yave1964

Thanks as usual Todd. Great read.

Colaiocovo is a very capable seventh d-man, Smith is gonna be a top 4 at least for a decade, nobody alive can replace the perfect human, but we are gonna be fine. It is a down year in the west, the balance of power is shifting to the East and we will finish in the playoffs again, with lots of cap space to fill holes as needed.

The stars moves have been confusing. First trading Ribeiero for elkins looked like they were going for a youth movement, then acquiring Jagr, Whitney and Roy, looks like they are looking for a senior discount on air travel. But unlike my beloved Red Wings at least they did something rather than watch from the damn sidelines.

Wow, knew Roy was a bit of a trouble maker, didnt know the extent. Thanks.

And let me make it clear, I like Ott. Third liner who is a faceoff specialist, has improved some facet of his game or another every year. His intensity has caused him to draw bad penalties at the wrong time though, and he provides 3rd line offense, if he is a top six forward you are in big trouble.

I like your top three Wings, was hoping Detroit would make a pitch and acquire Stafford at the deadline. Leino was a poor signing who you guys are stuck with, but I LOVED the Hodgson trade for you guys last year. I agree, you guys need another center, though I do love Ennis and Hodgsons upside so I could see the team going into the season with your current bunch of forwards and a wait and see how it pans out attitude..

Outside looking in (red wings fan no axe to grind) I think this is a horrible deal for Buffalo. Roy is a 70 point a year player, top six forward.Undersized and streaky but 70-80 point potential year in year out. Ott is a fantastic faceoff man who scores 35-40 points a year and takes too many stupid penalties. Pardy is a seventh d man, responsible in his own zone who offers zero offensively.

I dont get it. Buffalo was pushed around a bit last year, (think Milan Lucic) but the biggest problem was scoring. They should have renamed the team the Buffal Sabres because there was no 'o' (Groan). No offense doomed this team, and they just traded a top six forward for a third line center IMO. I watch western conference hockey constantly, Ott is a Sean Avery without the headcase mentality.

Not denigrating your team. Hodgson and Ennis will be your top two centers, both have nice upside. Any team with Ryan Miller has to be taken seriously. Just dont think this deal was a good one for you guys.

Wow. Did NOT in any way see this coming. Congrats Wild fans, a great day for hockey, as bad as I wanted the Wings to sign Suter this was a great move for hockey

The sad truth is that even tho Parise has a family history in the twin cities, even tho the Wild have a ton of money to spend and want to spend it, the sad fact is Parise will likely wind up in Pittsburgh because they are relevant and minnesota is not. Doesnt seem fair, hope it has a happy ending would love to see the wild get him but they will likely get stuck with a Hudler or semin who will take the money and mail in the effort.

I thought the two Shark deals, Setaguchi and Heatley for Burns and Havlat combined with losing White as an ufa was a small step back for the Sharks, Burns is known for his inconsistency, all the talent in the world , and Havlat has seen his better days. Right on both counts, but somehow they are still playing elite hockey. I still think they are sitting on a bubble which will burst. They have had very few back to backs so far, their schedule gets tougher from here out, I really think the Kings will win the division and will finally get out of the first round. Been reading rumors, Hemsky to L.A. is on the front burner right now, not sure if he is the right piece but they do need a scorer.

Good job. I picked the Kings to win the cup this year, still think they have a good chance with Quick in goal. Surprised Richards has been as bad as he has this year. The Flyers look like Genuis's with the two trades at this point.

Great article!!! Looking forward to the rest of the divisions.I see Montreal and Buffalo as sellers, boston standing pat unless a perfect deal falls in their laps and Ottawa and Toronto as buyers.

The Sabres have lost nine straight road games, are banged up even more than the Hawks, and seem to have quit on their coach. The hawks should handle these guys easily. They do desperately need defensive help, it boggled my mind that this weeks Hockey news had a nice article about the hawks defense, when in fact they have given up more goals than all but nine teams. I have heard Beauchemin and a few others and wouldnt be surprised if they dont do something sooner rather than later. Also, scout Derek Roy tonight. The little centre has been banged up and having a poor year but a change of scenery would do him a world of good and I could see him in Chicago centering the second line. I hope not, I am a Wings fan, lol but think he is a perfect fit, fixing a glaring weakness.

Not sure what the Sabres are missing, size up front? Heart? A new coach? Spent half the money in the state on free agent signings with a new owner, Leino for that kind of cash was a horrible signing but the others didnt look bad. Not sure what they can do other than blow it all up and start over, Is Miller expendable? Columbus or Tampa Bay would love to get ahold of him. guys like Roy, Stafford and Boyes seem to have all played themselves out of town but doubt anyone would want them. At least the Sabres tried and failed this year, too many teams stand pat and accept mediocrity.