tom webster

I understand that the frustration with Stafford, however, if you dismiss last season, he has been as productive as any second line winger in the league. If Darcy traded today for a 27 year old winger who in his last full season scored 20 goals and had over 100 hits and was going to be paid 2nd or 3rd line money for two more years a lot of people on this board would be singing DR!s praises.

I understand that argument even if I don't agree with it. In my opinion, rfa offer sheets are way under utilized as a way to improve your team.

That should happen today. What about Derek Stepan? I could see an offer sheet for him if the going rate is $4.5/5 million. Rangers would probably figure a way to pay it but might not be easy.

Can't say I disagree. The mental game is what separate most of these guys and some guys never get over the "confidence" hump

Not when cap is $75 million heading toward $77 million

I didn't say I expect it, just that it would be a huge addition if it did happen. By the way, no reason for you to believe me but I said it before. Those close to situation will tell you, it's not being lazy or not caring. In fact, they will tell you he cares too much and is too effected by outside opinions. They will also tell you it may never change so it still may be best to move him.

For all the bitching about Stafford and Myers, fact remains is if they both play up to their perceived abilities, this team could be really good. Even their biggest detractors seem to believe they have a lot more ability them they have shown the last two years.

There were at least three highly thought of defenseman last year most notably Dekeyser from Detroit and the kid from Tampa whose name escapes me. We all saw what Jrug did for Boston in the the playoffs last year. By most accounts, Ruhwedel and Schaller who Buffalo also signed, were ranked between 10 and 20 by most experts of last years college free agents. We both know they are not always right so who knows.

Peter Chiarelli might have, but point taken

My guess is that Rhuwedel is about the 10th best of last years class.

I broke my ankle last week so I have nothing to do for about four weeks so maybe ill do some research but if only 3 or 4 third rounders make it per year, ill guarantee you that that many college free agents do as well. For the record, my original point was that the Flynn has shown a knack for scoring goals throughout College, the minors and last year scored at a 20 goal clip. I know it is a small sample size but to just write him off in favor of some "hyped" prospect is short sighted.

Slew may have been an exaggeration but guys like Teddy Purcell, Tyler Bozak and Matt Read show that it does happen. In fact, I would bet it happens as frequently as it happens with any player drafted past the 2nd round in the entry draft.

Why wouldn't they hope that he turn into Jason Pominville and surprise everyone? There are a slew of college free agents that turned into very good, too tier hockey players. The guy skates well, has good hands, noes where the slot is and is defensively aware. If was a draft choice he would be one of those hyped prospects

Not saying it will happen but I think Flynn has potential to be one of those late bloomers that could turn into a valuable piece. He has a lot more natural ability them Ellis.

I think if all goes according to plan, the tower will find a use and a pretty attractive option. First, however, there will definitely be a reshuffling in the office market but I'm optimistic that the city will be better in the end and with little government support.

New CBA lowered players share of hockey related revenue. If cap is going up it is because of revenues going up. That doesn't even include any increase in non-hockey related revenue. In addition, the cap ceiling allows the truly big money teams to make even more money. Don't worry about them. Only possible problem spots will occur in lower revenue teams if revenue sharing doesn't cover increased cost. In the end fans can rip Bettman and his administration all they want but the sport has never seen such a growth spurt and they continue to mine other sources of revenue.

The cap is expected to reach 72-75 million next year. At least 70% of the expected free agent class will be resigned by their current teams. You are preaching the same thing LQ was preaching since 2005. In baseball they have been preaching it since Andy Messersmith signed with Atlanta. Smart, pro active teams find a way to manage the cap.

They will just put Savard on LTIR and may have to do some minor tinkering. When will people stop expecting these teams to end up in cap problems. the big boys just work their way out of them.

Iginla to Bruins

One of your "sources" probably has just reported that after reading your post!

If Biega was 6'3" he would be on the Sabres

Wish I could remember who said I was crazy when I said Clowe would end up near $5 million per

You are mixing up eras. Sanderson and Plante never played with Drury and Briere.

Jake McCabe is becoming the "Next One" on this board. I haven't seen him rated as highly anywhere but this board. He is a decent prospect who still may develop into a top pairing guy, but right now the betting money is against it.

Not one successful organization I know drafts for need, especially when talking about two or three years fr now. Who knows what they will need then ?