Hank

What part of Texas do you live in?

I'd like to experiment with a single elimination tournament for the 16 non playoff teams, winner gets 1OA.

Everyone says we don't have room for the kids, I disagree. Next year we have: Skinner TT Tuch JJ Cozens Quinn Benson Mitts (I think he's resigned long term.) Greenway Krebs ( I think he gets his QO, not much more) Savoie and Östlund can, should, and in Ostlunds case will be in Rochester next year. Both Kulich and Rosen should, and likely will, start in Rochester and may spend enother year there depending on their play. Even if they earn a call-up and play well enough to stick, isn't that a good thing? We still have room to add at least three FAs. I think Skinners last two years are bought out after next season. If they are his cap hit would be 4M(5M savings), 3M(6M savings), and 2M for two following two years. Greenways 3M comes off tho books. JJ & Quinn need resigned, but they're not centers so I don't think they get Cozens money. Additionally, I think, and I believe most would agree, Benson, Quinn and JJ have 1st line potential, by the 25/26 season they should be producing like it. Mitts, Thompson and Tuch should be producing like it. Cozens should be producing at least at a top six level. Rosen and Kulich are probably on the team this year, Östlund and Savoie probably start in Rochester. Still room for 2/3 FA. The next year Tuchs 4.75M comes off the books. He'll be 30/31. If he is resigned it won't be long term or for much more $. Savoie and Östlund will be on the roster, still room for a FA or two. RFAs are Benson, Kulich, Rosen, Savoie and Östlund. Benson is the only one likely to earn a big contract. The rest likely won't be able to earn it in thier one/two years on the team. If any of the four do produce enough to earn big money, wouldn't that be a GOOD problem to have? There's plenty of money, and plenty of time and space to integrate the kids into the lineup.

Yes. I really do.

I think something to consider going forward regarding our abundance of prospects. Expansion will likely happen prior to the US TV deal expiring in four years. There's only 25 US markets, the NHL will want a bigger American footprint when negotiating. We will lose a couple players to expansion drafts.

Well played!

Inky has a black eye, guess he likes it rough.

If you truly care that some of us refer to him as 6K instead of UPL, that's a you problem.

That was funny, I legit laughed out loud.

Seems like an appropriate fit. I can see a buffalo impregnating you.

I disagree. I think it's human nature to try to find an advantage. There's a wide variety of PEDs that provide more than muscle mass, but I think in our society when we hear PED our minds automatically think of weight training and "bulking up". I think the income potential combined with the small window to earn that income enhances the possibility, especially prior to the first big payday.

No, you are not. It's not something I would do, but I am not their moral compass. Bigger, faster, stronger athletes make for a better, more entertaining product. What they put into their bodies is their business, not mine.

I didn't really read it as him insinuating. I'm not saying you're wrong. I acknowledge I could be. I believe you and I just interpreted what he wrote a little differently. As I said, I vehemently disagree with the possibility of it just as you do. But I also didn't interpret his post as an assault on Thompsons character.

My uneducated opinion on Thompson's struggles this year is this is a very likely contributing factor. I had two kids by 25 and it was very challenging. The challenges can be compounded if his wife is also going through something that requires him to take on a larger role in the home. Respectfully, because I hold you in high regard, I disagree. I did not read his post as an accusation. I read it as more like he was thinking out loud, wondered if it was a possibility, explained why he had the thought, and introduced it for discussion. Personally I think the idea is batshit crazy, and I'm sure you agree with that, but I have no issue with the way he presented it. As always, YMMV.

I like 6K. Can't really explain why, just sounds better in my head I guess. You prefer UPL. I'm okay with that. Regardless of our personal preferences, we both know who the other is referring to. To each his own and all that.

I think his closest comp is Gustavsson. Before the season started I predicted 6K would have a similar breakout year that Gustavsson did when he went to Minny. I don't think 6K gets that much money though, I think if he doesn't go to arbitration KA will give him three years between 2.85-3.15M.

Holy *****. I'm legit surprised.

Yes, 6K is on quite the run. I'm happy for him, hopefully he can keep it going.

I love Mitts as much as you do, but I think he's either signed or moved for a D based on the number/term he wants. Sadly I agree with you on Tuch maybe being the odd man out. I think it's more likely than not Skinners last two years are bought out. I think Kulich and Rosen are on the team next year and Östlund and Savoie will be in Rochester. I think after next season is the earliest KA would trade one of the four, if he trades one at all.

No. I think these are our goalies for the next few years, with the expectation they develop into a competent Ullmark/Swayman type tandem. I think 6K gets there next year and Levi the year after. I also believe that by then Benson, JJ and Quinn will develop into first line level talents, and Kulich, Rosen, Savoie and Östlund develop into competent middle six forwards. That's seven kids with top six potential added to Tage, Tuch, Cozens, Mitts and Skinner. When KA hit the reset button and sold off Eichel, Reinhardt and Risto for futures I believe his timeline for competing was when those five first round picks from the 21 & 22 draft matured. When the analytics department was beefed up everyone gushed about how great it was. These are the draft picks they were involved in, if they are as good at thier job as everyone claimed when they were hired then we should have reason to be excited as the kids approach being NHL ready. I know I am!

Lobe seeing 6K back to his pre-illness form. He's on quite the hot streak. Hope he gets the next start against Chicago.

Possibly Mitts if contract negotiations are not going well, I think he is at peak value right now.

Gamer? I started playing in Germany in 91, my wife made me quit after my last surgery in 2019.

Rugby

In the mud.