Thrashers current goal leader...

[Maximw61 0]

So, I'm curious. Maxim Afinogenov has been my favorite player since his second year in, and I'm curious as to where you guys think he'll be next year, and any rumors you've heard. I think it's an interesting topic due to his slacking at the end of his days in Buffalo, and how he's kicked up his game to lead Atlanta this season. Will he stay in Georgia? Will he go to another team? Will he play for the Moscow Dynamo in Russia?

I'm curious as to what your opinions are.

Sorry I'm not talking about anyone huge, but he's my favorite player and if anyone has any opinions, I'd like to hear them.

[Chadd 916]

20-30-50 in 64 games so far should get him an offer above the $800k he made this year. If he doesn't get an offer of more than $1M, and an opportunity to play, I think he goes back to Russia.

[Maximw61 0]

Do you think anyone would take him tho? I could see teams being interested at this point due to his numbers in atlanta.

[chippa13 1844]

With the way he disappeared in Buffalo once he got a decent contract, I doubt anyone will offer too much to him and they definitely won't offer a multiyear deal.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

With the way he disappeared in Buffalo once he got a decent contract, I doubt anyone will offer too much to him and they definitely won't offer a multiyear deal.

If the Caps don't think Semin fits in their future, Max could come in and be his replacement.

[chippa13 1844]

Would that be a salary cap issue or are the Caps down on Semin these days? I wasn't aware that he had fallen out of favor in DC.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

I could see someone giving Afinogenov a $2 million contract or so, but I'm not sure anyone's going to gamble with more money than that. He looks good this year, and I like Afinogenov, but his terrible year in Buffalo is going to taint him for a little. If he decides to show up like he did this year, he's fine on a 2nd line. I don't think he's quite up there for a 1st liner, and he's not tough enough or physical enough to be a 3rd line grinder.

He would be sick in Vancouver on a line with Kesler and Raymond. Overwhelming speed.

[Chadd 916]

Do you think anyone would take him tho? I could see teams being interested at this point due to his numbers in atlanta.

It depends on the teams. He needs to be a top six forward and get his usual ice time in order to put up numbers. If you find a city where he can do that, and they have money, you might find a home for him. I would think Atlanta would be a place that needs a guy like him.

[The Stranger 0]

He would be sick in Vancouver on a line with Kesler and Raymond. Overwhelming speed.

No need, they already have Grabner.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

That would be a cap issue. He signed a one year extension for 6m. Backstrom is an RFA and is due a hefty raise. OV and Backstrom are this teams backbone, Semin COULD be expendable. Im not saying he will, but there was some talk earlier about trading him at this years deadline. He could fetch a nice return and keep the cap space workable. Fehr and Fleishmann are both RFAs as well and in need of a raise. By all means, the Caps want to keep Semin, the question is are they able to.

Would that be a salary cap issue or are the Caps down on Semin these days? I wasn't aware that he had fallen out of favor in DC.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Would that be a salary cap issue or are the Caps down on Semin these days? I wasn't aware that he had fallen out of favor in DC.

He hasn't, they recently just resigned him through next season, so he fits their plans now anyway.

They are going to have to pony up to resign Backstrom, Flash, Fehr, Mo, Schultz and Neuvirth, as well as some UFA's, so I don't think they are going to go after a lesser version of semin

[TheEdge27 2]

Assuming he would take around 2Mil, id love to see him on the pens 2nd line with Malkin and Poni. Fedotenko is just awful.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

Assuming he would take around 2Mil, id love to see him on the pens 2nd line with Malkin and Poni. Fedotenko is just awful.

And continue to leave Sid with crap? That seems wrong. Poni and Sid; Malkin and Afinogenov.

[TheEdge27 2]

And continue to leave Sid with crap? That seems wrong. Poni and Sid; Malkin and Afinogenov.

I was just wishful thinking. Whats wrong was trading for wingers for sid every year at the deadline and leaving malkin with fedotenko and talbot.

Sid is doing fine with Kunitz/Guerin/Dupuis on his wings. The only reason Malkin got Malone and Sykora was because they didnt pan out with Sid. Dont worry, Sid will always get 1st dibs at the wingers they get.