DON

Yes likely a super fit alongside Eller, on 3rd line, but i still think he will come into camp a lot better shape physically and i dont think anyone doubts his Hockey IQ is above average. He and Eller are destined for top six, may still not be a couple-few years yet.

I am all for resigning Kostitsyn, would be cheap i would guess?

If true, good for them, nice to see small market team attract talent. I still think Suter overrated, but both are quality players and Minni has a ton of solid prospects coming as well.

Cammalleri? evryone needs a sub 20 goal scorer for $6/year, we will really miss him.

I think i would trust Markov's knee over 40+ year old guys cashing in just before retirement. I like Whitney and Jagr fine, but not at $4.5/year. I would sign for Semn before one of these guys, and i wouldnt even bid on Semin. Anyways, i assume Bergevin aint quite done, with all the d-men, he is gonna have to trade someone. But am totally pleased with the 3 signings anyways.

so what does that Assistant GM actually do? Is he in charge of the timbit and coffee orders?

Why stop at 10 years, do a Dipietro! The only good 10 year contract i have ever seen is Alex Rodriguez's,. if it wasnt Price i would say 6 is a year too long already. One of few things i agree with Brian Burke about. Stupid cap salary game, but at least gives that Larry Carriere guy something to do i suppose.

Unless Bergevin still not done, i am surprised Weber is still not moved, i thought maybe draft day and July 1 st at latest, i know "Can never have too many d-men" but he would be a cheap pick-up for some team and he is just screwed with a 1-way contract and being surrounded by a bunch of better d-men. I think he might be able to make top 6 in Edmonton maybe?

I know Roloson/and crazy -guy Thomas are rare, just wouldnt toss on scapeheap quite yet. And i am excited because goaltending was a big weakness in Hamilton last year (i think?) and a solid tender can only help Tinordi and all the rest play with more confidence. And here's hopeing Lefebvre is a better developer of prospects than that last guy, who seemed to be a terrible coach with zero improvement in any player on that roster? Surprising he got promoted? But what do i really know maybe he is an OK hockey guy.

6 years is as long as any smart contract should be. Great to see recognition of franchise player and both sides must be pretty happy with deal.

He is only 2 years and 1 month older than Price. He seems to do super in AHL and stood on head when last with Hamilton. Also Roloson did dick-all till he was 30, so who knows what future holds? Not sure why you wouldnt like signing? Has that Aaron Dell signed with any team yet?

I aint a Flame hater, even with Cammalleri, but i think they are digging a hole and will cost em more down the road. Just great that the college kid Shultz wanted to sign in Edmonton, and not with Leafs/Rangers. Good for them, now they only need 3 more good d-men and a goalie.

I dont know if a Semin or Jagr would be worth signing? very risky but will see wherer those 2 go?

Another dandy signing, a bit high salary/term; but that was cost to get him in a Hab jersey no doubt. Now he, Eller, White and Moan can eat up more PK time to spell off Plekanec. seems just another in series of smart moves/plays.

Well, he should be a motivated player, if he cant stay healthy, career could be done before he is 30. $1m is expendable in worst case. I think this could be a big steal, low risk/possible high reward signing, i like it. Again i say; Bergevin and co. deserve good marks for sure.

assumed it would happen and great to have him on a 2 year deal.

seems many arnt comfortable with Yemelin, i am fine with it, he had a bad +/- but was a "rookie" and didnt have a Markov to carry him (as 79 did for years with a #8). So i really dont see a sophmore slump for him neither.' And aint set in stone, as Diaz/Weber are a year older and more experianced as well, so maybe go with the ol 7 man d-core? Anyways, was always a big fan of Bouillon and is one gritty small d-man who always seemed to work hard. No one can be too diappointed with signings/hirings.

Love the signings and is good to see a good goalie come back, will help for sure; and i was a Blunden fan, much better at everything compared to Darche is, and was surprised he went unsigned earlier, i thoufght he earned a bottom six spot till injured.but, he will help in Hamilton as well. Bergevin and co. are doing very well.

agree 100%, he is an honest player and is great to have him resign.

Can he coach, I aint got a clue, i liked him as a player; but i think he should do fine and seems another good hire?

You guys and your negativity (you may be correct to worry?)! I say, Yemelin's rookie +/- and Markov's knee issue are history and like i said, I aint quite as worried and dont see as that big a deal. Just me with rose-coloured glasses on. Now, upgrading the offense up front and find a Mara to fill in for a year, is what needs doing. Oh and deal with Gomer. See how she goes on sunday.

I dont see it so bleak, especially not double major weakness! Again i say the 45 goals from $30,000,000 worth of top players last year was killer. Need to put puck in net more. Markov Subban Gorges and Yemelin are a fine top 4, i know i know you will cry Yemelin cant play 20 minutes and is due for sophmore slump; but i would be willing to test that theory, as he is older, strictly defensive d-man and "Battle tested". And just have a cheap Hannan/Aucoin play with Kaberle. Better than committing $3-3.5/for several years to Allen maybe? But Allen still seems a nice fit. Do you think Bergevin will look to trade with the Hawks? Rumour (i am starting) is that we will go after Kane/Hjalmarsson?

I am not of opinion the gritty d-man need to be top 4 at all, you know a top 4 tough guy will cost big bucks and want term and will most likely only need for 1 year, so wouldnt go overboard. If you forget your need for 20minute/top 4, it opens up for more options.

Pacioretty-Stastney(Marleau)-Cole Bourque-Desharnais-Gionta Eller-Leblanc-Gallagher Moan-the Finn-White

I would overpay for Doan, but RW not a real weakness/need.