Vanflyer

Your post made me laugh (in a sensible agreement way). I don't think they do to your point above. I think they look at it as a stabilizer to the gaff that is L. Schenn. JVR had to go. No qualms about it, just that the asset we got back is not to the liking. But, it could be worse. Kyle Turris (3rd round pick behind JVR- whom some wanted instead) was traded for David Runblad and a second round pick. Coyotes then later traded Runblad to chicago (with Briesbos) for a second round pick. So, Phoenix basically got two second rounders for Turris- who IMO is much better than JVR.

And we already did trade future assets (cough), to get him. Thats actually how I kind of look at it (and maybe wrongfully so). The .500k more I paid keeps me (homer) saving face. Given that, Philly is a place where players want to play- regardless of being overpaid. I highly doubt if the Islanders offered the identical deal, he would have signed there.

stop using my name in vain! ^_^ Joking of course.

Or if they paid him 4.25 - 4.5 for 5-6 years same thing.

Here is the rub and thus all these articles. If the contract is 4.25 - 4.5 for either 5 or 6 years, you would see very little written. Its the extra .500 k that is rubbing people (and perhaps a year too long). For me, I don't really care, particularly if he is making L. Schenn stable (whom nobody is going to take off our hands). That adds the .500k value right there for me. Add into the fact, that he seems like a good character guy (which bodes well for the "room"), I don't care. Granted, I am not the one writing the checks, but I don't see this as a hurtful move. Truthfully, if we are paying Grossman 3.5m (whom I like), then why not 5m (even if overpaid by 10%)?

Actually I want him and MacDaddy. If I am gong to pay 2.M+ of Mesz salary while he is playing for someone else, I want something in return!

Emery is fine. I just don't think he can steal you a game like mason can. I also think the confidence of the team and they way they play in front of him is different. But it is what it is.

Some (both Pitts and Flyers fans) would have you believe it was just a hockey play. I called bush league on it right away. Some thought (Pitts fans) that Mason was "overacting". I called BS on it right away. Mason is a gamer and does not leave a game, nor miss the next game because of acting. Meang, or whoever that scrub is should watch his back the next time he suits up for an NHL game.

Pitts and Toronto say hello. Seriously, I don't see Buffalo turning it around next year (not bashing), but they will be the front runners.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=28410&navid=nhl:topheads I like you polaris, but embellishment is a crock. I am the one that said we have Menga number. You call it a hockey play, and I say in the 70's totally. 80's- 90's maybe. 2000's, no way. Especially by a scrub ahl'er. At least it was not Neal or else this board would be howling for blood.

I am happy for them. They need a stud.

Maybe he jacked the price up!

I think Chicago, Anahiem, LA or San Jose might have something to say about that. Your point is well taken, but coming out of the east will take a toll and the West has been the best this year (despite Bruins getting president trophy).

Not for nothing, but we are still paying Mezo.

Guess I was misinformed. Thanks.

I did not read this until after my pick (Flyers in 6), but glad I did.

I think the Flyers have more depth. Its going to come down to Mase and King henry. Flyers in 6.

Of all the teams to go against the big bad boys, this is the one I would have picked. Injuries aside, Babcock is a tremendous coach. The question will come down to Kornwhole or Lipstick. Seriously, it will be rasks to lose, but my heart is with Detroit in 7.

Love Bishop, Stamkos, Hedman, Callahan etc. This team only goes as Bishop goes. He is not 100% and I think Price is ok. Canadians in 6.

I think Columbus size and Bobs will win out in 7. Pitts has the overwhelming skill, but I really like the Columbus team. Pitts was on cruise control last 20. Given it is neighboring cities (more so than Pitts - Philly), I think if Columbus can steal one in Pitts, bobs and the boys will do it in 7.

Not sure, but I think so. The CHL has always had a good deal in place to prevent poaching. Previously, I think the NCAA was not much of a poaching ground, but has become much more so in the last few years, while sparingly so- imagine you take a goudreau off boston, a Ghost of the Dutchmen, etc. It screws everything up.

I was reading the tea leaves you were laying down (so to speak). Particularly seeing Trotz walk away (which is in complete reference to what you are referring to). 14 of the qualifying teams are within a gap of 10% (scalable) of the highest spending team (roughly 7M). The number one spending team is Pitts at 69.6M. The two teams that fall outside of this range are Dallas at 61M and Colorado at 52M (thus why I am rooting for Colorado). The economics of NHL hockey are more than just salaries. I get your point, but lets be realistic. A team like Nashville suffers because while they have fan support, they don't have corporate support. Does it suck for a team like Nasville to see a team like the flyers be able to blow .500k extra on a contract? Sure. But the cap puts boundaries in play for all teams and the revenue sharing helps the have nots. Edmonton, Ottawa and Calgary are in the bottom 5 spending teams in the league. Fiscally responsible? I think not as all teams are not earning the gate / other revenue for even a single series in the playoffs. Vancouver big spender. Toronto mammoth spender. All golfing. The point being is its not how much you spend, its how / where you choose to spend it and what the ROI is to both the community / fan base, and the bottom line.

I am impressed at your diligence to make a point. Fair enough. 4-4.250 is his market. Those other suckers under sold! ha ha

You mean like VLC and Grossman?? Both of whom I expect gone this offseason. Get Timmo back for his swan song at 3-3.5, maybe Mesz to replace Grossman. Then just need a winger or two (plus a back up goalie). All the cash is square with some to spare.

I suppose. But then there is Timmo at 6M and Mesz at 2 million. We can sign Mesz again and trade Macdaddy for a center. :-P Seriously, 500k too much for sure. I don't mind the term because there is not a NTC / NMC. He kind of reminds me of a younger smith. 5M worth, no. But the 500k is not going to bust my balls.