You do realize that now all us Leaf fans are going to go on and on about how great Fletcher was, right?

Good rule changes except I don't know where I stand on 3-on-3 OT followed by a shootout...

$5 million marquee player exemption.... It will be interesting to see which NHLers dive in first.

No complaints from my end...

you are SO lucky you didn't mention Ray Bourque.
:D

speaking of Ray...I still haven't found the answer to that trivia question (what number did he wear besides 7 and 77).

Induction ceremony is in November - wife will be 8 months pregnant, meaning she wont be able to drag me to Toronto to see her man inducted. if it was September...I think we'd be coming up to sleep on bbor's couch...

Here's a pic from the rally this afternoon...

what a shock - lots of red.

I have to say, I was impressed by the Calgary fans during the Finals. First, everyone there at the home games was wearing red (and going crazy) - ESPN never did get the mike's fixed to adjust for the extreme level of crowd noise. Quite amazing to see nothing but red in the stands.

then, the cheering they did in Game 6 (final home game) after Calgary lost was awesome. there's a LOT of places you wouldn't see that happen.

One other thing to watch with the WHA....they have a lower age restriction for draftees -- 17 year olds are eligible.

Which means Sidney Crosby will almost certainly be taken at some point in the inaugural draft. Would he ever sign, assuming he *was* drafted, and what would that mean for a potential NHL career if/when they start up again?

DD what flight ya gonna be on? :D

Been reading up on the draft, which is only 16 days away. Here are some links...

http://younggunshockey.com/index.htm

http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/custom/rad9F78D.asp

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=9157

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hocke...woodlief_x.htm

dola,

And here's a list of free agents...
http://www.geocities.com/floridapant.../free2004.html

Should be an interesting off-season to say the least!

We need an offseason thread

Offseason thread

With all the hype that Sidney is receiving, there is no doubt in my mind that is why they made 17yo's eligible. Remember last season when there was all that hubbub about him not playing in road games because he(which could include his father, coach, gm, etc) felt that he was taking unneccessary shots on the ice? If he went to the WHA for a year he'd get paid and not have to deal with that and still go to the NHL in a year. If he got a 1 year 5 million dollar contract it would be worth it for the league, he sells out buildings now, I can't imagine it being any different in the WHA.

Damn Cards, you don't come around much anymore.

I posted in your thread with the baby pics. If you didn't see it, Congrats Wig, welcome to fatherhood! How is your family doing? You also changed your e-mail addy, I tried to e-mail you and it bounced back on me. :(

If it was the work one, I got laid off. :(

You can get me at wig AT DesktopDynasties DOT com

I also have a U of MN one, but I don't know what it is. You could probably find it in the campus communication thingies.

Maybe he'll start his pro career the same way Greztky did

I want no part of a strike thread...bad karma:)