NHL Off-Season Thread

[JEEPercreepermd]

Well so far since the end of the Stanley Cup finals it has really been an interesting summer so far in the NHL, what are your thoughts? Favorite moves so far?

[XxSizzleXx]

I was a little disappointed that we weren't able to keep Gonchar, but like the media stated the Pens weren't willing to give him the 3 year deal he was looking for. We didn't miss a beat in Free Agency as soon as Gonch was out we locked up New Jersey's Paul Martin, and Phoenix's stud defensemen Zybnek Mihalek. I'm loving the moves the Pens have made so far, we got younger and better on the backend, now a veteran scoring winger to play along side(I'm hoping for Mr. Paul Kariya) Us getting Mihalek and Martin are probably my favourite moves of the offseason.

Philly reloaded and was making some moves, since they weren't able to lock up Hamhuis after trading for him they ended up picking up Andrej Meszaros which rounds out Philly's top 5 D to Pronger, Timonen, Coburn, Carle and him which is very impressive. I have been reading trade rumours between Philadelphia and LA, supposedly LA was looking at Simon Gagne.

I will say this whoever pays Ilya Kovalchuk the big money is making a big mistake because he is a mercenary like Marian Hossa and he is NOT a franchise player, I'm just hoping Edmonton doesn't end up making the dumb move and signing him, let him go back to NJ and sink that franchise.

The Atlantic division now is IMO the best division in the NHL. (PIT, PHI, NJ, NYR and the Islanders)

One of the first moves of the offseason that made me LOL was when MTL traded Halak to St.Louis, how in the heck do they end up going with Carey Price after Halak's brilliant playoff run.

[MsMarvel73]

Ya know to be totally honest I haven't been paying much attention so far.

[XxSizzleXx]

Another thing I forgot to dab on is the Blackhawks haha. After winning the Stanley Cup they have ALREADY shipped out 1/3 of their Cup winning team just to try to squeak under the Salary Cap, not to mention that San Jose has offered Niklas Hjalmarsson a 4 year/$14 million offer sheet that Chicago likely won't be able to match.

Although if they let him walk to San Jose they will receive a 1st and 3rd round pick for compensation.

EDIT - A good site to keep up to date with signing and moves is the fourth period.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/

[darklight1216]

I don't think my team has done much of anything... Uh, let's see... Varly changed his number. Maybe his old jerseys will go on sale.

[MsMarvel73]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='14 July 2010 - 06:20 PM' timestamp='1279146004' post='432909']
Another thing I forgot to dab on is the Blackhawks haha. After winning the Stanley Cup they have ALREADY shipped out 1/3 of their Cup winning team just to try to squeak under the Salary Cap, not to mention that San Jose has offered Niklas Hjalmarsson a 4 year/$14 million offer sheet that Chicago likely won't be able to match.

Although if they let him walk to San Jose they will receive a 1st and 3rd round pick for compensation.

EDIT - A good site to keep up to date with signing and moves is the fourth period.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/
[/quote]

Thanks for the link. I shall bookmark it.

Do you really think the 'Hawks are in danger of losing Sharp? I've talked to a couple of my peeps in Chicago and they're all terrified that Sharp will end up being the one the 'Hawks can't afford to resign.

[XxSizzleXx]

Washington needs to bring in some grit and determination on the front end, Arron Asham is still out there so that could be a possibility, and they definitely need to address the back end and that could be Willie Mitchell.

The Hawks could really be in jeopardy of losing Sharp as I think he is bound to get paid. The Hawks already have a lot of big contracts handed out as they already have Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Hossa all locked to long term deals if I'm not mistaken, so yes Sharp could be out the door in the future.

[MsMarvel73]

Come back to Philly, Patrick!!

Actually we probably couldn't afford him either. Besides, forwards aren't our issue. Goaltending is our issue.

And I swear if we sign Marty "The Dinosaur" Turco, I will hurl! Projectile hurl even!

[Alexir]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='14 July 2010 - 06:22 PM' timestamp='1279146165' post='432911']
I don't think my team has done much of anything... Uh, let's see... Varly changed his number. Maybe his old jerseys will go on sale.
[/quote]

Got rid of Morrison and apparently Johansson might be coming up to the big leagues this year.

We also got rid of Theo and there are still rumors of Semin leaving DC (which I hope)

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Alexir' date='14 July 2010 - 05:01 PM' timestamp='1279148476' post='432931']
Got rid of Morrison and apparently Johansson might be coming up to the big leagues this year.

We also got rid of Theo and there are still rumors of Semin leaving DC (which I hope)
[/quote]

Morrison and Theo were both UFA so technically speaking they walked.

[Alexir]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='14 July 2010 - 10:09 PM' timestamp='1279159771' post='432998']
Morrison and Theo were both UFA so technically speaking they walked.
[/quote]

Technically speaking Caps told them we weren't going to resign them.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Alexir' date='14 July 2010 - 07:01 PM' timestamp='1279148476' post='432931']
Got rid of Morrison and apparently Johansson might be coming up to the big leagues this year.

We also got rid of Theo and there are still rumors of Semin leaving DC (which I hope)
[/quote]
All of that is "not much of anything," to me. Semin would be interesting if those rumors hadn't been floating around for like the past two years.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='14 July 2010 - 06:47 PM' timestamp='1279147638' post='432921']
Come back to Philly, Patrick!!

Actually we probably couldn't afford him either. Besides, forwards aren't our issue. Goaltending is our issue.

And I swear if we sign Marty "The Dinosaur" Turco, I will hurl! Projectile hurl even!
[/quote]
The Flyers played it safe and Re-signed Leighton whom I'm guessing will be the starter for next season. I really have no problem with that, he earned it because the Flyers wouldn't have even made the playoffs without him.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='14 July 2010 - 06:15 PM' timestamp='1279145756' post='432906']
I was a little disappointed that we weren't able to keep Gonchar, but like the media stated the Pens weren't willing to give him the 3 year deal he was looking for. We didn't miss a beat in Free Agency as soon as Gonch was out we locked up New Jersey's Paul Martin, and Phoenix's stud defensemen Zybnek Mihalek. I'm loving the moves the Pens have made so far, we got younger and better on the backend, now a veteran scoring winger to play along side(I'm hoping for Mr. Paul Kariya) Us getting Mihalek and Martin are probably my favourite moves of the offseason.

Philly reloaded and was making some moves, since they weren't able to lock up Hamhuis after trading for him they ended up picking up Andrej Meszaros which rounds out Philly's top 5 D to Pronger, Timonen, Coburn, Carle and him which is very impressive. I have been reading trade rumours between Philadelphia and LA, supposedly LA was looking at Simon Gagne.

I will say this whoever pays Ilya Kovalchuk the big money is making a big mistake because he is a mercenary like Marian Hossa and he is NOT a franchise player, I'm just hoping Edmonton doesn't end up making the dumb move and signing him, let him go back to NJ and sink that franchise.

The Atlantic division now is IMO the best division in the NHL. (PIT, PHI, NJ, NYR and the Islanders)

One of the first moves of the offseason that made me LOL was when MTL traded Halak to St.Louis, how in the heck do they end up going with Carey Price after Halak's brilliant playoff run.
[/quote]
Agreed that the Pens have definitely improved so far, very scary since they were a cup contender BEFORE the offseason.

Also liking what my Flyers have done so far in bringing in more talent on the blue line, they could have one of the deepest D groups in the league. Also, they just brought in Nikoli Zherdev who can probably put up similar numbers to Gagne (if they trade him)
They didn't make a play for a star goaltender, but they also didn't take a risk on one either so we'll just have to see if Leighton is a flash in the pan or not

[Pääjärvi]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='14 July 2010 - 06:20 PM' timestamp='1279146004' post='432909']
Another thing I forgot to dab on is the Blackhawks haha. After winning the Stanley Cup they have ALREADY shipped out 1/3 of their Cup winning team just to try to squeak under the Salary Cap, not to mention that San Jose has offered Niklas Hjalmarsson a 4 year/$14 million offer sheet that Chicago likely won't be able to match.

Although if they let him walk to San Jose they will receive a 1st and 3rd round pick for compensation.

EDIT - A good site to keep up to date with signing and moves is the fourth period.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/
[/quote]

They matched and will keep Hjalmarsson. Chicago shipped role players , their core is still intact though(Kane,Toews,Sharp,Hossa,Keith,Seabrook,Hjalmarsson and hopefully Niemi) . Philly will regret big time that trade for Meszaros,the guy definitely has some tools but no hockey IQ . Paying him 4 mil to play on the 3rd pairing? bad move. Their downfall gonna be their goaltending , still can't believe they didn't upgrade the position. Leighton as good as he was in the previous rounds,screw it up in the Finals .
About Pittsburgh,I don't see how they improved that much ..they lost one of the best d-man in the league and replaced with 2 younger d-man but who are more of a #2-#3 and not a true #1 . I fail to see how age really is a factor with Gonchar,as his game is not about speed . One of the most hard - working players in the league,it's not like he will get complacent either.
Anyway,glad to have him in Ottawa .
Caps didn't upgrade its D . It's gonna be another long regular season with an early playoff exit. Can't believe we couldn't grab a ****ing d-man to pair with Green with so many on the market(Hamhuis,Volchenkov,Z.Michalek). Instead,I'm glad we pay 6 mil to Semin to disappear in the playoffs.

[MsMarvel73]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='14 July 2010 - 11:26 PM' timestamp='1279164407' post='433027']
The Flyers played it safe and Re-signed Leighton whom I'm guessing will be the starter for next season. I really have no problem with that, he earned it because the Flyers wouldn't have even made the playoffs without him.
[/quote]

Well good. At least the contents of my stomach can stay in my stomach.

But we'll see if Leighton can handle it.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Pääjärvi' date='15 July 2010 - 04:50 AM' timestamp='1279183817' post='433092']
Caps didn't upgrade its D . It's gonna be another long regular season with an early playoff exit. Can't believe we couldn't grab a d-man to pair with Green with so many on the market(Hamhuis,Volchenkov,Z.Michalek). Instead,I'm glad we pay 6 mil to Semin to disappear in the playoffs.
[/quote]
Captain America and Karl Alzner are expected to be in Washington full time along with Michael Neuvirth. That should help upgrade the d...

Okay, I was as mad at Semin as anyone, but he's not a consistent failure in the playoffs. He has 24 points in 28 games. Last year he had 14 in 14, and in his first post-season he had 8 in 7 games. Pile on Green all you want, but Semin is usually good.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='Pääjärvi' date='15 July 2010 - 04:50 AM' timestamp='1279183817' post='433092']
. Philly will regret big time that trade for Meszaros,the guy definitely has some tools but no hockey IQ . Paying him 4 mil to play on the 3rd pairing? bad move. Their downfall gonna be their goaltending , still can't believe they didn't upgrade the position. Leighton as good as he was in the previous rounds,screw it up in the Finals
[/quote]
I disagree, the Flyers with Meszaros now have one of the deepest Defensive groups in the NHL, they are going to play solid team defense infront of Leighton and let him make the easy saves. When you can do that you don't NEED a star goaltender.

What happened in the Finals is that the Flyers ran into a Chicago team that is absolutely loaded with offensive talent. Niemi really looked just as bad as Leighton in that series, because the Flyers have just as much offensive firepower. Leighton didn't choke, he didn't screw it up, they played one hell of a talented hockey team and that's what happens.

[Pääjärvi]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='15 July 2010 - 07:18 AM' timestamp='1279192732' post='433099']
I disagree, the Flyers with Meszaros now have one of the deepest Defensive groups in the NHL, they are going to play solid team defense infront of Leighton and let him make the easy saves. When you can do that you don't NEED a star goaltender.

What happened in the Finals is that the Flyers ran into a Chicago team that is absolutely loaded with offensive talent. Niemi really looked just as bad as Leighton in that series, because the Flyers have just as much offensive firepower. Leighton didn't choke, he didn't screw it up, they played one hell of a talented hockey team and that's what happens.
[/quote]

Meszaros could very well make the Flyers the deepest team on D , he can play and don't look out of place behind stacked teams, if that's one thing I can tell you about Meszaros from his time with Ottawa. The only problem is that he earns 4 mil and with that money the Flyers could have solved other issues .
I don't buy that Chicago was talented,loaded and so forth and Flyers stood no chance. Before the actual matchup on the ice ,yes they were the sexier pick with no glaring weakness at the first sight,but as the series went on Briere and Leino absolutely were the best forwards , rocking everytime they touched the ice , forcing Chicago D to play deep behind and not that high pressure game that made them basically a top 3 regular season team. Flyers had the edge on D because Keith wasn't his usual self and Campbell was a mess and he still is for that matter, Seabrook was the only one playing up to his potential while Hjalmarsson was so and so and made rookie mistakes from time to time. Prongs and Timonen were beastly and Coburn and Carle raised their level to new limits,I never thought they could do so well. So what was their downfall? IMO , one word : goaltending . Sharp goal on the glove side and Niemi counters with a huge save on Hartnell,then in the third period almost from the same spot makes a huge glove save from a Briere slapper.
Game 2 Niemi saves two Richards semi break-aways and then stops a huge Asham slap shot from the exact same spot he was scored on in game 1 , then when is Leighton turn he lets in another glove side goal from the exact same spot as game 1. One goal behind Chicago struggling to maintain the score is pushed back and Philly has 3 big opportunities in the final 6 minutes but Niemi answers the bell.
Game 3 both goalies equal, Leighton lets in the worst goal on Sopel shot.
Game 4 Niemi lets in a softie , Leighton does too on Sharp but both made some good saves aside and were quite equal
Game 5 softie on Seabrook,pulled 2nd time . Niemi goes on to make an amazing save on Richards halfway through the game and the momentum is shifted , Chicago makes it 5-2
Game 6 Niemi most amazing save of the playoffs on Carter with 2 minutes to go before OT and Leighton lets in the worst possible goal on Kane
Niemi clearly outplayed Leighton .

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='Pääjärvi' date='15 July 2010 - 11:46 AM' timestamp='1279208788' post='433172']
Meszaros could very well make the Flyers the deepest team on D , he can play and don't look out of place behind stacked teams, if that's one thing I can tell you about Meszaros from his time with Ottawa. The only problem is that he earns 4 mil and with that money the Flyers could have solved other issues .
I don't buy that Chicago was talented,loaded and so forth and Flyers stood no chance. Before the actual matchup on the ice ,yes they were the sexier pick with no glaring weakness at the first sight,but as the series went on Briere and Leino absolutely were the best forwards , rocking everytime they touched the ice , forcing Chicago D to play deep behind and not that high pressure game that made them basically a top 3 regular season team. Flyers had the edge on D because Keith wasn't his usual self and Campbell was a mess and he still is for that matter, Seabrook was the only one playing up to his potential while Hjalmarsson was so and so and made rookie mistakes from time to time. Prongs and Timonen were beastly and Coburn and Carle raised their level to new limits,I never thought they could do so well. So what was their downfall? IMO , one word : goaltending . Sharp goal on the glove side and Niemi counters with a huge save on Hartnell,then in the third period almost from the same spot makes a huge glove save from a Briere slapper.
Game 2 Niemi saves two Richards semi break-aways and then stops a huge Asham slap shot from the exact same spot he was scored on in game 1 , then when is Leighton turn he lets in another glove side goal from the exact same spot as game 1. One goal behind Chicago struggling to maintain the score is pushed back and Philly has 3 big opportunities in the final 6 minutes but Niemi answers the bell.
Game 3 both goalies equal, Leighton lets in the worst goal on Sopel shot.
Game 4 Niemi lets in a softie , Leighton does too on Sharp but both made some good saves aside and were quite equal
Game 5 softie on Seabrook,pulled 2nd time . Niemi goes on to make an amazing save on Richards halfway through the game and the momentum is shifted , Chicago makes it 5-2
Game 6 Niemi most amazing save of the playoffs on Carter with 2 minutes to go before OT and Leighton lets in the worst possible goal on Kane
Niemi clearly outplayed Leighton .
[/quote]
Agreeable with the exception of Games 3 and 4 in Philly. Leighton outplayed Niemi in both games.

I never claimed that Leighton was the better goaltender in the series. Actually I remember saying that it was the one factor that separated both teams. I was just stating that BOTH teams were so loaded offensively that neither goaltender looked brilliant, they each had their moments but for the series as a whole I can't remember seeing a Cup Final where both goalies struggled like they did.

My point is that Leighton played well enough to deserve the starting job for the Flyers next season. Is he a superstar? no, but then again with the Flyers being so talented on defense he doesn't have to be.

[XxSizzleXx]

I forgot about Zherdev signing in Philadelphia, it kind of boggles me though because he definitely isn't the Flyers type of hockey player. I wouldn't be worrying too much about Meszaros' low hockey IQ as he is Philly's #5 D and will play against teams 3rd lines. As for Semin in Washington I think they should try to ship him out has he does NOT like to play playoff hockey, he did not get his nose dirty at all and they played one of the smallest teams in MTL.

I would have to disagree with you Paajarvi as I know Gonchar is a really good defenseman and his game isn't about speed, but the Penguins game is about speed. Paul Martin is one of the smoothest skating defensemen out there and can move the puck just as good as Gonch, he just can't QB a PP like Gonch can. Gonchar has also been injury bitten the last 2 years and was quite a disappointment in the playoffs. I'm really surprised to see that you don't think the Penguins have improved because they also added Zybnek Mihalek who was Phoenix's grittiest and BEST defensemen, he played a big part in them making the playoffs and Bryzgalof being in running for the vezina trophy, he brings grit in which only Orpik had in our group. I'm loving our top 5.

Martin - Orpik
Mihalek - Letang
Goligoski

[XxSizzleXx]

I know most of you here hate anything having to do with Pittsburgh but you guys have to check out the look for the new Consol Energy center, it really is something. It is the only NHL stadium that was warranted a GOLD seal. Just an outstanding stadium!

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/gallerylanding.htm?id=16234&navid=DL|PIT|home

[MsMarvel73]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='15 July 2010 - 04:48 PM' timestamp='1279226928' post='433238']
I know most of you here hate anything having to do with Pittsburgh but you guys have to check out the look for the new Consol Energy center, it really is something. It is the only NHL stadium that was warranted a GOLD seal. Just an outstanding stadium!

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/gallerylanding.htm?id=16234&navid=DL|PIT|home
[/quote]


Not looking but the Pens do deserve a new home, that's for sure.

[Pääjärvi]

I said they didn't improve much not that they didn't improve at all. They will miss Gonchar's offensive flair but just got better on the D side , and you're right both Martin and Michalek are as smooth as they come and can move the puck forward. Call me crazy but until I see these new fits in Pittsburgh I can't say the Pens are dramatically changed(in a good way) when they lost a #1 and got a couple of good #2.(although I would say a great #2 in Martin and a borderline one in Michalek)

Oh and I'm not against Meszaros, I'm against Philly paying him 4 mil to play 3rd pairing minutes.

Awesome new home for Pens but I miss the old arena already.

[XxSizzleXx]

Getting rid of Ponikorovsky is improving enough for me ha, he was very frustrating to watch after he was picked up. Has to be the softest big man in the game.

[XxSizzleXx]

Minnesota has signed Mikko Koive to a career long extension which will pay him around 6.5 mill a year. Good signing IMO as I think he's a great player and easily there best, he's very underrated.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Flyers have traded Simon Gagne to Tampa Bay for Matt Walker and a 4th round pick

[PuRock]

What about Kovalchuk signing that massive deal. 17 year deal? That's just absurd. He's 27 now and when the contract expires he'll be 44.

Good move for Kovalchuk, guaranteeing money for a long time. I hope he digs NJ.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='20 July 2010 - 01:49 PM' timestamp='1279648167' post='434980']
Flyers have traded Simon Gagne to Tampa Bay for Matt Walker and a 4th round pick
[/quote]
Argh We might not be able to sleep walk to the top of the division again.

[PuRock]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='20 July 2010 - 02:13 PM' timestamp='1279649596' post='434995']
Argh We might not be able to sleep walk to the top of the division again.
[/quote]

Yea....I'm not liking this whole Yzerman GM thing they have going on in Tampa.