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sachmo71 06-17-2004 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
He's good enough to be playing on the USA WC team...If that means anything?


Is that saracasm? :D

bbor 06-17-2004 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71
Is that saracasm? :D



Mayhaps ;)

But the US did win the last WC no?

Karim 06-17-2004 03:58 PM

According to TSN, it's $2.5 million/year for Klee. That's too much. They've now committed $29 million in salaries next season for 5 players. I guess the organization is banking on grandfathering in the case of a hard cap or a luxury tax with no teeth.

Karim 06-17-2004 04:00 PM

dola,

Here's an article on how to revamp the NHL. I like the reallignment but other than that...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hocke...ntgomery_x.htm

Here are a couple of good article about the draft...
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/bruins/...bradley18.html
http://www.nhl.com/futures/2004draft...pen061104.html

Draft Dodger 06-17-2004 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
dola,

Here's an article on how to revamp the NHL. I like the reallignment but other than that...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hocke...ntgomery_x.htm


I hate stuff like this that really doesn't seem to be done with any thought whatsoever. Contraction isn't going to happen, unless a team folds due to financial problems. An original six division? gag me.

Personally, I'd like to see a return to the format of two conferences with 2 divisions each. (I'll allow the NHL to keep "East" and "West" Conference names, but I'm bringing back all the cool division names...and, really, I think ALL sports should have divisions named after their founding fathers).

Like the idiot in the link, I'd cut down the season...I love hockey, and the season is just to fucking long. 70-72 games is plenty. 60 wouldn't break my heart, to be honest, but that's too extreme. In the 4 division structure (approx 8 teams per division), the bulk of the games would be in your own division. let's say 6 games against each division opponent (42 total), 3 games against the conference's other division (24 total). I would drastically cut inter-conference play, but not cut it entirely - you'd play one of the other conference's divisions in alternating years (so, the Avs would play the Bruins only every other year). That's 8 more games, 74 total. I think this would really maximize the inter-division rivalries, while limiting the LA v Fla snoozers. You'd also have less cross-country travelling - maybe you could squeeze games closer together so that we don't have 19 months of regular season hockey (it is 19 months, right?)

I know the divisions will be large, but that's ok, because we're also revamping the playoff structure. No more of the 1-8 seeding. It'll be back to the old days of the top 4 teams in each division making the playoffs; after 2 rounds, the two teams that get out of the division finals go to the conference finals. The regular season will MEAN something (60% of your games will be against teams you are directly battling for a playoff spot). Will we have teams with higher points than some playoff teams get left out? sure. but you'll get playoff matchups that mean something each and every year. Do we really want to see Mtl/TB and Cal/SJ? or do we want Cal/Edm & and Bos/Mtl every year? I'll take the latter, thank you.

my structure:

Adams:
Boston
Montreal
Toronto
Ottawa
Buffalo
Carolina
Washington
EXPANSION

Patrick:
Philadelphia
New Jersey
New York
New York
Pittsburgh
Atlanta
Florida
Tampa

Norris:
Detroit
St Louis
Nashville
Columbus
Chicago
Calgary
Edmonton
Minnesota

Smythe:
San Jose
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Phoenix
Vancouver
Colorado
Dallas
EXPANSION

yeah, room there for 2 expansion teams, to balance out the schedule. at least one should go to a Canadian city (Hamilton? Winnipeg again? One of the Maritime cities?). Anyways, that's my plan - I want to see rivalries. I want to see teams that hate each other play a LOT. I want to see GM's afraid to trade within the division, for fear of having to face a player they traded away 6 times a year, plus the playoffs.

oh yeah, almost forgot. We're getting rid of this silly "1 point for OT loss" crap. 2 pts for a win, one for a tie. OT becomes a full 20 minute period (still sudden death). You want to play for a tie? Go ahead, but the chance that you're going to make a mistake and leave with no points is now pretty significant. The words "shootout" and "overtime" do NOT go together.

Karim 06-18-2004 08:23 AM

Funny, I just posted on another board about how I hated the NHL for taking away the traditional conference and division names.

~~~
I know this is very biased and I know it's completely unfair because it favours the Canadian teams and will never happen but I want to dream for a while.

In my dream world, I'd change the draft. The worst Ontario team gets to pick the first Ontario born player. The worst Quebec team gets to pick the first Quebec/Maritime born player. The worst Western Canadian team gets to pick the first Western Canadian player. The worst American team gets to pick the first American player. Any team could pass and select a European if they chose. Each team would hold a veto so if Toronto wanted to select Mike Modano first overall, Minnesota could veto them. If they weren't interested in Modano, Toronto could select him but then Minnesota would be able to select from Ontario with their first pick. If you selected a European, any other team could select from your backyard.

It's like an exaggerated version of how Montreal used to always get the best Quebec player during the days of the Original Six.

This year's draft order would then be:

1 - Pittsburgh
2 - Edmonton
3 - Montreal
4 - Ottawa
----------------
5 - Chicago ...

So yeah, it's completely unfair. :D Ottawa jumps up 21 spots, Montreal jumps up 15 spots, Edmonton jumps up 12 spots and Chicago is the net loser dropping down 3 spots.

Well, it would be cool in a PC game if you could customize the draft rules...

Draft Dodger 06-18-2004 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
Funny, I just posted on another board about how I hated the NHL for taking away the traditional conference and division names.


it just seems like such a no-brainer to keep these. The NHL supposedly did it to make it easier on the casual fan...does the casual fan give a rat's ass? The names gave the league character, and it was a great opportunity to honor those who contributed to hockey. if I'm ever hockey commish, that's the first thing I fix.

Draft Dodger 06-18-2004 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
In my dream world, I'd change the draft. The worst Ontario team gets to pick the first Ontario born player...


I've thought about this too...but you'd have to regionalize it in the US too (New England, Midwest) etc to make it fair, which means you're going to end up with a lot of Europeans on the Fla / SoCal teams. :)

sachmo71 06-18-2004 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
it just seems like such a no-brainer to keep these. The NHL supposedly did it to make it easier on the casual fan...does the casual fan give a rat's ass? The names gave the league character, and it was a great opportunity to honor those who contributed to hockey. if I'm ever hockey commish, that's the first thing I fix.


I have to admit, when I was first getting into hockey, it was confusing for me.

Fidatelo 06-18-2004 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71
I have to admit, when I was first getting into hockey, it was confusing for me.


As someone who grew up with it, this surprises me. What about it makes it confusing? Aren't division names just labels? Couldn't we call each division A B C D etc, what difference would it make? In the end you just have to associate teams with the label they are under.

Please don't take the above as an insult, I'm asking this in all honestly.

sachmo71 06-18-2004 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidatelo
As someone who grew up with it, this surprises me. What about it makes it confusing? Aren't division names just labels? Couldn't we call each division A B C D etc, what difference would it make? In the end you just have to associate teams with the label they are under.

Please don't take the above as an insult, I'm asking this in all honestly.


Because it was unfamiliar. Sure they are just names, but my football brain found it much easier to identify with geographic divisions rather then names of people I knew nothing about.

Obviously, I would have learned them in time, but I think it was much quicker for me after they changed them because I had a frame of reference.

Fidatelo 06-18-2004 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71
Because it was unfamiliar. Sure they are just names, but my football brain found it much easier to identify with geographic divisions rather then names of people I knew nothing about.

Obviously, I would have learned them in time, but I think it was much quicker for me after they changed them because I had a frame of reference.


I guess that makes sense. I guess with Hockey being my first sport, and my US geography being poor, combined with the inevitable inconsitincies in the divisions, I've never really thought of the divisions as anything more than labels. Thanks for answering.

sachmo71 06-18-2004 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidatelo
I guess that makes sense. I guess with Hockey being my first sport, and my US geography being poor, combined with the inevitable inconsitincies in the divisions, I've never really thought of the divisions as anything more than labels. Thanks for answering.


Thanks for asking! :D

Maple Leafs 06-18-2004 10:59 AM

Since we're restructuring the NHL:

- merge TB and FLA - one team called Florida (maybe they play half their home games in each city?)
- merge ANA and SJ - one team called California
- fold Carolina - sorry, it was just a bad idea
- fold Atlanta, Nashville and Columbus - sorry guys, I know it's not fair but the NHL is dying and we just can't wait around for you to turn into real markets

That reduces us to 24 teams. I kept Phoenix because of Gretzky, but twist my arm and they could go. I kept the Islanders and Penguins because I'm a sucker for history. I didn't expand, even to Canada, because there's just too many teams as it is.

Then I can steal DD's divisions and they turn nicely into six teams each. I moved Washington back to the Patrick, but otherwise left things as is.

Adams:
Boston
Montreal
Toronto
Ottawa
Buffalo
Florida

Patrick:
Philadelphia
New Jersey
New York
New York
Pittsburgh
Washington

Norris:
Detroit
St Louis
Chicago
Calgary
Edmonton
Minnesota

Smythe:
California
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Vancouver
Colorado
Dallas

Karim 06-18-2004 11:30 AM

Phoenix won't be going anywhere because of their brand new building. Unfortunately, I read that it's located outside of Phoenix and that they only sold out the first couple games.

Atlanta has a great young team and Nashville is on its way but I don't know about the support.

Columbus stays. It was a good strategy to put a team in SJ where there were no professional sports as is the case in Columbus. Columbites? Columbians? Columbusians? :D are supporting the team from all indications.

Carolina is in serious trouble as is Pittsburgh. I don't foresee any contraction but I can see both franchises relocating but none to Hamilton as the Leafs would never go for it. Winnipeg apparently has been contacted by 5 NHL teams inquiring about its new arena. http://www.truenorthproject.mb.ca/ Pittsburgh isn't getting public funds for a new arena while there's a brand new one sitting in Winnipeg.... Hmmm..... It won't work though if the new CBA is not small-market friendly. Heck, if there's no salary cap Calgary owners have already indicated they'll sell and Edmonton won't be far behind.

Draft Dodger 06-18-2004 11:51 AM

Columbus ranked 15th in attendance last year - better than Boston, New Jersey and Anaheim, to name a few. Not bad for a team that only won 25 games. I don't think of Columbus as a hockey town, they have a stupid name, and terribly ugly uniforms...but you have to admit the town is supporting them.

Can we move Carolina back to Hartford? I didn't follow hockey well enough to know if the move was based out of financial need, or more like the North Stars were an owner moved a viable franchise just for some more cash. I would give Atlanta & Nashville a chance, because they both have teams that can possible contend in a few years (especially Atl). But Atlanta doesn't support it's damn baseball team that's only won the division 97 times in a row...will they really support hockey?

sachmo71 06-18-2004 12:55 PM

Columbians

Karim 06-18-2004 02:05 PM

I have done a little research on the Winnipeg story and I'd say it's a longshot at best. The MTS Centre will hold 15,015 for the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. This limited seating will only support a NHL franchise if there is a significant salary cap and extensive revenue sharing. Also, will Winnipegers support current NHL ticket prices? At best, NHL ticket prices will remain the same but they will not be substantially reduced. Winnipegers weren't setting any attendance records at 1996 ticket prices. At a population of approximately 700,000 will there be enough demand? Furthermore, although the downtown core is apparently undergoing a rejuvenation, it is not a corporate centre. Will there be enough corporate investment to sell 50 luxury boxes and NHL-priced rink boards and advertising? It's likely there would need to be some public investment to sustain the franchise such as tax concessions for the building but the lack of these type of initiatives were one of the reasons the Jets left in the first place.

There has no doubt been inquiries made by a team in the southeastern US. However, the Deputy Mayor has hampered matters by going public way to early in the process. One phone call inquiring about the arena and level of civic support does not mean a NHL team is on its way.

I'd love to have the Jets, Nordiques and Whalers back but even with a tailor-made CBA for small markets, it might be unfeasible.

Karim 06-18-2004 02:07 PM

dola,

TSN's UFA list...
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=9229

sterlingice 06-18-2004 02:09 PM

I know KC has a new $250M downtown arena they're building and they're trying to attract an NHL team. That may factor into things.

SI

Schedule Junkie 06-18-2004 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
We're getting rid of this silly "1 point for OT loss" crap. 2 pts for a win, one for a tie. OT becomes a full 20 minute period (still sudden death). You want to play for a tie? Go ahead, but the chance that you're going to make a mistake and leave with no points is now pretty significant. The words "shootout" and "overtime" do NOT go together.

The idea behind it was to encourage teams to try a bit harder to win, since there was an extra point at stake.

While I agree with you that the OT loss point should go, to better encourage going for a win I'd instead suggest adopting the European football system: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie. Doesn't matter whether you win it in OT or not, you get the same number of points.

The difference between a win and a tie is much more pronounced under this system and thus it makes a win much more valuable.

I'd leave OT in the regular season as either a 5-minute period or scrap it altogether. Ties really don't bother me that much.

Karim 06-18-2004 11:32 PM

I don't mind ties either but apparently we're in the minority. If we go the route of 3 points for a win and 1 point for a tie, I'd scrap OT completely.

Karim 06-18-2004 11:33 PM

dola,

Insider information from a respected poster on another forum:

"Without being able to reveal a whole lot of details, I can declare somewhat confidently that the WHA will not be happening this fall.

It is confirmed that both the Jacksonville and Orlando franchises will not be sold to the Calgary oilman as was reported a week or so ago, and will remain in the new yet to be named "A" level league in the Southern States.

That leaves 4 teams for the WHA including one that has no lease agreement with a building....Halifax.

Even had the Florida franchises been able to get a deal done, there was a pretty big caveat attached that would of assured they both would have stayed in the same league for at least one year anyways.

You heard it here first...the WHA was doomed and I see no way it can go ahead at this point. A bad development for some NHL players that were looking at the idea of making a couple million bucks while the CBA talks were ongoing. Good. One less option means a bit more heat on the union to get something done."

Karim 06-19-2004 12:18 AM

double dola,

2004 NHL Entry Draft Contest

1. With the 1st selection overall, does Washington draft Ovechkin (1 point), Malkin (2 points) or trade down (3 points)?

2. Name a team involved in the first trade of any kind. (3 points)

3. Who is the first Canadian-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

4. Who is the first American-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

5. Name a player who will be selected in the 2nd round. (3 points)

BONUS: Name the player your favourite team will select in the first round. (1 point)


~~~~
I'll go first.

1. Ovechkin
2. Rangers
3. Andrew Ladd, Chicago
4. Al Montoya, Phoenix
5. C Bruce Graham

Calgary, F Lauri Korpikoski

Schedule Junkie 06-19-2004 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
I'd cut down the season...I love hockey, and the season is just to f***ing long. 70-72 games is plenty. 60 wouldn't break my heart, to be honest, but that's too extreme.

While I don't disagree with you, it may surprise you to learn that, though hockey seems to run forever, the regular season actually takes less time to play than MLB's. The baseball regular season runs 183 days; the 2003/04 NHL regular season opened on Oct. 8 and ended on Apr. 4, a total of 180 days.

What really adds to hockey's season is the two months of playoffs; baseball's playoffs in contrast run only 4 weeks.

The NHL regular season is actually shorter now than it was a couple of years ago, and is the same length it was during the 1980's. The NHL calendar first took a big jump in the 1992-93 season, and then ran around 192 days for the next several years (excluding the winter Olympic years, when the break for the Olympics distorted the normal flow of the season), with 1999-2000 being the last season with 192 days. In 2000-01 it was trimmed to 187 days, and in 2002-03 it was cut again to the present 180 days. That's 12 days shorter than it used to be.

In comparison, from 1973-73 through to 1990-91 the regular season ran 179-181 days long, while in the classic 6-team, 70 game era it was normally 165-166 days long.

Karim 06-19-2004 03:40 AM

Confirmation from TSN that the WHA is likely dead for this upcoming season:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=88202

sachmo71 06-19-2004 08:29 AM

1. Trade Down
2. Chicago
3a. Cam Barker
3b. Columbus
4a. Robbie Schremp
4b. Florida
5. Brett Carlson

Bonus: Mike Green to Dallas at 16 (trade up)

A guy can dream, can't he? Plus, Hicks is the ultimate parrot. Tampa won the cup with a strong corps of young players and some solid vets. Hicks will move this way, and so trade up to get a good Defenseman.

sachmo71 06-19-2004 08:37 AM

Dola, draft busts are always fun to discuss...

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/...irstRoundBusts

Looking at 16 and 17, while the Oilers did pass on some good players to take a couple of "busts", since Edmonton can't afford to hold onto their star players, would it have made much of a difference? Stupid hockey!

klayman 06-19-2004 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71
Dola, draft busts are always fun to discuss...

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/...irstRoundBusts



Good stuff, sach. Thanks for the article.

Draft Dodger 06-19-2004 03:14 PM

Steve Kelly's played the last couple years with the AHL Manchester Monarchs. I liked him - a good, feisty player. Maybe TOO feisty. But I could see him doing decently if given a chance. But, looks like he's reluctantly headed to Germany next year.

Draft Dodger 06-19-2004 03:15 PM

dola...re: Danny Geoffrian..."He later scored 20 goals in a Winnipeg Jets uniform but wound up finishing his career in Japan"

Japan? I had no idea.

bbor 06-19-2004 03:22 PM

Awesome...i love reading about draft busts.

Karim 06-19-2004 05:30 PM

This is classic stuff...
http://www.thebrushback.com/nhllabor_full.htm

Karim 06-19-2004 05:36 PM

dola,

The index of the page sachmo listed has a lot of great stuff, including an all-time draft list for every team...
http://www.forecaster.ca/thestar/hoc...NHLDraft-Index

Karim 06-20-2004 06:57 AM

double dola,

It looks like some players have started the European exodus. These are all Group II RFAs:

Maxim Afinogenov, Pavel Datsyuk, Andrei Markov, Alexander Khavanov and Artem Chubarov have all signed with Moscow Dynamo. Niko Kapanen has signed with Zug in Sweden. All of these contracts will become void however, if a NHL CBA is in place and new contracts are negotiated with their respective teams.

Karim 06-20-2004 12:07 PM

triple dola,

It seems NHL VP Bill Daly is the moderate in negotiations and there is some talk of a $45-50 million soft cap, naturally denied by the NHL. Brooks is right that the small-markets should be more afraid of Detroit, Colorado, Philadelphia, New York and Toronto than the NHLPA. Those teams could throw a wrench into proceedings.
http://nypost.com/sports/23341.htm

sterlingice 06-20-2004 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
triple dola,

It seems NHL VP Bill Daly is the moderate in negotiations and there is some talk of a $45-50 million soft cap, naturally denied by the NHL. Brooks is right that the small-markets should be more afraid of Detroit, Colorado, Philadelphia, New York and Toronto than the NHLPA. Those teams could throw a wrench into proceedings.
http://nypost.com/sports/23341.htm


But, of course. That's how it is in baseball and what screwed things over in 1994. But there, it's gotten so bad that in 2002, it was George against the world because everyone was sick and tired of his money grubbing.

SI

bbor 06-20-2004 11:58 PM

Karim how come your script is all funky?

Karim 06-21-2004 07:53 AM

I'm playing around with Comic Sans MS...

Anyone other than sach going to take a shot at the draft contest? I know, prizes.....

bbor 06-21-2004 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
Anyone other than sach going to take a shot at the draft contest? I know, prizes.....


I'm gonna enter....just waiting till it's closer to the sctual date to see if i can here any juicy rumours:)

Karim 06-21-2004 05:42 PM

Ok, lots of good articles:

Lockout leading to organizational layoffs...
http://www.thn.com/en/headlines/deta...t=954945254360

An overview of New Jersey's successful scouting & drafting...
http://newsobserver.com/sports/story...-7479346c.html

Some potential NHLPA money-making & public relations initiatives...
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...=1044442957278

Finland may dominate this year's draft...
http://www2.nhl.com/futures/2004draft/finns062104.html

Top defencemen will be scare this year...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hocke...-draft-d_x.htm

Longshots in this year's draft...
http://www.canoe.com/Slam040609/nhl_draft-mck.html

Naslund may be done as a Canuck...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/artic...20_113049_4572

Sun Tzu 06-22-2004 02:15 AM

This thread needs more calzone.

Chief Rum 06-22-2004 03:00 AM

Hey Maple Leafs,

On the idea of merging Anaheim and San Jose, I'm not going to take issue with merging/contraction as I have in the past, because it's been there, done that, but one thing I gotta say.

Let me give you an analogy. What say we were in a position to have to merge two teams in your neck of the woods. Let's say Toronto and Ottawa. You think that would fly? I think not, since those two very disparate fan bases are not only devoted to their own teams, but quite belligernet to each other, right?

Well, that's essentially what you do when you combine a SoCal city like Anaheim with a NorCal city like San Jose. I realize Canada is huge, so maybe you think Cali is small, but I assure you, it's not. :)

Geographically, SoCal and NorCal share a state government, and that's about it. And for the most part, especially with regards to sports, we hate each other. Asking San Jose and Anaheim fans to join together to support a merged "California" team is like asking you as a Maple Leafs fan to support a merge with Ottawa, or Montreal, or Detroit, all of which i know you would find disturbing and completely undoable.

I just thought I would let you know that, in case you didn't know just how much of a spearation there is between the two halves of California. It makes far more sense, geographically and popluation-base-wise, to combine the two SoCal teams, if you were so inclined (I am against that, of course, but that's another discussion ;) ).

CR

Blade6119 06-22-2004 03:03 AM

Phoenix is open to merging...whatever gives us some talent :(

Maple Leafs 06-22-2004 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Rum
I just thought I would let you know that, in case you didn't know just how much of a spearation there is between the two halves of California. It makes far more sense, geographically and popluation-base-wise, to combine the two SoCal teams, if you were so inclined (I am against that, of course, but that's another discussion ;) ).

Yeah, I realize there are bigger issues at play. The "merger" idea just seemed like a kinder option than outright killing one of the teams.

Fidatelo 06-22-2004 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu
This thread needs more calzone.


This thread has a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!

bbor 06-22-2004 11:33 AM

CR..Glad to see you're still reading this thread

I was wondering your opinion on the Gerber deal?

Sounds like the Ducks go the shaft?

Also what do you think about losing your GM?

Karim 06-22-2004 01:50 PM

Yeah, I got no life.

Wojtek Wolski, a potential first rounder on Saturday, charged with assault...
http://www.canoe.ca/Slam040622/col_simmons-sun.html

Guerin could be headed to the Panthers...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...col.a5508.html

Duhatschek's Top 20...
http://globeandmail.com/servlet/stor...NStory/Sports/

Bob McKenzie's Top 50...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=9467

bbor 06-22-2004 02:29 PM

Karim..you looking forward to the draft at all? :D

sterlingice 06-22-2004 02:41 PM

I really hope the Hawks move into the top spot because otherwise, I think they just foolishly squander their pick. But you really can't go wrong with Ovechkin from everything I've read. Otherwise, I see them trading down and getting fleeced or just going with a bad pick. Can't say I have a lot of faith.

SI

bbor 06-22-2004 02:46 PM

Hawks have nothing to give for the 1st pick....I can only think of Ruutu as the only player Washington could possibly want,and Tallon has said he is untouchable.

What could they give up that Washington would want SI?

sterlingice 06-22-2004 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
Hawks have nothing to give for the 1st pick....I can only think of Ruutu as the only player Washington could possibly want,and Tallon has said he is untouchable.

What could they give up that Washington would want SI?


You hit right on it. I can't figure out anyone with any value under contract that isn't part of their "young core" they're trying to build. But there are still these persistent rumors. (For the record, I couldn't even see them doing something stupid like trading Ruutu to move up into that spot)

SI

bbor 06-22-2004 02:51 PM

I think Ovechkin is a perfect replacement for Jagr...so i can't see Washington dealing the pick unless they get blown away by an offer.

sachmo71 06-22-2004 03:10 PM

Rumor from the Dallas Morning News is Guerin to Florida from for the 7th overall pick.

I don't buy it. What do they want with a 9.5 million power forward without any power?

bbor 06-22-2004 03:24 PM

Keenan needs a whipping boy :)

Chief Rum 06-22-2004 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
CR..Glad to see you're still reading this thread

I was wondering your opinion on the Gerber deal?

Sounds like the Ducks go the shaft?

Also what do you think about losing your GM?


Well, it's Carolina, so it's a high third rounder. :)

Seriously, I don't know enough about Melic to make the call on that deal. I know that, since Gerbs started as an eighth rounder and we have a kid who is supposed to be really good in Bryzgalov ready to replace him with the big club, getting a young defensman and a third rounder for Gerbs ain't all that bad for the team, nor does it really affect how we will finish next year (assuming there is one).

Could we have gotten better? Yeah, unfortunately, I think so. I think Gerbs could have been sold as the answer to a team's goalkeeping woes and ogtten us a little better talent.

Coates has been around a long time, so I know he knows his hockey. I'm not too concerned about the management guys. We got some good hockey folks in there. But I am very worried about Disney. We neeed another Artie Moreno to come along and buy the Ducks because word is Mickey Mouse is cutting the budget again. :(

I'm not sure Murray being here would make a difference in that, so I say kudos to him moving to a Cup contender, a coaching role, and his family.

CR

Maple Leafs 06-22-2004 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Rum
I'm not sure Murray being here would make a difference in that, so I say kudos to him moving to a Cup contender, a coaching role, and his family.

In general, the news has not been met well in Ottawa. The fans are... well, angry wouldn't be the right word, because that implies a level of sophistication that we don't quite have in this city. Maybe a better term would be "not as convinced of the genius of this move as they had prepared themselves to be".

The media is, of course, unaimous in their praise of the move, even though none of them ever mentioned Murray as a candidate before the announcement.

Draft Dodger 06-22-2004 05:55 PM

what about the Hasek rumors? how is that going over in Ottawa?

Chief Rum 06-22-2004 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs
In general, the news has not been met well in Ottawa. The fans are... well, angry wouldn't be the right word, because that implies a level of sophistication that we don't quite have in this city. Maybe a better term would be "not as convinced of the genius of this move as they had prepared themselves to be".

The media is, of course, unaimous in their praise of the move, even though none of them ever mentioned Murray as a candidate before the announcement.


Just remind the fans that at least Murray was a part of two different organizations that actually got to the Finals. ;)

Martin was a very good coach. It can't be easy to follow in his footsteps for just about anyone.

And what's really funny is that Murray will have to match Martin's amazing regular season success to avoid being pilloried, and then do better in the postseason to make the fans forget Martin (of course, the latter shouldn't be as hard).

CR

Maple Leafs 06-22-2004 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
what about the Hasek rumors? how is that going over in Ottawa?

Surprisingly mixed, actually. To me, it's a no-brainer: you have a championship calibre team, you need a goalie, he's the best available... go get him. But for some reason fans here aren't really sold.

The most common reasons:
- He'd cost too much (But wait, isn't Melnyk supposed to be a billionaire with cash to burn? Or was that just a PR smokescreen?)
- He's old and might not be that good anymore (None of the guys they have now are good either)
- He'd take playing time away from the young guys like Prusek and Emery (Apparently developing a young goalie is more important than winning a Cup)
- He'd be a cancer in a great dressing room (Actually, the Sens room hasn't been "great" in years -- Bonk and to a lesser extent Havlat are poison)

So for some reason, the chance to land a Cup-winning hall-of-famer with something to prove doesn't have Ottawa fans dancing in the streets. I don't get it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Rum
And what's really funny is that Murray will have to match Martin's amazing regular season success to avoid being pilloried, and then do better in the postseason to make the fans forget Martin (of course, the latter shouldn't be as hard).

Yes and no. He'll certainly need to better Martin's post-season record (remember, Murray's been out of the second round only once in 14 years of coaching). But one thing that fans here have figured out is that regular season doesn't mean much. If he can lead the team to a 95-point season, which would be good for about sixth place, fans here would be perfectly happy as long as that's followed by a playoff run.

Karim 06-22-2004 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
Karim..you looking forward to the draft at all? :D


LMAO!

bbor 06-22-2004 11:29 PM

ML......Melnyk used to have money to burn....but his stock went for a shit.Biovale is getting beaten down.

Karim 06-23-2004 04:52 PM

Todd Bertuzzi sighting...
http://www.ackthpt.com/bertuzzi_punch.htm

Tekneek 06-23-2004 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim


Classy!

sachmo71 06-24-2004 09:36 AM

I didn't expect this:

Stars update: Jason Arnott re-signed to one-year contract and Jon
Klemm re-signed to two-year deal.


Maybe Klemm, because he was one of our better defensemen. That probably spells the end for Matvichuk, who will now go to Detroit or Colorado and play pretty well. Arnott I was sure they would let walk. I really like him, but he's streaky.

Karim 06-24-2004 10:35 AM

Some articles for this morning:

Walker says no cap... Preds having problems signing Suter...
http://tennessean.com/sports/predato...nt_ID=53152159

Gomez may be available... Could be seeking $5 million...
http://nypost.com/sports/devils/26281.htm

Tough choices ahead in Nashville...
http://tennessean.com/sports/predato...nt_ID=52881146

Bourque vs. Coffey debate... Bruins may be interested in Conroy...
http://bruins.bostonherald.com/bruin...rticleid=31709

Sabres looking at defence on Saturday...
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...23/1048177.asp

Leafs really don't care what the post-CBA landscape looks like...
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...l=970081593064

This sort of thing gets you shot in Edmonton...
http://www.littlemadole.com/pool/images/10.jpg

sachmo71 06-24-2004 10:49 AM

Gomez wan't $5 million? Yikes!

bbor 06-24-2004 11:13 AM

Karim=having a slow work day :)

Simms 06-24-2004 12:46 PM

Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz. :D

Cards4ever 06-24-2004 01:23 PM

What did you win for a prize?

bbor 06-24-2004 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simms
Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz. :D


Woohoo....grats Simms......What were the questions?

Cards4ever 06-25-2004 08:25 AM

I realize this isn't huge news for everyone, but it is here in Minnesota!

Dean Blais has left UND to become a assistant at Columbus

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/9007366.htm

sachmo71 06-25-2004 11:27 AM

Interesting...

Stars acquire defenseman Shawn Belle from St. Louis for goaltender
Jason Bacashihua.


I really like Bacashihua, but we have Smith and Ellis waiting to take over behind Turco also. So we get a really nice prospect who could be a powerplay leader for us in a year or two, although I thought Daley was going to step up.
Anyway, Cash should be starting for the Blues in a year or two, and he may be the guy you've been hoping for...

Karim 06-25-2004 12:01 PM

I think this was a good deal for the Stars. Belle looks like a sure-fire player who has very good size and great speed.

sachmo71 06-25-2004 01:20 PM

I think Cash might be a franchise goalie some day. We just have too many of them.

I'm looking forward to seeing Belle play.

Cards4ever 06-25-2004 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71
I think Cash might be a franchise goalie some day. We just have too many of them.

I'm looking forward to seeing Belle play.



At this point, wouldn't you be happy to see anybody play?!

sachmo71 06-25-2004 01:51 PM

Touche, Cards. :)

Karim 06-25-2004 04:09 PM

Just in case anyone is still interested...

2004 NHL Entry Draft Contest

1. With the 1st selection overall, does Washington draft Ovechkin (1 point), Malkin (2 points) or trade down (3 points)?

2. Name a team involved in the first trade of any kind. (3 points)

3. Who is the first Canadian-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

4. Who is the first American-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

5. Name a player who will be selected in the 2nd round. (3 points)

BONUS: Name the player your favourite team will select in the first round. (1 point) Of course, the Leafs don't have a 1st round pick. :D Choose your 2nd favourite team or any player the Leafs might get.

Coder 06-25-2004 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karim
Just in case anyone is still interested...

2004 NHL Entry Draft Contest

1. With the 1st selection overall, does Washington draft Ovechkin (1 point), Malkin (2 points) or trade down (3 points)?

2. Name a team involved in the first trade of any kind. (3 points)

3. Who is the first Canadian-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

4. Who is the first American-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

5. Name a player who will be selected in the 2nd round. (3 points)

BONUS: Name the player your favourite team will select in the first round. (1 point) Of course, the Leafs don't have a 1st round pick. :D Choose your 2nd favourite team or any player the Leafs might get.



You want this by PM or should I post here?

Coder 06-25-2004 06:06 PM

Dola, seeing as you guys posted in the thread :)

1) Ovechkin
2) Phoenix Coyotes (Lots of teams covet the goalies)
3) Cam Barker, Chicago Blackhawks
4) Al Montoya, Florida Panthers
5) Carl Söderberg

~

I have two favourite teams.. I'm Swedish, so I'm allowed :).

At 10, Atlanta Thrashers will select Robbie Schremp, who's seriously undervalued by THN.
At 26, Vancouver Canucks will be looking for a defenseman. If they haven't moved up to pick Valabik, I think they'll go for Jeff Schultz.

Maple Leafs 06-25-2004 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simms
Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz. :D

I missed this the first time around. Congratulations.

I was in Toronto over the weekend and annoyed my wife by listening to the Fan pretty much exclusively. Ottawa is a beautiful town but God, I miss a real sports media.

(Now if you'd won Lunchbag Letdown I'd be really impressed....)

Maple Leafs 06-25-2004 07:20 PM

1. They take Ovechkin
2. The Panthers
3. Barker, to Chicago
4. Montoya, to Rangers
5. Johan Fransson
6. I refuse to name a #2 team, so I'm taking a bigtime shot in the dark on the Leafs at #90 overall: goalie Kyle Moir

Coder 06-26-2004 04:50 AM

Hehe.. I wrote Panthers first.. I think that Keenan is "keen" to put his mark on the team early. However, I think someone will move up before Florida is on the clock. Phoenix are pretty well stocked with prospects and can afford to trade their pick.

Maple Leafs 06-26-2004 11:14 AM

Here's my draft day trivia question. See if you can get it without looking it up:

There hasn't been a defenceman taken #1 overall since 1996. However, in the mid-90's there was a stretch where four out of five #1's were defencemen: Hamrlik ('92), Jovanovski (94), Berard (95) and Phillips (96). The question: prior to Hamrlik, who was the last junior defenceman to be taken #1 overall at the NHL draft?

Draft Dodger 06-26-2004 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs
Here's my draft day trivia question. See if you can get it without looking it up:

There hasn't been a defenceman taken #1 overall since 1996. However, in the mid-90's there was a stretch where four out of five #1's were defencemen: Hamrlik ('92), Jovanovski (94), Berard (95) and Phillips (96). The question: prior to Hamrlik, who was the last junior defenceman to be taken #1 overall at the NHL draft?


I would guess Gord Kluzak.

Coder 06-26-2004 11:34 AM

Fact that Columbus traded wasn't that much of a surprise, but the fact that Carolina did the trade does.. Ladd?

bbor 06-26-2004 11:47 AM

Damn...i missed the contest.

Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.

ML...you and your damn trivia gives me headaches:D

sachmo71 06-26-2004 11:52 AM

Trivia: Gainey?

Tekneek 06-26-2004 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
Damn...i missed the contest.

Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.


Not a definite second rounder. Of course, the selection of Blake Wheeler brings this thread back on topic for the FOFC.

From TSN :

5. Phoenix - BLAKE WHEELER, RW, Breck

Lowdown: Solid all-around athlete was Minnesota's leading scorer with 100 points in 30 games and led Breck High School to the Class A title. Rangy winger needs to fill out his 6-3 1/2 frame but also won a state championship in football as a tight end. An above-average skater for a player his size, he is solid at both ends of the rink. He's ranked 17th among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting but easily could slip into the second round.

Chubby 06-26-2004 12:44 PM

Just what the Sabres need, another winger :rolleyes:

Draft Dodger 06-26-2004 12:49 PM

"It's a great team,'' Barker said of the Blackhawks during an interview with TSN. "I've heard a lot about the organization, nothing but good things.''

sure.

Ryan S 06-26-2004 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbor
Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.


From ESPN.com

Quote:

The Phoenix Coyotes raised more than a few eyebrows by picking high-schooler Blake Wheeler with the fifth overall pick. Not only is his jump (from 17th overall in Central Scouting's rankings of North American skaters) surprising, but he's only entering his senior year of high school in the fall.


"I got the impression that they were trying to pick me with the fifth pick in the second round, and that would have been great. I got no indication they'd pick me with the fifth pick in the first," Wheeler said. "My dad was the most excited. My mouth was hanging open, and he was doing all the yelling. Believe me, we were shocked."



Wheeler, a right winger who also plays football for the Breck School in Minnesota, won't turn 18 until Aug. 31 and will join the University of Minnesota for the 2005-06 season. If he plays all four seasons for the Gophers, he won't be in a Coyotes jersey until the 2009-10 season

Cards4ever 06-26-2004 12:53 PM

Blake Wheeler will probably be playing in the USHL next year and then the U of Minnesota the year after, he has a huge upside, you don't find guys with that size with the skating and stickhandling skills he has. This kid was one of the highest sought after recruits in college hockey. From what Gretzky is doing, looks like he is following the NJ model and taking college players, he has Taffe, Westrum, Ballard and still in school he has Matt Jones from UND.

Chubby, Buffalo's problem is signing the picks they draft, they haven't talked to last years pick Vanek at all and just recently signed there 02 pick or they would have lost him. Stafford is good player, lots of grit and isn't afraid to take punishment to get to the net.

Cards4ever 06-26-2004 12:56 PM

Dola, he is a old 17, he will turn 18 August 31st, the Wild took AJ Thelen who started college at 18.

If Crosby had been available, don't you think he would have been taken right away?

Draft Dodger 06-26-2004 01:02 PM

21. Colorado - WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW, Brampton

seems cool. I wonder who we will trade him for?
:)

sachmo71 06-26-2004 01:06 PM

Quote:

(#) Dallas and New Jersey trade picks, (^) Dallas trades picks with San Jose


:(

Cards4ever 06-26-2004 01:09 PM

I wonder why they didn't want Zajac.

bbor 06-26-2004 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
"It's a great team,'' Barker said of the Blackhawks during an interview with TSN. "I've heard a lot about the organization, nothing but good things.''

sure.


I'd be worried about this guy right away....he will be a candidate for the NHL drug testing policy after those comments:D

bbor 06-26-2004 01:15 PM

Dola

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger
21. Colorado - WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW, Brampton

seems cool. I wonder who we will trade him for?
:)


After he gets out of jail? :)

Cards4ever 06-26-2004 01:16 PM

Chucko goes to Calgary!

I love all of these future Gophers going high in the draft!


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