Rumours...

[Topher]

Stafford was given so many chances top lines top power play lines so everyone that says Ruff was hard on him it is because Stafford shows a lack of effort on the ice and isn't living up to the hype so yes since all these young guys have been stepping up he has fallen out of favor with Ruff but Ruff did give him plenty of chances.

[MSP4LYFE]

Stafford was given so many chances top lines top power play lines so everyone that says Ruff was hard on him it is because Stafford shows a lack of effort on the ice and isn't living up to the hype so yes since all these young guys have been stepping up he has fallen out of favor with Ruff but Ruff did give him plenty of chances.

Everyone is going to have a rough patches offensively, look no further than Vanek, but when your not scoring there are other ways to contribute, particulaurly on the defensive end or by providing some grit. Stafford, not unlike Afinogenov is one diminsional, when he isn't scoring he isn't contributing. Players like that don't traditionally suceed under Lindy Ruff, not unless they have elite finish, something Stafford obviously lack. I'm not blaming Ruff in any way here, merely suggesting that a different style and/or new atmosphere may be what the doctor ordered for Stafford.

Drew Stafford is a talented kid, I'm sure he can crack a top 6 somewhere in the NHL, but that's just my opinion, and I could be wrong.

[MSP4LYFE]

I can't believe how hard some of you Toronto fans are on Kaberle but it is always different for hometown fans just like things I think of Stafford that you may not see I don't see with Kaberle. It is just hard to believe because anytime I have seen him play I have always said I would take that guy on my team.

Two factors,

1. We need a forward in the worst kind of way, and Kaberle is our most tradeable asset to acquire one.

2. Kaberle has lost all interest in playing for T.O., he knew he was gone last season and completely gave up on the team, it hurt to watch him on many nights...

3. Grass is always greener on the other side?

[MSP4LYFE]

I thought Kassian was charged with assault?

Either way, Stafford + Kassian is a very mediocre return.

Kassian went 13th overall last season...Kaberle alone won't get us 13th this season.

This is far from a mediocre return, frankly I doubt Buffalo offered it. A legitimate young PF, and potential top 6 forward is FAR from a mediocre return, if you expect significantly more in a trade for Kaberle you are going to be very disapointed.

As for Kassian's situation, it too was a bar fight.

The Windsor Star has reported that the 19-year-old Kassian was arrested and later released early Sunday morning after an “altercation” with another man at a Windsor bar.

[Shep]

I thought Kassian was charged with assault?

Either way, Stafford + Kassian is a very mediocre return.

Kassian went 13th overall last season...Kaberle alone won't get us 13th this season.

This is far from a mediocre return, frankly I doubt Buffalo offered it. A legitimate young PF, and potential top 6 forward is FAR from a mediocre return, if you expect significantly more in a trade for Kaberle you are going to be very disapointed.

As for Kassian's situation, it too was a bar fight.

The Windsor Star has reported that the 19-year-old Kassian was arrested and later released early Sunday morning after an “altercation” with another man at a Windsor bar.

I expect practically nothing for him, so this would make sense actually.

[MSP4LYFE]

I expect practically nothing for him, so this would make sense actually.

Wow your really hating on Kassian...I think he has more potential than David Backes, not as good a skater, but bigger, stronger, meaner, and more skilled at the same stage of development, not to mention Drew Stafford, a potential top 6 forward. This is a FANTASTIC offer IMO.

[Scott]

I expect practically nothing for him, so this would make sense actually.

Wow your really hating on Kassian...I think he has more potential than David Backes, not as good a skater, but bigger, stronger, meaner, and more skilled at the same stage of development, not to mention Drew Stafford, a potential top 6 forward. This is a FANTASTIC offer IMO.

I agree with you Kareem.. Kabs is a bum anyway!!

[MSP4LYFE]

OMG Shep, I just read your post on HF broads, you think Clarkson + Tedenby/Josefsson is a fantastic offer, but you think Kassian + Stafford is mediocre...How does that make sense?

[Scott]

OMG Shep, I just read your post on HF broads, you think Clarkson + Tedenby/Josefsson is a fantastic offer, but you think Kassian + Stafford is mediocre...How does that make sense?

To be fair, the New Jersey offer is better..

[MSP4LYFE]

OMG Shep, I just read your post on HF broads, you think Clarkson + Tedenby/Josefsson is a fantastic offer, but you think Kassian + Stafford is mediocre...How does that make sense?

To be fair, the New Jersey offer is better..

On what grounds? Clarkson is a warrior and good ol kitchener kid, but to date he has proven to be nothing more than a 3rd liner, he certainly doesn't have the same skill set and upside as Stafford, and I think Kassian is unqestionably the best forward prospect of the three.

[Nick]

OMG Shep, I just read your post on HF broads, you think Clarkson + Tedenby/Josefsson is a fantastic offer, but you think Kassian + Stafford is mediocre...How does that make sense?

To be fair, the New Jersey offer is better..

On what grounds? Clarkson is a warrior and good ol kitchener kid, but to date he has proven to be nothing more than a 3rd liner, he certainly doesn't have the same skill set and upside as Stafford, and I think Kassian is unqestionably the best forward prospect of the three.

agree on all accounts kareem.

stafford & kassain is >> the the supposed NJD deal. IMO

[MSP4LYFE]

agree on all accounts kareem.

stafford & kassain is >> the the supposed NJD deal. IMO

Easily, but Clarkson is a big name round these parts (not sure why), and who doesn't have a hard on for the skilled sw3de?

[Shep]

Well, I am a big fan of Clarkson who I think has more offensive potential than Kassian. And Stafford I don't see much. He was given a chance in a top 6 role and hasn't done much.

I don't know, maybe I underrate them. Just difference in opinions.

[armandtanzarian]

my god..if this happens i will throw up. From Eklund...i know almost guarantees it wont happen...thank you.

Spezza to Boston for #2 overall "very much in play" (e4)

[MSP4LYFE]

my god..if this happens i will throw up. From Eklund...i know almost guarantees it wont happen...thank you.

Spezza to Boston for #2 overall "very much in play" (e4)

I would take Spezza over Seguin every day of the year...At the same age Spezza was superior, not to mention that he is prove, unfortunately that contract is massive. So you are correct Kyle, it wont happen.

[armandtanzarian]

Yea 7 mil to a team already deep at center and needing winger makes no sense...

[armandtanzarian]

interesting...Thats alot.

Quote:
SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL has offered Ilya Kovalchuk a $42M, 3-year contract (which makes its $14M per year), as reported by Russian newspaper Sport-Express.

In case Kovalchuk accepts the offer, he will also get a huge signing bonus.


http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/nhl...-year-202.html

[armandtanzarian]

Interesting one.

Source:Alex Semin may be involved in MAJOR Swap. "Watch Caps"

I wouldn't be shocked if Boston was in on this. Think Bergeron or Krejci in the mix for Semin. Was needs that top 2nd line center, Bos needs that winger. Wouldn't be surprised.

I could handle Lucic - Savard - Semin...Very weird combo but i am sure it could work

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/S ... ps/1/28660

[Shoalzie]

interesting...Thats alot.

Quote:
SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL has offered Ilya Kovalchuk a $42M, 3-year contract (which makes its $14M per year), as reported by Russian newspaper Sport-Express.

In case Kovalchuk accepts the offer, he will also get a huge signing bonus.


http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/nhl...-year-202.html

Cheese and rice...hard to compete with that.

[Tony]

Nice, Kovy ... nice.