Speculation: Let's play a game called, "You Rebuild the Panthers"

[CoolburnIsGone]

Since we have several days off before we play again, let's play a game where you get to do what you want (within a set of rules) to change the fortunes of the Panthers. Fire Dineen or keep him...your choice. Trade Versteeg or keep him for now. Get rid of Yormark or sign him to a 20 yr contract, your choice That said, there are a few rules:

1. Decide which 5 players in the entire organization (meaning, including prospects) will be "untouchable" and you plan to build around. But no more than 3 can be of the same position type (all 3 forward positions count the same so you can have 3 C's or 2 C's & 1 LW, 2 LW's & 1 C, etc)

2. You must keep at least 2 bad contracts because teams wont trade for them and you cant use buyouts on all of these guys. Injured players cannot count towards this minimum (aka Jovo can't be one)

3. Create a trade block with at least 7 players in the organization (also includes prospects). These players dont HAVE to be traded but just players you're willing to move with the idea that it is to improve the club

4. You can't call up more than 2 players from the farm to replace existing players

5. You need to make at least 2 changes to the staff which can include coaching changes, general manager changes, or executive staff changes. However, only 1 can be a coaching staff change (for example, you can fire Dineen but you have to keep the rest of the coaching staff). If done immediately, name a person to take over in the org in the interim and/or replacement for this season

6. You can select 3 potential UFAs as guys you're going to sign in the offseason. But only 1 can have a current salary over $5M/yr. Specify length and amount (including any bonuses)

7. You must always be cap compliant (meaning above the floor and below the ceiling). And you have to stick to the 50 contract maximum (we are currently at 48 to help everyone out)

8. You can trade for 1 player but it can't be unrealistic (aka you can't trade for Crosby or Ovechkin) and it has to be fair value

9. Assume the cap goes up to $67.5M, create your lineup including salaries & signing bonuses. You can only bury 1 player in the minors too. To help, this link will make it easier to figure this out: http://www.capgeek.com/panthers/cap-calculator/

10. Decide on what type of style of forecheck your team will employ. Typical ones are:
2-1-2 (using physicality and speed to create turnovers)
1-2-2 (using one-man pressure to disrupt the break-out)
3-2 (create a wall at the blue line to force a turnover)

Also try to summarize everything and defend your decisions to avoid a lot of extra & unnecessary criticism right away. If you violate the rules, you're automatically fired and your decisions cause the team to be relocated to Quebec. Let's see who has what it takes to make the right moves to save this sinking ship.

 

[gudzilla]

1. Barkov, Huberdeau, Bjugstad, Gudbranson and Markström

2. Campbell and Kopecky

3. Versteeg, Gilbert, Petrovic, Boyes, Kulikov, Robak, Shore

4. Trocheck, Petrovic

5. Fire the defensive coach and let McCabe step in as an interim (he's still in the organization, isn't he?) and the physiotherapists (does these count?)

6. Moulson, 4.3M, 3 years. Niskanen, 4 years, 2.7m. Steen, 5m, 5 years.

8. Kulikov, Versteeg and Matthias, 2rd round pick 2015 for Pavelski

9. bury upshall. im sure its within cap

10. i'd like a 2-1- since this is a fast team with some punishing players

 

[MintyFresh88]

1. Barkov, Huberdeau, Bjugstad, Gudbranson and Markström

2. Campbell and Kopecky

3. Versteeg, Gilbert, Petrovic, Boyes, Kulikov, Robak, Shore

4. Trocheck, Petrovic

5. Fire the defensive coach and let McCabe step in as an interim (he's still in the organization, isn't he?) and the physiotherapists (does these count?)

6. Moulson, 4.3M, 3 years. Niskanen, 4 years, 2.7m. Steen, 5m, 5 years.

8. Kulikov, Versteeg and Matthias, 2rd round pick 2015 for Pavelski

9. bury upshall. im sure its within cap

10. i'd like a 2-1- since this is a fast team with some punishing players

I like Pavelski a lot but that's quite a bit for him...I think Kulikov, pick and one of Matthias/Versteeg should be enough. Not many players in the league warrant getting 4 assets in return.

 

[gudzilla]

I like Pavelski a lot but that's quite a bit for him...I think Kulikov, pick and one of Matthias/Versteeg should be enough. Not many players in the league warrant getting 4 assets in return.

yeah, but they got no reason to move him. they take on a viable top6 player in steeger, strenghtens their 4th line with matthias

you could eventually add something on the sjs side

 

[mbitonti]

1. Huby, Barkov, Bjugstad, Guds, Markstrom

2. Campbell and Flash

3. Robak, Versteeg, Kulikov, Goc, Boyes, Gilbert, Shore

4. Petrovic/Shore

5. Fire head of scouting and defensive coach

6. Dan Girardi 4.5 mil/6 yrs, Matt Moulson 5 mil/5 yrs, Ron Hainsey 3 mil/4 yrs

8. Versteeg to Carolina for Ruutu

9. Buy out Upshall

Line up in 2-3 years assuming this happened

Moulson Barkov Huby
Flash Bjugstad Trocheck
Ruutu Shore Bergenheim
Howden Matthias Winchester

Girardi Guds
Kulikov Petrovic
Campbell Hainsey

Marky
Bryzgalov (jk)

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

I like Pavelski a lot but that's quite a bit for him...I think Kulikov, pick and one of Matthias/Versteeg should be enough. Not many players in the league warrant getting 4 assets in return.

Also keep in mind that SJ has 3 top players who will be UFAs this summer (Thornton, Marleau, Boyle). Its been rumored & suggested that they'll re-sign Thornton & Boyle but not be able to re-sign Marleau. If they lose Marleau as expected, they probably would like to keep Pavelski so the trade value would have to be considerable.

yeah, but they got no reason to move him. they take on a viable top6 player in steeger, strenghtens their 4th line with matthias

you could eventually add something on the sjs side

Unfortunately for you the trade isnt realistic because of all the salary going to SJ (Versteeg's $4.4M + Kulikov's $2.5M + Matthias' $1.75M is way more than Pavelski's $2.875M this yr) would exceed their cap significantly. You can try to re-work it but Versteeg has negative value so you would have to increase the value to SJ even more than just a 2nd rounder in a future yr. Even just removing Steeger would require you to either absorb salary or take on a bad contract, which they dont really have many of. You cant include Burish or Torres since they're on LTIR in terms of a bad contract.


Also on your question about "physiotherapists", thats basically the strength & conditioning coach that you're talking about. So no you cant do him and the defensive coach (aka Gord Murphy) because they are both part of the coaching staff.

 

[gudzilla]

Also keep in mind that SJ has 3 top players who will be UFAs this summer (Thornton, Marleau, Boyle). Its been rumored & suggested that they'll re-sign Thornton & Boyle but not be able to re-sign Marleau. If they lose Marleau as expected, they probably would like to keep Pavelski so the trade value would have to be considerable.
Unfortunately for you the trade isnt realistic because of all the salary going to SJ (Versteeg's $4.4M + Kulikov's $2.5M + Matthias' $1.75M is way more than Pavelski's $2.875M this yr) would exceed their cap significantly. You can try to re-work it but Versteeg has negative value so you would have to increase the value to SJ even more than just a 2nd rounder in a future yr. Even just removing Steeger would require you to either absorb salary or take on a bad contract, which they dont really have many of. You cant include Burish or Torres since they're on LTIR in terms of a bad contract.


Also on your question about "physiotherapists", thats basically the strength & conditioning coach that you're talking about. So no you cant do him and the defensive coach (aka Gord Murphy) because they are both part of the coaching staff.

hmm, i dont feel like firing anyone else then. goldfart? hehe

what if we remove versteeg from the discussion, adds/keep the pick there, so it's kulikov+high pick

i didnt want to target the high quality UFA:s who'll remain for sure. well, most of ones i picked might do it anyway lol.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

1. Huberdeau, Barkov, Trocheck, Gudbranson, Petrovic

2. Kopecky and Campbell

3. Versteeg, Boyes, Robak, Upshall, Shore, Kulikov, Markstrom

4. Trocheck, Petrovic

5. Goalie and Defense coaches. Maybe bring Beezer in as a new goalie coach.

6. Markov (3yr @ $5.5 per), Halak (4yr @ 4.5 per, Vrbata (3yr @ $3.5 per)

7. I'm assuming you mean re-sign phase with our UFA/RFA's?

Re-sign: Goc, Winchester, Barch, Weaver, Guds, Gomez and Kuli if not traded.

Let go: Boyes, Gilbert, Whitney, Clemmensen, Thomas and Gilroy.

8. Versteeg, Kulikov and 2015 2nd rounder for Wideman (doubtful Calgary gets rid of him though as he's their most veteran d-man. Just think that guy plays a good all around game)

9. Buy out Upshall.

10. Offensive = 2-2-1 (aggressive and physical forecheck with puck side attack)
Defensive = 2-1-2 (x formation defense and have the 1-2 force opposition decision/play at our blue line, no collapsing into our zone anymore)

2014-15 Lines with all these changes:

Vrbata - Barkov - Huberdeau
Flash - Bjugstad - Bergenheim/Trocheck
Matthias - Goc - Trocheck/Bergy
Winchester/Howden - Gomez - Kopecky

Markov - Wideman (if Kulikov trade worked)
Soupy - Gudbranson
Jovo/Petrovic - Weaver

Halak
Markstrom

 

[luby3131]

1. Huberdeau, Barkov, Gudbranson, Markstrom, and our 2014 1st round pick (lets say it's Aaron Ekblad)

2. I'll hang on to Campbell and Upshall

3. Kulikov, Fleischmann, Goc, Matthias, Kopecky, Versteeg, Thomas

4. I'd bring up Petrovic and Shore

5. After the season, I clean house and fire both Dineen and Tallon. I replace them with Willie Desjardins as head coach, and Julien BriseBois as GM (although Pierre McGuire and Paul Fenton got consideration)

6. Sign Jonas Hiller to 3 year/9.6 mil deal (3.2 per), Alexander Steen to 4 year/18 mil deal (4.5 per), and Dan Girardi to a 5 year/30 mil deal (6 per).

7. I'd definitely be under 50 contracts

8. I would trade Kulikov, Matthias, Howden, and our 2014 2nd round pick to Edmonton for Nail Yakupov, Martin Marincin, and a 2014 4th round pick

9. According to Cap Geek, if I sign Michael Matheson to the same contract as Jacob Trouba and sign my first round pick Aaron Ekblad to the same contract as Seth Jones, my payroll is 61,453,709
My roster http://www.capgeek.com/cap-calculator/roster-text.php

10. I prefer a 2-1-2, but I'll leave it up to coach Desjardins.

Assuming I'm unable to get a deal I like for Versteeg or Upshall, I'm rolling out this very young line up next season:

Huberdeau - Barkov - Yakupov
Steen - Bjugstad - Versteeg
Bergenheim - Trocheck - Shaw
Upshall- Shore - Kopecky

Campbell - Girardi
Ekblad - Gudbranson
Matheson - Petrovic

Hiller
Markstrom

This team would struggle on paper, but it would be very exciting.

**Completely forgot I added Marincin. I would most likely have him in the lineup over Matheson.

 

[RogerRoger]

1. Barkov, Huberdeau, Bjugstad, Matheson and Markstrom

2. Campbell and Kopecky

3. Versteeg, Gilbert, Whitney, Thomas, Matthias, Goc, Gomez, Boyes, Kulikov, Robak, Shore, Robak, Barch.

4. Trocheck, Petrovic

5. Fire the goalie coach and get Jeff Hackett or Manny Fernandez. Fire who ever is in charge of merchandising and the multimedia strategist, both are terrible.

6. Moulson, 5M, 4 years (paying more to attract him but I think we will end up with Heatley). Gustavsson, 3 years, 2.3m (I don,t think the Panthers can get Halak or Miller). Emelin 3 years 3.2M (with bonuses for game played).

8. Gudbranson + Versteeg + 2nd for Yakupov + Gernat. (Also trade Goc for Booth and a 3rd or a fourth, the Nucks will like the cap space)

9. Send Upshall down and call him when injuries happen.

10. 1-1-3

The lineup for next year, since it includes the UFA acquisition.

Moulson - Barkov - Huberdeau
Flash - Bjugstad - Yakupov
Matthias - Trocheck - Bergenheim
Booth - Kopecky - Winchester/Upshall (most expensive 4th line in the game)

Soupy - Emelin
Matheson - Weaver
Petrovic/Jovo - Kulikov

Gustavsson
Markstrom

 

[ProjectPanthers]

1) Huberdeau (LW), Barkov (C), Bjugstad (C), Gudbranson (D), Weaver (D)

2) Campbell (D, $7.1 Million), Kopecky (RW, $3 Million)

3) Versteeg (RW, $4.4 Million), Gomez (C, $900K), Matthias (C, $1.75 Million), Upshall (LW, $3.5 Million), Ed Jovanovski (D, $4.125 Million), Jacob Markstrom (G, $1.2 Million), Tom Gilbert (D, $900K)

4) Shore (900K), Petrovic ($795)

5) Fire Kevin Dineen and let Craig Ramsay finish out the season. Throw money at Larry Robinson and pry him away from San Jose and make him head coach in the off-season. Fire some of the scouts too.

6) Brooks Orpik for 4 years $18 million (D, $4.5 Million), Matt Moulson 6 years $30 Million (LW, $5 Million), Paul Stastny 5 years $27.5 Million (C, $5.5 Million)

8) Florida Panthers trade Jacob Markstrom, Shawn Matthias, Dmitry Kulikov, Quinton Howden and a 2015 1st Round Draft Pick to the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan Miller, Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford.

9)

Matt Moulson ($5M) - Paul Stastny ($5.5M) - Tomas Fleischmann ($4.5M)
Jonathan Huberdeau ($2.3M) - Aleksander Barkov ($2.75M) - Drew Stafford ($4M)
Sean Bergenheim ($2.75M) - Nick Bjugstad ($1.1M) - Tomas Kopecky ($3M)
Krys Barch ($750K) - Drew Shore ($900K) - Jesse Winchester ($600K)

Brian Campbell ($7.1 M) - Erik Gudbranson - ($2M-RFA estimation)
Brooks Orpik ($4.5M) - Tyler Myers ($5.5M)
Alex Petrovic ($795K) - Mike Weaver ($1.5M-UFA estimation)

Ryan Miller ($6.5M-Re-sign estimation)
Scott Clemmensen ($1M)​

10) 2-1-2 Offence. With this lineup we have speed and skill to bear you to the corners, and just enough grit to fight for it and come out with the puck. Each line has the ability to score and each line can throw a few hits.

Summary:

1st Line: Matt Moulson is on the bigger side of scoring left wingers with a nose for the net. Stastny is a proven playmaker in this league and Flash is Flash. This line has just a bit of grit but a ton of skill.

2nd Line: What could actually be our 1st line, Huberdeau and Barkov can handle the puck like wizards, both are incredible passers with the ability to finish. Drew Stafford is a goal scorer. He's another bigger guy with a nose for the net and some actual offensive ability.

3rd Line: Bjugstad has proven already this season that he can play in the NHL. With a full season under his belt, the 3rd line center spot is his. Bergy adds speed and grit and Kopy is a solid two-way guy with grit and some peskiness that we all love.

4th Line: Tons of energy and grit from these guys. Winchester has been a great addition, Shore can handle faceoffs and plays a solid two-way game as well, and Barch is Barch but his position can be swapped for other players from the A.

Defense: With the signing of Orpik and the acquisition of Myers we get a lot bigger very quickly. We get the size and the toughness (Orpik specifically) that we have craved from our defense for so long. We may not get the most offence from the backend with guys like Weaver, Petrovic and Orpik but we the effectiveness of that defence would be scary.

This lineup puts us at $62.04 Million dollars, not including AHL contracts and buyouts. With buyouts its it $63.54 (Only Kuba's buyout remains at $1.5M which drops off after next year). Assuming the cap goes up to $67.5 Million next year, it still leaves us a cushion of just under $5 Million which is more than enough to play around and do something. It also gives us the ability to re-sign Huberdeau the following off-season to a larger contract which he will most likely earn, and the flexibility of other contracts falling off in the future (Flash, etc) to re-sign Barkov and Juggernaut.

My reasoning for the massive trade with Buffalo is that it works for both teams. everyone knows Ryan Miller wants out. Tyler Myers has an albatross of a contract and he has struggled in the past few seasons, and Drew Stafford, although still pretty young at 27, has a contract that is expiring after next season. The reasons I think Buffalo would bite is because A) You're getting rid of Miller and replacing him with a young Swedish goaltender who can backup Enroth and work his way into a 1A/1B situation which is something a lot of teams in the NHL use nowadays, B) They're getting a capable 3rd line center in Matthias still with a bit of a chance in breaking out and Howden. Both are quick players that can contribute on the 3rd line, and of course Kulikov, who is a great replacement for Myers on their backend, and C) trading Stafford who's contract will be up next season and questions of re-signing him will be in the air considering the Sabres will most likely still be rebuilding. Getting a 1st round pick in a trade for him would help the Sabres in the long run. I know trading a 1st rounder is risky, but I think it would be the final piece to complete this deal with the rebuilding Sabres.

I know some of you may criticize me for getting rid of Markstrom, but you have to give to get. Ryan Miller is the real deal and he is still just at that age where he can win with a team for another 4-5 years. With these moves and and signings, we not only have cap flexibility, but what essentially boils down to is 2 first lines and a great 3rd line. We start scoring a ton more goals immediately.
Versteeg is traded to whoever for whatever round pick. If not, we have enough cap space to buy his final two seasons out with Kuba's falling off.

Regarding Larry Robinson, I think this is a big turning point season for San Jose. Big Joe is an UFA and if they go on a big cup run, Robinson may be looking to be a Head Coach again in the NHL. If this deal with Buffalo goes through during the season or right after the playoffs, it would be a lot easier to convince Robinson about what we are doing and where the team is headed. He's won 1 of 2 Stanley Cup appearances as a head coach and his playing career speaks for itself. He was a big bruising defenseman with an offensive tough, which would do wonders for mentoring guys like Guds and Myers.

We have speed and skill along with just enough grit to get down low and fight for the puck with this lineup.

P.S - I know I "technically" broke a rule about the 1 player but I don't see how that is fair. I understand the 1 trade rule, but trade for 1 player? If that's the case than ignore all this and also I'm sorry for the wall of text, but I have thought about this long and hard for quite some time, so I felt I had to put the proper amount of work to justify how long I've been going crazy with this team for

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

P.S - I know I "technically" broke a rule about the 1 player but I don't see how that is fair. I understand the 1 trade rule, but trade for 1 player? If that's the case than ignore all this and also I'm sorry for the wall of text, but I have thought about this long and hard for quite some time, so I felt I had to put the proper amount of work to justify how long I've been going crazy with this team for

Well I made that rule because its EXTREMELY uncommon that NHL GMs both trade multiple players in one deal. It does happen but its very, very rare. More often than not, its one GM offering up a package deal for 1 player (with some maybe other minor assets possibly).

Buffalo could get more by trading all 3 in separate deals. If you want Miller (which is a solid idea), break it down to just that as your trade. I think its hard to figure out his value TBH because of his impending UFA status, salary, his age and goalies usually dont go for a ton of high value assets (unless they're younger).

And yes I knew there were several people who have been thinking about this for a while now. So no problem with your wall of text at all...I think it was a good read. Also I wanted to show just how difficult it is to figure out all of these moving pieces to actually create a team that you want on the ice. I'll do my own later today or tomorrow.

 

[Android 16]

I would simply stay the course. Keep anyone under 25 unless they're a complete burden to the team and trade the those over 25 who do not perform to their capabilities on a nightly basis. I wouldn't go after any big fish in free agency unless they meet these qualifications: the player has scored 30 goals / over 65 points at least once, has been an all-star at least once, he is under the age of 30 at the time of contract negotiations and he is a positive veteran presence for our young core. I wouldn't rush any prospects to the NHL until they are physically and mentality ready. After drafting at the top of the class in 2014, simply repeat the whole process in the summer of 2014. Then, do everything in my power to acquire the 1st overall pick in the 2015 McDavid sweepstakes.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

I wouldn't go after any big fish in free agency unless they meet these qualifications: the player has scored 30 goals / over 65 points at least once, has been an all-star at least once, he is under the age of 30 at the time of contract negotiations and he is a positive veteran presence for our young core.

Wow, thats a pretty tight restriction. In fact, just 2 players adhere to that: Paul Stastny and Devin Setoguchi. Both have struggled to maintain that level of performance since early in their career as well. And I thought my rules were almost too strict

 

[Haj]

Since we have several days off before we play again, let's play a game where you get to do what you want (within a set of rules) to change the fortunes of the Panthers. Fire Dineen or keep him...your choice. Trade Versteeg or keep him for now. Get rid of Yormark or sign him to a 20 yr contract, your choice That said, there are a few rules:

1. Decide which 5 players in the entire organization (meaning, including prospects) will be "untouchable" and you plan to build around. But no more than 3 can be of the same position type (all 3 forward positions count the same so you can have 3 C's or 2 C's & 1 LW, 2 LW's & 1 C, etc)

I choose Huberdeau, Barkov, Bjugstad, Gudbranson, and Markstrom as my untouchables.

2. You must keep at least 2 bad contracts because teams wont trade for them and you cant use buyouts on all of these guys. Injured players cannot count towards this minimum (aka Jovo can't be one)

I'm choosing Campbell and Upshall for my bad contracts. I consider Campbell's contract bad because he is being paid 7.25 million a year, but he can't handle 1st pairing responsibility due to his age. But he can still be valuable as a 2nd pairing defenseman and power play specialist. I am keeping Upshall over Versteeg because he at least has some grit to his game.

I am buying out Kris Versteeg's contract at the end of the year. I consider him untradeable at his current style of play and salary. This gives mye a 4.4 million dollar cap hit for 2014 and 2015.

I could assume that Jovanovski retires at the end of this season to make my life easy, but I will not. I am buying Jovanovski at the end of the season as well. This gives me a cap hit of 4.125 million for 2014.

This leaves me with 58.95 million dollars of cap space for 2014.

I'm going to assume that Kuba and Bradley's buyout cap hits do not apply to 2014.

Furthermore, I will not be resigning the following players at the end of the season(if they are not traded) : Tim Thomas, Scott Clemensin,Scott Gomez, Brad Boyes, Tom Gilbert, Ryan Whitney, Krystoffer Barch, Matt Gilroy.

This leaves me with 42,292,504 million taken up in payroll during the offseason, with the Jovanovki and Versteeg buyouts factored in. This gives me 25.2 million dollars to spend in the offseason. After buyouts and releasing players I now have 13 Forwards, 4 Defensemen, and 1 Goaltender on the pro team.

3. Create a trade block with at least 7 players in the organization (also includes prospects). These players dont HAVE to be traded but just players you're willing to move with the idea that it is to improve the club

My trade block includes Sean Bergenheim, Tomas Kopecky, Drew Shore, Rocco Grimaldi, Marcel Goc, Mike Weaver, and Brad Boyes.

Shore and Grimaldi are good prospects, but each has questions. I would prefer not to trade them, but they are the prospects I will trade if the right deal comes up. For example, it might be worth it to trade Drew Shore if it get's Versteegs contract off the books which frees up 4.4 million dollars of cap space next season.

Sean Bergenheim, Kopecky, and Goc are good role players for contending teams. Playoff team's would be willing to trade for them as they could be the difference in winning a cup. Same situation with Boyes, except he can bring depth scoring but would have to play sheltered minutes. I would prefer not to trade Weaver, but he can get good value because he is an effective player on a cheap contract.

4. You can't call up more than 2 players from the farm to replace existing players

I promote Drew Shore and Vincent Trocheck. Petrovic needs another year of development in the AHL.

5. You need to make at least 2 changes to the staff which can include coaching changes, general manager changes, or executive staff changes. However, only 1 can be a coaching staff change (for example, you can fire Dineen but you have to keep the rest of the coaching staff). If done immediately, name a person to take over in the org in the interim and/or replacement for this season

I keep Dale Tallon and Kevin Dineen. I want to maintain continuity instead of setting this team back two more years. I fire Michael Yormark and give myself his position.

6. You can select 3 potential UFAs as guys you're going to sign in the offseason. But only 1 can have a current salary over $5M/yr. Specify length and amount (including any bonuses)

I sign Brian Elliot to a 3 year 3 million dollar per year deal.
I sign Clayton Stoner to a 2 year 900,000 dollar per year deal.
I sign Steve Downie to a 2 year 3 million dollar deal.

7. You must always be cap compliant (meaning above the floor and below the ceiling). And you have to stick to the 50 contract maximum (we are currently at 48 to help everyone out)

My roster is approximately 50 million dollars per year. I have 17.5 million dollars of free cap space for future trades / re signing players.

8. You can trade for 1 player but it can't be unrealistic (aka you can't trade for Crosby or Ovechkin) and it has to be fair value

I trade Brad Boyes to BOS at the trade deadline for Matt Bartowski.

9. Assume the cap goes up to $67.5M, create your lineup including salaries & signing bonuses. You can only bury 1 player in the minors too. To help, this link will make it easier to figure this out: http://www.capgeek.com/panthers/cap-calculator/

Players currently on team:
Centers: Barkov, Bjugstad, Goc, Shore
Left Wing: Bergenheim, Fleischmen, Kopecky, Winchester
Right Wing: Upshall, Huberdeau, Mathias, Trocheck, Steve Downie
Defense: Gudbranson, Campbell, Kulkov, Weaver, Bartowski, Stoner
Goaltender: Jacob Markstrom, Brian Elliot

10. Decide on what type of style of forecheck your team will employ. Typical ones are:
2-1-2 (using physicality and speed to create turnovers)
1-2-2 (using one-man pressure to disrupt the break-out)
3-2 (create a wall at the blue line to force a turnover)

I imagine the lineup will wind up like this:
Forward Lines
Fleischman-Bjugstad-Huberdeau
Trocheck-Barkov-Downie
Kopecky-Goc-Bergenhiem
Winchester-Mathias-Shore

Defensemen
Gudbranson-Campbell
Kulikov-Weaver
Bartowski-Stoner

Goaltenders: Brian Elliot, Jacob Markstrom

The bottom two lines of this team are set up to play the 2-1-2. The 2nd line should play a 1-2-2 because either Trocheck or Downie are fast enough to pressure the break out. As for the first line, I see Huberdeau and Fleischman setting up Bjugstad for shots, or they are passing back to the point while Bjugstad crashes the net.

Defense pairings are pretty standard. I’m still relying on Campbell to play big minutes, even though I don’t think he really can anymore. Hopefully, Bartowski and Stoner can play a bit more than the standard 3rd pairing to take some pressure of Campbell. Id eally, I would like to see Kulikov take over Campbell’s spot, but he is not assertive enough. However, he is a good 2nd pairing puck mover, who I have paired with Weaver.

I see the goaltending as 1A, 1B situation, with Elliot being the preferred starter in net. This gives Markstrom sheltered time against bad teams so he can continue to gain experience and work on his game.

Also try to summarize everything and defend your decisions to avoid a lot of extra & unnecessary criticism right away. If you violate the rules, you're automatically fired and your decisions cause the team to be relocated to Quebec. Let's see who has what it takes to make the right moves to save this sinking ship.

I tried to make this as difficult on myself as possible with buying out both Versteeg and Jovanovski. I assumed that I would only be able to make “tinker” level trades and UFA signings. I’ve attempted to create a competitive team that is difficult to play against while also creating room for prospects to gain experience at the NHL level. I would like to have more grit on the first line and more high level scoring ability, but I assumed that I wouldn't be able to sign Marian Gaborik/Matt Moulson in free agency. However, I did create a team that is strong on the puck, has speed, and can win battles in the corners and along the boards.

In order to make up for my team's scoring deficiency I would like to hire an awesome special teams coach, but I don't know who that would be.

 

[Dread Clawz]

1) Huberdeau (LW), Barkov (C), Bjugstad (C), Gudbranson (D), Weaver (D)

2) Campbell (D, $7.1 Million), Kopecky (RW, $3 Million)

3) Versteeg (RW, $4.4 Million), Gomez (C, $900K), Matthias (C, $1.75 Million), Upshall (LW, $3.5 Million), Ed Jovanovski (D, $4.125 Million), Jacob Markstrom (G, $1.2 Million), Tom Gilbert (D, $900K)

4) Shore (900K), Petrovic ($795)

5) Fire Kevin Dineen and let Craig Ramsay finish out the season. Throw money at Larry Robinson and pry him away from San Jose and make him head coach in the off-season. Fire some of the scouts too.

6) Brooks Orpik for 4 years $18 million (D, $4.5 Million), Matt Moulson 6 years $30 Million (LW, $5 Million), Paul Stastny 5 years $27.5 Million (C, $5.5 Million)

8) Florida Panthers trade Jacob Markstrom, Shawn Matthias, Dmitry Kulikov, Quinton Howden and a 2015 1st Round Draft Pick to the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan Miller, Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford.

9)

Matt Moulson ($5M) - Paul Stastny ($5.5M) - Tomas Fleischmann ($4.5M)
Jonathan Huberdeau ($2.3M) - Aleksander Barkov ($2.75M) - Drew Stafford ($4M)
Sean Bergenheim ($2.75M) - Nick Bjugstad ($1.1M) - Tomas Kopecky ($3M)
Krys Barch ($750K) - Drew Shore ($900K) - Jesse Winchester ($600K)

Brian Campbell ($7.1 M) - Erik Gudbranson - ($2M-RFA estimation)
Brooks Orpik ($4.5M) - Tyler Myers ($5.5M)
Alex Petrovic ($795K) - Mike Weaver ($1.5M-UFA estimation)

Ryan Miller ($6.5M-Re-sign estimation)
Scott Clemmensen ($1M)​

10) 2-1-2 Offence. With this lineup we have speed and skill to bear you to the corners, and just enough grit to fight for it and come out with the puck. Each line has the ability to score and each line can throw a few hits.

Summary:

1st Line: Matt Moulson is on the bigger side of scoring left wingers with a nose for the net. Stastny is a proven playmaker in this league and Flash is Flash. This line has just a bit of grit but a ton of skill.

2nd Line: What could actually be our 1st line, Huberdeau and Barkov can handle the puck like wizards, both are incredible passers with the ability to finish. Drew Stafford is a goal scorer. He's another bigger guy with a nose for the net and some actual offensive ability.

3rd Line: Bjugstad has proven already this season that he can play in the NHL. With a full season under his belt, the 3rd line center spot is his. Bergy adds speed and grit and Kopy is a solid two-way guy with grit and some peskiness that we all love.

4th Line: Tons of energy and grit from these guys. Winchester has been a great addition, Shore can handle faceoffs and plays a solid two-way game as well, and Barch is Barch but his position can be swapped for other players from the A.

Defense: With the signing of Orpik and the acquisition of Myers we get a lot bigger very quickly. We get the size and the toughness (Orpik specifically) that we have craved from our defense for so long. We may not get the most offence from the backend with guys like Weaver, Petrovic and Orpik but we the effectiveness of that defence would be scary.

This lineup puts us at $62.04 Million dollars, not including AHL contracts and buyouts. With buyouts its it $63.54 (Only Kuba's buyout remains at $1.5M which drops off after next year). Assuming the cap goes up to $67.5 Million next year, it still leaves us a cushion of just under $5 Million which is more than enough to play around and do something. It also gives us the ability to re-sign Huberdeau the following off-season to a larger contract which he will most likely earn, and the flexibility of other contracts falling off in the future (Flash, etc) to re-sign Barkov and Juggernaut.

My reasoning for the massive trade with Buffalo is that it works for both teams. everyone knows Ryan Miller wants out. Tyler Myers has an albatross of a contract and he has struggled in the past few seasons, and Drew Stafford, although still pretty young at 27, has a contract that is expiring after next season. The reasons I think Buffalo would bite is because A) You're getting rid of Miller and replacing him with a young Swedish goaltender who can backup Enroth and work his way into a 1A/1B situation which is something a lot of teams in the NHL use nowadays, B) They're getting a capable 3rd line center in Matthias still with a bit of a chance in breaking out and Howden. Both are quick players that can contribute on the 3rd line, and of course Kulikov, who is a great replacement for Myers on their backend, and C) trading Stafford who's contract will be up next season and questions of re-signing him will be in the air considering the Sabres will most likely still be rebuilding. Getting a 1st round pick in a trade for him would help the Sabres in the long run. I know trading a 1st rounder is risky, but I think it would be the final piece to complete this deal with the rebuilding Sabres.

I know some of you may criticize me for getting rid of Markstrom, but you have to give to get. Ryan Miller is the real deal and he is still just at that age where he can win with a team for another 4-5 years. With these moves and and signings, we not only have cap flexibility, but what essentially boils down to is 2 first lines and a great 3rd line. We start scoring a ton more goals immediately.
Versteeg is traded to whoever for whatever round pick. If not, we have enough cap space to buy his final two seasons out with Kuba's falling off.

Regarding Larry Robinson, I think this is a big turning point season for San Jose. Big Joe is an UFA and if they go on a big cup run, Robinson may be looking to be a Head Coach again in the NHL. If this deal with Buffalo goes through during the season or right after the playoffs, it would be a lot easier to convince Robinson about what we are doing and where the team is headed. He's won 1 of 2 Stanley Cup appearances as a head coach and his playing career speaks for itself. He was a big bruising defenseman with an offensive tough, which would do wonders for mentoring guys like Guds and Myers.

We have speed and skill along with just enough grit to get down low and fight for the puck with this lineup.

P.S - I know I "technically" broke a rule about the 1 player but I don't see how that is fair. I understand the 1 trade rule, but trade for 1 player? If that's the case than ignore all this and also I'm sorry for the wall of text, but I have thought about this long and hard for quite some time, so I felt I had to put the proper amount of work to justify how long I've been going crazy with this team for

Miller is a UFA. That's pretty risky.

 

[Panteras]

Fire all our scouts and hire competent ones...

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

Here's what I would do:

1. Build around Barkov, Huberdeau, Gudbranson, Matheson & Petrovic

2. Versteeg and Campbell

3. Kulikov, Gomez, Goc, Gilbert, Bergenheim, Howden, Markstrom

4. Only call up Petrovic

5. Push Tallon upstairs into a less player personnel role, fire Mike Santos and then in the offseason hire Rangers asst GM Jeff Gorton to take over as GM and let him hire Santos' replacement. With how bad we've been with injuries over the yrs, I'm also firing the strength & conditioning coach. Dineen with the right talent has shown in the past that he can win and Tallon/Santos just isnt giving him the right talent.

6. C Paul Stastny, 5 yrs @ $30M (avg $6M/yr); RW Ryan Callahan, 6 yrs @ $33M (avg $5.5M/yr); Matt Greene, 4 yrs @ $18M (avg $4.5M/yr)

8. Kulikov + Bergenheim + 2nd in 2014 for Yakupov

9. http://www.capgeek.com/cap-calculator/roster/33776
FORWARDS
Tomas Fleischmann ($4.500m) / Paul Stastny ($6.000m) / Ryan Callahan ($5.500m)
Jonathan Huberdeau ($3.194m) / Aleksander Barkov ($3.575m) / Nail Yakupov ($3.775m)
Shawn Matthias ($1.750m) / Marcel Goc ($2.250m) / Kris Versteeg ($4.400m)
Jesse Winchester ($0.750m) / Nick Bjugstad ($1.100m) / Tomas Kopecky ($3.000m)
Krystofer Barch ($0.750m)

DEFENSEMEN
Brian Campbell ($7.143m) / Matt Greene ($4.500m)
Erik Gudbranson ($1.500m) / Matt Gilroy ($0.850m)
Mike Weaver ($1.250m) / Alex Petrovic ($0.870m)
Ed Jovanovski ($4.125m)

GOALTENDERS
Tim Thomas ($3.750m)
Jacob Markstrom ($1.200m)
OTHER
Buyout: Filip Kuba ($1.400m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled with the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $67,500,000; CAP PAYROLL: $67,132,042; BONUSES: $8,075,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $5,430,458

10. 2-1-2 (using physicality and speed to create turnovers). The guys brought in could play this style successfully and when you put everyone in the right role, it will work better.

Summary
I decided to build around defense since that is so critical. That being said, I traded Kulikov away because we needed another scoring forward and think the package of him, Bergy + our 2nd is gonna be able to get us Yakupov. I also think we can trade Gomez for a pick/prospect and Gilbert as well. Even I'm being limited by my own rules but I would probably make at least 2 more trades, one for a goalie like Reimer and another to move Howden for a top 4 d-man.

I think its time that Tallon takes a step back and let someone else make the player decisions. He's struggled with contracts & getting the right players in here. I think Dineen isnt as much of an issue if he has the right talent. With the moves I made, I think he can be successful. Our conditioning has been horrible for yrs and that needs to be improved if we're going to have a successful team. Injuries are a part of the game but we cant always be so injury-prone.

I signed Stastny as my 1 guy making more than $5M currently and he's having a solid yr so I anticipate he'll still get in the $6M range to sign anywhere. I also signed Callahan to be a leader on the ice and he's got good physical play while also being able to score. Matt Greene should improve our defense to the point that Campbell doesnt look so bad on a nightly basis. I re-signed Goc, Thomas, Winchester & Barch so we have some continuity as well. I'm basically challenging what Viola said that he's gonna spend money so I was just under the cap, but there's a lot of bonuses in those numbers.

By moving Versteeg to the 3rd line, he's put back in a role he belongs in and would be more successful there. I think we have plenty of balance throughout the lineup and should be able to play that 2-1-2 style pretty well with who we have. Putting Matthias on the opposite wing with Goc in the middle gives that 3rd line plenty of offense & defense. That top line kinda speaks for itself. It wont have any PPG players but still a group of guys who can put up 60 pts each. The youth on that 2nd line gives us something to look forward to as well.

I wish I could upgrade Gilroy on that 2nd pairing at this point but I was limited on the rules of this myself. I think he would be better suited as 6th/7th d-man splitting time with Petrovic. As I said above, I would move Howden in a deal to acquire a top 4 d-man, probably a more offensive type to pair with Guds.

I definitely think we should be looking to acquire a guy like Reimer for the net. We need someone who's still a decent age but has played a bit in the league. I'm not totally sold on Markstrom as much anymore but wouldnt mind giving him someone like Reimer to compete with on a nightly basis. I kept Thomas for now because not much choice but I would make a deal with Toronto if possible.

 

[ProjectPanthers]

I like what you did Coolburn but my biggest issue with this team is goaltending. That lineup looks fine but our defense and goaltending are still really weak.

I am not sold on Markstrom in any way. At this point we should only be treating him as a bust. Not saying he IS a bust, but we should start preparing for the fact that he won't be what we expected. If we bring in someone like Miller, it gives us another 3 years of letting Markstrom develop and battle for the #1. If he ends up developing into a starter, losing Miller to trade/retirement won't really hurt because we'll have a capable man ready to go. If he busts, well at least we didn't waste another 4 years sucking ass and "hoping for things to come".

This franchises problem has always been "hope". The "hope" that prospects pan out, the "hope" that a new coach will excel, the "hope" that once 3rd liners can put up 50-60 points in a season. It's all ********. Enough hope. You know who scores in the NHL? NHLers. You know who stops pucks? NHL goaltenders. Not has beens, strays, castaways, etc. I'm sure we could get the package I proposed for even less than what I suggested.

Yakupov is just more "hope" and "wishes". If Kulikov gets traded from this team, I only want to see it for someone who can put the damn puck in the net.

I know trading for Miller is risky, but if we could get Myers and Stafford as well it makes this team big, mean and much tougher to play against.

We are both on the same page in terms of Stastny and a gritty forward. You chose Callahan I chose Stafford. I think Callahan will remain in New York, but I think prying Stafford out of Buffalo could be very easy. Him on a line with Hubs and Barkov I think would be money.

This team needs to improve all 3 spots on the ice. Our goaltending is unproven and shaky at best, our defense is just worthless, and our offence is anemic and cannot put the puck in the net no matter what.

If anyone other than Hubs, Barkov or Fleischmann is untouchable, Dale Tallon and co. need to take a long look in the mirror and realize just wtf they are doing here. We have new ownership who apparently (I'll believe when I see it) is willing to spend money. Well put your ****ing money where your mouth is and deliver.

A lot of us have been losing whatever little bits of patience we have left after almost 15 years of trash hockey from this "franchise".

 

[Drugs Delaney]

If I were Statsny, I would do whatever I could to stay with the Avs. He's been going through the rebuild and should be young enough to see it through. He has to be in the plans for the Avs. Even if it's for less money.


I know this is all hypothetical.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

I like what you did Coolburn but my biggest issue with this team is goaltending. That lineup looks fine but our defense and goaltending are still really weak.

I am not sold on Markstrom in any way. At this point we should only be treating him as a bust. Not saying he IS a bust, but we should start preparing for the fact that he won't be what we expected. If we bring in someone like Miller, it gives us another 3 years of letting Markstrom develop and battle for the #1. If he ends up developing into a starter, losing Miller to trade/retirement won't really hurt because we'll have a capable man ready to go. If he busts, well at least we didn't waste another 4 years sucking ass and "hoping for things to come".

.

You traded Markstrom for Miller though so how does Markstrom develop behind Miller for the next 3 years?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have Miller too but isn't he just as good as Luongo? I feel Luongo would be the better trade than because you know he's set on re-signing here and I doubt we would have to give up much more or less to get him here.

I like Stafford part of the trade but I'm not sold on Myers, my friend is a diehard Sabres fan and is frustrated with his development. The Calder pressure has weighed on him a lot. I doubt Miller wants to come here either. In your words, we're not that much better than Buffalo. If Miller leaves, you have us left with Clem, "Commmme onnnnn MANNNN!!!!".

I picked to sign Halak to 4 years @ $4.5mil per which I doubt happens either but I agree Markstrom isn't exactly playing to the "hope"ful potential we all expected when we drafted him. Doubtful Halak isn't re-signed by the Blues but one can dream, he's been rock solid the last couple years. Even if we could offer him 4-5 years @ $5.5mil per, I'd be down if Tallon inked that deal.

Thomas being injured again doesn't leave anyone with confidence either. I think come trade deadline day, Tallon will have to make a decision regarding our goaltending and focusing on the next 3-5year time frame. If Thomas can somehow play 35-40 games for us and draw interest from a contender and net us a pick or he contemplates trading Markstrom to a team for a proven goalie.

That's where the Luongo situation is starting to make some sense and would be easier knowing Luongo wants to be here long term. He's cheaper than the contract Miller will sign at season's end. Time is ticking on the decision whether we keep the Alien or set him free.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

I like what you did Coolburn but my biggest issue with this team is goaltending. That lineup looks fine but our defense and goaltending are still really weak.

Agreed and I said I would've liked to make a trade for a goalie & top 4 d-man. I may even edit my post to reflect that idea.

I am not sold on Markstrom in any way. At this point we should only be treating him as a bust. Not saying he IS a bust, but we should start preparing for the fact that he won't be what we expected. If we bring in someone like Miller, it gives us another 3 years of letting Markstrom develop and battle for the #1. If he ends up developing into a starter, losing Miller to trade/retirement won't really hurt because we'll have a capable man ready to go. If he busts, well at least we didn't waste another 4 years sucking ass and "hoping for things to come".

I agree with you to a point. I dont like putting all our eggs in the Markstrom basket. But Miller isnt the answer either if you ask me. He's too old for what we're doing here. We would be better off getting someone like Reimer who should be available when Bernier is solidified as starter. Reimer is 25 and should be able to solidify our goaltending when our core is coming of age too. I dont think it would cost us Markstrom either to get Reimer...Toronto probably just want something besides a goalie for him.

This franchises problem has always been "hope". The "hope" that prospects pan out, the "hope" that a new coach will excel, the "hope" that once 3rd liners can put up 50-60 points in a season. It's all ********. Enough hope. You know who scores in the NHL? NHLers. You know who stops pucks? NHL goaltenders. Not has beens, strays, castaways, etc. I'm sure we could get the package I proposed for even less than what I suggested.

Very true. You cant expect every prospect to develop into 1st line players. I think we have amassed enough young talent that we need to start using it to acquire those proven NHLers. I just dont want guys that are past their prime either cause that doesnt do us much good either.

Yakupov is just more "hope" and "wishes". If Kulikov gets traded from this team, I only want to see it for someone who can put the damn puck in the net.

I know trading for Miller is risky, but if we could get Myers and Stafford as well it makes this team big, mean and much tougher to play against.

Yakupov though at least showed last season that he can produce. I was struggling to find a team willing to deal for Kulikov and give up a scoring forward to do so. Edmonton with all their forwards that they drafted early the last few yrs would make the most sense to deal Kulikov to. As I said above, maybe I decide instead to trade for Reimer as my one deal instead and that means we keep Kulikov as a top 4 d-man for now.

Myers and Stafford are guys I would stay away from. They've struggled the last few yrs and I dont think it has anything to do with whats going on in Buffalo. So all 3 guys you want from Buffalo are risky. As I said before, I dont think Buffalo would move all 3 in one deal cause they could get more/better assets if they sepearated the 3. If I had to target one guy out of the 3 you mentioned, it would be Myers as he's at least in the same age range as the rest of our developing players.

We are both on the same page in terms of Stastny and a gritty forward. You chose Callahan I chose Stafford. I think Callahan will remain in New York, but I think prying Stafford out of Buffalo could be very easy. Him on a line with Hubs and Barkov I think would be money.

Callahan could very well remain in NY but keep in mind that they need to re-sign Lundqvist too and he's gonna cost them money. They also either need to re-sign or replace UFAs like Girardi, Boyle, Strahlman, Pyatt, Pouliot, & Moore while re-signing RFAs like Brassard, Krieder, Zuccarello, Del Zotto & Moore. While they currently have 30M in cap space next yr, thats gonna get eaten into quickly just by re-signing their RFAs and Lundqvist alone. I think if we outbid everyone (including the Rangers), then we could possibly land Callahan. And Callahan >>>>> Stafford so its not even close for me.

This team needs to improve all 3 spots on the ice. Our goaltending is unproven and shaky at best, our defense is just worthless, and our offence is anemic and cannot put the puck in the net no matter what.

If anyone other than Hubs, Barkov or Fleischmann is untouchable, Dale Tallon and co. need to take a long look in the mirror and realize just wtf they are doing here. We have new ownership who apparently (I'll believe when I see it) is willing to spend money. Well put your ****ing money where your mouth is and deliver.

A lot of us have been losing whatever little bits of patience we have left after almost 15 years of trash hockey from this "franchise".

I agree that we need to make changes to our entire roster. I dont think Tallon & co will be able to make the changes needed because they're TOO loyal to "his" guys like Versteeg, etc. Thats why I had those changes as my staff changes. I dont see this new ownership spending enough money this offseason to turn us around next season.

 

[ProjectPanthers]

You traded Markstrom for Miller though so how does Markstrom develop behind Miller for the next 3 years?

I meant if we ended up signing an unrestricted Ryan Miller.

I really like your idea of Luongo coming here but I don't think that's as much of a possibility now as it could've been last season considering Vancouver's goaltending situation. I would welcome him back with open arms. He is still an elite level goaltender in the NHL.

Agreed and I said I would've liked to make a trade for a goalie & top 4 d-man. I may even edit my post to reflect that idea.
I agree with you to a point. I dont like putting all our eggs in the Markstrom basket. But Miller isnt the answer either if you ask me. He's too old for what we're doing here. We would be better off getting someone like Reimer who should be available when Bernier is solidified as starter. Reimer is 25 and should be able to solidify our goaltending when our core is coming of age too. I dont think it would cost us Markstrom either to get Reimer...Toronto probably just want something besides a goalie for him.

Reimer is pretty bad. He wouldn't be a good candidate for this team IMO. His rebound control is really awful and at times he can look pretty bad. Although he may sometimes look great, living in Toronto has allowed me to see Reimer play a lot more than others have. He's not consistent enough for this team.

Maybe we could pry Anderson back from Ottawa with the recent emergence of Lehner? Man would I love to still have Andy on this team...

I agree that we need to make changes to our entire roster. I dont think Tallon & co will be able to make the changes needed because they're TOO loyal to "his" guys like Versteeg, etc. Thats why I had those changes as my staff changes. I dont see this new ownership spending enough money this offseason to turn us around next season.

I too am concerned about these things. If new ownership doesn't give Tallon the tools to make this team better this off-season, they are just as bad as everyone else over the last decade. This team needs to get better now. This is the LAST year where we are allowed to be this ****ing awful. We are awful. Brutal. A joke. Whatever (albeit little) credibility we put up in 2011-12 with the playoffs and taking the Devils to 7 games is all out the window again and we are back to being the joke of the NHL. But the thing is, we aren't even the joke because most people forget we even exist at this point.

Tallon needs to get rid of the trash and make moves. Like I said, if ownership ties his hands and has yet ANOTHER "wait and see" season, our numbers and fanbase will continue to suffer. Our attendance this year is awful, and if I wasn't so afraid of the team moving, I'd say that was a good thing.

I too think it's time we started moving some prospects. Part of the purpose of building a big, fat, sexy looking prospect pool is to develop assets for trade bait later on. We have a ton of guys coming up, so why not move some of them for proven NHLers? Because we need them the most.

Having guys like Barkov and Huby "developing" on this team will be pointless, because instead of learning from proven NHLers who have succeeded at this level continuously and consistently, they're learning from 3rd liners and stop-gaps.

The losing culture associated with this team, the franchise, and our locker room is just disgusting. Seeing fans happy with a loss makes me ****en sick. (EDIT-I know people aren't "happy" with a loss, but there's to much content from us. We should expect better from a team that we ALL have invested a ton of money/time/emotion into. When do we start receiving instead of only constantly giving?)

With that said, I have to thank you Coolburn, this is an awesome thread and I'm having some of the best hockey talk I've had on here in ages with you, CP and the others that have posted. Great idea.