Your team and what they should do

[Chadd 916]

Post your team and who they should buy-out, sign, trade, etc...

[Fire0nIce228 1]

The pens:

Get rid of Gonchar and LeClaire for pretty much the best deal anyone offers them for either of them. Oh, and Thibault too. Get Pronger somehow. and get Malkin to come over. and some defense wouldn't hurt.

Add coaching plus playing time and watch the youngsters grow into a real NHL caliber team, just like a chia pet. :D

[EBondo 233]

Trade Esche for a solid number one goaltender (Roloson anyone? Doubt it though). Move Hatcher and Rathje down to last pairing of defense, get either Pronger or Chara, hey maybe even both. Any solid defensemen to bolster the blue line because the Flyers are just too old. I'd like to see them sign Patrik Elias, but I don't think that's going to happen.

[jjtt99 0]

Vancouver Canucks:

Jovanoski: Try to sign, but likely can't get to the number he wants.

Sedins: Sign, big raises.

Carter: See Jovo, but a bit more likely.

Cloutier: Trade, they have Luongo now.

Linden: Low ball him.

Get some right wingers!

Naslund, Morrison, ??

Sedin, Sedin, ??

Cooke, Kesler, ??

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'm a Leafs Fan: Domi and Belfour Gone. Sign Parrish, Kubina and McKee. I assume McCabe is back as well. Then go with

Steen - Sundin - O'Neill

Tucker - Lindros - Parrish

Kilger - Wellwood - Poni

Antropov - Stajan - Suglobov/Williams

Belak - Williams/Suggy

Kaberle - McCabe

Cola - Kubina

McKee - White

Kronwall/Harrison/Bell

Razor

Telly/Aubin

[Chadd 916]

Trade Esche for a solid number one goaltender (Roloson anyone? Doubt it though). Move Hatcher and Rathje down to last pairing of defense, get either Pronger or Chara, hey maybe even both. Any solid defensemen to bolster the blue line because the Flyers are just too old. I'd like to see them sign Patrik Elias, but I don't think that's going to happen.

I guess you're still living in the pre-cap world. They're already over $30M and they don't have Gagne, Nitti, Pitkanen or Umberger signed. At least be somewhat realistic.

[McCabe24 0]

I'm a Leafs Fan: Domi and Belfour Gone. Sign Parrish, Kubina and McKee. I assume McCabe is back as well. Then go with

Steen - Sundin - O'Neill

Tucker - Lindros - Parrish

Kilger - Wellwood - Poni

Antropov - Stajan - Suglobov/Williams

Belak - Williams/Suggy

Kaberle - McCabe

Cola - Kubina

McKee - White

Kronwall/Harrison/Bell

Razor

Telly/Aubin

Going after Pronger wouldn't hurt either but I think the winning formula is balance. I would much rather acquire two players in the 3 or 4 million range (McKee and Kubina) than one in the seven or eight range (Pronger). The Raycroft trade can't be questioned right now because the only thing it has done is improve the financial situation. My only concern is how much is tied up in guys who aren't even on the team. Also, it is funny how little of a corcern finding a scorer for Sundin has become, not that I am complaining.

[Chadd 916]

Blackhawks:

Brown and Barnaby are gone already.

Resign the guys like Bell, Calder, Ruutu, Bochenski, Bourque, etc...

Sign a couple skill guys like Savard and Cajanek, or a tough forward like Arnott and a middle tier defenseman like Spacek. Better to get a couple of B level guys for a good price than to blow it all on one unless it's Savard. Maybe a guy like Prusek to backup Khabibulin. The Aucoin, Khabibulin and Cullimore contracts are going to hurt the team for another year or two.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Going after Pronger wouldn't hurt either but I think the winning formula is balance. I would much rather acquire two players in the 3 or 4 million range (McKee and Kubina) than one in the seven or eight range (Pronger). The Raycroft trade can't be questioned right now because the only thing it has done is improve the financial situation. My only concern is how much is tied up in guys who aren't even on the team. Also, it is funny how little of a corcern finding a scorer for Sundin has become, not that I am complaining.

I have faith O'Neill's that guy. Him and Mats get along well. If it doesn't work out, I definately think Parrish could step into that role. I also wouldn't mind seeing Antropov flipped for a pick and getting a Barnaby type of player.

[kosydar 0]

Leafs (not going to look at eazy's until I'm done)

Buy Outs

This is a no brainer. Buy out Domi and Belfour. Both will happen.

Re-Sign

RFAS

Bell, Coliaccavo, Harrison, Stajan, Wellwood, Raycroft, Ondrus. All should be easy to sign. Raycroft will be the most expensive, but I can see him signing for under $3.

UFAS

Pohl. He is cheap, and can swing between the Marlies and Leafs if there are injuries. If Lindros will come cheaply, assuming he is healthy, I'd sign him to a one year deal. I just assume McCabe is a done deal.

So Far

Forwards

Sundin, Tucker, O'Neill, Steen, Kilger, Belak, Poni, Sluggo, Stajan, Wellwood, Ondrus, Pohl, Lindros.

Defense

McCabe, Kaberle, Harrison, Bell, White, Wozneiwski

Raycroft, Aubin, Tellqvist

Free Agents

Needs-

Wingers for Sundin- Shanny, Samsonov, Parrish. Ideally- Elias.

Defenseman- This is what we really need. Ideally I'd like to sign three, but that might be overkill. Mitchell, Kubina, McKee, Ward. If I had to go with two I'd go Mitchell and Kubina. Ward is a stud and would do really well partnered with any of our younger d-men on third line. I think if we don't pick up at least two solid, badass d, then our hopes at a winning season are ruined.

Toughness- In looking back at the best Leafs team in recent years (01/02), something that stands out in my mind is how much tougher they were than the current Leafs teams. I hope to God that we sign UFAs who aren't softies.

[kosydar 0]

There probably isn't a good UFA listing somewhere is there? I'd just assume they'd wait until July 1 to do that.

[Chadd 916]

There probably isn't a good UFA listing somewhere is there? I'd just assume they'd wait until July 1 to do that.

Not perfect, but pretty good.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/freeagents.html

[Eazy_b97 1]

I forgot about Pohl! I'd fire him in there in place of Antropov. Razor is already qualified at 1.35, Boston did it. The Leafs and him are working on a long term deal though.

Welly, Stajan, White, Cola, Ondrus and a few others recieved QO's. All of the Leafs RFA's worth noting were offered them. Oddly though, Cola, Antropov and Welly's were 2-way deals.

[kosydar 0]

I noticed that Cola, Antropov, and Welly's were 2 ways, while Stajans wasn't. I think Antropov is taking the Leafs to arbitration over it. Hopefully it leads to him not coming back.

I just read that McCauley is a UFA. Sign him at whatever cost. Trading him away was one of the biggest Leafs mistakes in the past five years.

[Chadd 916]

I forgot about Pohl! I'd fire him in there in place of Antropov. Razor is already qualified at 1.35, Boston did it. The Leafs and him are working on a long term deal though.

Welly, Stajan, White, Cola, Ondrus and a few others recieved QO's. All of the Leafs RFA's worth noting were offered them. Oddly though, Cola, Antropov and Welly's were 2-way deals.

That's just because they could make them two way deals. It always seems to piss off players when teams do that, I don't really understand it unless they plan on sending them down.

[Bane 1]

Avalanche:

Dump Theodore......... What was Lacroix thinking??? There are tons of good UFA golatenders available. (too bad I am probably dreaming... Our only real option to get rid of Theo is a buyout and he still has two years on his deal)

Resign blake to a one year deal.

Other than that, we just need to play and try to rebuild our prospect pool that has gotten thin over the past few years with Lacroix's constant dealing at the deadline.

[donkey87 0]

Dallas Stars:

Trade: Janne Niinimaa. Didn't do anything last season and I don't see him being a big help this coming season. With Zubov, Boucher, Modry, and Daley all on the team. I don't see the need for Niinimaa.

Buy-out: Bill Guerin. He doesn't produce enough to warrant hi salary. With the salary cap in place the Stars can't afford for Guerin to be the highest paid player on the team and only score 13 goals.

Re-sign: Trevor Daley. Daley is getting better but needs to produce more offense. I'd rather trade Niinimaa and have Daley take his place. Daley has greater potential and a lower salery. Jason Arnott. Arnott had a great season and was second on the team in scoring. I would like to see him return. Buying out Guerin could provide enough space under the salary cap to re-sign Arnott.

Goalies: Hopefully, Ellis or Smith will move up from Iowa and get some playing time this upcoming season. With Ellis or Smith as back-up to Marty Turco there would be no need to re-sign Hedberg. The Stars really need to figure out how to get Turco to perform during the playoffs. He does his job during the regular season but is terrible during the post season.

[Thockey17 1]

kick Yashin to the curb and leave him there to rot.

[kosydar 0]

Looks like McCabe signed. 5 years, $5.75 mil/yr

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169972&hubname=nhl

[McCabe24 0]

List of lower priced free agents that could help a team:

Salei, Mellanby, Reasoner, Grier, McKee, Numminen, Donovan, Cullen, Ward, Skrastins, Suchy, Mitchell, Spacek, Tarnstrom, Corvo, Parrish, Kuba, Markov, Sillinger, Witt, Varada, Sanderson, McCauley, Cajanek, Poapst, Kubina, Sarich, Carney, Park, Halpern

Pretty much all of those guys are solid options for a team's third line or second pairing. Only a few really belong higher or lower on a roster and I wouldn't mind the Leafs grabbing a handful of those very important but often overlooked type of additions.

[Chadd 916]

The leafs have to decide if the kids they have are scorers or grinders, then sign some of the other kind.

[gp3r 0]

Mtl:

Now that we've re-signed Huet, the goalie issue is settled, at least for two years.

We need to re-sign Bouillon, this guy is one of the most under-estimated d-man in the league. He's in the top5 for body-checks and rarely takes penaties.

We need a skilled center, maybe Savard. I'm not so big on geting Arnott. Though his size is very interesting, he's not as productive as Savard. I know Savard is a tough guy to coach, but Carbo and Gainey could be able to get the best out of him.

What would be best would be to get and good center via trade. It's very unlikely, but maybe give up Markov, Abisher, Zednik, 1st or 2nd round picks to try and get Lecavalier from Tampa. Then get one or two d-men through free agency. McKee, Witt would be great choices.

We could also try to sign Matt Cullen. After seeing him in the playoffs, I think he's a very good player. Awesome shot, would be great on the point during PP's. If we can find a great shot to replace Sourray, than we could get something good for him, since his only utility is scoring from the blue-line. He's not reliable in our zone.

A decen winger would be of great help too.

I think we really need to get rid of both Zednik and Ribeiro. They are streaky players, who don't work hard and don't deserve to put the Habs jersey on.

[QandA 0]

Leafs:

Goaltending: Let Telqvist, Aubin and Raycroft battle it out in camp. Let Pogge start for the Marlies(I think he's outta junior now). Hopefully the battle between the three can create a bit of competitive drive.

Defence: I like McCabe, I'm glad he was signed, his work ethic and dedication is second to none, sometimes he does get stupid thought. Belak, Berg are both tools and kill the leafs. Kaberle's solid, hopefully Colaicovo and White can come up and finally work their way in. I think they should sign a good solid stay at home defence. A guy who won't put up mind boggling numbers, but will be reliable on d.

Maybe another defence (a 3-4 defenceman, with some experience, that won't hurt the cap.)

Forwards: Resign Lindros for cheap. Make a run at JR, and for the right price we could get him, and make he could play wing for Mats. Domi can go, I love him but the Leafs can do without. Steen, Stajan should keep the same role that they had last year, same with Wellwood. Tucker was on fire last year, and maybe get someone with a little jump and spark to play with him. Ondrus could jump up, play on a line with Tucker and get some more jump from that energy line. If the leafs can find a tough guy who can score, and another proven goal scorer I think they should be set.

I'm a bit worried about the goaltending situations, can't be worse than this year tho.

[DeI 18 0]

NYR-

Goaltending- Lundqvist will be the #1. With Weekes as backup

Defense- Staal will make the team. Perhaps Pock as well. You have Kaspar and Malik already signed. Bring back Tyutin ASAP. Rachunek will be back and is very much NHL caliber. Don't go after a big guy FA. Instead go after a Mckee, Kubina, etc.

So we could have:

Malik-Rachunek-Tyutin- Mckee-Kaspar-Staal-Pock

I like that much more than what we had this season.

Sign back Sykora and Straka. Let Rucchin, Rucinsky, Poti, go to hell

Forwards are much tougher to predict. I expect a similar grouping though. Some new Ranger kids will be added...2-3. I wouldn't mind taking a run at Parrish as we do need more power up front on the top lines.

I figured I'd add to yours, Theo...

Henrik is clearly going to be the starter, and I would like to see Montoya try his hand in the show, but I don't see Weekes staying.

Ozo the bozo and Poti should get the boot. I do like the idea of a McKee on the team, and as unlikely as it seems, someone like a Raflaski could help pull the defense together IMO.

That makes (in no particular order) Malik-Tyutin-Kasper-Pock-Staal-KcKee-Rafalski

I would love to see Ovy in a Rangers uniform, again as unlikely as that seems, but I digress. Sykora should get resigned and stuck on a line with Jagr and Nylander, instead of Straka. The Energy line should stay as is. Immonen and Giroux should come up to the show and along with Prucha, they could be a pretty good line. Ward should stay, along with Betts, and possibly Hossa.

Sykora-Nylander-Jagr

Ortmeyer-Moore-Hollweg/Orr

Immonen-Giroux-Prucha

Ward-Betts-Hossa

[Eazy_b97 1]

Buy-out: Bill Guerin. He doesn't produce enough to warrant hi salary. With the salary cap in place the Stars can't afford for Guerin to be the highest paid player on the team and only score 13 goals.

Be careful what you wish for.

A buyout of Bill Guerin costs the Stars 66% of his REMAINING contract, and yes, it is against the cap. Therefore, BG would pocket $4.448 million, and it would only save the Stars $2 million.

Also, after you buy him out, he obviously becomes a UFA. It simply isn't worth doing just for $2 million in cap space. Best bet is to hope he has a great season, or, someway, somehow, trade him.

Cap hit is spread over double the length of the contract, so the Cap hit is more around 2.25/yr, but for much longer.