Lottery Pre-GDT & GDT

[Sotnos]

Since this board doesn't get a lot of action most of the year, thought I might as well post another thread. :D

The lottery winner will be announced on Versus, 8 pm, Tuesday April 14th, half hour show, our resident lucky charm Captain Dave will be in attendance

If you have NHL Network, they are following with a Draft Lottery Special at 9 pm, a Playoffs Fantasy Draft Special at 9:30 pm and a Playoffs Preview at 10 pm.

Percentages & lottery history (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=7027)

Also see: http://boltprospects.com/content/608

[chad]

My gut isn't right very often... but it's telling me Colorado ends up with Tavares.

[timothy]

My gut isn't right very often... but it's telling me Colorado ends up with Tavares.

If the Bolts get pushed down to the #3, I think it would be good for Lawton to seriously entertain offers to trade down with someone who has a hard spot for Paarjavi or Duchene.

[Hoek]

A hard spot? Never heard it put that way before, but I suppose it makes as much sense.. errr.. :giggle:

If the Trashers win I'm gonna cry.

[bassassin]

My gut isn't right very often... but it's telling me Colorado ends up with Tavares.

Makes sense Sakic-Forsberg to Tavares-Stastny.

I think the Trashers will get it. I hope im wrong, they need him but I hope they dont get him.

[CTLightning26]

My gut isn't right very often... but it's telling me Colorado ends up with Tavares.

Line by John Cusack in "Hi Fidelity"

"I've been going with my gut my whole life and my gut has shit for brains."

I think Atlanta wins it because the league wants Kovalchuk to stay there.

[Patrick]

I could see the league sticking with the Islanders getting Tavares to help out the Lighthouse project.

[astro]

I say, Islanders retain the number one pick because of the percentages.

[Kowalski]

I like the Isles getting him, but somehow I feel he won't. It would be freaking perfect if we get the #1, can trade down, get Hedman, and end up with an extra 1st rounder or an early 2nd. I'll be chugging beers and praying.

[pete]

Gilroy hasn't signed yet? Is he waiting to see who does and doesn't get the #2 pick for Hedman?

[gphockey]

I know we can move up go #1 in the lotto, what is the lowest draft spot we slip to?

[CTLightning26]

I know we can move up go #1 in the lotto, what is the lowest draft spot we slip to?

3rd

[Top Shelf]

"I think Atlanta wins it because the league wants Kovalchuk to stay there"

"I could see the league sticking with the Islanders getting Tavares"

If the league (rather than a chance selection from among qualifying clubs based on weighted odds under the supervision of a bonded third party) is really the entity that determines the draft order, the NHL is committing a whale of a crime, and on international TV, no less. That is some blockbuster news all right, what a scoop. And you read it here first! Wonder what the odds of that are.

Just wondering if the astonishing level of corruption and fraud being alleged is really known to have happened, or if it's just an accusation based on some kooky nitwit conspiracy theory with no grounding in reality. Anyone?

[chad]

I think draft lotteries are NEVER rigged.


Sincerely,

Patrick Ewing's frozen envelope

[chad]

Here's your trade option:

The Maple Leafs are going to aggressively pursue a top NHL entry draft spot, perhaps even the No. 1 position, says GM Brian Burke. (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275021)

Everyone but Schenn is supposedly in play.

Is there anyone but Schenn of prime value for Toronto?

[Sotnos]

Is there anyone but Schenn of prime value for Toronto?
Not really.

This is my favorite comment on there so far:
Leafs trade Kaberle and Tlusty to Tampa for their 1st rounder and Ryan Malone (they have a need for defence and secondary scoring and don't need anymore high draft picks, especially offensive draft picks) Then Leafs sign Bouwmeester and draft Tavares/Hedman plus use their pick to get another high-first rounder (likely a forward)
:D Quite the imagination this young man has!

[the_narrow_way]

LOL. What's in the water up there?

[Randy]

Or there is some good smoke going around Toronto. Other than Schenn, they don't have anything to offer. I love all this talk about Burke pulling a rabbit out of his hat on draft day. But you have to have something to get something, and I don't see Burke having a lot.

[chad]

If you have the No.1 and they offer you Schenn and a 2nd rounder, do you take it?

(Note: I think Schenn and a 1 is too much for Tavares)



And it's lovely that Tlusty solves our secondary scoring problems - though we're losing Malone in the process.

Someone had some curdled milk in his Shreddies this morning.

[timothy]

Weren't these same TOR fans wailing at Malone's "horrible" contract just 9 months ago?

[timothy]

If you have the No.1 and they offer you Schenn and a 2nd rounder, do you take it?

(Note: I think Schenn and a 1 is too much for Tavares)

No IMO, and here's why:

In light of the news about next season low-40's budget contraints with VL4 eating 25% of that, if the Bolts win the lottery and have the #1 overall, I think the organization picks Tavares and deals off VL4 to plug holes on the roster. Going with a Stamkos-Tavares-Halpern-Szczechura/Jones centerline is cost effective for a budget-strapped organization.

Perhaps the better question is whether or not Burke is interested in acquiring VL4 for Schenn + Kulemin? Burke gets his world-class top line center and the TOR fans and media will immediately coronate him as a new hockey god. That leaves Tampa with hole in center to be filled somehow. Best case scenario is to win the lottery and pick Tavares. Perhaps you still pick Hedman with the #2 overall and ice Hedman and Schenn on the blueline next season with a healthy Jeff Halpern manning the #2 center role. Perhaps you trade the #2 overall for a lower 1st round pick and a serviceable young 2nd line center like a Plekanec. Perhaps you end up picking at #3 and you have a grab bag choice of future 2nd line centers like a Ducene, and you go back to the Halpern as #2 scenario and wait a year for your next 2nd line center.

You could end up with a roster like this developing....

2009-2010
Malone - Stamkos - St. Louis
Prospal - Halpern - Kulemin/Vrbata
Pettinger - Szczechura - Downie
Hall - Craig/Jones - Artyukhin/Karsums
Meszaros - Schenn
Ranger - Smaby
Lashoff - Krajicek/Lundin

2010-2011
Malone - Stamkos - St. Louis
Kulemin - Ducene - Vrbata/Tyrell
Prospal/Harju - Szczechura - Downie
Smolenak - Jones/Hall - Karsums
Meszaros - Schenn
Ranger - Smaby
Lashoff - Wishart/Mihalik

[bolts37205]

he gave an interview to Puck Daddy saying he would decide by the next week after the Frozen Four. He is one interesting dude. I don't feel good that we are in his wheelhouse for consideration because we are going to be financial laggards compared to what I think is his current market value.

[CTLightning26]

No IMO, and here's why:

In light of the news about next season low-40's budget contraints with VL4 eating 25% of that, if the Bolts win the lottery and have the #1 overall, I think the organization picks Tavares and deals off VL4 to plug holes on the roster. Going with a Stamkos-Tavares-Halpern-Szczechura/Jones centerline is cost effective for a budget-strapped organization.

Perhaps the better question is whether or not Burke is interested in acquiring VL4 for Schenn + Kulemin? Burke gets his world-class top line center and the TOR fans and media will immediately coronate him as a new hockey god. That leaves Tampa with hole in center to be filled somehow. Best case scenario is to win the lottery and pick Tavares. Perhaps you still pick Hedman with the #2 overall and ice Hedman and Schenn on the blueline next season with a healthy Jeff Halpern manning the #2 center role. Perhaps you trade the #2 overall for a lower 1st round pick and a serviceable young 2nd line center like a Plekanec. Perhaps you end up picking at #3 and you have a grab bag choice of future 2nd line centers like a Ducene, and you go back to the Halpern as #2 scenario and wait a year for your next 2nd line center.

You could end up with a roster like this developing....

2009-2010
Malone - Stamkos - St. Louis
Prospal - Halpern - Kulemin/Vrbata
Pettinger - Szczechura - Downie
Hall - Craig/Jones - Artyukhin/Karsums
Meszaros - Schenn
Ranger - Smaby
Lashoff - Krajicek/Lundin

2010-2011
Malone - Stamkos - St. Louis
Kulemin - Ducene - Vrbata/Tyrell
Prospal/Harju - Szczechura - Downie
Smolenak - Jones/Hall - Karsums
Meszaros - Schenn
Ranger - Smaby
Lashoff - Wishart/Mihalik



Dont expect Vrbata back...

[timothy]

Dont expect Vrbata back...

Hopefully you didn't miss the point of the post by getting hung up on a minor technicality.

[Sotnos]

Does anyone else's cable/satellite guide say they're showing cagefighting at 8? I'm just assuming that's wrong since the online Vs guide & nhl.com say they're showing the lottery.

[Hoek]

Yeah I see that on my guide, too. Perhaps they're planning on switching to that as soon as the lottery is over?

[WaiverWire]

Verizon has the same thing

[pete]

It's time for some Old Skool Assassin mojo.

[Hoek]

It's on.

[pete]

Dave could beat the other four's asses in a fight.

[timothy]

It's time for some Old Skool Assassin mojo.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40192000/jpg/_40192209_andreychuk270.jpg

[njbolt12]

Dave is the man. Hope he's good luck for us this year too!

[njbolt12]

Dave could beat the other four's asses in a fight.

Maybe Hextall gives him a run for his money?

[Kowalski]

Go Bolts! Win that pick!

[pete]

Only if he has his goalie's stick.

[Coldrice]

I think Burke would be more inclined to offer players like Blake, Kaberle, or Hagman IMO.

Luke Schenn will be the the Captain of the Leafs. I base this on Burke's "Hard Spot" for him. Call it a hunch.

[pete]

McKenzie's top 10:
Tavares
Hedman
Duchene
Kane
Paajarvi
Schenn
Cowen
Larsson
Kulikov
Kadri

[timothy]

I think Burke would be more inclined to offer players like Blake, Kaberle, or Hagman IMO.

That's when tell Burke to enjoy his heirs to Mats Sundin and then pick John Tavares with the #1 overall.

[Avery86]

Does anyone else's cable/satellite guide say they're showing cagefighting at 8? I'm just assuming that's wrong since the online Vs guide & nhl.com say they're showing the lottery.

Cagefight between the Isles and Toronto for Tavares?

[pete]

Hedman says he's playing in the NHL next season.

[Hoek]

Hedman says he wants NHL next year, do we believe him?

[pete]

#5 - LA Kings

[pete]

#4 - Atlanta Thrashers
#3 - Colorado Avalanche

WOOT!

[Hoek]

Yes top two pick!

[Kowalski]

Hedman!!!!

[nutznboltz]

Thanks Capn Dave for representin' and keeping us in the #2 slot :thumb:

[pete]

#1 - NY Islanders

Lightning pick 2nd. Hedman is a Bolt.

[TexasBolt]

The Islanders actually win the lottery. Tampa picks second.

Which is fine with me since they need Hedman more than Tavares anyway.

/cue whining from Canadians about how Tavares will be wasting away in Kansas City in two years (no offense Chad).

[CTLightning26]

Nice to hear Hedman say he wants to come right over next year

[Kowalski]

Works out perfectly. I love it.

[Hoek]

So everyone stays put again.. Can't complain. Hopefully we get something more dramatic next year (and hopefully we won't even be lottery eligible).

[Avery86]

The Islanders actually win the lottery. Tampa picks second.

Which is fine with me since they need Hedman more than Tavares anyway.

Agreed. But if the rumors about Lecavalier are to be believed, Tavares would have been perfect.

I'm not complainin', though. Hedman will likely be a huge (literally) asset.

The question remains whether Tampa picks Hedman, or trades down. I think it's a no brainer to go with Hedman but who knows with Lawton ...

[Kowalski]

You draft Hedman, and you start him in a #4/#5 spot. As he progresses, you move him up.

[chad]

I'll have to take Tavares to Oklahoma Joe's or Gates or Jack Stack or one of the 8 million other outstanding BBQ places here in KC.

I think if it was Tavares they may entertain trade offers, but not with the D this weak and the current needs there.

Hedman is a Bolt.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him as an Admiral in the fall for a little while, though.

[njbolt12]

Works out perfectly. I love it.

Yup. Not having a shot at Tavares will hopefully end this trading Vinny nonsense, and we get a potential franchise D.

The question is, is it going to be Hedman or Backyardigan Jr.?

[pete]

Hedman's definitely starting in the NHL. So now you've got Ranger, Meszaros, Lashoff, Hedman, and Smaby pretty much locked in. Two spots left TBD. One should be a veteran free agent, and then I think you move Krajicek out and make a decision on Murphy.

[WaiverWire]

This I like. We needed help on defense and the kid says he wants to play in the NHL.

Since we did not get the #1 overall maybe OK, LB and BL will stop thinking about what they could get for Vinny.

Now we have the possible tools to fix the defense. This will allow Lawton to concentrate on fixing the 3rd and 4th lines.

[Sotnos]

Hedman says he wants NHL next year, do we believe him?He looks like a nice, honest Swedish boy. I believe him. :)

Yup. Not having a shot at Tavares will hopefully end this trading Vinny nonsense, and we get a potential franchise D.

The question is, is it going to be Hedman or Backyardigan Jr.?
We might get BOTH. However, nothing will end the Vinny trade rumors.

I'm so relieved we didn't move down. Where else are we going to get defensive reinforcements as cheap as an entry level contract? Keep him, please.

[Avery86]

I'll have to take Tavares to Oklahoma Joe's or Gates or Jack Stack or one of the 8 million other outstanding BBQ places here in KC.

Mmmm Jack Stack. Just ate there the other night .. I didn't think BBQ could taste that good, and I'm a fan of BBQ.

[pete]

No, IMO this makes getting a veteran d-man to mentor Hedman an even higher priority. It's a shame Ohlund is going to cost a fortune.

[hfgreg]

I like it.. takes the pressure off of us.. we better not trade this thing.

[Kowalski]

No trade. Keep.

[Sotnos]

No, IMO this makes getting a veteran d-man to mentor Hedman an even higher priority. It's a shame Ohlund is going to cost a fortune.
If we keep Vinny, what part of their paltry budget is going towards vet d-man? I wouldn't get my hopes up.

[njbolt12]

Hedman's definitely starting in the NHL. So now you've got Ranger, Meszaros, Lashoff, Hedman, and Smaby pretty much locked in. Two spots left TBD. One should be a veteran free agent, and then I think you move Krajicek out and make a decision on Murphy.

That, in my humble opinion, is a GREAT young D core. Maybe sign a vet defensive D to mentor big Vic? Murphy might be expendable with Lashoff in the lineup now. In that case I think you bring Lundin up, although if he's going to be rotating in and out as a #6/7 then maybe it's better to have him playing 25min a night in Norfolk.

[timothy]

Yup. Not having a shot at Tavares will hopefully end this trading Vinny nonsense, and we get a potential franchise D.

It doesn't. The self-imposed $45M payroll next season is only thing I've seen so far that makes me think OK/LB/BL is thinking of moving him.

[pete]

It's the most mobile defense in hockey, arguably, to have Ranger, Meszaros, Lashoff, and Hedman in your top-four. If it's me, I'm adding Mara and re-signing Murphy. The only slow-foot would be Smaby.

[Sotnos]

I'll have to take Tavares to Oklahoma Joe's or Gates or Jack Stack or one of the 8 million other outstanding BBQ places here in KC.While I'm happy(ish) for the Isles, I think that pick might be wasted on them if they don't get their new facility & you might indeed get to buy young Mr Tavares some BBQ.

[pete]

Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb
"For being that young, he's very mature, and he's big, but moves like a smaller guy. Very mobile, and his puck sense is excellent. Hedman is dominating the game, playing on the first defense pair on MODO. He's playing around 20 minutes per game."

NHL Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire
'Victor Hedman brings to his game unsurpassed combinations of size, explosiveness in his skating, quickness and offensive ability. He is indeed the whole package and that just might get him the number one selection overall."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5325&sort=finalRank

[njbolt12]

I agree that we really should NOT sign a high priced FA. Get a relatively cheap D-first guy.so we can keep Vinny and not cut payroll / jettison guys like Halpern. But who knows what these guys will do? Sometimes I wish LB would take a break from shooting endangered species on his Bear Mountain resort and take a look at our board.

Is there a way to get out of Vrbata's contract? His $3m and gaining some space due to pending UFAs might leave some space for a pair of reasonable FA signings...

[Sotnos]

Is there a way to get out of Vrbata's contract? His $3m and gaining some space due to pending UFAs might leave some space for a pair of reasonable FA signings...
We're out of Vrbata's contract if he signs in Europe again. By that I mean we don't have to pay him, which is all ownership cares about.

[timothy]

Is there a way to get out of Vrbata's contract? His $3m and gaining some space due to pending UFAs might leave some space for a pair of reasonable FA signings...

It's not OK/LB's choice. If Vrbata wants to play in NA, OK/LB is obligated to pay him or trade to another team.

If he wants to continue to play in Europe, then OK/LB get off easy like they did this year.

[Sotnos]

It's not OK/LB's choice.I know that, didn't mean to imply otherwise. I wonder when we'll hear from the Vrbata camp on what his plans are.

[gphockey]

What if the NYI takes Hedman?

Morrow said there have been and will be more discussion about this pick.

[Coldrice]

My gut feeling is if they lose out on the Gilroy sweepstakes, they may very well just do that.

[pete]

Then we have Stamkos/Tavares, which is like having Crosby/Malkin. You're an instant elite team. I doubt very much the Isles can pass on Tavares.

[chad]

Morrow made a little smirk when asked about Hedman, a slight chink in his diplomacy armor. They're taking Tavares.

Glad to hear Hedman has stepped his game up since the WJCs.

Re: Lundin... he's subject to waivers, so either he's your 6/7 or he's dealt.

Moving Prospal is becoming a priority.



Avery... Jack Stack is my No.2. Oklahoma Joe's is No.1. Arthur Bryant's is famous, but overrated, IMO. KC Masterpiece is too commercial and sweet. Gates is excellent, but they yell at you when you walk in the door and it's really heavy. Okie Joes is no waiters, and it's not hole-in-the-wall like LC's. I'm craving it now. If you love BBQ, KC is the place. If you love hockey, it's not. (see Sotnos, I tied it back in. :) )

[chad]

My gut feeling is if they lose out on the Gilroy sweepstakes, they may very well just do that.

Forgot about him for a second there... I think NYI steps up the Gilroy efforts now, and it's not like TB had a real chance, but he becomes less of a priority.

[Avery86]

Avery... Jack Stack is my No.2. Oklahoma Joe's is No.1.

I'll have to keep Oklahoma Joe's in mind since I'm actually in Olathe for the short term future.

We did end up eating at KC Masterpiece but it was average for me. Jack Stack made KC look like McDonald's.

Errr ... Tavares, Hedman, hockey, etc.! Kansas City Islanders! :coolwink:

[TexasBolt]

I do worry about one thing though... the Islanders are, I would say, 6-8 NHL players short and they couldn't fall back on injuries as an excuse for their terrible play last year. Might they think about trading that pick for a players/pick package and then you have some wild card in the #1 spot?

I guess it's not a worry when the elite players run two deep and you're picking second. But I think Hedman is more useful to this particular team than Tavares.

[CTLightning26]

"I think Atlanta wins it because the league wants Kovalchuk to stay there"

"I could see the league sticking with the Islanders getting Tavares"

If the league (rather than a chance selection from among qualifying clubs based on weighted odds under the supervision of a bonded third party) is really the entity that determines the draft order, the NHL is committing a whale of a crime, and on international TV, no less. That is some blockbuster news all right, what a scoop. And you read it here first! Wonder what the odds of that are.

Just wondering if the astonishing level of corruption and fraud being alleged is really known to have happened, or if it's just an accusation based on some kooky nitwit conspiracy theory with no grounding in reality. Anyone?

Listen, we all hate Buttman. All of it is well warranted.
You Like him? You trust him?

[CTLightning26]

Hedman says he's playing in the NHL next season.

good to hear

[CTLightning26]

It's the most mobile defense in hockey, arguably, to have Ranger, Meszaros, Lashoff, and Hedman in your top-four. If it's me, I'm adding Mara and re-signing Murphy. The only slow-foot would be Smaby.

unfortunately, that leaves you nothing left for the forwards - unless Prospal or V4 is traded

[CTLightning26]

My gut feeling is if they lose out on the Gilroy sweepstakes, they may very well just do that.

they cant sell a swede defenseman to their fan base. No way friggin way... Only thing they may do is trade it for like three players and a pick

[CTLightning26]

Forgot about him for a second there... I think NYI steps up the Gilroy efforts now, and it's not like TB had a real chance, but he becomes less of a priority.

they may also try to break the bank for Komisarek. He is a long island kid.. could you see them like offering him six years 30 mil or something?

[chad]

unfortunately, that leaves you nothing left for the forwards - unless Prospal or V4 is traded

With the salary structure... you're paying 3 forwards to wear No.4. I'm not putting that on Vinny, but they're going to have to get creative.

Creative as in finding some really cheap options for the 3rd and 4th wingers.

You know, like Feaster was doing in Europe due to lack of funds because of the Richards contract.


If you're an opposing GM... would you want Prospal with that contract for the next few years?

That's going to be a toughie to get rid of.

[chad]

The video has been pulled off TSN, but it will be interesting to reunite Hedman and Tyrell this offseason. The much-smaller Tyrell sent Hedman flying in a WJC exhibition game.

http://www.boltprospects.com/files/story-pics/tyrellhedman.jpg

[CTLightning26]

If you're an opposing GM... would you want Prospal with that contract for the next few years?

That's going to be a toughie to get rid of.

Buying him out really doesn't help either.

The question i have is? Is OK Hockey counting Hedman's incoming contract as $875,000 in their $43-45 mil cap projection?
or it with bonuses up to $3.7??
If its 875, along with Stamkos, that makes a lot more room....

[Sotnos]

My guess would be they only care about actual salary, not cap hit. Some of the bonuses are for IMO things that are not too likely (winning the Conn Smythe) but some are pretty obtainable, so maybe they guess the salary at somewhere in between?

Best I can tell from the stuff I was just looking at, the max ELC goes up this year to 900K.

[Bolthed]

Yay! We got him! Thank goodness ... now this season has a silver lining, just as last season did with Stamkos and Mike Smith. We are adding cornerstones, and Hedman comes just when it was beginning to look nigh impossible to fix our defense. Not that he will be a savior (just yet), not that we won't need to keep tweaking to find the right types of players to surround him on the blueline, but at least he brings order to the future of that area of the franchise depth chart. I'm thrilled.

I do wish we could bring the Swedish Battle Tank 2.0 across the pond with Hedman, however. Is there any way of getting Harju to vie for a third-line spot and allow the two Swedes to acclimate together? Sounds ideal to me. Besides, I am just about over the idea of Artyukhin developing into anything more than just a fourth-line checking beast/time-waster. I also wish we could do something about Prospal, but I'm resigned to the idea that with finances in question we may need to start the season with he and Vrbata on our scoring lines with more tweakage to come later. Filling out the fourth lines, I would expect us to keep useful veterans Hall and Pettinger, frequently scratch an enforcer like Koci or Brookbank, give up on Craig and keep guys like Karsums, Jones, Konopka, Bochenski and Tukonen in the minors.

Malone-Lecavalier-Prospal
Vrbata-Stamkos-St. Louis
Harju-Halpern-Downie
Hall-Szczechura-Pettinger
Koci

On defense, I agree that our core is set ... until it becomes clear that Meszaros and Ranger are similar players. That would be fine if they were Nos. 2 and 3 dmen, but for now they are Nos. 1 and 2. To balance the unit, I think we need a dynamic, offensive powerplay QB like Cory Murphy (injuries be damned!), so my opinion on the rest of the top 7 is to go with EITHER Krajicek or Lundin and rotate based on merit/matchups. The only thing I don't like is that once again we have not one single right-handed shot.

Ranger-Meszaros
Lashoff-Smaby
Murphy-Hedman
Krajicek or Lundin

[Coldrice]

Well it didn't take long

Burke Already on the Phones (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275135)

[timothy]

Well it didn't take long

Burke Already on the Phones (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275135)

IMO... Burke talks to the hand until the words Luke Schenn are dribbling off his lips...

[timothy]

Besides, I am just about over the idea of Artyukhin developing into anything more than just a fourth-line checking beast/time-waster.

IMO, R2's not even a good 4th liner because he *can't* hold onto the puck. You can't be a good time-waster if you can't hold onto the puck. At least Dingman hogged the puck. And we are paying this guy a cool $1M next season.

[Sotnos]

IMO... Burke talks to the hand until the words Luke Schenn are dribbling off his lips...
Have to agree. Unless (as they speculate there) he makes some side deals to bring in better pieces, Schenn would need to be involved for them to get a top pick.

(Moved a few posts out of the Vinny thread into this one)

OT: On a side note, does Burke also hand out a press release detailing what he ate for lunch? Here we have an article basically stating that he's made some phone calls. Whoopie, how exciting.

[Randy]

Must be a slow news day in Toronto and all of Canada. Burke publicly declares he wants to move up in the draft order, who wouldn't. Then the lottery occurs to set the top 5. That's newsworthy. And now an NHL GM is picking up the phone to put out feelers to move up. I am totally shocked something like that would happen, not!

Do they do a write up everytime Burke gets on the phone, reads his emails or takes bathroom breaks. Surely there must be something else going on North of the border. You do have 3 teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs you could write about. Oh well Burke may be home in bed with the sniffles tomorrow, we'll get to hear about that too.

[pete]

If you look at what they paid certain guys this season, you see that they don't have to get THAT creative:

Artyukhin is slated to make $1M
Craig is slated to make 800K
Pettinger was making $1.1M

What they're going to do is load up on prospects in the 600K range. Szczechura, Smolenak, Downie, and maybe even give a guy like Jones a shot. Go all out with cheap youth on the lower lines, and maybe the occassional vet willing to play for cheap like Hall and possibly Pettinger if he's willing to take a paycut.

[Avery86]

Filling out the fourth lines, I would expect us to keep useful veterans Hall and Pettinger, frequently scratch an enforcer like Koci or Brookbank, give up on Craig and keep guys like Karsums, Jones, Konopka, Bochenski and Tukonen in the minors.

Only issue with that is that Konopka and Bochenski are both on one-way deals next year. Trade them or they're on the team by default, unless you make them report to the AHL after putting them on waivers and risk losing them for nothing.

[gwf82]

Man, any of the defenses people are projecting here are still going to suck next season unless a magical something comes over all of them at once. I hope it does but I cant see that many guys developing together (Lashoff, Hedman, Smaby a bit more) at once and Ranger staying healthy. They desperately need a SOLID vet defenseman. Mara maybe someone to go after but as said before here though, its a shame that a guy like Ohlund will apparently be too expensive

[chad]

Yikes: (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/04/15/snow_lawton_tavares_hedman/)

"I haven't spoke to Brian [Burke]," Lawton said. "I have seen his comments and I appreciate for what they are worth. We are going to get ridiculous offers and it has already started. But we're not interested in moving players of this calibre for a garbage type deal."

[Randy]

Lawton, keep with that mindset. Because of your lack of experience, you are seen as easy pickings in a trade deal. I'd hold onto the pick. You will have a franchise player for a 3 year entry level deal. If there are money woes, this makes more sense.

[Sotnos]

Yikes: (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/04/15/snow_lawton_tavares_hedman/)

"I haven't spoke to Brian [Burke]," Lawton said. "I have seen his comments and I appreciate for what they are worth. We are going to get ridiculous offers and it has already started. But we're not interested in moving players of this calibre for a garbage type deal."
ROWR! Well I guess he can talk tough, let's see if he really holds out for something decent.

I like how the first comment there is an accusation of both teams tanking (translation: the Leafs managed to win some games, they missed out, I am jealous & bitter). I am impressed otherwise though, these sportsnet commenters can spell & use decent grammar!

[pete]

Hmmmmm, rumors of Tavares not wanting to play for the Islanders? I can't imagine Tampa Bay would be high on his list either.

It's never a good thing when they start comparing you to one of the Lindros boys.

Sure hope none of that is true. The Islanders could just tell Tavares to bite them and take Hedman and then the whole league would know we're over the barrel to move the #2 pick if Tavares didn't want to play for the Lightning.

[Avery86]

Odd, I thought I read a few weeks back that Tavares doesn't care who he plays for in the NHL, he just wants to be there. Wish I could remember where I saw (or thought I saw) that.

[Hoek]

I hope not.. I hate when potential picks try to dictate where they end up. It reflects poorly on them. And yeah if he doesn't want to play for the Isles there's probably even greater distaste for us right now, unless getting to play with Marty and Stamkos is enough to override any concerns.

[Sotnos]

I hope not.. I hate when potential picks try to dictate where they end up. It reflects poorly on them.
Yep. This is the first we hear of it though, so who knows if it's true.

[Coldrice]

I'm wanting to lean towards it's more the Toronto (media) casting that doubt so it can grease the wheel to get the "hometown" kid. Hence my post in the other thread that it didn't take long for TSN to post that Burke was already contacting teams. It would have been more newsworthy that he didn't call anybody today IMO.

[CTLightning26]

If you look at what they paid certain guys this season, you see that they don't have to get THAT creative:

Artyukhin is slated to make $1M
Craig is slated to make 800K
Pettinger was making $1.1M

What they're going to do is load up on prospects in the 600K range. Szczechura, Smolenak, Downie, and maybe even give a guy like Jones a shot. Go all out with cheap youth on the lower lines, and maybe the occassional vet willing to play for cheap like Hall and possibly Pettinger if he's willing to take a paycut.

I think Craiger has a chance to come back way better than he was...
I want smoke on the team definitely

[CTLightning26]

Man, any of the defenses people are projecting here are still going to suck next season unless a magical something comes over all of them at once. I hope it does but I cant see that many guys developing together (Lashoff, Hedman, Smaby a bit more) at once and Ranger staying healthy. They desperately need a SOLID vet defenseman. Mara maybe someone to go after but as said before here though, its a shame that a guy like Ohlund will apparently be too expensive

Maybe Mara.
Whatta ya think of someone like Montador, who will only cost about 1-1.5 for a year

[RSchmitz]

Well, I think this worked out good. There are going to be a lot of options come draft day.

I think Toronto could make a deal without Schenn. A GM confident in making absurd announcements is probably capable of making some absurd deals too. Don't forget that Burke is the same guy who got the Sedin twins in Vancouver when people were doubting.

Signing a dependable veteran defenseman becomes the #1 priority this offseason. Everything else is a very very very distant second.

[Sotnos]

I'm wanting to lean towards it's more the Toronto (media) casting that doubt so it can grease the wheel to get the "hometown" kid.That's another good possibility. You'd hope they wouldn't cast aspersions on a kid's character like that though.

[CTLightning26]

I'm wanting to lean towards it's more the Toronto (media) casting that doubt so it can grease the wheel to get the "hometown" kid. Hence my post in the other thread that it didn't take long for TSN to post that Burke was already contacting teams. It would have been more newsworthy that he didn't call anybody today IMO.

i agree, wishful thinking.
But Isles should listen if the offers gets crazy.

[RSchmitz]

Hmmmmm, rumors of Tavares not wanting to play for the Islanders? I can't imagine Tampa Bay would be high on his list either.

It's never a good thing when they start comparing you to one of the Lindros boys.

Sure hope none of that is true. The Islanders could just tell Tavares to bite them and take Hedman and then the whole league would know we're over the barrel to move the #2 pick if Tavares didn't want to play for the Lightning.

Doesn't look like Lindros part 2

Tavares, who will begin the Ontario Hockey League Western Conference final with his London Knights tonight against the Windsor Spitfires, was interviewed moments after the draw and didn't make any waves about going to the Islanders.
"It would be a great opportunity," he said. "It's a very historic franchise and there is great tradition there. Obviously, it would be a great honour and a special feeling. I would be glad to be a part of their organization and then to win the Stanley Cup would be amazing."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090415.LOTTERY15ATLART22092/TPStory/Sports

[Randy]

Onto the next Toronto smokescreen.

[RSchmitz]

Burke will almost undoubtedly try and use us as a stepping stone if his ultimate goal is Tavares, which would set up a 3 way trade to ensure they got their guy.

[pete]

So we have pick #2, #32, and #53.

With Hedman in the fold at #2, and Ramo, Helenius, and Tokarski already in the fold, I'm focusing on the forward position, and particularly the wings.

LW/RW Ben Hanowski, Little Falls (USHS), 6'2" 198 lbs

57 goals and 110 points in 25 games. His numbers are even better than TJ Oshie's were in high school, if I recall correctly. Sweet Jesus. Committed to St. Cloud State.

[chad]

57 goals and 110 points in 25 games. His numbers are even better than TJ Oshie's were in high school, if I recall correctly. Sweet Jesus. Committed to St. Cloud State.

:faint:

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2008/1114/rise_ben_hanowski2_600.jpg

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/news/story?id=3646718#

He broke the Minny HS scoring record.

[Top Shelf]

Ultimately cool as that photo is (and it is), making that pansy purple look tough is just not happening.

Sorry Vikes, that goes for you too. Think about it--just ask the Bucs what changing from sissy colors can do for your club. :)

Back on topic,...it was definitely bold of Buttman and the powers that be at NHL HQ to illegally prop up hockey in the Sunshine State by putting the fix in for the Lightning to get the second pick, which will no doubt be Hedman. That fraudulent scheme could hardly have worked out more perfectly for us. It's a good thing federal law enforcement, unlike most of the world, doesn't read this message board! ;)

Thought they might trade the pick, but it'd make more sense to just keep the affordable (for now) kid.

[njbolt12]

Marketing slogan for the billboards this summer:

"Got Hed?"

[chad]

:clap:

[bolts37205]

if there is a marketing staff left. If the Mrs OK is still running things, then I doubt that flies no matter how amusing.

[CTLightning26]

Marketing slogan for the billboards this summer:

"Got Hed?"



:ohmy:
:hysterical:
:clap:

[pete]

I think "Hedmania" is more PC.

[Randy]

Goes to the Rangers at 1.75 mil for two years. Hey, we got Hedman.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4077524

[bolts37205]

3.5 mil total, so the Rangers must think he is NHL ready next yr? wonder what our max offer could have been? I doubt we will ever know and I doubt we were ever in his consideration.

[Avery86]

Goes to the Rangers at 1.75 mil for two years. Hey, we got Hedman.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4077524

So .. in related news .. Mara definitely not being re-signed?

[CTLightning26]

Goes to the Rangers at 1.75 mil for two years. Hey, we got Hedman.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4077524

woulda given him 1.8 for two..
--
just a thought. Rangers buy out Redden. We sign him for like $800,000 to tutor Hedman

[CTLightning26]

So .. in related news .. Mara definitely not being re-signed?

well, Morris is an RFA and who knows, they may buy out Redden.

[jdhebner]

I think "Hedmania" is more PC.

I like "Heded for the Playoffs"

A man can dream.....

[Hoek]

Next year we will be "A Hed of the Pack."

[the_narrow_way]

Or 'Hed-case', depending on how next season goes...

[timothy]

:closed:

[pete]

AC/DC's Thunderstruck shall be bumped in the pre-game music selection for Foreigner's "Hed Games."

[jdhebner]

Tim doesn't like the way this thread is Heding

[timothy]

Tim doesn't like the way this thread is Heding

:yield:

[Top Shelf]

Really messing with his hed, man

[Bolthed]

Now you all shall know the truth ... my username was created in 1999 as homage to my favorite future Bolt. I knew about him when he was just a youth, skating around the ponds of Örnsköldsvik.