Thunder

The only explanation I can think of is that Melnyk insisted A-list prospects not be included in the return for fear he'd have to pay them too much money when they become star players.

Geoff Molson: "Hi Steve, can you believe the shit I've been dealing with? So listen, I'd like to talk to you about Julien Br..." Stevie Y.: [Hangs up phone, runs to BriseBois' office.]

At least your team will have plenty of Attitude.

Nice term for Vegas! Not much risk there.

Bergevin also confirmed Pacioretty will be signing with Vegas. It's like the aborted LAK deal, but this time the new team and player were able to agree on the new contract. Terms of the new deal haven't been made public yet.

Bergevin told the media this morning that Pacioretty had requested a trade on multiple occasions last season...

Well, he's a C for now....

That's a pretty nice return. Still kind of sad how the whole thing went down, but I'm pleasantly surprised they managed to get it done before the start of camp AND to get good value.

I believe Skinner had a no trade clause though, which was an added a constraint in comparison to Pacioretty. Also, age aside, my biased ass still thinks Pacioretty is a superior player.

He'd be an awesome 3C. Sound two-way player who works hard. I think the contract is pretty fair value.

Interesting situation. Without an extension, I would think Pacioretty's value will be higher near the trade deadline than it is now. Do the Habs hold off until then to maximize the return? Hard to imagine. It's tough enough for everyone to keep a player who is unhappy on the team for two thirds of the season, it would be especially awkward when he happens to be your captain. I'm also super curious to know why he became such a persona non grata so quickly. He was named captain in 2015 with the full backing of the team, the season after Therrien is allegedly overheard calling him the worst captain ever, and the season after that Bergevin apparently wants him gone.

I don't get how it's a non factor in trades. Players signed to inflated contracts by Mtl would be virtually untradeable to low tax markets.

And what happens when a player gets traded? Does his salary change?

Mason bought out.

I agree.

You get Armia and Mason instead

Trouba is rumoured to be asking $8M I believe.

Everyone could use a little mo' JOMO in their lives. JOMO has mojo.

Honey, cancel my twitter. All I need is "Scoops" Barton to keep up with the latest NHL news!

I hope this is true as I was convinced Bergevin would offer him an obscene amount of money after the Alzner fiasco. Who knows, maybe MB's actually getting smarter. That or JJ chose winning over money.

MTL trades for Flyers 7th round pick... WOMP WOMP!

RUMOUR: Hearing François Gagnon may be a big doofus. Waiting for confirmation.

Friedman says getting denials

To sjs

3@6.25