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Post by Boston_Habs on Mar 5, 2012 14:50:11 GMT -5
Yakupov goes at #1 and I bet Edmonton takes dman Ryan Murray at #2. Between Eberle, Hall, Gagner, and Nugent-Hopkins, the time looks right for the Oilers to draft a cornerstone dman and Ryan Murray is the guy.
If we end up in the #3 position, I bet Grigorenko is sitting right there for us. Unless the due diligence turned up a bunch of red lights, you would almost have to take him. I'm all for stockpiling good dmen, but if there is a chance to take a top 6 forward (and a centre to boot!!) it's a no-brainer. The pressure to take him will be immense coming off this lousy season.
I also agree with BLNY. The risk of taking these moody Russians playing fewer games against lesser competition is well mitigated by the fact that these guys are playing junior hockey in Canada.
The kid could still end up being a bust, but all you can do is make the best decision you can at the time based on the information available. The Habs could get cute and try and trade down to someone else who wants to move up to get Grigorenko, but that would be a risky move and a slap in the face to a pissed-off fan base desperate for a franchise forward.
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Post by blny on Mar 5, 2012 15:27:45 GMT -5
That really is the big rub BH. Trading down could be a disasterous PR move. The only way would be to a team very likely to be in the lottery next year. And, as we've seen, outside of Columbus there are no guarantees at this point.
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Post by jkr on Mar 5, 2012 18:34:22 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Mar 5, 2012 19:06:27 GMT -5
His rankings are out of whack. |
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Post by seventeen on Mar 5, 2012 20:06:19 GMT -5
His rankings are out of whack. Is this Craig Button or Jensen Button? |
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Post by blny on Mar 5, 2012 20:23:22 GMT -5
His rankings are out of whack. Is this Craig Button or Jensen Button? Buttons the Clown. I don't think it's any wonder why Button hasn't had an NHL job since he was a scout with the Leafs in 2004. |
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Post by Skilly on Mar 5, 2012 21:11:20 GMT -5
I've read scouting reports that compare Grigorenko to Malkin and Beliveau ... if he is available when we pick, there is no considering other options.
Then if I am GM, I will wait to see how far Galyenchuk falls. If he manages to slip into the teens, I would seriously consider packaging some picks (this year or next) along with one of those young d prospects we have (Ellis/Bennet/Weber/Diaz) or to be completely blasphemous, even Brendan Gallagher (we do know what we have in Desharnais, you can't build a team with both IMO) and trade up to snag him.
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Post by blny on Mar 5, 2012 21:24:37 GMT -5
I've read scouting reports that compare Grigorenko to Malkin and Beliveau ... if he is available when we pick, there is no considering other options. Then if I am GM, I will wait to see how far Galyenchuk falls. If he manages to slip into the teens, I would seriously consider packaging some picks (this year or next) along with one of those young d prospects we have (Ellis/Bennet/Weber/Diaz) or to be completely blasphemous, even Brendan Gallagher (we do know what we have in Desharnais, you can't build a team with both IMO) and trade up to snag him. I would tend to agree on Galchenyuk. Wait and see with that. If he were to fall out of the top ten, have a trade waiting in the hopper. |
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Post by seventeen on Mar 5, 2012 23:57:14 GMT -5
So let's muddy the waters some more  with this write-up on Galchenyuk. I have no idea who the writer is and if they have any creds. www.allhabs.net/canadiens-prospects/christmas-in-june-alex-galchenyuk/by JHabs, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC. — Speed, vision, hockey IQ, and all around elite are words that have been used in conjunction with Sarnia Sting forward Alex Galchenyuk. The Milwaukee native is a super star on the rise, and will be one of three prime targets in the draft following Nail Yakupov and likely Mikhail Grigorenko.
Alex brings an exhilarating package of size, speed, high-end skill, vision, and is every NHL team’s dream come true. He is one of the most complete players in the draft, and boasts stellar work ethic. He suffered a torn ACL at the beginning of September, and was thought to have been out of commission for the entire season — however due to his tireless work ethic, and never-say-die attitude he is looking to make a return in the coming weeks.
A prospect with unparalleled work ethic is music to the ears of amateur scouts, as work ethic is absolutely crucial in a player’s development — Galchenyuk is among the best in the draft in this category. Galchenyuk has a wicked wrist shot that can make any netminder’s toes curl, along with high end speed, superb passing ability, vision, two-way ability, and does not shy away from the physical game. Alex also has a tireless attitude, and is a team-first type of guy.
Every attribute that Galchenyuk has oozes dominance, superstar and top-line center.
With all the glowing reports on Galchenyuk, he does not have many knocks against him. Many were concerned that his injury was a sign of things to come. After much evaluation, it is the belief of many scouts that his injury and durability is of little to no concern.
The fact that he will be shortly returning from what would be a season ending injury speaks volumes about his determination and dedication to recovery. Galchenyuk’s solid frame of 6’1″ and 185 lbs. is both impressive and desirable; however it is widely believed that he will need to develop more muscle to fill out his frame, and will likely develop into a 6’1″ 200 lbs. center.
While Galchenyuk has missed the majority of the season, it isn’t likely to deter teams from selecting him in the top 10 in this year’s draft. He has dominant superstar center written all over him, and is going to be a key piece of the future to the team that drafts him.
He has often been compared to Marian Hossa, and some scouts have him as an Evgeni Malkin type, however it is much better to see Alex, as just himself. Teams won’t be drafting Evgeni Malkin, or Pavel Datsyuk; they will be drafting Alex Galchenyuk who will certainly make his own mark in the NHL.
Alex Galchenyuk is projected to go between picks three and 10 in this year’s NHL Entry Draft however most scouts feel he won’t fall out of the top five as his package is too good to pass up.
You can follow Alex on twitter: @agally94 |
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Post by blny on Mar 6, 2012 7:05:55 GMT -5
Seventeen, had Galchenyuk played at all this year it would be a Russian 1-2-3 (first time ever?). He's undeniably good. Depending on who you talk to, there's debate as to whether or not he'll fully recover all his speed from before the ACL injury.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 6, 2012 10:58:50 GMT -5
Galchenyuk has always been in the mix for me, despite his brutal injury this season. He has all the attributes that Timmins really looks for in a player, especially of late when character and hockey IQ has been a big factor in player selection. A lot will depend on who the GM will be on draft day, and what their risk tolerance/aversion level is.
Fun times ahead, but we sure need to stay in the top five picks. Don't mess it up now lads lol.
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Post by IamCanadiens on Mar 11, 2012 2:09:27 GMT -5
I look at the teams at the top of the standings this year, and none of them are laiden with 'superstars'. They have rosters that have bought in and play like a team, and they're versatile. I dunno. As of today the top 5 teams have several guys that I would class as superstars: Van - Sedins, Kesler, Luongo NYR - Richards,Gabby, King Henrik Det - Zetterburg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom Pit- Crosby, Malkin, Fleury The only exception is Stl and Hitchrooster has a habit of getting the most out of his guys. Last year the Canucks, Boston, Philly and San Jose were the last 4 teams. Every team had at least one superstar: Sedins, Kesler, Chara, Thomas, Pronger, Richards, Marleau, Thornton. complemented by serious depth. So while I agree with the idea of buying in and playing like a team I'd rather have a team with superstars than without when they both buy into the team game. |
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Post by blny on Mar 11, 2012 11:21:41 GMT -5
I don't consider Kesler or Lu superstars. They're very good, but neither are elite. IMO, Pacioretty is quickly approaching Kesler.
Richards is a quality two way center, but won't beat you by himself. Gabby is a floater. Henrik is their best.
Detroit is so balanced. Age might be the only thing keeping from the superstar list.
Crosby is out. Malkin is a better player when Sid is out. Fleury is hot and cold. IMO he's a lot like Luongo. Brilliant sometimes, but can be very average.
Of the names you mention, at this point in their careers, I'd call Malkin and Lundqvist superstars. The Sedins are close, but how much relies on them playing together? Could they function apart? When will they bring it in the playoffs?
Call me old fashioned, but when I think superstar I think Gretzky, Lemieux, etc. People that are clearly 2 steps ahead of everyone else, thinking the game on another level. I don't see much of that these days.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 11, 2012 14:12:24 GMT -5
Superstars are guys who can beat you by themselves either with an individual play, or perhaps by making everyone else around them better. Usually, there might be 2 or 3 in the league at any one time. Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin when he's being Ovechkin and maybe Toews. I personally don't consider goalies in my superstar equation. Ooops, forgot Datsyuk. He might fit in there. Can't think of any d-men at this time. The line between an excellent player and a superstar can be fine, but it's there.
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 26, 2012 11:48:43 GMT -5
So now that some doubts have started to creep into Grigorenko's game (lack of intensity, perimeter player, etcetera), do we reconsider who we want? I know that there is that ever-present lust for the big center down the middle, but...
Do we REALLY need that big center down the middle? Right now DD is working pretty well with Pacioretty and Cole, and while that may be a function of his wingers, so what? They’ll only do better if we have a real second line.
And on the second line we have Plekanec. Now if we can draft a big center and then trade Plekanec for something else, then so be it. But in the meantime I’d be content with Tomas as our second line guy/penalty killer. Surround him with big and/or talented wingers, like DD, and that’s an impressive top two lines.
On the third line we have Eller, who I still think has the potential to be a very good, if not elite checking line center. Which is very good, in my opinion. People say he can be moved to the wing, but I’ve never thought he looked good there, and have always thought he has looked much better down the middle. So leave him there. Plus, aren’t we tired of taking guys out of their natural positions? He’s got decent size, good wheels, strong defensive awareness, and he has 16 goals this year, with rather blah linemates and while bouncing all around the lineup. Plus he’s what, 22? Why mess with yet another developing player?
So unless we’re looking at trading one of our more productive players (i.e. DD or Tomas) to make room for this big center, I don’t really see it as being a huge need. If you can get a star winger, preferably of the power-forward type, who can chip in 30+ goals on Plekanec’s wing then I think we’d be in business too. Granted, if you think Grigorenko is going to be an elite center, then by all means take him… but if he’s going to be the next Pierre Turgeon – i.e., a very good, but not elite – is it worth messing up your lineup and losing one of DD, Plekanec or Eller? Or would we rather have a very good winger to compliment Plekanec, and perhaps in the future Eller? Somebody like Forsberg?
AND, just to follow up on that, if we end up with the 2nd overall, how gutsy would it be to pass on Grigorenko to trade the highest pick we have had since Wickenheiser down to pick up a winger or <gasp> defenseman who might be 3 years away, but who could possibly be better in the long run?
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Post by Boston_Habs on Mar 26, 2012 13:06:03 GMT -5
I've been thinking about that, BC. It depends on the evaluation of Grigorenko, but also on Lars Eller, who is still a bit of a wild card. I think we know what DD and Pleks are capable of. DD can be a solid points guy paired with two 30-goal guys in Cole and Pacioretty. I think Pleks is a great #2 centre, with more offensive potential if he had a scoring winger to play with. Poor guy really suffered this year with Cole and MaxPac playing with DD, and then seeing us deal our other scoring wingers in Cammalleri and Kostitsyn.
But Eller makes it interesting. If he can give you 20-25 goals and 50+ points..... do you really need Grigorenko, especially of you have doubts about his upside?
Of course the trade route changes everything, if we deal either DD or Pleks. But Timmins and his staff should have very little doubts about Grigorenko - playing right in their backyard, I'm sure we have a scout watching him every shift of every game. Unless they think he's going to be a bust, I would still probably pick him at #2 as it gives us options down the road even if he's not an immediate answer.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Mar 26, 2012 14:27:06 GMT -5
I don't consider Kesler or Lu superstars. They're very good, but neither are elite. IMO, Pacioretty is quickly approaching Kesler. I'd say Pacioretty is passing Kessel very quickly. I'd give the skating edge to Kessel, but IMHO, Pacioretty has more size and more tools. You might even consider them 'generational talents' rather than superstars. I got that phrase from Hockeysfuture.com and there are only a handful of these guys every so often. As far as superstars go, though, I'd say the Habs have three 'budding superstars' in Price, Subban and Pacioretty. Adding one more such player would make our team very hard to play against. Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Mar 26, 2012 14:47:15 GMT -5
So now that some doubts have started to creep into Grigorenko's game (lack of intensity, perimeter player, etcetera), do we reconsider who we want? Depends on who you're listening to, I guess. From what one of the TSN panel was saying a few weeks back, Roy has been working very closely with Grigorenko and apparently he's turning into quite the two-way player. IMHO, yes, we still do need that one, big, impact centre. I think if we draft another centre there won't be room for both Plekanec and Eller. As it is now, Eller looks to be developing into a larger version of Plekanec. However, I find that, unlike Tomas, Lars doesn't always work a full 60 minutes. Conversely, Tomas works hard every shift, every practice. I'm not saying Lars has a work ethic problem, I just notice him dogging it every so often. I think it has a lot to do with the piss-poor season his club has had this year, but he has to learn to play all out, all the time. Very good point, BC. Mark Streit comes to mind immediately. Trading Tomas Plekanec, eh? I'd hate to lose a talent like him, but hang onto that thought, at least until draft day. Who did you have in mind? Nash? Two questions for you, mate: 1. What do you like in Forsberg, and 2. Would Eller be ready to step into Plekanec's skates next season? Better not be missing any Denis Savards in this draft ... Will Ryan Murray turn into another Rob Ramage ... Cheers. |
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Post by Roggy on Mar 26, 2012 16:42:53 GMT -5
From a pure PR perspective, if they get a #2 overall pick, they HAVE to take one of the supposed "can't miss" talents, especially when it's a big center that has been a glaring weakness for a decade. Anything less and the fanbase will revolt because they watched a tanked season for nothing. They can't trade that pick, same result. It will look like management is doing the complete opposite of what every fan, journalist and semi-knowledgeable hockey person outside of the Habs boardroom thinks they should do.
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Post by clear observer on Mar 26, 2012 18:18:42 GMT -5
From a pure PR perspective, if they get a #2 overall pick, they HAVE to take one of the supposed "can't miss" talents, especially when it's a big center that has been a glaring weakness for a decade. Anything less and the fanbase will revolt because they watched a tanked season for nothing. They can't trade that pick, same result. It will look like management is doing the complete opposite of what every fan, journalist and semi-knowledgeable hockey person outside of the Habs boardroom thinks they should do. This. |
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Post by Skilly on Mar 26, 2012 19:50:12 GMT -5
So now that some doubts have started to creep into Grigorenko's game (lack of intensity, perimeter player, etcetera), do we reconsider who we want? I know that there is that ever-present lust for the big center down the middle, but... Do we REALLY need that big center down the middle? Right now DD is working pretty well with Pacioretty and Cole, and while that may be a function of his wingers, so what? They’ll only do better if we have a real second line. And on the second line we have Plekanec. Now if we can draft a big center and then trade Plekanec for something else, then so be it. But in the meantime I’d be content with Tomas as our second line guy/penalty killer. Surround him with big and/or talented wingers, like DD, and that’s an impressive top two lines. On the third line we have Eller, who I still think has the potential to be a very good, if not elite checking line center. Which is very good, in my opinion. People say he can be moved to the wing, but I’ve never thought he looked good there, and have always thought he has looked much better down the middle. So leave him there. Plus, aren’t we tired of taking guys out of their natural positions? He’s got decent size, good wheels, strong defensive awareness, and he has 16 goals this year, with rather blah linemates and while bouncing all around the lineup. Plus he’s what, 22? Why mess with yet another developing player? So unless we’re looking at trading one of our more productive players (i.e. DD or Tomas) to make room for this big center, I don’t really see it as being a huge need. If you can get a star winger, preferably of the power-forward type, who can chip in 30+ goals on Plekanec’s wing then I think we’d be in business too. Granted, if you think Grigorenko is going to be an elite center, then by all means take him… but if he’s going to be the next Pierre Turgeon – i.e., a very good, but not elite – is it worth messing up your lineup and losing one of DD, Plekanec or Eller? Or would we rather have a very good winger to compliment Plekanec, and perhaps in the future Eller? Somebody like Forsberg? AND, just to follow up on that, if we end up with the 2nd overall, how gutsy would it be to pass on Grigorenko to trade the highest pick we have had since Wickenheiser down to pick up a winger or <gasp> defenseman who might be 3 years away, but who could possibly be better in the long run? What if Grigorenko (or whoever we draft) can't play immediately? We are already going to be in a position in 2 years time where we have to choose between Desharnais or Gallagher, IMO. And we still haven't figured out what we do with Gomez. Not drafting that big center, could eventually put us in the position of getting smaller again. We aren't drafting for next year, we are drafting for 2013-14, and if Grigorenko/Yakupov are ready right away - its a bonus. |
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Post by Tankdriver on Mar 26, 2012 20:13:40 GMT -5
I agree. You can't trade the top 2 player away. If you were 3-5 range you could drop a spot or two since they are all about the same but when the first two are far and away the better players (concensus) you have no choice.
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Post by Tankdriver on Mar 26, 2012 20:15:59 GMT -5
Here's another twist. If Columbus doesn't go Russian, which one of the two would you pick?
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 26, 2012 20:24:17 GMT -5
So now that some doubts have started to creep into Grigorenko's game (lack of intensity, perimeter player, etcetera), do we reconsider who we want? I know that there is that ever-present lust for the big center down the middle, but... Do we REALLY need that big center down the middle? Right now DD is working pretty well with Pacioretty and Cole, and while that may be a function of his wingers, so what? They’ll only do better if we have a real second line. And on the second line we have Plekanec. Now if we can draft a big center and then trade Plekanec for something else, then so be it. But in the meantime I’d be content with Tomas as our second line guy/penalty killer. Surround him with big and/or talented wingers, like DD, and that’s an impressive top two lines. On the third line we have Eller, who I still think has the potential to be a very good, if not elite checking line center. Which is very good, in my opinion. People say he can be moved to the wing, but I’ve never thought he looked good there, and have always thought he has looked much better down the middle. So leave him there. Plus, aren’t we tired of taking guys out of their natural positions? He’s got decent size, good wheels, strong defensive awareness, and he has 16 goals this year, with rather blah linemates and while bouncing all around the lineup. Plus he’s what, 22? Why mess with yet another developing player? So unless we’re looking at trading one of our more productive players (i.e. DD or Tomas) to make room for this big center, I don’t really see it as being a huge need. If you can get a star winger, preferably of the power-forward type, who can chip in 30+ goals on Plekanec’s wing then I think we’d be in business too. Granted, if you think Grigorenko is going to be an elite center, then by all means take him… but if he’s going to be the next Pierre Turgeon – i.e., a very good, but not elite – is it worth messing up your lineup and losing one of DD, Plekanec or Eller? Or would we rather have a very good winger to compliment Plekanec, and perhaps in the future Eller? Somebody like Forsberg? AND, just to follow up on that, if we end up with the 2nd overall, how gutsy would it be to pass on Grigorenko to trade the highest pick we have had since Wickenheiser down to pick up a winger or <gasp> defenseman who might be 3 years away, but who could possibly be better in the long run? What if Grigorenko (or whoever we draft) can't play immediately? We are already going to be in a position in 2 years time where we have to choose between Desharnais or Gallagher, IMO. And we still haven't figured out what we do with Gomez. Not drafting that big center, could eventually put us in the position of getting smaller again. We aren't drafting for next year, we are drafting for 2013-14, and if Grigorenko/Yakupov are ready right away - its a bonus. I wouldn't say that Desharnais and Gallagher are in competion; one is a center, the other a winger. I think Gallagher will eventually be Gionta's replacement myself, in as you say 2-3 years. On the other hand, in 2-3 years Desharnais, Eller and Plekanec should all still be effective if not entering their primes. So if you could surround them with the wingers they need... Remember that the initial premise here is that Grigorenko is NOT that super-stud big center that we need, but merely a very good one. Hard to compare across generations of course, but would you rather have Pierre Turgeon or say, Max Pacioretty? |
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 27, 2012 7:03:14 GMT -5
Depends on who you're listening to, I guess. From what one of the TSN panel was saying a few weeks back, Roy has been working very closely with Grigorenko and apparently he's turning into quite the two-way player. Could be true. Could also be Roy blowing sunshine up the skirt of a player he’s really counting on to take his Remparts far in the playoffs. And to shine his own reputation. In Trevor we trust, I suppose. As Boston_Habs said, we’d better have a scout sitting beside him on the bus, wiping his nose when he sneezes and lifting the lid for him when he goes to the bathroom (I’m paraphrasing). I don’t want to be too dramatic, but this pick could really seal the fate of the franchise for the next 10 years. We can’t afford to blow this one. Nail it (no pun intended) and we could be a top 4 team for the next decade… blow it and it’s going to be real hard to break the mediocrity cycle. IMHO, yes, we still do need that one, big, impact centre. I’m not denying that we need that big, impact center… but what if he’s just big? Like I said, what if he’s just Pierre Turgeon? A pretty good center, but not elite… In Trevor we trust. I think if we draft another centre there won't be room for both Plekanec and Eller. As it is now, Eller looks to be developing into a larger version of Plekanec. However, I find that, unlike Tomas, Lars doesn't always work a full 60 minutes. Conversely, Tomas works hard every shift, every practice. I'm not saying Lars has a work ethic problem, I just notice him dogging it every so often. I think it has a lot to do with the piss-poor season his club has had this year, but he has to learn to play all out, all the time. Could also just be a function of him being 22 years old. He’s still got to mature a little bit, physically, mentally, and so on. Where are those mentors that he can look to for inspiration and guidance on how to be a professional athlete? As for the drafting another center bit… that’s my concern. If we draft the next Turgeon, and it costs us Eller, who might be the next Plekanec, because we traded him for the next Niniimaa… never mind, I’m getting lost in analogies. Very good point, BC. Mark Streit comes to mind immediately. Long list of those players… Right now I’m missing Ryan O’Byrne a lot. I look at any potential lineup next season and think “gee, we could really use a big, right-shooting, defensive-minded 5th or 6th defenseman who isn’t afraid to drop them once in a while.” Trading Tomas Plekanec, eh? I'd hate to lose a talent like him, but hang onto that thought, at least until draft day. I’ve advocated trading him every year, seemingly. Not because I don’t think he’s a good player - but because he IS a good player. Gotta give to get, and I always ask myself “can we win a Stanley Cup with Tomas Plekanec as our 1st or 2nd line center? Or would we be better off taking a step back in a trade, so we can then take two steps forward?” Who did you have in mind? Nash? Nash is an option, but I’m afraid it would seriously gut us as a team. I, for one, don’t think we have a lot of depth (Frederic St. Denis, Aaron Palushaj, Andreas Enqvist anyone?), so if we have to trade our top pick, a couple of seconds, and say Eller and Beaulieu… well, it gets pretty expensive. Worth looking into, for sure, but buyer beware… I’ve suggested Alexander Semin before, and I still think throwing big – really big – money at him on a SHORT term deal is an option. Even if it costs $8 million next year, if he can chip in 30-40 goals while we buy some time for the top picks to develop then it would be well worth it, in my opinion. We aren’t winning the Cup next year, so I wouldn’t worry too much about him disappearing come crunch time. Of course that $8 million isn’t my money, so… Two questions for you, mate: 1. What do you like in Forsberg, and 2. Would Eller be ready to step into Plekanec's skates next season? Can’t say I know too much about any of the prospects, other than what I have read. But Forsberg seems to have decent size, is gritty, with good offensive instincts. Reminds me of Pacioretty and Cole. I wouldn’t mind adding another guy like those two, would you? As for Eller, I don’t think he can replace Plekanec, either now or in the future. I think he can be a decent 2nd liner, but I prefer him, personally, as a VERY good 3rd liner. The kind of guy you can match up against other team’s top lines (like he did against the Sedins for example), while still providing a dangerous counter-attack. A real Guy Carbonneau type (though probably not THAT good). That would be one more piece of the puzzle, if you ask me. Better not be missing any Denis Savards in this draft ... Will Ryan Murray turn into another Rob Ramage ... Indeed. In Trevor… |
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Post by Boston_Habs on Mar 27, 2012 8:32:57 GMT -5
I agree we can't screw this up.
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Post by franko on Mar 27, 2012 9:59:45 GMT -5
I’ve suggested Alexander Semin before, and I still think throwing big – really big – money at him on a SHORT term deal is an option. Even if it costs $8 million next year, if he can chip in 30-40 goals while we buy some time for the top picks to develop then it would be well worth it, in my opinion. We aren’t winning the Cup next year, so I wouldn’t worry too much about him disappearing come crunch time. so why bother spending $8M just to hopefully make the playoffs? that ain't bang-fer-your-buck, as the clown used to say. let someone come up and develop, perhaps. [who, you ask? I don't know. I provide suggestions, not answers]. |
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 27, 2012 10:18:08 GMT -5
so why bother spending $8M just to hopefully make the playoffs? that ain't bang-fer-your-buck, as the clown used to say. let someone come up and develop, perhaps. [who, you ask? I don't know. I provide suggestions, not answers]. Ah, but you HAVE answered young whipper-snapper! Who? Who indeed? There is nobody. Gallagher and whoever we draft are probably the closest, but they are in all likelihood at least a year away, maybe two. Both are currently in junior, with a grand total of zero professional games between them. They *may* be ready for next year... but what if they are not? No shame in cutting an 18 year old because he isn't ready for the NHL. So you sign Semin for one year, or max two, you'll make the playoffs for those two years, build some momentum, a winning atmosphere AND you'll let your top prospects develop in the minors. Otherwise you're just calling them up when they aren't ready, into a losing atmosphere. You want to subject your new "stars", 18 and 19 year old kids, into what we saw at the Bell Centre this year? |
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Post by franko on Mar 27, 2012 10:34:38 GMT -5
ah, old man . . . with those 18 and 19 year olds in the AHL, do we then not keep LL up and sign some of our UFAs, maybe bring in a "lesser" UFA?
I'm not so sure that $8M is a good investment for a sulky guy that plays when he gets the urge . . . haven't we had our fair share of those already?
but what do I know . . . I'm only a grasshopper
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Post by blny on Mar 27, 2012 10:36:10 GMT -5
I wouldn't touch Semin with a ten foot pole. Way too streaky. Way too soft. Way to enigmatic.
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with this write-up on Galchenyuk. I have no idea who the writer is and if they have any creds. 
