frankgrimes

Parise wanted to go home as did his babe. I think we were really close in terms of getting Suter but that sadly it didn't happen. I mean their situation is great, young up and coming team, tons money in their bank and no pressure of the ice in the state of hockey

Complete player: Zach Parise Winger: Patrick Kane Honorable mention: Phil Kessel

Somebody already mentioned Crosby and Tootoo (man did he ever get a raw deal here, such a shame), so I'm going with Dion Phaneuf. I used to think that is an attention-seeker which really couldn't be further from the truth. Currently I really feel bad for all him, the crap he is go through with the Toronto media is an embarassing: - He can score a goal, have an assist => media: why doesn't our captain hit ? - Delivers a big hit ==> media: Dion is taking himself out of position instead of using some stupid stat doing X to score a goal - doesn't make himself available for interviews ==> media: Dion is the captain he should be there replying to us! - faces the media ==> media: His replies are always so "robotic" and our captain should rather focus on improving his game instead of giving the same answers everytime I mean how the hell do you win in such a market ? It really doesn't matter what you do you can't win if I were him, I'd tell the media to eat their shortrs and just stop giving interviews. Btw. his last name is Phaneuf so why call him Dion ? I seriously doubt he is that close with a lot of the reporters there.

Thought this thread was about free agents ? Neither Mrazek nor Howard (the #1 goalie of the Wings) are one of those so they shouldn't have anything to do with the likelyhood of maybe signing one of the remaining free agent players.

It's just a regression phase every currency goes through it at some point. I'm sure there are 1.000 other activities legally and illegally one can do in Vegas but hockey? Lol I've said before and ill say it again the NHL needs less not more teams. Why not wait till Seattle, Portland, Toronto 2 are ready and use a much more realistic price tag...half a billion for a team might even be more than the mlb is charging..

I mean when people are thinking of LV the first thing that comes to mind is gambling, huge shows and a city that never sleeps.Thinking about expansion instead of relocation and then into another non hockey market doesn't make any sense. No other mayor league is touching that market there must be a reason for that. I can already picture them being part of relocation talks after year one. How freaking stupid is it that we would have 2 teams in the dessert but only 1 in Toronto? Also what about players with full NTC, NMC would they have to accept a trade to them? Everyone knows Quebec is going to work but Vegas is screaming Phoenix, Panthers maybe even worse if that's possible

Las Vegas getting a team has to be the pppdumbest idea since that damn into the desert and non hockey markets. Gambling, prostitution and other stuff AWwill be on the daily schedule add to that the working hours of most potential customers and this screams stupid market that shouldn't have a team and will be another sub 7.000 attendance market but that *** league and the midget won't care because after all crap markets are the way to go, instead of relocating some franchises I.e typical NHL thinking

I hope Larkin and Mantha can become a dynamic duo to somewhat soften the blow when Z and Pasha are gone. One of Sproul, XO or Marchenko also needs to turn out better than expected.

Some people are watching the games, instead of looking at spreadsheets and notebooks. If Toews were an ufa today 28 teams would be lining up with even more money than his 10,5 he is that valuable. Most people that think he isn't a top 10 player should watch the games. Just like Keith he always gets into best mode come playoff time. People honestly wouldn't take him over Z right now? Hard to believe also their peak can't be compared because nobody knows if Toews has peaked already or might get even better. If we've seen his best than yeah peak Z was better but if not than Toews could very well become even better. Toews at 27 has won everything in his young career and could very well end up with half a dozen cups when all is said and done. I don't care about regular season stats if a player disappears when it matters the most, Toews is the opposite. So yeah till Giroux, OV and done other ppg players can do the same I'd take captain serious over everyone not named Crosby or Stamkos and I don't need spreadsheets to know that, his accomplishments, work ethic, leadership qualities and the praise people in the NHL is more than enough. Z's peak had him playing unreal hockey.

This deal should work for both sides, Bernier has 2 years to play for his big payday and the Leafs get to see if he can be a number 1 goaltender in the long-run. If the Wings aren't bringing back The Monster I wouldn't be opposed to take a chance with Reimer and run the Howard/Reimer duo while Mrazek gets a chance to round out his game in the AHL. Also would be interesting to know who handled the negotiation process I guess it has to be Shanahan knowing that Lou hasn't even been 2 weeks on the job.

The thing is Toews is still in his prime and baring some injuries he should continue to get even better, which is a damn scary thought for the rest of the NHL given how freaking good he already is. In terms of prime we have yet to see how long it will last and what he can do in hiis prime, we've seen and thankfully witnessed what Z could do especially at his peak and that was easily a top 5 performance. Sadly his back didn't quite hold up so his peak and even prime were cut short, which obviously is a f****** shame. In terms who had it harder that's tough to say sure the Blackhawks ar e an awesome team right now but I still think our top rosters (especially the 2002) were much better than their current team. When it comes to the defense overall I think Toews has had to work harder because the Hawks while having an elite guy in Keith never had someone like Lidas playing god for 60 minutes. Also keep this in mind: Toews will already be in the HHOF no matter what happens from here on, Z might have to wait a bit but I think he will make it and of course Toews, Kane and Keith can already book their number retiring ceremonies at the ages of 27 and 31 unbelievable but of course the bar isn't as high in Chicago as it is in Detroit.

I'm ******* starting to hate the term responsive design. It always results in much more clicking than before.How about some real navigation? Like fade in menus, sub menus and pages! Instead of that damn load more crap. Going to look at grease monkey maybe it's easy to re design this thing. If it works I'll share it here

I voted Nyquist, he just has this natural goalscorer tough and calmess to him. Tatar is driven bis his energy but he is also has games where he just disappears, same goes for Goose but he then scores an important goal out of nowhere. Tatar will always get huge kudos from me for playing the next game when his father died that's some serious fight through it mentality. I'm hoping Nyquist can add some serious muscle this off-season and maybe become a poor-man's version of Stamkos => get in the gym and work your butt off with Gary Roberts.

Right now Toews easily, primes will depend on how much better Toews can get and if his prime will be cut short because of injuries like Z's. The way Z played the last games and playoffs sadly had him looking like a 3 liner.

I'm not going into the nerd-stats because I'm not interested in them if you trust them fine I don't. I've said countless times that OV is the better goalscorer but OVERALL I'd take Toews just look at the Selke nominations for the best two-way-player who many does OV have ? Yes 0 nominations Toews doesn't only have nominations he has also won one. So if you want to build your team around a one dimenionsal (but obviously elite at that) player fine, I'd trust my gut and take an excellent two-way-player who has shown that he can will himself and his team to a cup(s).

Well if you think the playoff argument doesn't fly because the Hawks have played more games I can do the same. The PPG argument doesn't fly because obviously Z is 34 and Toews is 27 so for sure Z should have a better PPG because he has been in more playoffs series overall. Anyway I think you are taking this way too personal instead of rationally. So I ask you this all things aside would you take Toews over Z right now yes or no ?

As a matter of fact I don't know any of these guys personally but I know what other players and the trusted sources (TSN and the likes) are saying about the player. When almost everyone in the entire NHL is praising the leadership qualities of a guy there must be some truth to it right ? Yes making the playoffs is a team stat but once the playoffs are going you need your best players to be the best and looking at the recent game 7 performances I would honestly give the node to Toews here. But it really doesn't matter you think OV is the better player and I think Toews is it and I've said the same thing before the Hawks won their first damn cup, that Toews kid is a really really special player. As a matter of fact I've read the same discussions back t hen when I was one of only 2 ! people who had hm in their top 10 - 15 players in the world back then. Yes I know he is a Blackhawk and I would love nothing more than some cowboys taking their freaking scalps on the ice but I looking at it rationally I just can't hate Toews, Hossa, Keith and Seabrook they are extremely good players and it (sadly) shows. Is OV a great individual player? OH YES ! is he a team first guy or leader ? Jugding by what I've seen and read about him I don't think so.

OV is great as an individual but he is not a guy I would want as captain of my team nor as my go to guy when the game matters the most (playoffs game 7 !). God it pisses me of that I have to "defend" a Blackhawk here but the guy just has "it" OV is the better goal scorer no question but in terms of leadership, defense and team-frist-attitude I'd never take him over Toews. As great as OV is one guy that is really heavily underrated on the Capitals is Backstrom that guy can make unbelievable passes and everyone knows that OV has a rocket from the blueline. Teams are built around centers and defense first not around wingers. Sure the Voracek contract is a gamble but if he would have put up another 80 pts + season Philly would have had to pay even more maybe north of 9 to re-sign him.

no I'm comparing their last 3 years and let's be honest last year was by far the worst playoff performance I#ve EVER seen from Z he almost played like a 3 liner. His playoff highs are incredible with 27 and 24 but he never even came close to reaching such high numbers again (yes the first and second rounds exits didn't help either) but you get the point. I mean, do you assume he would have scored at least 18 points if we made it all the way ? I sadly doubt it but we'll never know.

One thing that people often forget with Toews is this: when the game matters he turns it up another notch his last 3 playoff performances: http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=8792 Points: 14, 17 and 21 Zetterberg: 12, 2 and 3 Sure the Hawks made it all the way but sadly right now Toews is the better player and that's by far nothing against our captain and to be honest it pisses me off seeing how much impact that damn back had on that once unbelievable two way center known as Z

Malkin had 1 outstanding season, sadly against us but OV really ? Yeah guy is a great scorer probably one of the best ever but he isn't anywhere close to the terms of leadership and iron will Toews has. Toews may not be elite at one thing but he is very good at almost everything, which makes him perfect player in almost every situation. I wouldn't break a sweat having him out in the last minute of the game but I would if OV was out there, he just doesn't know how to play defense which is okay not everyone can be a perfect two way player. Tavares is debatable but I'm waiting till I can see what he can do with a g reat team and an ownership willing to spend, Toews has already proven what he can do and he does year after year after year. Tavares is an unbelievable player and I'd die to have him on this team but people should wait till his new contract which will also be a record breaking one if Tavares gets better and better I expect at least 80 over 8 for him too. Giroux is better offensively but overall ? No way I'd much rather have Toews even with his higher cap hit. Stamkos doesn't turn 25 till later this year and he came back from a broken leg so I really expect him to be back at his former self this season, I mean legs are one of the most important things for a hockeyplayer, which is why I hated the dumb comment from Mr. Cattle regarding Mantha's performance. I mean is there really anyone who wouldn't pay a guy like Toews 84 million over 8, or Stamkos 90 over 8 IF they were available ? If I'm a multi billionaire (like most owners are), I'd fly down there and right t he check immediately.

I don't think it does, Stamkos would have gotten paid a lot no matter what. To a lesser extent so still Kopitar I know some kings fans expect him at 8 or in the low 9s but that's not going to happen.Yeah it's a lot of money but compared to other sports it's peanuts, hockey is one of the most demanding team sports physically and mentally. When I'm thinking of Giroux and Voracek I'm thinking of a poor mans version of Toews and Kane. Also keep in mind how loaded Snyder is 66 million over 8 years will barely change his massive bank account

Well what do you consider fair? Personally I think 90 million over 8 years would be fair others might find it a bit high maybe but I think expecting anything less than at least 11 aav would be a huge mistake. Stamkos has all the leverage here.As far as Toews there aren't many players I'd prefer over him Crosby and Stamkos for sure and maybe Keith, Doughty but that's about it.

I Love inside articles like this. Great job by Quick yeah I guess having to guess what a magician like Pasha can do in a split second is tough for every goalie. OV has a cannon of a shot but he isn't a dangler like Pasha or Kane. With Crosby it seems like everyone knows what's coming but they can't do anything because of his speed and ridiculous strong backhand. The sad thing is father time and that serious back injury really cut Z's prime short he sadly isn't even close to be as good as he once was and well Toews is one of the best 5 maybe 3 players oh the game.

A bit maybe but I don't think he'll come in at less than 10 aav..Kopitar is almost like a bigger version of Bergeron. Stamkos can ask for the moon and he'll get it. Sure it will cost Tampa a record breaking contract but the only better player is Crosby wIth Toews being a solid 3.