up2here

And thats what I mean when I say " I guess I understand". However the Isles arent forcing him to work theyre just saying you have a contract with us and you should honor it, which is exactly right. It seems like hes trying to circumvent the rules and choosing where he wants to play regardless of contract.

I think youre missing my point. I dont think anyone is denying goalie equipment has gotten bigger or that its too big. I agree on both fronts. I'm saying equipment evolves and that it was getting bigger before Bettman became commish. My buddy was a goalie back in the late 80's and I put over 30 pucks in his trapper one time. I would guess you wouldnt get half of that in Terry Sawchuck's. This was pre-Bettman. Gone are the days of a Mike Bossy like slapshot beating a goalie as he flies down the right wing and yes until more changes are made its very likely no one will score 50 in 48.

Equipment size has always been strictly enforced. Changes are made through the years (Likely under the guise of better safety) to make it bigger, or stonger or faster and the rules have to be changed to accomodate things like this. Its no different than composite sticks making players shoot harder or skates making people skate faster. A composite stick would have been illegal in 1985. Look at the NFL. They change rules all the time because they understand that you have to adapt as players and equipment change. I can understand you blaming the league as a whole (Simply because they run the show) but Bettman has enough blame that he doesnt need this as well. I should also also be slapped for helping hi-jack this thread, I know better. I would be very impressed if someone scored 50 in 48 games.

I guess I understand where Visnovsky is coming from on this but it still seems like a "Dick" move.I highly doubt the Isles would even trade him, they need to play hardball and tell him that he either honors his contract and plays for the Islanders or he doesnt play at all.

I dont know how many times I can say this but I will again. I dont like Bettman, he reminds me of a weasel and I dont trust him. However I'm not blind or short-sighted enough to see that you cant blame him for everything. The Cap? You dont think the Owners (Who emply him and pay his salary) wanted the cap? Open you eyes man. If we didnt have Bettman we would have someone almost exactly like him.

He also oversaw the reduction in the size of the equipment and the supposed calling of more obstruction. I guess global warming and 9/11 are Bettmans fault also. Ridiculous.

Riley Sheahan. I would guess theres never been a player in the history of the game who recovered from being caught wearing a Tinky Winky costume.

The one thing were not taking into consideration is the families of these players. Most have wives active in the community and kids in the school systems. This factor may keep at least a few players in the same organizations.

I love when people say Bettman is the problem and that if hes gone everything is once again right in the world. I dont like him, I dont trust him but I'm not blind enough to not see that hes the only problem. The owners picked him because he fit the criteria of the guy they wanted. If its not him it would be some guy just like him. As for this 700+ UFA thing, its scares the hell outta me. I also believe a handful of franchises would fold (Likely all the in the U.S.) which would be terrible to the league as whole, although I admit the caliber of hockey would improve.

I respectfully couldnt disagree more. Worst case scenario hes the same player he was in Edmonton and you say goodbye. Best case scenario he puts up 70 points with Z and Brunner and we got a top 6 forward in a steal. You cant have too much talent. If he doesnt make the roster and you havent given up much to get him whats the problem? You havent really lost anything and you took a shot at a guy with first round offensive talent.

Again I ask "Why not?"

You deal with that later. If he works out then youve just found a steal. If he doesnt then let him walk. I think the chemistry he has shown with Z and Brunner alone makes it worth the shot.

I'm still kinda shocked that both Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon made the team as 17 year olds. I see them play almost every night and theres no doubt they deserve it but in a lock-out year its very surprising. MacKinnon gets all the press (And rightfully so) but keep an eye on Drouin. The kid is slick as snot on a doorknob.

How do you know hes not good enough to play in the NHL? People would have said the same thing about Dan Cleary a few years back. It takes players time to mature, some more than others. I beleive its especially true for European players as they not only have to adjust to a new league, new ice surface etc. but they also have to adjust to a whole new continent and lifestyle. If Omark has turned his game around and becomes a top forward then the Wings could trade one of their current forwards to add someone from another area of need. My whole point is that if you can get him without giving up to much then whats the harm?

i would take that deal and run as fast as I can.

I dont understand why people here keep saying this. For the right deal of course its a good idea to pick him up, he's still young and very talented. Having too many talented forwards is not a bad problem to have. That allows the team to make deals to strengthen other areas.

Getting cut from Team Canada is not really an insult, especially during a lock-out/strike season. The list of players cut in the last few few years includes Tyler Seguin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matt Duchene and Brendan Smith. Congrats also to Martin Frk on making the Czech team. Should be an awesome tournament!

I cant be a coincidence that negotiations were going well until Fehr and Bettman arrived yesterday. If you want to win fans back the 10 year cba is a damn good start.

Yes, good ole Halifax.

I'm actually glad you brough Nestrasil up as I had forgotten about him. Going to keep my eye on him again. As for Frk I'll be attending tonight's Mooseheads game as well. We'll see if he can follow up his effort from the other night.

Mario Lemiuex in his final season with Laval: 70 GP, 133 Goals, 149 Assists, 282 points. A different era obviously but my brain has trouble even comprehending those stats.

Scouting isnt an exact science for sure and clearly none of us are professionals but Nestrasil never seemed to have to raw talent taht Frk seems to have. Time will tell I guess.

He loves to shoot and he knows that he has a great one. His accuracy is not something that seems overly concerning from what I've seen. Sure he misses the net sometimes but he also has shown the ability to pick the top corners. He also played the point on the power play last night and is one of the big reasons Halifax's power play is so devastating right now.

While technically born in Winnipeg, Steen clearly considers himself Swedish. Stone has the look of a future NHL goal scorer though!

Team Alaska: Scott Gomez 22 Siberian Huskies