Who Would You Say Will be THE Better Team '17 -- Sabres, Leafs, TB or Bruins?

[SpikedLemonade]

This topic broke out as a discussion a couple of weeks ago and it was very interesting.

So who do you say will have more points at season's end among:

(a) Sabres

(b) Leafs

(c) TB Lightning

(d) Bruins?

Please post which team and why.

[coastal]

B, C and D are crap shoots for the top spot in the East.

A is a borderline playoff team.

[SpikedLemonade]

Yeah I agree that the Sabres are not in the discussion.

I think the Lightning may take a step back as well.

The Leafs made a HUGE improvement last year but I don't like their defence. No doubt that have the best coach in the division.

The Bruins are evolving quickly. All those 1st and 2nd round draft picks they got for Lucic, Hamilton, etc. were used a few years ago with multiple draft picks in the 1st and 2nd round.

Those prospects are now ready so I expect the bruins to be getting much younger in the next couple of years.

Chara is not really a #1 D on a contending team however at a now $4M per season, he makes a great #2 D that you can still put up against the other team's top line and PK. He just needs to get off the PP and reduce his minutes by 4-6 minutes per game. If you play him that way, he will have plenty left in the play-offs even at his age.

[Blondie]

B, C and D are crap shoots for the top spot in the East.

A is a borderline playoff team.

Stamkos and Callahan will be back ... And you will crap your pants when their record is better than the Sabres :S

[Blondie]

What determines the Lightning is going to be the goalie.

If Sky gets his **** together, we should be pretty strong.

[SpikedLemonade]

Stamkos and Callahan will be back ... And you will crap your pants when their record is better than the Sabres :S

I agree that the Lightning are much better than the Sabres.

[SpikedLemonade]

What determines the Lightning is going to be the goalie.

If Sky gets his **** together, we should be pretty strong.

Is the Lightning defence strong enough?

[Ingtar33]

as much as I hate the leafs they'll probably be the best team of those 4. I'm not sure how the sabres were even included in that list though

[SpikedLemonade]

as much as I hate the leafs they'll probably be the best team of those 4. I'm not sure how the sabres were even included in that list though

It is a Buffalo based forum -- Bills, Sabres, etc.

[rbochan]

Leafs should be the top of that list.
The Sabres will go nowhere as long as Pegula is the owner. He's single-handedly destroyed the team and spirit. So much so that I don't really even care any more.

[Night Train]

Leafs should be the top of that list.The Sabres will go nowhere as long as Pegula is the owner. He's single-handedly destroyed the team and spirit. So much so that I don't really even care any more.

Got it, Debbie.

It's about proper leadership running the operation. Both sports teams just did a complete reboot and they get a fair chance to sink or swim. We all realize the failure of past practices by the Pegulas but at least they made an effort to change both teams direction this year.

[SpikedLemonade]

Leafs should be the top of that list.
The Sabres will go nowhere as long as Pegula is the owner. He's single-handedly destroyed the team and spirit. So much so that I don't really even care any more.

That DP has no idea what he is doing in terms of owning professional sports teams.

Just go "dig another hole" DP.

[Blondie]

All you peeps are gonna be weeping when the Lightning surpass all them :D

[SpikedLemonade]

All you peeps are gonna be weeping when the Lightning surpass all them :D

Yeah right.

[rbochan]

*personal insult removed*

It's about proper leadership running the operation. Both sports teams just did a complete reboot and they get a fair chance to sink or swim. We all realize the failure of past practices by the Pegulas but at least they made an effort to change both teams direction this year.

And last year. And the year before that. And the year before that.... lather, rinse, repeat.

[swiper]

And last year. And the year before that. And the year before that.... lather, rinse, repeat.

I understand how you feel.

[mightysimi]

I have to think it is TB as well. They resigned pretty much everyone plus turned Drouin into a top 10 d-man. Vasilevsky is a good goalie and is still young. Hedman is still going to play 25-30 min a game. Then they still have Anton Stralman and Sustr on D while adding Dan Girardi and Chris Kunitz. Baring injuries, I think they make an easy return to the playoffs and in my opinion likely the most points out of the teams mentioned.

[SpikedLemonade]

I have to think it is TB as well. They resigned pretty much everyone plus turned Drouin into a top 10 d-man. Vasilevsky is a good goalie and is still young. Hedman is still going to play 25-30 min a game. Then they still have Anton Stralman and Sustr on D while adding Dan Girardi and Chris Kunitz. Baring injuries, I think they make an easy return to the playoffs and in my opinion likely the most points out of the teams mentioned.

So you see the Lightning as being clearly better than the Bruins this year?

Sounds like my Bruins will be surprising some people this year.

[swiper]

So you see the Lightning as being clearly better than the Bruins this year?

Sounds like my Bruins will be surprising some people this year.

Most notably you.

[mightysimi]

So you see the Lightning as being clearly better than the Bruins this year?

Sounds like my Bruins will be surprising some people this year.

I do. I think they have more depth on Offence. You have Bergeron, Paternak, Krejci and Marchand. There isn't a lot of proven commodities past them. Backes is good but he will rarely get you more than 20 goals. I am not a fan of your D either. Chara is another year slower, McQuaid and Krug are all right but I would say 3-4 D. Liles, is like 100 and on his 8th team I think and Postma was a Winnipeg cast off that I know all to well. I like Rask as I think he is one of the more underrated goalies in the league. Overall, the only real superstar in the bunch is Marchand. Bergeron does everything good and teams need guys like him to win but he isn't a 70-90 point guy anymore. So based on this, I feel Tampa has more depth at Fwd, more superstars and a little behind in goal. Over the course of a season I think that equates to more points. Baring injuries of course which Tampa hasn't been able to get away from the last little while.

I suppose it also depends on if you can finally get some use out of the 1st rounders you guys have had in the last few drafts. Still my vote is TB.

[SpikedLemonade]

Most notably you.

Actually, I feel pretty good about the Bruins development these days.

Their prospects are knocking on the door and will be introduced more and more this year.

[SpikedLemonade]

Riveting conversation here.

[camelcowboy]

Sabres because ranking guarantees playoffs

[SpikedLemonade]

Sabres because ranking guarantees playoffs

Huh?

[camelcowboy]

Sorry auto correct meant tanking

[SpikedLemonade]

Sorry auto correct meant tanking

Gotcha!

[SpikedLemonade]

"Contracts in today’s NHL are structured in such a way where the high-end RFAs rarely leave their current club, so Pastrnak will most likely be wearing a Boston sweater in 2017-18. But the sooner this all gets done, the better. As the Bruins look to build on their first playoff appearance in three years, they’d much prefer to enter camp with one of their most exciting young weapons locked in and ready to go."

https://www.fanragsports.com/nhl/bruins/bruins-still-debating-how-valuable-david-pastrnak-is/

[Novacane]

Got it Debbie is a personal insult? Toughen up Sally!

[SpikedLemonade]

Got it Debbie is a personal insult? Toughen up Sally!

Huh?

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres">@BuffaloSabres</a> are <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinWeekes">@KevinWeekes</a>&#39; #3 most improved team this offseason. <br><br>Do you agree? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLTonight?src=hash">#NHLTonight</a> <a href="https://t.co/8CyJeAHD15">pic.twitter.com/8CyJeAHD15</a></p>&mdash; NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLNetwork/status/893939677337485312">August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[SpikedLemonade]

Are you saying that is enough for the Sabres to make the play-offs in 2017-18?

[SpikedLemonade]

So on the Bruins HF Board a poster asked if posters thought the Bruins are over relying on an aging core.

I think that is what many of you believe when you look at Chara and to a lesser extent Bergeron and Krejci.

Here is an interesting response to that question by a poster for those that don't watch the Bruins each and every game as I do...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What happens is Marchand and Pastrnak combine for 70 (they got 73 last year so it would be a reduction)

What happens if Bergeron plays like healthy final 40 games when he averaged a point a game

What happens if Krejci plays like he did when Cassidy got here

What happens if Backes plays like the playoff Backes

What happens if Carlo improves

What happens if Krug is healthy all year

What happens if Charo burden and minutes are reduced

What happens if McAvoy is really as good as he showed in the playoffs

What happens if Khudobin plays like he did for Cassidy and not for Claude

What happens if Beleskey is healthy and plays like the 2013-14 & 2014-15 Ducks player

What happens if Bjork is for real

What happens if DeBrusk and/or Heinen are ready to be legit top 9

What happens if Spooner talent becomes consistent

What happens if Kevan Miller keeps improving

What happens if Vatrano is healthy and gets back to the 200 foot providence game that won him ROY in less than 1/2 season

What happens if Kuraly playoff was who he is

What happens if JFK is ready sooner than expected

What happens if some rookie like Cehlarik or Gabrielle has a monster camp

I happen to think 80% above (or more) comes true

[coastal]

What happens if I take a dump on your Bruins carpet?

[SpikedLemonade]

What happens if I take a dump on your Bruins carpet?

You get put in a crate and Lucy moves to Florida to replace you.

[SpikedLemonade]

http://lastwordonhockey.com/2017/08/12/tsp-boston-bruins-prospects/

[SpikedLemonade]

http://tu9srvbirvvtmjqkbmhslmjhbwnvbnrlbnquy29t.g00.hockeysfuture.com/g00/2_aGZib2FyZHMuaG9ja2V5c2Z1dHVyZS5jb20%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTMjQkaHR0cHM6Ly9uaGwuYmFtY29udGVudC5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL3Bob3Rvcy8yOTA2NTk3MzgvMTEzNng2NDAvY3V0LmpwZz9pMTBjLm1hcmsuaW1hZ2UudHlwZQ%3D%3D_$/$/$/$/$/$

The Boston Bruins announced today, August 14, that the organization will embark on its first ever, seven-city Boston Bruins Fan Fest Tour that will visit each New England state from August 26 - August 31, with the mission to grow the game of hockey throughout the region. The final stop will take place in Boston, MA during Boston Bruins Training Camp, presented by AT&T, in September.

During the tour, the Bruins expect to outfit over 4,000 kids (ages 4-9) who have signed up for the Bruins Academy Learn to Play program in brand new CCM hockey gear valued at $500 (retail value) per player for a total of $2,000,000 (retail value) worth of equipment dispersed to local communities. http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/g00/2_aGZib2FyZHMuaG9ja2V5c2Z1dHVyZS5jb20%3D_/TU9SRVBIRVVTMjQkaHR0cDovL2hmYm9hcmRzLmhvY2tleXNmdXR1cmUuY29tL2ltYWdlcy9zbWlsaWVzL2FwcGxhdWQuZ2lmP2kxMGMubWFyay5pbWFnZS50eXBl_$/$/$/$

Current Bruins players, coaches, executives and NESN personalities Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley are expected to be on hand throughout the tour to play games and mingle with fans, sign autographs, take photos, participate in Q&A sessions and much more. In addition to getting fitted for brand new equipment, youth hockey players will be able to participate in drill work and have the opportunity to partake in NESN virtual reality experiences. Boston Bruins BFit will also be on hand to lead kid-friendly fitness activities at each stop. Please note that player, coach, executive and NESN personality appearances will vary at each location and are subject to change.

Admission to each tour stop is FREE and fans are welcome and encouraged to participate in all of the event's festivities.


Saturday, August 26

Portland, ME at Monument Square, 12- 6pm (456 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101)

Sunday, August 27

Manchester, NH at Arms Park, 12-6pm (10 Arms St, Manchester, NH 03101)

Monday, August 28

Burlington, VT at Burlington International Airport, 2-7pm (1200 Airport Dr, South Burlington, VT 05403)

Tuesday, August 29

Springfield, MA at Forest Park, 2-7pm (200 Trafton Rd, Springfield, MA 01108)

Wednesday, August 30

Hartford, CT at Bushnell Park, 2-7pm (60 Elm St, Hartford, CT 06106)

Thursday, August 31

Providence, RI at ALEX AND ANI City Center, 2-7pm (2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903)

The final stop for the Boston Bruins Fan Fest Tour will take place in September during Boston Bruins Training Camp presented by AT&T.

[SpikedLemonade]

Exclusive: Claude Julien reflects on Boston, looks ahead to facing Bruins

....McDonald: Now that you’ve had time to digest it, how would you describe your time in Boston?

Julien: Oh, it was outstanding. When you take the time to look back at what you accomplished as an organization, as a team, as a coach, and the amount of time you spent there, the city itself, the fans, it’s an unbelievable sports city. It’s an unbelievable city to live in. There’s no doubt I got spoiled there with a lot of things. The fact that you win a Stanley Cup, and you realize afterwards when looking around how many great players, coaches, staff members have never been able to accomplish that and you realize how much you want to cherish those moments.

Winning a Stanley Cup was great. At the same time, staying 10 years there and making Boston our home and feeling comfortable is what you remember the most. We’ve made some great friends and it’s unfortunate in our business that we have to move around, but there were so many good things that happened there for me and my family. There’s nothing but good, good memories that come to mind.

Honestly, all good things come to an end and it was time for a change. It was time for a change, not only for (the Bruins) but probably for me as well. In reality, it was time to moveon and there are no ill feelings about that.

Different people have different philosophies, and none of them are necessarily wrong, but there has to be a good fit there and it was time for me to move on, it’s as simple as that.....


https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2017/08/21/exclusive-claude-julien-reflects-boston-looks-ahead-facing-bruins/

[DetDannyWilliams]

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">They have the pieces to be a playoff team. Will the <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres">@BuffaloSabres</a> get there next season? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLTonight?src=hash">#NHLTonight</a> <a href="https://t.co/3T50WSlGNk">pic.twitter.com/3T50WSlGNk</a></p>&mdash; NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLNetwork/status/900377098400944128">August 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[SpikedLemonade]

Report: Bruins offer RFA Pastrnak $6M AAV

http://www.tsn.ca/report-bruins-offer-rfa-pastrnak-6m-aav-1.840842

[coastal]

Report: Bruins offer RFA Pastrnak $6M AAV



http://www.tsn.ca/report-bruins-offer-rfa-pastrnak-6m-aav-1.840842
No way in hell Pasta signs for $6 mil when Draisatl just got $8.5.

[SpikedLemonade]

No way in hell Pasta signs for $6 mil when Draisatl just got $8.5.

SHU/I/T UP Coastal.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBdtPTo0rUI

[coastal]

Backus contract... LOL

[SpikedLemonade]

Backus contract... LOL

It was a mistake.

The Bruins will get over it.

He is not a top line player and probably not even a top 6.

That was a ton of money to give a 3rd line player.

Chara is cheap this year so there is plenty of salary cap room as outlined in the article above about the Bruins offer to Pasta.

[coastal]

Pasta is getting $9 mil+ on the open market

[SpikedLemonade]

Pasta is getting $9 mil+ on the open market

He isn't going to get to the open market.

The Bruins will sign him for $7M per.

[coastal]

He isn't going to get to the open market.

The Bruins will sign him for $7M per.
And you think he's going to take $7 million?

[SpikedLemonade]

And you think he's going to take $7 million?

Yes.

Either $7M for 6 years or $7.5M for 7 years.

[SpikedLemonade]

<header class="article-header sticky-header col-sm-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; min-height: 1px; padding: 0px; float: left; width: 820px; margin-bottom: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">TOP 10 CALDER TROPHY CANDIDATES FOR 2017-18

</header><figure class="figure" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">
<source srcset="//storage-cube.quebecormedia.com/v1/dynamic_resize?quality=75&size=1500x1500&src=http%3A%2F%2Fstorage-cube.quebecormedia.com%2Fv1%2Fthn_prod%2Fthe_hockey_news%2F208c2528cb8d4171ef24959db2557fcccc0e07b7%2FClayton-Keller-Arizona-Coyotes-featured.jpg" media="(min-width: 1200px)" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><source srcset="//storage-cube.quebecormedia.com/v1/dynamic_resize?quality=75&size=1500x1500&src=http%3A%2F%2Fstorage-cube.quebecormedia.com%2Fv1%2Fthn_prod%2Fthe_hockey_news%2F208c2528cb8d4171ef24959db2557fcccc0e07b7%2FClayton-Keller-Arizona-Coyotes-featured.jpg" media="(min-width: 992px)" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><source srcset="//storage-cube.quebecormedia.com/v1/dynamic_resize?quality=75&size=1200x1200&src=http%3A%2F%2Fstorage-cube.quebecormedia.com%2Fv1%2Fthn_prod%2Fthe_hockey_news%2F208c2528cb8d4171ef24959db2557fcccc0e07b7%2FClayton-Keller-Arizona-Coyotes-featured.jpg" media="(min-width: 750px)" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><source srcset="//storage-cube.quebecormedia.com/v1/dynamic_resize?quality=75&size=1000x1000&src=http%3A%2F%2Fstorage-cube.quebecormedia.com%2Fv1%2Fthn_prod%2Fthe_hockey_news%2F208c2528cb8d4171ef24959db2557fcccc0e07b7%2FClayton-Keller-Arizona-Coyotes-featured.jpg" media="(min-width: 250px)" style="box-sizing: border-box;">http://www.thehockeynews.com/assets/img/blank.gif?v=1481129552#http://storage-cube.quebecormedia.com/v1/thn_prod/the_hockey_news/208c2528cb8d4171ef24959db2557fcccc0e07b7/Clayton-Keller-Arizona-Coyotes-featured.jpg</figure>

<section class="article-sticky padding-wrapper col-xs-12 col-md-11" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: 751.656px; float: left; position: relative; min-height: 1px; padding-right: 15px; padding-left: 15px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Ubuntu, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">With no generational talents in the fray this time, it’s a more wide-open Calder field than we’ve seen in several seasons.

The question I’ve been asked most this summer: “Who will win the Calder Trophy?”

Our readers and my fellow pundits seem particularly fascinated with the 2017-18 rookie class. That’s an ironic sentiment for what, on paper, is the least fascinating field in years.

But that’s just it. No one knows what to expect. The 2015 draft yielded Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. The 2016 draft gave us Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. The 2017 draft class provided some talented kids at the top in Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick, but their ceilings aren’t nearly as high. There’s a decent chance the league’s best rookies in 2017-18 are older kids drafted before 2017. Who are the top candidates? Keep an eye on these 10 names. But remember, some of them could wind up not making their teams this year. Think of the list as “best chance to win the Calder – if they do make the team.”


1. Clayton Keller, C, Arizona Coyotes
The Derek Stepan acquisition doesn’t scare me away nor does the presence of Dylan Strome or Christian Dvorak in Arizona. You can’t keep Keller’s shifty, dynamic talent down. Whether he ends up playing center or gets shoehorned into a wing spot this year to ensure he plays on a scoring line, Keller should get a major opportunity. He has the upside to become a Patrick-Kane-like scorer. He’s my pick to lead rookies in points this season and win the Calder. That said, in a relatively modest year for freshmen, I see something like 55 points pacing the class.


2. Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins
That the Bruins could toss McAvoy right into playoff action to make his NHL debut on a pair with Zdeno Chara says a lot about how much they need and value McAvoy. He’s a gifted offensive player and a real leader, too. His coach at Boston University, David Quinn, told me everyone on the team worshipped McAvoy. He has a bright NHL future and has the poise and swagger to handle big minutes and pressure right away. He’s my pick to lead all rookies in ice time.....


http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/top-10-calder-trophy-candidates-for-2017-18


</section>

[coastal]

Yes.

Either $7M for 6 years or $7.5M for 7 years.
Sure thing.

[SpikedLemonade]

Hey, I love Pasta but it is still very early in his career to be paying him $8M.

[coastal]

Hey, I love Pasta but it is still very early in his career to be paying him $8M.
Tell that to Draisatl

[SpikedLemonade]

Tell that to Draisatl
Whatever.

[SpikedLemonade]

Bruins, Pastrnak working on eight-year term



The Boston Bruins are now discussing on an eight-year term on a contract for restricted free agent David Pastrnak, according to Pastrnak's agent, J.P. Barry.

Barry told the Boston Herald (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/bruins/bruins_insider/2017/09/with_david_pastrnak_talks_stagnant_david_backes_advises_lock_em) that there has been "no progress yet" but the two sides are up to the max term of an NHL contract.

Last month, Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe reported the Bruins had offered Pastrnak a $6 million annual salary on either a six-year or seven-year deal, depending on the winger's preference.

In 75 games last season, the 21-year-old Pastrnak exploded for 34 goals and 36 assists. He trailed only Brad Marchand (39) for the team lead in goals. He added two goals and two assists in six playoff games, while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per contest.

David Krejci currently owns the highest cap hit on the Bruins at $7.25 million, followed by Patrice Bergeron ($6.875 million), Brad Marchand ($6.125 million) and David Backes ($6 million).

Pastrnak was taken at No. 25 overall in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Bruins, making his debut later that season. He was one of two players from the 2014 draft to play in 40 or more games in the same season, appearing in a total of 46 games. The other was No. 1 overall pick Aaron Ekblad.....


http://www.tsn.ca/bruins-pastrnak-working-on-eight-year-term-1.848544

[JATMtheJATM]

Considering bo horvat, who doesn't have numbers nearly as good as Pasternak, is rumored to sign a long term deal over 5.5 MIL a year.... I'd say Pasternak should expect 8 a year, low end

[SpikedLemonade]

Considering bo horvat, who doesn't have numbers nearly as good as Pasternak, is rumored to sign a long term deal over 5.5 MIL a year.... I'd say Pasternak should expect 8 a year, low end
Bullcrap!!!

He should expect $7M/year for 8 years.

[SpikedLemonade]

Pastrnak signs six-year, $40 million contract with Bruins



Restricted free agent forward's deal worth $6.67 million annually



by Matt Kalman / NHL.com Correspondent September 14th, 2017 <button class="social-share__share-label" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Sintony, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial;">Share</button>




https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/290337426/1024x576/cut.jpg


BOSTON -- David Pastrnak signed a six-year, $40 million contract with the Boston Bruins on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $6.67 million.

The 21-year-old forward was a restricted free agent. He set NHL career highs in points (70), goals (34) and assists (36) in 75 games last season after he had 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists) in 97 games his first two NHL seasons. He was second on the Bruins in goals and assists in the final year of his three-year, entry-level contract.

Pastrnak missed the first day of training camp Thursday and is expected to join the Bruins by Saturday.....



https://www.nhl.com/news/david-pastrnak-agrees-to-deal-with-boston-bruins/c-291049778


For all those here who said he would get over $7M per year...

BLOW ME!!!

[SpikedLemonade]

"....the only way this is a lowball contract is if you accept draisailt contract as anything other than a bad deal. In my own effort to build a case for 7.5 I was looking forward to the possible deals that laine/mattews/eichel/marner were possibly going to get

there was no historical deals to base a 7 million dollar deal on other than draisailt.

of course, if boston had bowed down like I did and had given pastrnak 7+ then the down hill rolling stone would have gathered more momentum and who knows where things could have ended up for the league?

pastrnaks deal is still high above where I was origionally analyzing the market before the draisailt contract but the structure of the deal is interesting. if we believe he wont ever get paid for the 1 season during a lockout then the deal only pays out 37 million dollars over the next 6 seasons which is pretty damn close to the 36 million I was viewing to be the right number... and very close to the 36 million that the team was reportedly offering all along.

the difference where pastrnak benefits is of course the lockout protection. without any lockout protection he would be getting around 30 million instead of 37 million... so his agent did great for him

the structure of the deal isn't all about salary bonus... theres some front loading as well. but the overall intention of the deal remains the same. pastrnaks camp clearly wanted to make sure they got their money as dom was the first to tell us months ago. Jacobs clearly didn't want to just hand over gigantic signing bonus... but ultimately the deal was structured to pay pastrnak his 6 million even if the season is lost

and if the season isn't lost... then the extra 3 mill kicks in and the average jumps to the 6.7 which is the highest end to what second year contracts have been in the past. this is the same money that Calgary gave johnny hockey. so there is a precedent for it.

all in all the deal is very logical for both sides and gives both sides what they wanted as much as is possible anytime that both sides have to compromise. there was compromise but they both still got the lions share of what they were both after...."


http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=2387399&page=17

[JATMtheJATM]

Would or should are two different things. The bruins got a discount.

[SpikedLemonade]

Deservingly so.

[JATMtheJATM]

Luckily so. Either way, I was shocked when I heard he signed for under seven. He deserves eight.

But this might just bring down Eichels contract slightly

[SpikedLemonade]

Luckily so. Either way, I was shocked when I heard he signed for under seven. He deserves eight.

But this might just bring down Eichels contract slightly

I believe that was what was the Bruin's sole motivation -- to help out a fellow former Adams Division Rival.

You're welcome.

Consider it charity given to a charity case of a franchise.

[JATMtheJATM]

I believe that was what was the Bruin's sole motivation -- to help out a fellow former Adams Division Rival.

You're welcome.

Consider it charity given to a charity case of a franchise.

I'll take it. But anytime a young phenom signs at a discount, it helps out other clubs in negotiations.