bekim

Just happy it wasn't us.

Now let's be reasonable and sign Huselius as a good bet project for 60 pts. Throw 3.5 million at him and call it a summer. Effectively stops the major bleeding, and we'll examine how to improve at the trade deadline. [Let the naysaying ensue about how he's played 41 games over the last 2 seasons... literally is the only talented option left out there who can be had for mid-level money].

I cant remember the exact quote but i think it was Conte that said something to the extent of "X player plays alot like zubrus, which is something we wish we had more of." He said it around the time of the draft this year i think. It just showed how much the team values what he brings.

Ah, right, we need more career 40-pt players on the top 2 lines. No ZP, no problem!! I love Zubrus as much as the next guy. He has amazing hustle. Never takes a night or shift off. He also has stone hands. If anyone is gonna realistically look at the deficit left in the wake of the ZP departure, they're going to see that we need more offense up front.

Zubrus tops out around 40 points. Can we realistically expect Elias to repeat his season from last year? Does anyone realistically think Kovalchuk will out do last year's numbers? Or that Clarkson can repeat 30 goals when it seemed like 10 of them went in off his ass last year? Even an optimistic projection with Henrique not slumping and upping his point total... and Elias repeating... and Kovy repeating... and Clarkson not falling off TOO much... if you assume all that, there's still quite a gap in what we have.

It's way optimistic to think that Butler or Tedenby can join the top 6 and make up for 35+ goals and 75+ pts.

A guy like Huselius, who yes has been injured... at least has consistently thrown 60 pts a season. Why not take a gamble on someone like that on a cheap 1 year deal and not be forced to rely on the likes of Zubrus or Butler to fill unrealistic expectations?

Henrique-Zajac-Kovalchuk
Zubrus-Elias-Clarkson
Butler-Josefson-Tedenby
Bernier-Gionta-Carter

or:
Henrique-Zajac-Kovalchuk
Huselius-Elias-Clarkson
Butler-Josefson-Zubrus
Bernier-Gionta-Carter

*A lot stronger top 9 sans Tedenby and with an experiment like Huselius. If Tedenby wants in, let him earn it over Butler or Bernier. Why some of you think that any of this is sacrilege, I do not know. As it stands now, we're missing a potential 60 goals (ZP/Sykora). Yes, Zajac missed most of last year so it's not entirely accurate, but Henrique/Elias stepped it up big time last season to fill that void.

Personally, I'd sign Huselius AND Sykora to 1-year deals and let Butler/Tedenby work their asses off if they wanna play in the NHL.

Huselius (LW) is probably the best reclamation project. Guy seems to be able to score 20 goals. Is a few years younger than Sykora with more upside.

I'd be more comfortable with him in the top 6 than Syk or Zubs or Tedenby... but I honestly just don't think Tedenby is gonna make it in the NHL period.

wouldn't mind inviting O'Sullivan to camp as a tryout. liked to shoot the puck a lot (at some point), but never seemed to catch on or live up to expectations. 27 yrs old.

devs are such a tease. we know this is just a precursor to a major Semin announcement. a boy can dream.