Forsy

If {BPA is an Impact Player}, then take BPA Else {take BPA with organization position need in mind} You can't trade the BPA picks, but you can trade Impact Players for organizational need. Having a bunch of prospects that fill a need will just mean we have a bunch of Juolevi's and #5/6 Dman that get us nowhere. That said, you could find Rathbone-like picks outside of the first round. Good scouting and getting a bunch of Top4 dmen outside of lottery picks is probably the best way to improve our Dman stock without sacrificing Impact Players while maintaining organization needs.

Eliod Kipchoge just smashed the marathon record again at 37. I think we're at the point where the physical peak may be 25, but: i) the decrease in potential fitness is actually a fairly slow process, especially when the sport doesn't have competitors impacting each other. Most "old" athletes probably retire more because of injuries rather than the loss of fitness and mental game ii) figuring things out like training, recovery, tactics/game sense usually takes a bit longer, so you can remain competitive at the top level until 35-40ish So you'll get a bunch of older athletes who are slightly worse physical, but better mentally thus remaining competitive. Of course, once the young ones start figuring everything out early enough and instead of simply racing and playing, we could see early-mid 20 year olds dominating everything (see cycling's Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel)

yep losing Tanev to gain only 1M of cap space for Hamonic was idiotic

Why couldn't we be down two key defensemen and only need 1 more? The key is the game sense of these dmen to prevent chances, retrieve pucks/takeaways and d-zone exits. You don't need superstar dmen to do that, especially when our goal isn't to win the cup this year, but simply to make the playoffs. This group can already do that, the key is that the systems, the forward support and the ability to read the play by these dmen. Whoever cannot read the play to this required level should be traded, regardless of "how good in defense they are". The points from Hughes/OEL/Others will be sufficient anyway, what we don't want are blind, guessing about the play "defensive dmen".

I've been chirping for years about the defense being weak, but I believe that the bare minimum required is already in place. The big issue is that the systems and reads/anticipation have to be better. Hughes and this year, OEL should be more than enough to drive the play. Myers, Schenn, etc fine for rounding out the 4th/5th/6th dmen is 'ok'. The big failure last year was not having someone like a Tanev in the D-corps, or having another dynamic dman like we HOPE Rathbone will be. Even the best teams DO NOT rely on amazing defensive plays night in and night out (until deep in the playoffs). The issues will arise when the team does not prevent chances, retrieve pucks efficiently or do not have clean defensive zone exits. This requires the entire D to be smart (and the forwards to help out in support of course). Overall, I think if Rathbone pans out as a dynamic offensive defenseman, we will be in good shape. If Rathbone struggles, we will continue to struggle but will do fine, if: Tyler Myers cleans up defensively and zone exits. OEL maintains everything, but has a tiny improvement on offense. Hughes, Schenn and the rest of the D remain the same as last year. Everything is about this D-corps reading plays well and anticipating to the best of their ability. They will prevent chances, retrieve pucks on time, and have good zone exits. We saw it at the tail end of last year, and they can do it again. Don't think that some teams do not struggle with this. Both Tampa and Colorado, with their vaunted ultra d-corps' were both hemmed in their Dzone at times during the playoffs, and struggled to get out. It's a constant battle, and some teams simply show more consistency.

thought you were just REALLY ANGRY at the vegas golden knights :D

That really covers everything, and with some overlap to ensure all the players get the treatment needed. Only thing I could think of to add would be nutritionist and chefs. Is nutrition part of the wellness specialist or altogether separate from the Medical Division?

What is Adidas thinking lol they need to free up capital for a better investment? NHL Hockey is continuing to grow, it's a no brainer

you hit the nail on the head. Everyone is making it seem like these decisions are clear cut when they are not. Miller at the wrong price, term, injury or points fall off would be bad, but Miller with a decent price, term, minimal injury and minimal points fall off would be an asset. Imagine trying to OBTAIN a miller when we are contenders. You don't find them without massive overpayment, period.

Same, when it was not even 50c/share, and I knew that the Apple Ipod was coming out soon to take control of the mp3 market lol

Whoever doesn't perform to the highest level expected during the next season. Making a decision now is like taking a shot in the dark for no reason

When complaining about bad things gets so boring that we have to complain about the good things.

The other side has to agree to these trades. That's been the problem this whole time. For me, I just don't get why we didn't get Marino if the Penguins were asking for the equivalent of a Ty Smith and a 3rd Rd Pick, even if we kept JT Miller. If the management aren't too keen on Marino, that's fine - otherwise, this was a huge missed opportunity.

Ugh, can't believe we couldn't have packaged something better than this for Marino?

It's an issue for the Canucks because the media and fans here whine about it a lot!