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Free Agency & Dumb Decisions - Tougie's Take Podcast (7/1/24)
246 Plays9 months ago
- Taken from a live stream on Tougie's channel, he breaks down the NHL's horrific decision making, and eventually the first day of NHL Free Agency.
- Follow Tougie, Cyn and Endo on Twitter!
- Subscribe to the podcast YouTube channel!
- Check out our Discord to submit YOUR viewer questions!
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Transcript
00:00:01
Speaker
Scott, thank you very much for the six months.
Introduction to NHL Free Agency Plans
00:00:05
Speaker
ah We will get into talking all about NHL free agency. I'm honestly going to treat this as a... Shout out to Ivory for the 69 months by the way. had' been nice i have That Excuse me, we're leaving that in. Anyway, I'm going to kind of treat this like either its own video or a podcast. I don't know, you might see this pop up on podcast feeds on the main channel. I don't know, we'll see. um so And shout out to Rahill for immediately getting bopped.
Major Story Overshadowing Free Agency
00:00:38
Speaker
I will, I will eventually talk all about free agency, trades, all of that stuff, but ah that is not the biggest story of the day. Although I wish it was, right? Because a couple hours ago I was like, man, this is sweet. We'll talk all about free agency. This is going to be fun. And then the NHL, in typical NHL bullshit fashion, tried to be sneaky, but they don't know how. They really don't know how. The NBA, MLB, NFL, they're all kinda good at sweeping stuff under the rug without too many people noticing. The NHL sucks at it. Shout out to Aiden for the 70 months. By the way, again, very much appreciated everybody. Um...
Controversial Reinstatement of Blackhawks Figures
00:01:30
Speaker
so as as expected we we have news right we have news and let me uh switch this over to the proper one because of course it was not the proper one uh the big news of the day is not steven stamp coast it's not slavkovsky it's not anything else it's this right here from the NHL announcing ah that former GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, Stan Bowman, former head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, Joel Quinville, and Al MacIsaac, who was also with the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks team, have been reinstated.
00:02:09
Speaker
and ah to to specifically get you Al MacIsaac's title. ah He was the director of hockey administration and then was promoted ah' to VP of hockey ops with the Hawks until he resigned in October of 2021 in the aftermath of the Kyle Beach story breaking. ah This is something that we all pretty much knew was coming. ah Because we have had this conversation Numerous times if you are talented enough or perceived as talented enough to help a hockey team win and make money You will be given as many Chances as is required. It does not matter if you are front office staff a coach a player You will be given any amount of opportunities now
00:03:03
Speaker
ah The response to this has obviously been incredibly unpopular. There are some people who are ah trying to defend this, but a quick little reminder of the story because it's funny. You cannot go to the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks Wikipedia page without seeing the sexual abuse scandal tab. And i'd like to I'd like to remind you all to take take a little bit of ah a look over this, right, as it details ah the complete lack of action in regards to numerous members of the Chicago Blackhawks ah front office, resulting in a former video coach, Brad Aldrich, ah not only getting away with sexually assaulting
00:03:52
Speaker
ah hockey you know ah professional hockey players but also ah getting away with then subsequently ah being accused of sexual assault at Miami University in Ohio and then later being convicted of having sexual contact with a minor while serving as a high school assistant coach in Michigan. These subsequent two, uh, incidents took place solely because of the Chicago Blackhawks in action. And people wonder why some people still laugh about the Black Hawks and of course they're now a deceased owner when a year on he tried to say, we're moving on, everything's fine. Well, that's what the NHL is trying to do now. They are trying to move on and they're saying that, hey,
00:04:44
Speaker
They're good to come back. And oh, don't worry, come back they will.
Public Outcry and Legal Issues
00:04:50
Speaker
As has been reported by numerous people, EJ Raddick the most recent, Stan Bowman is going to be the next general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. What a punishment. What a punishment. Now, Frank Saravalle had this to say, um or quoted this from the NHL's announcement today in regards to the reinstatement.
00:05:18
Speaker
The National Hockey League today announced that effective immediately, Stan Bowman, Al MacIsaac, and Joel Quinville are eligible to seek employment in the NHL. For more than the last two and a half years, oh boy, two and a half years worth of punishment for a minor being sexually assaulted because of you. What a punishment. Anyway, ah for more than the last two and a half years, these individuals have been ineligible to work for any NHL team as a result of their inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Blackhawks player Kyle Beach had been assaulted by the club's video coach.
00:05:56
Speaker
While it is clear that at the time their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals has acknowledged that and used their time away from the game to engage in activities, not only which not only demonstrates sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL player personnel have, including personnel who are in positions of leadership. um fair fair Fair question from me. ah What activities? What activities? Specifically what activities? i just I'm intrigued. Who have they worked with? Who have they talked to? ah what what have What have they done? Specifically. Right? I think that's fair. Specifically what have they done? I feel like that's that's a worthwhile thing to know.
00:06:49
Speaker
um But the NHL doesn't seem to think so. ah The league expects they will continue this commitment in any future capacity with the NHL and or one of our clubs. While clubs are free to discuss potential employment opportunities, they will not be permitted to enter new employment relationships until July 10th. So again, you could have easily announced this on July 9th, July 10th, whatever. um But no, you tried to slip this in on fucking free agency day because you were hoping the news cycle would muddy it up and a lot of people wouldn't even hear about this. Judging by what I've seen in chat, there you go. that's that's That worked for some people up until this point. um So again,
00:07:33
Speaker
You have these individuals that are going to be given another opportunity. Again, eligible to seek employment on or after July 10th. Make no mistake. Stan Bowman knows what team he is going to. Stan Bowman absolutely knows what team he's going to. And I'm pretty confident Joel Quinville will know what team he's going to as well. It's the NHL. Tampering happens. It's not a coincidence that over a billion dollars worth of contracts have been signed today on the first day of free agency. You know that some of these guys have known where they were going to be signing for at least a couple of days, if not longer. So yeah.
00:08:15
Speaker
Joel Quinville knows where he's going to be coaching. My bet's Columbus, by the way. They had no shame in bringing in Mike Babcock. ah My guess is they'll go for Joel Quinville unless they have actually developed a ah fucking spine and would rather um actually try to bring in a coach that might be able to do something instead of relying on guys that haven't accomplished anything in 10 years. um But of course there are people who are trying to defend this, right? Because why wouldn't they? Oh, and by the way, before we get to that, um friendly reminder. The Chicago Blackhawks are still being sued. That's the big thing to remember. They are still currently being sued. They are in a lawsuit right now with John Doe, too, who is still unnamed.
00:09:06
Speaker
at the time. So, oh, it's been two and a half years. Dude, the fucking lawsuits aren't even settled yet, and they're letting these guys back into the league. It's insane. Now, the defense for these two ah comes from this. um Today, it was reported by Quinnville's own daughter, Anna, that victim Kyle Beach from the 2010 scandal had given Quinnville his blessing to return to the NHL. Again, she tweeted on May 13th of this year, Kyle called my dad after going on Andy Strickland's podcast gave him blessing to coach again And of course there is a follow-up from Andy Strickland on his podcast with Cam Jansen mentioning Kyle Beach has given his blessing which you know what props to Kyle Beach for finding that within him to forgive and Allow somebody to move on he deserves a hell of a lot of credit for that however ah Kyle Beach is not the only victim
00:10:03
Speaker
He was a direct victim at the and NHL level, but there are other subsequent victims because of the inaction of the men that were just reinstated, including Joel Quinville. And again, if you go through this article and talks, or not even the article, if you just go through the fucking Wikipedia section that has concised all of this, ah it talks about the inaction up and down the order. from Chicago that led, again, exactly to further incidents involving Brad Aldrich. So there is that. J-Rod, thank you for the 42 months. So necessary is it believable that Kyle Beach has forgiven Joel Quinville and is all right with him going back into the league? Of course it is. Is is Kyle Beach's personal progress and acceptance and him being an incredible individual
00:10:53
Speaker
Is that enough when there were other victims, one of whom again is still involved in an active lawsuit in regards directly to what happens? The people you have speaking up right now, again, Kyle Beach hasn't said anything specific. eat We're not owed that. Nobody's owed that. But these reports are coming from Joel Quinville's daughter and Andy Strickland. Now, I'm not calling Andy Strickland's integrity into question, but there is no denying, obviously, that this is a very blues-themed heavy
00:11:24
Speaker
ah podcast and Andy Strickland has worked directly with the St. Louis Blues ah and of course Cam Jansen is a former St. Louis Blues player from St. Louis. Color me shocked that he would have some loyalty to that team. um If I'm not mistaken, by the way, by the way, just just one little quick fact check here. I don't want to throw anything out there and be wrong about it. ah But Joel Quinville, Let's see, stopped coaching the Blues in 2004. That was right before Cam Jansen got there. So I can't say that Cam Jansen has loyalty to an older coach.
00:12:04
Speaker
um But what I can say is, despite some people saying, oh, Kyle Beach said this, and hey, they could very well be right, um it's pretty fucking embarrassing for the NHL to reinstate these 3-1 active lawsuits still going on. And again, it's not even the fact that it's a surprise, because of course it was going to happen. um It's just more so of the audacity of trying to sneak it under the rug as free agency begins. Happy Canada Day, by the way. I meant to open with that to all the Canadian friendos there. um This is gross, and it continues to be gross, and it sucks. um I give fair credit to anybody that is like, you know what? I i just don't care.
00:12:57
Speaker
The NHL is the best hockey league in the world. i i had What other fucking option do I have? i What can I do about it? Shitty people exist. You buy shoes, you should probably feel bad about buying shoes. There's all these fucking evil ass corporations. The NHL is one of them. Surprise, surprise. What can I do about it? And I don't necessarily blame people for having that opinion, but I also don't think that it's necessarily worth being like, oh, well, fuck it, too bad. um Which is why, again, this is the biggest story of free agency. It's not Stephen Stamko is going somewhere else. It's not what this team got for this player and trades and all of that. ah This is the biggest story today. And it has been a continued theme of the NHL over the last three years now is ah
00:13:42
Speaker
The fucking on ice product has been secondary, essentially, at least to me, because it's kind of difficult to just be like, oh, I'm not going to look at this. Oh, look, talented players. Again, if you can do that, cool. ah I certainly struggle with it, whether it be this, the hockey Canada scandal. I can't wait. how How soon, by the way, I know Dylan Dubay signed in the KHL. How soon until someone's just like, oh, we'll sign Carter Hart for League minimum just in case. Cause you always gotta be thinking ahead, you know. You always gotta be thinking ahead. Um, it's just gross. Like I said, today should be about the fun of who signed where and the trades that have happened and all of that. Again, there's been a fucking 165 signings with over a billion dollars worth of total contract dollars handed out. But at least to me, that's not the big story of the day and it sucks. It'd be nice if it was, but again, the NHL is
00:14:42
Speaker
fucking gross I just want to be able to enjoy the hockey without fucking horrible people fucking it up but that's difficult to do incredibly difficult to do so ah the NHL continues to be a shit show of a league but as a hockey fan what are the fucking choice do you have really you know you know if you're a wrestling fan and you're grossed out by WWE in their history um Cody I did by the way sorry I'm on a rant um
00:15:12
Speaker
You know, if you're a wrestling fan, you can be like, oh, WWE's history, it's kind of gross. At least there's other promotions and stuff like that, whether it be AEW or New Japan or something independent, whatever. Hockey-wise, what league do you have that isn't so intrinsically tied to the NHL? Yeah, you have the SHL and Liga and the KHL, but at the end of the day, the vast majority all of those leagues are of course directly tied to the NHL whether it be prospects or the best players coming back over you have to go far down the ladder to like the fucking federal hockey league or the SBHL to find a league that's not so intrinsically tied to the NHL and it's gross ass bullshit but
00:15:57
Speaker
Anyway, uh, I'm not opposed to still talking about the fun things that happened today because fun things are happy or are fun to talk about and I'm happy to do so, but... Can the NHL just get its shit together, man? Can they just get their shit together? Again, whether or not it's shit like that or the DOPS and all of that fucking nonsense, the NHL can make it really difficult to enjoy their league.
Transition to Positive Aspects of Free Agency
00:16:25
Speaker
Um, anyway! i'll I'll talk about the actual hockey because people are gonna want to know people do I'm being a the chats there so ah In regards to the moves that have happened I want to start off with the trades and I am gonna go team by team in terms of the signings ah Riley Smith ended up getting traded to the New York Rangers the penguins ah
00:16:48
Speaker
It's funny because Riley Smith is actually older than Kevin Hayes. So despite acquiring Kevin Hayes, they have now gotten younger by ditching Riley Smith. It's a good pickup for the Rangers, especially on that cap hit for the Penguins. They get some more draft picks back, which is very good for them. ah We'll talk more about the Penguins and whatever the hell they're trying to do shortly. um Washington gets Jacob Chikrin for I mean, Nick Jensen and a third. If Chikren sticks around, not a bad deal. Nick Jensen is a solid second, maybe more ideally third-payer defenseman. It's a good deal for Ottawa because it's obvious the Chikren thing just wasn't going to work out long-term. And the Capitals just continued to make moves that put them into a different light because it wasn't all that long ago where you're like, oof, they're they're done, basically, right? Montreal got a fourth-round pick for John Cove. Save it!
00:17:44
Speaker
Buy him a bit of business for both teams. Habs probably won't gonna have space for him. Devils get some depth. He had a minor league trade, Svechkovsky for MacArthur. That is what it is. And then obviously we'll talk about Jake Gensl in a second. So in terms of the signings, we'll go alphabetically. Why the hell not? Hey, Utah is in there. That's good. So the Anaheim Ducks today, Haven't done anything as of 7 40 p.m. Eastern on July 1st That that's a choice that is a choice to have not done anything
00:18:26
Speaker
Um, it's June 31st on the calendar, right? Their perspective depth chart right now is this. And again, it highlights the fact that like, okay, cutter go TA is, you know, he's going to be there. You still got the younger guys like McTavish. Um, that's pretty much what they're going to be looking to do. You know, we'll still see if they end up trading John Gibson. Uh, but they're going with a lot of their younger talents and trying to build around. Apparently they signed to Brett Leeson. Oh, Cap Friendly doesn't have it yet, but cool. They kept Brett Leeson. What a deal. What a deal. um You could argue about who they should have gone after to try and improve the team, but I think there's lessons to be learned from the likes of Detroit and Ottawa over the past season or so, and that is don't try to grow too fast.
00:19:19
Speaker
Because you might find out you're not as good as you thought you were. Honestly, the Ducks can fall into that category. I don't think anybody thought they were going to be as kind of mid, if not outright bad as they were this past year or so. You know, I if I'm a Ducks fan, I don't hate the way they're going about it because again, they're going to have a lot of younger talent. They're not trying to rush things. You know, no signings on, you know, day one of free agency can always be concerning, but it's not like, oh my God, they're screwed, right? So that's that. Not too much to say about them. For the Boston Bruins, they have been busy, busy, busy, busy, busy bees. Signing Nikita Zador off to a six year deal with a $5 million dollar cap hit.
00:20:09
Speaker
Uh, he has already said do not call him big Z anymore, which is great. Elias Lindholm. It happens. The worst kept secret in hockey. ah Elias Lindholm for seven and three quarters for seven years.
00:20:26
Speaker
Max Jones comes over from the Ducks, two years, one million dollar hit. That's not bad to compete for the bottom six. Riley Tufti, who once upon a time as an NCAA player looked very promising um when he was with Minnesota Duluth, but has just never really panned out at the and NHL level. He's not a bad AHLer.
00:20:49
Speaker
But as we know with the Bruins, oh, you're huge? Okay, we'll sign you. And that's that's what that is. And then Jordan Osterlei, Kolkopki, Billy Swayze, tremendous name. And ah Jeff Vielle, who is a gritty, gritty boy. So a lot of depth. Obviously, the two big signings are Zadoroff and Lindholm, and the fact that they have yet to re-sign. Jeremy Swamin. In terms of that perspective depth chart, there is no denying that Elias Lindholm is an improvement on Pavel Zaka or Charlie Coyle as a number one center. And especially too, if you're able to successfully pair him with David Posternock. I don't know if I view will Elias Lindholm as a true number one center. I don't think I do. At least that was my opinion before, but
00:21:38
Speaker
It also, for where the Bruins are right now, makes sense to get Elias Lindholm instead of holding out on hope that Leon Drycidal becomes available a year from now, right? So they make a move now to try and stay competitive. Um, I am still worried about like, okay, is Morgan Gigi going to be the, you know, the second line right wing? And obviously we'll talk about departures once we get to the teams that they went to AKA Vancouver. Um, it's It's a fucking big physical bottom six with the exception of Matt Potra. So that's interesting to go and almost like double down on the defensive first physical style. Especially when you had trouble scoring in the playoffs, but you could argue like, oh, do they feel like they got kind of out bullied by the Florida Panthers and maybe?
00:22:34
Speaker
But then again, that's what Vancouver did when they were out bullied by the Bruins in the 2011 final. They went full grit and they blew the rest of the Sedin's careers. So ah you don't always want to be overly reactionary to one specific opponent and one specific loss or set of losses. Defensively, Look, i and for the record too, with the Lindholm cap hit, that's just, that's the nature of the beast. That's what it was going to be. I don't think it's the worst contract in the world. Um, do they still have, they do still have the compare contract. Obviously we're about to lose cap friendly. Um, but when you compare it, it's closest to the Nazem Kadri deal or the Mark Shifley deal.
00:23:19
Speaker
You know, I mean, again, if you're going to pay a guy like that, I mean, neither of those two guys are the guy, but a second line is ideally more of a second line center. Let's be honest. um Is it a bit of an overpay? Yes, but every fucking free agent signing is a bit of an overpay. I don't think it's the worst contractor terms in the world at first glance. And the obvious thing is Any contract that looks good can end up being shit. Any contract that looks like garbage can end up being good. Sergey Bobrovsky just won a Stanley Cup. Opinions have changed. So that is something to keep in mind. Could it be a good contract? Yes. Could it be a bad contract? Of course. Time will tell. I don't hate that term.
00:24:01
Speaker
um
00:24:04
Speaker
Zadoroff is the interesting one. Right, Sion through 20-30 at 5-0, but as has been said, he is such a Bruins player. Again, they get bigger, they get more physical, that's what they're going for. They don't have a defenseman listed under 6-foot on this prospective depth chart. The big thing now is Jeremy Swamin, and obviously too defensively, Mason Lorai very much has to be factored into those top six plans. um Their roster outside of signing Swamen is pretty much established. It's just a matter of whether or not some of the younger guys, Georgie Merkleaw, Fabian Lassell, if some of these guys will crack the team out of camp and change things a little bit. But in terms of who's going to play games this year, I imagine that roster is going to be pretty damn close to what the Bruins are actually going to run this year.
00:24:54
Speaker
um It should be playoff caliber, especially if last year's roster was playoff caliber. Is it going to be good enough to hang in there with the the big boys at the Eastern Conference? Time will tell. I don't think it's a god awful day one for the Bruins. Like they are better. Lindholm and Zidorov are better. It's just, you know, how much better are you? How much closer are you to a cup? And again, they are one of numerous teams where it's like, whatever, you know, we'll hand out the term.
00:25:25
Speaker
We'll deal with that once we have to deal with it. They were far from the only team to do that. The Buffalo Sabres, outside of buying out Jeff Skinner, which was a little bit surprising. um They haven't done too much in terms of impact moves. Sam Lafferty, two years, two mil, not that bad. you know Solid bottom sixer. Giving Jason Zuker five million?
00:25:52
Speaker
is interesting that is a ah that is a cap whale contract and in that case why wouldn't you just keep Jeff Skinner um the benefit is yeah it's only a year but Jason Jason Zucker hasn't been what Jason Zucker used to be for a very long time so that that confuses me the idea of we're gonna buy out Skinner but then sign Jason Zucker ah Bryson, Gilbert as depth, Obecou Bell for bottom six depth, Brett Murray, Jobs for Athbone, Sandstrom, done. A lot of depth moves that really, you know, don't shake up the picture too much for Buffalo. um It's just, yeah, the Jason Zuker signing after buying out Jeff Skinner is very, very odd. And then giving up a second round pick for projected fourth-liner Beck Malanston is also
00:26:47
Speaker
Interesting. um
00:26:52
Speaker
If I were a Sabres fan, I don't know how confident I would be about the playoff drought ending. Like there are young guys that'll hopefully be better. Hopefully like T.H. Thompson will get back to form. I mean, a 29 goal season was a down year for him. um I don't know how optimistic I'd be about this team right now, aside from like, well, the youth is good, but it's just like what they're surrounding the youth with is kind of bizarre, right? It's like you got Bo and Byron last year and that was solid. Like, I don't know. It's just, it's weird, especially too, if they go with Lucan and Levi and goal, that's gotta be the youngest tandem in the league, right? So big question mark on the Sabres this year, because I think all three possibilities
00:27:40
Speaker
are kind of even. They could be a playoff team. They could be nowhere near the playoffs or just miss out, kind of like they did this year. um I don't know. i' I'd feel really, really weird about the Buffalo Sabres. Kevin Adams, you know, has been the GM there now for four years, which is kind of crazy that he's been there that long. It's starting to become time where the the pressure's on a little bit for him to make the playoffs, you would think. You know, even though, of course, he has a history of being with the Sabres now since 2011, at least as a coach, um you would You would think that seat's getting just a smidge hot like you want to give GMs time But what is exactly the direction with the Sabres? I don't know aside from just like well the youth is gonna play like but the Bruins Buy into it or not. I mean their their frickin goal this offseason was clear. Let's get mean Let's get mean and that's what they're doing. I don't really know What the Sabres goal is from the outside perspective?
00:28:35
Speaker
Calgary, um obviously they've been stripping away pieces. Markstrom's gone, Mangipani's gone. They brought in Anthony Manth on a one year prove it deal, which is fine at 3.5 million. Devin Cooley is an AHL level goalie. They gave Sharon Govich the bag, which is interesting, but given you know the trade that he was a part of to acquire him, which a reminder was the Tyler Tofoli to New Jersey deal, you know You kind of wanted to commit to that. a Approve a deal for Jake Bean after lo after leaving the Blue Jackets. Stanley Cup champion Ryan Lombard comes over and they sign Martin Ferk, who will probably mostly be an AHL-er as he's been for the last little bit.
00:29:18
Speaker
um They have a shitload of cap space still, and the goal is quite simple, even though, by the way, they do not have their own first-round pick. That belongs to Montreal in the deal that sent Sean Monaghan to the Habs. That sucks to not have their first round pick in this upcoming year. That is brutal because they are not going to be a very good team. ah Having New Jersey's in Florida's is okay, but those are playoff teams. Vegas is a playoff team as well. So again, the Habs having that pick is amazing for Montreal. Absolutely amazing. Um, but woof.
00:30:04
Speaker
Woof. Calgary pick will probably be Florida's for Montreal. Should I double check things? ah Conditional, if Calgary's 24 first between 20 and 32, Montreal can take that pick. That's not gonna happen. In the event Calgary receives Florida's first round pick of both Calgary and... Calgary's pick is top 10, Florida's pick is not. So it in fairness, yes, it could end up in a lot of different places. Either way, it's not ideal to not exactly have control of that pick, is it? Point remains. um And again, if you look at their projected depth chart, again, who the hell knows? We'll see what happens. um There's no moving Jonathan here, but there was talks about trying to move Nazem Kadri, who knows? ah But this is a team that is kind of being put together with the, well, maybe we'll be good, but if we're not, that's okay type of mindset from the looks of it.
00:30:58
Speaker
Maybe Anthony Mantha will be good, but if he's not, alright. Maybe Andre Kuzmenko will be good for us if he's not, nah, okay. Uh, maybe a younger guy like Connor Zari will be able to make more of an impact if, uh, okay. Get some grit, yeah you know, you got Coronado in that lineup now. You got Kevin Ball, you got Jake Bean, I mean... They're not gonna be a very good team. ah Flames fans, I think, will have to look towards the young guys, especially Dustin Wolf and Gull, once they sign him, to try and find some optimism this year because it just...
00:31:32
Speaker
Let's be honest, you know, at least on July 1st, 2024, it would be surprising to talk about Calgary being a playoff team next year based on how this team looks. Like this is a, I stripped away my pieces in NHL franchise mode to get a shitload of draft picks level of defense, right? Like there's there's there's a lot of like, ah, maybe this guy'll be good kind of filler there. So it's a very interesting time for Calgary in the aftermath of that Jonathan Huberdough pickup. Carolina obviously traded away Jake Gensl. Today they signed Eric Robinson for a one-year deal cheap. They brought back Jordan Martineauk, basically three by three, which is a bit pricey. They kept Jacob Slavin eight years, 6.5.
00:32:20
Speaker
8 year deal for a 31 year old defenseman again. We've seen a lot of that in free agency. We're gonna see more of it um It's good for them to have kept him William carry a Six years to get the cap hit down to 2 million former Golden Knight former Stanley Cup champion going to Carolina Um, you got Tyson Jost coming in for dirt cheap. They brought in Shane Goss despair three years of 3.2, which could be a phenomenal contract and Sean Walker five years of 3.6. So the hurricanes have like completely rebuilt their defense in the aftermath of losing Brett Pesci.
00:32:55
Speaker
um We still don't know what's going to happen with Martin H.S. and whether or not they're going to sign in him or deal him. ah The talk about that has gone quiet, to say the least. Adding Robinson and Carrier for the fourth line isn't bad. That defense, Slavin Burns, Orloff, Chatfield, Gossis, Bear Walker, that might be the strongest six in the league. It might be. However, if you're still relying on playoff, Frederick Anderson, come playoff time, I'd be kind of scared, right? I'd be just a little bit scared if I'm still ah relying on Freddie Anderson, if I'm a Hurricanes fan, but maybe this is the other Kachekov takes over, right? Maybe it is. So yeah, i don't I don't think Carolina's in that bad of a spot. I don't think,
00:33:46
Speaker
You know, Kane's fans should stress too much about some of the cap hits, some of the term that they handed out. I mean, they're still going for it, right? Like they elected to keep Rod Brindemore as the coach, which is the right move. Eric Tulski finally took over as the GM. They're still going for it. So that's optimistic for Kane's fans. You know, we've we've seen it before. A couple of couple of changes here and there can finally get a team over the line. ah The dick bags, Chicago. Chicago Chicago, let's be honest. This is completely irrelevant as compared to what's actually going on today, but that's fine They signed Tyler Bertuzzi for your deal 5.5 mil good for him Good for him. I mean he's gonna be a key player on that team for the next couple of years because he's gonna be one of the better players on that team and
00:34:35
Speaker
And that's kind of the theme is let's bring in veterans, right? Alec Martinez, one year deal, 4 million at 36 years old. Ross Watt, 3.3. Craig Smith for a million. They brought back Tabo Terravine and he got a nice little payday. ah They brought in Patrick Maroon and then Joey Anderson and of course now TJ Brody at 3.75. They have a shitload of cap space. They're bringing them veterans to fill it up and yeah, I mean...
00:35:07
Speaker
There's still probably not gonna be a very good team. They'll probably be better than they were last year, especially if Taylor Hall plays more than 10 games, which I think most people think that he will. ah That top line, if that is indeed the top line, could be very good. um Again, Taravine, and now with Makayev, who they just picked up, Makayev could be really good for them. ah This is the type of team, ah even on defense, bringing in like Martinez and Brody, now having Marazzak and Broswan goal, this is the type of team that a fan base can get a little bit optimistic about, right? This isn't a, we're going to have a miserable season roster. This is, oh, okay, we're not going to be good, but we're not going to be trash. We're going to have some positives. There's going to be some veterans that we like to see. Some of the young guys are going to get a chance and, you know, insulation for the superstar and kind of a dark.
00:35:58
Speaker
So it's it's going to be a much more enjoyable year um for Hawks fans. Although again, their ownership can suck a gigantic fat one. Colorado hasn't done a whole heck of a lot. ah Potential wild card spot. That might be a stretch. That might be a stretch. um Lucky. Yes. Those episodes are still going up. There's actually for the Colorado one, I think we hit our end for that one. I think we hit our end for that one. But there's other stuff all the time. This franchise mode's the one thing I actually still kind of enjoy the hockey-wise at this point. Colorado kept Jonathan Drouin one year, two and a half mil. That's a pretty good deal, right? Like he had arguably his best season as a pro because he was next to Nathan McKinnon for a decent chunk of it. You know, Halifax reunited.
00:36:54
Speaker
ah That's a good spot for Jonathan Drew in to be. However, um by the way, I never talked about this. Casey middle stack getting almost six mill.
00:37:07
Speaker
ah That would make. the mom watch fine boy That middle stat deal would make me more nervous as an abs fan than I am nervous for Lindholm's deal with Boston. That is like, I know middle stats, that's some good point totals, but still like, That's an interesting one, because you're banking on him getting a little bit better. Again, like he's he's had a couple of good seasons in a row now, but that's an interesting one. It's an interesting deal. ah Very happy to see Mr. Kiviranta as we deemed him seven, eight years ago, totally Spanish. Sticking around in Colorado, happy for that guy. Calvin DeHaan dirt cheap, and then Parker Kelly dirt cheap for the bottom six.
00:37:54
Speaker
Let's be honest, the abs didn't have to do much, right? You have Nathan McKinnon, you have Rantinen. Technically, we'll see what happens with Landis Gog. You know, he never came back for the playoffs. Who knows if he'll ever come back. And then, of course, you have the very awkwardness of the, very awkward awkwardness of the Valerian Nachushkin situation. um But, you know, Georgiev used this in goal. I mean, that's still a little bit concerning for Georgiev, but their core is intact. It's just a matter of trying to retool things a little bit, especially bottom six, third pairing, stuff like that, and seeing if the team can make another charge. And I don't think anyone will put it past them. Like, if you were to tell me right now, hey, in a year, you're going to be talking about Colorado being Stanley Cup champions. Like, of course, that's a more than ah viable
00:38:45
Speaker
You know, way to see everything play out. For lack of a better term. Colorado did something. Columbus has done pretty much nothing. Aside from keeping Owen Cilinger, their big move is giving Sean Monahan 5.5 over five years. Good for Sean Monahan. I don't know where I have the jersey. I don't know if it's on the wall or not. We do have the Monaghan jersey, of course. um Oh, it shit. It's right here. There you go. Good for this guy. Good for Sean Monaghan, whose career looked like it was dead. He gets traded from Calgary in a move where Calgary is like, please Montreal, just take this guy.
00:39:32
Speaker
to finding his footing and getting a really solid contract from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Calgary is a major loser in this deal. um Again, no current head coach for Columbus. It's going to be Joel Quinnville. It's going to be Joel Quinnville. Joel, all you have to do is just not tell a young player to hand you their phone and you should be fine. You'll be fine. Don't worry about it. You should be fine. You've been going through programs and stuff over the last two and a half years. You'll be fine. um It's going to be Joel Quindle. But for Columbus, ah the Monahan move certainly feels like a, hey, Johnny, we need you. We need you and your buddy signed to the same term to figure shit out. Please, Johnny, figure it out. That's what that screams.
00:40:23
Speaker
um Obviously Columbus is in an interesting situation, right? Like you look at look at the ages of these forwards and how many young guys are Speculated to be able to be in that lineup next year um um Obviously, they still have some concerns Devotron thing even six months. Nothing yet. At least that I've seen for swimming aside from things are You know, maybe not going swimmingly negotiating wise.
00:40:52
Speaker
But yeah, I mean, it's gonna be a younger team in Columbus. Do they have the aspirations to make the playoffs? Probably. Are they gonna be able to? Eh. And again, Joel Quenville, really good at certain aspects of his job. Not all of them. ah But if he is indeed the head coach, as I think most people expect him to be, ah He'll be able to get a lot out of this team, I imagine. So that could be a ah sneaky pick for the playoffs, or I think more likely probably still on the outside, but they're they're getting what aspects is Quinville not good at?
00:41:31
Speaker
Which ones do you think? He's a trustworthy coach, he keeps secrets.
00:41:39
Speaker
Touche. Touche. Columbus is in a weird spot. Fan base that deserves a lot more success than what they've been given. We'll see if Don Waddell can finally do it, but I don't know. In a weird spot. Jury's definitely out on him. Dallas very busy today and Maybe some of the more controversial moves for Dallas. They kept Matthew Shane three years one mill not bad Especially after Nashville, you know kicked him to the curb seems to have found a home there. Not bad Casey the Smith ah His reputation precedes him but one mill for three years is a pretty damn good contract for him Brendan Smith one mill one year is interesting
00:42:23
Speaker
MattDumba375 for two years. um
00:42:29
Speaker
MattDumba the person seems to be a tremendous human being. MattDumba the hockey player is not what he used to be. It's interesting for Dallas to take him on to be like, well, let's see if he can recapture some of that old magic. That's a lot of money for a, hey, prove yourself that you can still be what you used to be, type of contract. Lebuchkin. Two years at three and a quarter. ah The guy blocks a hell of a lot of shots, but ah that's that's a lot.
00:43:09
Speaker
It was long fist, I mean, you better keep them around. You gave up a first round pick for him. Capo Bianco, Linden Hughes, floaters between NHL and NHL. I know a lot of Stars fans are kind of like, oh boy, this was not a inspiring day. And that does seem to be the case. Like obviously at Ford, you know, Maverick Bork, Logan Stankovin, you know, the younger guys are making an impact there. But their defense was what was spotty last year. And it's like, you've bought out Ryan Souter.
00:43:41
Speaker
to bring in Matt, Dumbo, and Ilya Labushkin. And Guli and Chat made my point for me, thank you. If you're gonna bring it, now granted, Kristanev might not have won a staid, but if you're gonna spend that much money on Dumbo and Labushkin, why not just pay the premium to convince Kristanev to stay? We obviously aren't privy to those negotiations, but the way it's shaken out, I don't know if there are any Stars fans who are like, okay, we lost Tanav and Suter, we brought in Dumbo Labushkin, we're better on defense. I know, I know I wouldn't feel that way if I was a Stars fan. That's all I can say is speaking from my perspective, I wouldn't feel like the defense has gotten better.
00:44:34
Speaker
So, tough to lost Hockenpah as well, it's true. And you can argue Hockenpah might be a better version of Lebushkin? Maybe? That's not exactly a fun conversation to have, but you know. So yeah, if I'm a Stars fan, I'm not very optimistic about how today is gone, to be honest. You know, you might be like, do they even have any, unless like Liam Bixel steps up and makes the team or something. You don't have too much going on, right? Not great. Detroit, they've been a little bit busy. William Lagison, floater between the NHL and the AHL. Good player though. Two and a half million to Cam Talbot for two years. Two million to Eric Gustafson for two years. Sheldon Dries, a bare minimum deal for Jack Campbell, and then Christian Fisher.
00:45:30
Speaker
And obviously the night before Patrick Kane for four million bucks on a one year deal, ah which is a lot. You know, who knows for Patrick Kane, is it about making money, winning more cups? Like what's your goal here? Because taking that much money probably doesn't help Detroit get closer to winning a cup. But then again, you already have your rings. So are you content with just trying to make as much money as a team's willing to give you? I don't know. But the red wings are shaping up like this. um There's no denying that top line should be good of Debrinket, Larkin, and Raymond once Raymond is signed, which he currently isn't. Fabricom for Kane.
00:46:13
Speaker
ah I mean again Kane was really good once he came back last year and that was going to be it, right? It's either he's coming back from the surgery and he's gonna be washed or he's gonna get a career revival. It was the latter They're still paying quite a bit of money to comfort and to Fabry. Fabry's good when he's healthy, but how often is he healthy? um Obviously Andrew Cobb making five million bucks on the third line potentially is a bit scary like some younger guys mixed into your bottom six, but I Still not the most convincing forward core in the world, right? Like, you could see that forward core maybe making the playoffs, but do you see them doing a ton of damage in the playoffs? I mean, who knows, but probably not. ah Ben Shrott, they still have to sign more at Cider as well, by the way. But you still have a defense with Ben Shrott, Jeff Petrie, like, Edvinsons, cracked the lineup. Only Madis and Gustafsson are good third pairing guys.
00:47:05
Speaker
But then the goal tenders, right? Not to mention on defense, Justin Hall's there making 3.4 million and Cap Friendly doesn't even have him like factored in at the moment, which again is, it's not anything major to look into. The goal tending situation, Villy Husso making almost five mil, Cam Talbot at two and a half, Alex Lyon is signed, and Jack Campbell.
00:47:30
Speaker
Not to mention Sebastian Carson, Carter Geelander, Keilander, whatever it is. um Again, you got rid of Jake Wallman, who'll be making points for me again, thank you. You got rid of Jake Wallman at what, 3.4, and gave up a second round pick to do it, but then you signed Gustafson for two mil. Would it not have been worth keeping Wallman
00:48:00
Speaker
And, like, not signing Christian Fischer and Eric Gustafson, even though Eric Gustafson's really good. I mean, that's that's a really good contract for the guy. He's been one of the most underrated defencemen of his time. I don't know why. um
00:48:15
Speaker
Um... Again, if I'm a Red Wings fan right now that's kind of desperate to see that team make the playoffs again, are there positive aspects to the team? Yes. Are there still very concerning parts of the team? Yeah. Very, very much so. And I don't know how much today would have changed the outlook for Red Wings fans that were feeling pessimistic to begin with. And Eric Gustafson's a good signing. Cam Talbot's a solid signing as long as he's not the guy, although you already had a Cam Talbot, at least by Cap Friendly's measurements, in the form of Billy Husso.
00:48:53
Speaker
it's It's weird. it's It's weird. That's all I can say for Detroit. It's weird. um Edmonton, obviously they're gonna name a fuckboy as their GM of the team very soon. They brought back Connor Brown for dirt cheap. He played really well in the playoffs. ah Still some injury concerns though, which is why he didn't get term. ah Hamblin, Philp, Hofenmeyer, you know, yo-yo kind of players. Victor Arvitson, two years 4-mil. Good deal. Good deal for Arvetson. Josh Brown, he is your Vinny De Jarnay replacement of just we need big, big, large huge on the blue line. um We know they're not going to win the Stanley Cup because they brought back Corey Perry for one year at just over a million. ah Colin Delia, Connor Carrick, again, Yo-Yo between NHL and AHL. Jeff Skinner one year, three million, and Matias Yandmark brought back with a bit of term after his great playoff performance.
00:49:49
Speaker
So looking at the Oilers, they are still in a lot of trouble. A lot of trouble. Victor Arvidsson is a pretty damn good pick up, especially if he does slot in alongside Leon Drycytle. He was injured last year, um but he is a guy who can put up points. I mean, if he can put up 60 points in Nashville and score 30 goals, imagine if he is paired with Leon Drycytle, what he'll be able to do. I expect that to be a really good signing for them. Jeff Skinner as well. I mean, if you pair him next to dry Seidel, not bad. And regardless of whether or not it's Arvid Sinner Skinner, on that third line with a couple of the younger guys, that should provide you some depth scoring that you desperately, desperately lacked in the playoffs. The forward core looks better right now than it did for the team that played in the Stanley Cup final. Defensively, Akon Bouchard was awesome.
00:50:49
Speaker
Nurse needs to prove he's not currently how you holding the worst contract in the league. They still have to sign Philip Broberg, Kulak and Cece, yeah, hit or miss. Obviously the big thing, they got rid of Jack Campbell, they bought out the contract, they're only paying $3.6 million dollars for two goalies, is Stewart Skinner the guy, time will tell. This lineup, for my money, if I'm an Oilers fan, I do think they have absolutely improved the lineup. And all of a sudden, it's like, okay, they do have another kick at the can. The problem again is this. You have $3 million dollars in dead cap this year, thanks to James Neal and Jack Campbell. It doesn't go down by much next year, while Neal comes off the books, Campbell's money goes up. And of course, the big situations that we all know are impending. Evan Bouchard is due at the end of next year. That guy is getting no less than $8 million. dollars
00:51:44
Speaker
no less. I mean, you could argue he's going to get paid more than Kale Mccarr because the cap has gone up. And Leon Dreyseidel will be a UFA, leaving Conor McDavid with one-year lefts. There were a lot of people who thought that, hey, maybe this year was their best shot. Looking at the roster, I think they have one more chance. They have one more chance next year, a legitimate shot, especially after the Arvidsson and Skinner signings for depth. i'll
00:52:14
Speaker
But similar to Bruins fans, when pasta hadn't been re resigned yet, if Dryseidal isn't re resigned heading into the season, that is going to just be a dark cloud over Edmonton all season long. If he does not re resign. And then God forbid what happens if he doesn't actually res resign in full.
00:52:45
Speaker
So again, they've done well today. But man, do they have the most pressure on them for any team in the league. And they're gonna, again, the word is gonna be getting Stan Bowman, who is one of the most overrated general managers of his time. o are
00:53:09
Speaker
If you wanna talk about ah Chicago's GM history, by the way,
00:53:16
Speaker
If you want to talk about the history of their general managers, there's a pretty good argument that a lot of Stan Bowman's success came directly from the team that Dale Talon built, which is pretty similar to Ken Holland's. Actually very similar to Ken Holland because If you go and I don't know if there'll be an extra space in here Let's find out if you go to the history of the Detroit Red Wings general managers. All right, they do count red wings It's Wikipedia. You never know they do count this one word really Whatever
00:53:55
Speaker
Fuck you Wikipedia. If you go to the list of Detroit Red Wings general managers in their history, Ken Holland was viewed as a guy that directly took over and benefit from teams that Brian Murray and Scottie Bowman happened to build. You could argue Edmonton just traded in Ken Holland for the younger model, which is funny because the guy's 51 years old. um So I am very intrigued by Edmonton. Very intrigued by Edmonton because it's a lot of pressure. A lot of pressure.
00:54:35
Speaker
For the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions, the biggest news, obviously, the day before, the deadler or the day before free agency, ah re-signing Sam Reinhardt, eight years at under nine mil.
00:54:51
Speaker
It's tough to beat that for the best signing of this time frame He would have gotten easy. He could have gotten 10 million on the open market man He could have gotten 10 million on the open market that is a player that clearly loved playing in Florida felt like he found his home and was willing to take a bit of a discount for the term to lock in there and And yes, the value is indeed very nice. ah That is a fucking stellar contract Even if he's not a fucking 50 plus goal scorer again, that's a great deal Tomas no sack Rasmus Ospel and good signings for the bottom six at dirt cheap AJ Greer there I say friend of the channel AJ Greer Bruins legend happy to see AJ get another opportunity at the and NHL level Dimitri Kulikov
00:55:43
Speaker
Also, good signing. I mean, four years, dirt cheap. It's a good deal. I mean, again, someone at Abemba, Florida, came back, wins a cup. That's not bad. All text is going on, by the way. I'm doing well. And then they signed the Esper Bokevus for dirt cheap, ah which is also a really good deal. Like, that's what you have to do, is sign the Bokevus, the No-Sex, the Asplins of the world for dirt cheap. um In terms of what they have to do, Anton Lindell is an ah RFA. But if you look at that roster, you look at that top six, the bottom six, like if Gajevic and Greer both play next year, those two guys will drop the gloves with anybody in the league. So if you're worried as a Panthers fan about them like losing that grittiness a little bit, absolutely fucking not. They might be more gritty this year. um Of course, there was word too about like, are they shopping Aaron Ekblad, but
00:56:34
Speaker
it'd be interesting to see him move at this point because he is like the staple of that defense which isn't that bad like it's not like it's not like the most you look at it it's not the most like visually impressive defense in the world um
00:56:51
Speaker
the the the growers not showers of the NHL defense cores and that's because they have argued with the best coach in the league and you don't need to have the most impressive looking defensive core when you know how to use it not speaking from experience or anything and of course Sergey Bobrovsky in goal Spencer Knight ah incredibly fucking expensive We'll see if Spencer Knight can get back to the NHL level um and consistently stay there. like that That's the expectation, obviously. If they gave him time, they had Stolarz. Stolarz is gone now, and you're getting paid four and a half million bucks. So um wishing nothing but the best to Spencer Knight, but he does have some pressure on him.
00:57:35
Speaker
And then Panthers fans wouldn't give a shit if Sergey Bobrovsky's cap, it was doubled. They'll love that man for life. And again, he's going to the Hockey Hall of Fame, guaranteed now. So, the Florida Panthers, can they go back to back? 100% they can. Will they? I don't know. ah But they are no less scary than they were a week ago when they won the Cup. At least from my viewpoint. That's a scary team. That is a scary, scary team. The Los Angeles Kings have also been busy. ah They took Warren Fogel from Edmonton three years of three and a half. And it's a bit much, but it makes sense, price-wise, on the open market. You know, he was all right in the playoffs. It's it's a little bit much.
00:58:24
Speaker
Joel Edmondson getting four years and almost four mil. I get that some people ah look at The Nikita Zidorov contract didn't go like, ooh, that's a little bit, isn't it? I will take that Zidorov contract any day of the week compared to Joel Edmondson. And yes, it's because I'm salty about 2019 still. ah But objectively, that's that's a good bit of money. It's a good bit of money. ah Phoenix Copley for dirt cheap, not bad. Trevor Lewis for dirt cheap, not bad. Jeff Malott, Tyler Madden, Jack Stonica. I mean, again, a lot of young guys to help fill out and maybe you know play.
00:59:04
Speaker
um The LA Kings right now do still have to sign Quentin Byfield. They gotta sign Jordan Spence. And Arthur Kalyev, we'll see what happens with him. ah They made the playoffs this past year. They got rid of Pierre-Luc Dubois. I mean, granted, you're gonna feel the effects of not having him there, positive or negative. And of course, the guys that you traded ah him to get rid of, but... You know, some of these younger guys, like Lafferia, played basically the whole season. Turcotte finally started to get some NHL time, not a huge impact, but you get Tanner Janot and yeah, you get Tanner Janot, you get Joel Edmondson. They've added some toughness. It's a weird team. It's a weird team, especially too if your goal attending tandem is Darcy Kemper and David Riddick. Riddick was actually very stellar last year.
00:59:54
Speaker
But man, if you have to start relying on him more because Darcy Kemper can't refind his game, that's when it gets to be a bit of a problem. um It could be a good season. but I mean, again, they're one of those teams that are in the middle, even though they made the playoffs last year. It could be a good season for them, or they could take a pretty big step back in the aftermath of having to deal with getting rid of Pierre-Luc Dubois. And yeah, Brandt Clark could make that defense, but
01:00:25
Speaker
You don't know how big of an impact he'll have, but it is Brant Clark, so never say never. But yeah, if I'm a Kings fan, like I'm not panicking, ah like, oh my God, they've they've botched this off season. But you are paying six million bucks to Tanner Janot and Joel Edmondson. That is, in and of itself, a little bit concerned.
01:00:51
Speaker
It's also hot here, I'm gonna keep chugging water, don't mind me. ah The Minnesota Wild. I don't have too much else to add about LA. Minnesota. ah Yakoff Trennan got paid 3.5 for four years. um That sums it up pretty well. He's a good third liner, but that's a bit much. That's the, he's a UFA type of signing. It's a bit much.
01:01:25
Speaker
for a guy with a career high of 24 points. But, eat you know, he's he he's not the smallest lad. This is my hydrate routine.
01:01:41
Speaker
Delicious. So that's ah that's a bit concerning. Travis Boyd, Tabioio player, Jake Middleton gets paid. He's been good. Maybe a little bit much, but it's good. Sakoni, Karate, Cameron Gouts. I mean, just a lot of depth, right? um Now, obviously from Minnesota, they are still very much dealing with the effects of the Parisian suitor buyouts. This is the last year before they get an insane amount of relief. ah So you're having to deal with that situation.
01:02:13
Speaker
ah They still get a signed Declan Chisel, which isn't that bad. um It's just interesting that, like, okay, Yakov Trenin's the guy you're gonna give that money to. Really? Like, you picked up Jacob Lauko, which is fine. Like, he probably wasn't gonna crack the Bruins. um
01:02:32
Speaker
In theory, it's a team that can absolutely push for a playoff spot, especially, like, the emergence of Brock Faber last year was insane. um You know, last year of Marc Andre Fleury, like they need Philip Gustafson to bounce back. It's still a roster that's very much being affected by those buyouts. But the problem is, even once those buyouts are off the books, look whose look whose contract is up next year. You immediately got to reinvest a good amount of that money into Brock Faber. Marat Kuznodinov will be an ah RFA. Marco Rossi is going to be an ah RFA.
01:03:08
Speaker
So it's a very interesting time from Minnesota where you can kind of forgive them for not being a playoff team, even though, you know, that's a self-inflicted wound right there. But at the same time, it's it's just an interesting it's it's just an interesting roster. Are they willing to do the best? Sure. Teams are willing to pay for toughness and grit, contributing floor to success. having pe Yeah, I mean, there's no denying the Florida Panthers have affected the league. I made the comparison earlier of Vancouver trying to mirror Boston after the 2011 final. um There's always a bit of that. Whatever team wins the cup, what style did they play? Let's try to replicate that a little bit. ah Instead of just being like, here's the project, here's the vision, this is what we're doing.
01:03:54
Speaker
So, which is what Bill Zito did with Florida. So, go figure. um Not a disaster for Minnesota, but again, they're just, who they're in who knows territory. I know people have been waiting for this one. Montreal. Now.
01:04:12
Speaker
No specific comments about the draft. I get damn it off. you know A lot of people are excited about the draft. You guys should know my opinion at this point. ah Talk to me in five years. Players that look like they're gonna be good can be shit. Players that look like they're gonna be shit can be good. Teams that fucked up the draft actually did really well in the draft and vice versa. It happens every single year. I will not say that a team should not be excited about how they did or like Habs fans specifically shouldn't be excited about that. But when you look at the draft now five years ago, Jack Hughes going first overall, we talked about this on draft night. Capo Caco, good player, not what the Rangers thought they were getting it to. Kirby Docks had injury troubles, Bowen Byram is no longer with the abs. Turcots just now cracking the King's lineup. Morritt Cider was viewed very questionably when he was drafted.
01:05:06
Speaker
Red Wings were right. The entire 2019 draft is up on YouTube. Go back and watch that broadcast and see what they say about certain guys and see how well it's aged. that's how That's how the draft works, right? You can have great picks, bad picks. That is what it is, right? That's just the fact. That goes with pizza see anybody here. Cole Caulfield. There were a lot of people where it's like, how'd he fall to 15? And there were some people being like, I thought he might fall further. Habs were right to take that guy at 15, you know? But then you have Lassie Thompson for the Senators. Trust me on that broadcast.
01:05:41
Speaker
Good things about Lassie Thompson. i He's not in the NHL anymore. He's gone back over ah to I think he went to Sweden, not Finland, but still. So you just never know. And then, of course, you look at the Stanley Cup champions and Sam Bennett, someone who goes top five. Oh, high skill. No, he's he's a pest. He was a middle six pest, which worked out perfectly for him. So in terms of these contracts, of course, they had to sign Quebec law. They signed Slavkowski to the big deal. There are a lot of people who are looking at this, eight years, 7.6 million. A lot of people looking at this is like, oh, that's a risk. It's a good risk to take. You know, um I still think the best example of the past decade has to be Nathan McKinnon.
01:06:37
Speaker
Not saying Slavkovsky is going to be Nathan McKinnon. But if you look at his contract history, after his ELC, SAC signed him to a seven year deal at $6.3 million dollars and a lot of people were going, ew, ew, that's a lot of money. 2016, 17, seventeen you know he had a 52 point season, but that was a lot of money at the time. And even then, the first year of the deal, 53 points, He grew into it, to say the least. He grew into it. The dry title contract was very similar as well. So again, it's a deal that could age horribly, but it's the right bet for the Habs. And in terms of what they have coming up, again, they're going to have an extra first round pick thanks to Calgary. The only guy to sign now is Arbor Jackeye, who won't be that expensive.
01:07:32
Speaker
um There's no reason to not be optimistic if you're a Habs fan. ah Kent Hughes has done a phenomenal job at GM. Marty St. Louis has done a phenomenal job but as the coach. They still have some pieces that aren't going to be core guys. You know, the important players like Gallagher and Anderson that you really can't get rid of. um But the younger guys are making more and more of an impression as the seasons go on and now it's just a matter of you know that top line Suzuki, Caulfield, Slavkovskiy, they got new hook of course and Kirby Dott can he stay healthy? That that's the big question is how well can these young guys develop and obviously they're extremely young on defense as well outside of Savard and Matheson Montembeau looked okay last year and
01:08:21
Speaker
They're still a ways away, right? I think most people and shout out to all techs for the one month on the primer. I appreciate you. I think Columbus will be signing me later anyway. Probably, yeah. I mean, that's what a lot of teams do is they don't want to sign someone at the term. All buying offer would be, but they still bring them in anyway.
01:08:42
Speaker
I think expecting playoffs, if you're a Habs fan, eh, maybe not this upcoming year. I think this is kind of similar to Chicago, right? Enjoy what this year is going to be. Enjoy the young younger players that are going to make an impact. If you make the playoffs, cool. But honestly, it might not even be the best thing for them to make the playoffs. If you get ah top five pick or whatever because of Calgary and then a pick between 8 and 15 or Whatever you're laughing to the bank You're laughing to the bank especially after drafting Demidov if he pans out There's all the reason in the world right now to be optimistic about the Habs Especially because they have not signed a Gallagher or Anderson like deals so far this offseason smart
01:09:33
Speaker
Try not to give out any of those contracts be smart with the money as they've been so far Good things could happen, right? And again, they don't even have the slide kosky cap it factored in until next year because of the extension. So um they're They're doing great They're doing great. That's that's just the only way to say it. They are doing phenomenal I mean, even if it's a late first ramp pick, it's still doing great. Well current roster appears to be tanking We'll get to them in a second because it is San Jose so Montreal So far, so good. Habs fans should be very optimistic.
01:10:09
Speaker
The team that was going to be the story of the day before the NHL tried to do their shady bullshit? No, I'm not gonna let it go, because it is the biggest story in hockey. The Nashville Predators. We knew they had a shitload of money. They've spent it. Five years, 5.5 for 33-year-old Jonathan Marcheso. Four years, eight million for 34 year old Steven Stamkos. Seven mil, seven by seven for 30 year old Brady Shea. Thank you for the sub, by the way. taste good Scott Wedgwood on a very good deal.
01:10:51
Speaker
Alex Carriรฉ on a very good deal, three for under four. Yousi Saros, the eight-year extension at under eight mil, also a great deal. And then Dep, Tina Stroza, Lachini Blankenberg, and the other, Matt Murray. Let's let's talk about this real quick.
01:11:12
Speaker
This is a potential home run swing by Barry Trotz. is what this is. um Obviously they have some extra picks primarily courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning to work with. Henrik, hello. How are you? Colin, cap friendly goes down in a couple of days. So with Nashville here, their work's already done in terms of signings. ah Their cap space is basically gone. There'll have to be some roster maneuverability. But this is what it's shaping up like.
01:11:42
Speaker
you You have to think back to when Barry Trots took over this team and getting Matt Duchain out of there, getting Ryan Johansson out of there.
01:11:54
Speaker
Those two players in particular were viewed as guys who weren't great locker room leaders, even though they were supposed to be. Whether or not that's true or not, who knows, but that was the word. Now, of course, last year they brought in Ryan O'Reilly, Now they've brought in Jonathan Marcheso with the Stanley Cup pedigree. They've bought they've brought in Steven Stamkos with the Stanley Cup pedigree. It is an old team for sure. You know, yeah like even in Roman Yossi's 34 years old at this point, but there's no denying that they're better. You know, if you add a Stamkos and a Marcheso to that top six,
01:12:34
Speaker
It's better. And that is a team that is going to try to make the most out of the next couple of years before having some more down years. You know, they have a couple of prospects that have made it into the lineup and stuff like that. ah But this is a team that's saying, Roman Yossi is 34 years old. We want to make the most of having a point per game point per game defender on this team. Let's try to do that. That's what this is. This is Barry Trots. trying to put together a team that can compete and It's tough to look at this roster with the still very respectable and solid defense that they have with one of the best goaltenders in the world between the pipes and Adding what they've added into that top six Nashville is officially in that territory if it's kind of a disaster if you don't make the playoffs now obviously
01:13:29
Speaker
You know, Jonathan March or so, being allowed to just go by Vegas. It's typical Vegas. They treat it like a business. They don't give a shit about sentimentality. The Stamp Coast thing for Tampa. it's ah It's a rough day for Tampa Bay Lightning fans because it's just like, if you're gonna go for Gensil, why not just keep Stamp Coast, right? It's gonna be very weird to see him in a drastically different color. um It's not a bad fit for him. I think, you know, there's some people saying like, oh, we could have gone here or here or whatever. I mean, it's an eight million dollar contract for four years. I mean, that's pretty much as good as stammer was going to do at this point. So the big question now is what did I do with ask her off in goal, especially because they signed Wedgewood for a couple of years. So more than likely you could see ask her off get dealt.
01:14:20
Speaker
um There is still room to improve that team. Maybe they'll wait, maybe they won't, time will tell. um But solely from the Nashville perspective and not super in depth with the Tampa thing with Stamkos, it's a damn good day for Nashville. Again, they're going for it. They view it as, we have Forsberg, we have O'Reilly, we have Sorrows, we have UOC, Insulate with the best talent we can get to hell with how the contracts are gonna age. The next two to three years, we're making an honest run at it. I think that's a respectable way to look at it. It's just whether or not it works out for them, right? So um it's it's a positive time for Nashville because you know what the intention is. The intention's to win. New Joyzie.
01:15:07
Speaker
They haven't done too much in terms of numbers, but they have made some good signings. Brett Pesci, six years of 5.5, Brendan Dillon, three years at four mil, and they also brought in Stephon Nason, three years at two and three quarters, then Colton White and Mike Hardman for depth. um They have obviously been very busy in the trade market, and this team looks very different. They do still have to sign Nolan Foote and Dawson Mercer, that shouldn't be too expensive. In terms of that presumed depth chart, Again, it's a team that were last year, it was a disaster that you didn't make the playoffs. It's kind of similar to where the Bruins were a decade ago, where it's like, oh shit, we really shouldn't make it, but did you make the most of it in the draft? Can you regroup and get back? And the Devils are very likely to be a team that can get back. ah That top six is still very strong.
01:15:59
Speaker
I get it was weird to be like Paul Cotter, but again, Paul Cotter is a very solid fourth line option. And with Alex Holtz, he wasn't going to break into that top six. And if Alex Holtz isn't breaking into that top six, Alex Holtz isn't worth much. So it was just one of those things where it's like, all right, well, that's the move to make. I mean, you could argue like having a lot in the third line and giving Holtz that chance would work. But at the same time, It's a pretty well built forward core. The defense has undergone some changes, man. Segan Taller and then hopefully a healthy Dougie Hamilton. That's a great pairing if that is indeed gonna be the pairing. Luke Hughes will get his second season under his belt. Pesci is a good ad as a defensive defenseman. And then Brendan Dillon as well. Defensive defenseman, big guy. Again, we've seen the emphasis teams have taken on size and stuff like that.
01:16:56
Speaker
Nemich obviously going to be looking to break in a little bit. The most important thing for them is in theory, they should have stable goaltending between Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. In theory, ah if this doesn't work out, then Jesus, what the hell do they do? um But it's very experienced and in theory, reliable goaltending, and that is what they needed the most. um That defense looks great. I agree if you had somebody that could push Andre Palat down to the third line, that would be nice. ah Maybe they find that eventually in a different trade. I don't know if you're going to find it yeah with free agent signings right now because in terms of who is left,
01:17:41
Speaker
Uh, the answer is not many people, right? I mean, unless you can convince Joe Pavelski not to retire and shout out to Highland for the 9 months by the way, welcome back. Um, unless you can convince Joe Pavelski to not retire and go to New Jersey, someone like Tarasenko is your best bet. And honestly, I kind of agree. If you can get Vladimir Tarasenko to push Palat down to the third line, they're looking that much better. Um, who knows where Tarasenko will go though, but he's kind of your best bet. I mean, um Think you want to try to bank on like a Mike Hoffman to recapture form from 10 years ago So not bad through New Jersey. They've done what they've had to do that defense is rock-solid. of The goaltending should be much better um We'll see how it ages though, right? You never know. That's the whole point the New York Islanders Lou Lamorello woke up late as he always does ah that They kept Mike Riley
01:18:34
Speaker
Analytical gem Mike Riley ah again, he's good and he's signed for dirt cheap Anthony duclaire three and a half for four years Good for Anthony duclaire a bit of an odd fit for the islanders um But it's a you know in theory though, it's a speed threat right like unless my Opinion of duclaire is wrong. Like he hasn't lost the the speed element to his game You obviously have guys like map rzell that can really fly ah We know that any lulamorello team is going to be like defensively based physical um They needed some extra skill. Duclaire can do that. I mean again, he had 24 goals last year. So I actually don't Mind that signing. It's just kind of surprising that lu did it
01:19:22
Speaker
um It's a team that should be in the playoffs next year, at least very much competing for the playoffs and just missing out because that defense is really so solid it for the most part. I mean, there's some questions about like Sam Bull, Duke. um And I don't think Pelican Pollock are what they used to be, but the emergence of Noah Dobson helps shake that off a bit, and they still have one of the best goalies in the world, and if not the best goalie tandem. Sorokin wasn't great in the playoffs, but that is what it is. um That's a playoff caliber roster. Now, is that a team that can compete with like the Florida Panthers of the world to win a cup? Probably not, but you never say never. um They're not in a bad spot.
01:20:02
Speaker
You know, they didn't get the big flashy signing. Like, do players not have flashy signing when the likes of Steven Stamkos happen to be out there, but I don't think they're in a terrible spot. yes my Just my viewpoint. The New York Rangers, who still have Jacob Truba for the moments, unless they trade him or send him away like they did Barclay Goudreau. Their only signing today is Sam Carrick, which is a good fourth liner. um ah RFA is to deal with Ryan Lindgren Braden Schneider. Those won't be the cheapest deals on earth um Of course their big problem is Igor Shasturkin's on the last year of his deal and after that ah The word is they are starting their asking price for his next contract at double What he's getting paid now
01:20:57
Speaker
That's bad for the Rangers at least unless they could of course shed the Truba salary, which they need to anyway. um I mentioned the Edmonton Oilers having a ton of pressure on them. the The Rangers have a ton of pressure on them as well, you know, just in terms of. You've put this team together to win a cup like you got close but not all that close. I mean relatively like that it ever really looked like Florida was going to lose that series. um It's still a really good team that will be considered a cup contender but again they have a lot of pressure on them and have some deals that they still need to solve and another deals coming up that
01:21:37
Speaker
how are you gonna handle those contracts, you know? But like Riley Smith in a trade was a good pickup, adds to that forward ah to that
Team Cap Situations and Roster Decisions
01:21:45
Speaker
forward group there. So they're not in a bad spot, but another team where it's like, okay, what the hell is our cap situation gonna look like in a year or two? People love dunking on the Ottawa Senators, I know why. Noah Greger for dirt cheap one year, Micah Matio. Stanley Cup champion, Micah Madio, but 2.6 million for three years. And two years, four million for David Perron. When you still have to sign RFA, Shane Pinto.
01:22:27
Speaker
You know, I don't know about the sense.
01:22:33
Speaker
I feel like, you remember when we talked earlier about teams, like Anaheim hasn't done anything. um When you talk about teams that almost try to grow too fast, it feels like this is a team that might try to have grown too fast. And I know that Shane Pinto has asked for a trade. It doesn't mean he's gonna get it. Jake the Brusk once asked for a trade from the Bruins. I think he asked twice. He never got traded. So that's one of those things. Someone can request a trade. It doesn't mean they're gonna go anywhere. And even then, if you lose Shane Pinto, the team looks a even more questionable than it already is. Like, you have injury concerns about Josh Norris, who look good, signed the new deal, immediately gets hurt.
01:23:15
Speaker
um
01:23:18
Speaker
They're a team, I think, that you could really see kind of getting stuck in no man's land a little bit, right? I think so. Didn't Pinto, because of the gambling thing, get that? Yes, I believe so. um You know, you look at their defense, Anderson, Zoob, Shabbat, Jensen, after getting rid of Chikorin, Bernard Dockers kind of made an impact. They do the big trade for Lena Salmarque. And I know that people, you know, were happy about that return. Again, as a Bruins fan, I don't hate the return for Lena Salmarque. I really don't. um You know, we'll we'll see how it ages, of course, with Dean Lauterno being a part of the return in that situation. but
01:23:59
Speaker
I feel like the pressure's kind of on the sends to make the playoffs, but man, I don't know if they have the roster to do it.
01:24:08
Speaker
There's just some guys making more money than you'd expect. I just, I don't know. I don't know what to make of Ottawa. They could be a playoff team that could not. That's easy to say about any team, but it's just, it's weird. It's a very oddly constructed roster. that I just genuinely don't know what to make of. So if there are Sens fans that are optimistic, cool, I don't blame you. I mean, you got Allmark and that's sweet, but.
01:24:36
Speaker
I don't know. I just don't know what to make of this team. Like I don't look at them and say, yep, that's absolutely a playoff team. When you know that the Atlantic division is still gonna have a very tough Toronto, Boston and Florida team at the very least, it's tough to discount Tampa as well after getting Gensil. I know they got rid of Sergey Chev and we'll talk about that in a second, but I don't know. I just feel like they're in the same spot of like, yeah, we should make the playoffs, but man, there's a good chance that you won't.
01:25:07
Speaker
Next up, Philadelphia.
01:25:14
Speaker
Eric Johnson, one year, one mil. Garnet Hathaway, two years, 2.4. The big signing isn't a free agent signing at all. It's Matt Veymichkov coming over, which is huge for them. Again, everyone's like, oh, Russian factor, Russian factor it ended up not being a factor.
01:25:33
Speaker
Only RFA right now is Yegor Zamula. Of course, they are done with Carter Hart There's a lot of question marks about this team like they have first round picks in this upcoming draft, which is nice um There's a lot of talk about how expensive of an extension Travis connecting you will see because his deals up at the end of the year He'll be a UFA um Again, it's a roster where it's like could it be a playoff team? Yeah, potentially but The competition level's pretty strong. And you can look at this roster and say like, okay, they they need some younger pieces to do really well. Will they? You know, Sam or Son, not great for the Flyers last year. Fedotov struggled when he finally came over. Obviously now he'll have a full proper off season and preseason to train up. ah There's a lot that needs to go right. I would say it for the Flyers to be in a playoff spot.
01:26:33
Speaker
but it could. The roster's in a better spot than it was. We also don't want to put too much pressure on Matt Vamichkov immediately, which they're going to. The expectations are sky high, but that is a lot of pressure for him to immediately step into this lineup and be like, oh, well he had 41 points in 47 games in the KHL. He'll be fine at the NHL level. I hope so. It's not a guarantee though. especially you gotta factor it in on a John Tortorella coach team. We'll see, a lot of question marks for the Flyers, but they're gonna be an interesting team to watch. I think they could be in that category of, hey, if we make the playoffs cool, but if not, just enjoy the younger players that are still making those strides forward and know that the future looks a little bit brighter than it used to. Oh, Pittsburgh.
01:27:30
Speaker
How's Michkoff's contract? 13 million total bonuses.
01:27:36
Speaker
Bonuses. Let me see if I can. I don't know if they've reported what they happen to be. Yeah. So he's got $3.5 million dollars worth of potential performance bonuses in each year. So, and that'll be based on games, played goals, points, whatever they, whatever they decree.
01:27:58
Speaker
But yeah, his cap, it's still only the 950.
01:28:04
Speaker
Pittsburgh's a weird team, man. They've been a weird team for a while. Kyle Dubas at the helm now, obviously. um They brought in Matt Grislick one year, two and three quarters. It's an all right contract for Grislick. He was definitely done in Boston, though. Beauvillier for pretty cheap, isn't terrible. um And then guys that might bounce around between the two leagues, Hollowell, Ryan Shea, Okoamama, Clerman, Bemstrom, and then Blake Lazott, two years just under two mil. Um, they have pretty much said, like, and you know, they're trying to do what Nashville is clearly doing now. Where it's just, we have to go for it and give it our best shot. Until Crosby's absolutely done and Malkin's absolutely done. La Tang, you get it. Um, I think most people would agree Nashville is in a better spot to accomplish that goal than Pittsburgh is. Um, yes, Pittsburgh gets Kevin Hayes, they get paid to get him.
01:29:01
Speaker
I don't know if he'll be fourth-liner, I'd be surprised. like The forward core itself isn't inherently trash, but it also wasn't the most like awe-inspiring. And yeah, Crosby's deal is up at the end of the year. And that's another thing that could kind of loom overhead for the Penguins all season long is, is he staying? There's a chance he doesn't. There is a chance in a scenario where he could say, I want to win one more cup or I want to make more money than you can pay me. I'm out. He's Sidney Crosby. He can go wherever the hell he wants. Will he stay in Pittsburgh? Uh, that defense in theory should work. I mean, that top four, if these four are playing to their best, that's not awful. It's really not, you know, grizz looking and whether or not it's Jackson, Yvonne or somebody else who knows
01:29:57
Speaker
Jari Nadelkovich, not the most confidence inspiring goaltenders out there either. Like they still you know need to see better performance from a lot of guys.
01:30:12
Speaker
It just, it feels like it's the make or break season for Pittsburgh, right? It's either this is the year that you, you know the wheels back on track, you make the playoffs again, good to go. Or this is the year that the wheels fall off. Maybe Crosby leaves, maybe he doesn't, but maybe it's just clear that Malkin's regressed too much, Latang's regressing too much, and it's just the goaltending, isn't it? And it's just not it. And there's no more kicks at the can, GG's game over time to rebuild. ah I know I'd be a bit more pessimistic about the penguins than optimistic if I was a fan of the team. The San Jose Sharks.
01:30:57
Speaker
The Shocks, The Shocks. Tyler Tofoli, four years, six million. That's a cap whale. Alex Wenberg, five years, two million. That's a cap whale. And that's the theme for The Sharks. This team is very much still tanking, but they needed some veteran players that will A, take up cap space for now, and B, you'll be able to move at a future deadline for something. I don't know what, but you will eventually be able to move them, even Wenberg. The Sharks are absolutely still tanking. On paper at the draft, they did well. Again, doesn't mean shit for now. But the big focus, it's the young guys. It's William Eklund, it's Macklin Celebrini, whoever else might make the team.
01:31:45
Speaker
This is going to still be one of the worst teams in the league, right? Like right now, they're in that spot, kind of like I mentioned with Chicago, but obviously Chicago's further ahead. But San Jose is very much still in that position of, let's watch the young guys develop. Let's see what guys might be able to rehab their careers here that potentially either, you know, like a tie to Landria. Maybe Tidal Andrea finds his form here and stays and then, oh, we have a piece. Or he finds his form and, oh, we have a trade piece. That's what Sharks fans are looking at right now. um For any of those guys kind of in their mid to early 20s, even late 20s potentially, that's where they are right now. They are still going to be bad.
01:32:36
Speaker
um But if you do have like a Maclin celebrini to play or a title to foley to play along Mac and celebrini That gives you options, right? You're not like, all right, McHale Grandland Carrie Mac although Grandland was solid last year underratedly so but You get the point so it's it's not a bad time to be a Sharks fan because at least there's a clear-cut Direction with the team right and we've already talked about some teams that don't really have a direction and I don't know if Seattle's one of those teams that don't necessarily have a direction. I don't know what to make of them. ah Brandon Montor, Stanley Cup champions, seven by seven, he got paid. Chandler Stevenson, Stanley Cup champion with Vegas, seven by six and a quarter. Not bad, will the Ducks be better this year? I talked about them at the start, ah probably, but but who knows by how much, basically. Because we don't know if like John Gibson's still gonna be there or not. um Chandler Stevenson.
01:33:32
Speaker
You got paid. They brought in Ben Myers, Mitch Stevens, Brandon Biro, a bunch of depth. The big moves are Montor and Stevenson. People have wondered since day one what the Kraken were going to try to be. And it's like, oh, they're going to be a slow builder. Oh, they made the playoffs. Oh, they they didn't make the play. I still don't really know what to make of the Seattle Kraken, right? um They do have to sign Matty Benieres and Ellie Tolvenan. Yes, Benieres already needs ah his first contract, his first big contract. um You know, a center core of Benieres, Stevenson, Gord, and then if Shane, w right, makes the team, you know, you could move Stevenson or Gord over to the wing. It's not bad. It's really not that bad. Obviously,
01:34:23
Speaker
You know, you want to say like, oh, okay, certain overpayments, stuff like that. Like this team should probably be a playoff team next year. I don't think that defense is is bad at all. I mean, you got Vince Dunlocked up already, Montor now. Vince, I agree on paper. I mean, okay. Can Joey Decor do it again in goal? Can Grubauer figure his shit out? It's not a bad team. Like that is a playoff caliber team. on paper, on paper doesn't mean a goddamn thing. But I think for Seattle, you know, you have a new head coach and Dan Bilesma, which is really weird to think about. Like that feels like forever ago on May 28th that he was hired.
01:35:05
Speaker
um That should be a playoff team and it's going to be disappointing if they're not, I think is the right way to view it at the moment. St. Louis have done absolutely fuck all today. ah They re-signed Kaspari Kapanen one year, one mil, and that's fine. ah But they still have to sign Nikita Alexandrov, which isn't huge. And then the Pablo Bush-Navich thing, will his deal be up next year, is still there. But outside of getting rid of Kevin Hayes, it's like, what the hell did you get rid of Kevin Hayes for? You gonna bring back Tarasenko? Like, you got rid of Kevin Hayes, but you you didn't exactly weaponize the cap space today.
01:35:46
Speaker
I mean, I guess they still could, but again, we went over the list of like big name players that are still out there and there's not many. You know, I mean, based solely off of point totals, Pavelski, Henrik, Tarasenko's probably the best guy there. Right? Out of the guys that are left, like, who are you looking at? Aside from like potential reunions? Shattankirk? Like, I don't get it. I don't get it. I mean, I guess unless they're just like, well, this year, clear out cap space and then whatever. And yeah, that that's the only move they could make, right? is It's like, okay, are you the team that's in on a Martin H.S. or somebody like that? Which would make sense. But for right now, the picture is just very muddied and unclear because they have the cap space, but they haven't done anything with it yet.
01:36:39
Speaker
um You know, they got good goaltending last year, so in theory that should be okay as long as Jordan Bittington doesn't get himself suspended by being an idiot. but Shout out to Alex speaking of the Blues for the 55 months. Alex, thank you for the primer. Alex, I know you're a Blues fan, obviously. getting a course How are you feeling about the Blues? ruining a good piece of pizza Because they haven't done anything today outside of keeping capping in. This roster wasn't good enough to make the playoffs last year. In theory, it's not the worst roster in the league.
01:37:10
Speaker
Like as a Blues fan, are you like, okay, bring back Tarasenko and I'm happy. Like, what are they? I don't know. That's another one of those teams where I'm just like, what are you? Like clearly you're wanting to be towards the playoffs, but you're not making the big move to do it. And you've kind of, you know, hamstrung yourself a little bit by having three defensemen making six and a half million dollars each. It's just a weird team. It's a weird team. And they're also a Blues fan, I'm fine with doing nothing. Hey, maybe they land Leon Dryseidel in free agency next year and they laugh themselves to ah another Stanley Cup. Who knows? Could happen.
01:37:52
Speaker
the tampa bay lightning obviously have done the vast majority of their business elsewhere how we're doing this again shop to ktown bad ba confe seat like a t welcome um three years nearly league men for zemgis gurgensson's yessse olinin is also on the move. Obviously the big deal. The trade of Mikhail Sergachev, the acquisition and re-signing of Jake Gensl for seven years at nine million, and not bringing back Stephen Stamkos. They have about $6 million dollars left in space. They have to sign JJ Moser, but that's it. um Obviously, Hedman's deal is up at the end of this next year.
01:38:35
Speaker
um Reeze was moving some pieces around and obviously time will tell how well it works out. But you can look at this team and say, and for the Blues, I don't feel great about them, but I don't feel offer about them. ah Okay, I feel like I was on point there. Just like, I don't know what you are. We'll we'll see. The Lightning, have a team that you could be like, all right, bottom six. but they have a roster where you're like, yeah, they're probably a playoff team. It would be a disaster if they're not. The biggest issue is, uh, Jake Gensil has to have the best season of his career because even though this roster looks solid, the negative impact of not having Steven Stamkos come back is going to hurt. They got worse. I don't think they got worse.
01:39:33
Speaker
I don't think they necessarily got worse. Gensil, Stamkos, okay, argue what you want. I get losing Sergachev, but at the same time, there's certain arguments, certain, you know, things you can look at with Sergachev where was he overpaid a bit? You know, that's that's a part of the conversation. um Not to mention, JJ Moser is better than he looks because he's been on the goddamn coyotes.
01:40:07
Speaker
um
01:40:11
Speaker
If you want to say they got worse, sure, I don't think it's by a significant amount if they have. um If they don't make the playoffs, it's it's a disaster. But again, the biggest thing for them is you have to shrug off the negative sentiment of the fan base for not bringing back your captain. And that's very difficult to overcome. Very difficult to overcome. It puts so much expectation on Jake Gensil. His career high in points is 84 with Pittsburgh. He better be over a point per game again. He better score 40 goals again. You know, like that, that is absolutely the expectation. You know, you look at Stamkos from last year,
01:40:58
Speaker
81 points, he scored 40 goals. You know, like that's, it's a bold strategy to let Steven Stamkos go and to try and replace him with Jake Gensil. I think they're very similar players. Gensil's obviously five years younger, ah similar in terms of like what they're able to do point production wise. um And of course in terms of goals, we just saw it the 40 goals and whatnot. Um,
01:41:25
Speaker
I gotta to be honest, if i'm um if I'm a Lightning fan, like yeah, I'm disappointed too. I'm disappointed, I'm not happy. I'm concerned about the team. um It could work out though. It could work out. Like I said, I view the loss of Stamkos as a much bigger loss than the loss of Serkachev though. Just my take. From an outside perspective. What else? Not too many left. Ross starting today? Probably not, man. and I don't have the heart for it this year. Plus, I'd just be editing Vassie's roster, basically. like The Toronto Maple Leaf, circuit-chef silly, legit top pairing defenseman. We we can have we can have a circuit-chef conversation. see We can. Shout to Cody, by the way. ah You can suggest whatever you want, but given I'm not going to be home for the next three days, and ask to leave the that suggestion might not matter.
01:42:24
Speaker
So take that as you will. Now again, there are different metrics, different things to look at. There's eye tests and everything in between, right? But when we are talking about Mikhail Zurgachev, obviously had the big injury this last year, wasn't particularly great. You know, I mean, he didn't have a phenomenal season last year. I don't think that's controversial to say, right? Like even, even at a base level, when it comes to the injuries and obviously you can go down to his fucking possession metrics, whatever the hell you want to look at. I'm pretty sure it's fair to say he wasn't great and hasn't particularly been
01:43:19
Speaker
the kind of guy, like the potential Hedman replacement that a lot of people thought he could have been in the first couple of years that he first got there. Right? Like I don't think that's the the craziest thing to say. I mean, I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm wrong. And even if it comes down to something, and again, shout out to someone like J4S, right? Like these cards aren't the end all be all. um
01:43:50
Speaker
Solid, definitely had a down year last year. The injury had a lot to do with it, but you even look at the year before last, there's questions. There's questions about whether or not Mikhail Sergeyev was actually going to be that legitimate number one guy to take the mantle from Victor Hedman and be worth an eight and a half million dollar contract. For Utah, makes all the sense in the world. You need that big splash. um Hey, look at what we're doing I'm just saying for Tampa We'll see if they're proven right as to hey, this was the right time To move on from this guy
01:44:33
Speaker
So, Headman's a Hall of Famer, that's all. I'm not even saying he has to play at a Hall of Fame level to replace Headman, but to be the number one defender on that team, like out of the list of defenders that are there, he would have been, but that doesn't mean that he is who you ideally want as a number one defenseman on that team, right? You look at number one defenseman on teams. You know, we don't know if Charlie McAvoy is gonna be a Hall of Famer. He's the number one defenseman on the Bruins. Is Mikael Serkis, you have a Charlie McAvoy? Is he an Adam Fox? Is he, a I won't say Kale McCar because Kale McCar is going to be a goddamn Hall of Famer. Like I said, I just think the Stamco's departure hurts a hell of a lot worse than the circuit chip departure. That's all. So um it it is fair to say like, okay, I'm not, you know,
01:45:25
Speaker
I'm trying to view things a bit more positively. Their defense is worse without him. I just don't know how much worse it is, is how I should have phrased things, right? um Because I'm very intrigued at how good JJ Moser can be on that team. And maybe I'm doing different style of players, but I mean, I think JJ Moser has the potential to not only put up points, but have that more like well-rounded game that they were looking at Sergachev for. Different systems, we'll see, right? We'll see. The Toronto Maple Leafs have done things.
01:46:03
Speaker
um Re-signing Timothy Loeger in two years, three million. That's a little bit of money. Max Domi, four years, just under four million. That's a little bit of money. Joseph Wall, three years at nearly 3.7 that kicks in after this season, that's a bit of money. Oliver Ekman Larson, four years, three and a half million. That's the cup tax, okay. Matt Murray, dirt cheap for a year. Anthony Stolars, two years, two and a half. Chris Tanev, six years, four and a half. That's the only way we're getting that cap hit down. And then Yanni Hockenpah, two years at one and a half.
01:46:51
Speaker
Not great from a cap perspective at the moment. They still have to sign Connor Dewar and Nick Robinson has requested a trade. Doesn't mean he'll get it, but he has requested a trade. um
01:47:08
Speaker
Are Leafs fans that optimistic right now? Should they be? Like goaltending. Lot of faith in Joseph Wall. I heard the SDP's reaction to this, and it is if Joseph Wall is as good as they think he could be, if they waited to re-sign him, he would cost more than this, right? So, that's the positive. If Joseph Wall is as good as people think he can be, and he stays healthy, this contract extension's gonna look very good. If he's not good this year, if he can't stay healthy, oh boy, does that look bad.
01:47:49
Speaker
Anthony Stolars just won a Cup of Florida. He's been pretty solid for them. Reliable backup behind Wahl, that's not bad. Obviously 2.5 is what it is, but even then Wahl and Stolars, if they're both playing at their best level, that's not bad. They keep Matt Murray around as a third goalie. Which I don't hate because that brings some stability to what you're doing with Akjemov and Hildeby and the AHL and not having to rely on one of these guys in an injury situation. You can just say, miners, you're going to be there all year. We're going to develop you. But yeah, Matt Murray has signed a contract extension today. So he is still a Toronto Maple Leaf. He is their third goalie. Defensively, I also agree with Steve Dangle's take. Kris Tanev is the best right handed shot the Leafs have had on that roster. And God knows how long.
01:48:38
Speaker
Oliver Ackman Larson making three and a half. If you told a Leafs fan a year ago he was gonna get that contract, you would go, oh my fucking god. And I don't know if too many fans don't feel that way just because he happened to win a cup with Florida. Like he played, according to Cap Friendly at least, he played really fucking well in that role. ah Better than I would have thought. 32 points in 80 games, but again, he is on the Florida Panthers. And again, JFresh cards aren't the end all, be all, support someone like JFresh on Patreon as I have for years. But just to show this card as well, again, I won't show too many ah because it is behind a paywall. ah That is the last three years of Oliver Ekman-Larson. Now making three and a half by foot you know for four years in s Toronto.
01:49:36
Speaker
I, I, I don't think I could be optimistic about that contract, right? Like that screams John Clingberg 2.0. That screams John Clingberg 2.0 to me. And that would scare the crap out of me as a Leafs fan. It would, it absolutely would. Then Leah Grinn at 3 million. And again, uh, this will be the last one that I show. It'll just be the three again, support J Fresh on Patreon. Um,
01:50:05
Speaker
Leadergrun's been very solid. He's not a power play specialist like OEL is, but it's not bad. You can't say it's just 3.5 million though. You cannot say it's just 3.5 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs. 3.5 million to this team is the equivalent of 6 million to other teams because of their cap situation. You know, $25 million dollars on their defense, not the end all be all, But is that a bit more than is probably comfortable for all of Rekman Larsen? Yeah. Tanev, I mean, we all know what that is, that he's going to be Robida Island. Island did.
01:50:48
Speaker
Like, I agree, their defense is better. But how well does it stack up? to teams within the division, within the conference, I don't know. And we especially don't know what this defense is gonna look like because they have a new coach who has entirely different systems. So the best way to sum up the Maple Leafs defense right now is a giant ask question mark. I think that's fair. I'm an Oilers fan, we're paying a CC, I'm living with that. I mean, that's fair, but I'd rather have Cody CC than Oliver Ekman-Larson right now. Said what I said. Said what I said.
01:51:26
Speaker
um And then of course the forwards all the money in the world to the top four final year for Tavares Final year for Marner. We still don't know if that man is getting traded or not They keep Maxdome around. You're still paying more for David Camp than you probably should want to. You still got Ryan Reeves for more than you should want to. Again, you can't even sign Nick Robertson. CodyCC better than the Stanley Cup champ. When that Stanley Cup champ didn't do a whole hell of a lot to win that cup. I mean, he had 6 points in 24 games.
01:52:09
Speaker
Just saying, but hey, you' impressed clearly the Leafs were also impressed by the pedigree of Oliver Ekman-Larson, so there you go. um Overall, I gotta be honest, the Leafs are in a very similar situation to the Edmonton Oilers, and I think the Edmonton Oilers are better. Hot take. Both teams have the high paid star power at the top. have to do what they can to find the depth in the bottom six, to find the depth on defense, to find the depth and goal. Right now, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the weaker version of the Edmonton Oilers. I don't think that's where you want to be. You know, maybe the Leafs won the cup this year. I wouldn't be surprised with the talent they have. But again, that bottom six is being spread
01:53:05
Speaker
A little bit too thin, I think, you know, having the camp and Reeves cap hits when you could have players of similar skill levels for less, like you lost those negotiations. You did. Who the hell will be in Robertson's spot? Who knows, unless they find a way to keep him. We don't even know if Mitch Marner's gonna be there. Defensively, it's not bad, in theory. What version of Yanni Hockenpah are you gonna get? What version of Oliver Eckman Larson are you gonna get? What version of Jake McCabe are you going to get? What version of Joseph Wall are you going to get? There's just so many fucking question marks about this team still. Whereas again, we talked about the Oilers a little bit earlier on and with the moves that they have made today with Victor Arvidson with Jeff Skinner,
01:54:03
Speaker
They have done a better job of, on paper, filling out those roles that needed to be addressed to help the Stars not have to carry their team on their backs to such an extreme extent like Conor McDavid playing a fucking half an hour in game seven and being exhausted for the third period. So time will tell for the Leafs, obviously. um I can't envision a scenario where they don't make the playoffs, that would be a fucking disaster for them.
01:54:35
Speaker
ah But I just, I don't know, it's hard to imagine that this is the year. At least while John Tavares is making 11 million. 25, 26, whatever, you bring Tavares back at four or five million and then Marner gets paid 12, whatever the hell, then maybe, maybe, but I just think you know the big contracts at the top are squeezing the bottom six a bit too much, and even some of the contracts in the bottom six are squeezing a bit too much. David Camp's a good bottom sixer, but man, you can't afford to pay that guy $2.4 million. dollars You know? You just can't. like He's a 20-point guy who's great in the dot and a defensive player. You shouldn't have to pay $2.4 million dollars to get those players, and that's the thing. It's not just a David Camp problem. Those pieces add up.
01:55:25
Speaker
so I don't know, man. I don't know. Beliefs are, uh, beliefs are interesting. And again, we don't know the full situation. Looks like Martiner's going to stay, but then maybe he'll go. That's been the talk before, right? Like Montreal. Oh, we're not trading PKS. He gets dealt for Shea Weber. So the Utah hockey club. um Have made made some moves obviously Sergey Chev. They bring in Sean dirt or bring back Sean Dersy They paid Sean Dersy big money to six mil for four years. That's banking on him being As good as he's been follow Maki two by two Ian Cole 3.1 for the year ah two by two for Stanley Cup champion Kevin Stenland and in Kevin Kenatin and Mikko Matika
01:56:11
Speaker
um Obviously the new ownership is trying to make a splash and get this team into the playoffs for year one. You know, there are some downsides to Utah. They don't have their full-time look. Their building, of course, isn't perfect for hockey. It's a basketball and concert venue, at least for now. um But there's no doubt that ownership group is being like here. what you What Bill Armstrong, as one of the better GMs in the league, wasn't getting in terms of help from ownership in Arizona, he is now getting here. And of course, traffic-wise, they're still set up very, very well. And when talking about this roster,
01:56:47
Speaker
There's some good pieces. There's still some concerning pieces though. And this is, this is what I wonder is just how much of a step are they going to take up, right? Because of Nick Bjergstadt, your number one center. Oh, Barrett Hayden's not going to be that guy. Barrett Hayden is a third pair defensive specialist at center. It's not what you want to get with a fifth overall pick, but that's what he is. Um, how much of a step up does Logan Cooley take is the big question. Um, how does this defense gel? You know, this is Sergey Chev's chance to prove to Tampa. um Actually, I am worthy of being the number one guy here and you fucked up trading me. But he is also coming off of that big time injury. Even though I came back from it very quickly. ah Sean Derzy, 41 points last year. He's looked good. He's looked good. But again, if you start to see
01:57:38
Speaker
bit of a fall. That's a rough contract. The John Marino pickup was great. Like they did so well kind of building this defense when they only had Shea Weber signed before the draft. um And then Connor Ingram and Carl Vimalka should be a decent enough tandem. Like this is a team that can make the playoffs but You gotta get the best version of a lot of these guys. You gotta get your first full season of Josh Joan, which is nice, but you gotta get the best version of Nick Bjergstad, the best version of Barrett Hayton, the best version and the healthy version of Mikhail Sergachev. So I think it's a team that pushes for the playoffs. Do they make it? I don't know. um Obviously ownership wants that fucking playoff money in season one though, no doubt.
01:58:24
Speaker
even if it's just two games. But the Arizona Coyotes were already in a good spot, so it's no surprise that the Utah Hockey Club is now in a good spot as well. The Vancouver Canucks, or AKA the Vancouver Bruins, the Boston Canucks. Key for Sherwood, two years, 1.5, good. Danton Hynden, two years, two and a quarter, good. Jake DeBrusque, I said it was gonna be Edmonton, I'm not surprised, it's a Canadian team at all. Seven years, 5.5 for Jake DeBrusque. Derek Forbert, another former Bruin, 1.5 for the year, and then Yuri Patera from Vegas, Nathan Smith, and Vinny De Jarnay, two by two from Edmonton. In terms of this roster, let's see what it looks like. Right? Outside of Shiloff's, everyone's signed, which is good. Top line potentially, of course we don't know, is Debrec J.T. Miller Brock Besser.
01:59:20
Speaker
The big thing for Jake Debrusque is consistency in the regular season where he hasn't always been. But in the playoffs... He is a, he's a big time performer, right? Like he's a 40 to 50 point guy. We'll see where they play him. He shows up in the playoffs for sure. ah Which is something that the Canucks can definitely, definitely use, right? So I don't hate the idea of adding Jake DeBrusque for that team. I think he brings a lot. um No surprise at all that he left the Bruins with as much word as there happened to be about
01:59:55
Speaker
oh You know trade requests and stuff like that. It it was bound to happen. I'll be and said the day the one I'm alongside Patterson, but it's up to talk it That'll be interesting um Obviously they resigned Dakota Joshua as well. I think that forward core is Pretty damn solid like where the left wingers happen to shake up like time will tell It's not bad But as was just said in chat, and as has been said a few times now, the Bruins basically dealt Forbert, Heinen, and Dubresk, Fusidorov, and Lindholm. On paper, the Bruins win that non-existent transaction. But I still think the Canucks, after keeping Philip Aronic as well, it's not bad. And it's clear too, like their defense is fucking huge.
02:00:44
Speaker
Like, that is a clear directive from so many teams. Get big, get physical. Although the Canucks have been doing that for a while, right? Like, they're like, hey, Tucker Pullman, hey, whoever the hell we can bring in ah to try and make that work. um Their defense is big, their defense is physical, block a lot of shots, like they kept Tyler Myers around. Outside of that top pairing of Hughes and Hironic, like, that's a big fucking defense. ah And it should be, like you look at that roster, it should be a defensively responsible team. Uh, Colt, we finished the end of Wyoming. It'll be uploaded on the second channel soon. Um, you have Thatcher Demko, which if he stays healthy, he should be good. She'll also look great in the playoffs. Gonna actually be a playoff team again. I think missing the playoffs would be an absolute disaster for them. I disagree with the take of them being worse.
02:01:37
Speaker
I disagree with the take of them being worse. I think Jake DeBrusque adds a different element that Lindholm didn't. I think, you know, looking at what that roster was last year, right? We'll go with the 23, 24 season. Give me that Vancouver roster and we'll go off a point totals there, right? I mean, you lose Ilya Mikayev, but you bring in Jake the Brusk. You lost Sam Lafferty, Andre Kuzmenko. I don't view those as gigantic losses. Kuzmenko, maybe. Losing Zadorov isn't great, but in terms of like the physicality and grit that he brings, they did try to replace that directly. Losing Lindholm, I agree, not great, but it wasn't always a perfect fit there.
02:02:32
Speaker
I don't feel like they're worse. Maybe they're not better, but I don't feel like they're necessarily worse. um And given the money that they're paying like Dakota Joshua, I wouldn't be surprised to see Joshua get a chance, second line maybe. ah And you know, who knows what other moves might still happen, right? I mean, They have some younger guys who might get an opportunity. Like I said, I don't think that they're worse. Are they better? I don't know. But I don't think that they're worse. They're going to be a playoff team again next year. So it is just interesting how Vancouver and Boston swapped a couple of pieces.
02:03:09
Speaker
Vegas obviously let go of March or so. Aston Rhys and Tanner Leschinski for dirt cheap, Rhys Johnson, Ilya Samsonov for one year, 1.8. Two years, 1.8 for Pavlodor Fayev to keep him. No major moves for Vegas, which is surprising. You might say, well, it's not because they don't have cap space. When the hell has that ever stopped Vegas before, right? um I'm kind of surprised they haven't tried somehow some way to be involved in anything major. ah They are still going to be a competitive team. They still have one of the best coaches in the league. They still have a pretty damn solid core. Unfortunately for Devils fans, Alex Holtz probably will get an opportunity to see if he can make it. um It's always just next man up, next group of players up for Vegas. It's tough to imagine them not making the playoffs, right? That top four on defense, and really that defensive core in general is still stellar. That is still a really good defensive core.
02:04:05
Speaker
Aiden Hill, it's still weird to be like, ah, how can't you trust Stanley Cup champion Aiden Hill? Like, the goaltending might raise some questions. Robin Leonard's not coming back. But it's Vegas, man. They'll find a way. Whether or not they make another run, who knows, but it's Vegas. Like, I don't think you can rightfully tell Vegas and be like, ah, they're not going to make the playoffs. I mean, maybe they won't, but that's a bold take as opposed to like the consistent take.
02:04:30
Speaker
Washington, Chase Priskey, Mitch Gibson, whatever. Conor McMichael, two years, 2.1. They brought in Brandon Duham, two years, almost 2 million. The big contract is Matt Roy on defense, seven years at nearly 6 million. And then they also signed Taylor Radish for dirt Jeep. Obviously a lot of Washington's damage, which l LOL to that right now, by the way, ah Nick Backstrom is going to go on LTIR. That's going to clear out a lot of it. ah The Capitals are in a ah pretty interesting spot compared to where they were just a few weeks ago. um You know, you are still paying Tom Wilson quite a bit of money. You know, Obie's contract is still expensive, of course, but they got Andrew Manjupani for, what, a second round pick. Dubois for the swap with Kemper. I mean, yeah, he's expensive, but...
02:05:19
Speaker
You never know. He might finally click on this particular team. Hendrix LaPierre should make the team. ah Defensively, you added Chikren in. Of course, you re-signed Sandin previously. You have Matt Roy now. um That defense on paper, not bad at all. That defense looks pretty damn good, actually. Goal tending has the potential to be one of the best handouts in the league, and it's for under two million bucks, which is hilarious. The Logan Thompson acquisition is hilarious. um
02:05:50
Speaker
And ah potentially if Oshi doesn't play too, you know, it opens up more spots. I don't know if there'll be a playoff team, but there's more optimism around the Capitals than there was just a few weeks ago, I would say. I'd certainly be more optimistic as a Caps fan. we You know, we look at that team a few weeks ago and it's like, well, they got Ovi going for the record and that's it. Now all of a sudden it's, Maybe. Maybe they do make the playoffs and get absolutely stomped again, but maybe they do make the playoffs. It's definitely possible. Not too much else to add about them though.
02:06:32
Speaker
Last but not least, the Winnipeg Jets. Coppocockin' in one by one. Cheap deal for Eric Comrie and Colin Miller at 1.5. Nothing major from the Jets. They got to sign David Gustafson, Cole Profetti, and Logan Stanley. New head coach this year as well, if I'm not mistaken, right? Arneal was just appointed recently, unless it was so later than I thought. Yeah, it was May 24th as well. It's confusing him with the files, Milan. I mean, Jets were a playoff team. They should still be a playoff team unless they decide to move Ellers or something like that. Like they should still be a playoff team like they bought out Nate Schmidt, replaced him with Colin Miller just to have a cheaper third pair guy. I know a lot of Jets fans aren't hyped about Neil Peonk anymore. um But you do have the reigning Vesna winner and goal. Even if you lost his very stellar backup.
02:07:30
Speaker
um It's not a bad roster. It's not. It's not a roster where you're just like, yep, they're Edmonton or Florida levels of contender, but it's it's really not a bad roster either. um And when you look overall, right, also really quickly, ah no other signings marked down that we missed in all of that time. So I picked a pretty good time to start talking about stuff. That's good. $1.2 billion in contract dollars, huh? ah So if you look at the divisions, right? Obviously this is from last year. ah Talking about the Atlantic. Florida Panthers, know in terms of like no surprise to see them in the playoffs next year, Florida, Boston, Toronto, I'd argue even Tampa, no one's surprised. I feel like the four teams on the outs
02:08:26
Speaker
No one is a, you have absolutely no chance of making the playoffs, which makes it interesting. I think a lot of Red Wings fans, again, Red Wings Sabre sends fans will be super disappointed if they don't make the playoffs. Habs fans, a little less so. I think they'd be overjoyed if they made it. I think most fans will realize, yeah, the Habs probably aren't gonna make the playoffs, but like we talked about, a lot of young guys, a lot of optimism now moving forward. um But is there... Like, am I able to sit here and say, like, there's zero percent chance of the Habs making the playoffs? I can't say that with certainty.
02:09:07
Speaker
You never know man, if a team like that could make the eighth seed or something like that. I feel like every single one of those teams in the Atlantic could be viewed as a playoff team. The top three absolutely have to make the playoffs or the seasons. Actually Tampa too. The top four teams that made the playoffs this past year absolutely have to make it again or it's a disaster. Disaster. Because for Tampa it's Stamkos. yeah you You can't get rid of Stamp Coast and then miss the playoffs. That's a nightmare scenario. Your fan base will fucking turn on you fast as if they haven't already. Some of them. In the Metro, Rangers disaster if they don't miss, if they don't make the playoffs. Same for Carolina. But then it gets interesting. I'd say too, for the Devils, it's a disaster if they don't make the playoffs based on all the moves they've made. Is it a disaster for the Islanders if they don't make it?
02:10:01
Speaker
Probably closer to it, but not like, ah oh my god, a failure of a season. It's a failure of a season, but it's not like, we're fucked forever.
02:10:11
Speaker
cat Penguins, it's it's a disaster if you don't make it. Caps fans, I think, would be happy if they did. But at the same time, be like, well, you know, we tried for Dubois, didn't work, whatever. Flyers fans would be happy to make the playoffs, but at the same time again, that's the young talent. And then Blue Jackets fans, I don't know what the hell they can expect this year, especially if Q ends up being their coach. So, interesting there. The problem for the Caps and the Penguins and the Flyers for that matter is that the Devils should be much fucking better this year. The top four teams in the Central, disaster if they don't make the playoffs. Especially Nashville, I mean, with the amount of buy-in here.
02:10:53
Speaker
um Blues fans I think would be happy if they made it but not surprised that they miss Minnesota Disappointed if they don't make it but not surprised Utah disappointed if they don't make it black Hawks fans That's that's one team where you're just like man. They're not making the playoffs. They're not and that's okay like the goal for Hawks fans this year have fun watching Connor Baddard and Hope for a top five pick again next year. And that's perfectly fine. That's what should happen. They are easily the first team where it's just like, why are you complaining if you didn't make the playoffs? so What'd you expect? Every other the team in the Central? I'd argue every team in the Metro and then maybe be Montreal and the Atlantic, but again, they have a better chance of making the playoffs in Chicago. In theory, could be proven wrong. Could be proven wrong.
02:11:52
Speaker
um And then for the Pacific The Sharks are the team at the bottom of the totem pole They're even lower than Chicago or Montreal in terms of like man. You're aiming for another number one overall pick next year That's what you're looking for um Anaheim was weird because it's like oh we're getting better and then they sucked um It would benefit Anaheim to not be a playoff team and to get another top ten pick It would be Calgary Could they? Yes, but it would be a surprise. Seattle, you could tell, desperately wants to make it back into the playoffs. And that means for the top four, it would be a disaster if they don't make it. I mean, especially LA, like, oh, the upward trajectory, and then you make these big moves and you miss, like, that's a bit scary. So, it's it's interesting, right? Like, this is what the NHL wants. It's a league of parody.
02:12:44
Speaker
And that's exactly what you're gonna get, where there are a lot of teams that are gonna miss the playoffs that could have made it, absolutely. I don't think you're gonna see, you know, so many teams under 60 points, or even under 70 or 80 points. Like, it's going to be close for a lot of these teams. And, you know, you look last year, like Detroit missed by seven, which isn't the hugest gap in the world. ah Pittsburgh missed by three, Philly by four, You had St. Louis by seven, and then obviously the Pacific was a bit rocky from there, but that that's the the frustrating way to talk about the NHL right now, right?
NHL Playoff Predictions and Surprises
02:13:31
Speaker
And this is what I started off this ah two-hour rant, podcast, whatever the hell you want to call this. Who's missing the playoffs that made it? That's actually a good season, or a good question, hold on. Who was missing the playoffs that made it this year?
02:13:52
Speaker
Tried to give me the wildcard standings, so the NHL website sucks. Oh, it did give me the wildcard standings. If I had to bet, how do you feel about Ben and Seneca? We'll see. They might be right, they might be wrong. I mean, that's that's it. Like, I don't have hot takes about traffic.
02:14:12
Speaker
The teams you look at as the most likely to miss the playoffs. I'm just trying to walk through this fucking grass. and little little um little beat The Islanders are up there as a team that a lot of people would pick to not make the playoffs. Tampa and Washington as well. I think Tampa will make it. I know people are like, oh, Sergachev, but i the bottom three, right? Islanders, Lightning, Caps. i In terms of the order, Capitals most likely, lightning least likely to miss the playoffs next year, put the Islanders in the middle. The Western side, I think it's gotta be LA. The Vegas still looks good, Nashville still, I mean, Nashville looks a lot better. You could say Winnipeg, I think it's LA. It's the remnants of the Dubois decision, the goaltending.
02:15:11
Speaker
They lost Victor Arvetson. I think LA might be the most likely team from the West to miss this upcoming year. Again, they they only dropped Vegas down to the second wildcard spot by one point. So in terms of most likely, least likely, most likely to miss the playoffs is Washington.
02:15:35
Speaker
Then I'd put the Kings, Islanders, Lightning. Just because I'm a battered Bruins fan, I will never discount the Tampa Bay Lightning until it's proven that they should be discounted. um But I have to have the Islanders above the Kings just because of the goaltending. You know? Again, the Kings' goaltending this year is Kemper and Riddick. Islanders at least still have Sorokin and Varlamoth. And i I do favor good goaltending quite a bit, I imagine. some Oh, goodness. Well, this was a an interesting conversation. um I will tell you that I am going um to step back for a smidge and then probably come back and stream again. But. But.
02:16:36
Speaker
um All in all, all in all. um Like I said, the biggest story of the NHL today is that ah The reinstatement right the reinstatement is the biggest story and that's the thing like it's so fun to talk about free agency and stuff like that But it's very difficult of the NHL to be like hey, let's talk about all these teams and that's all well and good um It just be nice if the NHL could get their shit together So the hockey didn't have to be secondary because free agencies fun as hell game 7 was fun as hell and
02:17:09
Speaker
But all in all, yeah, it's just it's it's frustrating to be a hockey fan because it can't be like, hey, let's just enjoy the hockey. And I'm jealous of people that can. Like I said, but yeah. I don't know what I'm going to talk hockey again. Maybe if like Mitch Marner gets traded or something. I don't know. I don't know.