Bugg

There are some nice places in NJ, and the arena itself is top notch. But it's in....Newark.

Why would you take a guy who was getting healthy scratched in playoff games and making serious $? Surprise is he was actually healthy to get healthy scratched.

Shattenkirk could be worth something in the trade market during the season if you had him playing at a high level, scoring points, being a PP QB, etc. While he is a defensive liability,he has skills. Don't see that at all with Staal. If they mange to move Shattenkirk during the draft so be it , but doubt you could get much unless and until he plays healthy and at a high level. Really what could you expect; a 5th rounder and picking up half his salary or worse? No thanks. Once you get in season and he has played okay to better, perhaps the return would be way better plus less prorated salary.

If you're going to have to overpay someone, would rather overpay Shattenkirk in hopes he gets back to being an offensive contributor than Staal. Staal gives you nothing; no offense, not physical, really a subpar player in every way.

While he won't make a habit of it, expect him to talk to his old partner a few times this season at least.

NJD watched these 2 games; Kakko is a beast. No knock on Hughes, but goddamn can this guy play. Hall is tight with Hughes though. Hard to see why anyone would sign long term to play 40 games in Newark; Unless.... In fairness the whole "New York is the Place!" thing is done; between taxes, traffic and hassle may even be a deterrent to some free agents. Kevin Durant and Peyton Manning had no problem becoming marketing icons in very small markets. Yet Devils are so nondescript as a franchise may be you have to accommodate your MVP and pick his nonslouch also superstar potential buddy in hopes he and said buddy can form your core for a decade or so.

Would be shocked if this really changes things anytime soon. He has a wife, so he's not waiving his NTC to go to Winnipeg or Columbus, nor giving up $8.5 million.There are very few teams and cities he would even consider. And then you get to the issue of what team is signing up for a goalie on the downside with a huge contract. Don't think there is such a team .

TIED!

Back to obscurity and suckitude with these awful people and their crappier fans.

What a player, goddamn...

Not so much that; his team was great in round 1. Bruins are simply a more physical team when it comes to personnel. Still only 1-0, but so far tonight bruins have the better of the play. Panarin makes a play here or there tonight, and they could easily be tied in the series. Think it is really disgraceful that Chara's clobbering of Nash was not called, and refs have allowed a lot of Bruins crap after the whistle.

So far, simply taking their beating. Not very impressive.

Remember they played on the same line with Paul Kariya at Maine, and MSG waaayyy back featured them in college a few times after they were drafted. But having a HoFer on your college line probably contributed a great deal to what ever success they had there. Sorry that it didn't work out hockey wise but moreso for the one brother's tragedy.

True. But people don't walk away from another $17 million over 2 years. Everyone is greedy.

Problem is Mrs. Lundqvist is not letting her husband walk away from that kind of scratch. A friend was for a time part of the NYR security staff. He noticed biggest problem retiring players face is going from high end shopping, primo condos, unbelievable cars and everyone kissing your ass to regular Joe status; radial change in lifestyle. Would like to think, but have no idea, if Lundqvist saved his money. But having houses in 2 countries isn't cheap and we know the guy doesn't walk around in sweats and a wifebeater. Simply he is not retiring, because of ego but also because of money. Being a coach or GM or commentator is never approaching this kind of income ever.

McDavid has to demand a trade. That hasn't happened yet.

Not today. Well into the 1980s it was common. Late 1970s NYR had Sotaert/Baker/Davidson, and into the late 1980s, Froese/Beezer/Richter.Cap changed all that. Nobody is paying NHL cap room for a 3rd goalie to watch the game from the press box.

The elephant in the room; NOBODY walks away from that kind of scratch.

Big Picture-something fundamentally wrong when under the cap system teams think it's good business to deal away servicable solid pros like JT MIller and Hayes at 24/25/26.Contract with Callahan who was dealt at 28/29 with crazy salary demands coupled with a chance to grab an all time talent for a CUp run. This isn't that. And Callahan wound up singing a way worse deal with Tamps than Sather offered him before all that.

As much as I'm down on picking D, I like that. The playoffs are a demolition derby and the refs swallow the whistle. D is allowed to batter and assault opposing forwards i/f/o the net with impunity. Of all the NYR current and prospect D, few can do that. This guy can.

D Jocelyn Guevermont. Played 20 games here at the end of 1979-80, scoring 2 goals after being acquired from Sabres for "future considerations". Had been on Canada's roster in 1972 Summit Series but was on his way out and never played another season.

Reading between the lines;the reason he's a day 2 pick is he doesn't work very hard. 230 and down 20 lbs? May be the kid grows up when he grasps the opportunity or may be not.

Peter Laviolette WIlli Plett

Bobby Hull played 5 preseason games here in September 1981. This article says they agreed to call it a day, but my recollection is since the WHA merger after he first retired there was some contract issue with the Whalers or the Jets who still held his rights. http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/disappointing_comebacks/bobby_hull.html?state=stop