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Post by International Hockey Club on Aug 19, 2013 16:47:33 GMT -5
also, I was thinking about taking AittoKallio, but decided to pass on him, pick up Zucker and future star/Lubo replacement? Vatanen who were still available, and draft Grubauer, who was taken, so I went with KinKaid.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Oct 28, 2013 13:06:52 GMT -5
The first overall pick from two seasons ago Nail Yakupov and the 12th overall pick this last draft Sean Monahan are headed to Hamilton.
Coming to Seattle are 5th overall pick (in 1995) Shane Doan, and 1st overall pick this last draft Nathan MacKinnon.
"Shane gives us a short term improvement on the right wing, experience, leadership, and grit. Moving to solid prospects for MacKinnon, who I think will be very good, and a veteran in Doan feels like a win/win to me. Hamilton comes out of our two trades with some serious youth." -Metros GM Matt Taylor
Nail was unhappy with what he referred to as a "glass ceiling" keeping him from the first line since Stamkos was acquired. And my sources around the league tell me Yakupov has silently been on the block for the better part of 6 months at least. Perhaps the Metros have soured on high profile Russians since Kovalchuk revealed his plans to return to Russia in a few years. They still have Nichushkin, hopefully they handle him the right way.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Jan 2, 2014 0:47:32 GMT -5
Breaking news:
The Seattle Metropolitans, needing more consistency in their goaltending, have opted to make a trade to do so.
The Metros send Roberto Luongo, disgruntled star Patrick Marleau, and a 2nd round pick this year to the Scouts.
Coming out west are young forward Jonathan Huberdeau, veteran winger Michael Ryder, and goaltender Craig Anderson.
Anderson, who many pundits thought could be a Vezina contender this year, has under preformed to this point, and similar to Luongo, could use a change of scenery.
Patrick Marleau has been upset with the chances he has been getting on the ice. "I've been getting the ice time I was promised, but playing with Crosby and Stamkos is like playing monkey in the middle. It's frustrating. Going to the Scouts I get an opportunity to be a leader on the scoreboard and on the ice."
We'll see if this turns things around and get the Metros back to the top of their division.
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Post by International Hockey Club on Jan 4, 2014 23:21:51 GMT -5
Pick 13: Sammi AttioKallio- AK has lightning quick reflexes. And can get into fights
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Mar 4, 2014 21:53:24 GMT -5
The Metropolitans have gone into overdrive in their push to improve their team.
After amassing a deep prospect pool, earlier before the season the Metros began to move those guys for Marleau and Stamkos. Then the team became very shaky and inconsistent. GM Taylor hope to remedy the issue with a goal tending move, bringing in the highly rated Craig Anderson in a change of scenery move...but that hasn't really been gangbusters. I thought the Metros would be silent during trade season....but I was wrong. We draw near to the trade deadline with Seattle only one loss away from being out of a playoff hunt, and moves needed to be made. Hoping to jump the gun on other teams and get some of their targets on the block, GM Taylor & co made two deals in two days.
Gone: Ryan Murphy D, Thunderbirds, Connor Murphy D, Thunderbirds, 20 Jake Gardiner D, Metropolitans, 23 3rd round pick
New to the organization: Justin Faulk D, Scouts, 21 Derrick Morris, D, Outlaws, 35 Alexander Semin, L, Outlaws, 29
These three guys all come to the roster appearing to be better than the majority of the current Metros in their position. The two defenders come looking like they can step into a second pair role easy, maybe even bump Clitsome off the top pair, but it'll take a few games to determine that. Semin looks to be the best LW on the team... but with the way Stamkos and Crosby run the puck on the top line, it's likely Morrow will stay on the top line as a brusier and Semin will play on the second line with Staal and Doan or Kadri.
There are rumors that the Metros are still in talks with another team about another defensive upgrade, but my source inside the organization tells me the two sides haven't yet seen eye to eye on value and it might not amount to anything.
One thing is for sure, the Metros are answering the phone and eager to improve and try to improve on last years early playoff exit.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Mar 5, 2014 1:35:38 GMT -5
End of last seasons roster to today, with this seasons ratings for both groups:
'13 Morrow 70 - Crosby 83 - Kessel 75 '14 Semin 72 - Crosby 82 - Stamkos 80
'13 Mueller 65 - McDonald 77 - Hejduk 70 '14 Morrow 69 - Staal 77 - Doan 70
'13 Brunette 62 - Hodgson 63 - Zuccarello 63 '14 Huberdeau 66 - Kadri 76 - Ryder 69
'13 Avery 53 - Malhotra 62 - Bertuzzi 60 '14 McLeod 50 - Bailey 61 - Zucarello 63
'13x-Bailey 62 '14x-Hansen 63, Dadonov 55
'13 Clitsome 75 - Mitchell 72 '14 Giradi 77 - Faulk 73
'13 Volchenkov 71 - Myers 70 '14 Clitsome 72 - Morris 73
'13 Ericsson 69 - Gardiner 69 '14 Ericsson 71 - Mitchell 71
'13 Alzner 68 - Jones 65 '14 Volchenkov 69 - Myers 68 '14x Alzner 66 - Wilson 66
'13 Luongo 81 '14 Anderson 91
'13 York 80 '14 Thomas 78
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Jul 5, 2014 7:14:18 GMT -5
Lets get up to speed after not doing any news for a season:
What happened: The Metros went 45-29-10 in the regular season, took the Smythe Division title, and finished second in the conference in a banner season for the Seattle team. Seattle cruised through the playoffs until they ran into the Legion in the finals as they retire as three-peat champs, ultimately losing in 6. (or 5? I forget)
Why it happened:
Seattle was aggressive in acquiring players to help win now. After stockpiling nearly a dozen highly touted prospects and young stars, GM Taylor moved nearly all of them to bring in top level players. First step- Offense: Get it. Traded for Stamkos and Marleau. Cost and arm an a leg but it was worth it.
Second step- try to fix the goaltending, first solution: Sign Tim Thomas. This didn't really work, the Luongo/Thomas tandem really didn't light the world on fire.
3rd step- try to fix the goaltending, second solution: Sent Marleau+ away for Anderson+. Helped, but Anderson wasn't living up to his card.
4th step- keep an eye on next year: Trade Monahan and Nish for Doan and MacKinnon. Got a solid vet and homer rookie for two great rookies, and don't have to spell Nish's name anymore.
5th step- try to fix the goaltending, 'the final solution': Defensive Overall. Trade frenzy that ended with 4 new starters on the blueline. Defensive depth once again became the team's organizational strength as the Metros bring in OEL, Faulk, Aucion, and Morris. Seattle had so much D that guys like Myers, Volchenkov, and Alzner went to the farm, Clitsome went from #2 on the depth card to #6, and Mitchell was relegated to 7th forward. Best of all, Anderson began to play like his card.
What now? As the only cup finalist from this season that will play next season, Seattle hopes to start off next year as defacto top dog. In order to get to the show again next season, GM Taylor needs to address a few issues:
UFAs: LW Brendan Morrow can elect to test free agency. Seattle has interest in bringing him back at a similar price. The 35 year old gritty forward was key in creating space for Crosby and Stamkos, as they had the most offensive success with Morrow on the first line.
RW Micheal Ryder can elect to test free agency. The 34 year old vet is coming off a contract paying 1 million annually. He's going to want a payday, and GM Taylor is reportedly reluctant to supply it. Look for Ryder to move on, Taylor max offer will be in the 2 million - 2.5 million range.
D Derek Morris can elect to test free agency. Seattle has some interest in keeping Morris. At 35, he's likely not going to get better, but depending on how Myers, Alzner, and Volchenkov progress he might still be key. Seattle won't offer more than his current salary of 2 million, so its likely he goes to free agency.
Position needs:
Center: Crosby 82 - Staal 77 - Weiss 69 - Bailey 61 Despite shopping Staal, it's unlikey he gets traded. His faceoff wins are crucial and his offense draws some attention away from Crosby. Weiss and Bailey will likely continue their roles next season as well. Expect the same four centers next season. Grade: A- Need: 0
Left Wing: Semin 72 - Morrow 69 - Huberdeau 66 It's likely MacKinnon will make the jump to the Metropolitans next season and will do so as a LW. It'll be interesting to see if he has success on the 1LW with Crosby and Stamkos where several good LW have failed to chip in offensively. Semin looks to remain 2LW and Huberdeau will play 4th line minutes. If Morrow walks, the Metros will need to replace him. Grade: C- Need: 1, possibly 2.
Right Wing: Stamkos 80 - Doan 70 - Ryder 69 - Hansen 63 - Zuccarello 63 Ryder will likely walk, but Zuccarello appears to be ready to play 2nd or 3rd line minutes. Doan and Zuc will have to sort out who plays where in the preseason. Doan's contract also may see him traded out on the cheap. Grade: A Need: 1, if at all.
Defense: Girardi 77 - OEL 76 - Aucion 73 - Morris 73 - Faulk 73 - Clitsome 72 - Mitchell 71 - Volchenkov 70 - Myers 69 Seattle have two premier pro defenders under 23 in OEL and Faulk. Mitchell is reportedly finally recovered from a long injury and may be able to play has he has in the past. Girardi and Clitsome are mainstays. Morris will likely walk, Aucoin will reportedly retire. Taylor needs to make a few moves in case Volchenkov and Myers don't take large strides this offseason. Grade: A- Need: 2
Goaltending: Anderson 91 - York 72 Look for Taylor to attempt to acquire a more seasoned backup. Grade: B+ Need: 1
Dispersal Draft: The Metros have pick 7 in both rounds of the D.D and great players will be had in both rounds. Round One: P.K. Subban. Knowing Aucoin is retiring, GM Taylor filled a hole before it became one. A source told me the Metros short list for round one was: Malkin, Rask, Weber, Doughty, Subban, Tavares, Seguin, in that order. Clearly focusing on D as a realistic pick, but hoping one of Malkin or Rask fell.
Round Two: It's anyones guess who goes at 7 here. Talent at each position, a great player will be waiting at 7.
Expansion draft: No confirmed protection list yet, but as always prospects are protected, so no need to waste a protection on MacKinnon. Last season teams could protect: 6 Centers 6 Left Wings 6 Right Wings 10 Defensemen 3 Goalies
Assuming this holds over, lets try it now:
C- Crosby Staal Weiss Bailey ----No more really matter after this, but we'll give ceremonial protections to these guys after their amazing farm years Arnott Betts
LW- Semin Morrow Huberdeau McLeod Zolnierczyk Mursak
RW- Stamkos Ryder Hansen Zuccarello --- It's possible hear Seattle once again lets a player go who might go 1st overall in expansion. Doan may not be protected, like McDonald last year.
D- Where it gets tough. Girardi OEL Subban Faulk Clitsome Barrie DeKeyser Oleksiak ----- The last two would go to a pair from this group: Morris, Myers, Mitchell, Volchenkov....two solid guys would go to expansion. If less than 10 are allowed to be protected, Seattle had better flip excess D for forwards to meet fill the 6 allowed spots.
Goalies: Anderson York Aittokallio
It'll be a crazy offseason, and hopefully a strong one!
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Jul 5, 2014 19:49:58 GMT -5
Dispersal Draft Round 2:
Seattle got their second man on their board in Ryan O'Reilly on the second round.
In RoR we see a young solid two way player who is getting better and better offensively. The Metros have four LW on the pro roster is god knows how long.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Aug 5, 2014 18:14:16 GMT -5
Breaking:
This hasn't been sent up the the league offices yet but apparently the Metros have sent a two players and pick to Dallas. Hearing it's Semin, Faulk and the Fort Myers 2nd this year for 21 year old meat and potatoes left wing Gabriel Landeskog.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Aug 6, 2014 15:26:47 GMT -5
Pre-Free Agency Projected Lineup:
Morrow - Crosby - Stamkos Landeskog- Staal - MacKinnon O'Reilly - Bailey - Zuccarello Huberdeau - Weiss - Doan x Ryder Hearing management isn't sold on Weiss, and would like to play Huberdeau in the minors, so you can expect to see Seattle to wait on a solid 3rd line center and winger. Don't count out signing a big name, although I'm not sure where they'd go.
Subban - Ekman-Larsson Girardi - Clitsome Morris - Barrie x Alzner, DeKeyser, Volchenkov, Myers
Anderson York
Total log jam on defense, the preseason will sort them out. Safe to say that unless all of Seattle's targets don't go their way, the Metros are not in on a defender in UFA
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Aug 11, 2014 18:54:44 GMT -5
Seattle made two deals today, entering the draft one round earlier than anticipated. "Our philosophy on the draft this season was that it would hurt our core too much to swoop in and draft some of the top tier guys this season. We moved draft picks to get our team where it is today, and even though an 18 year old with tons of potential is always a must have, that 18 year old likely wouldn't help our team win a cup this year more than Subban, Crosby, Stamkos, or MacKinnon. So we planned on standing pat since our core is still all under 30. But I looked at the guys left on the board, and thought a few of these guys are actually capable of playing pro minutes this year, so we made a trade and they actually fell to us." -Seattle Owner/GM Taylor.
In a trade with Cambridge, Seattle acquired picks 11 and 13 in the third round, taking Erik Haula first and Nick Holden 2nd.
Erik Haula is an energetic 3rd liner who can occasionally produce offence if he gets hot. He elevates his game come playoff time and has some serious speed to go along with his crash and bang philosophy. Come training camp we'll see if he can force Seattle management to make a decision between him and the disappointing play of Weiss.
Nick Holden is an interesting pick. At 27 he's much older than most draft picks, but he's a serious late bloomer. Last season in the AHL as a walk on he was a healthy scratch until a teammate got hurt. He got his chance and forced the coaches to keep him in the lineup due to his play. In 54 games he was a +12 and was good for 15 points, 10 goals, and about 18 minutes a game.
Holden finds himself in a battle for the 4th, 5th, and 6th defensive spots after Girardi, Subban and OEL. He'll be competing against regulars Volchenkov, Alzner, and Myers; rookies making the jump in Barrie and DeKeyser, and possibly even Morris. It's likely that for this reason Sakic will opt to play 8 defenders like they had until the playoff push last season.
Heading to Cambridge for the picks are Ryan Wilson, who never played a minute of a pro game in Seattle, and long time Metropolitan Grant Clitsome.
Clitsome leaves Seattle after three seasons, lowering the total of the remaining inaugural Metropolitans from three seasons ago.
Clitsome takes an impressive stat sheet and great reputation to the Hornets, they'll be happy with what he puts out there on the ice.
Clitsome played in 236 regular season games over three seasons, scoring 14 goals, assisting on 103 for 117 points total. His first season with the then cellar dwelling Metros gave him a -22 that year, and over the last two seasons he brought that up to a -1. He always played hard, dishing out 433 hits, and gave his teammates everything he had to defend, blocking 451 shots.
Clitsome is one of a two long time Metros moving on this offseason, along with Willie Mitchell. Our stats department is working on a complete database of Metropolitan stats so we can see where these two blueliners rank in the short Metropolitan history book.
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Post by International Hockey Club on Aug 11, 2014 18:59:12 GMT -5
Didn't Holden play forward his first game too? lol.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Aug 11, 2014 19:09:38 GMT -5
Pretty sure he did in either his first or second game. Then he just stuck. Really good a sneaking down the wing when the play is set up in the zone and taking a shot.
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Post by Seattle Metropolitans on Aug 16, 2014 19:39:29 GMT -5
Breaking:
Not Seattle Metropolitan related, but definitely Seattle Thunderbird related.
A source close to the situation has informed me that Matt Taylor has reportedly finalized the sale of the Frontier Airlines Arena after a falling out with the city council of Renton, the city just south of Seattle. No word who the person or group the buyer is, but my source told me that Taylor wants to move the team east to a hockey deprived town. Source also indicated that Seattle proper "is very pro-Metropolitan" and fans "have nothing to worry about" when it comes to Seattle's relationship with the Metropolitans organization. Will update as soon as details develop.
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