SBNation.com User Blog: Popov

Top 6 Forward Free Agent Targets - Who Does GMDP Go After?

Popov — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:35:36 -0000

For me, the "thrill" of getting the #4 overall pick faded the moment the puck dropped on the first playoff series - leaving a pretty empty feeling knowing that the Preds are not a part of it. While it looks like Filip Forsberg and/or that #4 pick could be true franchise forward(s) that the Preds have never had, it is too much to expect either of those players to carry the team to a deep playoff run in 2013-2014. The Preds need a significant upgrade at forward this Summer, regardless of what Forsberg and the #4 pick may bring to the table.

It is clear from the comments of GMDP (at about the 7:45 mark) and the comments of Shea Weber, that GMDP plans to bring in at least one proven scorer at forward who will, at the very least replace the production lost when Erat was traded. The 2012-2013 Preds needed at least one more Top 6 forward even before Marty left town (but I am not going to hold my breath waiting for the Preds to acquire 2 proven Top 6 forwards this offseason).

Who are the likely targets? Here are the top-scoring pending UFA forwards according to CapGeek.com. Two things jump out about that list: 1) there are no real established, in-their-prime stars, except maybe Mike Ribeiro or Pascal Dupuis who are 33 and 34; which leads me to the second point: 2) the top 8 guys on this list (all the guys with 50+pts equivalent numbers) are all over 30. These top available UFAs are going to want longer term deals, and I don't see GMDP offering a big money contract to any of these guys that would take them into their late 30's (with likely declining production), especially with all the (potential) young talent at forward the Preds have coming up. So probably not somebody "old." Also, the Preds could definitely use more size up front; and they will probably avoid anyone with a concussion history or other injury history (see Matthew Lombardi). There is also the Preds system to think about - it will have to be a player who is solid defensively.

A name that has come up repeatedly in discussions of the subject is Viktor Stalberg in Chicago. At 6' 3" 210, he's got the size and with 9G 14A 23P he brings pretty good production (although borderline Top 6 forward production), albeit with this being only his third full year in the NHL, he's got a limited resume. He showed up a lot in Game 1 and had a nifty primary assist on the OT GWG. Other names I've seen thrown around in here on this topic, or who seem to fit: Nathan Horton, Mason Raymond, Brad Boyes.

What UFA forwards do you think the Preds should pursue? And how much will that player cost?

Looking for tix trade for Wed 5/2 game - I have a really nice single, but need a pair

Popov — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:03:57 -0000

Looking to trade my single, plus cash, for a pair. My single ticket is sec 309, row D - its a great seat, just off center ice (one seat away from being on the aisle at center ice between sec's 310 and 309). Great view of the entire game. Just found out a friend is coming in from out of town and I want to take her to her first Preds game. Please e-mail me at rabin@nimmolaw.com if you are interested or have any leads. Thanks!

Poll: Propriety of Use of First Person When Referring to Favorite Team

Popov — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:45 -0000

I quite frequently catch myself speaking of "we" and "us" when talking about the Preds, like I am actually out there taking faceoffs and making saves. Getting invested in a team is part of what makes being a sports fan and sporting events so much fun in the first place. But I was wondering how fellow OTFers felt about the use of first person when referring to a team you follow. Obviously, this is not a very important topic, but is my effort to burn some of my nervous energy as I eagerly await the final few games and playoffs.

Poll

Is it proper fan etiquette to use "we" and "us" to refer to a favorite team? (As in, "We really took it to the Wings last night!")

Yes, that's fine.

39 votes

No, it really bothers me when people do that.

1 votes

I don't really care.

9 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

Just call me Captain Popov!

Popov — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:30:00 -0000

I am posting this just to brag. I have been named Captain for the Day on the Preds FB page (Rabin N = Popov)! And I was able to score some Day of Game promotional tix at the Box Office this morning, so I can bring my nephews to the game tonight. I like the way things are lining up for me today. And since it is my day, the Wings better watch out, cuz my team is going to win on my day!

Bertuzzi elbow vs. Hornqvist elbow

Popov — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:19:19 -0000

Why does Todd Bertuzzi get off easier on his elbow than Patric Hornqvist? Both got a 5 min major and game misconduct, but Horny got hit with $2500 fine and apparently Bertuzzi gets no fine. I know it was a minimal fine, but it irks me that Horny got it worse than that thug Bertuzzi. If anything, Bertuzzi's elbow was more flagrant - there was some legitimate debate as to whether Horny's elbow actually made contact - Bertuzzi's obviously did. When Hornqvist's punishment was explained, he apparently escaped further punishment b/c the elbow was unintentional and he had no prior record. I am almost willing to concede that Bertuzzi's elbow was unintentional (although he appeared to elevate his elbow much more than Horny did and Ryan Johnson's head was not as down and as low as Tyler Seguin's was), but the histories of these players could not be much different from a thuggery standpoint. Bertuzzi (IMHO) should not even be allowed to play in the league, and Horny has no priors. How does Hornqvist get hit worse than Bertuzzi? I am a huge Preds fan but I never played the sport, so maybe someone with more hockey knowledge can explain this to me. Am I wrong, was Horny's elbow a worse act that justified a harsher sanction despite Bertuzzi's nefarious past?