Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2024-25: Re-Tool, Re-Group, Re-Mix, Re-Build

[rockymtnoyster]

 

[MJF]

Any update on Hogberg injury?

Didn't participate in practice today. Just worked with the goalie coach before practice. With the Isles not scheduled for any B2B games this week I'm not expecting Hogberg back during until the west coast trip next week.

 

[The Real JT]

It was only 4 games so yeah it’s not that big of a deal but I still disagree with your take.

Brock was only one of 4 forwards on the team with 0 points and he was a team worst -3. As much as I like him on the Isles I have to be honest. He looked old, slow and a little overmatched.

4 forwards is a third of the team. I watched two of the games and just saw a 2nd line center playing against the top talent of the world and not looking good or bad.... just average. Even if you think he looked slow.... it's the top talent in the world. Hughes was fast and agile but still didn't get much done either.

I get the sense that you’re in the contingent that on some level takes offense at anyone that has a critical eye towards our GM or any of the veteran players.

Don’t get me wrong. I think Brock Nelson is a talented player, but it’s quite likely that we’ve seen the best of his play and he’ll be a depreciating asset going forward. Are we a better team this year and next year without him? Probably so but frankly I don’t think we are in a Cup contending position to benefit from having him on the squad in the near term. If we let the other scenario play out, we get valuable assets in a trade for him, get younger and don’t have to deal with a high veteran AAV deal that we might regret in 2 to 4 years.

Long story short. IMO he needs to be dealt before the trade deadline. That’s especially important for a team that is light on younger NHL players, prospects and draft capital.

 

[Glory Days]

It never did. The draft lottery started in 1995 and from day one you could lose the #1 overall pick to a team a few picks behind you.

And for those out there that seem to think if you try to tank and don't get the #1 overall pick, here's a list of players draft in the #2-5 range in roughly the last 15-20 years:

• Eric Staal
• Bobby Ryan
• Carey Price
• Evgeni Malkin
• Blake Wheeler
• Jordan Staal
• Jonathan Toews
• Nicklas Backstrom
• Viktor Hedman
• Matt Duchene
• Gabriel Landeskog
• Jonathan Huberdeau
• Adam Larsson
• Aleksander Barkov
• Seth Jones
• Elias Lindholm
• Sam Reinhart
• Leon Draisaitl
• Sam Bennett
• Jack Eichel
• Dylan Strome
• Mitch Marner
• Noah Hanafin
• Pierre Luc-Dubois
• Miro Heiskinen
• Cale Makar
• Elias Petterson
• Andrei Svechnikov
• Brady Tkachuk

Guess if you decide to tank and don't get the #1 overall pick you're screwed.

I don’t think even you would call half the players on your list above elite players. So a team needs to tank, have a very good scouting department and have a very good pool of prospects to draft from. I just think there is a lot of luck involved in that process. Teams can also trade draft picks to acquire elite talent. Florida and Vegas are recent examples. I don’t disagree with your premise that you need elite players to win. However you seem locked in that the only way to do so is by tanking and drafting. That’s where I disagree. I want a new GM (and entire front office) that has an eye for talent and can draft and/or trade for elite talent.

 

[SI]

I get the sense that you’re in the contingent that on some level takes offense at anyone that has a critical eye towards our GM or any of the veteran players.

Don’t get me wrong. I think Brock Nelson is a talented player, but it’s quite likely that we’ve seen the best of his play and he’ll be a depreciating asset going forward. Are we a better team this year and next year without him? Probably so but frankly I don’t think we are in a Cup contending position to benefit from having him on the squad in the near term. If we let the other scenario play out, we get valuable assets in a trade for him, get younger and don’t have to deal with a high veteran AAV deal that we might regret in 2 to 4 years.

Long story short. IMO he needs to be dealt before the trade deadline. That’s especially important for a team that is light on younger NHL players, prospects and draft capital.

I'm not sure anyone would disagree with you - Nelson's best hockey is most likely behind him, however, I think he still has quality hockey left in him... he is shooting the lowest % he has shot in a few seasons. I think most here would be fine if he were to be resigned (on a decent term/AAV). Again, for him, if you bring back Nelson - the team should move on from Palmieri. The contract should not be over 3 years and certainly not over 7 AAV. Just a reminder the Cap in 2 seasons will be 113m. 7m AAV contract is not going to feel that tough to deal with.

If he were to be moved, then I do wonder what those assets coming back would be, unlikely it will be a first since most acquiring teams do not have one - ala Minny and Dallas. IMO, I'd move Nelson - I'm starting to get on the Riley Heidt bandwagon. Heidt and Stramel for Nelson (and if necessary maybe someone like Dufour to balance).