League News: NHL Talk - (News n' Scores n' Stuff) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[CapitalsCupReality]

I think basically any team that can possibly throw the maximum money at McDavid should do it.

He will not get to UFA….

 

[um]

I think basically any team that can possibly throw the maximum money at McDavid should do it.

Every team should offer max regardless of their situation. You move whoever you have to.

 

[DWGie26]

Well EDM had to do this move first. This signals they want to keep their own and run for long haul. So you gotta do it now. Figure out th rest later. But yeah, get rid of Nurse!

 

[stephenball]

He will not get to UFA….

I agree, they just can’t let him get to that point.

 

[stocker]

Stephen Peat passed away today. He was,hit by a car days ago. He was 44 years old. RIP big guy.

 

[TheSmokingMan]

Stephen Peat passed away today. He was,hit by a car days ago. He was 44 years old. RIP big guy.

Really sad. Always liked the guy. He struggled a lot after his playing career was over. Another enforcer goes down at a young age. Sadly, I'm sure he won't be the last.

 

[PlushMinus]

Friedman saying that Pacioretty has already been told the Leafs will sign him and he'll be on the roster UNLESS he has a horrible training camp.

If this is true it's no wonder the Leafs are a lame duck organization. They have plenty of young forwards who could be getting opportunities and instead they are handing out spots to washed up vets recovering from serious injuries, who looked pretty damn average (playing for the Caps).

 

[Kazer]

Friedman saying that Pacioretty has already been told the Leafs will sign him and he'll be on the roster UNLESS he has a horrible training camp.

If this is true it's no wonder the Leafs are a lame duck organization. They have plenty of young forwards who could be getting opportunities and instead they are handing out spots to washed up vets recovering from serious injuries, who looked pretty damn average (playing for the Caps).

I agree to some extent and disagree to some extent. You should never used washed up veterans to block out young guys who are ready to make an impact, but there are plenty of recent examples of 'washed up' veterans making an impact on teams going on long playoff runs.

Perry multiple times
Maroon with Tampa
Okposo with Florida
Darren Helm with Colorado
Some might even argue Orpik with the Caps in 2018.

Patches had a bad year, but he also shot 4% (versus a career average over 11%). If he can be a 12 goal, 30-35 point 3rd liner for them on the cheap, that's a very reasonable investment.

Further, when you go into 'win-now' mode, you tend to have less prospects coming up. So, veterans can be a great way to fill your bottom six for cheap with guys who can contribute in a limited fashion (which is fine because if you're relying on 35 soon to be 36 year old Pacioretty to be a top 6 forward you're in deep trouble).