VM1138

That's sad. They must feel that his injuries have finally caught up to him. They must have seen this summer that he isn't recovering quite to his former self. I always liked Homer, he really redefined a crucial part of the game. I really like the idea of Franzen-Flip-Bertuzzi. Williams would be useless on that line, but having two big workhorses (Bert and Franzen) who also have a tendency to be clutch playing with a great center like Flip to feed them could mean big trouble for teams we play against. There's really no great spot for Williams. I feel he will adversely impact whoever he plays with. That being said, he should be on the third line, which will hopefully not teach Leino or Helm to become lazy and complacent.

What it should tell you is that Holland signed a bunch of one year deals with risky players because he has a lot of faith in the GR kids. But considering they haven't even played in the NHL it'd be pretty stupid to call them all up for a season, yes? He made risky moves because he has faith that if they don't pan out, he can fall back on the kids.

I'm betting Lids signs a 1 year for around 5 million. It's a big discount considering he's still playing at the top of his game, and allows the team more wiggle room in following seasons to resign him lower if his talents drop.

Interesting that he kept in contact with Draper, Cleary and Ozzie. Those guys seem to be our recruiting team time and time again. They're good at what they do. Also seems to me that that would mean there really wasn't any drama in Bertuzzi's stay. And we knew he only left because he wanted a longer term contract. The more I think about it the more I like this signing. He seems to really like it here, he WAS a good fit, considering he was injured. If he can stay relatively healthy he's still a more than solid 2nd liner who adds a bit of the "power forward" we sorely miss.

Well, from what I understand, Eaves hits. He's just not a heavyweight but he hits. He's just made of glass. Williams, on the other hand, is a coward.

He had his opportunities, but what's the big deal? It was no secret he had to work with 3rd line minutes a lot of the time, and it's no secret that he wasn't a superstar like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Hossa, Franzen, etc. He was somewhat of a fan favorite, but what he said isn't exactly shocking.

? Is this sarcasm or are you being serious? That sounds a little...well...surprising? EDIT: Bert is only 34? Man...he plays like he's a lot older.... His career has taken such a nosedive. I'm mixed on this signing. I was one of the few who thought he did a pretty good job here, considering he was injured. I wanted him resigned back then because I felt with a summer to recuperate and being more familiar with the team he would be a solid player. But his last two years seems to indicate he's deteriorating fast. But for cheap depth? Yes, I think it'd be a worthy risk.

Man. Legace was so good in the beginning. So good. And then BAM! Suck-city. I think it's an open secret that Holland is keeping an eye on goalies in case Howard doesn't pan out. Remember, Howard hasn't done much to make everyone confident in him, and he's really only with the team because he and the team were both out of options.

To be fair, it really wasn't bitching. It was more "I agreed in good faith to play a season in the AHL and now I want a shot." I don't think he ever demanded a roster spot, though I could be wrong. I think he always claimed he deserved a chance. And he only said it like...once when someone asked if he would be around. He handled it pretty classy, I think, and it really wasn't a dig at the team or organization, just stating the obvious. He came all the way over here to play. He still felt the need to earn a spot, he just felt he did his part of the bargain.

Russia is the team to beat, but I still hold out hope USA will pull off some bizarre miracle and go all the way.

How the hell did Kopecky get on there?

Manoir, Holland has had some trades fail, but compared to other GMs he has a better track record. If I recall correctly, each year we won the Cup we made a move (usually at the deadline) that helped our team. Stuart in '08. Obviously Hasek, Robitaille, Hull, etc., etc. I have faith in him. I'd also like to point out that a lot of his failings have not been "never should have signed this guy in the first place" but were in fact, good ideas that didn't pan out, i.e. Bertuzzi. Gambles he took. Unlike other GMs who lock up horrible players long-term. If he resigns Williams for 8 years and 700 billion dollar contract, then we can talk.

Is it just me, or does the more players the KHL steal actually make them LESS respectable in the eyes of the world? I see them grabbing big names, but I still sort of view them as this strange, copy-cat cousin who nobody likes.

Jagr > Thornton. Every. Way. Possible. Good to see Lidstrom is leading Brodeur right now 54-46%.

I'm not an expert on all of these guys, but my "gut rankings" from what I've seen watching them play, I'd agree overall with your list. Except I'd put Keith lower, Pronger, Rafalski, and Phaneuf much higher.

Hasek was probably (in my mind) the most entertaining goalie ever, and probably the second best ever. His flopping drew constant criticism but those critics always tended to ignore this basic fact: It worked. By flopping and looking like he was in a spasm he made some of the most amazing saves in hockey history. The guy is a legend and I, too, will defend his flopping any chance I get. But I agree with the poster you were responding to, I don't think he was criticising Dom.

Frolov, Frolov, Frolov! That's really the only person to get excited about on that list, other than Lidstrom and Kovalchuk and guys who won't leave their team anyway. It's a much bigger "big name" off-season than this one, but I'm not sure they're any more talented, overall.

The KHL wouldn't be gaining ground if the NHL didn't have a cap, or at least had a higher cap.

For alcohol in the US? Yes. Wasn't this in BUffalo?

I can't believe the people trying to defend him here. 1) Under no circumstance should even average Joe engage in fisticuffs with someone, unless they are being physically threatened. Somehow, I doubt a cabbie in a car poses much of a threat to a 20 year old hockey player. 2) Under no circumstance should a wealthy, respected athlete punch anyone, let alone a cabbie, regardless of what was said. Power, responsibility, all that garbage. Regardless of "what really happened" Kane physically touched the cabbie which was absolutely unnnecessary. Regardless of the accuracy of what the fight was over, a minor who was likely drunk cruising the city and abusing his power is bad, over .20 or not.

This soft, EUropean team put Crosby out of commission like 6 times in a 7 game series.

Some of them, yes. But I'm opposed to the Williams signing as well, and I've never been on the "Enforcer Squad."

Nobody would show up for Buffalo's players?

Exactly. I'm not sure what this "fatigue" is that people are talking about. I tend to think a lot of these things taht sports fans think "fatigue" their players really don't. So they've had 3 long Cup runs? Montreal has done more than that in their history. I don't see any reason why these guys can't put together an amazing Cup run again this year. On paper we're still one of the best teams in the league individually, then add in Babcock, the System, and Holland at the trade deadline and we're basically one of the top 3, if not the best. I still fully want and expect the Wings to make a long playoff run. They don't make excuses like "well, we're bored with Finals."

No kidding. If Canada is losing interest in Hockey, the sport is doomed.