2022-2023 Around the League Part Deux

[Pokecheque]

While true, the guy they lost basically had his production replaced by Boldy, something nobody expected.

Losing JEE is entirely different. We'll see if Boldy takes on this challenge, too.

It won't be Boldy, it'll likely be Gaudreau or Hartman who do that. That should be good enough for the regular season at least.

They're also getting Nyquist up and running, and so far every single one of their deadline acquisitions have fit right in.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

It won't be Boldy, it'll likely be Gaudreau or Hartman who do that. That should be good enough for the regular season at least.

They're also getting Nyquist up and running, and so far every single one of their deadline acquisitions have fit right in.

And Kaprizov will return for them tomorrow night.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

The division heavy schedule has turned my hatred of the Wild into boredom. I just can't stand playing the same team so often. It's not sparking animosity between players, it's sparking apathy.

That being said, I low-key am realy impressed with Bill Guerin. To have to deal with nearly 13M in dead cap space he was forced to trade Kevin Fiala. That's 73 points (as of today) that was forced to be traded. Not only does he have them fighting for a division title, but he also actually weaponized the little cap space he had left to get assets by being the third party on O'Reilly's trade.

 

[Pokecheque]

The division heavy schedule has turned my hatred of the Wild into boredom. I just can't stand playing the same team so often. It's not sparking animosity between players, it's sparking apathy.

That being said, I low-key am realy impressed with Bill Guerin. To have to deal with nearly 13M in dead cap space he was forced to trade Kevin Fiala. That's 73 points (as of today) that was forced to be traded. Not only does he have them fighting for a division title, but he also actually weaponized the little cap space he had left to get assets by being the third party on O'Reilly's trade.

Geez, I haven't minded the current schedule at all when it comes to that (I take issue with a bunch of other stuff though). In fact it kinda feels like, because it's a 32-team league now, they haven't played their divisional rivals enough. I want to say they only played three games against a few of them.

You must have forgotten the truncated COVID season where they had to play the Coyotes, like, 30 times in a row because the Blues got shut down (again) or the few years where Lou goddamn Lamoriello convinced the league it was a good idea to do six inter-divisional games so the Devils could save a ton on travel costs. During that stretch Todd Richards was in Minnesota and their best player was a past-his-prime Martin Havlat. Apart from the 2016-17 Avs, that was the very worst hockey I've ever witnessed.

If it were up to me I'd eradicate divisions entirely but we know that ain't happenin'.

As for Guerin...yeah he's been a'ight. I put him on the same level as Doug Armstrong. Has made some very savvy trades, but has also been ridiculously f***ing lucky. A trade he didn't even want to do (Talbot for Gustavsson) and he all but publicly bitched about being forced into has done more to save Minnesota's season--and sink Ottawa's--than any other.

He'll be fine so long as Evason is there. The moment he fires that guy it'll be over in a hurry.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

He'll be fine so long as Evason is there. The moment he fires that guy it'll be over in a hurry.

And when Kaprizov leaves for the largest contract from an east coast team.

 

[Pokecheque]

And when Kaprizov leaves for the largest contract from an east coast team.

Naw. By that time they'll have Rossi, Wallstedt, and Prime Boldy in the fold. It'll hurt, yes, but I think they'll still be competitive, and I'm not about to bet against Judd Brackett finding some diamonds in the rough the next couple years.

I know people don't want to read this but they'll be in prime contention status right around the time the Avs' window slams shut. How long their particular window is open remains to be seen but once they have an actual 1-2 punch at center in Rossi and JEEK, they'll dominate the Central.

 

[The Merchant]

 

[Balthazar]

Literally the only benefit of a salary cap for fans is, in theory, teams can stay competitive no matter if it's a big market (salary cap) or a small market (cap floor). That way it won't become like baseball with a team with a 240M payroll facing another team with a 29M payroll. That's just disgraceful.

However, by letting teams cheat at both ends the NHL is slowly about to screw that up too.

 

[dahrougem2]

Naw. By that time they'll have Rossi, Wallstedt, and Prime Boldy in the fold. It'll hurt, yes, but I think they'll still be competitive, and I'm not about to bet against Judd Brackett finding some diamonds in the rough the next couple years.

I know people don't want to read this but they'll be in prime contention status right around the time the Avs' window slams shut. How long their particular window is open remains to be seen but once they have an actual 1-2 punch at center in Rossi and JEEK, they'll dominate the Central.

We'll see if 5'9 Marco Rossi - who has looked bad in his NHL games to-date - will translate at centre in the NHL.

 

[John Mandalorian]

This is somewhat disinengenous. Not spending can be tanking and/or tactic of weaponizing cap space. Plenty of mid market teams are close to the cap.

 

[Pokecheque]

We'll see if 5'9 Marco Rossi - who has looked bad in his NHL games to-date - will translate at centre in the NHL.

I'll be fairly surprised (and a little disappointed) if he doesn't click at the NHL level. COVID-related heart issues severely derailed his development, but he's put in the work and excelled in the AHL. I think there'll be an adjustment period but then he'll flourish.

 

[JoeSakic13]

I’m pretty sure half of the Yotes caps is used bribing Bettman to stay in Arizona

 

[Pokecheque]

This is somewhat disinengenous. Not spending can be tanking and/or tactic of weaponizing cap space. Plenty of mid market teams are close to the cap.

That's still a pretty sizable gap--I imagine in the next CBA the league will be pushing for limits and restrictions on the weaponization of cap space. Now, how they keep the limits off a contending team using LTIR as a means of exceeding the cap and crack down on tanking teams from using it to reach the cap floor will be an interesting exercise.

I wonder if--and I would never put it past them--the owners and Bettman would torpedo another season in order to get non-guaranteed contracts implemented.

 

[Balthazar]

I’m pretty sure half of the Yotes caps is used bribing Bettman to stay in Arizona

Won't be surprised if they trade for Carey Price and his 10.5M of insured cap hit this summer and add him to that list.

 

[Pokecheque]

Won't be surprised if they trade for Carey Price and his 10.5M of insured cap hit this summer and add him to that list.

That would complete the Coyotes Dead Cap Hit All-Star roster.

 

[LOFIN]

Won't be surprised if they trade for Carey Price and his 10.5M of insured cap hit this summer and add him to that list.

The issue I have with their BS is that they are not using that space to get better. Not really, they are all about just being as cheap as possible. Which is somewhat understandable, considering their arena situation. Doesn't make it right.

That Chychrun situation was a joke. They gave him up next to nothing because they weren't willing to hold on any salary, which would not have been a big deal.

 

[Avs_19]

We don't need Seravalli to tell us the Coyotes are a minor league organization but I'm glad he took the time to put it out there. More media members should.

 

[The Kingslayer]

Naw. By that time they'll have Rossi, Wallstedt, and Prime Boldy in the fold. It'll hurt, yes, but I think they'll still be competitive, and I'm not about to bet against Judd Brackett finding some diamonds in the rough the next couple years.

I know people don't want to read this but they'll be in prime contention status right around the time the Avs' window slams shut. How long their particular window is open remains to be seen but once they have an actual 1-2 punch at center in Rossi and JEEK, they'll dominate the Central.

yah i think Minny will be a really good team soon but with no cups to show for it like Nashville.

 

[JoeSakic13]

Vegas vs. Dallas?

Who the heck am I supposed to cheer for here?!

Do I cheer for either of them?

 

[dahrougem2]

East wildcard race also coming down to the wire.

Penguins 90 points, 2 games left
Panthers 89 points, 3 games left
Islanders 89 points, 3 games left
Sabres 85 points, 4 games left

Panthers IMO have the most difficult schedule. Though they have won 5 in a row.

 

[Balthazar]

Panthers IMO have the most difficult schedule.

I disagree. Leafs and Canes have nothing to gain a this point and are starting to rest their guys. Caps are in 0 effort mode.

Easy schedule.

 

[John Mandalorian]

It seems like De Boer buys his suits in three packs at either Walmart or Target.

 

[dahrougem2]

I disagree. Leafs and Canes have nothing to gain a this point and are starting to rest their guys. Caps are in 0 effort mode.

Easy schedule.

Doesn't matter if they are resting some guys. Those teams' rosters are better than the horrible teams Pittsburgh/NYI will be playing.

Pittsburgh plays Chicago and Columbus.

 

[AvBuff]

Vegas vs. Dallas?

Who the heck am I supposed to cheer for here?!

Do I cheer for either of them?

View attachment 683928

You root for Vegas. Then later take an oatmeal bath to stop your skin from burning.

 

[Metallo]

Vegas vs. Dallas?

Who the heck am I supposed to cheer for here?!

Do I cheer for either of them?

View attachment 683928

I know what you mean but for the benefit of the Avs I'm rooting for VGK.