Around the League 2018-2019 Part 3

[GoldenBearHockey]

Man....I am absolutely shocked......completely stunned....that San Jose did not let a 29 year old top defenseman walk away for nothing.....I mean...honestly, don't they know how to GM and do it right? That was a no brainer letting a talent like that walk for nothing, I mean....he's WAY past his prime age years...those being 7-14, if you aren't paying attention to those here on the board, who absolutely know how to hockey and such.....

Just a travesty.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Completely agree with this post. The Red Wings won in an era where they could just go out in free agency during the off season and buy second and third liners for their team that were first and second liners on the other teams. Examples: Hull and Robitaille.

If they still looked like they were going to come up a bit short, well go out and trade a prospect for someone like Schneider. Back in those days when two teams like the Detroit and Colorado were willing to spend almost anything watching the NHL regular season and playoffs was about as exciting as today's NBA and MLB.

I don't think San Jose wins a cup with this roster, and because of that I think they should move on from Karlsson. Wilson on the other hand probably sees the sand in his hourglass running out, so he will be selfish and go for it with what I would judge to be around a 10% probability of success.

I feel like this is Wilson's last gasp, yeah. That's basically all I'm saying.

Any team would be lucky to have EK, and in a way he's a bridge between their youth and their vets, but they're about out of racetrack.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

At some point time will run out, but we also acted like the Sharks were broken after 2014. They weren't, but the Kings were. It's not about pumping up the Sharks, but they are still relevant though.

The Kings have played in 8 playoff games, have 1 playoff win, and 0 playoff wins at home, since 2014. In that same time, the Sharks have played 60 playoff games, 32 of them wins, and have been to the Final and conference final. If the Kings had half of that success, since 2014, Kopitar would be fine as a 31 year old $10m center. Nobody can or should take away what the Kings did, which was actually win the whole thing, but the Sharks are relevant today, the Kings are not. They're two different teams in 2019. The Kings should be going for it with so many old guys, but they can't. They would if they could. I wish they could. It's boring watching old guys who have actually won, do even less than the Sharks old guys, who can't get the job done.

That's fine, but if we're suddenly okay with "just making the playoffs" around here, then 2018 wasn't a failure, and we should be pushing for Blake to sign Panarin with the new cap space, cheering Jeff Carter returning to health, and imagining what we can get by trading our first rounder. But you and I both know what the last two years on this board have looked like and it's not the above.

There's a reason we're not doing that and instead of also applying that reason to the older Sharks they're suddenly getting applauded as a model of...something. People were saying "stop destroying our future" as soon as 2015 if you believe what's being said re: the Kings; but the Sharks are doing something right? It's bipolar.

 

[YP44]

big deal

 

[KINGS17]

That's fine, but if we're suddenly okay with "just making the playoffs" around here, then 2018 wasn't a failure, and we should be pushing for Blake to sign Panarin with the new cap space, cheering Jeff Carter returning to health, and imagining what we can get by trading our first rounder. But you and I both know what the last two years on this board have looked like and it's not the above.

There's a reason we're not doing that and instead of also applying that reason to the older Sharks they're suddenly getting applauded as a model of...something. People were saying "stop destroying our future" as soon as 2015 if you believe what's being said re: the Kings; but the Sharks are doing something right? It's bipolar.

These type of decisions can't be made in a vacuum. All of these older teams should look around the Western Conference and try to determine if making a particular move, or set of moves makes them competitive with up and coming teams like Colorado, or with established teams who appear to be getting better like Vegas. I know it's strange calling Vegas "established", but when I look at their roster and the ages of their top players (late 20's), it's what I see.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

These type of decisions can't be made in a vacuum. All of these older teams should look around the Western Conference and try to determine if making a particular move, or set of moves makes them competitive with up and coming teams like Colorado, or with established teams who appear to be getting better like Vegas. I know it's strange calling Vegas "established", but when I look at their roster and the ages of their top players (late 20's), it's what I see.

I agree, and that's the thing: I don't know how SJ possibly sees a window open. Look who they're competing with. Makes you wonder what they would have done if VGK hadn't imploded.

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

Man....I am absolutely shocked......completely stunned....that San Jose did not let a 29 year old top defenseman walk away for nothing.....I mean...honestly, don't they know how to GM and do it right? That was a no brainer letting a talent like that walk for nothing, I mean....he's WAY past his prime age years...those being 7-14, if you aren't paying attention to those here on the board, who absolutely know how to hockey and such.....

Just a travesty.

I appreciate you chiming in, now I'm even more positive this was a bad decision

 

[KingsFan7824]

That's fine, but if we're suddenly okay with "just making the playoffs" around here, then 2018 wasn't a failure, and we should be pushing for Blake to sign Panarin with the new cap space, cheering Jeff Carter returning to health, and imagining what we can get by trading our first rounder. But you and I both know what the last two years on this board have looked like and it's not the above.

There's a reason we're not doing that and instead of also applying that reason to the older Sharks they're suddenly getting applauded as a model of...something. People were saying "stop destroying our future" as soon as 2015 if you believe what's being said re: the Kings; but the Sharks are doing something right? It's bipolar.

The Sharks aren't just getting in though. They're actually winning some games, going a few rounds deep. Between 12 and 14, Sutter was always about just getting in. Doesn't matter where you finish, just get in. Then the trick in actually playing playoff level hockey once you get in.

I'm a guy that was ok with Lombardi bringing Richards back in 2014. I got his thinking on it. Keep as much of the team together as possible. I was pro-Lucic. The Kings were still close enough to winning that we didn't know how bad the rot was(who knows, the run in 2014 may have just papered over it). I was excited to see what adding Kovalchuk last summer could do. You never know. Just get in. I want nothing more than to have the Kings still selling their future. Nothing better than watching a team that could dig down deep and never say die. Richards in Game 5 against the Hawks in 2013, that was great, even if it was delaying the inevitable.

That's what the Sharks have been able to do. Even after the reverse sweep in 2014, and missing the playoffs in 2015, they came back to make the playoffs, and go on multiple deeper runs in the 4 years since. The Kings quit before training camp started in September, with multiple champions littering the roster. I'd actually be excited if they signed Panarin, but I have no idea what happened this year. If they could just win 1 home playoff game in 19-20, that would be a huge improvement.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I agree, and that's the thing: I don't know how SJ possibly sees a window open. Look who they're competing with. Makes you wonder what they would have done if VGK hadn't imploded.

Who ARE they competing with though, really? Every other single team in the Western Conference, is like San Jose, haven't won shit....Winnipeg? Nashville? Calgary? What have they done?

SJ sees a window open, because they went to the SCF last year, and were what, a win away going this year? As has been said, their window is now, and the next 2-3 years, then it will become too much etc....so you absolutely go for it....

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[KingsFan7824]

These type of decisions can't be made in a vacuum. All of these older teams should look around the Western Conference and try to determine if making a particular move, or set of moves makes them competitive with up and coming teams like Colorado, or with established teams who appear to be getting better like Vegas. I know it's strange calling Vegas "established", but when I look at their roster and the ages of their top players (late 20's), it's what I see.

The Sharks beat the Avs, and Vegas wasn't as good as they were the year before.

Vegas still has to pay Karlsson, with no cap space currently. Going to have to lose some depth up front and on the blueline. They also have a soon to be 35 year old goalie, who they gave a raise to, taking up $7m on the cap.

Colorado doesn't have a ton of depth up front, have to pay some of their own guys this summer, and seem to be running out of UFA options by the day before July 1st rolls around.

Why wouldn't the Sharks look at themselves as at least equals to those two?

 

[Steve Zissou]

This just made my day.

 

[KINGS17]

The Sharks aren't just getting in though. They're actually winning some games, going a few rounds deep. Between 12 and 14, Sutter was always about just getting in. Doesn't matter where you finish, just get in. Then the trick in actually playing playoff level hockey once you get in.

I'm a guy that was ok with Lombardi bringing Richards back in 2014. I got his thinking on it. Keep as much of the team together as possible. I was pro-Lucic. The Kings were still close enough to winning that we didn't know how bad the rot was(who knows, the run in 2014 may have just papered over it). I was excited to see what adding Kovalchuk last summer could do. You never know. Just get in. I want nothing more than to have the Kings still selling their future. Nothing better than watching a team that could dig down deep and never say die. Richards in Game 5 against the Hawks in 2013, that was great, even if it was delaying the inevitable.

That's what the Sharks have been able to do. Even after the reverse sweep in 2014, and missing the playoffs in 2015, they came back to make the playoffs, and go on multiple deeper runs in the 4 years since. The Kings quit before training camp started in September, with multiple champions littering the roster. I'd actually be excited if they signed Panarin, but I have no idea what happened this year. If they could just win 1 home playoff game in 19-20, that would be a huge improvement.

Why? Well, because as many remember the Kings were built for the playoffs. They finished just a few points out of 1st in the Pacific in 2012. After that they were comfortably in the playoffs in 2013 and 2014. Other teams above them in the standings were checking on where the Kings were going to finish below them hoping they could avoid the Kings in the first round. Is any team saying that about San Jose, because I haven't seen it.

I agree with the Kings quitting before the season ever started last year. It kind of shows Lombardi had the pulse of his young leadership core pegged correctly. They needed guys like Williams, Mitchell, Greene, and Stoll to show them the way, but sadly they didn't pick up the mantle.

 

[Scottkmlps]

This day just keeps getting better.

 

[Steve Zissou]

 

[tomd]

This day just keeps getting better.

Actually it's not a bad hire at all. Eakins got the Gulls into the 3rd round of the AHL playoffs and has worked with many of the young players he'll be coaching next year. He's a good hire for a young team which the Ducks will be.

 

[Steve Zissou]

EK after signing his new contract... this baby food tastes great!

 

[Scottkmlps]

Actually it's not a bad hire at all. Eakins got the Gulls into the 3rd round of the AHL playoffs and has worked with many of the young players he'll be coaching next year. He's a good hire for a young team which the Ducks will be.

Well he didn't fare so well with another young team in Edmonton, after being successful in the AHL. He's obviously a good minor league coach, but not good at all when it comes to coaching in the NHL. Maybe that's changed, we'll see.

 

[YP44]

Well he didn't fare so well with another young team in Edmonton, after being successful in the AHL. He's obviously a good minor league coach, but not good at all when it comes to coaching in the NHL. Maybe that's changed, we'll see.

To his credit he has owned alot of his mis steps in edmonton and seems to have grown from them. He is worth a shot

 

[kingsboy11]

Officially official now


11.5 for 8 years, full NMC. I understand the sharks opportunity to win is now, but that's a lot of years, a lot of money for a guy who can't stay healthy right now. Add in the fact its a full NMC throughout the entirety of the contract is worrisome. Even with Kopi and Drew's contract their NMC moves to a limited NTC the last 4 years of the deal. And even looking at the other big players on the Sharks its fully loaded with NTCs and NMCs. Couture, Kane and Burns each have a 3 team trade list. Vlasic has an NMC until 2023 and then goes to a 3 team trade list. Hell even Jones has a 3 team trade list. Pavelski is probably going to want something along those lines too.

I can respect the Sharks for really going all in now. They've been competitive for the last decade now and this time probably now more than ever that they have to win.

 

[tomd]

Well he didn't fare so well with another young team in Edmonton, after being successful in the AHL. He's obviously a good minor league coach, but not good at all when it comes to coaching in the NHL. Maybe that's changed, we'll see.

In fairness, no one has had success in Edmonton including TM. Might be the culture up there more than anything else

 

[YP44]

In fairness, no one has had success in Edmonton including TM. Might be the culture up there more than anything else

This. If Eakins succeeds it will further hit home how awful Edmonton is/was.

 

[Little Psycho]

Monday off to a great start

 

[Steve Zissou]

I'm sorry but you can't convince me that Dallas Eakins is anything other than a tool.

 

[BigKing]

The Kings got swept while scoring three total goals and everyone wanted to add to the roster for last season.

San Jose, while aided by some questionable calls, were two wins away from a 2nd SCF in four seasons while their team fell apart at the end with injuries.

They've already made their bed with all the long-term contracts they have on the books. The guys have various types of NMCs so it isn't like they can just sell them. They also already sold the future 1st round picks. They HAVE to go for it at this point. It will suck in the long term eventually but win-now mode means it is about now and not later.

Difference with the Kings is that they haven't done shit for five seasons and they are only married to 11 and 8 long-term. It's also easier to take a step back and regroup when your fanbase was given two Cups and the attempt was consistently made to get more of them for the years that followed. It didn't work in spectacular fashion and Bluc has come to the point where they don't believe in these guys to win a Cup without a lot of help: a lot more than one big-name FA signing. I believe they feel 11/8 can contribute to another Cup but it is going to take hitting on prospects and then having the assets to be able to trade for established help once it comes available.