Clicks and Clippings: The Untouchables
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 19, 2010 2:55 PM EST
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Sunday, I linked an article written by Chip Alexander of the News & Observer which reported on his conversation with Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr when the team was in Detroit last week. In that piece, Chip focused on what he termed "The Untouchables", referring to this statement by Karmanos:
I hope we can build around five or six key players that we have that we think are world-class players....
So it seems that in the Caniac Nation, the Untouchables are that core group of players that Canes ownership will protect, no matter what offers are tendered, in this rebuilding phase of the team. Everyone else? Apparently they should consider themselves expendable, and maybe soon, as we near the impending trade deadlines. Again, this morning, another voice familiar with the inner workings on Edwards Mill Road repeated the phrase:
Forslund recaps loss, possible trades on 620 The Buzz - WRALSportsFan.com Referring again to the Untouchables, John Forslund reiterates that it's a rough time for everyone in the room.
And you can see the debate among fans over at CanesNow yesterday - with a few familiar names (and their familiar opinions) in the mix.
According to both sources, these are the 5 (or 6?) "Untouchables": Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Tuomo Ruutu, Tim Gleason, and Brandon Sutter. Add Joni Pitkanen as a maybe. After that, it's safe to say the rest of the men in Red are all feeling the heat.
This dark cloud looming over the locker room, the imminent but unknown trades in the works, seems to be the theme of the week among Hurricanes insiders, and I think we all anticipate some news in the next couple weeks as the February 12th Olympic Trade Freeze approaches. Here I thought we'd already had enough stress this season.
After the jump, looking at a collection of links about youngsters, pros, and Olympic hopes. And the hockey game you won't want to miss coming up Wednesday.
Having led with uncertain future of the vets in the NHL, I'm linking you up below with the other side of these deals:
The Picks, the Prospects and the pipeline
Trade or keep those draft picks? Ask Red Wings - thestar.com There is a certain chic to suggesting that little can be done at the trade deadline to help a team win the Stanley Cup. Interesting strategy on this frenzy of the trade deadline and whether GM's can really get it right.
Czarnik, Seguin each score twice, lead Whalers over rival Spitfires 7-4 - NHL.com Czarnik also had two assists, while Tyler Seguin added one assist and took over the OHL scoring lead with 71 points. Michal Jordan, who has scored in eight of his last nine games, had a goal and two assists, while Ryan Hayes and Joe Gaynor also scored for the Whalers (26-20-1).
NHL Network U.S. to broadcast 2010 CHL/NHL top prospects game WEDNESDAY (tomorrow) at 7pm is your DVR memo. Watch as the Top ranked junior players to showcase their skills at annual CHL event. Windsor Spitfires (OHL) players LW Taylor Hall (ranked first) and D Cam Fowler (ranked third) will suit up for Team Cherry [Don] while second ranked C Tyler Seguin from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers will play for Team Orr [Bobby]. This may be the most important game a Canes' fan can watch this week.
The American Hockey League | Albany spark plug making his case Jacob Micflikier had signed a one-year deal with his third franchise in as many years, and was once again among the final players to be loaned to the ECHL before opening night. and now this from this morning: River Rats get a third all-star — sort of - TimesUnion.com Although he recently was told by coach Jeff Daniels that he will remain with the Rats for the remainder of the season, Micflikier opted to honor his selection to the American Conference team for Wednesday night’s ECHL All-Star Game.
And more about the young players who we have seen play in Raleigh.
Tonight at 6pm the puck drops for the 2010 AHL All-star game with River Rats Justin Peters and Bryan Rodney on Team Canada. Last night was the Skills portion of the event and the results show Peters had a busy night: The American Hockey League | 2010 Skills Competition I haven't seen that there is any available TV coverage of tonight's game here in the Raleigh market - but if anyone has info, please post it in the comments.
Peters, Rodney set to represent Rats - The [Troy] Record Sports It’s only fitting that Bryan Rodney and Justin Peters were selected to represent the River Rats in the American Hockey League’s All-Star Classic.
New Canes in fast lane - NewsObserver.com The Carolina Hurricanes have brought in players in revolving-door fashion this season from the Albany River Rats, their American Hockey League affiliate.
Puck Drops : Setting the rookies up to succeed Brian LeBlanc posted this very pertinent piece over the weekend describing how he'd like to see these young kids nurtured. See if you agree...
From NHL Plays of the week: Staal's goal vs the Leaf's last week shows up at the beginning. Somehow Ward's maskless save did not. and Cam Ward's save in Detroit sans masque appears at the 1:28 mark.
Last, a smattering of stories around the NHL
Leighton is Flyers' surprise between the pipes - NHL News - FOX Sports on MSN The motivational sign, one of many in the Flyers' locker room at their Voorhees practice site, hangs above the stall belonging to goalie Michael Leighton. I don't know anymore if the Michael Leighton story is a "feel good" one for us or not.
Patrice Cormier controversy rips open hockey violence debates - Puck Daddy The last few stages of the process (to determine punishment exacted by the governing body) also bring to a boil the debates forever tied to incidents like Rouyn-Noranda centre Patrice Cormier's headhunting of Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts, which sent Tam into convulsions in a horrific scene and sent Cormier off the ice indefinitely. Update on Tam's condition here.
The playoff push: 90+ points or bust - The Globe and Mail James Mirtle is forecasting what it will take for all 30 NHL teams to make the playoffs this season
The Hockey News: Campbell's Cuts: Terrible timing for Finnish injuries As of today, Finland is without one-third of its top two lines with Saku Koivu out with sprained knee ligaments and Teemu Selanne on the sidelines with a broken jaw. And if the Finns have any aspirations of even coming close to duplicating their silver medal performance in 2006, they’d better hope they can get one or both of them.
Here's a photo of the injury-in-action when the Kings' Jarret Stoll collided with Koivu's knee Thursday night.
via a323.yahoofs.com via ducks.freedomblogging.com
Speaking of Team Finland, Jussi Jokinen spoke with Chuck Kaiton after the Atlanta game and the conversation aired during the game last night. Listen here if you missed it. He talks about how the Canes are working through the season and his personal disappointment on not making the cut for the roster for his country's Olympic hockey team.
Last, How Private Are Players' Private Lives? - Versus Discussion of the pitfalls of the internet and risks for hockey players, focusing on some problems in the Philadelphia Flyers franchise.
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Good for Cam. Bad for hockeymom. (And the doctor told me the narcolepsy wouldn’t ever conspicuously affect me!). Thanks for the catch.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 19, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
It’s also the #5 save overall for the week. I’m biased, but IMO, it should be higher.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
And Tim Gleason’s hit on Thorburn of Atlanta is the #3 hit of the week. :)
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Glad they finally got those out. I was checking all day since usually come out late Monday.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 19, 2010 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Great stuff hockeymom … a little bit of sensory overload with all the links and such, but great stuff. :)
I post a bit on Buffalo Rumblings (NFL/Bills-great blog btw) and with the ineptitude of that franchise, we’ve done the “who are the core players” bit dozens of times. It’s almost old hat. In a way, it’s a good exercize to tease apart the real core players and the guys who may be good, or fan favorites, but are not the ones you build the future of the team around or can fetch enough value to build the team.
Missed something...
“According to both sources, these are the 5 (or 6?) “Untouchables”: Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Tuomo Ruutu, Tim Gleason, and Brandon Sutter. Add Joni Pitkanen as a maybe. After that, it’s safe to say the rest of the men in Red are all feeling the heat."
Rutherford recently mentioned that he would like to keep Ray Whitney around next season, so not sure why the author excluded him from the list. Honestly I would say in my opinion, he would make a great Captain next season over Eric Staal who is still inexperienced and certainly now is not even earning his Assistant Captain on the ice.
Ray Whitney for Carolina Hurricanes Captain 2010-2011 (after Rod Brind'Amour graciously retires ;-] )
I agree that when PK is saying only 5 or 6 players, it’s hard to get down to that small a core. The CanesNow forum certainly explored lots of preferences. That Forslund and Alexander had the same list with no Whitney is remarkable.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 19, 2010 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Jokinen surely is among the core players. I think there is hyperbole going on with the commentators. For the money, Jokinen supplies a wide range of skills and makes Pitkanen a better player. Who else would the Hurricanes get that can play all three forward positions literally on all three lines and who is pure money on the shootout. I thought about the statement and I think it is somewhat a smokescreen so that Rutherford is not tipping his hand on whom he really wants to trade.
The more players he includes as untouchables the lower the trade value of the remaining players. Really anybody, professional or amateur, who studies the Hurricanes can figure out which players drive this team and lead this team. Similarly, it is painfully obvious which players are truly dead weight. Then there are role players who are great but are replaceable if need be.
At his age, i don’t know that Whitney’s a core guy anymore. He’s complementary. If someone offers him crazy cash for one year (and a shot to win another Cup) this offseason, JR isn’t going to match just for the sake of keeping him. All those “core” guys are signed beyond this season.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 19, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
+1, Why keep an asset that we don’t need when we can gain more and still potentially re-sign the guy?
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 19, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I gotta believe they are going to " rent " Ray and then he will be on the Glenn Wesley 1 year contracts for life plan after this year, which is fine by me. He still plays well and seems to like it here, and if we suck we can trade him for something every year just get him back the next. That is a win/win for everyone.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Jan 19, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
Corvo
How much has the injury hurt his trade value? Can we still get anything for him at this point?
Still not a crook!
i have to say jussi jokinen and pitkanen have to be on the list hands down.
jokinen is an X factor guy, and the connection with pitkanen has won games for us the last two seasons, put a good team around that, and it just makes the team that much better.
the only reason i dont add cullen is because he will probably get rented out.
First off, I’ll say, again, the “Untouchables” poster is just the awesome.
Second, lest there be any ambiguity in my opinion, I completely and unabashedly approve of the 5 “untouchables” on the list.
Personally I would add 2 more Finns to that list, because I really do believe that the three of them together are greater than the sum of their parts, but hey, that’s just me. Or perhaps not.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
After watching last nights game, IMO I would add Rosey. Again alot will depend on if he keeps up the pace he displayed last night. He is a fireplug on the ice when injury free, and that is something the Canes are in desperate need of.
I personally find it very depressing and indicative of this team’s overall talent level when players such as LaRose are seriously discussed as “untouchables”. He’s a third liner who has played like a 4th liner this year. Regardless of grit, effort, blah blah blah, he’s just not that good of a player.
he has also been playing injured all season so that is not really a fair assesment
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
He’s still a third line player even while healthy. Third liners are not untouchable players.
Ignore this entire season and LaRose still isn’t even CLOSE to being an untouchable.
Puckdrops Article
I agree with Brian LeBlanc about the need to put prospects in situations where they can succeed. I still am trying to figure out hockey culture rather than basketball culture. In basketball if a #1 point guard gets hurt, the #2 point guard does in and plays. If he plays well and the team wins, he stays. Basically, the coach says, “we’re throwing you into the ocean to see if you can swim, have fun; don’t drown.” If the player can handle the pressure, he is with the starting team.
In hockey, they bring up prospects with speed, hands, and grit, and then put them on a line with grumpy old men who have concrete in their boots (so to speak) and then give them time to skate around the ice long enough to break a sweat and then put them back on the bench.
I don’t see how anybody can get into a rhythm that way. I also don’t understand why a coach cares if a prospect can fit in with the grumpy old men on the fourth line (again using hyperbole). If I were a coach, I’d want to see what happens when I put the speed demon with my best talent. I’d give him time to sink or swim and I’d say, “kid, show us what you got. Go play hockey, have fun, take some names, and burn up the defensemen who don’t have a clue how fast you skate; and by the way, you are getting 20 minutes, no matter what; so don’t tighten up. It’s your time, dude. Go for it.”
So as I say, hockey culture is not something I yet comprehend.
My take, probably way off, but just a guess is that it’s partly due to coaching / player development philosophy, partly due to “coachability” and partly due to the nature of hockey being similar to baseball rather than basketball, in that player development, beyond the 18 and 19 year old studs, takes time.
In basketball, a player can step in immediately and contribute if they have certain skill sets, whether it be quickness, size, rebounding, whatever. Basketball utilizes a much shorter bench (usually no more than 3-5 guys outside of your starters play) so a rookie can come in and make a regular contribution if they bring the skills necessary to do so. Basketball is one of the few sports a shortened bench during the regular season is not uncommon.
In hockey, because of the rigors of the game, the length of the schedule, the injuries, etc. Calling up players is a necessity not a luxury. Rookies garnering major minutes is only seen when teams take a different strategy or the player is physically and mentally ready to contribute and play enough minutes to develop. Remember too, it’s a huge jump in speed between the AHL and NHL. The Isles and Avalanche committed to this a couple years back, as did the Kings a few years before that, and took lumps for it until this year. The Sabres have slowly integrated their young players mixed in with their core, particularly on defense (Chris Butler, Andrej Sekera, Tyler Myers). Other teams like the Leafs have selectively kept and not kept players up when they felt they were ready. At the end of the day, it’s much like baseball – let the kids get their feet wet, and then after the organization seeing a void opening up due to a roster move, put the kid in their place if they feel they’re ready. The last thing they want to do is have kids sitting in the press box while vets play. The kids don’t develop and your farm team suffers.
I guess the point is, playing rookies the way the Canes have been this year has been done more out of necessity that as a strategy for the long term. I’ve heard it said repeatedly hockey is a “young man’s game” and to me, if you’re going to go the route of playing alot of young kids, you have to commit to it completely like the Isles and Avalanche did so, and so it seems Minnesota and a few others are doing now. I just don’t see the Canes wanting to take this route – sacrifice 1-2 years for playing “kids”. I think JR wants to restore competitiveness immediately (and I think PK is insisting he do so too, via trades, FA, whatever …).
Great explanation and very helpful to me to get a better idea why things are being done as they are. We got much more of a sink or swim approach and of course it was high school and college and not professional.
Thanks – more of a guess than anything.
Hockey and baseball have very similar development patterns for players. In fact, I’ve always wondered if Sabremetrics/Moneyball type theories could apply to hockey (I’m sure there are others who’ve already looked into this).
I think that a franchise will typically commit to a philosophy and stick with it over a several year period. JR talked alot last year about the glut of forwards in the system that need a chance to show their skills. Curious to see how they go forward in 2010 …
One big thing to consider is that in b-ball, thebqirstvtaht can happen to the hypothetical young poontguard is he gets slapped really hard in the wrist where as in hockey, you can get your head knocked off. These kids have never seen the speed of the NHL.
by Killswitch on Jan 19, 2010 7:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That Chinese word is supposed to be “the worst thing that can happen”. I blame the phone.
by Killswitch on Jan 19, 2010 7:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Basketball at the College Level vs. NHL Hockey
I think the size and strength of the players in the ACC is hard to capture in words. The hypothetical point guard is likely to need plastic surgery if he drives full speed to the hoop and doesn’t realize he needs to keep his head up. A large NHL player is 6’4" and 225 lbs. A small power forward in the ACC is often 6’9" and 260 lbs.
The dangers exist in both environments. I think the point guard at the ACC level has played enough basketball against huge players to realize how to survive. I think the NHL is harder to adjust to because the angles are so unclear and the ability to stop is much more difficult. Smaller players can use quickness to avoid the worst of most collisions. It seems much, much harder to change those angles on skates. Still, if one seen the giants fist fight, it is at least as lethal as the battles on the ice between the enforcers. The pads stop the players from getting full fledged blow for the most part. That type of restriction of arm motion isn’t present on the basketball court.
Hockey and basketball are worlds away in physicality. While basketball can be physical and there’s no padding, it’s nothing compared to hockey. Hockey is much more comparable to football. On skates.
I’m sure you’d agree, abramsdoug, that basketball fights shouldn’t be on the same blog as hockey fights. Hockey players are actually fighting, for the most part — basketball players are waiting for the refs/teammates to step in and break it up. Apples and oranges.
At the end of last season (during the media blitz surrounding exit interviews perhaps?), JR said something to the effect of “the only ones who are a given are Cam and Eric”. I took that to mean that they were “untouchable”. So I’m a little surprised (though certainly not disappointed-I’m with LTD-I completely and wholeheartedly approve of that list) that there are now 5 or 6 guys being considered for that category.
Now all that being said, I have a hard time believing that anyone is truly off limits. If they can trade Gretzky, they can trade anyone.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I should add that too – great job as always HM!
And CG, I agree with the sentiment that no one is “really” untouchable. Obviously Cam and Eric have always been givens in terms of designated franchise players. But I really like that the organization seems to be recognizing and acknowledging the efforts of the other three in terms of what they bring to the team, in addition to their talent, night in and night out – heart and soul, meat and potatoes, grit, determination, leadership, attitude, etc., which in my opinion is what really makes them untouchable. And also makes me so very proud.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Jan 19, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed LTD. Those guys (Ruu, Gleason, Sutter) would make my list of “off limit guys” any day of the week not because of their stats (it’s probable that no one’s stats qualify them for that status this season) but because of their intangibles. It is those intangibles that make me cheer for a player and make me want to keep them on the team.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Here's your River Rats.......Boxers or Briefs??? Carson I just don't know what to say................................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkO0VBUMKHw&feature=player_embedded
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
Well I know who I won’t be standing too close for pictures. LOL
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Because all I’d be able to think is “he’s not wearing underwear” and would immediately turn bright red. Or I’d say something really rude. Better to remain at least an arm length away.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
from this day forward he shall be known as COMMANDO CARSON!!!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Commando Carson and Nakey Boy. What a team JR’s put together eh?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
It would be my last.
Seeing how I’d go blind in the making.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 19, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody Have a Clue Who the Sources are for Forslund and Chip Alexander?
I confess to having a high degree of skepticism about there being a magic number of only 5 or 6 players who “won’t be traded” based on the statements by Chip Alexander and John Forslund. I agree it would be crazy to trade the six; but I think it would be hard to justify trading Jokinen. All of which which makes me wonder whom Forslund and Alexander are relying upon for the information. I am very pleased that there are changes coming; and I am glad the younger Albany Rats will get their chances.
Here's a quote from Eklund
“Ray Whitney to the Kings or the Canucks is gaining a lot of steam. People who once felt Whitney had no intention of leaving are now saying he will go so he can help the Canes out. Were he to be traded, I would not be shocked to see him return to Carolina this summer as a UFA. He loves the area.” – Eklund
I want to believe him. But it’s Eklund so…
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I finally got around to listening to Ray’s call into NHL Live from last Friday during breakfast yesterday via DVR and the NHL Network.
They broached the whole “maybe you’ll be traded” subject with Ray in a fairly casual manner and he was fairly casual in his reply, but still didn’t say anything close to “it’s not happening”. Sounded to me that he would definitely entertain joining someone, but also did speak of liking it here.
Here, listen for yourself and see what you think.
I listened to Whitney on Canes Corner tonight, when asked about the retiring as a Hurricane, he was very precise about the words he said. He talked about being traded is part of the business of hockey. Alluded to his family liking it here, etc. Just seemed like to me what he said and the way he said it…. I wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of the week he’s playing somewhere else.
I’m not so sure about the 6th “Untouchable” in Pitkanen. Don’t get me wrong he is one hell of a player and probably our best overall defenseman. What make me weary is that his contract is up after next season and what type of money will he want? He make $4M now and leads the league in TOI; that should warranty a nice raise. Is $5M a season out of this team’s budget? You have to take into consideration that Sutter, Jokinen, and maybe LaRose would also be looking for new contracts. Like I said, he’s a great fit for this team, but “untouchable,” I just don’t know.
So who is on our defense if Pitkanen isn’t? Gleason and a bunch of prospects? If the Hurricanes refuse to pay $5M for a top-pairing defenseman then they can forget about ever contending again.
Barring some absolutely stunning collapse in Pitkanen’s play, no way on earth should re-signing LaRose or Jokinen take priority over re-signing him.
BTW, PItkanen makes $4.5M next season, so $5M wouldn’t be that much of a raise.
$5M is a guess, Pitkanen could want more. The real question/point is the Canes have roughly $21M committed to 4 of their 5 “Untouchables.” Sutter’s resigning would probably their first priority. After that Pitkanen, Jokinen, and a lot of the kids. I’m not saying its impossible to resign Joni, I’m just questioning if the Canes will do it.
by PackPride17 on Jan 19, 2010 10:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oh yeah, I almost forgot a top 3 pick has about a $3.5M cap hit. If Sutter is signed for $3.5M, that’s $28M dedicated to 6 players not including Pitkanen. So the Canes would roughly have $25M (assuming they spend around $53M) to sign 17 more. Its doable, but not a whole lot to go around.
by PackPride17 on Jan 19, 2010 10:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
But the top 3 picks don’t make that for awhile *I’m not sure what the schedule is – at least 2- 4 years) after they are drafted. Check out Chicago’s current Salary. Next year is a whole ’nother story there.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 20, 2010 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
I love the poster. Is there anyway we could get one printed out for Paladin? I think he would love a poster with Staal front and center (you know, since he is such a huge Staal fan).
by PackPride17 on Jan 19, 2010 7:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I would also love to see someone photoshop AWard standing in front of the gun with a sign that says “you’re gone one way or another.”
Just kidding, I don’t want to see AWard physically harmed.
by PackPride17 on Jan 19, 2010 7:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I really feel they’re gonna keep Whitney. I think Brind’Amour is done. Staal with take the “C”. Jokinen definitley needs to be on that list as does LaRose. I would say: Cam, Staal, Whitney, Jokinen, Ruutu, and Pitkanen
by Queen City Caniac Fan on Jan 19, 2010 9:04 PM EST reply actions
Hate to see it but ~
I would look for Whitney to be moved before the deadline along with Cullen and perhaps a gritty player such as a C. Larose that always seems to get it done no matter what the situation (but he has played way below par for us this season and with LaRose contract it is going to be a tough say).
Hot Seat players: Cullen, LaRose, Whitney, Wallin, and may Alberts or Joni P. Either way the Canes are going to add picks and young guns for vets at this season deadline so look for the firesale to start soon.
Our main offseason dealing will be with J. Corve and whether or not to bring back the veteran d-man. Due to the lack of production from our free agent signings and resignings I believe Hurricanes build from within after this season so look for Canes to pocket the cash and let Corvo walk.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Jan 19, 2010 9:26 PM EST reply actions
Knowing JR...
He’s probably gonna keep Gleason and Pitkanen, then bring back Sean Hill, Oleg Tverdovsky, Andrew Hutchinson and David Tanabe to round out our defense.
He’s probably got Pavel Brendl on speed dial to take a spot on Staal’s wing. Then, all he’ll need to do to make this team complete is sign Joe Vasicek to center the second line, and buy a cardboard cutout of Eric Bellanger (with a hole cut out of the crotch) to keep PK preoccupied while JR writes the checks…
and NHL 10....
….thinks he is actually good, He is rated as an 86, which is WAY to high.
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Jan 19, 2010 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
Don't let JR hear that.
If he does, PB (and J) will be back here by the deadline. Of course, you might want to tip JR off, then buy stock in Krispy Kreme.
by East of Here on Jan 19, 2010 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Edmonton: Will they tank the season?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=306822
Dreger is advocating that the Oilers tank the season and get a top 3 pick: (1) Hall; (2) Seguin; (3) Fowler.
Looks like the Hurricanes have a battle on their hands in the race to last. Flop, Canes, Flop should be the cheer at the RBC. Interesting that the article really does suggest Oilers need to tank the rest of the season.
Here's an idea...
They should have an alternative playoffs (called the fail-offs) for the bottom 4 teams (bottom 2 from the WC and bottom 2 from the EC). The winner gets the top pick in the draft and a sterling silver bedpan. They could call it the Handi-Cup instead of the Stanley Cup. The worst player in the fail-offs gets a gold plated toilet paper holder called the John Swipe (as opposed to the Conn Smythe) trophy. This could possibly be more entertaining than the regular playoffs. I know I’d watch…
by East of Here on Jan 19, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Why is Staal untouchable? Really, do you consider him in the same company as Ovechkin, Crosby, or even Kovalchuk? Would you rather have Malkin, Toews, or Marleau? I love Staal when he dominates….but those spurts of play are just very sawtoothed. Sorry to discuss an elephant in the room.
THE QUEST FOR TAYLOR HALL...
OV($9.0mil), Crosby($9.0mil), yeah OK Staal’s($6.0mil) not that good. I guess we won’t be able to trade him even up for Malkin($9.0mil)) either. But then they all make 50% more than Eric. Although Malkin’s not exactly Charlie Hustle. And yes I do consider Staal in I.(no D) Kovalchuk’s and P.Marleau’s class.
Kovalchuk($7.5 mil) has never won a playoff game.
Marleau($6.3 mil) has broke the 30 goal level 4 times (including this season) in 12 years. Like to see how Eric would do with Thornton in the line up.
Who on Florida would you trade Staal for even up ? Tampa Bay, Either New York team, Boston, Toronto, Dallas, Los Angeles, etc etc. Staal is an elite player.
So maybe you mean a Joe Thornton-like trade. Maybe we get 3 Really Good players for him. I’d be OK with that but I don’t see it happening by JR’s hand.
by drifterscape on Jan 20, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
DVR Alert
The 2010 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is on the NHL Network tonight at 7 pm.
See your favorite future Cane in action!
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