Congratulations to the St Louis Blues on their Stanley Cup win and double congrats for beating Boston while doing it. Great job, boys. Woo.

Also congrats to Tyler Bozak, another Leaf legend to win a Cup after leaving Toronto. Yaaayyyy

If anyone wants to tally the playoff predictions in the other thread and see who won that would be great. I might get around to it on a boring work day but that won’t be any time soon. Pretty busy the next few weeks.

...

NHL draft is this Friday. There’s about a 1,000% chance Jack Hughes joins the New Jersey Devils despite what the idiots on TV want you to think about Kaapo Kakko stealing the spot because he showed up big time in the World Juniors.

Kakko likely ends up on the Rangers, who just picked up Jacob Trouba for next to nothing. Lots of salty fans of teams that needed a RHD are stunned, myself included, although Trouba wanted to play in the US in a city with a good medical school that his girlfriend could attend, and NY is just about the best place to do that. Can’t really compete when there’s only a couple cities he’d be willing to move to, so it is what it is. I had a feeling something was up when there were rumours Toronto was going for him at the deadline and couldn’t make it happen.

Rangers rebuild is looking great. Zappy should be stoked.

Foos on suicide watch.

...

So, what do you hope for your team at the draft?
What do you hope your team does this off season?
Predictions on big moves over the summer?

I obviously hope the Leafs sign Marner sooner rather than later, and today’s news about Hayes contract is only making that whole conversation more annoying. A 40-ish point player gets north of $7 million. Give your head a shake, Philly. You’re fucking this up for everyone else.

Would be nice if Toronto gets some D help but I think they’re going to have a hard time. Either you trade Marner for a shit ton of players that includes one or two good defencemen, or you hope Dermott comes back at 100% and that Liljegren and Sandin are ready to go. Maybe Holl improves over the summer? Re-sign Gardiner somehow?

Fuck I’m both excited and nervous to see what the Leafs look like come October. This is going to be a really interesting year. Either they’re going to crush everyone or they’re going to be fighting all year for a wild card spot. Aahhhhhh shit.

My predictions for next years champions:


NFL- Indianapolis Colts
NBA- Wherever Kawhi ends up.
NHL- Toronto Maple Leafs.


It could be a year where both the Raptors and Leafs win a championship in 2019. It's time for them.

Years ago on my first and only trip thus far to the lovely city of Nashville I drunkenly told a couple from St. Louis on a bus back to the KOA that the Blues are going to win the Stanley Cup. This was back when the tandem of Elliott and Allen were in net, and the Blues were limiting their opponent to 20 shots on goal. But, most of this core was the same back then. They rode a hot goalie, and never really collapsed under pressure. I was a couple of years late, but I will take it.

Apparently the Jets did not allow multiple teams to speak to Trouba's agent, which usually leads to a one sided trade. This is basically Hayes (who just signed a ridiculous contract with the Flyers) and Pionk for Trouba and Lemieux. That draft pick was originally the Jets. I really enjoyed Pionk. He already has a 40 point season under his belt, and plays top minutes (on a bad team). He may not be such a high profiled name, but he can definitely contribute to any teams defense. Trouba has one 50 point season, but obviously is more older, has more experience, and is ready to move into that top 2 defense role. This will come at a cost though as Trouba is due for a new contract.

This is the typical situation of never lived in NYC, but I wanna live their for xyz. The Trouba family will quickly learn how overrated NYC is.

I have an uneasy feeling that the Rangers will be going after a high profiled forward in free agency. No point of going after Trouba, and signing him to a big boy contract while keeping the top 9 the same.

Jun 19, 2019 19:53:28 GMT Zappy said:

Years ago on my first and only trip thus far to the lovely city of Nashville I drunkenly told a couple from St. Louis on a bus back to the KOA that the Blues are going to win the Stanley Cup. This was back when the tandem of Elliott and Allen were in net, and the Blues were limiting their opponent to 20 shots on goal. But, most of this core was the same back then. They rode a hot goalie, and never really collapsed under pressure. I was a couple of years late, but I will take it.

Apparently the Jets did not allow multiple teams to speak to Trouba's agent, which usually leads to a one sided trade. This is basically Hayes (who just signed a ridiculous contract with the Flyers) and Pionk for Trouba and Lemieux. That draft pick was originally the Jets. I really enjoyed Pionk. He already has a 40 point season under his belt, and plays top minutes (on a bad team). He may not be such a high profiled name, but he can definitely contribute to any teams defense. Trouba has one 50 point season, but obviously is more older, has more experience, and is ready to move into that top 2 defense role. This will come at a cost though as Trouba is due for a new contract.

This is the typical situation of never lived in NYC, but I wanna live their for xyz. The Trouba family will quickly learn how overrated NYC is.

I have an uneasy feeling that the Rangers will be going after a high profiled forward in free agency. No point of going after Trouba, and signing him to a big boy contract while keeping the top 9 the same.

From what I understand, Trouba's wife wanted to move to NYC to become a doctor. I hope he can produce.

The NHL awards are the cringiest shit ever.

Jun 19, 2019 22:44:05 GMT Ed said:

Jun 19, 2019 19:53:28 GMT Zappy said:

Years ago on my first and only trip thus far to the lovely city of Nashville I drunkenly told a couple from St. Louis on a bus back to the KOA that the Blues are going to win the Stanley Cup. This was back when the tandem of Elliott and Allen were in net, and the Blues were limiting their opponent to 20 shots on goal. But, most of this core was the same back then. They rode a hot goalie, and never really collapsed under pressure. I was a couple of years late, but I will take it.

Apparently the Jets did not allow multiple teams to speak to Trouba's agent, which usually leads to a one sided trade. This is basically Hayes (who just signed a ridiculous contract with the Flyers) and Pionk for Trouba and Lemieux. That draft pick was originally the Jets. I really enjoyed Pionk. He already has a 40 point season under his belt, and plays top minutes (on a bad team). He may not be such a high profiled name, but he can definitely contribute to any teams defense. Trouba has one 50 point season, but obviously is more older, has more experience, and is ready to move into that top 2 defense role. This will come at a cost though as Trouba is due for a new contract.

This is the typical situation of never lived in NYC, but I wanna live their for xyz. The Trouba family will quickly learn how overrated NYC is.

I have an uneasy feeling that the Rangers will be going after a high profiled forward in free agency. No point of going after Trouba, and signing him to a big boy contract while keeping the top 9 the same.

From what I understand, Trouba's wife wanted to move to NYC to become a doctor. I hope he can produce.

They will quickly learn how overpopulated and incredibly annoying the city is. Don't get me wrong I love my Rangers, but I hate the city.

If this was a regular person becoming a doctor in the city you are going to be in a couple hundred thousands of dollars of debt, and it will be years until you make serious money.

I feel like NYC is a much different experience when you're a white millionaire.

Jun 20, 2019 1:18:12 GMT RT said:

The NHL awards are the cringiest shit ever.

I miss the show being held in Toronto, and it being a serious, black-tie affair.

Jun 20, 2019 2:20:30 GMT CM Punk'd said:

Jun 20, 2019 1:18:12 GMT RT said:

The NHL awards are the cringiest shit ever.

I miss the show being held in Toronto, and it being a serious, black-tie affair.

I get they wanted to appeal to a wider audience, which I guess has to happen sooner or later, but the serious affair fit the crowd better. Hockey players are too socially awkward to work in this Las Vegas comedy setting. It was painful to watch at times.

Although sometimes it works perfectly, like when Keenan Thompson made fun of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the camera cut to the players in the audience and every single one looked like he just punched their moms. :lol:

And holy fuck Thomas Middleditch. That Tony Babcock character was fucking hilarious. And it worked because the players were always just like "I don't know what that is," or "I never did that." Just stick with that kind of shit and cut back a little on the comedy and do more touching moments like what Carey Price did and the show will be 100x better.

Jun 20, 2019 2:06:20 GMT RT said:

I feel like NYC is a much different experience when you're a white millionaire.

Or a millionaire.

Still gotta deal with traffic, noise, and bums. There is also no Tim Hortons here.

Jun 20, 2019 16:09:47 GMT Zappy said:

Jun 20, 2019 2:06:20 GMT RT said:

I feel like NYC is a much different experience when you're a white millionaire.

Or a millionaire.

Still gotta deal with traffic, noise, and bums. There is also no Tim Hortons here.

:lol: how do you even live!?

In all seriousness Tim Horton's has gone way downhill over the last few years. Their food is awful and the coffee sucks now. I heard somewhere that when a US company took over they started buying their coffee from a different supplier, then McDonald's Canada swooped in and used who Tim Horton's was using.

Makes sense to me, since McD's coffee is my go-to now.

Jun 20, 2019 16:24:28 GMT RT said:

Jun 20, 2019 16:09:47 GMT Zappy said:

Or a millionaire.

Still gotta deal with traffic, noise, and bums. There is also no Tim Hortons here.

how do you even live!?

In all seriousness Tim Horton's has gone way downhill over the last few years. Their food is awful and the coffee sucks now. I heard somewhere that when a US company took over they started buying their coffee from a different supplier, then McDonald's Canada swooped in and used who Tim Horton's was using.

Makes sense to me, since McD's coffee is my go-to now.

Last I checked Tim Horton's USA is supplied from Ohio, and Tim Horton's Canada is mainly supplied from Quebec.  But, who knows what it is today.  I think Tim Horton's is fantastic.  It is way above Dunkin' Donuts.  They actually use real chocolate in their products, and have an overall better quality in all of their products.  I brought back four bags from Buffalo when I went up to see the Rangers this past season.

Lots of movement after a boring first round in the draft.

Biggest news today is PK Subban going to NJ. Preds didn’t get much in return but didn’t have to retain salary, which seemed to be their goal. There was rumblings of Toronto making an offer last night and that’s likely why it didn’t work out. Probably offered Zaitsev or Gardiner + assets but wanted NSH to retain some salary. And if you’re taking on either of those contracts it just doesn’t work.

Good for NJ. They’re getting scarier by the minute.

Toronto also sent Marleau to Carolina, who will buy him out so he can sign with San Jose. I hope they win it all if Toronto isn’t. Pat needs a Cup and doing it there would be amazing to see.

Cost Toronto a conditional first but they free up 6.25 mil in cap space. Marner getting his money now, I think.

The Devils are certainly providing Hall with a legit supporting cast. Now if Schneider can return to form this is going to be a completely different team this season.

Galchenyuk and some guy for Phil The Thrill and whatever. Interesting.

Pittsburgh hates winning all of a sudden?

Also the Leafs have agreed to send Zaitsev to Ottawa for Cody Ceci. I’m hoping the plan is for Ceci to sign like a 5/6 year deal at like 2 mil rather than exercise his option and walk, because otherwise WHAT THE FUCK

Columbus basically lost their entire core.

Canadiens offering Sebastian Aho 5 year 42 million contract and it is weird, because most of the money is in signing bonuses. 

Breakdown of Aho offer sheet: $11.3M SB plus 700k salary in Year 1; $9.87M SB plus 700k salary in Year 2; $6.95 SB plus 750k salary in Year 3; $5.25 SB plus $750k in each of Year 4 and Year 5


link

The mad man actually did it.

Doubt Aho signs it but I hope he does because this just means Bergevin is going to go down the list of Marner, Point, etc until someone signs one.

LOL at Panthers. Paying Bobrovsky 70 million for 7 years.

Correction: Montreal made the announcement because Aho already signed it. Carolina has to match it now.

Dang. This is going to be a crazy couple days. Pressures on Dubas now a little bit now that this has happened. He’s got to make Marner the max offer he is willing to give and just say take it or leave it, because if an offer sheet comes to Toronto next they won’t be able to match it.

Aho is a gone right? no way the Hurricanes keep him.

I don't know why the Islanders couldn't hang on to Lehner for one year 5 Mil.

So Tyler Myers going to the Canucks? I can get behind that.

Work is gonna be fun tomorrow, full of Jets fans and they hate when I talk about the Canucks.

The Rangers finally have a superstar forward since Gaborik left. Panarin fits in nicely with Zibanejad, Skjei, Namestnikov, and Trouba while all of a sudden the Rangers prospects Andersson, Hajek, Chytil, and Kakko will not have to feel rushed. The Rangers will not be in salary cap hell as I'm waiting for Shattenkirk and hopefully Kreider to be traded. Plus, Lundqvist, Staal, and Smith's contracts end in two years.

Imagine being a Knicks and Islanders fan this past few days. :lol:

I'm on the short list of people that like the Kadri trade. A lot of fans are upset that he's gone, but he needed to go. Dedication and loyalty only get you so far. This past playoffs was beyond the last straw for me. Too much of a liability and still worth something as a depth centre, and Toronto needed defence. I'm happy with that trade and glad to see him gone.

Been a rough offseason for my Blue Jackets. I'm going to miss Ol' Bob but what he was asking for was just too much. I'll be rooting for him in Florida regardless though.

Losing Panarin and Duchene hurts a little more, though Nyquist was a solid signing and I do think we have a decent young core to build around. Columbus is honestly a decent small-market city (most parts) but just like me, it has the unfortunate side-effect of being located in Ohio.

Sweeping Tampa Bay and finally winning a playoff series was awesome, but it still feels like we just took two steps back again.

Jul 1, 2019 17:25:37 GMT Zappy said:

Columbus basically lost their entire core.

Yep. Not the first time this has happened; We just can't keep good players here, it's been a reoccurring theme over the years.

I'm just hoping we don't end up struggling for multiple years and end up relocating to Quebec or something. If that happens and Phoenix keeps their team, I swear to gawddd...

I really feel for Columbus. In a league where everyone plays it safe and makes bonehead decisions, Jarmo went all-in, gave up all the assets he could to stack his team at the deadline, and went for it. I'm glad they had that amazing sweep of Tampa, but I wish they went further and really took a run at it, or at the very least convinced one of Panarin or Duchene to stay.

It was pretty obvious Bob was a goner and at 7 years 70 mil, CBJ should be glad to see the back of him. I'll be amazed if that contract isn't biting Florida in the ass in 2-3 years.

I thought CBJ had a chance at keeping Duchene but obviously not. Kind of a shame, I thought of the big 3 he'd be the most likely to re-sign and stay, especially since Columbus has cap space now and could have given him whatever he asked. But I guess that money just goes to someone else now. I'm just glad Jarmo didn't do something silly like panic and overpay Anders Lee or someone like that.

Columbus is still a pretty decent team though, and if they can land a decent free agent and pick up someone to play goal, they'll still be looking alright. I think they have an interesting summer.

Welp, I was wrong about Sebastian Aho leaving the Hurricanes. :lol:

Just when I’m enjoying my summer and not thinking about hockey some dipshit in the media has to throw out useless Marner speculation.

Even if he turned down the offers the Leafs “apparently” offered him, he’s probably only doing that to see if they come up any higher before training camp.

“If you have time, use it.”
- Lou Lamarello
- Kyle Dubas
- Michael Scott