kipwinger

I'm glad. This was the right thing to do.

They're a modern dynasty, why wouldn't they talk about the Hawks glowingly? Everybody talked about the Wings like that when we were in their positions.

So let me get this straight, John Scott gets this entire situation thrust on him and his first thoughts were to thank his teammates and think about what a cool experience it will be for his family? What a dick. Definitely not the kind of "boy next door" role model the NHL has been pushing for years.

Just bought my shirt. FTW

That's because their coach doesn't appear to get his jollies off of being the center of a media circus.

Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that volunteering to sit out of the all star game got you a one game suspension? I recall Lidstrom and Datsyuk having to sit out a game because they chose not to go. Now the league WANTS a player to voluntarily sit out? How convenient moral ambivalence can be!

I'd can't boo because I won't be there. But I think those with media influence should champion that idea. As for me, I won't watch. Not the skills competition, not the game, nothing.

I'm also a little annoyed that Don Cherry, Mike Milbury, and the rest of the pro fighting crowd, have remained mum regarding Scott. How fickle. You're going to go on and on about how great fighting is, and then don't support a fighter that's getting railroaded. Makes you question their motives for sure.

Here's another thing I'd say about Scott. All those people who championed the "vote Scott" campaign (most notable Puck Daddy) need to do the right thing and publicize the hell out of this. Maybe even start a petition or boycott. They had as much to do with this as anyone, and it would be a shame if they threw up their hands after essentially getting him involved in this in the first place.

If the NHL, and a sizeable chunk of its fans, is going to insist that fighting is a necessary, traditional, and integral part of the game then I don't see why an individual shouldnt be voted into the all star game based on skill in this area. You can't have it both ways. Fighting can't be tacitly condoned, if not downright celebrated, while the fighters themselves are barred from receiving honors based on their ability to do this "nesessary" part of the game well. And that's to say nothing of the extremely contemptable decision to offer a man a life changing opportunity and then conspire to take it away. After all, regardless of his skill level, john Scott has devoted his entire life to loving and playing hockey. This is his hall of fame moment and he might be robbed of it. Its an absolutely awful way to treat a guy who probably loves the game more than any of us.

If he isn't allowed to go, after he was voted in and was expecting to go, I'm going to be very disappointed in all involved. Scott has done nothing but handle this graciously, made it all about the opportunity for his family, and as an end cap for a career that's coming to an end. In his statements about the game he seemed legitimately excited, and it would be REALLY screwed up to take it away from him now. I don't usually get on board the "NHL front office is the worst" train, but this would be shameful.

So I can't post links from my phone for some reason, but if you look up "Martin Fork Prospects Report" on YouTube you'll hear some interesting thoughts from Holland, Blashill, and Ryan Martin concerning Frk. For what they're worth you can look up George Malik's notes (I know) on Frk. He does an analysis of all the prospects at the development camp and main camp and has consistently noted Frks pensive approach to the game, but undeniable skill and work ethic. Hope it helps.

I've read that he's a tough dude, with good size, and an excellent work ethic. The knocks were his skating and generally being passive in his approach to the game (I.e.waiting for the play to come to him). I've never heard him describes as lazy, overweight, etc.

Who centers Frk?

Jesus, they could at least let Darren Elliot call the game. Even he's better than Ozzy. And he's already on the staff.

Osgood is a god damn embarrassment as an announcer. If he mispronounces another name, or uses improper grammar one more time, I'm going to switch to the Los Angeles feed. I can't believe they fired Larry Murphy for a guy who can't speak correctly.

Smart move, win-win for the wings.

You might have to swallow a year or two of bad contract,but it won't even be that big of a deal with cap inflation.

I'd take Buf long term in a heartbeat. Squeeze all his value as a defenseman out and he will still have value as a forward at the front of the net. The dude can skate, is durable, and has had no serious injuries in his career. He will be good for another 5 or 6 years.

Dekeyser-Byfuglien Kronwall-Marchenko Smith/Ericsson/Quincey-Green Cup.

The folks suggesting it would take AA to get him are dramatically overestimating his value. The fact that he wants out of the organization reduces Columbus' asking price. A comparable would be Nino Neiderreiter, who went to Minnesota for a fourth liner, not the organizations top center prospect.

Ive liked Rychel for a long time. Hes a fairly big, very abrasive and physical, first round draft pick who's scoring at roughly a point per game in the AHL. What's not to like? Columbus wants defense, I'd flip them a good defense prospect for him given our lack of power forward type prospects.

He won't be an undisputed number 1 if he doensnt produce points, and so far he's inconsistent in that regard.

I don't think he will be anywhere close to 6.8 million.

Contracts tend to be higher money for shorter term, and lower money for longer term. Not vice versa.