2014 NHL Offseason Thread - Free Agency Starts July 1st (1 Viewer)

[Premier]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

 

[Northern Voice]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

Too much money. Could see this one sitting nicely beside the Clarkson deal as far as overpayments.

 

[Premier]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

Too much money. Could see this one sitting nicely beside the Clarkson deal as far as overpayments.

5.5 seems fair to me. Didn't everybody think he was going to get 6.5 when he was traded?

I don't think he's great but a veteran presence with all the young Lightning players is going to help.

 

[Northern Voice]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

Too much money. Could see this one sitting nicely beside the Clarkson deal as far as overpayments.

5.5 seems fair to me. Didn't everybody think he was going to get 6.5 when he was traded? I don't think he's great but a veteran presence with all the young Lightning players is going to help.

No doubt some team was going to pay him that, I just wouldn't want it to be mine (and if he hit the open market he's exactly the type Leafs would go after). I would just rather spend that kind of money on a more skilled player. No doubt he's a great leader and physical.

 

[Northern Voice]

On the NHL draft, speculation now that Ekblad may fall to the Oilers at 3.

how?I think Sabres take him at 2. They can always move a d-man later.

I've heard speculation that the Canucks want Sam Reinhart bad. One of Canuck beat writers said they'd trade with Florida to get #1, then Buffalo takes Bennett at 2 and Oilers have a choice of Eckblad or Draisaitl. Most NHL "experts" I hear on the local sports radio station say Buffalo will go either Bennett or Reinhart at #2 even if Eckblad is available.I doubt the Panthers move the #1 pick, so I expect the Oilers to take Draisaitl at #3.

All speculation I've heard about Eckblad dropping to #3 relies on some team (Canucks, Leafs, Flames,etc.) getting the #1 pick from Florida and taking Bennett or Reinhart and Buffalo taking whichever one doesn't go at #1.

not hearing any buzz for Bennett to BuffaloMurray has said he would take best player available regardless of need. I think Ekblad goes top 2 but we'll see. They certainly need F more than D but I'm not convinced on the other guys yet.

I believe that Ekblad is going to go one and then we pick who we have left the next guy on our list, Murray said. If he doesnt go one, Id be surprised I guess, but well cross that bridge when we come to it.

I think Ekblad is the pick if Reinhart somehow goes first, but I fully expect Ekblad to go first. But maybe Murray is just blowing smoke trying to make sure Reinhart (or whoever else they like) falls.

If Ekblad does last to #2, seems Murray should be able to get the Oilers to trade up a spot to grab him as long as they are convinced he will take him if they don't.

There's been a lot of late buzz for Draisaitl. The scenario where Ekblad makes it to 3 had Reinhart first, Draisaitl second.

 

[RUSF18]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

Too much money. Could see this one sitting nicely beside the Clarkson deal as far as overpayments.

5.5 seems fair to me. Didn't everybody think he was going to get 6.5 when he was traded?

I don't think he's great but a veteran presence with all the young Lightning players is going to help.

He wanted 6 years/$6.5MM from the Rangers before he got traded. Rangers were offering $6MM. That's after coming down from 7/7 earlier in the season.

I'm sure he's coming out ahead though between taxes and cost of living.

edit: I know I posted these numbers back in the regular season thread when we were discussing his value. At the time of the trade, his points per game over the past 3 years ranked between Wayne Simmonds and Michael Ryder, who earned just under $4MM and $3.5MM respectively. As a Ranger fan, I was willing to give a $1MM bump over that value for his intangibles/etc.

 

[Bill Brasky]

You just seemed fired up, rambling in long sentences or not even typing a complete sentence. You were so mad you haven't even capitalized anything in any post about Hartsy. I was concerned.

almost all of my posts are like that here. I'm super mad a lot.

 

[Bill Brasky]

seems weird that Crosby only has two Hart trophies.

 

[Bill Brasky]

@TBTimes_JSmith: #TBLightning and Ryan Callahan are on verge of long-term deal. Nothing finalized yet, but could be agreed upon as early as Wednesday.

Supposed to be 5.5 a year.

Too much money. Could see this one sitting nicely beside the Clarkson deal as far as overpayments.

5.5 seems fair to me. Didn't everybody think he was going to get 6.5 when he was traded?

I don't think he's great but a veteran presence with all the young Lightning players is going to help.

6.5 is what he was demanding IIRC, which played heavily into him getting dealt.

edit- looks like RUSF pointed that out.

 

[Bill Brasky]

really hope the Wild aren't seriously going after Niskanen unless he takes a big hometown discount on term. even then I'm not crazy about it.

 

[Bill Brasky]

my guess is the Wild move both Brodziak and Zucker at the draft.

hope Stoner walks and they go after Willie Mitchell.

 

[Sheriff66]

seems weird that Crosby only has two Hart trophies.

Lindsays and Harts are cute, but I like Cups

 

[tom22406]

Bolts buyout Ryan Malone

The Tampa Bay Lightning has initiated the compliance buyout process for veteran wing Ryan Malone, the Times has learned.

Tampa Bay had one more buyout available, having used one on former captain Vinny Lecavalier last summer. A buyout of Malone will save the Lightning a $4.5 million cap hit by spreading two-thirds of his $2.5 milllion salary ($1.67 million) evenly over two years.

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/lightning/lightning-initiate-compliance-buyout-for-ryan-malone/2185880

 

[RUSF18]

Callahan deal coming in at six for $5.8MM AAV. I think it's a big time overpayment for his actual production level.

 

[tom22406]

Pens have a new coach?

Darren Dreger@DarrenDreger

I'm hearing Mike Johnston has agreed to a 3 year contract to coach the Pens.

 

[guru_007]

Callahan deal coming in at six for $5.8MM AAV. I think it's a big time overpayment for his actual production level.

I don't

Its almost identical to what Dustin Brown received from LAK.

If you're talking just a ppg point of view, Brown had 27 points in the regular season last year.

These are similar players, both do a lot more than the points show. I like Cally, a lot. It's a premium maybe, but I think worth it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

seems weird that Crosby only has two Hart trophies.

It does, but Ovechkin won 3 in a 6-year stretch and Sid's been hurt a lot lately. Then you had guys like H.Sedin, and C.Perry show up to grab one in there too.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Callahan deal coming in at six for $5.8MM AAV. I think it's a big time overpayment for his actual production level.

I don't

Its almost identical to what Dustin Brown received from LAK.

If you're talking just a ppg point of view, Brown had 27 points in the regular season last year.

These are similar players, both do a lot more than the points show. I like Cally, a lot. It's a premium maybe, but I think worth it.

that's not a killer. was tough for him to try and replace Marty but I think he brings a lot to a team. with the cap going up, that's shouldn't be a bad deal as long as he can stay reasonably healthy. lot of young players on that team and his leadership will be good I think.

 

[Bill Brasky]

as long as he can stay reasonably healthy.

which is virtually impossible with how many shots he blocks.

 

[RUSF18]

as long as he can stay reasonably healthy.

which is virtually impossible with how many shots he blocks.

And with how many times he goes into the corner and puts his body in front of the net. This is why I was hesitant for the Rangers to commit to him in the first place. They were already taking steps to reduce his role (he barely saw PP time anymore) which is part of why I thought it was crazy to offer him those years and dollars.

 

[Foosball God]

Pens have a new coach?

Darren Dreger@DarrenDreger

I'm hearing Mike Johnston has agreed to a 3 year contract to coach the Pens.

oof

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Pens have a new coach?

Darren Dreger@DarrenDreger

I'm hearing Mike Johnston has agreed to a 3 year contract to coach the Pens.

oof

why oof?

 

[Billy Bats]

Nikitin gets 2/9m from Edmonton. Yikes that's Flyeresque.

 

[Sheriff66]

Pens have a new coach?

Darren Dreger@DarrenDreger

I'm hearing Mike Johnston has agreed to a 3 year contract to coach the Pens.

oof

why oof?

 

[Sheriff66]

seems weird that Crosby only has two Hart trophies.

It does, but Ovechkin won 3 in a 6-year stretch and Sid's been hurt a lot lately. Then you had guys like H.Sedin, and C.Perry show up to grab one in there too.

And the joke one the gave to Caveman for showing up for half a season

 

[Northern Voice]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

seems weird that Crosby only has two Hart trophies.

Lindsays and Harts are cute, but I like Cups

seems weird he only has 1 cup

 

[tom22406]

Anybody got any sleepers in this draft you have your eye on?

Mine is Alexis Vanier from the QMJHL.6'5",225 D.Needs to work on his skating but the guys punishes in his own end and has a really nice shot.

 

[tom22406]

Also hearing a ton of buzz on Travis Sanheim who has pretty much came out of nowhere to maybe now sneak into the top 15.

Anybody seen him play(I've only seen clips) and if so what are your thoughts on him?

Some talk the Caps may take him at 13 is why I'm asking.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Has there been any other rumors concerning the Flyers before the draft? A lot of people I work with seem to think something is going to happen, although they don't know what. Was just wondering if it was real or just hopeful homers.

 

[Foosball God]

Pens have a new coach?

Darren Dreger@DarrenDreger

I'm hearing Mike Johnston has agreed to a 3 year contract to coach the Pens.

oof

why oof?

Junior coach with no NHL experience coaching Crosby and Malkins? Seems like it will be tough for him.

 

[Billy Bats]

Has there been any other rumors concerning the Flyers before the draft? A lot of people I work with seem to think something is going to happen, although they don't know what. Was just wondering if it was real or just hopeful homers.

Compared to previous years around this time it's relatively quiet on Flyers rumors. A silly article out of Edmonton insists they'll trade for the first pick because it's on Philly and that's what they do. But it will be a big price to pay to get there from 17, not Somethjng they can afford to do so that's not happening. I'm hoping they get a LW for Giroux, but Hexy has declared youth and draft picks are his plan. I'm not expecting the usual Flyers move, maybe Vinny gets dumped and a couple minor FA signings and that's about it.

 

[sporthenry]

Has there been any other rumors concerning the Flyers before the draft? A lot of people I work with seem to think something is going to happen, although they don't know what. Was just wondering if it was real or just hopeful homers.

Compared to previous years around this time it's relatively quiet on Flyers rumors. A silly article out of Edmonton insists they'll trade for the first pick because it's on Philly and that's what they do. But it will be a big price to pay to get there from 17, not Somethjng they can afford to do so that's not happening. I'm hoping they get a LW for Giroux, but Hexy has declared youth and draft picks are his plan. I'm not expecting the usual Flyers move, maybe Vinny gets dumped and a couple minor FA signings and that's about it.

I heard rumors about trading up to the top 10. Probably some combo of home crowd and they think there is a drop off after 10.

 

[Sheriff66]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

Cally on the booger sugar too?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Junior coach with no NHL experience coaching Crosby and Malkins? Seems like it will be tough for him.

he has NHL experience. just not as a head coach.

Bylsma didn't have NHL head coach experience and won a Cup with those guys.

 

[Sheriff66]

Junior coach with no NHL experience coaching Crosby and Malkins? Seems like it will be tough for him.

he has NHL experience. just not as a head coach.

Bylsma didn't have NHL head coach experience and won a Cup with those guys.

Exactly, coached in Couver and LA

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

these guys are nothing alike, but I could certainly see a quick fall for Callahan given the way he plays.

 

[Bill Brasky]

7 year deal for Gaborik??? oh come on

 

[Foosball God]

Junior coach with no NHL experience coaching Crosby and Malkins? Seems like it will be tough for him.

he has NHL experience. just not as a head coach.

Bylsma didn't have NHL head coach experience and won a Cup with those guys.

I don't know that I see it the same way. Those players were kids, stars yes but still kids. They are established veterans now, just seems like it is going to be hard for a coach like that to be able to hold the hard line when he will need to.

 

[Northern Voice]

7 year deal for Gaborik??? oh come on

Only 34 million. Great for Kings.

 

[Bill Brasky]

7 year deal for Gaborik??? oh come on

Only 34 million. Great for Kings.

at least the cap hit isn't bad. still a hard guy to give that long of a term to.

 

[Northern Voice]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

these guys are nothing alike, but I could certainly see a quick fall for Callahan given the way he plays.

Other than being power forwards, who are/were sometimes looked at as offensive guys but in reality have never scored 30 goals or put up 55 points in a season and are/were valued more for grit/leadership/finishing hits/intangibles which also tend to wear guys down as they age.

 

[Northern Voice]

7 year deal for Gaborik??? oh come on

Only 34 million. Great for Kings.

at least the cap hit isn't bad. still a hard guy to give that long of a term to.

Kings will have a salary cap reckoning down the road, but with the team they have for the next few years, they can worry about that later, might as well take a couple Cup runs while they can.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

these guys are nothing alike, but I could certainly see a quick fall for Callahan given the way he plays.

Other than being power forwards, who are/were sometimes looked at as offensive guys but in reality have never scored 30 goals or put up 55 points in a season and are/were valued more for grit/leadership/finishing hits/intangibles which also tend to wear guys down as they age.

I don't consider Callahan a "power forward". He's 5'11", 190lbs.

Ryan Malone is 6'4, 224lbs.

I never thought of Malone as a leadership/intangibles guy either.

 

[Bill Brasky]

7 year deal for Gaborik??? oh come on

Only 34 million. Great for Kings.

at least the cap hit isn't bad. still a hard guy to give that long of a term to.

Kings will have a salary cap reckoning down the road, but with the team they have for the next few years, they can worry about that later, might as well take a couple Cup runs while they can.

I agree

 

[Northern Voice]

Callahan in 3 or 4 years = Malone, the guy they bought out today.

these guys are nothing alike, but I could certainly see a quick fall for Callahan given the way he plays.

Other than being power forwards, who are/were sometimes looked at as offensive guys but in reality have never scored 30 goals or put up 55 points in a season and are/were valued more for grit/leadership/finishing hits/intangibles which also tend to wear guys down as they age.

I don't consider Callahan a "power forward". He's 5'11", 190lbs.

Ryan Malone is 6'4, 224lbs.

I never thought of Malone as a leadership/intangibles guy either.

Scouting reports (before this season) always talk about Malone being able to kill penalties, being part of the (now dismantled) leadership group in Tampa, plays multiple forward positions, quick for his size, yada yada yada. Both come in the top 10 in this statistical look at NHL power forwards over the past 10 years.

They may get their in slightly different ways but their overall game/production/value are about the same.

Anyway... I put Clarkson in that same group (with less skill) which is probably why I hate the Callahan contract. I would much rather spend the money on more skilled players. Give me the Gaborik deal over the Callahan one all day long.

 

[falguy]

I put Clarkson in the group of pretty average NHL players who became free agents at a good time (after they had a career season and not many other options out there). Toronto bit. Sucks to be them.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I put Clarkson in the group of pretty average NHL players who became free agents at a good time (after they had a career season and not many other options out there). Toronto bit. Sucks to be them.

they should ship him back to Jersey or try to trade for DeBoer.

But not sure 24 points in 48 games constitutes a career season for him.

 

[falguy]

Ya, I guess the year before was the career year (46 in 80). Slightly better.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

Anybody got any sleepers in this draft you have your eye on?

Mine is Alexis Vanier from the QMJHL.6'5",225 D.Needs to work on his skating but the guys punishes in his own end and has a really nice shot.

Not really sleepers, but I'm intrigued by what will happen with Anthony DeAngelo and Josh Ho-Sang. Both extremely talented, but their attitude issues are turning off a lot of teams.