I dont think that's true actually. In must win games against Vegas. Zelly got back into the lineup over Hinds. I think Hinds was put in because they felt they needed the size and a defensive D man as we had a bit too much offense oriented D men. Lacombe, Carlson, Zellwiger. Losing Carlson and not replacing him with a similar type of player leaves opportunity for Zellwiger. Imo.
The NHL is in denial that the tax ramifications are a real benefit to some teams. Id really love to see a weighted overage added to the cap calculations that allows teams to spend above the cap in respect to their state income tax. Put everyone on the same same sheet of ice as it were. Still doesnt help with players fixing trades because they take a 10-15% pay cut because of the jersey they wear.
They're not too old outright, they are too old to be giving up serious blue chops for.
Taxes absolutely matter in the NHL.
And when we needed wins against Vegas or our season would end he went with Zelly. I think Q has a specific way he likes to run is 6 and he favors having 2 guys who focus on offense and the other 4 play D. You need 4 PK d men. You really only need 2 PP d men.
So… Helleson has been on the top pairing, we have a 1st next year, and Kreider is a player.
I know which nakes Zelly the obvious guy cut cut if you want to have a guy whonis more focused on D. He did the dame thing to McTavish. I dont anyone here really thinks Johnston and Harkins are better players than McTavish and yet he was scratched. I dont think it means Q doesnt like the player(s). I think it means he has specific wants out if each roster spot.
My overall view point is Anaheims contending window and to a lesser extent asset management. I think I'd be fine throwing a bag at Raddysh for instance than burning the mctavish piece on dmen with over 10 years of miles on them
Raddysh is just one example other guys are available our forward depth begins to dissipate quickly if anaheim goes down that road
Are there any teams that can actually offer a deal we wouldn't match? I imagine anything for any term would be a 4 firsts type of deal. Then they have to be able to fit the cap themselves. Im more worried about minty and Zelly as they are in more danger of a slight overpay that would put them out of our range. Similar to what happened to Edm. Given the need to pay leo and cutter and trouba(or replace them) both minty and Zell are looking at bridge deals at best.
For sure. But PV has a track record of not overpaying older guys, especially with term, so I appreciate him laying it on the line. Now he can focus on guys who will be here and possible deals to fill some holes. I think it was a good move on his part to say thanks, but no thanks, good luck in UFA.
