Lightning fan

They should merge with the Sens in order to ice a respectable team.

They are done. Was fun while it lasted. This core is prone to mental collapses, something has to give.

Nolan must hate him at this point.

Okay. I want a young, young player - ideally 25 at the very most; the younger the better. I'm a fan of the "build from the net out" philosophy, but I just don't see a goalie who is head and shoulders above his peers. Rask is great but probably not worthy of being the guy to build around if you can choose any player from the league. Wingers, I would not build a team around a winger; it'd have to be an out-of-this-world winger, which currently is not in the league. That leaves a defenseman or a center. There are some elite young Dmen in the league these days: Hedman, OEL, Karlsson, Subban, Pietrangelo, Doughty; then you have the likes of Brodin, Lindholm, etc., who haven't proven themselves yet. As for centers I'd consider Crosby, Stamkos and MacKinnon. I know, one is not like the other, but I firmly believe MacK is going to be a monster, and is by far the youngest. I like Seguin, too, but I'm not 100% sold on his commitment to the game. So for me, it'd come down to: Crosby Stamkos MacKinnon Hedman (homer pick, he's turning into a beast this season though) Karlsson Doughty Pietrangelo In all honesty, I like the three centers better. Crosby is the best but is 26. Stamkos is 2 years younger. MacKinnon is still 18. I'd likely go Stamkos>MacKinnon>Crosby -- yes, it is a big gamble. If MacKinnon turns out to be as good as I predict then it can be MacK>Stamkos>Crosby easily. *I may be overrating MacK's potential*

@jammer2 It makes sense, thanks! I must have missed he got injured.

My brother has accepted the Leafs are not making the playoffs and is calling for a full-blown rebuild. I too don't see the Leafs winning with their current core; it may be the best option.

Anybody can shed some light on what's happening with Adam Larsson? He has played just 20 games for the Devils. Has he not been good enough to stay up?

@yave1964 You nailed it for the Bolts. Lindback has been plain bad and Malone is a buyout candidate. For the Leafs maybe add Lupul? He plays like he doesn't care and it shows in his stats, a complete U-turn compared to what he looked like just a season ago.

Funny. Definitely not a good idea to do this.

LOL, my brother is a Leafs fan and he's going nuts.

@flyerrod Hi there! @AlaskaFlyerFan Sorry. Feel free to merge the two threads!

Is Detroit getting their injured guys back for the playoffs, assuming they make it? If so, a Bruins - Wings series would be fun to watch.

Hey, I was just wondering if any of you guys have a second team. My brother is a big Leaf fan, but I'm obviously not cheering on a division rival. <_< I like a number of teams out West though, and I have a soft spot for Dallas. I can't say they are my 'second' team as I don't care enough to watch their games on a regular basis (and I don't necessarily have the time), but they are as close to being my second team as it gets for me. I know that many people hate the concept of second teams, so I hope I didn't offend anybody. Also, if you don't have one, what are the teams you like/have respect for/look up to?

Don't look now but Seguin has 2 less points than Kessel in 4 less games, and Hamilton plays 20 minutes a night for one of the best defensive teams in the league.