k too much for my liking. But if they wanted to keep him, they had to go that high/long.

My biggest issue is: Bylsma back. Dupuis back. Kunitz back. Letang back.

I like all of them well enough. But Dupuis will be glued to Crosby's line now. When Crosby was bad in the Boston series, he needed someone who could carry the play on his own sometimes...Duper is not that guy.

So as of next year (14-15) they have 48.75 million tied up with 9 guys?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

So as of next year (14-15) they have 48.75 million tied up with 9 guys?

Yep.

The cap will go up. HRR has risen for 20 straight seasons. So estimate 68m. A little under 20 mil for 13 spots. Two of those spots will be modest (?) raises to Beau Bennett and Simon Despres. Don't see either breaking the bank.

Orpik, Glass, Jokinen, Niskanen (if he's around, I expect him to be moved this summer) and Vokoun all expiring deals. Most/None of them should be back, Orpik if he'd take a pretty steep cut.

Defensively, they have bodies. Time to tell if Shero drafted well. Letang, Martin and Despres anchoring the D, with young guys filling out the spots, all at $1m or less.

Forward will be a bigger concern. But, assuming Crosby, Malkin, Kunitz, Dupuis, Neal and Bennett make up the top 6, the expensive spots are filled. Sutter will be restricted, but mainly looking for 3rd and 4th liners. A few of those guy will be under $1m, so they can still be active on middle tier free agents.

[Logan]

Alex Ovechkin leads first-team All-Stars ... and second-team - CBSSports.com

[Honolulu_Blue]

Big pre-free agency trade. Boston sends Seguin, Peverly and some guy named Button to Dallas for Louis Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly smith and Matt Fraser.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Big pre-free agency trade. Boston sends Seguin, Peverly and some guy named Button to Dallas for Louis Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly smith and Matt Fraser.

Had been reading where Chiarelli had fired some warning shots at Seguin through the media re: this being his job, etc.

Dallas has some nice depth with Benn, Seguin, Peverly down the middle now.

[Suburban Rhythm]

And Giroux signs his long term extension, which will kick in for 14-15 season.

8 years, $66.2, / $8.275m per.

Full NMC

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Big pre-free agency trade. Boston sends Seguin, Peverly and some guy named Button to Dallas for Louis Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly smith and Matt Fraser.

Never heard of this Eriksson dude.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Never heard of this Eriksson dude.

Him and Bergeron together would be a ridiculous 2-way line. If he wasn't in Dallas (and was a center, because voters are biased) his name would be connected to the Selke every year.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Him and Bergeron together would be a ridiculous 2-way line. If he wasn't in Dallas (and was a center, because voters are biased) his name would be connected to the Selke every year.

Cool. And now I'm hearing D. Alfredsson with some of the cap space, which would be frigging awesome. Love his offensive game as a playmaker.

[claphamsa]

even as good as Errickson is... that seems like a dump to me... am I missing something?

[Fidatelo]

I think Boston did well in that trade.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

even as good as Errickson is... that seems like a dump to me... am I missing something?

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli on Tyler Seguin: 'Got to become more of a professional' - bruins blog - Boston Globe hockey news

He’s got to commit his mind and focus to the one task at hand,” Chiarelli said. “He’s got to become more of a professional. You know what? I can say that about a lot of 21-year-olds. I know he got criticized for playing on the periphery and all that stuff. He did. He’s got to commit to being a professional and focusing on the game. Simple as that. He does that, we don’t expect him to be crashing and banging. Just play your game

"We gave Tyler a big contract because he projects and he had good performance. I would expect that going forward.”

[bbor]

FA day....it's like Christmas in July!

[Fidatelo]

Am I reading correctly that Elias just re-signed with the Devils for 16.5mil/3 years? I know he is still a good player, but he's 37... that seems like a lot of dough.

[claphamsa]

Originally Posted by bbor

FA day....it's like Christmas in July!

except when your team sucks... its like christmas if you are jewish.

(dont expect the Avs to sign anyone)

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Big pre-free agency trade. Boston sends Seguin, Peverly and some guy named Button to Dallas for Louis Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly smith and Matt Fraser.

Is Seguin really a player that hasn't lived up to his potential? Is he still young enough to grow even more?

[claphamsa]

Emery to Philly... woulda thought he could get more money than he did.
Alfredson to the wings. meh

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Am I reading correctly that Elias just re-signed with the Devils for 16.5mil/3 years? I know he is still a good player, but he's 37... that seems like a lot of dough.

I don't think he took much of a discount, but he's still really solid. 78 points back in 11-12, was good for top 10 in scoring.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Is Seguin really a player that hasn't lived up to his potential? Is he still young enough to grow even more?

I think the idea is Seguin did scratch his potential in 11-12, figured he'd coast from there after getting a big deal, and struggled this year because of it.

Definitely capable of growing, he's 21 and capable of being a consistent 85+ point guy every year. Whether he does is another story.

[claphamsa]

horton got 37M from Columbus
Avs signed a depth Dman
ribero got 22M 4 years, cant believe the caps didnt match that.

[Suburban Rhythm]

TROLA

Penguins bring back Rob Scuderi. PERFECT partner for Letang.

4 years $3.375m per...not crazy about the length, he's 34 now. But solid move.

Some deal forthcoming...Penguins about $750k under the cap now.

Expecting Matt Niskanen going out.

[Draft Dodger]

I guess Horton was serious about wanting to go to a quieter market

[Suburban Rhythm]

Stalberg 4 years, $3m per to Nashville

Clarkson 7 years, $5.25m per to Toronto

Bozak 5 years, $4.2m per to Toronto

Clowe 5 years, $4.85m per to NJ

[claphamsa]

25M for Weiss? isnt he always hurt?