Parayko going to Buffalo if approves

[MiamiLaw]

Why wouldn't they ask him before leaking this?

That's how Doug rolls. Did it with Krug and Steen and they rejected.

Schenn not Steen, yea?

[somni]

Why wouldn't they ask him before leaking this?

That's how Doug rolls. Did it with Krug and Steen and they rejected.

Yes. JR said so this week.
I imagine it's better to keep negotiations tight before going to a player. Because if you are too far away on a deal, why involve the player at all?

[noted]

Why wouldn't they ask him before leaking this?

That's how Doug rolls. Did it with Krug and Steen and they rejected.

Schenn not Steen, yea?

My bad - yes Schenn - still in shock with CP55 trade

[leedog68]

Maybe if this happens they hang on to Faulk at least until next year at this time.

[TheHighHat]

Mrtka and a 1st at least part of the return

Yes - This is return per Dreger

That would be outstanding.

Love it! Paryako is on the wrong side of 30 and has 1 goal in 58 games. I respect him as a great Blue, but hell yes, love that return if that’s legit.

And he doesn't play on the PP

Samuelsson-Dahlin
Byram-Parayko
Power-Kesselring

Am I underestimating another team in the East, or is it possible that might be the best top 6 in the conference now?

The other team in the conversation would have to be Tampa, but I agree with you because of the age and miles on Hedman and McD.
I still think the Bolts may add a RHD to round that veteran group out.
Detroit will also look to add a RHD

If CP55 approves, does Army keep Faulk to play big minutes on the right side and hold the hands of the youngsters next year?

[82birds]

Thats a massive trade for us if true.

Exciting, but definitely the end of an era.

agree

[MiamiLaw]

Why wouldn't they ask him before leaking this?

That's how Doug rolls. Did it with Krug and Steen and they rejected.

Schenn not Steen, yea?

My bad - yes Schenn - still in shock with CP55 trade

No worries, I figured but hadn't ever heard that about Steen so was interested if it turned out it wasn't a mistake.

[noted]

Mrtka and a 1st at least part of the return

Yes - This is return per Dreger

That would be outstanding.

Love it! Paryako is on the wrong side of 30 and has 1 goal in 58 games. I respect him as a great Blue, but hell yes, love that return if that’s legit.

And he doesn't play on the PP

Samuelsson-Dahlin
Byram-Parayko
Power-Kesselring

Am I underestimating another team in the East, or is it possible that might be the best top 6 in the conference now?

The other team in the conversation would have to be Tampa, but I agree with you because of the age and miles on Hedman and McD.
I still think the Bolts may add a RHD to round that veteran group out.
Detroit will also look to add a RHD

If CP55 approves, does Army keep Faulk to play big minutes on the right side and hold the hands of the youngsters next year?

I hope not - let them all learn by throwing them in the deep end

[britishblue]

Mrtka and a 1st at least part of the return

Yes - This is return per Dreger

That would be outstanding.

Love it! Paryako is on the wrong side of 30 and has 1 goal in 58 games. I respect him as a great Blue, but hell yes, love that return if that’s legit.

And he doesn't play on the PP

Samuelsson-Dahlin
Byram-Parayko
Power-Kesselring

Am I underestimating another team in the East, or is it possible that might be the best top 6 in the conference now?

The other team in the conversation would have to be Tampa, but I agree with you because of the age and miles on Hedman and McD.
I still think the Bolts may add a RHD to round that veteran group out.
Detroit will also look to add a RHD

If CP55 approves, does Army keep Faulk to play big minutes on the right side and hold the hands of the youngsters next year?

I mean in theory it could start a bit of an arms race in the east and drive up Faulks value ....

Our d is going to be very interesting the rest of the year if we trade both Parayko and Faulk.

[Ace]

Still seeing nothing pointing to an approval from Parayko, or a confirmation of this trade.

[TheHighHat]

^^
I would still trade Faulk too.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

Thats a massive trade for us if true.

Exciting, but definitely the end of an era.

agree

Agreed. CP55 loved STL and the Blues. Hate to see him go, but if we get a great return, I can live with it. Sad day for sure though.

[sdaltons]

I think whoever said we may take Timmons back might be on to something. Remember we can't retain salary for just this year. Whatever you agree to retain, you retain each year of the contract. Would prefer not paying part of his contract the next four years. So the other option to offset salary would be to take a contract back in the deal.

[leedog68]

I wonder if this was the phantom back spasms.....

[TBone]

WHL: Radim Mrtka
Dec 26, 2024

Radim Mrtka is a towering, right-shot defenseman who combines size, athleticism, and advanced mobility to project as a top-pairing NHL blueliner. His smooth skating, puck-handling & soft first touch, and ability to impact both ends of the ice make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class. While his defensive instincts and puck-moving skills are already highly developed, Mrtka needs to bring a more consistent physical edge and refine his decision-making under heavy pressure to reach his full potential. If he continues to progress, he has the tools to be a cornerstone shutdown defenseman with offensive upside at the NHL level.

Strengths:

Skating and Mobility:
Exceptional footwork and agility for a player of his size, allowing him to evade pressure and move fluidly in all directions.
Effective side-to-side movement, especially when running the power play, to create shooting and passing lanes.
Powerful stride with excellent balance, making him difficult to knock off the puck.

Puck Skills and Offensive Contributions:
Soft hands and strong puck-handling ability, capable of executing skilled dekes you would expect from a smaller player, and quick movements in tight spaces.
Consistently delivers accurate, hard tape-to-tape passes, completing 90% of his passing attempts.
Confident and effective on the rush, often joining or activating as the second layer to the line rush.

Defensive Ability:
Uses his size and reach to take away time and space, forcing attackers to the perimeter and into poor decisions.
Reads plays well, averaging six takeaways per game while maintaining elite puck anticipation and positioning.
Effective at separating opponents from the puck with subtle physicality and balance rather than heavy hits.

Special Teams Value:
At the junior level is a contributor on both the power play and penalty kill units.
Runs the second power-play unit with poise, utilizing his mobility and vision to distribute pucks and create offensive opportunities.
Dominates on the penalty kill by closing gaps, using his stick to disrupt plays, and keeping opponents to the outside.
He is willing to block shots.

Athleticism and Poise:
Demonstrates a natural ability to adapt under pressure, often creating time and space with his composure and edgework.
Has the physical tools and hockey IQ to match up against top offensive players and be a consistent option for key defensive zone face-offs.

Areas for Improvement:

Consistency Under Pressure:
Needs to scan the ice more consistently to read and adapt to the pace of play under heavy forechecking pressure.
Occasionally rushes decisions when under duress, leading to giveaways in the defensive zone.

Physical Presence:
While he effectively uses his size, balance and reach Mrtka could bring more consistent physicality to his game, especially in the defensive slot.
Adding a more punishing edge in board battles and net-front situations would make him even more difficult to play against.

[tfriede2]

WHL: Radim Mrtka
Dec 26, 2024

Radim Mrtka is a towering, right-shot defenseman who combines size, athleticism, and advanced mobility to project as a top-pairing NHL blueliner. His smooth skating, puck-handling & soft first touch, and ability to impact both ends of the ice make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft class. While his defensive instincts and puck-moving skills are already highly developed, Mrtka needs to bring a more consistent physical edge and refine his decision-making under heavy pressure to reach his full potential. If he continues to progress, he has the tools to be a cornerstone shutdown defenseman with offensive upside at the NHL level.

Strengths:

Skating and Mobility:
Exceptional footwork and agility for a player of his size, allowing him to evade pressure and move fluidly in all directions.
Effective side-to-side movement, especially when running the power play, to create shooting and passing lanes.
Powerful stride with excellent balance, making him difficult to knock off the puck.

Puck Skills and Offensive Contributions:
Soft hands and strong puck-handling ability, capable of executing skilled dekes you would expect from a smaller player, and quick movements in tight spaces.
Consistently delivers accurate, hard tape-to-tape passes, completing 90% of his passing attempts.
Confident and effective on the rush, often joining or activating as the second layer to the line rush.

Defensive Ability:
Uses his size and reach to take away time and space, forcing attackers to the perimeter and into poor decisions.
Reads plays well, averaging six takeaways per game while maintaining elite puck anticipation and positioning.
Effective at separating opponents from the puck with subtle physicality and balance rather than heavy hits.

Special Teams Value:
At the junior level is a contributor on both the power play and penalty kill units.
Runs the second power-play unit with poise, utilizing his mobility and vision to distribute pucks and create offensive opportunities.
Dominates on the penalty kill by closing gaps, using his stick to disrupt plays, and keeping opponents to the outside.
He is willing to block shots.

Athleticism and Poise:
Demonstrates a natural ability to adapt under pressure, often creating time and space with his composure and edgework.
Has the physical tools and hockey IQ to match up against top offensive players and be a consistent option for key defensive zone face-offs.

Areas for Improvement:

Consistency Under Pressure:
Needs to scan the ice more consistently to read and adapt to the pace of play under heavy forechecking pressure.
Occasionally rushes decisions when under duress, leading to giveaways in the defensive zone.

Physical Presence:
While he effectively uses his size, balance and reach Mrtka could bring more consistent physicality to his game, especially in the defensive slot.
Adding a more punishing edge in board battles and net-front situations would make him even more difficult to play against.

In other words, we’d be replacing 32 year old Parayko with 19 year old Parayko, ha.