Habs Fan in Edmonton

LA is a really good team and will give the Oilers all they can handle if not beat them. One thing LA has going for them is 2 of the best defensive centers in the league (Danault and Kopitar). Nobody can completely shut down McDavid but LA has the personnel to make it difficult for him.

That's pretty interesting that Colorado only had 3 but they really nailed it with some of their 1st round picks and made some shrewd trades.

Thanks to those that clarified how 10.2c works, I learned something. Also it was a good idea to move to a separate thread where it belongs.

Maybe it's just a coincidence that he got all better just as the playoffs were starting?

Florida has played really well, goaltending has been the difference, 2nd goal by Boston was brutal.

I was doing some research to try and understand this 10.2c RFA. The closest comparison I could find was Quinn Hughes. He was similar to Caufield in that he signed when he was 20 and played a few games his first year out of college. He was designated as 10.2c RFA when his 3 year contract was up. On cap friendly Caulfield shows as RFA status when his 3 year contract is up. I trust Commandant is right but I am now confused. Hopefully somebody smarter than I am can explain this 10.2c RFA thing.

Below was from the article by Blaine Potvin, I'll put my money on what Commandant says. Caufield’s Next Deal Since Caufield played 10 games in his first season after he signed his ELC out of college and then played two more seasons (if 2022-23 is included), he will become a restricted free agent (RFA) who can receive an offer sheet. After the revenge offer sheet that saw Jesperi Kotkaniemi leave for the Carolina Hurricanes, the Canadiens are understandably sensitive to this issue and would be looking to ensure he is signed before July 1, 2023.

I guess these writers have no clue. https://brotherlypuck.com/2022/12/13/the-flyers-should-offer-sheet-cole-caufield/ https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-predicting-cole-caufield-next-contract/

Thanks for clearing that up.

There is a big difference between getting 2 x 1st round picks and getting for 4 x 1st round picks. I think that's what the debate was about. If some GM made him an offer that allowed 4 x 1st round picks as compensation, would you match?

He hasn't scored 50 yet, he was on pace for 46 although it wouldn't surprise me if he scored 50. If he was offered a long term contract from someone else at 11M/year then Hughes has a very big decision to make and it won't be an easy one. I'm expecting Caulfield will get a better contract than Suzuki.

Yes, I am thinking the issue is likely term. Pastrnak timed it well, was becoming a UFA just as he was entering his prime and put up big numbers. That's the choice a player has to make, bet on yourself and take a shorter term contract or take the security of a longer term contract. Marchand took the security of a longer term contract and it didn't turn out as well, he would have made a lot of more money with an initial shorter term contract. But maybe money wasn't as important to him. I guess it depends on how confident a player is and the value they place on security. Every player is different.

My preference would certainly be to sign Caulfield to a 7/8 year, 7.5-8m per year contract. That's what I would really like to see. I am a big fan of Caulfield. BUT what if some GM put an offer of more than 10.5M/year (doubtful) on the table. Would you match it or take 4 1st round picks? That's the scenario I am talking about. I am guessing an offer sheet would be between 8.4 and 10.5, then the Habs would have a decision to make. Hopefully it doesn't come to that and the Habs sign him before then. I am not more excited about picks than Caulfield but the contract has to be somewhat reasonable. I am concerned that he hasn't signed by now. Maybe Caulfield is thinking he can put up Pastrnak like numbers.

I feel the same way. If some GM wants to get really stupid then take the picks.

Things seem to have gone quiet on the contract front. I am guessing the shoulder injury has slowed things down as a few months ago Gorton said they would get things done. Have HuGo said anything recently? An offer sheet for Caulfield is a lot different than an offer sheet for KK as we have more information on the player Caulfield is going to be. It would cost the team making the offer a lot more.

Exactly. The Bruins are a prime example. They are where they are because they drafted Pastrnak at 25, Bergeron at 45 and Marchand at 71. Sure they had some flops but they I don't think any team has hit more home runs outside the top 10 or top 20 then they have. They are obviously doing something right. I would rather have the higher pick (ie #1 this year please) but as many have noted, it doesn't guarantee anything, just improves your odds.

That is how I feel as well but I understand the joy many Habs fans would feel in seeing the Bruins go down. Jack Edwards would be fun to watch. I think the Bruins will win the series but all the pressure is on them especially after the season they had. Anything can happen.

I guess when I think of the term "goon" I think of someone that can only do one thing and that's fight/bully/intimidate. I think he fills the role of "policeman" on the Habs. Perhaps we look at the term "goon" differently. Certainly in junior he did some things that were "goonish" but he has been much more disciplined in the NHL.

Arber is far more than a goon, he is hardly that, I think that term is a little insulting to him. He was actually leading rookie defensemen in goals until he got hurt. This is a guy who is also more than willing to stand up for his teammates. That value is hard to measure. I am not talking about him playing 20 minutes against the other team's top line. I am talking a guy that can be the perfect 3rd pairing defensemen who can play up on occasion.

I agree 100%, he certainly has the skill and the smarts. He is a terrific distributor of the puck. His skating has improved, if it keeps improving he certainly could be a top 6 NHL player.

Don't forget about Arber. It seems like a lot of people still underestimate him. He brings an element to the team that no one else does.

Joshua Roy had a decent game today, 3G, 3A , 1st star of game. Now has 18 pts. in 6 playoff games to lead the playoffs in scoring.

Nobody want to relive the heartbreak of getting to the cup final and losing. Getting to the finals and losing is the worst for a lot of reasons; a) you came so close to winning the cup but still didn't achieve your goal b) players who had great playoffs will demand more money and it's hard to say no after a good run (this happened to the Oilers and it really hurt them) c) the long grind of the playoffs almost guarantees you will get off to a slow start the following year While I really hope the Leafs lose in the 1st round, losing in the final is even worse.

Oh I hear you, Leaf fans would be insufferable. It would be tough to take. Hopefully the Leafs and Florida go out in the 1st round.

Having said the above my 1st preference by far would be for Toronto and Florida to both lose in the 1st round. Then I can relax a bit.