JoeLassister

I see two destinations for Bennett and Montreal isn't one of those. 1. Florida 2. Toronto (with Marner's departure cap space). Let's be honest, Bennett is exactly Doctor's order for this team.

I completely agree with the idea you suggest. In fact, I discussed this very topic with friends a few years ago. I am convinced that "overpaying" for retention on a, let's say 2-3 years contract is not only smart, but should be something that any team serious about Stanley Cup contention be using. The depth in skills is one of the most important aspect of the game and having 7M$ caliber players that you pay 4-5 M$ instead represents a huge advantage, in my opinion. That and going hard for skilled vets that have been bought out by another team (à la McDonagh a few years ago). If you can make such a player your 5th-6th dman on a 1-2 M$ salary while he was bought out on a 6M$ salary, you should do it.

I'd be VERY suprised he he's still there past 10th oa. Even 8th oa.

So ? Anyone has an opinion on this player ?

All depends on the cap hit he'll command, but for a player of his caliber (aka, not a superstar), I'm sure Hughes can manage to structure his contract in a way that makes him easily tradable to teams who need to reach the cap floor in year 4-5 of the contract.

Man... is that Rantanen trade paying off for Dallas, or not ?!?!

The Montembeault over Thompson selection proved that all players who have a shot at next Team Canada roster should participate in every competition they can. Suzuki would be smart to try accept if he's invited and cleared by doctors.

It's not big at all, but I placed a 10$ bet on Dallas on September 27th. 11 : 1

Quite a lot of Habs fans on social medias want the Habs to pick Ivan Ryabkin. Would he be a good pick for us ?

I like your attitude.

Fair enough. On my side, I found this game VERY worrisome and I expect the Caps not only to play as physical and to bully our young smallish players as much as Game 1, but to straight up turn up the heat.

Let's not act as if the Caps could not have won it easily in the first 2 periods though...

As much as I think Laine sucks on the defensive side of the game, I thought he was quite dangerous last night, in the 1st period at least when he got 2 good looks at the night with excellent shots. I think the PP has to change. I would keep Laine on 1st PP but switch Demidov for Slaf. Anyway, Slaf is not posting his ass in front of the net, like never. The goal would be to ask Hutson to feed Demidov 2-3 times and hopefully Demidov can create things and plant the idea that he's a threat on the right. It would open up Laine and his one-timer a lot more. Right now, the Caps know that this is our mean weapon (à la Weber, Subban, Souray, etc) and it's not effective enough to score the important goal.

I think Arber will only play if Wilson and the "intimidation factor" becomes a real problem.

Dach Mailloux Matheson CGY 1st pick 2025 MTL 1st pick 2026 (top 10 protected) Barzal Dobson

I think if you do attempt to try signing Laine at 5-6, he'll request a trade the next morning. I'd definitely wait until later in the season or even after next season.

Unpopular opinion, but I would not have sent Suzuki in shootout. He looked shaky at best after he hit the board. I was even suprised that he played in OT. I hope I'm wrong, but he could be injured going into the playoffs (if we make it).

My thoughts exactly. If we were talking about some bottom 6 role player, then it would not be a problem, but to (almost) gamble with the #2C spot would be straight up negligence on Kent Hughe's part.

Now let's be honest. After failing to win a single game last weekend, if we end up losing tonight, we probably don't deserve to get in the Playoffs in the first place. If we can't score at least 3 goals against this defense, let's go golfing.

after he scores the GWG... 😐

I went Habs in regulation and Laine. GO HABS GO !!!

I wonder if Landeskog can pull that off. I mean, being an effective NHLer in time for the playoffs. It would be quite impressive if he was to be able to contribute on the ice in April-May.

Not sure if I posted that on this board, but I sold the last game of my half season package (Carolina on the 16th) on Sunday. I made sure to sell them only for a price where I'd make a decent profit. But geeeeez, would I have waited 2 more days to put them on sale, I would have been able to take advantage of the Demidov signing and make a muuuch more decent profit. 😤

I have some kind of a sports boner right now.