Tondas

I have heard this as well and it surprises me that JBOT, who normally keeps things close to the vest, would come out and say it. He made a similar comment regarding his distaste for using offer sheets. So, you're not going to use all the GM tools at your disposal and broadcast that sentiment to the entire league? I thought he would make a comment like, I'm going to use any and every tool at my disposal to improve my team today and into the future." Now he could be smokescreening, but he hasn't used either tool yet, so I take him at his word. I just hope he's not another "go along to get along" GM crony that puts GM camaraderie before building his team. I always hear how sports teams are "just a business." How many times in your business lives do you give a crap about pleasing your competition? We're out there taking a competitor's account, recruiting one of their employees, exploiting their weaknesses to your gain, etc.

I'd buy out Sobotka and Scandella before I shipped McCabe off. Are we getting the Rakell of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 or the 2018-2019 version? He had a big drop off.

We're on the same page. And I could have added several more reasons, but I didn't want to be redundant.

Seems a little steep for Rakell. I'd go Risto and Erod (don't think Smith get the deal done). No to McCabe with his new 2 year deal.

Sounds like you're having a great time. I lived in NOLA for a few years and hit some of those same spots. Remember many times walking in the Quarter with a Lucky Dog in one hand and a beer in the other. Fun times. Just don't fall for the, "I'll bet I can tell you where you got your shoes" trick! Laissez les bons temps rouler !

Can't argue with 9 of your 10. I would swap in Ovi for Bergeron for 3 reasons: 1. He's a Bruin 2. He's a Bruin 3. At 34, I think this is the year where he loses a step.

I'd be OK with that. I vacillate on being patient and impatient on a daily basis. ?

I am too, but I would have phrased it a bit differently. ?

The later this summer goes on, the more concerned I get. I think JBOT is smart and has a plan and hopefully some deals are imminent. But being over the cap with 24 contracts is unsettling. Doesn't JBOT lose leverage since other teams know he HAS to move (or waive) a player or 3? Not buying out Sobotka is questionable. If a 2C was his priority number 1, shouldn't that have been addressed by now. Maybe JBOT has a set of balls like the King of Bayonne and is just waiting to get the best deal. But if the current roster is what we go with on opening day, I think I will have to reevaluate my "I think JBOT is smart" mentality.

I'm still not over the incorrect spelling of Sabers.

Agree 100%. It's our right to be impatient. The only people JBOT needs to convince of his long term plan are the Pegulas. I think it's the correct long term plan but I still reserve the right to throw the remote at the TV in the short term.

I doubt Risto is traded for picks, but it depends on what those picks are. I think in the NHL market today, if Risto was a UFA, he would be worth $6.5 million. Myers just got $6 million and Trouba got $8 million. so I think $6.5 million is fair for arguments sake. If we go by the offer sheet metric, that would make a Risto trade worth a 1st, a 2nd, and a 3rd. You may not make that deal, but it may make you think. And if JBOT could sign Gardiner for current Risto money ($5.4 million), it would be effectively this: Gardiner, a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd for Risto. Would you make that trade? My point is that draft picks are assets and have value. If a GM offered me a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd for Risto, I'd take it and I think the other GM would be more at risk of firing than I was.

Another good deal by JBOT. Now let's get the roster set.

I thought $3 mil. was fair so a good deal by JBOT. Also, glad it's for 2 years.

I agree, the ask is way too high. But at $3 Mil, (if that's what the arbitrator comes back with) is not too much for McCabe. As to the Zadorov comp, I think it's fair. McCabe is 1 year older, had the same amount of points as Zadorov in 11 fewer games and also half the penalty minutes. Both are 3rd pair guys on a good team. I'll leave the analytics stuff to others. But, I don't think that Zadorov is much better than McCabe.

Yep. Reinhart's agent as well.

Newport Sports Management.

If I found a genie bottle and got 3 wishes, they would be: 1. I could eat anything I want and stay at 6-5, 160. 2. All the food I ate came from Buffalo. 3. Don't give a $hit. Keep your wish.

Wow. Leanness must run in your genes! Did you not raise them on Buffalo Pizza, Wings, and Subs???

Thanks. Good take. If I could sign Gardiner and trade Risto for two late firsts, or a first in the teens, plus a second, I'd do it. But that's why I'm on the balcony drinking a beer and not an NHL GM.

If Dahlin turns into what we all hope, with his next contract, I really won't care.

Right on. If you use analytics as a "Means", the "Ends" will take care of themselves.

If all goes well this year, Sobotka will either be the highest paid Amerk or the highest paid person in the press box. ?

Probably. But all this "McCabe isn't worth x dollars" talk got me thinking. Is Sobotka at $3.5 better than Elie at $700k? Is Sobotka $3 mill better?

Just curious @dudacek, but what would your draft choice(s) only ask be for Risto (at no retained salary)?