NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

[Vice]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

The other piece to this is that Hartnell framed it as wanting to play for a winner. He said to another source that he wants to play somewhere that wants to have him, but the desire to play for a winner also came up. I know Philly had a bad year and is looking to take a different approach that might take a few years to pan out, but I don't think this year's first round exist places Columbus into the category of "winner." They moved Gaborik, Horton is on record as hoping to be ready for training camp, and some circles would argue that Hartnell and Umberger are basically equals.

Don't get me wrong -- I hope Columbus thrives -- but part of me wonders whether a traditional powerhouse would have wanted him as well. I just feel like there's mess behind this move even beyond what we're hearing from Hartnell.

[slickdtc]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Hartnell said that? I'd have to believe that he meant he's glad to go to ANOTHER (projected) winner, because Philly doesn't miss the playoffs often and are usually a strong threat in the East. Plus, Hartsy was a fan favorite.

We actually had a phenomenal season outside of our 1-7-1 start. We pretty much followed the trajectory of the NY Rangers, except they had one more point then us in the standings I believe and were one goal better then is in Game 7.

The Flyers have continued to reload while staying competitive. Our average age has got to be one of the lowest in the league, and it's likely been that way the past couple of years. We transitioned right from the Richards/Carter era directly into the Giroux/Schenn/Couturier era of the present. Heck, those guys are why we were able to off Richards/Carter and continue to make the playoffs and be competitive. So I don't think we're rebuilding or even changing philosophies with Hextall as GM, just trying to mix it up and find the right core and compliments to deliver a Cup to Philly.

Personally, I think we need to develop a great defenseman from within the organization instead of trying to lure a Weber or someone of that caliber. We're just gonna end up losing other players if we put tons of money into one guy. Gotta hit the jackpot with a prospect. Besides that, I think we're just some puck luck and a hot streak away from winning it all. No need to blow up the team.

[Chrisksaint]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Lightning resign Ryan Callahan to a 6yr $34.8M contract and buyout Ryan Malone

[spidertour02]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Lightning resign Ryan Callahan to a 6yr $34.8M contract and buyout Ryan Malone

There goes my hope of Captain Cally returning to the Rangers. **sniffle**

[Money99]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Lightning resign Ryan Callahan to a 6yr $34.8M contract and buyout Ryan Malone

I still can't fathom the fact that 20-goal, 50-point forwards are getting $6M/year in the NHL.
If Callahan can get that kind of jack, then Statsny and Vanek should ask for $8M+.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

I've heard the Wild might take a run at Stastny instead of Vanek. But if some other team comes in with an outrageous deal, I'm sure they won't match it.

The homing beacons have been calibrated towards Niskanen. Just sending out feeler signals.

[kenp86]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

gaborik re-signs for 7 YEARS.. WOW

[Vice]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

gaborik re-signs for 7 YEARS.. WOW

Guess he liked the idea of taking the Cup to the beach.

Pens also announced Mike Johnston as their new coach. Used to coach the Winterhawks in the WHL, only to eventually get suspended in some sort of scandal tied to ineligible benefits received by players.

[DrJones]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

I still can't fathom the fact that 20-goal, 50-point forwards are getting $6M/year in the NHL.

Leadership, man. Didn't you just see the Rangers season crumble without him?

[Kobalt]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Callahan is starting to break down, that contract is going to be terrible in couple of years.

Nikitin for 4.5M AAV is brutal as well, but it's only on a 2 year deal.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

7 years for someone with Gaborik's injury history? Guess they better hope he happens to be healthy at playoff time every year and does what he did this year.

[rdnk]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Edmonton just wanted a stop gap for a few years. The deal can't really hurt them since it's only 2 years long. Don't know what to think about 7 years for Gaborik or 6 for Callahan.

EDIT: The monster is back in Detroit on a 1 year deal. Pretty much as I expected.

[carko32]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

I think that 5th, 6th and 7th year, maybe even 4th are just for the purpose of bringing his cap hit down. And if he retires earlier, his salary won't count towards cap, so I think that Lombardi did actually good job. Now they just have to hope he stays healthy for as long as possible.

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[DrJones]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

I think that 5th, 6th and 7th year, maybe even 4th are just for the purpose of bringing his cap hit down. And if he retires earlier, his salary won't count towards cap, so I think that Lombardi did actually good job.

Gaborik's contract is as front-loaded as it can be under the new CBA, but I don't see him leaving $16M on the table just to help the Kings out. He won't retire unless he leaves for the KHL in a few years for more $$$ (which is possible).

[Money99]

Re: NHL 2014 Off-Season Thread

Edmonton just wanted a stop gap for a few years. The deal can't really hurt them since it's only 2 years long. Don't know what to think about 7 years for Gaborik or 6 for Callahan.

EDIT: The monster is back in Detroit on a 1 year deal. Pretty much as I expected.

Glad he's back. I liked him last year.

Wings are reportedly very interested in Boyle. I like that signing too. Seems like a Wings guy.

Now out of left field; I'd actually be happy if the Wings could get Heatley on a 1 or 2-year-deal.
I'm sure some team out there will overpay for Heats and give him a longterm deal, but if he's looking to resurrect his career with a contender, I wouldn't mind seeing him in R&W.
I think he'd fit in well on the top 2 lines. Maybe even put him back with Alfie (if he resigns too).