deepdrive

I'm for Vancouver in the series. But I didn't think they had much of a chance. Hope I'm wrong. The difference in the pick the Ducks get from Edmonton would be huge if they don't get to the conference finals.

Is that the end of Lacombe if we draft a left hand defender ? I don't know that he's the way to go at 3. You only get so many chances at high level scorers. You would have to be pretty confident that this guy is going to develop offensively. There are some quality RHD in the first two rounds.

And F Chicago. 2nd isn't much better than 3rd in this draft. Now they can't get another lottery pick for 3 years - their primary suck years.

Lol. We can't get #1 with 11.5pc odds, but we stay at 3 with 7pc odds. But I'm happy. Some really good players at 3.

I still don't understand why teams don't have to be cap compliant in the playoffs

I'm ready. So sure we fall back in this one, that no matter what happens, I'm good with it. Do you think the league would do much for Montreal ? I know they're one of the chosen, but it seems mildly, in a 'let's keep them relevant' kind of way. Naw, Montreal would be up for 2nd if anything.

Yeah, I think that would be my conspiracy pick. Too much blowback if Chicago gets it again.

Really. It's part of their game plan at this point. But, give credit where credit is due. They found a hole (or more accurately took it from TB's playbook) in the system and exploited it fully. Because Bettman is so proud of himself for being the first one into Vegas, he is leary to do anything that goes against his Vegas success story. I don't see any move to stop this until one of the lesser teams starts dominating with the technique.

Too many problems that he's been given a pass on. I don't know the guy. But, unless the Kings have a real strong reason to believe this was just a fluke season, they should cut their losses while they still can cheaply. Three time losers (cough Klingburg) are extremely hard to move. So, you can't miss on this guy.

My bet is Mariner is not getting another big contract there. Tavares will only stay on a short reasonably priced deal. They can't go with this version of their team any longer. The fans and writers will chew them up. Marner's not that valuable to them anyway.

I don't know, Johnston has been playing well in clutch situations. I'd pick him to score a big goal over any individual on Vegas ( sorry Eichel).

I thought they had totality given up on that guy.

This is the best Edmonton team yet. I think the only Western team that can possibly beat them is Colorado. Those two are my bet to be in the conference final.

I would have liked Nylander. But, for the money, I would pass on Mariner.

Ducks need to extend Vatrano.

Not bad for the 10th pick.

First thing the announcer said after Dallas won in OT: "Now they're back in it" Ehh, I don't think so. That shooting was pretty bad. Kind of like watching the Ducks for the last 5 years.

Toronto scored a goal by Lindholm's leg diverting a pass into the goal. Once a Duck, always a Duck.

Oops, wrong thread.

I agree. What I posted before wasn't meant to imply the Ducks want to trade Z. I was just making the case that if they need a piece to make a trade, he could be the guy who has the least reason to be unavailable. But, maybe not. I don't have access to Verbeek's mind. I'd like to think they keep him. We'll see.

There's options. I don't think anything big happens (if what happens is going to be big) until we see whether we get a goal scorer or a RHD with our first pick.

Use the concept of negative painting and it becomes a little clearer why Z is the trade speculation. Instead of looking at who might be moved, look at who won't be moved. Leo and McTavish seem to make the coaches and Verbeek happy. They bring skill and character to the team that I don't think Verbeek wants to lose. Unless it's a trade he wins big in, I don't think he would move them. Terry didn't have a good year. But as the team grows in experience, I think it will suit his style more. Also, he's always been a little slow on the development curve, but steady at improving. I think the guy will continue to get better. Doesn't seem to be physically damaged, only 7M a year (if he's grows to be a 35-40 goal scorer), already locked up for multiple years, good character and work ethic/approach. I just can't see a reason to move him. Kind of Silfverberg in the sense that there's always someone else to focus on dealing with trade wise. Vatrano is not going to be traded unless he can't be extended. The guy brings an energy to the team that it needs and Verbeek caveats. Probably why Zellweger is the smaller defender we kept. The team just is more alive when he's on the ice. Cutter and our first pick are Verbeek choices. Until they play themselves out of favor, they're not going anywhere. Killorn was brought in for character. He was overpaid for the same reason. He's a quality player when he's healthy. His contract is probably not movable until the last year. I don't see him going anywhere. Strome is probably the same situation less the talent. So there you go. That leaves Z. He has potential talent and is a draw. Not what would keep him here, but might make him desirable to another org. The fact that he has a sense that he's worth more than he presently is, only adds to this. I don't think Verbeek wants to trade him. But i do think he has less holding him back from making a deal that would give the team more experience in a equally talented player (By equally talented, I mean would fit in to give the Ducks as much on the balance.)

Pretty much how I see it too. Just not sold on the upside of Celebrini. But then, I don't have much to go on.

Earlier today, I saw the video clip of Strome's breakaway (no goal) he had at the end of the season. Just now, saw the breakaway by Matthews (goal). Nothing to say.

I think the Ducks set a precedent. This is totally doable.