Meller93

Small maybe, but aggressive. Over 100 hits last year. The smurf label is only a problem when you can't handle yourself physically. By all accounts Byron can. Regardless, we picked up a player for nothing, and just lost Kassian anyway, it's not like we lost an asset here. I'm fine if this means JDLR heads to St. Johns, I think developing his offensive game there could be huge for his career. (Plus I live in St. Johns ) Exactly.

I wasn't saying anything about the actual effects of the drugs. I know as well as you that alcohol is one of the most dangerous. My comment was about public perception. Simply because alcohol IS legal the media will get less up in arms about it. You can well imagine if Kassian is on cocaine the backlash would be bigger. Don't even get me started on weed. #Trudeau hahah I'm also of the belief that he deserves a second chance. How many thousands of people have been in his situation. Doesn't mean he's a bad person, just means if he ever wants to be a successful NHLer he needs to buckle down.

Not officially, but you can't doubt that some rumours will be flying around. I honestly hope it is just alcohol, as a legal drug it just comes across as a lesser "mistake". I do feel bad for the guy.

Is alcohol the only drug in question?

Wonderful, checkin it out now

Ok this just changed into a full blown Kassian S**T show. Warrants it's own thread probably?

Side note, kassian fractured his foot in a car accident. The could take a month, maybe 3 months.. What does it do to the lineup?

Is columbuses defense any better than Pittsburgh's? The best they have is probably Jack Johnson, then maybe Ryan Murray. Definitely not strong. And it's hard to argue that the offense is better on Columbus. I do agree that Columbus will improve a lot this year though.

I expect the caps to be tough this year. I think Barry trotz is meshing well with Ovie, and the Ovie backstrom oshie line is a nightmare (on paper). Holtby just hit his prime and I think he'll be a top 5 goalie for years. They may finish first IMO. TB will be there as usual, and the Rangers/pens will be good as well Habs right along side them.

I'd agree, this board was really relaxed about the Fleischman situation. He was a good fit and we knew MB would do it if it was the right fit. 750,000 is an amazing deal. Kind of cool we signed semin and flash for less than 1.9 mill, and also have kassian at about 1 mill. Savy cap spending MB.

Not sure what the details are yet. But most likely a very cheap deal at 1 year. I think a lot of us saw this coming. He had s great camp and had immediate chemistry with DD. He should be a solid 3rd LW for us

I like the team this year. A) 49-26-5-2 (3 vs 3 should reduce SOL) B) 2nd C) 7th D) 241 goals. Pacioretty and subban have career years. Markov drops down to 38-42 points Bealieu replaces those points with a 25-30 point season Galchenyuk puts up 60 points, 26 goals 34 assists. Price nominated for vezina again but comes 2nd in voting behind holtby Edit: meant to say 241 goals, I corrected it from 251.

I'm feeling a good second. So excited to get the real season underway

Was the goal called off? Score says 1-1

Fleischman has been used as a two way forward in the past hasn't he? I'm really liking him as our 3rd LW as well. Pacioretty - Plekanec - Gallagher Top line that can hold its own defensively against anyone while contributing offensively Eller - Galchenyuk - Semin Potentially an exploitation line if they keep clicking. Eller solidifies the defensive responsibility Fleishman - Desharnais - Weise/Kassian Desharnais flanked by some size. Capable of putting up points while bringing physicality. JDLR - Mitchell - DSP/weise/Kassian Eats up tough minutes and defensive draws. Not much offence. That is potentially a great lineup IMO

Hmm.. I'm not so sure. Price hasn't really proven himself yet. Another solid season would put Price in the legitimate starter territory. Right now I don't know if he has what it takes. James Reimer though. He's a good goalie.

Don't kill my vibe

NHL hockey is happening ah! It's been far too long

I've been wrong once before, but I honestly think chucky's about to put up close to 65 points. He's looking like a far more experienced player out there. If he steps up this team has the potential to be one of the elite as long as no one else regresses. (Price naturally will slightly) 27 goals 38 assists. He'll score in clumps, but have less lengthy dry spells.

of love for him to! Could be the year

JDLR!

Parise left the Devils, so anything could happen. But I do agree, there is more pressureBut patches probably my first choice! Liked the PK option too, but I can't wait to see patches wearing the C. I'm calling it right now, patches has a career year and hits 70 points. 38 goals 32 assists

Absolutely huge donation. We're talking close to 10% of his salary. Subban's always going to be remembered as a hockey player but I'm beginning to think Subban is going to go down as one of the most famous athletes ever. When he retires from the NHL he's going to be out there almost more than he is now. Whether it be at charity events, hosting a sports network - He'll be at the red carpet for f sake. Great role model for everyone whether its related to hockey or not, but no doubt someone a lot of upcoming hockey players are going to look up to, and by virtue of skin colour, no doubt a lot of black players complete hero. From day 1 when he player with Canada's junior team I could not WAIT for him to join the team. The hype was huge. He took the hype flushed it down the toilet, laughed and became even more than I dared to hope for. Love the guy.

Amazing hahah! My parents (Habs fans DUH) are going to the Habs-leafs season opener at the air canada center! I'll make sure they're sufficiently anti-maple leafs

I think dlbar shouldn't probably kick him.. This kind of talk is unwarranted here