Tlusty or Butler??

[loco man]

Looks like Bobby B is going to skate on the top line with Zajac and Kovy. I already pegged Tlusty as a big time sleeper, but am also liking BB's opportunity.

Any opinions?

[hockeyrobot]

I like Tlusty for the season. If you think Tlusty will be available for a bit then maybe grab Butler in case he takes off, but remember that he's a shooter just like Kovalchuk and that he floated on the top Sens lines without sticking.

[loco man]

I like Tlusty for the season. If you think Tlusty will be available for a bit then maybe grab Butler in case he takes off, but remember that he's a shooter just like Kovalchuk and that he floated on the top Sens lines without sticking.

Not possible. As soon as it became public knowledge (broadcast loudly by me) that Tlusty landed the top line gig, he would be as good as gone on the wire.

I was potentially going to move him as a throw in in a deal, that would leave me with a waiver add (hence the Butler interest, who essentially would replace JT). That's fallen though now, so I will be keeping Jiri.

Still, I am quite interested in opinions on Butler this year. Wonder if he has had the S scared out of him and is now committed to sticking in the bigs?

[Essej]

I think Tlusty is the better option for this season. Wouldn't be surprised if neither impress.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

I hope Butler can turn himself around. He had that good audition late in 2010-11 and got himself a nice contract, and from everything I heard he came into camp the next season with a bad attitude. After seeing what happens when you take things for granted, hopefully he'll work hard to keep himself in the NHL. He has the skillset for it, now he just needs to prove he's willing to work for it.