Around the NHL - Playoffs? We're Talkin' 'bout Playoffs?

[Jim Bob]

On another note, I'm sort of hoping the Knights continue to be competitive. They hold two of the potential UFA scoring line wingers that could move at the deadline. The longer they stay in contention, the longer they will likely look at holding Perron and Neal and the less competition the Sabres will have in moving on from Kane.

I'm hoping that Vegas wants to buy Kane at the TDL!

 

[joshjull]

 

[Moskau]

Bargain. That's only $100 for every time he gets turned inside out. The guy is a human highlight reel.

 

[littletonhockeycoach]

Avalanche beats a VERY GOOD Winnipeg Jet team in OT 3 - 2. Zadarov ties the game in the 3rd on a solo rush (1 on 2)! Myers defending...... lol! McKinnon scores winner in OT on 4-3 PP. Compher plays his 3rd very strong game in a row with several quality scoring opportunities. Sure wish Buffalo had all three Avs on our roster at this point.....

Winnipeg is big, fast, strong and a bit cheap but Avalanche answered the challenge and would not be intimidated. Strong net minding by Varlamov.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Jame]

Wow... Vatanen went for relatively cheap.

 

[Zip15]

Have to give Shero credit for re-shaping their blueline with the Butcher and Vatanen acquisitions over the last three months.

 

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

Wow....seems NJ is only future focused, even though they are having a good bounce back season...

I'm jealous

 

[SabresFan26]

Wish we were in on the Vatanen deal. Thought he would go for more.

 

[SabresFan26]

Good thing Botterill learned under Shero for a long time and is his mentor.

 

[HaNotsri]

Wish we were in on the Vatanen deal. Thought he would go for more.

We don’t have the right pieces. He’s only signed for two more years so giving up Reinhart would be too much and the next step on our value ladder would probably be Kane and I think we would’ve had to add to him since they really needed a centreman.
Think they prefer Henrique over Kane+.
Most of our forwards are worthless.

Good deal for NJ. Our time will come.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Have to give Shero credit for re-shaping their blueline with the Butcher and Vatanen acquisitions over the last three months.

Just goes to show you that it can happen without trading a core piece. Scandella-Risto is a great start to a solid top-4. Botterill just needs to use some sort of Kane/Nylander/McCabe to acquire a prime aged top-4 defenseman, get out of Bogo's contract, and fill the rest of the defense with UFAs or another relatively cheaper trade. I believe Antipin could become a quality top-4 guy, but he needs time to develop. I would love him anchoring the 3rd pairing for a few years.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Sabre Dance]

Wish we were in on the Vatanen deal. Thought he would go for more.

Reality is we really don't have a lot to trade.

 

[struckbyaparkedcar]

RIP NJ secondary scoring.

Vatanen was the wrong player for the Devils unless one of he or Butcher is going to shift into tougher minutes or play their off-side.

 

[Aladyyn]

Meh, never liked Vatanen much.

 

[joshjull]

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

Didn't really want vatanan much. There are many other ducks defensemen that I would've wanted but I guess that's probably off the table now.

 

[joshjull]

 

[joshjull]

Update

 

[haseoke39]

That would appear to make Montour less of a target this summer. He was at the top of the list of tradeable RFA D.

 

[Zip15]

That would appear to make Montour less of a target this summer. He was at the top of the list of tradeable RFA D.

It became increasingly clear last year that Montour, Manson, and Larsson were the defenders they were holding. With Theodore gone, and now Vatanen, too, Anaheim isn't high on the list of teams that may have available defensemen that can help Buffalo.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Chainshot]

Helm smooshed Zibanejad's mellon, not surprised he's out indefinitely. It was a dirty play.

 

[joshjull]