Macdonald for Weight: is that it?

Question for Anaheim fans: does ANaheim need to or plan to clear any more cap space? In other words, is the Macdonald for Weight trade the last step taken this year? Or will they try to dump ODonnell or Beuchemin or Schneider.

You guys do have a super stacked defense, best in the league by far, but does that lead to any concern that someone like ODonnell wont get much playing time and will be unhappy?


From earlier discussions re your D, I gather that:

1.Beauchemin is cheap and very good, so you wanna keep him;
2. Schneider is xpensive, so other teams may not wanna pay for him (so u may be stuck);
3. Obviously Neids and Prongs are untouchable;
4. which leaves only ODOnnell...

So does ODonnel stay or go? Or do you keep this super defense and try to let go a foirward? Or just stand pat?

So many questions..

In a word, no.

Anaheim does not need to clear anymore space and they certainly shouldn't look to move a blue liner.
Niedermayer may/may not come back next year and so Anaheim would rather face the prospect of losing just one defenseman at the end of the year, rather then losing one and having another hole due to the trade of another. Hnidy and Dipenta can sit for the rest of the year and get their chance again next season.

They don't need to make anymore trades for salary cap reasons. Now, Burkey may trade off one of his extra defensemen (Hnidy or DiPenta), but that wouldn't be related to cap concerns.

It really depends on if Niedermayer is going to retire for certain this time. If he's not I don't see the Ducks wanting to break up Pronger/Schneider/Beauchemin/O'Donnell. If they trade one of them then that will be a hole that needs filled before next year. If he does return I would expect either Schneider (probably) or O'Donnell getting traded for strength up front.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised to see either Hnidy, Huskins or DiPenta traded fairly soon. The Ducks really don't need 8 d-men on the roster. Especially when you consider the 5 listed above & the need for some offensive strength.

O'donnell still gets plenty of ice time. The only two players who won't be getting ice time are DiPenta and Hnidy.

And seriously, who cares what they think anyway, our top four is god mode, and O'donnell and Huskins are no slouches. DiPenta and Hnidy however suck ass.

O'donnell still gets plenty of ice time. The only two players who won't be getting ice time are DiPenta and Hnidy.

And seriously, who cares what they think anyway, our top four is god mode, and O'donnell and Huskins are no slouches. DiPenta and Hnidy however suck ass.

Hnidy does not suck ass and is probably just as good as the overrated Huskins. Both are great #6 D-men :shakehead

Hnidy does not suck ass and is probably just as good as the overrated Huskins. Both are great #6 D-men :shakehead

See how often huskins get scratched for Hnidy or DiPenta.

The only spots those two compete for are eachother's.

They don't need to make anymore trades for salary cap reasons. Now, Burkey may trade off one of his extra defensemen (Hnidy or DiPenta), but that wouldn't be related to cap concerns.

Cap wise they are fine, but I still don't think they can resign Perry right now, which Burke said was a priority and that he would make another small deal after the holidays. I for one think we will see one of O'Donnell, Hiny, or Dipenta gone. Hoping that's it not OD, but I think there is a good chance it might be him.

Can someone do the numbers and see how much tagging room we need to clear to get Perry locked up? Obviously no one knows the exact number, but a good estimate would work. I wonder if trading May and waiving Dipenta would work?

All in all a trade is not needed, but we might see a small one in the future because Burke is making Perry a priority.

Hnidy does not suck ass and is probably just as good as the overrated Huskins. Both are great #6 D-men :shakehead

I don't think Hindy sucks a$$, but I don't mind seeing him in the pressbox. He's a solid 6th guy, but not in Huskins league IMO.

Hnidy certainly doesn't suck...in fact I think that he is very solid. The problem is that Huskins brings a little more skill and speed to the lineup. Besides S. Nieds, speed is something that the defense doesn't really possess.

I think we can all agree DiPenta does suck ass, however.

Cap wise they are fine, but I still don't think they can resign Perry right now, which Burke said was a priority and that he would make another small deal after the holidays. I for one think we will see one of O'Donnell, Hiny, or Dipenta gone. Hoping that's it not OD, but I think there is a good chance it might be him.

Can someone do the numbers and see how much tagging room we need to clear to get Perry locked up? Obviously no one knows the exact number, but a good estimate would work. I wonder if trading May and waiving Dipenta would work?

All in all a trade is not needed, but we might see a small one in the future because Burke is making Perry a priority.
The math is easy. Weight freed up ~2.4 million (3.3 - the 900k the Ducks were short). So depending on how much you think Perry is going to get, the Ducks would have to free up 2 million.

And waiving DiPenta does NOTHING, he's on an expiring contract. Trading May frees up May's 600k. Someone significant will have to be moved to re-sign Perry. I think Burke is just going to stall that until the offseason.

Don't know how much they make, or if this would clear enough room, but I would think either Hnidy or, more likely, DiPenta will get moved.

If the sole purpose of a deal is needed in order to sign Perry then DiPenta will not be dealt. His salary dump does not free up tagging space as he is not signed next year. Neither is Huskins. I believe they will need about $4,000,000to sign Perry. That means approximately an additional 1,700,000 must be moved for those under contract next year. If the solid 5 are retained then that leaves Hnidy, May and Marchant as the possible candidates. Hnidy and May each make $600,000 and Marchant gets 2,350,000. Figure the math. O'Donnell makes $1,250,000 so he along with May may do the trick. If OD is moved the they will retain Hnidy along with DiPenta.

I would hate to lose Marchant. He gives the team many options (faceoffs, speed, PK and he can play on multiple lines).

O'donnell still gets plenty of ice time. The only two players who won't be getting ice time are DiPenta and Hnidy.

And seriously, who cares what they think anyway, our top four is god mode, and O'donnell and Huskins are no slouches. DiPenta and Hnidy however suck ass.

Hnidy is probably the perfect candiate for 7th dman/ xtra forward slot. He's reliable and cheap and can play forward and defense.

Signing old man May for 2 years was a dumbo move though.:shakehead

And is all this assumng Selanne WILL return? Or will his return change things?

And is all this assumng Selanne WILL return? Or will his return change things?

IMO Selanne isn't coming back.

IMO Selanne isn't coming back.

But IF he does, that increases the team's cap hit and therefor makes it more necessary to dump someone, right? How much salary/cap space would Selanne add?

As I see it, there are two things that could potentially force Anaheim to dump someone (whetehr that someone be May or Odonnell or whomever):

1. signing extension with Perry;

2. return of Selanne;

What if both happens?

But IF he does, that increases the team's cap hit and therefor makes it more necessary to dump someone, right? How much salary/cap space would Selanne add?

As I see it, there are two things that could potentially force Anaheim to dump someone (whetehr that someone be May or Odonnell or whomever):

1. signing extension with Perry;

2. return of Selanne;

What if both happens?

Cap space this year isn't the issue. Perry's new deal, no matter when it's signed, would not kick in until next year. If he returns, Selanne will not sign beyond the end of this season, so the tagging rule does not come into effect. On top of that, because he's not playing the whole season, his salary is pro-rated, meaning if we gave him $1.5 million to play half a season, it would be equivalent to $3 million for a full season (that is to say, we wouldn't be paying him $6 million to come play 40 or so games; if he wanted the same he made last year, the amount of cap hit would be roughly halved). I'm not sure exactly how much cap room we have left, but if Teemu really wants to return, the money's there.

well, I'm extremely doubtful that we do both, but I'd see it working like this.

Perry most likely wants to stay in Anaheim so Burke makes an unwritten agreement with him to wait till the season is over to make a deal. (don't give me the "it didn't work with penner" argument, Penner was purposely holding out, I don't think Perry would do that, but who knows)

So perry waits, we free up money to sign selanne, then if niedermayer retires and most likely selanne, we have more than enough to re sign perry.

However, I really don't think Selanne is coming back. We can hope though.

I don't think Hindy sucks a$$, but I don't mind seeing him in the pressbox. He's a solid 6th guy, but not in Huskins league IMO.

Craziness. Huskins has played better than Beauchemin this season IMO.

If he returns, Selanne will not sign beyond the end of this season, so the tagging rule does not come into effect.

Now, if Selanne is signed to a 1 year deal, wouldn't his expiring contract add to the tagging dollars we already have, thus making it possible to re-sign Perry without moving anyone?

No it won't since it's a one-year deal and not a contract extension.

well, I'm extremely doubtful that we do both, but I'd see it working like this.

Perry most likely wants to stay in Anaheim so Burke makes an unwritten agreement with him to wait till the season is over to make a deal. (don't give me the "it didn't work with penner" argument, Penner was purposely holding out, I don't think Perry would do that, but who knows)

So perry waits, we free up money to sign selanne, then if niedermayer retires and most likely selanne, we have more than enough to re sign perry.

However, I really don't think Selanne is coming back. We can hope though.

I don't want to risk Perry seeing RFA, and I don't think Burke does either...

If we deal almost anyone signed through next year, we have should have enough tagging room to sign Perry

I don't want to risk Perry seeing RFA, and I don't think Burke does either...

If we deal almost anyone signed through next year, we have should have enough tagging room to sign Perry

I agree, but if Selanne wanted to come back that's the road we'd probably have to take.

Question for Anaheim fans: does ANaheim need to or plan to clear any more cap space? In other words, is the Macdonald for Weight trade the last step taken this year? Or will they try to dump ODonnell or Beuchemin or Schneider.
In an interview, Burke has said he will make a "minor trade" in the new year. By minor, I think he means Huskins, DiPenta, or Hindy. We just have one too many Dmen and he will probably try and move one of them.

I do not expect him to make another major trade this year unless the Ducks fall apart or have several significant injuries.

Hnidy does not suck ass and is probably just as good as the overrated Huskins. Both are great #6 D-men :shakehead

+1. Huskins is overrated on this board by a wide margin.

I think Burke will try to move Marchant if possible or O'D so he can re-sign Perry. As mentioned, DiPenta is not under contract for the next season, so moving Hnidy makes more sence.

I don't want to risk Perry seeing RFA, and I don't think Burke does either...

If we deal almost anyone signed through next year, we have should have enough tagging room to sign Perry
Perry never has to hit free agency. Unless next year's cap rises significantly and the owners are willing to let the Ducks spend above this year's salary cap (50.3 million), the bottom line is salary will have to be freed somehow. Either with a retirement or a trade, likely after the Ducks' season is over. But there's a 2 week minimum window when he can do this and then re-sign Perry without Perry hitting RFA.

On the other hand if the owners are willing to spend it's possible that Perry could just hit RFA and they use the salary cap increase to sign him. But salary is still going to have to be moved to fill in the roughly 3-4 open roster spots that will be opened.

Expect someone to be moved at the draft.

Wow this is more than a little bit confusing. But I think the bottom line is that even if Selanne comes back for this year, it'll be ok cap-wise cuz Perry's deal wont kick in til next year. So, it is possible for the Ducks to keep all their major players this year (incl Odonnell, Schneider etc) AND have Selanne play this year, without screwing up Perry's extension.

Is that statement correct?

+1. Huskins is overrated on this board by a wide margin.

DiPenta and Hnidy make the highlight reel every single game. They are the guys wearing Duck jersey's getting beat badly by the opposing teams all-stars. Huskins? Not so much.

Also, I do not think Selanne will want to play on the same team as Bertuzzi.

+1. Huskins is overrated on this board by a wide margin.

Disagree. He's an absolute demon with the puck especially in his own zone and rarely turns it over. He never gets caught up ice and is an above average 1-1 player defensively. It helps to play with good players but I think on many teams he would be a 2nd pairing defenseman and a pretty solid one. Most nights he's not noticable which is a good thing.

Also, I do not think Selanne will want to play on the same team as Bertuzzi.

You mean the same way Selanne didn't want to play on the same team as Pronger? Gotcha.

+1. Huskins is overrated on this board by a wide margin.
I see Huskins as a good #5 and possibly a so-so #4. He's definitely below O'Donnell. He may be a #3 somday because he's got good a decent 2-way game but I think he'll top out a #4. I haven't seen many people saying he's better than that so I don't see a lot of overrating. Unless you think I'm also overrating him.

What I notice is he can skate the puck out of the zone quite well, and he rarely has a bad giveaway. And he's quite good at breaking up a rush, mostly with a good pokecheck. I see a lot of smart, understated plays out of him. He's really won me over, I didn't think much of him at first.

I see Huskins as a good #5 and possibly a so-so #4. He's definitely below O'Donnell. He may be a #3 somday because he's got good a decent 2-way game but I think he'll top out a #4. I haven't seen many people saying he's better than that so I don't see a lot of overrating. Unless you think I'm also overrating him.

What I notice is he can skate the puck out of the zone quite well, and he rarely has a bad giveaway. And he's quite good at breaking up a rush, mostly with a good pokecheck. I see a lot of smart, understated plays out of him. He's really won me over, I didn't think much of him at first.

This is my feeling as well so I guess it depends on what people mean by overrated. I also think he'll be a #4 defenseman on this team eventually because he's solid in his own zone and can really skate and makes a decent first pass, if that's overrating than I'm guilty I guess.

I see Huskins as a good #5 and possibly a so-so #4. He's definitely below O'Donnell. He may be a #3 somday because he's got good a decent 2-way game but I think he'll top out a #4. I haven't seen many people saying he's better than that so I don't see a lot of overrating. Unless you think I'm also overrating him.

LOL. That's what I'm talking about, the name Huskins and the term #3 should never be uttered in the same sentence. I don't care if you emphasize the word "may" between them.

His ice time in a tight game against a good team (San Jose Tuesday) is pretty indicative to me: 11 minutes. Against the same team with the same tight score Sunday Hnidy got 12 minutes.


What I notice is he can skate the puck out of the zone quite well, and he rarely has a bad giveaway. And he's quite good at breaking up a rush, mostly with a good pokecheck. I see a lot of smart, understated plays out of him. He's really won me over, I didn't think much of him at first.

The flashy skating with the puck catches everyone's eye, I think. Most of the time I'm yelling at him to head-man the puck to his open forwards.

I'm not saying he's bad, just overrated.

His ice time in a tight game against a good team (San Jose Tuesday) is pretty indicative to me: 11 minutes. Against the same team with the same tight score Sunday Hnidy got 12 minutes.


The difference between Huskins and Hnidy is that Hnidy will only play from here on out if someone is injured. Huskins has a regular roster spot.

Obviously Carlyle knows which player deserves to be in the lineup.

LOL. That's what I'm talking about, the name Huskins and the term #3 should never be uttered in the same sentence. I don't care if you emphasize the word "may" between them.

His ice time in a tight game against a good team (San Jose Tuesday) is pretty indicative to me: 11 minutes. Against the same team with the same tight score Sunday Hnidy got 12 minutes.

But I didn't say he's a #3 now. That's just what I think his absolute upside is. Just like how Ryan's upside is an offensive superstar. But I even said I expect him to top out at a #4, like how I expect Ryan to top out as a 2nd liner, if even that much. Fine, maybe I'm overrating his upside. It's the future, I'm don't have any say or stake on if my opinion comes true. The only thing I really care about is the now.

Right now he's #5-quality. But with the way the team is built, he's a clearly the 6th defenseman at best (maybe 7th if you like Hnidy better). He's behind Niedermayer, Pronger, Schneider, Beauchemin, and O'Donnell. How is there any overrating in saying that? And don't forget that Huskins' play is why Burke felt he could let O'Brien go.

Regarding the ice time you point to. Sure, that seems to indicate that Hnidy and Huskins are about equal. But that's 1 game each. Now compare ice times for the entire season. Huskins averages 17+ minutes, Hnidy 13 minutes. Huskins also averages more time in all situations: even strength, shorthanded and on the powerplay. Excluding Niedermayer, Huskins is 4th in defensemen in ice time in all situations. Huskins has not been healthy scratched this year, missing 6 games with an injury, while Hnidy has been healthy scratched 4 times. It's apparent the coaches also see him as a decent bit better than Hnidy.

No offense, but Huskins is a 28-year-old who didn't start playing in the NHL until partway through last year. I agree full-heartedly that he's clearly surpassed everyone's expectations from when Anaheim signed him to a contract in the summer of 2005, but to expect that as a 28-year-old, he'll continue to improve by similar leaps and bounds might be a little misguided. Comparing his development to a player like Ryan, who is 8 years younger and has a track record of offensive excellence just doesn't make sense. I feel that with Huskins, what we see at this point, is what we will see for the remainder of his career. There aren't many break-out 30-year-olds and Huskins isn't particularly a player who would suddenly benefit from a different playing system or different interpretations on the rules. He has already beaten the odds and in my mind established himself as an NHL player, I just don't think his development curve has much upwards motion left on it.

I'm very content with Huskins on the bottom pairing, personally I'd rather see him playing with O'donnell and have Schneider with Pronger as our top line, but either way the past few games it's been a luxury to not have to worry about any of the defensemen we have on the ice.

Whether Huskins has upside or not, I think he'll become more confident as the season goes on and that will improve his game on it's own.

Craziness. Huskins has played better than Beauchemin this season IMO.

He's played very well, but I think it's a stretch to say he's played better then Beauchemin.

But I didn't say he's a #3 now. That's just what I think his absolute upside is.

No offense intended, I think that is a joke.


Regarding the ice time you point to. Sure, that seems to indicate that Hnidy and Huskins are about equal. But that's 1 game each. Now compare ice times for the entire season. Huskins averages 17+ minutes, Hnidy 13 minutes. Huskins also averages more time in all situations: even strength, shorthanded and on the powerplay. Excluding Niedermayer, Huskins is 4th in defensemen in ice time in all situations. Huskins has not been healthy scratched this year, missing 6 games with an injury, while Hnidy has been healthy scratched 4 times. It's apparent the coaches also see him as a decent bit better than Hnidy.

Huskins has been in this system for a full year already and played for Carlyle in Manitoba. I attribute the difference in ice time and games played a lot on Carlyle's coaching style of playing *his* guys. Lacking Niedermayer and Schneider to start the season Randy had to give those minutes to someone and I don't think its any surprise that more went to Huskins than the new guy Hnidy.

Might also have been based on Hnidy's wretched start to the season.

No offense, but Huskins is a 28-year-old who didn't start playing in the NHL until partway through last year. I agree full-heartedly that he's clearly surpassed everyone's expectations from when Anaheim signed him to a contract in the summer of 2005, but to expect that as a 28-year-old, he'll continue to improve by similar leaps and bounds might be a little misguided. Comparing his development to a player like Ryan, who is 8 years younger and has a track record of offensive excellence just doesn't make sense. I feel that with Huskins, what we see at this point, is what we will see for the remainder of his career. There aren't many break-out 30-year-olds and Huskins isn't particularly a player who would suddenly benefit from a different playing system or different interpretations on the rules. He has already beaten the odds and in my mind established himself as an NHL player, I just don't think his development curve has much upwards motion left on it.
I wasn't comparing Huskins to Ryan so much as just giving an example of what I mean by "absolute upside." You're right, Ryan can improve far more than Huskins can, because he's so much younger and so much less refined.

But is it that much of a stretch to say I think he can improve from a #5 to a #4? Yes Huskins is pretty much done developing physically and skills-wise, he's already at his physical prime at 28. But also only played a total of 64 NHL games (85 including playoffs). So I think he still has room to improve in terms of the mental aspect of the game. He's not benefiting from a different system or rule interpretation so much as he'll now know more how to play in the league, player tendencies, when he can cheat or pinch, etc.

Just look at how much he's improved from last year to this year. It's not because he improved his skating or stickhandling or anything, it's just that he's more confident and playing less conservatively now. Right now I see some tools, like his good skating and ability to carry the puck around forecheckers while rarely losing it, that can be used more effectively with experience. And like Hank has mentioned, Huskins could improve in outlet passing. I feel like he's a decent enough passer, he just doesn't really look for it much. That's another thing that I think might improve with some experience and confidence. He seems to have good hockey sense in terms of very rarely making mistakes, so I have hopes for an improvement in terms of vision.

Huskins has been in this system for a full year already and played for Carlyle in Manitoba. I attribute the difference in ice time and games played a lot on Carlyle's coaching style of playing *his* guys. Lacking Niedermayer and Schneider to start the season Randy had to give those minutes to someone and I don't think its any surprise that more went to Huskins than the new guy Hnidy.

Possible, but Hnidy's scratches all came this month (Dec 2, 5, 18, 19). If Carlyle's still favoring Huskins because Hnidy is the new guy, 3 months into the season, it's unlikely to change anytime soon. It's also possible that Carlyle has all the observations he needs to conclude that Huskins is just a downright better defenseman.

BTW, I'd like to add that your mentioning of Huskins playing only 11 minutes might have something to do with the fact that that was his first game back from injury. And that other than the prior game where he got injured, Huskins lowest TOI is 13:36.

Barring injury, I think the #6 spot will rotate between Hnidy and Huskins based on who we're playing (needing toughness vs. offensive/puck handling ability), who's playing well, things like that.

The two bring about the same impact at the NHL level, they just make that impact in different ways.

If anyone cares, McDonald seems to be fitting in pretty well with the Blues.

If anyone cares, McDonald seems to be fitting in pretty well with the Blues.
McDonald? Psh. This thread has nothing to do with McDonald. It's about Huskins, Hnidy, and Selanne. Oh I'll add a Drew Miller comment too.

Drew Miller needs to go on a diet.

4 points in 2 games for Andy Mac. Notice also that every point was also assisted by Kariya. They're just meant for each other.

Hnidy is terrible. He has no composure with the puck, NO offensive awareness, and has a below average shot. His Hockey IQ is probably what hurts him most. He is a pretty good skater but not as good as Huskins. The only thing I'll give him an edge over Husky is his aggressiveness.

Hnidy is terrible. He has no composure with the puck, NO offensive awareness, and has a below average shot. His Hockey IQ is probably what hurts him most. He is a pretty good skater but not as good as Huskins. The only thing I'll give him an edge over Husky is his aggressiveness.

Agreed.

No offense, but Huskins is a 28-year-old who didn't start playing in the NHL until partway through last year. I agree full-heartedly that he's clearly surpassed everyone's expectations from when Anaheim signed him to a contract in the summer of 2005, but to expect that as a 28-year-old, he'll continue to improve by similar leaps and bounds might be a little misguided. Comparing his development to a player like Ryan, who is 8 years younger and has a track record of offensive excellence just doesn't make sense. I feel that with Huskins, what we see at this point, is what we will see for the remainder of his career. There aren't many break-out 30-year-olds and Huskins isn't particularly a player who would suddenly benefit from a different playing system or different interpretations on the rules. He has already beaten the odds and in my mind established himself as an NHL player, I just don't think his development curve has much upwards motion left on it.

Don't be so certain that Huskins is done developing. Notice what happened with our own Francois Beauchemin, even at a fairly old age. Beauchemin went from waiver wire 7th dman to top pairing guy between the ages of 25 and 28. Now, Huskins is already 28, but I'm sure you see my point. Regardless of age, certain players are able to continually improve their level of play. Better coaching, more experience, and a lot of great leaders and veterans on this team certainly play a big role. Hell, Brett Clark finally established himself as a legit NHL defenseman at 29, and has probably only gotten better since. Philippe Boucher made the jump from decent top 4 guy to top pairing guy(and all-star, I might add) at 32. The point is, there are many defensemen who have their breakouts at a high age, and they too continue to improve, so don't count Kent out just yet. Hell, with a full season with this team and the coaching staff, it wouldn't surprise me to see Husk establish himself as an excellent bottom pairing guy or even a borderline top 4 guy in the near future.

I've watched Huskins all season and I like him. He plays hard, keeps his head up, and skates with the puck better than most.

Hnidy started HORRIBLE and still hasnt redeemed himself.

Hnidy started HORRIBLE and still hasnt redeemed himself.

Hnidy was horrible in the first 5-10 games but he has been MUCH better since. Better than DiPenta that's for sure.

after the big money and offer sheets rfa ufa players are going to test the market why take 3mill when tou can get 6

Since Hnidy never has that highlight real play most people here will never notice anything good he does. So until Huskins makes a key mistake (happens to all Dmen) most here will continue the Huskins is god and Hnidy sucks feellings.

Lux had it right

Hnidy vs Tougher Teams
Huskins vs Finesse Teams

Makes sense

Lux had it right

Hnidy vs Teams when Ducks have injuries
Huskins vs All teams

Makes sense

fixed for you.

fixed for you.


We'll see as soon as the Ducks lose a game what the first change to the lineup will be.

after the big money and offer sheets rfa ufa players are going to test the market why take 3mill when tou can get 6

If you're talking about Perry, it's a thing called loyalty. Not all players are jackasses out for the money. Perry likes it here, I imagine, and wouldn't want to leave. I could see him take $3-4 million.

If you're talking about Perry, it's a thing called loyalty. Not all players are jackasses out for the money. Perry likes it here, I imagine, and wouldn't want to leave. I could see him take $3-4 million.

But if I got a 32 million offer over 5 years (or something huge like that) from some team, I would leave. At the end of the day, you gotta go where you get paid. Like we all thought Penner would turn down the offer from the oil, but nope. He set his whole family for life with that contract. I would fully expect Perry to leave for 2 extra million a year, and a long contract.

I could see him take $3-4 million.

Not gonna happen. He will not go for less than Kunitz, but maybe not as much at Getz. Depends simple on how many goals they get. If Perry leads the team in scoring, I say 5.5 mil. If Getz beats him, 4.75 mil.

But if I got a 32 million offer over 5 years (or something huge like that) from some team, I would leave. At the end of the day, you gotta go where you get paid. Like we all thought Penner would turn down the offer from the oil, but nope. He set his whole family for life with that contract. I would fully expect Perry to leave for 2 extra million a year, and a long contract.

I'm not certain this is a sure thing anymore. Look at Vanek and Penner, prior to him heating up a little. When you're the big time RFA signing, there's tons of pressure on you to deliver. Plus, there aren't really that many teams that can afford to invest $6 million or so in Perry, especially considering that he's definetely not a $6 million player right now.

You guys definetely downplay loyalty. Was Penner loyal, no, definetely not, but that doesn't mean Perry isn't. Look at Getzlaf. He's establishing himself as an elite player, and has all the tools to be one of the best for a long time. He easily would've made more on the open market, but he stayed here. Like I said, Anaheim's a nice place to play. Hell, Lupul still doesn't want to leave. And Perry and Getzlaf are pretty tight, I imagine. There are a lot of intangibles people forget when talking about free agents. Also consider that Perry is the #2 man for the future in this organization. So, once this next contract's up, he'll then get his money with this team. All in all, it makes a bit of sense for Perry to stay here.

Not gonna happen. He will not go for less than Kunitz, but maybe not as much at Getz. Depends simple on how many goals they get. If Perry leads the team in scoring, I say 5.5 mil. If Getz beats him, 4.75 mil.

There's no way he deserves around what Getzlaf has. Getzlaf is establishing himself as an elite center in this league. He does it all, and he has little to no holes in his game. Perry, on the other hand, can put the puck in the net, and is a damn fine player, but notice that he sits 6th on the team in assists, which is dumbfounding, considering he plays on a line with the team's other top goal scorers. Getzlaf is the total package and franchise player, and Perry is a very good offensive first liner. There is a huge difference. I do think he should get more than Kunitz, although not a large amount, as Kunitz also brings a ton to the team that Perry doesn't. Thinking on it a little more, $4-4.5 million is probably most accurate. There's no way he deserves $5 million. Not a chance.

A little off topic, but damn you Kevin Lowe. Lupul scored 29 in his second season and got a little over $2 million. Now these guys are doing similar things in their second full seasons and are gonna hit the jackpot. Honestly, it ain't right.

Barring injury, I think the #6 spot will rotate between Hnidy and Huskins based on who we're playing (needing toughness vs. offensive/puck handling ability), who's playing well, things like that.

The two bring about the same impact at the NHL level, they just make that impact in different ways.

I really don't think we will see them rotate. I think Huskins will play 7 of 8 games most of the time. I think people overrate Hindy's physical ability. He's a good player, and the perfect 6th or 7th guy, but his ability is way behind Huskins IMO. I wouldn't mind him every once in a while, but huskins should have the spot 90% of the time. I don't think there is any team in the league that we have to intentionally put Hindy in for. We're plenty tough with out him. The only time we should see Hindy is if someone is pretty sore or nursing an injury. The depth makes it easier to give someone time off to heal an injury.

I really would love to have O'Brien back though. But I love our defense the way it is.

Well, I gotta say you guys sure are lucky with ur defense: ur Number 1-4 is locked up in their roles, so the only thing you have left to debate about is your 5 and 6 !!

Then again, Schneider is old and Neids will probably retire after this year, so what is today your number 5-6 may become ur 3-4 soon... so I suppose from a succession point of view it's relevant.