Opie

If he goes to the KHL for 2 years and comes back who has his rights? Is he a UFA? What if he only goes 1 year?

Any thoughts about impending FA's thoughts about this. Do you think the travel scares some, entices others? Do you think it could have any influence in the FA signing? The reason I say this is not only did Detroit have the longest possible season, they will have the shortest possible off-season. If you're an UFA you have to think that this will spell trouble for the upcoming season, and you don't want to mortgage you "One Shot" on a tired team. I know $$ are more of an impact due to cap and other things, but do any of you see this as being a possible factor? Any Thoughts? Edit: Damn My Spelling!!!!

I am just curious what others opinions are on this. I have seen a few posts where people claim this team needs to lose in the first round again to get motivated. I think losing game 7 would be motivation enough. Other thoughts? Edit: To those wondering why so few votes have gone to the lost on home ice, it is because I added it late, like the asshat I am!

The Ducks went 6-11 to start the defense of the Cup, cup hangover or starting in UK? Edit: that includes the 1-1 in UK.

The point is rather moot as Hudler filed for Arbitration he is not getting traded, he is pretty much gonna have to be a wing. So if one of them needs to go only one can go. Flip! Not that I prefer either over the other really, they both bring something different, like Z and Dats both bring something different. In Kenny I Trust. This is Stevie v Feds becomes Dats v Zetterberg becomes Hudler vs Flip.

I guess my thoughts were aimed more towards the one year and done type of guys anyway. A guy that maybe contemplating calling it quits and wants another run at the cup before hanging them up. A Sundin type, who knows maybe Tkachuk type of guy (not that either of those two were ever coming any where near Detroit just examples of guys who could be on the verge of calling it a career). So I should have written that.

Well they used NHL in UK correct? I would have to assume it would be NHL, if it were exhibition maybe not, but because it is regular season I would think they have to use NHL size.

Pretty sure voting is almost done but I added it. Can you guys edit your vote like I can edit the poll?

That is because IMO there is no more coveted trophy in the world of sports than the Stanley Cup. The World cup is old but doesn't really have the background/story of the Stanely cup. Players interact with the cup, they all get a turn with it, they all drink out of it that night, it has a whole different meaning to hoist the cup, other than just winning. The cup is its own history book, its own almanac if you will. Winning the cup to some of these guys is family dreams, not just their own. Hockey players don't get the credit for what they play through, excluding the NFL (in which guys play through a lot of crap that should not be played through) most other leagues guys barely play through sprains in their fingers let alone a destroyed nut or shoulder. Coincidence both the NHL and NFL have very similar injury report criteria, both are a little lacking in the disclosure of injuries to the public so very rarely do you really know what is ailing a player. Love the Lower Body injury that turns into a concussion! But Hockey players and most football positions players endure a lot of injuries and pain to get to the promise land, and will try over and over again. I really think the NHL also does better at celebrating its own history than other sports do. Most other leagues the trophy is the MVP, not the Hart Memorial Trophy awarded the the most valuable player. ETC... That is one main reason I want the Campbell and Wales back, why is that so different than Eastern and Western, at least then you aren't ham strung by geography or even worse it looks like you don't get geography. Anyway sorry for the thread jacking, not my intention!

How long before Jiggy is in Toronto? Next year he is UFA?

Any thoughts on Boston Toronto trying to revisit the draft day debacle known as Kaberle for Kessel?

Yeah but Koivu still hasn't signed which is what duck guy was saying?

What are they doing, breaking down and rebuilding or trying to win now? This is the most confusing off season in a long god damned time. Jeff Finger of last year doesn't come close to being as mind boggling, that had Wilson written all over it, so that made sense, HONTA YO! Is this the year that not being able to work that cap starts catching up on teams or is the economy causing this to be wacky? I mean Heatley wants out because they are supposedly rebuilding and they go out and sign this guy? Are they planning on floating around in both zones?

Watch him turn TO into a western conference like team, defense and goaltending, then take the east in a year or two! Say what you want about the man he knows how to do two things: (1)Build winning hockey teams on contracts that expire the year after he leaves (2) Destroying the team!

And it begins, mark my words Bertuzzi to Toronto. The Toronto Maple Ducks.

ahhhh it is all clear now

That would be just above pulling my hair and just below pulling my Wings sweater over my head and yelling F*&K at the top of my lungs!

That is a fantastic scale, what are the ratings: Threw empty beer at TV Kicked the foot rest Threw a piece of Furniture Threw a full beer Kicked the dog LOL!

I added a category for you titanium2, you bring up a good point.

No I don't but that is the more than likely correct part of that deal, or maybe the years, but I don't think that contract is legal at that value? I am pretty sure he was due a mandatory raise?

Oh and I don't think he would have signed a 4 year deal at that number, that likely would have been one year and eventually leading up to around 1.6. I don't think his rookie year he deserves more than Malts.

Maltby has 4 rings and is a proven commodity. Just saying.

I am skeptical of this source, not that the wings have signed him but the value, I wouldn't be surprised if it is 1.6 a year!

Ahh good point, Touche! I think the coaching change did wonders for them as well and will for years to come, unfortunately!

I agree with the bolded 100% however I said that about Malone last year so what do I know really?