Regarding your roster, I don't think TB would replace Mikkelson in the lineup with Mark Eaton based on skill-set, let alone play Eaton in the top-4 over Brian Lee. Paying Eaton $2.6 million for a few seasons when you can slot Mikkelson (or someone else) on the bottom-pairing for cheap is...let's just say that is not the best use of your cap space.
Also, I don't understand why you think Chris Kelly will leave Boston and choose Tampa over what, assuredly, would be multiple suitors if he hits UFA, for only $100k more than he made this past season. I like Kelly and I like the idea of him centering the 3rd line, but if the Lightning want him, it's probably going to take around $3 million per for his services.
Let's hope that, if Suter does wind up in Tampa as you projected, that he signs a long-term deal that is structured so that the AAV is lower than the $7.2 million figure you used.
Finally, as bright as this team's future looks in regards to the talent being stockpiled in the system, I find it unrealistic to expect Yzerman to start the season with 3 rookies skating in the Lightning's top-9.
Sorry to nitpick but I'll be sure to submit my own hypothetical rosters for you to find fault with in turn. :-)
Last edited by nhljohnson: 04-28-2012 at 03:46 PM.
I just don't know how you'd want Mik or Lee over Eaton, who is proven and WAY more stable than both in the top four. Mik and Lee were awful at the end of the year, with the exception of a hint of offense from Lee.
Oh and Suter would leave if the price is right. Guys want to get paid. BUT, I agree, I think he ends up elsewhere.
Ryan Malone ($4.500m) / Vincent Lecavalier ($7.727m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
Erik Christensen ($0.950m) / Steven Stamkos ($7.500m) / Teddy Purcell ($2.363m)
Tom Pyatt ($0.600m) / Steven Reinprecht ($1.800m) / Brett Connolly ($1.633m)
Cory Conacher ($0.871m) / Nate Thompson ($0.900m) / J.T. Brown ($1.350m)
DEFENSEMEN
Victor Hedman ($4.000m) / Eric Brewer ($3.875m)
Brad Stuart ($4.150m) / Carlo Colaiacovo ($2.300m)
Brian Lee ($1.250m) / Keith Aulie ($0.850m)
Marc-Andre Bergeron ($1.000m)
GOALTENDERS
Jonathan Bernier ($1.250m)
Mathieu Garon ($1.300m)
BUYOUTS
Vinny Prospal ($1.167m)
Obviously Ohlund on LTIR. $7,338,977 in cap space left.
I just don't know how you'd want Mik or Lee over Eaton, who is proven and WAY more stable than both in the top four.
The biggest reason? $$$. Combined, Lee and Mikkelson will probably won't cost much less than $2.6 million (which is what you suggested the Lightning use on Eaton) and thus means there is additional flexibility for other moves that need to be made.
Not to knock the guy, but Mark Eaton isn't a guy to lose any sleep over not having on your roster.
Quote:
Mik and Lee were awful at the end of the year, with the exception of a hint of offense from Lee.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Mikkelson, Lee and Aulie all fit a similar mold the organization treasures: big-bodied, mobile D capable of grinding in the corners and moving the puck efficiently. Mikkelson and Lee looked particularly comfortable skating the puck out of the zone looking for an outlet pass. And, yes, Lee, as he demonstrated, has the most offensive potential of the three.
The Lightning could do worse than Moore; it's a thin FA crop of centers. I wouldn't mind it but I don't see Yzerman paying a premium for Gaustad or Kelly, presuming they are even available come July 1.
I fixed mine..
Mason Raymond ($1.600m) / Vincent Lecavalier ($7.727m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m)
P-A Parenteau ($2.000m) / Steven Stamkos ($7.500m) / Teddy Purcell ($2.363m)
Cory Conacher ($0.871m) / Frans Nielsen ($2.750m) / J.T. Brown ($1.350m)
Pierre-Cedric Labrie ($0.525m) / Dominic Moore ($1.100m) / Brett Connolly ($1.633m)
Dana Tyrell ($0.600m) / Alexander Killorn ($0.875m) / Richard Panik ($0.900m)
Tom Pyatt ($0.600m) / Nate Thompson ($0.900m) / J.T. Wyman ($0.525m)
DEFENSEMEN
Victor Hedman ($4.000m) / Ryan Suter ($7.000m)
Marc-Andre Bergeron ($1.000m) / Eric Brewer ($3.875m)
Brian Lee ($0.971m) / Keith Aulie ($0.578m)
GOALTENDERS
Roberto Luongo ($5.333m)
Mathieu Garon ($1.300m)
BUYOUTS
Vinny Prospal ($1.167m) / Mattias Ohlund (-$0.414m)
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CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $64,254,416; BONUSES: $1,760,000
CAP SPACE (26-man roster): $45,584
Obviously Ohlund on LTIR. $7,338,977 in cap space left.
To be clear, if Ohlund is placed on LTIR indefinitely, the Lightning only get cap relief if they spend above the cap ceiling (whatever it is set at) up to the amount of the AAV of his contract.
Ohlund is still listed because the Lightning aren't spending above the cap in the scenario (which assumes he isn't bought out, isn't traded and doesn't retire).
I couldn't use ranges so the AAV figures for the generic free agents are meant to be mid-points of what I might expect would be spent on those signings.
Last edited by nhljohnson: 04-28-2012 at 05:37 PM.
As shown, this scenario assumes Ohlund is put on LTIR for the season. The Lightning would be approximately $2 million under the cap if Ohlund was sent to Vancouver in the trade for Luongo.
This thread is very dangerous. You are attempting to know the mind of God, which no mere mortal should ever contemplate. Just a momentary glance would mean instant insanity.
Stop before unleash forces beyond your comprehension.
- 5 20 goal scorers in the top 6 + the AHL's leading goal scorer. Should be a scary offense.
- 3rd line gets a major offensive upgrade, also very sound defensively. Might be a bit small though.
- 4th line brings a ton of energy, adequate scoring potential
- Adam Hall, the faceoff hero.
- Top 4 D looks plenty good (assuming Aulie plays up to potential).
- Girardi prob isn't available, but a player like him would be ideal. Allows Brewer to bring some stability to the 2nd line.
- Bottom 4 Dmen could be a toss up. Mikkelson/Lee is just fine as a 5/6.
- Bergeron looked surprisingly good before he got hurt. I could see him getting a good chunk of 5on5 time with our #1 forward line. Only played half a season but still finished 6th on the team in scoring
- Barberio is a wild card. He could make the top 6 dmen, or he could play another yr in the AHL
- Luongo, Grapes said he was coming to Tampa, so I guess it's true. A goalie like him though allows us to gamble a bit with that #4 Dman spot.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR ROSTER
My Custom Lineup
FORWARDS Cory Conacher ($0.871m) / Steven Stamkos ($7.500m) / Teddy Purcell ($2.363m)
Ryan Malone ($4.500m) / Vincent Lecavalier ($7.727m) / Martin St. Louis ($5.625m) Jay McClement ($1.800m) / Nate Thompson ($0.900m) / J.T. Brown ($1.350m)
Dana Tyrell ($0.600m) / Tom Pyatt ($0.600m) / Tanner Glass ($0.800m)
Alexander Killorn ($0.875m) /
DEFENSEMEN
Victor Hedman ($4.000m) / Eric Brewer ($3.875m) Carlo Colaiacovo ($2.750m) / Brooks Orpik ($3.750m)
Keith Aulie ($0.900m) / Brian Lee ($1.100m) Mark Barberio ($0.580m) /
GOALTENDERS Roberto Luongo ($5.333m)
Mathieu Garon ($1.300m)
BUYOUTS
Vinny Prospal ($1.167m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $64,300,000; CAP PAYROLL: $60,266,023; BONUSES: $850,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $4,033,977
I've noticed most of the lineups don't have Connolly anywhere in them. Is that because he's the trade bait to obtain the likes of Girardi or Orpik in some of these proposals or do you really think he's going to be sent to the A?
