ThirtyONE

I think in the bubble we were saying they were 2-3 years from making the real playoffs. And that turned out to be true. I think now they're 2 years from being in the conversation with the Vegas, Aves, and Tampas. ie. the teams that are actual contenders year after year.

Pretty sure the top forwards from Hartford are Barron and Gettinger. They're not NHL players. The RW for the 2nd line is Kakko. Plain and simple. they just have to fill the hole till he's back

I mean, the Rangers ARE likely a few years away for being true beasts of the east, but they're punching WAY above where I thought they would this season. Unlike last time we made a run, the goal should be to sustain year after year, not just go all in and burn down the farm for one or two good runs. Should they go out and get a 3rd liner? Yes. Does that require trading Kakko or Lafreniere? Of course not. The nationally televised games are fun but I'd take anything the pundits say with a grain of salt. They're not watching the Rangers regularly. They don't know who's in the system. Realistically, the Rangers could go into the playoffs without doing anything at the deadline and I'd be okay with that. No matter who they pick up, a 1st round exit is likely (based on lack of experience). But the experience gained this year will be invaluable for future success.

I think Rooney was hot about the hit earlier (from Boyle?) Also Malkin has a face that just makes you angry.

When Goodrow is slotted down in the lineup, it changes everything.

Still don't know why we would. He's not gonna get much in return and we need a backup.

Comeback? I don't see it as a comeback at all. It's a stunt. He's 41. He's been out of the league for 10 years. It's a nice way to sell tickets if you're an ECHL team. It's sort of a sad way to stay in the limelight if you're Avery. I can't see any other reason for it.

I can't tell if this is sad or not.

Yeah, there's no chance. But you're right. He'd be a good fit. I saw something on twitter about Rickard Rakell maybe being available. He plays both wings. I dunno if he's been mentioned here yet.

Considering we may be entering into an endemic, the rules could/should change. He also has another year on his contract at which point the vaccine stuff probably won't matter.

I'm sort of surprised to hear that. I love that dude's game.

Pretty much. It just amazes me how this has turned out. Hunt was supposed to be extra forward, possibly in Hartford. McKegg was supposed to be in Hartford. Gauthier was supposed to be taken for free by Seattle. Now all three of them are playing big minutes every night. I mean it's no wonder the 5v5 stats are horrific. The 5v5 players are horrific.

Personally, I'd keep him. I dunno know why anyone would be interested in picks at this point.

RJ and to some extent JSM.

There you go. That's another good name. I'm also guilty of thinking he sucked until he didn't. I'll be surprised if Chytil isn't a casualty at the deadline, but I won't be surprised if he becomes a useful player somewhere.

I have no idea what people see in Barron, but I'm interested in Cuylle for sure.

I mean look at our team Panarin didn't even enter then NHL until he was 24. Mika wasn't a stud until he was 26. You named three guys yourself. It takes a while. I'm not saying Chytil will be any of those players, but the addition by subtraction crowd were probably the same crowd that complained when Pionk and Graves turned out to be decent at hockey. If you think the team is thin now, take away Chytil and you literally have no way to replace his spot in the lineup. We saw what this team looked like with it's AHL players -- they stunk.

I'm not interested in the trade him for nothing angle. We've seen players wake up and suddenly get it at 25, 26, and 27. I'm not sure I feel like waiting for him to figure it out, but I'm sure he has value somewhere. Trading him for a pick makes no sense considering our lack of depth. He's not addition by subtraction because there's literally no one available to replace him, unless you'd like to see more McKegg

I got COVID and I was fucked up for quite a while after. I'd ride my bike and then be a wreck for 3 days after. My partner still has exhaustion issues 3 months later.

Hope he and his family are alright. Last time someone just disappeared like this I think I remember it turned out to be pretty dark (drugs, alcohol, etc.) Hope he's good.

Over Chytil? I disagree. Chytil doesn't even have a position. It would lock in our center position for the next however many years, and if Habs retain money it allows us to keep Strome. Mika, Strome, Dvorak down the middle is very deep. I dunno if it's possible, I'm just saying if there's one player on the Habs I'm even remotely interested in, it's him.

Which is basically what Georgiev is... so, yeah. I don't see the point. They'll trade him in the offseason, but they need him as insurance to close out the season and into the playoffs.

He's a good player. He'd be a great 3rd liner. I'd overpay in prospects to fit him on this team and keep his contract low.

Dvorak please. Gorton probably likes our system more than any GM in the league. Krav, Lundqvist, 1st for Dvorak (money retained).

Makes total sense. Wonder which guys Gorton has an eye on.