The Predators' priorities, heading into the February 27 trade deadline should be:
And in that order.
These goals are interrelated, of course--some potentially available players could help the Predators in the playoffs, and, in turn, make Nashville more attractive to the team's impending free agents. Very few of said players, however, signal a significant long-term financial commitment and instantly make Nashville a serious Stanley Cup contender.
Jeff Carter does! And he fits a series of needs.
Tweet with the hashtag #barterforcarter to let David Poile know Jan Hlavac and Dustin Boyd aren't going to cut it!
The sweet, sweet nectar of goals. Carter shoots a lot and he shoots to score. In the three years before this one, Carter scored 46, 36, and 33 goals. That's right--his off year matched the Predators' franchise record, held by Jason Arnott. I've put together the following table to help illustrate how Carter fits the Preds' needs:
| Predators Needs | Jeff Carter |
|---|---|
| 1st Line Center | ✓ |
| Finishing touch | ✓ |
| Puck possession | ✓ |
| Ace PK guy | ✓ |
| 4th superstar | ✓ |
| Size up front | ✓ |
Carter signed a 11-year $58 million contract with Philadelphia before getting traded last summer. You can view the gruesome details here. The Predators have never given out a contract of more than seven years, as any additional years are uninsurable for major injuries. And while Carter makes a ton in the coming years, a $5.273M cap hit is a really good deal for someone of his talent. It's a contract built to benefit a cap-spending team and rumor has the Preds are looking to become such a team.
It has to be addressed that Jeff Carter is supposedly a bit of a clubhouse cancer. In my opinion, this kind of thing can only help the Predators, as it will drive his value down. Players on bad teams are unhappy and vice versa. You may say the Predators' clubhouse chemistry is the reason for their success, but in my opinion, winning teams are happy; happy teams don't just magically win. Barry Trotz has a good reputation of taking supposed jerks (Shane O'Brien and Sergei Kostitsyn, anyone?) and making them into good citizens. In this instance, the franchise should use Trotz to its advantage.
The Blue Jackets paid Jakub Voracek, a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick to get Carter last summer. Fortunately, Carter won't cost nearly as much to the Preds. Through various injuries and generally bad behavior, Carter has significantly depreciated his value and played his way out of Columbus.
The Kings supposedly offered Stoll/Bernier for Carter/Sanford. How about Spaling/Lindback/2nd for Carter/Sanford? Or Lindback/1st for Carter/Sandford? The infamous Lindback/Blum package? Anyway, you get the idea.
0 recs | 350 comments
I am torn on this and was actually thinking about this situation today walking to class. If he could keep his off ice antics under control and not mope and whine about the trade like he did when he got sent to CBJ (can you really blame him tho?) this could be a good deal.
If we didnt give up Spals in the deal we could go Carter-Legwand-Fisher-Spals down the middle and flip Smith to wing temporarily and probably give him better line mates. Maybe a minor trade for a depth winger (how much would Rutuu or Blake cost us) to make the lines balance out.
10-Carter-74
33-11-27
15-12-??
22-13-24
Just a thought, the lines above are just something I tossed together for the sake of conversation/debate. And if we did have to give up spals in a trade pencil in Smithson there instead.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
*Ruutu
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
If this trade Happened I would want Trotz and Polie to talk to carter before the trade is made.
IG-PRED8 - February 6, 2012
Bloated 11 year contract?
No thanks.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
DITTO
his contract would be terrible going forward, especially someone that seems to have issues.
predswilrule - February 6, 2012
I agree.. No thanks..
Weintraut - February 6, 2012
Torn as well...
Gosh, I…just don’t know. If there were no other moves available and the price was right, it could be the move that puts them over the top, but the locker room demeanor is my biggest worry there. My initial feeling is no – not worth the risk. But, is letting Suter and Weber go worth the risk either? Ugghhhhh.
I’m going to start researching Carter’s discontent a little more. Maybe the Flyers and the Jackets said bad things about his mom, and Jeff Carter really loves his mom. You never know…?
Smashville HockeyCat - February 6, 2012
I agree, his lockerroom demeanor is too big of a risk combined with him having such a long contract. If his deal was shorter I’d say give it a shot, but not with such a long commitment. Our chemistry is the main reason Weber and Suter want to stay, and has to have played a big role in developing our young talent/reforming castoffs like SK. If we’re going to acquire a top player, I think we should trade for Parise’s rights after the season and try to sign him before the free agency period starts. NJ will not move him before the deadline as they are in the playoff race. Playoff revenue is too valuable to a nearly bankrupt team to start saving money before the season is over. At the very least, this proves Poile’s commitment to really giving added salary a shot even if Parise doesn’t sign, and should show Suter/Weber we’re serious about improvement. In addition, he may come at a reduced trade price after the season. He’s a solid 35-40 goal type of player, plays of the PK, and has a serious motor. I don’t see another player who fits our needs better thats available in the near future
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
Citation needed. So far there’s no evidence they want to stay, much less that chemistry is the reason.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
I’m saying that because they’re really good friends and the core has been together for a long time. I lump allegiance to the organization in with team chemistry- the general intangibles that go into the desire to stay in or to leave a specific city. You cannot want to stay with poor team chemistry, they go hand-in-hand. “The Predator Way” is an example of this culture that is driven by team chemistry and buying into the team’s principles… And theres plenty of evidence of their desire to stay. Suter just had several interviews over the all-star break where he explicitly said he wants to stay. So much so that he went out of his way to correct analysts who stated he wished to test the market. Weber has voiced his desires to stay in the past, just not as much this year bc Suter is getting all the press for being a UFA near the trade dealine
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
And therein lies the rub. The idea that Suter and Weber must be appeased is tantamount to allowing the inmates to run the asylum. Regardless who the Predagtors may acquire, there is no guarantee the team will make a deep playoff run, and no guarantee that Suter will sign before July 1. The team shouldn’t allow itself to be held hostage no matter who the hostage-taker is. I personally believe that Suter has every intention of testing the market no matter what the Predators do. And why wouldn’t he? He’s at the peak of his earning power and his ability to dictate the direction of his remaining career. He will never be in this position again. As for Carter, that’s a big nooooooo. One overpaid underproducing malcontented athlete in this town is enough. We don’t need another.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
YOU SHOULD RUN FOR OWNER
predswilrule - February 6, 2012
Where do I sign up for that?
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
At the bottom of a really big, damn check.
Poiju - February 6, 2012
I agree that Suter probably won’t sign before July- thats how he will assess his market value, but I also don’t believe he would leave to get $7mil/yr when we can give him $6.5mil IF we surround him with more quality players. I’m just saying he’s not rushing out the door. And I see what you mean about inmates running the asylum, but in this instance, its an extremely reasonable complaint- they want to know we are actually going to try to win something and not just tread water. They’re advocating something that every fan on this site agrees with- this entire thread is based on acquiring a scorer. Even if we traded 20 or 6, we wouldn’t be able to afford the players we got in return unless we’re willing to spend more. We’ve officially reached the point, once again, where Poile and Trotz have developed our assets to the point our present payroll can no longer support them. We can either continuously have a great AHL team, let people walk (Dekanich, Hamhuis albeit via rights trade), or trade them with no return to shed salary/get picks (Franson, Timonen, Hartnell).
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
We didn’t need Hamhuis. Most of us didn’t want him.
Don’t lump Timonen and Hartnell in there. That was a completely different situation.
cisar - February 7, 2012
There’s no evidence they want to stay?
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012 via mobile
No
Not with the team as presently constructed. And who could blame them?
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
citation needed
sorry but i haven’t seen anything where someone involved made mention of how neither Suter nor Weber have no desire to stay in Nashville.
flyalder - February 6, 2012
Are you asking me to prove a negative?
I said there’s no evidence that they want to stay, not that there’s evidence they do not want to stay. Big difference.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
No evidence…other than every time they (or their agents) have publicly commented on their desire to stay. …for starters.
Do you need citations for that?
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
Shea Weber wanted to stay here so much
that he and the team couldn’t agree on the terms, length, money, or conditions of an extension. Sorry if I don’t take the word of their agents as gospel truth.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
Ditto for Suter
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
You asked for evidence (on something that can be cited in quadruplicate 4 times over). Don’t try to turn it around by changing the subject.
While it is hard to believe that any top line player, on any club, wouldn’t like to see his club make a move to improve the team, Several members of the national and Canadian media commented during the all-star break that, after talking with him, they think Ryan Suter would prefer to stay in Nashville. Weber talked, on camera, about bringing the All-star game to Nashville one day so he could sleep in his own bed. Both also commented, when asked, that they would like to win the Stanley Cup (shocking). Why it is that you put so much stock in one comment and so little in another, and then write about it as a site moderator, reeks of preconception instead of analysis. Opinions are what makes this fun though so, like I tell GB, to each his own.
Now, while some people may be of the opinion that convincing Suter and Weber to stay should be the number one priority of the franchise, I think it stands to reason that handing Vancouver a beating, and then Ottawa a beating after that (and so on and so forth) may be the best way to attract good talent to this team, whatever the last name or on-ice position is. History makes a pretty good case for that argument in fact.
As a top 5 team in the league, a top 10 offense, with the #2 PP, probably the #1 team in terms of resilience, and far-and-away the best road team in the central, I think we have a pretty good chance to do something special this year. We do that, and everything else will work itself out.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
I'm not changing the subject
I’m impugning the quality of your evidence. I asked for evidence that they wanted to stay on the Predators, as currently constructed, and that the team’s chemistry was the reason.
You can believe that Weber and Suter want to stay, based on some positive, but non-comital statements. But if they really wanted to sign, they already would have.
It seems pretty clear to me that they would like to stay, if—and only if—the team improves itself. I don’t know what preconception that reflects. I’m putting stock in all their comments and their actions. And, in this case, I really do think actions speak louder than words.
As you alluded to the only substantive difference, to my mind, between this team and last year’s is the power play being better (thanks Craig Smith). This team could finish better than the team’s of the last few years, but it could just as easily not.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
I’ve said they’re desire to stay in contingent upon improvement, i.e. signing talent, 4 times in this thread but you choose not to read that apparently. And FYI, terms = conditions of extension = length + years, they are not all different things. He was actually happy with the money (6.8mil) but unhappy with term (6 years) bc he didn’t know if we would be able to sign Rinne and Suter while adding to the competitiveness of the team. He countered with a 6.8 for 3 year offer which we did not want to do, so we went to arbitration and thats it. This information came from non-print sources close to the team (3 in fact) that all said the EXACT same thing in separate conversations
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
It’s like you’re angrily agreeing with me.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
Ya sorry, my caffeine from the morning wears thin
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
That is the preconception. I just don’t think it’s quite that black and white.
I also don’t necessarily think Suter will stay. I think we could trade for Carter, get beat in the first round, and watch Suter become a Red Wing.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
I'll concede that much
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
“As a top 5 team in the league, a top 10 offense, with the #2 PP, probably the #1 team in terms of resilience, and far-and-away the best road team in the central, I think we have a pretty good chance to do something special this year. We do that, and everything else will work itself out.”
Thanks.. I’ve been trying to say that for days, you said it well..
Weintraut - February 6, 2012
I’m a bit of a homer so, it comes naturally. :)
That and, if Suter is out the door, I’m sure as hell going to try and spend the last few months he is here enjoying his play (and this run) rather than worrying about 2012/13.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
Suter, Fisher and Spals on a line?
I don’t know about that. But if that is what Suter wants to stay, I’d be willing to give it a shot.
cisar - February 7, 2012
Well. you’re actually arguing that you don’t believe the existing evidence that suggests that they want to stay.
The question here is not whether they’ve given signs of wanting to stay but whether those signs are convincing. Some people regard these statements as little more than lies said to placate the fans. Others believe that they are as honest an assessment of Suter’s thinking as we’re likely to get through the media filter. And there are many, many spots along that continuum that different people fall.
I do think that you have come into this with preconceptions, but I think that everyone has. Among those preconceptions are your assessment of both the team’s competitiveness and the likelihood of a satisfactory trade being made. Everyone is also assuming that they know what is going to be sufficient to convince Suter to sign here. Unless you’ve sat down and talked to him, you don’t actually know. You can put forth a case for your analysis, but none of us here know.
CAustin - February 6, 2012
No I don’t think he wants to stay with the team as it exists presently. I think he wants to stay in Nashville in the abstract. I actually choose to believe everything Suter says, but I think everything he’s said has been “I’d like to sign with the Predators in theory, but I’m going to wait and see what happens.”
And I’m not assuming what’s going to be sufficient to sign Suter. But the two things that’ll most likely go a ways toward convincing him to stay are acquiring good players and doing well in the playoffs. I think Jeff Carter is Poile’s best chance at achieving both of those goals.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
Which reads as a very different position than “So far there’s no evidence they want to stay.”
CAustin - February 6, 2012
Didn’t do any research but fairly confident that Carter did not play particularly well in the playoffs when he was in Philly.
wrandsw - February 6, 2012 via mobile
There is evidence of him wanting to leave if we don’t sign some offense and evidence he wants to stay if we do. So I’d say there IS evidence of a decision with our present construction- he will leave. But this is also not to be confused with an unconditional desire to test the market and get the biggest contract possible regardless of our actions between now and next season
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
What?! Complexity? Subtlety? You’ll get banned for that. :)
CAustin - February 6, 2012
Ha!
cisar - February 7, 2012
They’ve both said they want to stay.. more than once. I can’t state with absolutely certainy that “team chemistry” is part of the reason, but I certainly believe it is..
Weintraut - February 6, 2012
if we go and win the cup with what we have, does that make enough of a statement about the dedication to winning to keep Suter? I know we would all like to see the preds retain our stars, but it seems that the dedication of winning needs to come from the team. is that not what makes a champion? overcoming odds, and having the heart to do what others tell you you are not going to be able to do. I would say that would define our team and system much better than trying to rely on a rental.
Donangelo - February 7, 2012
and maybe the Devils will let him go
for what the Preds have to offer in return, while they’re fighting for a playoff spot
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
I feel like I heard someone say the Devils were looking for draft picks more then anything… am I remembering that right? Cause if they are…. we got’s lotsa those!
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
I've voted caution against trading for Parise or his rights
Minnesota fans have really gotten worked up over believing that Parise is going to sign in Minnesota and that his rights should be traded for, but it really sounds like Zach wants to test the UFA market, find out his value, and select a team that can help him win a Stanley Cup.
I personally think that L.A. is a front-runner for Parise, as they could supply him with a #1 center in Kopitar, they’ve got a lot of talent to boot, the blueline and goaltending are stable, the team is financially stable, the surroundings are amazing, and the team is a viable contender. The Kings will have more cap space when Penner and Willie Mitchell come off the books at the end of this year, and the ownership has shown that they’re willing to do a long-term deal for a superstar player.
Trading for his rights could prove risky if he intends to go to the UFA market, where teams like L.A., Detroit, and other serious contenders can throw money and results towards Parise.
JDesthubert - February 6, 2012
You mean the smog?
cisar - February 7, 2012
San Diego, my good man. San Francisco is also a really great city. L.A. sucks, but there’s more in Cali than just L.A.
JDesthubert - February 7, 2012
If it were just about chemistry they would have signed already.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
I said its the main reason, not THE reason. Really, I’m wrong on that too. We are a good team- thats reason #1. Reason #2 is they are apart of a core that developed alongside one another from the beginning with a stable coaching staff/GM that has not changed significantly- basically the operating environment of the team is a good one, i.e. good team chemistry on and off the ice. Reason #3 is they like the city. However, as I’ve said FOUR times, right now the most important thing is spending some money to continue to elevate Reason #1
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
Contract is a killer...
Do we really want to take that on? If his performance goes south, it seems like it could put this franchise in a real bind.
wadesworld242 - February 6, 2012
Not my first choice
The contract is the scarier issue. I suspect his attitude changes when he gets out of Columbus but then again, the Flyers traded him too.
Bobby Ryan is still my first choice.
Catwoman - February 6, 2012
I voted no just because I'd rather have Ryan.
buckeye_jg - February 6, 2012
I am sure Blum would love to go to the ducks.
IG-PRED8 - February 6, 2012
Looks good ideally
But come on, unless he would restructure his contract for us then it’s way too much money and years. Let’s not go to the other spectrum from frugal to easy with the money. Sign a player light Ruuto or Hemsky and stay away from this big contract!
rew182 - February 6, 2012
CANT RESTRUCTURE.
this isnt the nfl
predswilrule - February 6, 2012
Good to know
Still getting updated with all the player rights in the NHL. As is, wouldn’t take him.
rew182 - February 6, 2012
get ready for another adjustment after this offseason. new CBA
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Ales Hemsky?
God no. 4 goals this year, 14 last year, 7 the year before. Another Bergfors.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
Especially for what it seems the oilers fans all think he is worth. Blum and our 1st for that bum? thanks but no thanks.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
I actually like Hemsky a lot
but it seems I’m the only one.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
I like Hemsky alot too
but only if he gets to skate around the ice in the Pope-Mobile or a plastic bubble to keep him off the IR for more than 6 weeks at a time. Although, knowing our luck, he’d be allergic to the plastic have an anaphylaxic reaction and be done for the season anyway.
TitanPredBearFan - February 6, 2012
Apparently the Canes are trying to sign an extension with Ruutu. He may not make it to free agency. The asking price is high as well, as apparently the Canes want a 1st, a 3rd, and a prospect or some similar package.
JDesthubert - February 6, 2012
I'd make that trade
Think the positives will outweigh the negatives if we can keep Sutes because of the move.
rew182 - February 6, 2012
no way
a first, third, and top prospect is waaay to much for a guy who’s a 7 year vet, only played 2 complete seasons, and only scored more than 20 goals twice.
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
No o in Ruutu, my bad.
rew182 - February 6, 2012
Another thing to consider...
If the BJ’s were to trade him to us, is the price to acquire him driven up by the fact that they know they will have to play us 6 times a year? I think there could be some impact there.
TNGuy04 - February 6, 2012
More likely they would be happy just to be rid of his bitching and his contract.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
If we traded Carter to the Preds and didn’t get Ryan Suter back at a minimum, that fan protest would abruptly turn into a lynch mob.
I suggest looking at someone else. :)
Viqsi - February 6, 2012
Carter will not get anything close to a Ryan Suter now (IMO). He’s damaged goods, bad contract, and bad rep in the locker room. Either they sell short or keep him and prove the trade wasn’t a disaster (then they can trade him).
Catwoman - February 6, 2012
Contrary to my previous remarks, I would do a Carter for Suter trade straight up. We trade a player we are going to lose anyway and at least get a marketable asset in return. We would actually be saving money in the short run, as Suter will certainly command $7 mil or more on the open market. Of course, if Carter doesn’t want to be here either………………
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
That’s a good point. Where does Jeff Carter want to be exactly? I wonder if there is any way they could find that out before an offer is made to the Columbus front office.
OddManRush - February 6, 2012
look for someone else....hmmmmm
Suter for Nash!!!
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
Since Sam is making the case for trading for him,
I thought I’d be kind enough to make him a movie poster based on the old Michael Caine film…
(larger version)
OddManRush - February 6, 2012
You're nuts.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
I may have to go back and do a movie poster retroactively for the other posts in this series.
OddManRush - February 6, 2012
Hal Gill
“Attack of the 50-foot Pylon” ?
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
Do it!
That would be fantastic.
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
To go off on a tangent, the original Get Carter soundtrack is amazing.
cisar - February 7, 2012
Carter's health
is probably the biggest issue here. That year he scored 46 goals for Philly he had a plate in his foot during the first round, missed all of the 2nd and most of the ECF, and was not a factor at all during the Cup Finals. not to mention the fact that he’s been on IR twice this year.
Daniel Ramirez - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Carter’s GP:
10-11: 80
09-10: 74
08-09: 82
07-08: 82
If you want to say he’s injured at the moment, even that’s debatable. But to say he’s a health risk going forward because he took a Chris Pronger slap shot to the foot that one year is ignoring the forest for the tree.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
what about 11-12 though? he's been out a significant amount of games
there could be a budding injury issue in the future…
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
He’s currently out with a separated shoulder. Is that something that becomes a nagging issue? I honestly don’t know, but it’s not like he’s out with a concussion or a groin pull or a bad back or an acl tear.
His injuries have been either minor or freak incidents.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
I think shoulders are usually ok, as long as you give them enough time to heal properly and don’t rush back before it’s ready. My dad separated his shoulder about 8 years ago, and I remember him telling me that you usually FEEL ready to go back (he plays in a men’s league) before your shoulder is actually ready… so apparently it can be deceptive. Let’s hope (for Carter’s sake as a player in general, not necessarily because of whatever hypothetical things happen b/w him and Nashville) he waits it out.
davisca - February 6, 2012
you'd definitely know more than I would
I have very little info to go on other than what i’ve seen from him this year (since he’s been in the Eastern for a while) but i think with the amount of games he’s missed plus the contract plus the word thru the grapevine regarding his attitude. But I’m no GM, except for in NHL 12
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
Yeah, the 11 years were something that scared a lot of us too. But the cap hit was completely reasonable. So nobody loved the contract, but it also wasn’t hated. I can see it scaring the crap out of other teams, rightfully so.
As far as his attitude… He signed an 11 year deal with a NTC to play in the only organization he’s ever known alongside his best friend until they’re 36. And then he got traded to Columbus.
It doesn’t excuse his immature handling of the situation, but I think it is at least understandable why he is unhappy.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
He’s in Columbus.
…well………..
Yeah, I’d be pissed too.
davisca - February 6, 2012
*Obviously, I don’t speak for all Philadelphia fans. There were a lot of people who hated Carter.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
Interesting. Because of his whiney attitude after leaving, or were these opinions formed before he left?
davisca - February 6, 2012
Before he left. He has a very lackadaisical demeanor, so one of the complaints I saw most often was that he’s lazy and doesn’t care. Surely there are others, but since I don’t agree, I’ll probably just mischaracterize it.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
Gotcha. So kinda like how I “used to” bitch at Sergei Kostitsyn for not trying… ever. Thing is, I think he must have read what I wrote, because he’s started playing well now! Maybe it’d work for Carter, too.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I yelled at Tits this:
Страляць гробаны шайбу!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Я таксама, прыяцель. Я таксама.
davisca - February 6, 2012
he was too busy playing football to listen to you
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
Kostitsyn is White Russian for Woodhead?
Intriguing!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I saw your post about that yesterday, haha!! Tits is TOTALLY a dead-ringer for him!
davisca - February 6, 2012
(Well, maybe not dead-ringer, but you know what I mean.)
davisca - February 6, 2012
how are all the bostonians coping after last night?
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
Giselle was sure pissy.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Not enough prayers, apparently.
davisca - February 6, 2012
LMAO!
I like Tom! He’s a Michigan man that Lloyd Carr screwed up by playing Drew Henson.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Apparently there was a small riot (consisting of 15-or-so college students) west of here… other than that, just a lot of sorrow.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Boston sports fans are so spoiled.
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
I dunno if they're worse than Pittsburgh fans or not.
davisca - February 6, 2012
certainly they aren’t Blues fans!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Я твой прыяцель? Выдатна! Калі вы купляеце мне квіткі на гульню?
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I should always translate these back! hehe
anyone else having problems posting every so often?
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I always back-translate, yeah haha. I’m not having trouble, no..
davisca - February 6, 2012
Шкада, што я меў грошай, каб купіць квіткі на мяне!
davisca - February 6, 2012
Я магу атрымаць ваенны білет са зніжкай за 30 даляраў.
(I think that said something about Seven Mary Three)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Так, я думаю, можна. Я не ведаю з вопыту. Я проста ведаю, што я чуў.
davisca - February 6, 2012
ok enough of THAT!
Yeah I did that for the Calgary game last month. Sweet seats right behind the Preds bench.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Good, that required a lot of effort haha.
That’s awesome! I did the college night tickets in December… got really great seats in 116. Fantastic view. I’m gonna look into college night seats to the Bruins, but they’re $45, not $20-25 haha.
davisca - February 6, 2012
dear lord you have to suffer the expense of the northeast!
I’m sorry. you probably can’t even afford Ramen noodles right now!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I’ve discovered that can get 2 packages of kielbasa for about $6… that combined with noodles, mixed veggies, and sauce lasts me about 5-6 days.
I initially had to scrimp a bit to pay for my Bruins-Preds tickets, but my parents were nice enough to comp me for half of it :)
davisca - February 6, 2012
My brother usually gives me Lions/Wings tickets when I go up to Michigan. Problem is, the last 4 years I have only gone up in the summer.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
That’s awesome (except for the summer thing)! Maybe you’ll be able to head back up there while hockey season’s still going this year.
davisca - February 6, 2012
it’s too cold! well except this year.
strange strange year.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Oh hey, a Flyers fan!!
Okay, question — why exactly did you guys get rid of Carter??? Maybe everyone knows this and I’m just ignorant, but you’d be the person to ask!
davisca - February 6, 2012
I kind of alluded to this below, and the obvious answer is “nobody knows outside of the organization”, but there are many theories:
My personal theory is that the owner wanted: a) a new face for the organization, which meant Richards and Carter had to go; b) an expensive goalie, which meant someone who cost a lot had to go; and c) to align personalities within the locker room.
It is quite likely true that there were locker room issues, the debate is over what those issues were and where they originated. In 2008, the Flyers went to the ECF on the backs of Richards, Carter, Umberger, Timonen, and Biron. There was a tight knit group (again, based upon outside observations) of young players who liked to drink a lot (RIchards, Carter, Lupul, Upshall, Hartnell, and Umberger were the main group). Then they traded Upshall at the deadline in 09, Umberger at the 09 draft, and traded Lupul for Pronger at the 10 draft.
I have previously argued that the Upshall trade created a splinter – almost a wake-up call to stop drinking – that eventually grew into a canyon with Pronger. In case you hadn’t heard, Pronger is not exactly a camp counselor who brings everyone together.
So, there are plenty of theories, but before people start talking one way or the other, it’s important to remember the Flyers signed Carter to an 11 year contract with a NTC a mere 7 months before trading him. He couldn’t have been a huge problem if the team was willing to sign him to that huge contract, but that doesn’t mean he’s an angel either.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
Thanks, that's really insightful.
I have very little (read: absolutely no) respect for Pronger… I’m not sure how you feel about him, but to me, he just doesn’t seem like a very good guy.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I respect the hell out of his on-ice play. I also respect how he handles the media. But I’m skeptical of his personality and of him as a teammate.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
Fair enough. I disagree about his on-ice play, but that’s alright :)
davisca - February 6, 2012
haha, understand completely.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
Why did he waive his NTC?
cisar - February 7, 2012
He was traded before the NTC went into effect. They only apply once a player has had enough service to earn Unrestricted Free Agency. So, for example, the Preds could sign Colin Wilson to a 10-year extension, but any NTC in the deal wouldn’t be effective for a few more years.
Dirk Hoag - February 7, 2012
Ah, yes. Thanks.
cisar - February 7, 2012
Yup.
Geoff Detweiler - February 7, 2012
what were his playoff numbers like? I don’t remember him scoring as much in the playoffs as he did in the regular season.
Daniel Ramirez - February 7, 2012 via Android app
His playoff numbers were down. He scored 0.447 points per game in the playoffs v. 0.734 in the regular season.
Geoff Detweiler - February 7, 2012
Bobby Ryan or Jeff Carter
puts this team over the top. That being said, Bobby Ryan would be my first choice mainly because Carter and his contract. I have zero concerns about locker room chemistry because I think everyone knows Trotz is in charge.
lynchc1 - February 6, 2012
NO
Jeff Carter is a locker room disaster. He may be a good player with he won’t make the team better as a whole. Also, if you want to see how quickly Weber and Suter can leave town bring in someone who will bring down the competitiveness of the team, and will be around for a long time.
flyalder - February 6, 2012
How does a bona fide #1 center and goal scorer bring down the competitiveness of this team? Talk about his contract all you want, but you can’t argue with his skills and his numbers. Carter would make us a much scarier team for the immediate future.
Stu0624 - February 6, 2012 via mobile
There’s got to be a reason the Flyers traded Carter after signing such a huge deal… and it wasn’t Jakub Vorachek. He and Richards both had a colorful history of partying and not taking hockey as seriously as they could have. Just search their names in google images- half of the are in a bar
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
I read on Broad Street hockey
that when the Flyers brought Pronger in and he became the leader it caused a divided dressing room and struggle for power. Pronger on one side – Carter and Richards on the other. The Flyers looked at the contracts and players and decided they wanted Pronger more.
TitanPredBearFan - February 6, 2012
Very possible…. it probably wasn’t a single reason, and this makes sense. Besides, if they were drinking buddies then you could just get rid of one theoretically. I was mainly speaking from the opinions of a few Flyers fans I’ve talked to about the situation
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
This is true. Although it’s hard to turn down the 8th overall pick, Voracek, and a third round pick for Jeff Carter.
Add in that the owner wants you to sign a goalie who will cost upwards of $7 million a year, and you have multiple reasons for his trade.
But I think you make a crucial distinction here: Being a partier and being a locker room cancer are two completely different things. By all accounts, the Flyers locker room was too much of an awesome place in 07-08. Upshall and Umberger were jettisoned, soon thereafter Lupul was traded. Those three, combined with Richards, Carter, and Hartnell were the “Old City Gang”.
Locker room strife didn’t appear until Pronger got there. So thank you for that distinction.
Geoff Detweiler - February 6, 2012
question about contract and trade
So if you trade for a player with an existing contract, your team takes the whole contract as is and the entire cap hit as well? Carter would be on the second team that had nothing do to with drafting the contract. Does that sound fair to any of the parties?
Wendy H - February 6, 2012
Actually the Blue Jackets had nothing to do with his contract either
the Flyer’s negotiated that one. And the Preds would be on the hook for a certain amount of his salary this season, prorated for the remaining number of games+the 10 years after this one. I don’t know if the cap hit is prorated or not, but it wouldn’t matter, since the Preds wouldn’t be at risk of hitting the floor or the ceiling.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
When a team assumes a contract, they consent to its terms. Just as in any other business. The only difference being that there is a CBA saying the contracts cannot be re-negotiated.
As I understand it, cap hits are prorated based on some complex and arcane formula that takes into account the date on which the contract is traded, the angle of the moon to Pisces, and the temperature of the air at sea level in the Arctic Circle.
CAustin - February 6, 2012
Don’t forget to include the London Interbank Offered Rate in prorating the cap hits. I think there’s also a 20-sided die involved somehow.
TNBlueDevil - February 6, 2012
headaches in the locker room in other places have found a second chance and new life in the Predators locker room. (everyone remember a guy named Shane OBrien?) If this guy is good at what he does and really wants to play for the Cup then he will learn to adjust
Wendy H - February 6, 2012
Not the same thing
SOB=$1.5mil
Carter=$52mil after this season. The risk is much greater.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
Timing is a factor here
Bringing in a headache of a player at the beginning of the season isn’t a big a risk when there is more time to work with them. One example is Bergfors, he didn’t change to fit the system, and was shipped out. Trading for Carter now means the preds are stuck with him for the remainder of the season, whether he turns into a team player or not. Having a guy around that is a bad influence on the rest of the team, would be suicide going down the stretch.
flyalder - February 6, 2012
I thought Bergfors was adjusting to the system.
cisar - February 7, 2012
Lindack/Blum
For Carter. Maybe a pick as well if needed. This fills needs on both ends. They need defense and goaltending, we have both.
Carter will have value down the road if he doesn’t work out in a couple years. If he does, that’s a piece to keep building with.
ExcellenceThroughGuesswork - February 6, 2012
Methinks CBJ would want more than an AHL d-man and a backup goalie
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
Blum – top level prospect (by some)
Lindback – NHL Caliber Goalie, tons of upside, Mitch Korn product.
Both are very young, to a team that desperately needs to get a core of younger players.
ExcellenceThroughGuesswork - February 6, 2012
Columbus gave up 2 top-10 picks to get Carter and have just seen a Calder winning goalie blow up the next season in their faces, I doubt they take a chance on another unproven goalie. Lindback has no more upside than Mason did two years ago. We’d have to step up the offer, especially being in the same division. Blum’s value has fallen recently as well. Not his upside, but his trade value. They would not like that this trade has zero functionality penalty to a team that just went 5-0-1 against them this season.
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
Well Patrick Roy isn’t coming through that door any time soon, so they can take chance on a few more high-upside goalie prospects or they can suck for 20 years. No team in the history of any sport stopped collecting prospects because one didn’t pan out.
Sam Page - February 6, 2012
Lindback may have a high ceiling but you have a very poor grasp of the picture when suggesting he is equivalent to a top-10 overall selection, especially when Blum falls short of that quality and Lindback must be more valuable in the trade. He may be PART of a package to get Carter, but it will definitely not be a 2 for 1 swap with Blum and Lindback. And obviously, they need goalie prospects, but they’re not about to pin Carter’s worth to a goalie thats won 13 NHL games. And as I said before, it has zero functional effect on our team while giving us their 2nd best player- unwise for them. They’d be better served shipping him to LA for Bernier or something if they want a more experienced goalie prospect and keep him away from their backyard for the next 10 years
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
Pekka’s stock is very high, and the org is known to churning out goalies and defensemen. Hell, Cody Franson is starting to look good. So if anyone has earned the reputation when it comes to prospects, it’s Nashville. Lindy is built in the same mold as Pekka (just not as competitive it seems, but still very good potentially).
ExcellenceThroughGuesswork - February 6, 2012
plus, they could use the cap room.
ExcellenceThroughGuesswork - February 6, 2012
I’m not saying they’re not good prospects, they’re just not equivalent to the price Columbus paid for Carter. This is the reason I suggested waiting until after the season and maybe trying to get Parise if it appears he will not sign with NJ- the price will be lower for his rights if he’s unwilling to sign. The bottom line is we will have to shell out some serious potential to acquire anyone of large value. Its a hard thing to decide who is untouchable and who is in play. For example, 2 months ago alot of people on this site would offer up Ellis, but his name as faded from most discussions lately. He may be an asset that must be moved in order to acquire a big name
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
Carter’s value isn’t what it was. That’s why I’m thinking they can get him for less than what Columbus paid for him. Plus, goalie prospects like Lindback are a bit more rare.
And the Devils won’t move Parise if they keep winning. A playoff run will do more to get them out of the red.
ExcellenceThroughGuesswork - February 6, 2012
they're not going to get back what they gave up to get him, his stock has dropped.
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
they might have to take what they can get
don’t see alot of people clamoring to get carter, with his injury and attitude issues.
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
NOOOOOOooo....
We don’t want Alexi Kovalev 2.0. Talented or not, you’re talking about a guy with 10 years left on his contract. Think we have issues with Legwand and Erat not living up to their deals? Lets just extend that timeline out a bit, slap on a few seasons of “hypothetical” non-production and you get a recipe for disaster. You’re talking about trading for a guy with injury issues, character issues, and a non-moveable contract if he doesn’t produce huge numbers. Hell, we just shipped out Lombardi and he only had what? a year or two left? Not gonna happen. Shouldn’t happen. No way, no how.
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
lets not forget
Philly didn’t kiss him goodbye because if you love something you let it go.
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
The contract scares me more than the effect on the locker room...
That said, this team can score enough goals to win in the playoffs. Nashville is currently 9th in the league in goals scored and 2nd in PP %. I am more concerned about the D. I would prefer to not see Ellis getting 20 min a game against a team like Det, SJ, or Van (likely 2nd round matchups). If we can tighten down the back end, any help out front would be a bonus.
Predadave - February 6, 2012
Unfortunately, I think the key word here is “currently”. I would love for them to (and hope to god they will!) remain in these current positions, but I think it’s entirely possible that they could back-slide. We need someone who produces consistently. We’re producing as a team right now, yes, but we don’t really have a guy who has been lights out all year… just guys who have been coming and going on hot and cold streaks.
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
100% agree.
I would love another scoring forward but I think a defensemen like Hal Gill that would add size, depth, and experience could be the best addition to this team. Ellis has the skills to really move the puck up ice if he could get a little more help of the back end. That in itself leads to more offense.
Now, if guys like Ryan Clowe or Kulemin could be had…that’s another story.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
Hoooooly crap.
I’m on my phone, and when I first saw this article come up on the page, I thought it said “Predators Trade for Jeff Carter,” and I almost lost it (didn’t have good or bad in mind, just more of a “we DID something??!?”). Hahaha. Wow, yay for rereading.
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Same thing happened to me. Except i almost had a panic attack at the thought of signing him. :)
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
I didn’t remember a whole ton about him except that he didn’t want to go to Columbus, he was inured earlier this season, and he used to be with Philly, so I wasn’t sure what to think. Now, having been reminded of his attitude and contact and everything, I am extremely glad I misread the headline!
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Adding up the fact that Philly basically pulled the rug out from under him, his reaction to becoming a BJ, along with what seems to be a pretty clear indication that CBJ want him out…well, that pretty easily turns me off.
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
Not to mention…an eleven year contract!?!?!?
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
i think that with everyone of these articles, I was like OMG Bewby Ryen!
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
Bewby?
Who is he gonna be playing with? Tits?
davisca - February 6, 2012
+1
That got me LAUGHING!
At work no less!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
What about...
Ryan Smyth? I haven’t noticed him in any of the Predators trade conversation. Is he too far out of our price range?
TNBlueDevil - February 6, 2012
Smyth won't leave Edmonton
He’s too Captain Canada for that.
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
Maybe not… but I would LOVE to have Smyth. I feel like he would fit in perfectly and wouldn’t cost too much.
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
You're right he wouldn't cost too much
ufa after this season. But isn’t he just more of what we already have?16/20/36 and 35 years old. Seemingly not a difference maker, but better than Bourque at this point I suppose.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
He is old, but he’s still producing well. We’d just have to hope that he’d continue to do so.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Other than the weather...
Is there really much difference between the South and the Great White North?
Exhibit A: The people speak in down home accents that are mocked by northerners.
Exhibit B: Country music, beer, and hunting are popular in both regions.
Exhibit C: The people are overly hospitable, even to people who probably don’t deserve it.
I think he’d fit right in at the Barn.
TNBlueDevil - February 6, 2012
Smyth grew up an Oiler/Gretzky fan. It pained him to get traded the last time. I watched the man cry on TV. He loves Edmonton. I seriously doubt they are going to trade the guy on the back end of his career. But you never know…
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
do not want
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
Why not?
davisca - February 6, 2012
Never been a big fan of his game, plus I dont feel like he is the scorer type we need. I wouldnt move anyone off our top 2 lines for him either
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
Carter
If DP went to Suter and Weber and told them he can obtain Carter would they then sign?
If they say yes then get the deal done, if they continue to take the high road then forget it.
At some point these guys owe the Preds an answer in good faith one way or another.
virgil trucks - February 6, 2012
I think things are probably a lot clearer behind closed doors as to where each stands with the club. I also believe that the biggest key is not signing a certain player, but how for the team can go this year. That being said, each is pretty much on record as saying that they would like to see the “right pieces” added if possible…
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
We don’t know that they haven’t been asked for their opinions on which players to acquire, though… right? Maybe they have and GMDP is just in the process of working on acquiring whoever it is.
davisca - February 6, 2012 via Android app
I don’t see where they owe the Predators anything other than honoring their current contracts and playing as hard as they can every night. If the Predators wanted a longer commitment they should have offered a longer contract.
shoot the puck - February 6, 2012
That’s a depressing way to look at things. It would be a massively egotistical, selfish, and short-sighted mistake if Weber and Suter weren’t straightforward enough in negotiations to tell the front office what it would take to get them to sign.
I understand that things get skewed when business comes into conflict with the sport, but this is still a team sport, and a team depends on trust. If this team is supposed to trust each other, these two players have to have some level of respect for the Predators team and organization, at least to the point that they will be forthright in negotiations.
Really, the more I think about your comment, the more it seems to miss the point. Regardless of who owes who what based on the contracts, mutual respect and relationships, etc., if you are negotiating with somebody and they ask you what your best case scenario is and what they can do to close the deal, it’s not that you owe them an answer, it’s that you want to give them an answer because it is to your mutual benefit.
TNBlueDevil - February 6, 2012
If he went aggressively and got someone like that then it sounds like they would sign, but its not a definite thing. I don’t know how much more DP can do than get a 35-40goal guy on board. It all boils down to a concrete transaction though. They’re basically saying they don’t want to hear “we’re looking” anymore- they want a guy’s name on the roster.
Predfan19 - February 6, 2012
35-40 goal guy is fine with me.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Yes to that talent
No to that contract.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Injury concerns for me outweigh both character and contract issues.
That to me is the biggest gamble. To be paying him that much money and see him out for about half the season due to injury is concerning, especially since it’s such a longer term investment, and makes it a verrryyy high risk move.
I agree with the assessment that Trotz could get Carter’s character issues straightened out, although I don’t have a whole lot of info on his attitude.
I’d rather us bat a double and go for a guy like Tuomo Ruutu. Or we could hit a grand slam and somehow land Bobby Ryan. Then we can have David Legwand stay late after practice to help Ryan with his dekes.
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
How on earth are the "yes" votes ahead of the "no" votes???
Have people SEEN that contract?! Nashville trading for Jeff Carter is like someone having a child… once you have it, you can’t get rid of it very easily…
davisca - February 6, 2012
Let's just do something...........anything....
I think we all agree that this team CAN be something special, for the love of god management/ownership, DO something special!!!
I really think we are only a couple of parts away from being a legitimate Cup contender.
As far as Carter goes, I would happily trade years of baggage for a Stanley Cup this season. Even if it is a tad irresponsible. Brandon Yip ain’t going to do it.
901predfan - February 6, 2012
yet I voted "No" in the poll.....
901predfan - February 6, 2012
That’s because you know 11 years is a HELL of a long time.
davisca - February 6, 2012
agreed. But, one could think of it as having Marty Erat’s contract forever (at least these last two years). With a lot more upside, I think……both of them do get layed up all the time.
901predfan - February 6, 2012
plus who knows how much salary will be inflated by that time…. 7 million could be a steal in 5 years
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
…. however I don’t even know how much he is getting paid. I just pulled 7 million out of my as-stronomical knowledge of numbers. he could be making more than that so forgive me if 7 mill aint correct
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
in two seasons I think it is 7mil, then it drops, albeit slightly throughout the tenure of his contract. His cap hit is pretty good though at 5 mil and change.
901predfan - February 6, 2012
thanks! I was just pulling numbers out of thin air… but 78% of people on OtF knew that
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Here are the numbers.
And that’s true, he could end up being fantastic. Who knows. I mean, my main concerns lie with the somewhat sketchy reason(s) Philly dropped such an excellent player and his reputation for being a griper. If that stuff, hypothetically, wasn’t going to be a problem – say he worked in perfectly with Trotz’s system, loved the team, quit his bitchin’ about everything, and continued to produce at a high rate, I’d say have at him! I think the problem is that we can’t be sure about any of that, so if we DO take him and find out he SUCKS, we’re gonna be stuck with him. After Philly dropping him, then Columbus dropping him, then (hypothetically) Nashville wanting to drop him… ain’t no one gonna want that.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Mike Fisher could always take him hunting with him….. hunting ‘accidents’ happen allllllll the time
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
See: Dick Cheney.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Dick Cheney’s heart tried to stop him many times
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Well, at least it tried.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Do we even know if the Preds are interested in Carter?
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Excellent question. I haven’t seen him mentioned in anything, really.
davisca - February 6, 2012
Ecklund says we have a 20% chance to get him!!!!!!!! woo hoo.
so id venture a guess that we have no interest.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
didn’t Eklund also say there is a 98% chance the world really is flat?
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Yeah, I doubt Columbus would want to give Carter to their buddies down the street… cause then they’d have to play against him 6 times a year.
davisca - February 6, 2012
He hasn’t been a difference in that department anyway. Poor jerks that they are…
901predfan - February 6, 2012
Wings/Yotes game is on.
COME ON Phoenix!
davisca - February 6, 2012
One more fan cheering for the Coyotes here than at Jobing.com Arena.
Seriosuly, move that team already.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
The arena actually looks relatively full tonight, but I can also only see the lower-bowl, so who knows. Games against Detroit are always popular, I think.
Poor Phoenix. I’d love for them to stay where they are, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen.
davisca - February 6, 2012
full of Wings fans!
I should know, I was one of them.
PLEASE DON’T HATE ME!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
some things are unforgivable…..
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
If you say 5 Hail Marty’s you will be forgiven.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I was born and raised in Michigan...
… I didn’t want to be deported!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Hahaha, understandable.
Where in MI were you? Detroit?
davisca - February 6, 2012
Bay City Michigan, right in the crotch of the thumb.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I was betting myself you would make a thumb reference, haha.
davisca - February 6, 2012
at least we weren’t Saginaw!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
It could get even worse…. a little farther south, but my mom and dad “did time” (as they put it) in Flint back in the 80s.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I remember when Flint was an okay city.
I remember the farce that was AUTOWORLD!!
HAHAHAHA!
Flint Generals and Saginaw Gears
I actually got to caddy for Ed Belfour when he played for 6 or 7 games for the Gears. Jackwagon stiffed me!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
That’s hilarious!! I have a goalie story too, but unfortunately it’s not mine, and it’s also not about getting stiffed, LOL…
After Flint, my parents were up in Montreal for several years, and my mom worked in the neo-natal unit at local hospital. One day they were all just hanging out and taking care of the babies when 9 or 10 HUGE, rough looking dudes came wandering in and freaked everyone out……. until they realized that Patrick Roy had a new baby who was in intensive care, and the Montreal Canadiens were coming to visit him/her!
davisca - February 6, 2012
yeah, Flint's a dump
My other grandparents lived in Flushing and my cousins live in Genesee and Burton. At least they’re not in the ghost town in the center… My parents had the good sense to leave Flint in the late 70’s
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
Smart. My dad was at University of Michigan, so they were kinda forced to be there.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I like your dad!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
He’s a pretty cool guy!
davisca - February 6, 2012
if he is buying half of your Bruins tickets, I would say so!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Indeed, haha.
davisca - February 6, 2012
hey!
my grandma used to live in Saginaw. Don’t be knocking on that sewer!
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
If you knock on the sewer, the rats are gonna come and get you.
davisca - February 6, 2012
it is so bad of a sewer there, rats don’t live there.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
hahahaha it IS a sewer!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
1-0 Phoenix
SOG, too!!
davisca - February 6, 2012
i actually like Phoenix's jerseys.
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
I was JUST thinking that, actually. They’re fantastic – simple, classy, great color.
davisca - February 6, 2012
way way better than these:
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I liked their original jerseys though
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Winnipeg Jets?
:)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
touche
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
Ew. Yeah, those are kinda… woofy (yuk yuk). I thought the original jerseys with the cubism coyote weren’t too bad, but that’s probably just my artistic side coming out. I definitely prefer the new ones over the old, though.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I actually really digged their first jersey for their Desert Dog idea
JDesthubert - February 6, 2012
Yeah, that's the one I was talking about.
It’s unique, but not super weird or anything. Plus, it’s a nice shout-out to the local history and culture.
davisca - February 6, 2012
And here I thought Pablo Picasso was dead…..
901predfan - February 6, 2012
LOL. I think it’s more of a Native American reference, but hey – Pablo is close enough to Pueblo, right?
davisca - February 6, 2012
You are correct
It’s supposed to pay homage to the Southwest Native American and the original culture of the state. I think the trim really does an amazing job of accenting the style and colors of the jersey.
Plus, for some reason, it’s hard to find good black jerseys in pro sports. It’s such a bland color, so I really believe the color scheme on this jersey offsets the black well.
JDesthubert - February 6, 2012
Exactly. Mixed with the other colors on the jersey, the black almost looks dark green, which is kind of cool. The tan on the sleeves and waist also work really well… they’re light, so they stand out from the darker colors, but because they aren’t white, they allow the mascot to pop even more than it would other wise.
On a similar note, that’s why I LOVE the new Preds jerseys so much. It’s hard to do gold right, but we found a way to do it.
davisca - February 6, 2012
when did Ty Conklin become a mountain man?
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
So, how is everyone going to feel when we "stand pat"?
901predfan - February 6, 2012
like this team is never going to do anything.
I expect it though because there are some high payroll teams with cap space because of the large increase in the cap. It will be like this past summer’s free agency staying away from bad contracts.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I actually think Poile is going to do something, believe it or not. I think Weber and Suter have him by the balls (not cruelly, but just in their wants – or else they leave), and he wants them to let go, but not leave. He’ll give them what they want. Otherwise he’s gonna have an ENTIRE city to answer to, not just a pro-hockey team who will be PISSED that they no longer have the faces of their franchise.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I love a good old fashioned optimist!
901predfan - February 6, 2012
It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I’m sitting in the optimist section too. The doubt is whether the person coming in is good enough to compensate for the disruption in lines.In the long run, I know it’s the right answer but we have 4 lines cruising pretty well right now. We can’t have a long transition or we are sunk from a seeding perspective.
Catwoman - February 6, 2012
they said payroll was going to increase this year, so if they don't trade for a vet, then that's a big fat lie
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
I am ashamed to say I am “standing pat” on my season ticket renewal this year. I backed out of the two year commitment and just bought out at the one season price recently. I want to see what they do. Man, I feel like Suter! Weeee!!!!
901predfan - February 6, 2012
Go Yotes!!!
901predfan - February 6, 2012
2-0!! Woohoo!
davisca - February 6, 2012
yes!
JBoogie22 - February 6, 2012
2-1 Franzen scores.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
boooooooooo
davisca - February 6, 2012
I wish I wasn’t at “work”
Although it is kind of fun getting paid to babysit DoD people and all…
djzielin - February 6, 2012
DoD?
davisca - February 6, 2012
Department of Defense.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Impressive! Making sure people don’t get bored and start shooting missiles off over the ocean just for the hell of it? LOL
davisca - February 6, 2012
hahaha! well close. we “simulate” missile stuff here. So I think the US is still safe.
for now.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
That’s good. Keep on keepin’ on!
davisca - February 6, 2012
I must say, though, with the division this close, it's been kinda fun to thread-hop around to whomever Det/Stl/Chi is playing.
davisca - February 6, 2012
you actually go into the viper den of their boards?
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Depending on the team, yeah haha. Almost everyone is really nice and welcoming. I mostly just lurk, but if people are friendly, I’ll comment here and there.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I still comment every now and then on the Detroit board.
St Louis and Chicago fans are mostly bandwagon jumpers
Columbus fans are nice.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
OH, wait, I think there’s been a misunderstanding… I don’t go to the Det/Chi/StL threads!! I go to their opponents’ threads.
However, I DO lurk at the D/C/St. threads. I like seeing what they’re saying about their team. I think fans can a much better indicator of current and future performance than news articles and stuff.
davisca - February 6, 2012
oooooooh…. see, I don’t get around SBNation that much.
that would require even more “working” ;)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I just do it the nights I have my homework finished early, if I have time. It’s a nice little break from work.
davisca - February 6, 2012
what/where are you studying up there?
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Child development, but I’m specifically interested in twice exceptional – who have a learning difference, but are also gifted.
davisca - February 6, 2012
you truly need to meet my stepson then.
classic ADHD yet can easily get A grades.
won’t clean his room either. If you could get him to do just that, I would buy you Preds tickets for life!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
he’s eight years old.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Haha, I bet I could get him to do it!! I actually have ADHD too (part of the reason I became interested in this area), but over the years I’ve found ways to keep my room very clean. Structure is key. For me, that meant labels. I used to label (and still do, to an extent) EVERYTHING. I even used to do each of my dresser drawers, I kid you not. It helps to have a specific reminder of where everything goes. Also, no more excuses for “not knowing where things go”, LOL.
davisca - February 6, 2012
hmmmm, that actually sounds like a good idea. I do have a label maker… and many many labels.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Try it! All kids like structure, but ADHD kids thrive on it. The difference, I think, is that your average kid eventually learns how to provide structure for himself through basic imitation… Your ADHD kid wants to provide himself that structure, and tries to imitate what he sees, but unless he has REALLY specific “instructions” (for lack of a better word; organizational charts/shelves/desks, labels, consistent time-schedules, etc) to follow, the concept of how to create “organization” can be too abstract for him to grasp 100%.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I know we need to get charts and all that together.
Having a newborn limits our time quite a bit because this guy is a short little dictator! :)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Congrats on the newborn! And that’s funny, hahaha… he sounds like a fireball.
davisca - February 6, 2012
he will NOT sleep in his cradle or crib… he kicks off the blankets or socks or pants (I have watched him do it!). He wants to eat all the time (breastfeeding). My wife is going to go insane. Not that she isn’t already, mind you.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Energetic guy! How old is he?
davisca - February 6, 2012
not even three months. kid was picking his head up 1 day after being born. he missed being born on 11-11-11 because he turned his head and didn’t want to come out. I blame my wife giving him her stubborness. ;)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
That’s impressive! Sounds like a cute kid. I hope he starts sleeping better soon!
davisca - February 6, 2012
I should be a proud daddy and show pictures, shouldn’t I?
;)
ignore the fact that this is at ESPN… and the picture is when he was about a month and a half old.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
link FAIL!
http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/fans/djzielin
djzielin - February 6, 2012
What a cutie!
That monkey hat is fantastic! You must be a very proud father :)
davisca - February 6, 2012
the wife says I go into Evanland mode when I get home. :)
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I don’t get the Evanland reference, but I’ll assume it’s something related to being joy and happiness and that kinda stuff, haha.
davisca - February 6, 2012
his name is Evan. Sorry! should have made that more clear.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
OH! That would explain it hahaha.
davisca - February 6, 2012
I think she means that I just ignore everything else on the planet when I am busy playing with him or holding him.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
So how many more months before he starts learning how to skate? Two? Three?
davisca - February 6, 2012
marathon by age 4, doctorate by age 8, Doogie Howser 2.0 by age 12.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Sounds like a good life to me.
davisca - February 6, 2012
heck if he lives to grow up to be a barber, I don’t care, as long as he is happy.
ok I care a little.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Garbageman is out of the picture, then?
davisca - February 6, 2012
LOL
Yeah I think I will get him to strive a little higher.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
Probably a good idea…
davisca - February 6, 2012
Goooo. Yotes!!!
901predfan - February 6, 2012
Booooo Wings!!!
davisca - February 6, 2012
Hahahaha, this "winning" gif was posted at 5 for Howling:
davisca - February 6, 2012
love it!
Big Lebowski? now I’m hearing the First Edition…
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
That’s a movie I need to see again. I hated it the first time around, but I’ve heard SO MANY TIMES how awesome it is that I want to give it a second chance.
davisca - February 6, 2012
yeah, a second viewing may be just what you need. It’s really not a serious movie, but at the same time… what can I say, I think it’s just hilarious.
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
Oh my
I could understand not liking Will Ferrell, but hating on The Big Lebowski? Ouch, that actually hurt personally.
JDesthubert - February 7, 2012
It was just one time!!! I will see it again, I promise! Haha.
davisca - February 7, 2012
I felt the same way when I first saw Fear and Loathing. Subsequent watchings were much better.
DonBorvio - February 7, 2012
Haha, I'm just teasin ya
It’s a cult classic, so not everyone is going to like the movie. I love the flick, but that’s probably because I played the Lebowski game at least once a month while in college.
JDesthubert - February 7, 2012
What is the Lebowski game?
davisca - February 7, 2012
It's a game that involves alcohol and other stuff
When The Dude drinks a beer, you drink a beer. When The Dude has a White Russian, you have a White Russian. There’s some other less than legal stuff that occurs, and whether you want to imbibe in that is your discretion, but essentially you do as The Dude does.
JDesthubert - February 8, 2012
Hahaha. Sounds fun.
davisca - February 8, 2012
Phoenix just scored an ENG: 3-1 Yotes
WOOO!!
davisca - February 6, 2012
I love seeing the Wings lose in regulation!
how about them desert dogs! it was strangely like watching Predator hockey.
Only Fan In J.C. ? - February 6, 2012
I was thinking that, yeah. Very controlled and defensive.
davisca - February 6, 2012
so a win tomorrow puts the Preds 2 points back?
When was the last time the Preds were in first place? And by themselves?
djzielin - February 6, 2012
In 2007, I think?
davisca - February 6, 2012
they have always been first place by themselves…. in my heart
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
that’s kind of hokey… but I won’t make fun of you for it.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I meant it as hokey and cheesy. I enjoy all the making fun… have you never read anything I have posted? ;)
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
nope. can’t say that I have.
you should post serious material here on these sports websites!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
don't take ME serious either.
djzielin - February 6, 2012
lol! don’t worry my friend
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
who you calling friend, pal?!
djzielin - February 6, 2012
I don’t know buddy. I don’t know
Creeping Death - February 6, 2012
I think they were first or second in the western conference for about 2 days back around christmas 2009 if i am remembering correctly. But I could have made that up.
Joel Ward is my Homeboy - February 6, 2012
TSN Power Rankings
TSN Link
Oh yeah… up to 4th by the Canadian media! woo hoo!
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
From 7th, too!
Woop woop!
davisca - February 6, 2012
Google Trends
Check the region listing on the bottom:
http://www.google.com/trends/?q=%22nashville+predators%22
djzielin - February 6, 2012
But why is Finnish second in the language listing?
Mt. Juliet representin’!
OddManRush - February 7, 2012
Two words: Pekka Rinne
DonBorvio - February 7, 2012
Debbie Downer link of the evening
from the City Paper:
Trades look unlikely at the moment.
sucks to be us.
Shawn Kehoe - February 6, 2012
Sounds like trades look unlikely for the majority of people… I was a little worried about this (lots of buyers and very few sellers).
davisca - February 6, 2012
Take solace in the fact that Detroit just slid back to .500 on the road. :) We could be 2 points back with a win against NM tomorrow…
Marcus Newman - February 6, 2012
WOO!
davisca - February 6, 2012
Hopefully, in the next couple weeks – more will switch to sellers as they see they don’t have much of a chance of doing anything in the playoffs. We can see, by how the Preds are doing in the last month – is that his moves paid off last summer.
But, I can understand how hard it may be to get a deal done. Some teams may just offer more or players that more fit what that team wants. Not much he can do about that. It’s wait and see and any deal I feel, is going to be done close to the deadline this time.
DonBorvio - February 7, 2012
Exactly.
I think if he HAD more options, he would do something… the problem is that there aren’t a lot of options.
davisca - February 7, 2012
Meh
Poile put himself in that hole by sitting on his hands all summer.
Sam Page - February 7, 2012
and a check of the upcoming ufa list for this summer reveals pickings much slimmer than last year for forwards.
shoot the puck - February 7, 2012
Pretty good argument for building through draft picks and scouting. :)
Marcus Newman - February 7, 2012
Winner winner!
I’m a HUGE fan of being able to support yourself (i.e., drafting as beautifully as we have), and not having to rely on what other people have tossed out onto the curb. You can find some great stuff on the curb (see: Tits last year), but it’s great to know that you can reach into your drafted talent and find precisely what you’re looking for.
davisca - February 7, 2012
Other teams are saying the same thing, though. Someone made my exact same comment over on the Wild blog. It might be partly DP’s fault, but I think in general there aren’t a ton of options available right now for anyone.
davisca - February 7, 2012
CBJ has some of the absolute worst contracts in the NHL
Tyutin, Wiz, Carter, Methot, even Umberger… I really didn’t have any idea the hole was so deep. That franchise is desperately in need of a nuclear option.
Marcus Newman - February 7, 2012
Why’s Tyutin so bad? That’s market rate for his talent, position, and age. Methot’s $3 mill for the next three years, which isn’t so bad.
Geoff Detweiler - February 7, 2012
It’s not so much a single contract as the length and combination of them all. If the team wasn’t as bad as they are, maybe investing long term in a guy like Tyutin would look a little better. With the shape that they’re in, to me anyway, it just adds to the problem.
Methot’s just looks waaay over market to me. I think at best he is worth about half that.
Marcus Newman - February 7, 2012
Ah, that makes sense then. It’s a difficult line to walk though: They want to compete, and they thought they would this year, so you need a guy like Tyutin.
They’re kind of stuck in this constantly retooling, never rebuilding mode since there was never much of anything to tear down. It’s a tough spot.
Geoff Detweiler - February 7, 2012
Paul Stastny!!
I’d rather see them go after Paul Stastny than Jeff Carter. Much better overall game, and he’d fit better in the Nashville team system. He’s signed through 2014, which gives plenty of time to hem up Suter and Weber. But who/what to give up?
Think they also should go for Parise, in the off-season. Gotta spend money to make money!!
Mike Cr - February 7, 2012
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