frankgrimes

No hurry here, now with Jagr gone and not a lot left his chances of getting a nice contract increase on a daily basis. Brunner knows it and obviously so does his agent. Wouldn't be surprised if Nashville or the Blues trying to make a run for him.

Looking at the invites, it is obvious Canada is the team to beat. Their forward depth is through the roof, the defense is stacked only ? is their goaltending. I also really like the more balanced roster Sweden is trying to build, then the US and of course Russia - Pasha on a line with Malkin is scary but I don't think they have the defense or goaltending to get the job done. Really happy for Dekeyser and Howard and a huge statement. Too bad not one Wing is playing for team Canada.

12 months 4 teams not too bad

Nothing beats good ol' original 6 matchups and rebuild rivalries. I am looking forward to the games against Toronto, Montreal, Rangers Boston not so much, because it won't be pretty.

There is something called, unwritten code and integrity. Bieber just doesn't know any of these words. I bet, if Bickell or Lucic would have been there he wouldn't have touched the cup, just a stupid SOB.

I like that article, Brunner may have to wait with the cap going down and most teams already filled out, his opporunities are shrinking. Sign for around 3,2 somewhere and then cash in next year, with a higher cap anda full season under your belt.

Same here, Alfie as great as he was is not a longtime solution Brunner could have been one AND is also cheaper.

I am going to be as clear as possible here: When visiting the OFFICIAL detroitredwings site I don't want to see pictures of players not wearing the winged wheel, especially the official NHL BFF team including Sindy. Also like others said the promotion is very poorly done, I am looking at the header from this site and it is miles above this poor promotion. Promote your own players and by doing so at least put a little photoshopping love into the whole thing, embarassing and very poorly executed. Going to the DRW site and seeing pictures of other players is feeling wrong at so many levels. If I'd like to see a picture of Chara or Gaborik I'd visit the sites from Boston or Columbus. BTW not using the only Rangers Star King Lundqvist is just another nail in the cofin, the Amwaylogo at the end fits this crap perfectly..

Sorry but this is not funny. I know what you are trying to say but what happened is still horrible and one can only pray, that the KHL has improved in that regard. Pasha just being Pasha once again, to be honest I wouldn't have hold it against him if he decided to stay in the KHL but I am obviously happy that he decided to return and signed an extension. Also I think some people are really underestimating the playing at home factors in front of the 3-fs, especially if you are already extremely rich. Imagine yourself in a situation thousands of miles away from him, already having tons of cash and almost a guaranteed workstoppage every 4 - 5 years reducing your rights/salary - wouldn't it be extremely tempting to just go home and enjoy playing in front of the former mentioned 3-fs? Winning the Stanley Cup may be the ultimate goal for almost every NA born player but I think a lot of europeans are just happy with playing some years in the NHL and see where it goes. From a purely competitive standpoint though I agree, the NHL is by far the best league.

I guess that heavily depends on the next hot air machine they are going to hire then...*g*

The names are another new low for the NHL, there are so many great players some love for the tradition of the game. Seeing Montreal and Toronto more often is a god send, 3 original 6 teams battleing it out can't wait for that. I also hope they retire Lidströms jersey at the first homegame against the Bolts.

Someone get some serious tablets of reality for this guy, he is going to need it what an idiot. Can't believe the Leafs allowed him to remove a part of their tradition, guy will be gone soon if he doesn't deliver on his bold promises.

Then don't read it next time, problem solved.

Is there any evidence to that? I know it is big but the biggest? I used to be pa fan too but after the so called Bosman case I have literally stopped following the Pro leagues, because it is the same everywhere: clubs are selling their souls to shady investors, less and less homegrown talents foreign Gm's acting arrogant against fans while kissing the rear end of some suits and the same 3clubs as champions league favorites every year. Although I agree the history defines a club not the stars on the chest. Worldwide I would think Baseball and even Football are still biggper.

So the city s now officially bankrupt but willing to subsidize the new arena? As a citizen I would ask others and gather for a collective sueing of the so called city representives, unbelievable. I guess the Winter Classic is now offiicially in daknger again...

What does Carcillo really provide? He is useless against the top fighters, not the best agitator and coaches hardly trust him against skilled lines. I think the Hawks are starting to realize slowly that letting Scott go, was a big mistake.

Rebuilding the Leafs [for the 1000000 time in their history ]: Phase I - Fire Leiweke Phase II - ??? Phase III - Profit only needs 3 phases non would include erasing the past.

Well there is no easy answer to concussions, these things are damn complicated and can happen other completely different circumstances. The rule 48 was just another stupid kneejerk-reaction by the NHL.

I have a simple rule: if it comes from soccer = immediate ignore this sport used to be so much better but nowadays it has fully sold out and is unwatchable. Sadly, it is really big overseas :I

A good point also, I think there may be some truth to that:Our soccerclub here used to have only 3 foreigners, the hockeyclub around 5 both with huge traditions and a huge following after that changed, ratings and interest went down. I think every team needs local heroes because they make it that much easier to identify with the team. I think having two role model superstars is great but it for sure would help to have some michigan born stars on the team to gain some momentum again. Also don't forget how spoiled we as Wings fans are, it is hard at least for me to understand why this team does not try to built something like 2002 again. After all I think if they can fix their conservative approach, become tougher, add local heroes, find the right mix between skill and physicality fans will come back. Sent from my BlackBerry

Well this also can be good thing, hockey is the far superior sport and it doesn't need all the drama, over the top celebrations and endless player fiascos. The fanbase may be smaller but way more passionate, loyal and the athletes are the most down to earth guys in all of sports. Long story short other leagues may be bigger but quality beats quantity 100 out of 100 times. I mean giving a murder a contract would never happen in hockey because gangmembers and other troublemakers do not have a place in hockey. Hello Patriots... The Wings problem is simple: as fans we have been spoiled and since Mr. I has to spend money in order to supsidize teams that should not have a Nhl franchise, instead of trying to built another team like 2002 the interest in watching an only behind the pack team is going down. Personally I would prefer less teams and free spending

Someone should tell this guy to tune it down. Toronto is a tough place if you do not deliver on bold predictions. Read somewhere that Anschutz himself didn't allow him the same kind of influence in LA. After reading about Lieweke's plans this was a very smart thing. Personally I think he is just blowing hot air whit this stuff.

Can't even imagine that but man if the Leafs are allowing this crap, I am sure they are going to anger not only their fanbase but also some serious sponsors.

Thats exactly what you get, when you are hiring guys in suits that don't love the sport nor have any passion for tradition. I also like their team but parts of the fanbase and ownership is just arrogant. This guy basically wants to erase a part of the tradition their, what an awful awful thing to do. It is hard for me to imagine players liking this at all.

Why do the Leafs always some attention hungry guys? Usually being lowkey and let actions do the talking is the smart thing to do. Lieweky comes off as a really arrogant business first person if he uses Nonis as his puppet Leafs are not going to succeed and his planned parade will be his ticket out of town, what an idiot.