General Rumors

[silverback]

Originally Posted by The Crow

At the current time, Ranger is the #1 IMO. Walker, Krajicek, Foster aren't even close. Meszaros is decent, Hedman i certainly more valuabl, but it'll take him at least a season, and Ohlund is steady but slightly overrated. Do we have any A level d-men? I don't really think so, I'm not saying he's a stud.

Walker, obviously is a different type of defenseman.

Krajicek sucks, and pretty much brings nothing at this point.

Foster, is IMO a better player than Ranger, and I don't dislike Ranger, but just look at the stats.

Ranger = 262gp 17g 73a 90pts
Foster = 186gp 21g 56a 77pts

And of course, Foster did that playing for one of, if not the most conservative/defensive-minded coaches his entire time in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Ranger got 1st pairing minutes for the last couple years in Tampa with the green light to go offensively.

I would agree that we don't really have any A defensemen at the moment. I believe Hedman is, but since he hasn't played a game in the NHL I'll just say he is the closest thing the Lightning have.

At this point though, I think the argument could be made that even Meszaros is better than Ranger (though I like Ranger more).

[caps05]

Anyone heard anything about what the Sharks and/or Caps might do?

[The Crow]

Originally Posted by silverback

Walker, obviously is a different type of defenseman.

Krajicek sucks, and pretty much brings nothing at this point.

Foster, is IMO a better player than Ranger, and I don't dislike Ranger, but just look at the stats.

Ranger = 262gp 17g 73a 90pts
Foster = 186gp 21g 56a 77pts


And of course, Foster did that playing for one of, if not the most conservative/defensive-minded coaches his entire time in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Ranger got 1st pairing minutes for the last couple years in Tampa with the green light to go offensively.

I would agree that we don't really have any A defensemen at the moment. I believe Hedman is, but since he hasn't played a game in the NHL I'll just say he is the closest thing the Lightning have.

At this point though, I think the argument could be made that even Meszaros is better than Ranger (though I like Ranger more).

Sorry, but I think the argument would come down to Meszaros and Ranger. They are very close, I just think Ranger's game is more complete and so I'd take him. There is no doubt that Hedman is the MVP of the defensemen. I'm basing my opinion off of now, given a years time, we could see a change. Hell, maybe Hedman will be very good right away, perhaps at the A level.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by The Crow

Where'd ya hear that? I highly doubt it's true, being heis the best d-mn on the Lightning and we are trying to improve our D.

Couple local outlets were reporting they heard his name and i think TFP may have an article up.

[silverback]

Originally Posted by The Crow

Hell, maybe Hedman will be very good right away, perhaps at the A level.

We can sure hope.

[duda.radek]

Just read that Atlant Mytischi, where Ray Emery played last season, is very close to signing Antero Niittymaki.

And that Kazan is very interested in signing Lauri Korpikoski from Rangers.

[thepolishkid88]

Not sure if it was mentioned but LA's beat writer on hockeybuzz said that the Kings are trying to get Hartnell and that Jack Johnson would be the one he thinks would go back to Philly. I think he also made mention of Frolov too but not sure what for.

[flyersrule]

we would have a sick d if we got jack johnson. the only way frolov would come to philly is probably if we included briere, jvr, or someone else who is good.

[blackngold]

Jack Johnson is overrated as ****.

[McCunn8585]

Nobody gonna pick up Briere, wake up!

[Viper207]

Jay McKee likely to Pittsburgh... per Strickland

If he can get stay healthy, that sounds like a good replacement for Gill to me.

[HordiBrusk29]

That fourth line center the Sharks are about to sign? Scott Nichol.

This comes from nobody directly connected with the signing, yet someone whose awareness of NHL comings-and-goings I totally respect. And trust. I know, this isn’t my normal way of doing business here, but under the circumstances I figured I’d pass the tip along. Rumor? I suppose. But the information is good.

Link

[Humpzilla]

YouTube - Predators-Sharks in a semi-brawl

[bigjohnson]

It would be so tempting, wouldn't it, for the Rangers to offer 23-year-old Brandon Dubinsky and his $698,000 qualifier to the cap-stressed Bruins for 32-year-old, all-world playmaking pivot Marc Savard, who has two years at $5 million remaining on his contract?

Uniting Savard with Marian Gaborik -- pencil in Sean Avery on the left -- would give the Blueshirts a first line the equal of essentially any in the NHL. It would transform the team. But the Bruins probably would demand Marc Staal or Mike Del Zotto be included as part of the exchange ... and the Rangers might not go for the one-for-one, anyway.

But shouldn't GM Glen Sather make an inquiry into a deal for Savard that would allow the B's to keep restricted free agent Phil Kessel?

LINK

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by bigjohnson

LINK

If the Rangers would add Savard all that would do is give them another big contract and whose isnt to say he underperforms? Risky move to even think about especially giving up a guy Like Dubinsky + more. Just too much. If I am a B's fan i would be pushing for that though...