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Post by Nordiques - Chris on Jan 12, 2021 11:32:46 GMT -5
Before we wear out our refresh buttons, let's give Jon some space to implement everything, and discuss the NHL...
What do you think of: - the divisions - unsigned or recently signed players - the recently retired - health issues of some prominent players - some maybe unexpected players on waivers - who should be claimed from waivers - what rookies are primed for good seasons - what young guns or veterans are primed for bounce back or breakout campaigns? - what goalie will surprise (good or bad)? - what team will surprise many (good or bad)?
That's 10 topics on a super quick brainstorm.
Have at 'em!
Let's do that hockey...
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Post by Calgary GM- Scott on Jan 12, 2021 11:53:05 GMT -5
I think the change in divisions is pretty cool, even if I think it makes it tougher for Calgary to get in than it would have under the old rules.
The West division is very weak with only 3 teams but not sure what they could do to fix that outside of moving a team that is not West in any way to that division, likely swapping Minny and Dallas. The Central is also way weaker than the East should swap a team or two out of there.
I didn't see many names on waivers that are that great. Chris probably has seen some Flames fans freaking about Derek Ryan and Oliver Kylington and although they can play on most teams in the league I think every team has guys like that already. I wish Ryan was on the Flames and Lucic could be fired into the sun but that isn't happening due to contracts.
As for rookies, I know it is obvious but I am excited to see what Lafreniere does in New York. I think beyond him being obviously skilled it is a better situation than most 1st overalls get. I don't have any sleepers but hope that Dylan Cozens makes it Buffalo. I think it would make sense to play him on the RW with Staal and then move him over to center when Staal moves on.
I think Vancouver is a team that will surprise in an negative way, many people are very high on them after last season. I think they had a ton go right for them and guys playing over their head. I think they will miss some players they lost and not get the same performances out of some others. The Canadian division will also be very competitive, outside of Ottawa.
For a surprise team in a good way I would say Carolina based on how easy their division is.
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Post by gmcanucks on Jan 12, 2021 17:19:20 GMT -5
I love the Canadian Division. let's start a petition to make it permanent. Leafs and Habs and Flames and Oilers 10 times a year! I am definitely excited about that and I'm not even a fan of any of those teams.
Among the recently signed players, I think Mike Hoffman in St. Louis could have a big impact. And of course if you count Barzal as recently signed, it's probably a good thing when you get your best player back.
Sad to see Crawford retire. He's had a Hall of Fame career. Always sad to see those guys leave. And Bouwmeester too.
I think the Kucherov injury is huge. Everyone just assumes that they can cruise through without their best player. I am not so sure in a short season, in that division, especially if Stamkos gets hurt, as he usually does.
I am not sure any of the players on waivers were unexpected, but I was a little surprised to see the Habs give up on Juulsen.
As for players on waivers, I would have thought Kylington could help a lot of teams.
Kaprisov would be a no-brainer for rookie of the year if he didn't play in Minnesota. I still think he'll be good. Men vs. boys kind of thing. Lafreniere I think will live up to the hype, but I think the most impactful rookie could be Sorokin on Long Island.
I think Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Rasmus Dahlin in Buffalo are my two favorite breakout candidates. As for bounce backs, how about Erik Karlsson and P.K. Subban. I am not sure they'll ever be back to where they once were, but they have to be way better than then looked last year.
As for goalies, I'd be a little worried about Markstrom in Calgary not meeting expectations. I think long term he will be fine, but he will be under a lot of pressure and David Rittich is good enough to push him for playing time if things go a little south. And I think Bobrovsky will bounce back in Florida. He's good, even if he didn't look good last year. And not just saying this because I own him in the JGHL, but I think Mackenzie Blackwood of the Devils might take the next step this year. With Crawford retiring, he's certainly going to play a lot.
As for surprise teams, I think the Ottawa Senators will be better than most people think, and I think it will be hard for the Rangers to live up to the hype. I saw some preview magazines picking them to win their division. They definitely have the pieces to be good in the not too distant future, but it may be too soon. And how about a crazy prediction? One of Tampa and Boston doesn't make the playoffs.
Thanks for doing this Chris. Let the games begin! Or as the Sportsnet promotions in Canada proclaim. "It's On!"
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Post by Hawks on Jan 12, 2021 18:33:06 GMT -5
I think Robert Thomas in St. Louis and Rasmus Dahlin in Buffalo are my two favorite breakout candidates. Sounds good to me!
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Post by LeafsGM on Jan 13, 2021 11:59:47 GMT -5
Not gonna lie I've kind of been checked out from hockey going back to even before last year's bubble. But I'm starting to get the tickle back, somewhat. I just hope that with how NBA's season has started (third of the league is already in covid protocol, games being postponed, just an absolute nightmare), NHL learns from it and does things better. This can spiral out of control very fast. All that said, Joe Thornton is on the Leafs and just that alone gets me excited.
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Post by MontyBurns on Jan 13, 2021 13:02:48 GMT -5
For me, I love the Canada division, but i am not looking forward to all games played being divisional. Its going to massively screw over some teams, making some good teams look great and some okay teams look terrible. Its basically an 8 team league until the playoffs. Also, whats going to happen in the playoffs?!!?
I dont know how hes going to do there, but im just hapy hoffman signed somewhere! Itll be interesting to see if the leafs D finally holds up this year or if its the same as every year.
Boumeester was a big one for me. He was such a visible guy even before he came into the league. Really hapy he got his cup. Crawford... i dont know, was he really a HOFer? He kinda reminds me of a shittier chris osgoode (who i think is in the HOF, but was carried there by others)
Just wanted to say i cracked up when i read Joes comment about stamkos getting hurt.
And its crazy but i really dont know enough to answer a lot of the other questions, which tells me i checked out a little too much on hockey. Looking forward tojumping back in!
and thank you chris for getting us going!
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Post by Hawks on Jan 13, 2021 14:19:04 GMT -5
Not gonna lie I've kind of been checked out from hockey going back to even before last year's bubble. But I'm starting to get the tickle back, somewhat. I just hope that with how NBA's season has started (third of the league is already in covid protocol, games being postponed, just an absolute nightmare), NHL learns from it and does things better. This can spiral out of control very fast. All that said, Joe Thornton is on the Leafs and just that alone gets me excited. This goes for me too, my hockey fanaticism comes and goes in spurts and over the last year I've been pretty out of the loop. I am excited to get the season started and start paying attention again though.
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Post by RedWings_Mike on Jan 13, 2021 16:16:37 GMT -5
The Red Wings just named Dylan Larkin captain so im giddy about the season. We added Stetcher, Bobby Ryan, Merrill, and Greiss which really helped fill some of our holes. I'm thinking this season we are going to go from awful, to below average!
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Post by Sharky on Jan 13, 2021 19:03:12 GMT -5
For the Flames, looking forward to seeing Nesterov and Mackey play. Really hoping one will pan out.
It would be wonderful if Markstrom is steady.
This is a big season for Monahan and Gaudreau. They need a bounce back year.
Overall I think the Flames are more solid top to bottom. Finally some decent forward depth with the emergence of Dube and Mangiapane, solid D, solid in net. Obviously not world beaters but hoping for a more consistent team this year.
On a side note Iβm a big Looch fan despite his salary haha.
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Post by MontyBurns on Jan 13, 2021 20:45:37 GMT -5
Also, I forgot to mention... Wtf happened with Evander Kane?
Crazy that he's bankrupt
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Post by Hawks on Jan 13, 2021 21:14:49 GMT -5
Also, I forgot to mention... Wtf happened with Evander Kane? Crazy that he's bankrupt From what I've heard, its gambling debt. Dude has a gambling problem.
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Post by RedWings_Mike on Jan 13, 2021 22:49:49 GMT -5
Also, I forgot to mention... Wtf happened with Evander Kane? Crazy that he's bankrupt From what I've heard, its gambling debt. Dude has a gambling problem. Same...
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Post by MontyBurns on Jan 14, 2021 11:53:56 GMT -5
From what I've heard, its gambling debt. Dude has a gambling problem. Same... Yeah, heard he defaulted on vegas debts too. He has something like 100 mil in debt and 50 in assets. He has a 50 million contract and hes likely to not even play because he wont keep the money (plus its a pandemic year)
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Post by MontyBurns on Jan 15, 2021 12:02:21 GMT -5
Yeah, heard he defaulted on vegas debts too. He has something like 100 mil in debt and 50 in assets. He has a 50 million contract and hes likely to not even play because he wont keep the money (plus its a pandemic year) Not only is he playing but he got three points in his first game!
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Post by Sharky on Jan 15, 2021 16:27:29 GMT -5
Yeah, heard he defaulted on vegas debts too. He has something like 100 mil in debt and 50 in assets. He has a 50 million contract and hes likely to not even play because he wont keep the money (plus its a pandemic year) Not only is he playing but he got three points in his first game! Heβs hungry again as he is starting from nothing! Cant say Iβm at all surprised that Kane is not good at managing his money
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