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PHR Chat With Gavin Lee: 09/14/17
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Gavin Lee
6:59
What would you name them?
Asking for a friend.
7:00
Chances Tage Thompson and Klim Kostin end up on the opening night roster for the Blues? Both looked sharp in the prospect tournament
Gavin Lee
7:00
Boy did they.
Thompson was one of my standouts from the World Juniors last year, I thought he was pretty close to pro ready even then.
7:01
His debut with the Wolves didn't go as smooth, and I think he starts there again.
Kostin though...boy can he play.
Obviously depending on camp, but I think I might bring him along to start the year, just to see what happens.
One of the tough things for St. Louis this year, is that their AHL guys won't be coached by their staff.
Steve
7:02
I actually think it's okay focusing on being regional and expanding the footprint. NHL attendance numbers in terms of % filled are a little better than NBA with generally similar if not slightly more expensive tickets. RSN numbers seem to be about even as well with a few exceptions.
Gavin Lee
7:02
You know, I should clarify my point. I agree with you that having the NHL as a regional sport is a fine goal, if you accept that's what it is.
7:03
It's just that if you want to go national and make it a true big 4 competitor, I don't think expansion at this point is the way to do it.
Connor
7:03
I was against expansion from a logic standpoint, because of spreading talent thin, but on the other hand it doesn't have a massive effect if guys like Jagr and Franson (Franson has a wink wink but still) can't get contracts.
Gavin Lee
7:04
I think there is more going on than just no contracts offered to Jagr.
There is no way that no one has reached out.
Just that maybe there is no fit.
Asking for a friend.
7:04
personally I think if they can turn heads in camp, they almost have to bring them along to open up the season since they won't be coached by a blues staff in the AHL though.
Connor
7:05
And as far as St Louis's AHL situation goes if Kostin can play he'll still get good time so the top players shouldn't have an issue with playing time.
Gavin Lee
7:05
I don't mean playing time really, just that they won't be introduced to the St. Louis systems.
7:06
Hard to call a guy up mid season if he doesn't know anything you're running. Especially one with a language barrier and little experience in North American hockey.
Connor
7:06
And won't being introduced to the Vegas systems actually be beneficial when Vegas becomes relevant? Having guys who understand their system might be a slight advantage.
Gavin Lee
7:07
It might be a slight advantage, but if they want it video coaches can work with the players to understand what the other team is running anyway.
I'm not saying it's a huge disadvantage for the AHL guys, just that it's something to consider when sending them down.
Steve
7:08
Gavin, sakic seemed to think zadorv woukd be at camp today, how far away are they on a contract?
Gavin Lee
7:08
I thought the deal was done a long time ago, but there is some sticking point.
7:09
Sakic did expect him today, saying they were close enough. Why he said that if they weren't? I have no idea.
It's been such an odd situation all summer.
Steve
7:09
Are you surprised with what some FAs have had to settle for this offseason in terms of small contracts (Stafford) or PTOs? Some obviously make sense, but others it feels like there are these 25-30 point players or bottom pairing defensemen who can't even get a guaranteed deal or make more than $1M. I get that teams have some replacements in their system in some cases, but feels like a lot of contenders could have improved the bottom of their roster for a small investment.
Gavin Lee
7:10
The weirdest part of all that to me, is that with the increased minimum contracts signing guys like this comes at almost no risk.
7:11
Burying a player in the minors that is earning under $1.025 doesn't affect your cap at all.
I get that some teams can't afford that, as they're working on a budget
But bringing Daniel Winnik in on a $850K deal or something like it seems like a no-brainer to me.
7:12
Perhaps that's just cold, and teams want to avoid burying players if they can.
7:13
Sometimes when you're away from the people you can get more rational, but yes--it does surprise me with some of the PTO names.
Elvis
7:13
Local Las Vegan here. Give me a reason to watch the worst unis in sports this year.
Gavin Lee
7:13
Not a fan of the gray?
7:14
Shea Theodore is really good, and Vadim Shipachyov is going to make a bunch of highlight reels.
Vegas is going to be bad. They're not going to make the playoffs.
7:15
But BOY would some teams kill to have the draft stock you already have.
You can sew the captain's C onto your Cody Glass sweater already.
Richard Portillo
7:15
Really wishing for some honey mustard right now...
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