BringHomeTheCup!

I am wondering if Smyth is waiting things out to see where all the chips fall. Seeing which teams have the best fit for him, and a legit chance at winning a Cup. He is no spring chicken, so the Cup has to be one of the most important things to him. I don't see him going back to Edmonton. The Isles just don't have a legit shot, neither do Montreal or Colorado. I wouldn't rule out Detroit just yet. It looks like Kenny is willing to spend a little more than anticipated. I think it boils down to Bert or Smyth for Kenny. I can't see Kenny spending the coin to get both. And yes, if Smyth does sign here, I'll eat some crow. Here's to some crow, eh?

He is an UFA, and intentions are to either retire or play for the Rangers. Reports I've read says he is coming back, and will be signed soon. The Drury and Gomez signings only add to the allure of playing another season for Shanny.

First day signings aren't what Kenny gets into. He finds the right players at the right price. How does the signings make Philly a cup contender? Taking a team from where Philly was last year, to contending for the Cup doesn't happen in a year. They did make a few great big strides in the right direction, but Cup contenders? Don't let yourself buy into the hype.

ESPN confirms it's a done deal.

If that deal went down as originally stated, I think Edmonton got the better deal. Philly could have done much better in return for Pitkanen.

Dom has said that it's back to Detroit, or retire, but that doesn't mean that if another team offered him big bucks to go there that he wouldn't accept it. A team like Tampa Bay has to at least make a phone call to Dom's agent to inquire. I think St. Louis is set with Manny. Colorado has Budjai (sp?). L.A. has too much tied in to Cloutier. Phoenix has said they don't want to bring in any players over 35 this offseason. Boston just traded for Fernandez. I think the only other viable option for Dom, would be back in Ottawa if they lose Emery. If Dom doesn't come back, the real question is who starts between the pipes for Detroit? And no, Osgood won't be crowned the starter.

No. There are enough number 1 centers on the Wings already. Also, according to Spectors, there are some conflicting reports on this signing.

I am seriously wondering how much Matty going to the Ducks had to do with him wanting to leave Detroit. I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit was looking at Rafalski to begin with. I love the Rafalski signing, he brings everything Matty does and MORE on offense, while being more defensively reliable. Way to go Kenny. Although I am surprised to see the $6 price tag.

IF Souray were to come to Detroit, he wouldn't be paired with Nick. Babs would insert him in Matty's spot, second unit. However, in a situation where Souray and Nick were paired, I think moreso than Souray's +/- incease, you'd notice Nicks +/- decline.

Sorry fellas, but I gotta say, the best looking jersery in the league is the Leafs dark. I love it. Worst, that's a little less clear. The Stars 3rd jersey was bad. Ottawa's are all bad, IMO.

It is all but impossible for the Wings to get Souray. He will get at least $5.5 somewhere. If the Wings can't afford to pay Matty that, how could they give it to Souray? You are right, they are similar players, Souray is a tougher player, but Matty is better in his own zone and already a leader in the dressing room. Souray has already turned down a $5 offer from the Habs. It's going to be intersting to see where he goes. If Neids retires from the Ducks, he could very well end up there as he has siad he would like to play closer to his kids. They live with his ex wife in Cali. Souray has about a .20% chance of landing in Detroit.

Should we start a list of guys who were supposed to be 'elite NHLers'? It's pointless to think that before a guy has played a single minute of an NHL game that he could be an 'elite' player. Let the kid make the squad first. Like Dr. Marvin says, 'baby steps'.

He is going to cost too much, and he is worse in the defensive zone than Matty.

I think Morozov has a bigger upside, and less of a downside. However, I think Kozlov would have more fan appeal.

What?

That one has to be called the Alexi Yashin Trophy

It's not just that we need to sign a few guys in a few years. Holland has said a few times that he has $10 to spend this offseason. He still needs a goalie, 2 dmen (at least 1 top 4), and a top 6 forward. So how would it be wise in any regard to go after someone like Smyth? Besides, signing the big name UFA's isn't Kenny's style.

That's more of a slap in the face than an offer.

First off, make fun on the Islanders and Garth Snow all you want, but the reality is if DiPietro stays healthy, it's a steal to have him at that price ($4.5). He is a top 10 goaltender in the NHL. That being said, if they sign Smyth to a long-term deal, rumored to be 8 years, they wouldn't get significant ROI. A front-loaded contract would help a possible trade or buy out, but still, I think 5 years is a stretch given his style of play. The Wings do have enough cap room to weasle in Smyth. However, they would not be able to sign Hank, Nick, Flip, ect... when the time comes. Smyth for anything more than $3.5-$4.5 won't happen in Detroit, and even at that price it's still a tough call.

Babs has said several times that he wants to split the Eurotwins up. At some point they will have to learn how to produce with other players. I think it's just a matter of finding the right type of players to compliment their styles, or finding the right guys to play second line behind them, and still produce.

Again, you misinterpet what I've said. I in no way think Bettman has anything to do with this new offer. Rather, I was saying if Bettman approves of the sale.

I seem to remember that the A-TEAM (que theme song) always seemed to find a way to lure B.A. into eating something that was laced with a random drug to knock him out in order to get him to fly. Maybe the Wings could use the same approach with O'Neil?

Sidney Crosby Award - Biggest Whiner Theo Fleury Award - Most over-the-top celebration after scoring a goal (could double as the Peter Klima Award) Nick Kronwall Award - Handed out the the player with the most freakish injury each season Sergei Fedorov Award - Given to the player with the most overall talent that refuses to use it on a consistant basis. Gordie Howe Award - Awarded to the player ranked highest in Goals, Assists, and PIMs Mikael Samuelsson - Player with the most meaningless shots in a year / most shots that hit the goaltender in the chest

I'm pretty sure he was a part of Montreal's Cup winner in '92-'93.

I think if Bettman let's the Preds sell for $50 million less than the highest bid, it only hurts the value of every other franchise. Regardless, it clear that the Preds are on the way out. Given a choice between a move to KC or Hamilton, I'd take Hamilton. But then again, I do love hockey.