Official 2008-2009 NHL Thread

[D'z Nutz]

Now that the playoffs are done, let's keep track of next season's drafts/trades/news/etc here.

Ron Wilson may be headed to Toronto:
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240031&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

and word has it San Jose's interested in John Tortorella.

[kenny]

Rule changes approved for next year:
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241045

Looks like there wont be any more crazy hits from players racing for the puck on an icing. The face off changes should make the powerplays more interesting and help the teams that suck at getting into the opposing zone on a powerplay.

---

The first change will be for Rule 76.2 on faceoffs, placing the first faceoff of a power play in the defending zone of the team that committed the foul.

Second, a change to Rule 81.1 on icing will state that, "Any contact between opposing players while pursuing the puck on an icing must be for the sole purpose of playing the puck and not for eliminating the opponent from playing the puck. Unnecessary or dangerous contact could result in penalties being assessed to the offending player."

The last change will be to Rule 85.5 on faceoff location, saying that if a puck is shot off the goal frame, goal post or crossbar, the subsequent faceoff will remain in the end zone where the puck went out of play.

[silviafreek89]

I like what I hear so far...aren't 80% of pp goals off of the face-off??? Should be interesting!!

[D'z Nutz]

Bwahah, nobody wants Emery:

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366460


OTTAWA (AP) -Ray Emery was placed on waivers Friday by the Ottawa Senators, who intend to buy out the goalie's contract if he isn't claimed by another team within two days.

<snip>

Murray said he attempted to trade Emery this week, but couldn't find anyone interested. "And I wasn't looking for much," Murray said.

[95teetee]

Originally posted by kenny
The first change will be for Rule 76.2 on faceoffs, placing the first faceoff of a power play in the defending zone of the team that committed the foul.


This is idiotic. There are rules set up for where a faceoff occurs after a play. Now they just fundamentally change it depending on a power play? Stupid.
Hey, Roger Goodell- how about a holding penalty anywhere on the field results in first and goal from the one? ...Didn't think you'd go for that.
Hey, David Stern- how about a charging foul results in the offending team being down a man for the next two minutes? ...Yeah, thought you'd nix that idea.
Hey Bud Selig- how about if a manager argues a call, the next play the batter uses a batting tee to set the ball on? ...hmmm, no can do?
Hey Gary Bettman, how about from now on a penalty means the offending team has their skates tied together, no sticks, the goalie has to take his mask off and everyone in the stadium aims laser pointers into his eyes? Sounds good? We'll implement it next season.

[S13_Ryan]

Originally posted by 95teetee


This is idiotic. There are rules set up for where a faceoff occurs after a play. Now they just fundamentally change it depending on a power play? Stupid.
Hey, Roger Goodell- how about a holding penalty anywhere on the field results in first and goal from the one? ...Didn't think you'd go for that.
Hey, David Stern- how about a charging foul results in the offending team being down a man for the next two minutes? ...Yeah, thought you'd nix that idea.
Hey Bud Selig- how about if a manager argues a call, the next play the batter uses a batting tee to set the ball on? ...hmmm, no can do?
Hey Gary Bettman, how about from now on a penalty means the offending team has their skates tied together, no sticks, the goalie has to take his mask off and everyone in the stadium aims laser pointers into his eyes? Sounds good? We'll implement it next season.


:rofl: :rofl:

[silviafreek89]

95teetee for comissioner!!!

Tanguay goes to the Habs :poosie:

Sundin's up next although I think he'll stay with the hopeless Leafs...

Any news on Hossa??

[Quizzes]

It'd be funny if Sundin stays... he'll screw the Leafs once again.
Don't know about Hossa going to MTL... he'll be commanding at least $7M per and Sundin can get around $5M. Add UFA Mark Streit (probably at least $3M) in there and they're over the cap.

[silviafreek89]

Originally posted by Quizzes
It'd be funny if Sundin stays... he'll screw the Leafs once again.
Don't know about Hossa going to MTL... he'll be commanding at least $7M per and Sundin can get around $5M. Add UFA Mark Streit (probably at least $3M) in there and they're over the cap.


Yea he would fuck the Leafs and probaly wouldn't be a good fit since all the Hab vs Leaf hate...

For Hossa, I know he's not going Mtl, I was just wondering if anyone had news of him signing with Pitts or some other team...

Streit is definatly staying!!! He's awsome.

[Quizzes]

I can't believe the money that's being thrown around today... Mike Commodore signed by the Blue Jackets... $18.75M for 5 years??!!
Brian Campbell signed by the Blackhawks... $56.8M for 8 years??!!
Mats Sundin offered by the Canucks... $20M for 2 years??!!
Jeff Finger signed by the Leafs... $3.5M/year for 4 years??!!

[Team_Mclaren]

some fuck up signings indeel.. wow just wow.

i dont even know where to start.

Langs deal with the Flames for 4.25mill is a STREAL!!!!

[silviafreek89]

Chicago is going to be pretty nasty this season...Cambell and Huet!!!

[D'z Nutz]

:eek: Whoa, there's some crazy signings indeed

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by silviafreek89
Chicago is going to be pretty nasty this season...Cambell and Huet!!!

Everyone said that when they signed Havlat and Khabibulin!!!

[rahulb13]

I'm glad tucker didn't end up in Calgary. Tampa looks pretty lethal, but we'll see how that goes. I wonder where Husselius is going to end up...Eklund says Pitts, but wtf does he know haha.

[GenerationX]

Toronto is just brutal..sure sign a guy that has played 94 NHL games to a 14Mil contract..lol

And Cristobal Huet...just WOW hahaha

[bobby_lu]

Canucks have been pretty innactive :(

On a positive note, nice to see Andrew Raycroft in Northwest division :D

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by bobby_lu
Canucks have been pretty innactive :(

On a positive note, nice to see Andrew Raycroft in Northwest division :D

The inactive GMs are the smart ones, I think.
Don't wanna be blowing a load on semi-retired hockey players... wait... $10M offer... Sundin... nevermind.

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by silviafreek89

Streit is definatly staying!!! He's awsome.

...guess not. Dude's signed by the Islanders.

[anarchy]

Am I the only one slightly confused with Washington's moves?

Huet was awesome for them last year, but instead they go after Theodore! Way to miss the playoffs again.


But then again, I guess Huet did get a pretty hefty contract at 5+ per, but for a starting goalie that ain't too bad. But Theodore?!!?

I'd rather take a chance on Emery.

[Ajay]

I think Huet is a better goaltender than Theodore as well but since he is a better goaltender he received more money. Chicago is kind of stupid for having over 11 million wrapped up in two goalies.

It's going to take huge salaries for the owners to realize they're reverting back to their old ways. I wouldn't be surprised if there is another labor dispute. I mean c'mon......when Mike Commodore gets over 3 million a year you know you're spending money for the sake of spending money.

[anarchy]

Originally posted by Ajay
I think Huet is a better goaltender than Theodore as well but since he is a better goaltender he received more money. Chicago is kind of stupid for having over 11 million wrapped up in two goalies.

It's going to take huge salaries for the owners to realize they're reverting back to their old ways. I wouldn't be surprised if there is another labor dispute. I mean c'mon......when Mike Commodore gets over 3 million a year you know you're spending money for the sake of spending money.

Actually I just checked the TSN signings tracker.

Theodore - 9 mil/2 years = $4.5 mil/per
Huet - 16.875 mil/4 yeras = $4.22 mil/per
:eek:

What the fuck were they thinking? Jose had an OKAY season last year but sucked balls before that after his MVP season. How convenient he has a good season in his contract year. I can't believe this guy still manages to land a contract like that.

As for Chicago, they'll move Khabs for sure, they'll be a taker for him. I'd rather have Huet as well. But they are looking good, young talented forwards, throw in Huet and Campbell and you're looking like a playoff team.

I hate to admit it, but I was very impressed by Edmonton's moves. Picking up Cole was an awesome move, and I'd take Brule's potential over Torres. Visnovsky is a huge contract but giving up Stoll and Greene is worth that type of player.

Not sure if that's what they needed though. I would think they have enough offensive defencemen and they need a tough stay at home d-man like their ol' captain J-Smith.

[88CRX]

Originally posted by anarchy


Theodore - 9 mil/2 years = $4.5 mil/per
Huet - 16.875 mil/4 yeras = $4.22 mil/per
:eek:


Huet's contract is actually 5.625 per season for 4 years :eek:



AND.... Edmonton will still suck.

[anarchy]

Originally posted by 88CRX


Huet's contract is actually 5.625 per season for 4 years :eek:



AND.... Edmonton will still suck.

Yeah that's weird cuz I remember when I first saw the announcement of his signing it was over 5.5mil/yr but the numbers on TSN work out to be 4.22 mil/yr

But yeah...that makes sense then, but still. Theodore?! lol

I hope we bring in a solid d-man to fill out our blue-line. Actually, come to think of it, J-Smith would look pretty good in a flames jersey :goflames:

[bulaian]

Originally posted by anarchy


Actually I just checked the TSN signings tracker.

Theodore - 9 mil/2 years = $4.5 mil/per
Huet - 16.875 mil/4 yeras = $4.22 mil/per
:eek:





THE CANADIAN PRESS

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks signed goaltender Cristobal Huet to a US$22.5-million, four-year contract Tuesday.

He was dealt by the Montreal Canadiens to the Washington Capitals at the NHL trade deadline last season.

In 183 career NHL games, Huet is 83-61-24 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .918 save percentage and 17 shutouts. Huet went 32-14-6 with the Habs and Capitals last season.

The 32-year-old netminder will get $5.625 million a season with the Blackhawks. :dunno:

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by anarchy
Am I the only one slightly confused with Washington's moves?

Huet was awesome for them last year, but instead they go after Theodore! Way to miss the playoffs again.


But then again, I guess Huet did get a pretty hefty contract at 5+ per, but for a starting goalie that ain't too bad. But Theodore?!!?

I'd rather take a chance on Emery.

Yeah, the Caps were really putting all their eggs in one basket when they acquired Huet at the trade deadline:

1. acquired Huet and give him the starting position right off the bat
2. Caps continue to play Huet despite an average performance (at best) during the first round and lost
3. pissed off Kolzig and leaves
4. Huet leaves for free agnecy
5. Caps acquire Theodore and Raycroft

[Quizzes]

I think it's more a case of Huet not wanting to sign with Washington. I'm sure Caps were willing to spend that kinda money on him knowing full well that Kolzig was gonna leave. Khabby will probably have to go... worst case scenario is he gets put on waivers and hope someone picks him up or have him play in the farm but still paying him that ridiculous amount of money.

BTW, Raycroft went to Colorado for $0.8M cheap... maybe Khabby goes to Colorado for a bag of pucks...??

[Quizzes]

Holy Crikey!
Hossa signs with Detroit and Sundin is rumored to be tempted by them as well... at least they're playing for the glory of the Cup.

This Wings team does not slow down whatsoever.

[SilverGS]

Edmonton is definitely looking much better and they don't seem to be done yet. If they get Jagr it could be an excellent year for them. Only thing is they are getting close to the cap already. Be interesting to see how they fit another big name in the cap.

If Glencross plays like he did last year it will add some good speed and an upgrade over Nilson at the same price.

Vandermeer getting 2.3/year

[Jlude]

Originally posted by max_boost

Jagr to Edmonton? No way. Him and Hemsky would be a deadly combo but who wants to play in that shit hole of a City? :dunno:


I'd imagine it'd be hard to get many big name players in Edmonton, and keep them there for exactly that reason. The city is a hole...

[95teetee]

Originally posted by anarchy
Jesus Christ there are some big contracts being handed out. ... Now 3.5 mil for Finger?! . not to mention 8 years for 56+ million for Brian Campbell (whoever the hell he is)


...and almost $4 million a year for Avery?!?

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by 95teetee
not to mention 8 years for 56+ million for Brian Campbell (whoever the hell he is)


:eek: You don't know Brian Campbell? Do you watch hockey?

[Jlude]

Huge money being thrown around.... 10mil a year from vancouver to Sundin?!?!

Edmonton offered Hossa 9mill a year... of course turned it down to have a real chance at winning a cup.

[Moonracer]

Originally posted by Hakkola


:eek: You don't know Brian Campbell? Do you watch hockey?

LMAO I guess not.

[Quizzes]

Brian "Spin-o-rama" Campbell??
Not sure why he signed in the West... he can only pull that shit against the Eastern teams.

[silviafreek89]

Hossa in Detroit?? SHIIIIT!!!

Sundin will either go to the Habs or stay with the Leafs IMO

As for Streit...dammit, I liked that guy! Now we have Komi and Markov, Jorges and Hamrlik, Boullion and O'Byrne ... not bad!!

The Lightning have a nice crop of forwards but which goalie did they get??? Auld or something like that?!?!

[anarchy]

Tbay got Kolzig.

And Raycroft went to Avs (to replace Theodore), not the Caps.
The first time I saw the headline on TSN, I thought it said Caps sign Theodore, Raycroft as well lol.

Man Detroit sounds scary with Zetts, Dats and now Hossa.

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by anarchy

Man Detroit sounds scary with Zetts, Dats and now Hossa.

Don't forget Lidstrom and Rafalski at the point. That's one helluva powerplay!! Holmstrom will probably stay with the first PP unit.

[silviafreek89]

Why the hell did the habs give Grabovski to the Leafs for a D-man and a 2010 pick:dunno: That guy has potential!!!!

Can't wait to see Tanguay in action with Kovi:clap:

Detroit vs Montreal for the cup ... you heard it here first lol

[DJ_NAV]

laraque signed with montreal too now.. 3 year deal for only $4.5 mil... thats a steal!

[silviafreek89]

R U SERIOUS!?!?!?!?!?

wow, I cannot wait until next season....t'is going to be crazy!!!

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by silviafreek89


As for Streit...dammit, I liked that guy! Now we have Komi and Markov, Jorges and Hamrlik, Boullion and O'Byrne ... not bad!!



Montreal needs a Selanne calibre player to play beside Koivu. Selanne would be a great choice. :)



PENS add Satan and Fedotenko. As much as I hate Satan, he is a fantastic player, if he plays like he used to.

[Machi]

Montreal signs Laraque 3yrs/4.5m

Rangers sign Naslund..

[md14]

Looks like Tavares is in the Cancucks future...? :dunno:

[silviafreek89]

Seems Montreal is going for the French Connection lol

Laraque is a power forward correct??? 4th liner fo-sho...
This means 3 #1 lines with the 4th being desctructive and annoying as usual with Lapierre and company :poosie:

[Quizzes]

LOL @ Canucks waiting for Sundin. I love it!!
Not to worry, they got Darcy Hordichuk.

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by silviafreek89
Seems Montreal is going for the French Connection lol

Laraque is a power forward correct??? 4th liner fo-sho...
This means 3 #1 lines with the 4th being desctructive and annoying as usual with Lapierre and company :poosie:

umm... I wouldn't exactly label him a "power forward". He's more like an "enforcer who can occasionally score". Good pickup though, wished he came to Calgary though.

[silviafreek89]

Interesting...He's good on the boards though!!!

It'll be fun to see what Carbo does with all these players. Last camp he had too many to choose from, imagine this camp:eek:

[Machi]

San Jose signs Rob Blake.. apparently 1yr/$5m

:eek:

[silviafreek89]

Originally posted by Hakkola


Montreal needs a Selanne calibre player to play beside Koivu. Selanne would be a great choice. :)


I think with the addition on Tangs and all the youngins who are trying-out this season the lines will be full! No room for Sundin lol jks...

Selanne would be a great choice but I doubt he would want to play/live in Mtl...

[S13_Ryan]

holy shit so many big names being moved around this season.:eek:

[DelSoln]

Originally posted by Hakkola
Montreal needs a Selanne calibre player to play beside Koivu. Selanne would be a great choice. :)


Nope. Scoring isn't really an issue especially during the regular season. Koivu will most likely be playing with Tanguay and Higgins while they will keep the same top line of A Kostitsyn, Plekanec, and Kovalev.


Originally posted by silviafreek89

I think with the addition on Tangs and all the youngins who are trying-out this season the lines will be full! No room for Sundin lol jks...


I hope they don't get Sundin. He will only delay the growth of Plekanec. Hopefully Gainey gets a big stay at home defenceman. With the exception of Komisarek and to a lesser extent, Hamrlik, they aren't intimidating on the back end. It was painful to watch a physical team like the Flyers wear out their defence come playoff time.

[silviafreek89]

Originally posted by DelSoln


I hope they don't get Sundin. He will only delay the growth of Plekanec. ... It was painful to watch a physical team like the Flyers wear out their defence come playoff time.

True-say...Pleky is going to kick ass this season.

As for Philly, their much more physical but it didn't help that the Bruins held us to game 7 before realizing they suck monkey balls.
O'Byrne needs to learn how to hit and cause some damage in doing so!!!

[toyboy88]

Originally posted by Machi
Montreal signs Laraque 3yrs/4.5m

Rangers sign Naslund..

:werd: ...see how Naslund does out east after 12 years in Van.

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by DelSoln


Nope. Scoring isn't really an issue especially during the regular season. Koivu will most likely be playing with Tanguay and Higgins while they will keep the same top line of A Kostitsyn, Plekanec, and Kovalev.


I didn't mean to insinuate that Montreal needs him for scoring, I mean that Koivu could use someone like that to play with, it is such a waste of talent otherwise. Whenever Koivu plays with someone who can really score he racks up the points, look at all the international games Koivu has played and look at his point totals in comparison to NHL play.

He averages over a point per game in international games, and while he has had some great seasons, he has never really reached that level in the NHL.

Selanne has said that he would love to play with Koivu, I could see him going to Montreal for a year.

[DelSoln]

Originally posted by Hakkola


I didn't mean to insinuate that Montreal needs him for scoring, I mean that Koivu could use someone like that to play with, it is such a waste of talent otherwise. Whenever Koivu plays with someone who can really score he racks up the points, look at all the international games Koivu has played and look at his point totals in comparison to NHL play.

He averages over a point per game in international games, and while he has had some great seasons, he has never really reached that level in the NHL.

Selanne has said that he would love to play with Koivu, I could see him going to Montreal for a year.

Oh I agree entirely. When they play together for Finland they are a great duo. We will just have to wait and see if he can do the same with Tanguay. Either way I still would rather have Gainey spend the money on a defenceman. They already have 6 top forwards.

[silviafreek89]

Originally posted by DelSoln

Either way I still would rather have Gainey spend the money on a defenceman.

I agree.

When do the camps start???

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by DelSoln


Oh I agree entirely. When they play together for Finland they are a great duo. We will just have to wait and see if he can do the same with Tanguay. Either way I still would rather have Gainey spend the money on a defenceman. They already have 6 top forwards.

We all know Tanguay ain't the type to shoot the puck. They do need a pure sniper to play with those two... Selanne would be ideal though but he has a love affair with Anaheim.

[md14]

Jagr goes across the pond to play in Russia.. something along the lines of 35 million over 2 years?

[silviafreek89]

Jagr's a money slut....

Hossa is the smart one!!!

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by silviafreek89
Jagr's a money slut....

Hossa is the smart one!!!

Jagr doesn't NEED a Stanley Cup. He's established himself as one of, if not, THE best European to ever play in the NHL. He can do whatever he wants... besides, Russia's paying him twice the money any NHL team is willing to commit to. I don't blame him one bit.

[silviafreek89]

Ya but he doesn't NEED the money either...I'd say 75% of the NHL players don't NEED the money.
Ex:
You play hockey as a kid and dream of what? Signing a 20mil$ contract to play with some random team or dream of hoisting the cup like all your childhood idols:dunno:

Either way, NY has Naslund now. The Jagr era is over :cry: :cry: :cry:

GO HABS GO:clap:

[bobby_lu]

Canucks sign Pavol Demitra.

Im indifferent on this one, but the points have to come from somewhere.

[mac_82]

Originally posted by silviafreek89
You play hockey as a kid and dream of what? Signing a 20mil$ contract to play with some random team or dream of hoisting the cup like all your childhood idols:dunno:

Luckily he now has done both. :rolleyes:

[The_Rural_Juror]

Welcome Back Noodles! (http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=33b32bb6-5a75-486e-bf12-e6387d9a9a4d)

[silviafreek89]

Originally posted by mac_82


Luckily he now has done both. :rolleyes:


One of the few!!
Anyone read how "upset" he was to leave the NHL??? He seemed pretty emotional lol.

[Eleanor]

Originally posted by The_Rural_Juror
Welcome Back Noodles! (http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=33b32bb6-5a75-486e-bf12-e6387d9a9a4d)

Yay!

I always liked McLennan

[D'z Nutz]

cool! So one goalie back from Russia and one gets sent there! Bwahaha!

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242925&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl


Ray Emery has decided to take his show on the road.

The former Ottawa Senator netminder has agreed to a one-year deal with Atlant Mytishchi of the new Russian Continental Hockey League. The deal is reportedly worth in excess of $2 million plus bonuses.

"Unfortunately, it's only been a short time since the buyout and there isn't anybody willing to give (Emery) a second chance at this time," said Emery's agent J.P. Barry to the Sun Media. "I think if people knew the things that he's done over the last little while to turn the corner, there might be more interest out there.

According to Barry, Emery had hoped to play in the NHL next season, but received just three calls.

[z24_wheels]

Oh yay. McLennan can scout for talent that is most likely to lose his cool in a third period and two-hand hack an opposing player.

[D'z Nutz]

Is anyone getting a kick out of this Burke/Lowe feud that's been a little active as of late? Haha

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz
Is anyone getting a kick out of this Burke/Lowe feud that's been a little active as of late? Haha

I love it! To me, Burke is the more competent GM while Lowe is stuck in a rut of a city where it can't attract any UFAs. I'm totally siding with Burke on this one cuz Lowe did jack up the prices for RFAs by a crazy amount. Sure, it's within the rulebooks, but it skews the market and ultimately affects all teams.
I also love what St. Louis did to Vancouver with the whole Backes-Bernier offer sheets. St. Louis only offered a 1-year term, so we can go back to this situation next year. Nice... Two can play that game.

[toyboy88]

Lecavalier re-signs 11 years for $85 million! :nut:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243275&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[D'z Nutz]

That's fucken insane! :eek:

[D'z Nutz]

Looks like Sakic's back for another year :thumbsup:

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=380576


DENVER (AP) -Patience paid off for the Colorado Avalanche, who signed Joe Sakic to a one-year, $6 million contract Wednesday after he decided to play a 20th season in the NHL rather than call it a career.

"Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing," the 39-year-old captain said in a statement released by the team. "I'm comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health. I'm ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season."

[Machi]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz
Looks like Sakic's back for another year :thumbsup:
Watching Sakic play another season is :thumbsup: but too bad he's a Flames killer! :banghead: :goflames:

[Quizzes]

LOL @ Canucks naming Luongo as captain ---> Luongo as new Canucks captain LINK (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251272&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl)

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by Quizzes
LOL @ Canucks naming Luongo as captain ---&gt; Luongo as new Canucks captain LINK (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251272&amp;lid=headline&amp;lpos=topStory_nhl)

Okay, I like Luongo, but that's stupid.

[toyboy88]

LOL @ Luongo being named Captain.

Can't wear the C, can't talk to the refs...what for?

Lack in "support" for Mitchell/Kesler/Ohlund I guess?

[Machi]

Originally posted by toyboy88
LOL @ Luongo being named Captain.

Can't wear the C, can't talk to the refs...what for?

Lack in &quot;support&quot; for Mitchell/Kesler/Ohlund I guess?

I think they're doing it just so Luongo will sign an extension! :dunno:

[Kavy]

Originally posted by Machi


I think they're doing it just so Luongo will sign an extension! :dunno:

Maybe they thought if they did this the captain would stay on the sinking ship.

[Quizzes]

"There's no such thing as bad press" --- Vancouver Canucks 2008 motto.

[toyboy88]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252315&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Kings sign Kopitar to 7 year/47.6 million deal.

[hks]

rangers prospect, Alexei Cherepanov dies at age 19.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main (http://)

horrible news.

[dezmarez]

link doesnt work for me but here is another one

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AgWG7BafQv1XYo3DPUyVI8F7vLYF?slug=txrangersprospectdies&prov=st&type=lgns

rip

[Casa]

thats tragic :(

[mac_82]

Very sad news. I can still remember hoping the Flames were going to scoop him up when he kept falling. If only Sutter hadn't of traded down.

This kid had a huge future, in his rookie year in the Russian league he beat Pavel Bure's goal scoring record. Also had more points that Ovech, Malkin, and Kovalchuk did in their rookie years.

[01RedDX]

.

[dezmarez]

was he the one that was supposed to go number one but becasue of the transfer problems he fell so far down in the draft??
speaks really good english?

[mac_82]

Originally posted by dezmarez
was he the one that was supposed to go number one but becasue of the transfer problems he fell so far down in the draft??
speaks really good english?

He was top 5 if a Russian transfer agreement was in place.

[Machi]

Blackhawks fire coach Denis Savard... Joel Quenneville chosen as his replacement..

[Quizzes]

Bizarre move... Thought Savard was doing great things with his young talent. Quenneville is a better, more experienced coach but I don't see a reason why they decide to fire him after 4 games into the season and not before it started.

[malcolmk14]

Alright guys I have a theory that I've been trying to validate with friends and they keep shooting me down without really considering my position. I'm not sure why, but I thought I'd bring it here to see what the great hockey minds at beyond think.

I've been saying since April that if I were going to build a team to win the Stanley Cup THIS season, and I had the first overall draft choice, I'd pick Joe Thornton ahead of anyone else in the league.

My friends keep telling me I'm certifiably insane to skip over Ovechkin, Crosby, etc., but I don't think I am.

First off, Thornton has been incredibly consistent, missing zero games since the lockout.

Secondly, he leads the NHL in points in that time frame also, with 335 compared to Ovechkins 310 and Crosbys 294. I realize Crosby missed a few games due to injury last season, but if you compare their points per game, Crosby sits at 1.38 while Thornton sits at 1.37.

Third off, Thornton is 29 years old, so that gives him some more experience than Ovechkin and Crosby at 23 and 21 respectively.

Fourth of all, Thornton doesn't have another elite player on his team to help him get points like Crosby does with Malkin. It's well-known that the more elite players on a team, the easier it is to get points. Case in point is the Heatley-Spezza-Alfredsson line in Ottawa. Given that, Ovechkin doesn't have anybody good on his team either.

Finally, no team in the NHL has won more playoff games in the last four seasons than San Jose other than the Red Wings. The only thing is, San Jose has fallen short of the Stanley Cup Finals each year.

So in conclusion, I think I would put Thornton slightly ahead of Crosby based on his leadership and experience. Ovechkin is a better goal scorer and is much younger, but with a playmaker you can find people to score goals. Thornton turned Cheechoo into a 56 goal scorer in 2005-06.

If I were drafting for long-term success, I would obviously choose somebody else first, but the argument was if I was drafting to win a Stanley Cup in one year.

What do you guys think? Am I out of my mind? Why doesn't Joe Thornton get the respect he deserves? Is it because he plays in a terrible hockey market? Would he be much more respected if he played for a Canadian or big-market American team?

[max_boost]

Because Big Joe is notoriously soft come playoff time. Not a big game player!!

[Quizzes]

Originally posted by max_boost
Because Big Joe is notoriously soft come playoff time. Not a big game player!!

I concur. Big Joe doesn't have the same drive and leadership as the two aforementioned youngsters. Points in the regular season is much different than points in the playoffs.

If I were to build a Stanley Cup team THIS year... I'd go for an elite goalie. They're the ones who'll carry you through the playoffs. If it's a player, I'd go with Ovechkin.

[88CRX]

Originally posted by malcolmk14


What do you guys think? Am I out of my mind? Why doesn't Joe Thornton get the respect he deserves? Is it because he plays in a terrible hockey market? Would he be much more respected if he played for a Canadian or big-market American team?

Your out to lunch dude haha.

I think you'd have to be completely crazy to not choose Sidney Crosby as your 'skater' to build your team around (goalies are a whole other discussion). Like other's have said Thornton has done virtually nothing in the playoffs other the ride Nabokov through several playoff series these last seasons. He's a softer player and is not even close to playing as physical of a game as Iginla/Ovechkin/Lecavalier type. If you watch him on the ice quite often he floats around like he's completely lost. Playmakers don't win cups, goal scoring game breaker players do and Thornton is not the later.

[bobby_lu]

Anyone see Mike Commodore's Money shot?:rofl:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r257/bobby_lu/mikecommodoremoney2.jpg

[D'z Nutz]

Hahaha, where the fuck is that from?

[bobby_lu]

Just leaked on to the internet today, apparently from when he was playing with Carolina.

Here's the story:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=ddac8799-6d88-4119-a57e-44f9fbdd0631

[Casa]

The Leafs are a very young, very fast team. its exciting :)

[max_boost]

^^^

They won't be able to keep this up though. They will finish bottom 5 in the league. Not even Toskala came save them lol