The McDavid Sweepstakes: Who will win?

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

A healthy Tavares and upgrading from Nabakov/Poulin/Nilsson to Halak/Johnson would seem like a fairly strong sign to improving.

Just like the Oilers, we've been hearing for years about how the Isles are due to break out. An injury in goal and their season will be over. Their ownership is also in shambles and unless something drastic happens, they will never be a cap team and able to surround their core with free agent vets to push them over the top. I'd wager my money on them being a bottom 5 team yet again.

[codynw]

It's like the past several years haven't happened, how can a person that follows hockey make a list of who they think will be the worst teams and not include the Oilers?

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by TheDebaser

We will win because Burke has the Pittsburgh model all figured out.

Step 1: Win a ####ing lottery.
Step 2: Draft the best player in the game.

Yes, besides Bettman owes Burke for the ice bucket challenge.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Living in AZ, I'd be pretty stoked if the Flames got McDavid and the Coyotes getting Eichel.

[djsFlames]

I'm okay with Eichel.

We've never been spoiled with a player of his caliber in the draft either. However, we don't have to be last to have a strong chance at landing McDavid. 2nd and 3rd last take the lottery pretty frequently.

[Hackey]

I really hope it's the Flames.

[Coach]

I'm not sure "win" is the right word here....

[Jets4Life]

Put Pavelec in for 60 games.....McDavid ends up in Winnipeg. Maybe that's why we got rid of Montoya. ..

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

Put Pavelec in for 60 games.....McDavid ends up in Winnipeg. Maybe that's why we got rid of Montoya. ..

I don't understand why they keep Pavelec. Easily the worst starting goalie in the NHL.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Just like the Oilers, we've been hearing for years about how the Isles are due to break out. An injury in goal and their season will be over. Their ownership is also in shambles and unless something drastic happens, they will never be a cap team and able to surround their core with free agent vets to push them over the top. I'd wager my money on them being a bottom 5 team yet again.

Yep the Islanders have been out of the playoffs for 1 year in a row.

[Arya Stark]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

Yep the Islanders have been out of the playoffs for 1 year in a row.

Another way to word it is they have made the playoffs 1 time in the last 7 seasons.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

Yep the Islanders have been out of the playoffs for 1 year in a row.

Yeah, and how many times did they miss it before? Last season they returned to their norm and all that did was prove that their 12'-13' run was a flash in the pan.

[djsFlames]

And making the playoffs in a lower berth in the east isn't exactly a sign of turning a corner either. Mediocre teams can often sneak in over there with a late season streak, as frankly there aren't enough high end teams to fill 8 slots.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Since it's all figured out without people seeing, I'll bet the team that the league thinks should get him gets him. Where teams finish and the "lottery" mean nothing since it's all done behind closed doors.

The league will decide who will get McDavid.

Lol he's as good as ours then.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand why they keep Pavelec. Easily the worst starting goalie in the NHL.

Internal budget below the cap + lack of free agent appeal. They're not going to pay Pavelec to play for someone (anyone) else so they're basically stuck with him until they get a homegrown or otherwise dirt cheap improvement.

With regards to the Islanders I think they'll be a contender for a playoff spot this season. Big upgrade in goal + some smart depth pick-ups should do them well... they just have to hope that Tavares and Okposo can be reasonably healthy and they have a decent shot at post-season play. If not Garth Snow's amazing run at somehow not being fired has to come to an end.

[codynw]

The Islanders bought a second line in free agency. They also greatly improved their goaltending. Unless significant injuries happen they should be contending for a playoff spot.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by codynw

The Islanders bought a second line in free agency. They also greatly improved their goaltending. Unless significant injuries happen they should be contending for a playoff spot.

I disagree. They won't be bottom 5, but even with a healthy Tavares and decent forward group, they will not make it. Their defense isn't going to be great at all, they are relying on a lot of young defenseman.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Yeah, and how many times did they miss it before? Last season they returned to their norm and all that did was prove that their 12'-13' run was a flash in the pan.

Last season their superstar player was out half the season. They'll be in the mix for a playoff spot.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand why they keep Pavelec. Easily the worst starting goalie in the NHL.

Nobody else wants him and the owners are too cheap to buy him out or demote him.

[doctajones428]

Arizona will get the 14th pick and "win" the lottery.

I've always pictured McDavid as a Coyote