Howie58

You are right...Clem is up for another year at 1.2 million. Best, Howie

Greetings: Apparently longtime Panther Weiss will go for free agency. The guy is a solid two-way player. http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3000 The Panthers will also be in the hunt for Vinny. So Weiss may be expendable. He is only 30 and has been pretty durable. I'd have to think playing for the O and B might be more appealing than my backyard Panthers, who seem to take one step forward and two back in perpetuity, despite Tallon's good drafts. On a related note, I suspect Clemmonsen and Theodore will also be available...either might be a good backup to Mason. Best, Howie

I think this deal will go down as a stink bomb. Really...another old fart to cover up the inability of this franchise to develop good D and G. It just makes me angry...salary plus a signing bonus in off years...yikes.... Peace, Howie

This is no bargain though. Cap hit of 3.7, salary of 4.5. In theory he may be worth a risk. In practice he may be pricey. Best, Howie P.S. MC, good to see you here. Hope all is well. Howie

Sami: Good to hear from you. Hope all is well in the semi-tundra. Peace, Howie

RJ: I see Mez as damaged goods. I suspect nobody wants him. I honestly wonder if he will be ready for the season. Homer says he is ready in July...I doubt. I have given up trying to figure Homer or his fraternity out. Best, Howie

This forum is like an extended family for many here. I am sorry that we can't have an annual conference for face-to-face "reality." I suspect most of the folks here are good folks. And you do a lot to keep it civilized. I was visiting with my family outside of Philly a few days ago. My brother is friends with a manager at the Inquirer. I told him a group of us left Philly.com because we couldn't tolerate the personal BS and adware....he listened carefully over pizza and wine. Peace and yes, thanks. Howie

We are always wondering what the thinking is of this GM and his minions. But I will gag if he gives up a pile to sign Miller and our D isn't rehabbed. Best, Howie

Yep...when I see the other UFAs in goal I am really underwhelmed. It will be interesting to see what Homer does here....Mason is a big question mark. We need D and have to sign G. So a low cost alternative makes sense. Thanks for your leadership role here. You do a fine job. Best, Howie

My big fear is that they go with a Miller or Luongo as their usual one big move to oblivion and cap problems. I see him as a low pay, possibly good backup. If indeed Winnipeg wants him as backup to Pavelec tells me he has some value. Best, Howie

Howdy FC: Yes, he seemed to be a good prospect. The fact that Winnipeg wants to keep him tells me he has some value in a backup role. I also wonder if Homer will look overseas. Nothing would shock me. I really hope we don't go with a big bucks alternative..Milller or Luongo...yikes. Best, Howie

Greetings: FYI, he doesn't show up on this roster but he may stack up well in terms of age and some upside. Here is a roster of possibilities. http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/2/12/3982952/2013-2014-free-agent-goaltending-options-a-look-at-ev-save-percentage Peace, Howie

Greetings: Would this guy be a potential partner to Mason. Seem like upside is there, has good background. http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nhl/1848/player I suspect we wouldn't pay much. Winnipeg wants to keep him as backup but given the choice between Winnipeg and Philly, I suspect most would like the latter. Any thoughts? I see Emery as a potential pickup to, but would the guy want to come back to an organization that didn't seem to keen on giving him a shot after surgery. Best, Howie

FC--a good end of day laugh. I don't punch the pillow...just wonder why these MFs are so blind at this position. Yikes. Best, Howie: P.S. I repeat what I've said before...bring in Poile and Trotz from Nashville.

J2: Yikes...what do you do with a guy who is medically unfit? I feel sorry for the guy..he is a competent defender and hard worker. But I suspect he is falling apart. You know more about this than I ever will. Howie

Jammer: Greetings again...you are spot on. My gut says, and I am no doctor, that we will not Mesz suit up again. That adds what...4 million on LTIR. We might get a usual waiver...who knows. Cap aside, there are what...50 roster spots. So some of our "fine" prospects get the heave ho... Gagne...if he doesn't go south of 2, I suspect he is off the radar...sadly. I also wonder if Hartnell is part of the past...someone may take a chance he returns to form...we may feel he is a spent force. This will be an interesting July 1st. Peace, Howie

J2: Glad to put a smile on your face...take care my friend. Best, Howie

Alaska: Thanks for the information. Now we can see who is south of 2 million and north of 35. Best, Howard

Howdy: I am wondering if he said anything worthwhile or just repeated his rather cryptic remarks in the new release? Best, Howie

Howdy: Here are the guy's recent stats. Not too shabby. And not a heckuva lot different from Bernier's who was achieving Christ-like status on this board. OK, I will be ecumenical...deity-like status... http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/4189 Some really like the guy...but at 4.5 million... http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2013/6/5/4387552/player-report-card-jonas-hiller If I read this right, a trade give us another year. That is relatively low risk. Peace, Howie

As long as we don't crash and kill ourselves per Lindbergh or Dean...seriously and sadly, I am glad the organization fessed up and acknowledged a lousy decision. But if we pull another Streit-type overpriced hire I may just call it quits. Seriously. Peace, and good to hear from you. Howie

Jim, we have more smarts than most of the pundits cited here. We have more smarts than Homer. Many here thought this deal. Was a bummer from the get go. Howie

Please, let's avoid the rumor mongering. It gives the board motion sickness.

I think a politically conservative Ed Snider probably gave up any home when Comrade Ilya pledged his love for. Stalin. Meanwhile, this conference may bring trade news.

I suspect q thirtyish senior statesman to back up Mason. My money iw on Mike Smith. Best, Howie