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PHR Chat With Gavin Lee: 09/07/17
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Xyrak
6:34
I believe you mentioned you picked Calgary as your early favourite to come out of the West this year.  I'm just not a believer in their depth players being enough to topple the other big teams in the West, even with average goaltending (which I don't think is a lock either).  What are your views that make them favourites for you?
Gavin Lee
6:34
I think they still have a bunch of upside throughout their roster.
6:35
Hamonic is a really strong addition to their blueline, and Stone represents an upgrade over Wideman for the full year.
Gaudreau and Monahan are poised for an even bigger year, and Matthew Tkachuk is the real deal.
6:36
Sure, their depth players might not be great but remember that last year was on the backs of Frolik and Backlund for much of the year.
6:37
I think their best players will be their best players from start to finish.
Add in improved goaltending and it's a really, really good team.
Xyrak
6:37
Assuming they get at least an OK offer, does Toronto trade JVR?  I can't see him fitting into their future cap structure and he could get them a decent defenseman or some good depth pieces
Gavin Lee
6:38
I think anyone is available for a good offer, and JVR is no different.
That said, I'm not positive they'll trade him.
They really believe their team is good enough to win right now.
Connor
6:39
Can't believe franson couldn't get more than a PTO. Not like he should be making millions but he's better than a PTO.
Gavin Lee
6:39
He is, that's why I think it's a handshake deal just for the summer.
The original report had him turning down NHL deals for it.
Robert
6:40
Odd that Vanek signed with Vancouver? Seemingly just gets traded again
Gavin Lee
6:40
I would be shocked if he's not playing somewhere else in March.
6:41
Even if he just gets a fifth this year (he was worth a third+McIlrath last year) it's worth it for the Canucks.
Connor
6:41
Why would he turn down NHL deals? Does he think he can prove he's worth more and get a higher guarantee?
Gavin Lee
6:41
I think he's already agreed to a deal with the Blackhawks, is what I mean. Just that they need to wait for training camp to end to put Hossa on LTIR
6:42
Though, there are lots of ways to get around that, which is odd.
Connor
6:42
When does Boston get something resolved with Pastrnak? Do they actually want him below Marchand or are they just using that as an excuse to lowball him?
Gavin Lee
6:42
I don't think they've lowballed him, and I don't think Pastrnak has asked for $88MM or whatever the latest number is.
I think it's a normal negotiation, and there isn't any animosity or anything between the two sides.
6:43
One says $6MM, one says $9MM...they end on $7.3MM or something at the end.
It's just how long these contracts take sometimes.
Especially for breakout players coming out of their ELC.
Almost all of them take a while.
Connor
6:43
Yeah I guess lowball was the wrong term, but is it just a negotiation tactic or are they legitimately concerned about Marchands cap hit coming in below?
Gavin Lee
6:44
I don't think they're worried about it, but will use it as much as possible
Xavathrashius
6:44
Any Zadorov updates? It's not like Sakic is going to get Tyson Barrie'd here so I just want to see it get done.
Gavin Lee
6:44
No, in fact today Varlamov said he just hopes he'll see him in camp.
Something weird is going on there. Lots of reports the deal is done, yet no announcement.
6:46
I can't see the Avalanche really quibbling over $500K on a two-year deal, unless Sakic has taken a new hard stance with his RFAs.
Stars Fan
6:47
Who do you think will end up the top unrestricted free agent of 2018?
Gavin Lee
6:47
I asked this question in a poll a few weeks ago, and it went almost 100% Tavares...hold on.
6:48
Yeah, 66% Tavares.
But I still don't think he'll make it there.
So I'll say John Carlson or Evander Kane.
Robert
6:48
How much of an impact does Karlsson not being ready for opener and losing Methot in offseason affect the Senators?
Gavin Lee
6:49
The first part huge. The second part a little.
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