GamecockSmitty4

I did some more research and watched a couple games of Salaun. I like him more than I did yesterday but still don't see star power. I think his ceiling is a solid starter who contributes in several areas, all-around good player, and definitely a stretch 4. All in all, I'm fine with the player but wish we could have gotten more out of a 6th pick. I don't want him to spend too much time in Charlotte this year, I think he needs playing time because you can tell defensively that he is very very toolsy with a high motor but raw. Some of his mistakes on that side of the ball are likely due to being young and somewhat inexperienced.

And now I just saw that the Sabres traded down with San Jose to 14.

That’s what I saw too. Also speculation with Buffalo with 11.

I’m way higher on Necas than most but if we can somehow land a top 10ish pick and hopefully keep Guentzel, that’s a big deal. Although I think Necas is going to blow up once he’s on a team with a more free system and a bigger role.

Now the report is that we are targeting Tidjane Salaun. Woof.

I just don't want to touch Castle unless it's at the bottom of the Lottery. Shephard, I just don't see it. He's a smaller version of Knecht but at least gives effort on defense. On a top team he should only be a 6th man.

I’m even more concerned with having such a defensive liability after watching Luka get abused. Not to mention it would put more pressure on Miller to step up on defense and take away from his offensive output.

Right now seems like the rumors are tying us to Knecht and Castle, possibly even with a trade up for Castle. Two very very different prospects with two huge question marks. I guess you could argue they both are elite at something and that is at least something to consider. I really like Knecht as a scorer but then our defense at both guard spots would be horrendous. For the record, I am buying stock into Cody Williams.

Saros just doesn’t move the needle for me in a Necas trade. I would love to have him but would rather trade a draft pick for him than water down the return on Necas. Also hope they can find a way to keep Guentzel.

If I’m being honest, I would rather pay Ingram the max over Lamelo. And I like Lamelo.

I would love to see us make a play for Brandon Ingram somehow with our pick (+ Miles?). You could slide BM to the 2 and Ingram to the 3 and slide them both down in smaller lineups.

I said I don’t know any. That does not mean there are none. Reading comprehension is not your strong suit.

I’m assuming you’re referring to Connor Shaw. And most of the Gamecock/Panther contingent that I know either were from Charlotte originally or live(d) in Charlotte. Like I said, I wouldn’t do Fan Fest in Columbia either. I agree, majority of SC doesn’t care about the Panthers. The ones that do usually are Steelers or Cowboys fans.

I am biased but I also grew up 20 minutes from Clemson, live 30 minutes from Clemson now, and work 10 minutes from Clemson. My family is almost all Clemson fans and most people I am around on a daily basis are Clemson fans. For the record, I wouldn’t do this in Columbia either but I know wayyyyyy more Gamecock fans that are Panthers fans compared to Clemson fans. There are also a ton of Gamecocks in Charlotte. At minimum, at least Columbia is more convenient and closer to Charlotte than Clemson.

Why are they having Fan Fest at Clemson? I don’t know a single Clemson fan that gives a crap about the Panthers in the slightest. Most don’t like NFL at all. The few that do are Jaguars “fans” and former Texans “fans” because of Watson and Lawrence.

That’s good to know. I’ve never been a fan of Freddie. And obviously none of the other guys have been inspiring.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Koochie. I think he could be a star. But I’m not convinced Rod trusts him. And I realize my post was confusing. I meant based on the reports of swapping Necas for Ullmark or another goalie. If we’re going to trade for a goalie I would rather use draft picks instead of lowering the value of Necas.

I just don’t see how we can let both Guentzel and Necas go. Ago, Jarvis, and Svech can’t carry the scoring by themselves. And don’t think that we could get anyone close to their level in free agency or trade. As for goalie, I would rather use our first round pick on a top tier goalie rather than part of a Necas swap. We could still trade Necas but would rather maximize his value.

Agree on Rod. But are you referring to Perets? The undersized 24 year old goalie that wasn’t very good in the ECHL this year?

Fug Freddie. He has always thought he was too good for Carolina. Turns out he’s a terrible goalie that nobody else wants.

I can’t help but give myself a little bit of hope. But I also know it’s still pretty much over. If they can’t pull it off, I hope the Panthers/Bruins drag the Rags. What an absolutely hateable bunch.

I can’t listen to Kenny Albert talk about Andrei Numechnikov anymore.

Soft serve Freddie

I get it but just seems like he gives up at least one soft goal each game and rarely makes the difficult saves. He’s very mediocre.

I’m sorry but I can’t stand Freddie soft-serve Andersen.