tom webster

Not sure if you meant last regular season or playoff game but unless they changed it with the new CBA, trades are allowed after last regular season game. There have been a few trades made while playoffs are going on the last few years. Obviously nothing major, nor involving teams still in playoffs.

Hawerchuk for Housley? Hawerchuk was number 2 here but he was a true #1 and while Housley had worn out his welcome, at the time he was still considered a top d-man around the league.There were other pieces involved but they were mostly window dressing. Its funny, I remember a lot of critics of the trade making that very point, you never trade a top defenseman for a forward.

He wouldn't be my top choice either but I think it's nonsense that you can't win a Cup without his type of player on your team

Kessel has become one of the leagues better, more dominant forces but nobody confuses him with Frank Selke. He is more mature and at least knows where the defensive zone is. He was, however, just like Skinner when Boston dealt him to the Leafs

I don't think anyone thinks those three players would be your top 3 forwards and most of us realize that you can not have both Ennis and Hodgson on the team

This whole notion of top 6 is driving me batty. Innthe Cap era what you are looking for is really a top 4 and then have players on the rest of your roster capable of playing with them. Some years that may be a veteran on a one or two year deal, some years an up and comer who may eventually replace a top 4 it be dealt off to acquire more talent when you can't afford him. As for Skinner, how is he any different then Kessel who you continue to salivate over?

If they got a young Thomas Vanek for McNabb we will al be doing cartwheels

It would not be just plus Callahan. It would be plus a few prospects a year older, plus two number one draft choices because I assume the Islanders keep next year plus another high end prospect or two I expect TM to obtain for some of his picks. I am still not sure what they will decide to do but this team could be a lot better next year and still be part of the lottery. Unless other teams go into full blown tanks there may only be a team or two considerably weaker then the rest of the league.

Those numbers sound bad but it would be interesting to compare them to say Detroit and Boston

30 years ago we didn't even know what a College Townhouse was and both of my older kids had only one roommate in their college condos.

Don't know if they will trade him but Canes are a budget team, not a cap team.

Three roommates! That explains a lot.

And here my friends is the first entry in the "let's find a creative way to tank next year" club. Carolina will only be the first team thinking of making "major" changes with the hope of entering the TANK NATION CHASE! My guess is that while this year there were 4 teams fighting for the basement before the Islanders entered the derby only to see Buffalo "pull" away, next year you will see 8 teams starting the chase with 3 or 4 others entering around trade deadline day.

Exactly. There is no problem

Bob McKenzie reporting that multiple teams trying to sign Greg Carey and his little brother

For the 300th time, they will have no problem reaching the floor. They do not have to sign anyone to ridiculous contracts and they can buy out Leino if they choose. It doesn't matter .

Don't think he can be but can't look it up where I'm at.

I'm more in the "I'm not sure it really matters" camp. I agree that there seems to be a pattern of behavior that is dysfunctional and while we don't really know all the juicy details and facts we can make certain assumptions. Again, though, I'm not sure it matters and I agree with the rather arrogant belief that winning will cure all their ills. I'm old enough to have seen stranger things. Some of the best run companies that I have been a part of have failed and success and dysfunction have not always been mutually exclusive. I know it's almost anti American and definitely anti capitalist but while hard work and an intelligent and efficient management structure are important a lot of success was built on just being in the right place, making sure the right people know who you are and/or just being lucky.

The thing I find most amusing about all of this is that half the people who act like they know what's the best way to run a franchise and think they could do the job much better at it then those in charge believe there is no way TP, CB, TB or JB or any of the inner circle could possibly have a clue.

Thank you

I would agree with this. This team could put together a decent third and fourth line and even parts of a #2 but they need those top 4 forwards, a starting goalie and they need to know if any of their defensive prospects can handle the top pairing.

I think TM will entertain trade offers but he has hinted more then once that he doesn't want more picks as much as he wants high end prospects. Silverber may rate that distinction but Cogliano definitely doesn't.

It is amazing how many people don't seem to get this. Assuming he signs the contract, Nolan will be here next year and after that its anyone's guess. On the other hand, I would suggest he sign soon before all but his most ardent supporters jump ship.

My hope is that the choices are Buffalo this year gets two of the first three picks(if someone else wins lottery) or the Islanders pick next year(my preference)

Actually this us the first game in a long time were I am going to hope for a Sabre victory.