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Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has contacted at least the agents for Matt Niskanen, Willie Mitchell, Thomas Vanek and Paul Stastny. If Vanek wants to come to Minnesota, he may have to take a one- to three- year deal. The Wild have significant interest in Niskanen. Niskanen will want a long-term deal, likely north of $5 million. The Wild have many young players that will need new deals in a couple years, so they’ll have to watch what they spend.
Pierre LeBrun: The Wild were among the teams that called on Thomas Vanek.
Ryan Kesler is going to screw himself by limiting his list:
McKenzie: Ryan Kesler’s list has six teams, with the Ducks and Blackhawks the most interested at this time. Nothing is imminent. The Ducks and Blackhawks may feel they are the only two teams in the running, therefore not offering as much as they would if more teams were involved. Canucks won’t deal him unless they get what they want.
But a lot of other moves on hold waiting to see if/where he goes. The Ducks want him, but may go for Spezza:
TSN Insider Trading: McKenzie: Jason Spezza talk has picked up in the last 24-48 hours, with four teams talking to the Sens. Three teams from the West including the Blues and Ducks.
Once Kesler finds a new home the dominoes will start falling.
Calgary wants to get to 2nd overall to take Leon Draisatl.. Or Brian Burke is trying to mind**** the Oilers who are supposedly in love with Draisatl. And I don't get it not a big fan of DraisaitlI think he has a history of not playing well in "big" games
Calgary wants to get to 2nd overall to take Leon Draisatl.. Or Brian Burke is trying to mind**** the Oilers who are supposedly in love with Draisatl. And I don't get it not a big fan of DraisaitlI think he has a history of not playing well in "big" games
If you listen to the draft podcast at wgr, the guy from central scouting says he wouldn't be shocked to see Draistail go 1st overall.
constantly trading for a future that never comes isn't fun. we know next year has a lot of pain involved. why extend that pain or not take the risk now on getting a #2 pick for a future pick.
to me, if you get a guy who is 23-24 and developping well, it helps faster than waiting for ekblad or reinhart to get up to speed. but we have time. i think the fan base knows this is a 3 year project at minimum.
but i do love crazy headlines. so i'll get on board with whatever.
constantly trading for a future that never comes isn't fun. we know next year has a lot of pain involved. why extend that pain or not take the risk now on getting a #2 pick for a future pick.
to me, if you get a guy who is 23-24 and developping well, it helps faster than waiting for ekblad or reinhart to get up to speed. but we have time. i think the fan base knows this is a 3 year project at minimum.
but i do love crazy headlines. so i'll get on board with whatever.
im thinking 2 more years of bad hockey, this year being really tough. the 16-17 season, after another high pick, i think the youth will really accelerate and we will see a much more skilled and cohesive hockey team. but 14-15 is going to be really tough, and 15-16 isnt going to be much better.
i agree with your assessment, but in my dream scenario,
1. our #2 pick this year is hot out the gate. develops chemistry with some underwhelming pieces currently on the team, they setup a nice #2 line and #3 line.
2. the sabres still continue to struggle without a true #1 line, and cannot score goals. but since they signed no one of consequence this year in FA, they have plenty of cap space to use on FA in 15-16.
3. Neuvirth or another young goalie shows promise as the season wears on. HE gets better in the second half of the season, but isn't good enough to offset the lack of scoring. It allows the goalie to become the top goalie in 15-16.
4. based on the above, key young players get seasoned and develop good chemistry in key spots in line 2-4. The 1st rounders look to get better and become legit 1st liners. the defense gets used to their pairings and developed in 14-15. The goalie situation looks good and is ready to take off the following. This allows the mcdavid draft and the isle pick to rocket the sabres forward in 15-16.
5. they take a top notch FA for signature #1 center and provide some leadership and pizazz.
this makes the team relevant for 15-16. I really would like to avoid more than one more playoff-less season in the rebuild.
i know this relies on every single thing going right, but i think nolan's talents are with young hungry kids and some vets who felt passed over. he will get the most out of them.
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