Are we better?

[BobbyBlue]

After Day (1) of FA…Subtract Faska and Bolduc…add Bjugstad and Mailloux? Bolduc trade reminds me a little of the Ron Caron days…aka Trading Jeff Coutnall/Sergio Momesso for Garth Butcher…and the change in team chemistry it created. I get the need for a RHD and the lure of a young “prospect” to add to the mix…but I liked the edge and size Bolduc showed on the wing…100 plus hits…and the shot development he displayed on the PP…with 20 goal potential. I’m just not floored by these moves…they don’t move the needle on its face…hopefully Monty can change my mind with them in his system.

[kimzey59]

We're still sitting on 6 mil in Cap space.
I'd bet money that we aren't done.

[Pierre McGuire]

A full year of Snuggerud and likely Dvorsky up front plus our defense is much better as of today, bigger, more physical, adding more points from the back end. We have Snuggerud teeing it up on one side of the PP and Mailloux teeing it up from the point....two weapons we didn't really have last year.

[skilles]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

[bud white]

A full year of Snuggerud and likely Dvorsky up front plus our defense is much better as of today, bigger, more physical, adding more points from the back end. We have Snuggerud teeing it up on one side of the PP and Mailloux teeing it up from the point....two weapons we didn't really have last year.

We also have Holloway's one timer from the left. Monty has some nice options on the power play units.

This year found everyone looking for a #2 center - or a center of any type - and the agents fully took advantage. The Granlund and Faksa deals are evidence of this. Personally, while most aren't impressed, I'm pretty happy Army got Bjugstad. I think he's depth / insurance.. but at least he's signed.

I agree that I doubt Army's done making moves. Steen is very knowledgeable of the European talent pool, so I wouldn't be surprised if he has a trick or two up his sleeve from SEL.

Originally I was upset losing Bolduc - but when you look at the numbers, both players are similar development-wise. But this could really be a deal that benefits both teams. Mailleux may not have a ton of NHL games, but he's big, has nice mobility, a wicked shot. He's in a good place with the veterans around him to help him along.

[clemonsonroots]

If we could get Byrum at 7.5 mil a year and move faulk without taking away from our top current 9, I am all for that. Would something like a 1st, Jiricek and Faulk get it done? We are looking to make the playoffs next year...start going for cups the following year.

[netboy65]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

I remember 30 years ago I thought Shanahan was a massive overpay for just Pronger and that worked out! Lol

Not saying LM will be the next Pronger by any means, but let’s give it time and see what happens.

[skilles]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

I remember 30 years ago I thought Shanahan was a massive overpay for just Pronger and that worked out! Lol

Not saying LM will be the next Pronger by any means, but let’s give it time and see what happens.

Working out doesn't mean you didn't overpay

[MiamiLaw]

I do not believe the team is better right now. Still time though

[HighStick]

They lost Bolduc and Faska. No big deal and I like both of those guys but neither ones a real needle mover for the Blues. Bolducs got potential and Faksa was great on the 4th line but it's not like he was irreplaceable. I like that everyone they have signed has decent size and mobility. I think the Blues will be tougher to play against next season. I don't think they're a contender but they are still a PO team.

[succinct712]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

Yes, but you have to think that has something to do with the personal issues he faced. If he becomes a top 4 d-man you have to like the trade. I didn't like seeing Bolduc go either, but I was wondering a few days ago where the Blues were going to play some of the young forwards they have in the system. I just hope it works out well for the Blues and it was a case of having different needs currently. Good luck to Bolduc.

[britishblue]

We are different.

I think Bjugstad and Faksa are a wash, accepting the WTF line had great chemistry, we are still talking about a bottom 6 center swap.

Bolduc does hurt, but i view this as there not being enough ice time for all of them.

The organisation clearly projects both Snuggy and Dvorsky as having higher ceilings. Both need to play, and there is an argument that Bolducs value was as high as it was likely ever going to be.

Next year he would have been competing woth Kyrou, Holloway, Neighbours, Buch and Snuggy (potentially Dvorsky too) for ice time.

If his production dips, which it may well have if say Snuggerud took some of his minutes, maybe his value dips too?

Of course he could also have turned into a 30 goal scorer, but thats always the gamble with trades.

[skilles]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

Yes, but you have to think that has something to do with the personal issues he faced. If he becomes a top 4 d-man you have to like the trade. I didn't like seeing Bolduc go either, but I was wondering a few days ago where the Blues were going to play some of the young forwards they have in the system. I just hope it works out well for the Blues and it was a case of having different needs currently. Good luck to Bolduc.

Well yeah and its definitely a lot about the personal issue,

If he turns out I have to like having him which I already do. I do not have to think we didn't bid against ourselves and over pay.

[larueskee]

I don't know the answer but I do not think we are worse.

[Backesdraft]

Question might be a tad premature, considering free agency started a whole 6 hours ago. Jesus…

[2forDiving]

I don't think so, I love adding Mailloux but I think we over paid.

Thats not even about how he turns out but I don't think his current value around the league was that high.

I remember 30 years ago I thought Shanahan was a massive overpay for just Pronger and that worked out! Lol

Not saying LM will be the next Pronger by any means, but let’s give it time and see what happens.

Working out doesn't mean you didn't overpay

I would have agreed with you yesterday, but looking at the market for ordinary centers today, I’m not sure any more. I’d argue good, young RHDs may be in shorter supply than centers, so in that case who knows?