First, I hope everyone is enjoying Memorial Day! As promised, here is the start of a division-by-division look at the NHL heading into the summer, in terms of what each team faces. Here’s how the division finished this season, followed by a team-by-team glance…
1. Washington Capitals, 107 points (1st in Eastern Conference)
2. Tampa Bay Lightning, 103 points (5th in Eastern Conference)
3. Carolina Hurricanes, 91 points (9th in Eastern Conference)
4. Atlanta Thrashers, 80 points (12th in Eastern Conference)
5. Florida Panthers, 73 points (15th in Eastern Conference)
ATLANTA/WINNIPEG THRASHERS/JETS
Hanging around?: First of all, we’re still not certain where this team will play next season. It’s like the 2011 version of Ilya Kovalchuk. Regardless of where it plays and what it’s called, this team has a lot of work to do. The Thrashers finished 13 points out of a playoff spot and allowed the most goals in the Eastern Conference. Six of the top seven defensemen from last season remain under contract and the seventh — Zach Bogosian — is a restricted free agent who is almost certain to return. The term “mixed blessing” comes to mind here. In goal, Ondrej Pavelec is only 23 and looks to be a keeper, particularly if he can get a bit more consistent. Up front, the team can build around Evander Kane but needs to get restricted free agents Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler under contract.
Saying goodbye?: The team’s only notable unrestricted free agents are Radek Dvorak, a 34-year-old solid defensive forward who has underachieved on offense, and Eric Boulton, a 34-year-old winger who totaled six goals last season. Among defensemen, Freddy Meyer — who made little impact in 15 NHL games this season — is eligible to depart.
Draft card: Forward prospects Patrice Cormier and Carl Klingberg are still getting accustomed to the pro ranks, but both are considered strong forecheckers and could help the defense at some point.
(Restricted free agents: Zach Bogosian, D; Brett Festerling, D; Riley Holzapfel, C; Andrew Kozaek, LW; Arturs Kulda, D; Andrew Ladd, LW; Ben Maxwell, C; Spencer Machacek, RW; Ian McKenzie, RW; Rob Schremp, C; Anthony Stewart, RW; Blake Wheeler, RW.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Eric Boulton, LW; Radek Dvorak, RW; Jason Krog, W; Freddy Meyer, D; Jared Ross, W; Jaime Sifers, D; Noah Welch, D.)
CAROLINA HURRICANES
Hanging around?: The Hurricanes’ playoff push went down to the end of the season, but they fell short. It’s likely that at least a moderate makeover will be in order this summer, although the Hurricanes have three clear cornerstones in center Eric Staal (33 goals), winger Jeff Skinner (31 goals) and goalie Cam Ward. The defense figures to be centered around tough guys Bryan Allen and Tim Gleason, plus the point-producing but inconsistent Joe Corvo. Is that a good thing? Even with Ward, the Hurricanes allowed 239 goals, putting them in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference.
Saying goodbye?: Who isn’t? The Hurricanes have only three forwards — Skinner, Staal and Tuomo Ruutu — under contract who played more than 23 NHL games this season. Restricted free agents Troy Bodie, Brandon Sutter and Jiri Tlusty figure to return as well, but the Hurricanes have a slew of unrestricted free agents up front, most notably Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen and Cory Stillman. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, given that the Hurricanes were only an average offensive team this season. Only Cole would be a significant loss, but the question is, who will replace these guys? On defense, Joni Pitkanen is a big-ticket item at $4 million a season, but the Hurricanes would miss his minutes greatly.
Draft card: If Jokinen and UFA center Pat Dwyer move on, are a couple rookies ready to step up? Zac Dalpe had 23 goals in 61 AHL games this season. Zach Boychuk had 65 points in 60 AHL games and also got acclimated with 23 NHL games. Carolina wouldn’t seem to have many (any?) defensive prospects with the potential to step into the lineup.
(Restricted free agents: Brett Bellemore, D; Troy Bodie, LW/RW; Derek Joslin, D; Oskar Osala, LW; Bobby Sanguinetti, D; Brandon Sutter, C; Jiri Tlusty, C/LW.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Casey Borer, D; Erik Cole, LW/RW; Nick Dodge, RW; Patrick Dwyer, RW; Zack Fitzgerald, D; Jay Harrison, D; Jussi Jokinen, LW; Chad LaRose, RW; Joni Pitkanen, D; Justin Pogge, G; Bryan Rodney, D; Cory Stillman, C/LW.)
FLORIDA PANTHERS
Hanging around?: When the Panthers fell out of the playoff race — it didn’t take long — the names of David Booth and Stephen Weiss got some decent circulation on the trade-rumor front, but the Panthers held onto both forwards. General manager Dale Tallon is in the early stages of a roster reshaping, but it’s very possible that he will keep both forwards. Restricted free agents Jake Skille and Mike Santorelli have top-six potential. Florida’s top four defensemen remain intact, but other than Dmitry Kulikov, they’re nothing to write home about. If unrestricted free agent Tomas Vokoun moves along, will Scott Clemmensen inherit the role? He’s been solid but rarely spectacular.
Saying goodbye?: Vokoun is 34 and is a steady No. 1 goalie, but not worth the $5.7 million he got paid this season? What will the market be like for him this summer? Clemmensen isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, and it’s presumed that the Panthers don’t yet have a prospect ready to step in and fill the role. Beyond him, the Panthers’ only notable unrestricted free agents are midseason acquisition Sergei Samsonov, a journeyman forward, and a handful of depth forwards who are replaceable. The time is right for Tallon to do some rebuilding.
Draft card: If two prospects come through, the Panthers might be able to address their long-term defensive needs through in-house promotions. Goalie Jacob Markstrom came over from Sweden and put up only average numbers in the AHL this season, but the Panthers like him, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson is talented but probably isn’t quite ready for the NHL.
(Restricted free agents: Nicklas Bergfors, RW; Steve Bernier, RW; Byron Bitz, RW; Brady Calla, RW; Michael Caruso, D; Marc Cheverie, G; James DeLory, D; Mike Duco, LW; T.J. Fast, D; Carl Hudson, D; Tim Kennedy, LW; Jordan Knackstedt, RW; Shawn Matthias, C; Kenndal McArdle, LW; Tyler Plante, G; Michal Repik, RW; Mike Santorelli, C; Jack Skille, RW.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Joe Callahan, D; Ryan Carter, W; Triston Grant, LW; Darcy Hordichuk, LW; Hugh Jessiman, RW; Jeff LoVecchio, RW; Marty Reasoner, C; Patrick Rissmiller, LW; Sergei Samsonov, LW; Alexander Sulzer, D; Bill Thomas, RW; Tomas Vokoun, G; Clay Wilson, D.)
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Hanging around?: Tampa Bay scored the second-most goals in the East this season, and the offensive core returns, with veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis under contract and younger players Steven Stamkos and Teddy Purcell — who became a mythical figure in parts of Southern California by scoring 17 goals — needing contracts as restricted free agents. There’s some young grit among the bottom-six forwards as well. Three veteran defensemen — Brett Clark, Pavel Kubina and Mattias Ohlund — are capable and are in place to help bring along young talent Victor Hedman.
Saying goodbye?: Goalies? Anyone? The Lightning used both Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith in the playoffs, but both are now unrestricted free agents. Roloson turns 42 in October, so how much does he have left? Smith is still in his athletic prime, but in five NHL seasons he has rarely been consistently good. Tampa’s top AHL goalie, Dustin Tokarski, isn’t considered a top prospect. This will be the biggest question for the Lightning. Simon Gagne made $5.25 million in each of the last two seasons and didn’t top 17 goals in either. Eric Brewer’s leadership will make him a commodity this summer. Sean Bergenheim raised his stock with a strong playoff showing. Randy Jones is also available.
Draft card: Tampa is going to need to get younger on defense at some point, but right now the system is top-heavy with forwards. Last year’s top pick, Brett Connolly, had a 46-goal season in the WHL, while Carter Ashton and Richard Panik were both point-per-game scorers in the OHL and will look to begin their pro careers next season.
(Restricted free agents: Alex Berry, RW; Cedric Desjardins, G; Stefano Gilliati, LW; Johan Harju, LW; Riku Helenius, G; Scott Jackson, D; Blair Jones, C; Mike Lundin, D; Vladimir Mihalik, D; Levi Nelson, C; Marc-Antoine Pouliot, C; Teddy Purcell, RW; Kevin Quick, D; Matt Smaby, D; Steven Stamkos, C; Paul Szczechura, C.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Mike Angelidis, C; Sean Bergenheim, LW; Marc-Andre Bergeron, D; Eric Brewer, D; Chris Durno, LW; Mitch Fritz, LW; Simon Gagne, LW; Adam Hall, F; Randy Jones, D; Nicklas Persson, RW; Dwayne Roloson, G; Mathieu Roy, D; Mike Smith, G; Mike Verance, D.)
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Hanging around?: Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Knuble and Alexander Semin will return up front, and all are 30-goal threats. The Capitals, who allowed the second-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this season, are expected to return six core defensemen and all three of their goalies. Anything else you need to know? The question is, will the Capitals stay with coach Bruce Boudreau’s defense-first system from this season or not? And, either way, how will they attempt to reshape the roster after yet another terribly disappointing early exit from the playoffs?
Saying goodbye?: Washington brought in veteran forwards Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm for the playoff push, but it would seem unlikely that either player will return next season. In terms of in-house free agents, the Capitals’ focus might be on retaining solid two-way forward Brooks Laich, who made just over $2 million last season. Defenseman Karl Alzner and goalie Semyon Varlamov are both due new contracts, as restricted free agents, but both should be back, unless the Capitals decide to go in a different direction in goal. Brian Willsie is also available.
Draft card: The caveat about Varlamov is tossed in because goalie prospect Braden Holtby was strong in the AHL this season and during a limited run at the NHL level. A couple of prospects with KHL experience — winger Evgeni Kuznetsov and defenseman Dmitri Orlov — were particularly strong at this season’s World Junior Championships while playing for Russia.
(Restricted free agents: Karl Alzner, D; Francois Bouchard, RW; Trevor Bruess, LW; Joe Finley, D; Josh Godfrey, D; Patrick McNeill, D; Mathieu Perrault, C; Simyon Varlamov, G.)
(Unrestricted free agents: Jason Arnott, C; Matt Bradley, RW; Sean Collins, D; Brian Fahey, D; Todd Ford, G; Andrew Gordon, RW; Boyd Gordon, RW; Scott Hannan, D; Andrew Joudrey, C; Brooks Laich, C; Michael Nylander, C; Steve Pinizzotto, C; Dany Sabourin, G; Marco Sturm, LW; Brian Willsie, RW.)
Best line I’ve heard in months: “Randy Jones is also available.” Hahahahaha! Good one, Rich. And thanks for working on a holiday!
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Jeff Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@Eric, What about the Brian Wilsie is still with the Capitals?
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USHA#17 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:09 am
@Jeff, & Sturm
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luc20rules Reply:
June 2nd, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Eric, I prefered “Teddy Purcell — who became a mythical figure in parts of Southern California by scoring 17 goals ”
Good Stuff Rich, LMAO.
Seriously though, I have already started thinking of next year. Jussi Jokinen LW, or Sean Bergenhiem would be nice UFA depth signing if Richards goes elsewhere. I actually expect Fat Penner to report to camp in great physical conditioning for his contract year.
Poni will not be resigned and Zues will probably move on rather than sign as a stay for a discounted contract.
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Very nice and informative. Thanx, Rich!
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God I love the Thrashers logo… Too bad it won’t around much longer.
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kevin from toronto Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@Zamboni, You’ve got to be kidding me… Worst logo, worst uniform, worst organization in the entire league. The NHL will be better off with out them.
Their mascot ‘stole’ a zamboni and drove it down the highway as a marketing ploy to sell tickets. That’s embarrassing to the league and the sport. And then the fans (who don’t go to games) thought it would be funny to burn Winnipeg Jets jerseys…
That city doesn’t deserve to have an NHL team.
Worst. Organization/Fans. Ever.
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Osaka Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 2:41 am
@kevin from toronto, How do you realy feel?
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Sebastian Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 7:54 am
@kevin from toronto, haha, even before i say your name i though, this guy must be Canadian. i burned a ducks jersey once, does that make me the worst fan ever?
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RLane420 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Sebastian, That makes you the best fan ever.
Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Sebastian,
Only if you paid $200.00 bucks for it at an auction just so you could. You could of easily found one in the trash, before 07′.
kevin from toronto Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@Sebastian, No, because the Kings and Ducks are rivals.
When they burned that Jets jersey, Jets fans had done nothing to provoke it. Atlanta and Winnipeg have (had) no ties what so ever.
If those ‘fans’ were true fans, they would have supported their team while they had them.
Zamboni Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@kevin from toronto, Nahh, the Thrashers always had sick logos and uniforms. In my opinion. The rest is irrelevant. I can’t say I’m surprised the NHL didn’t work out it Atlanta, it’s a southern US city that isn’t a natural hockey market to begin with, they have a ton of other major sport teams in Atlanta, who are all successful teams and in a market that is more natural to the sport, and the Thrashers never had any team success, they could never keep the puck out of their net. They struggled with that throughout their whole existence. When you’re in that kind of situation, you have to be a good team to create a buzz around the team in the city and get people coming out to your games, and the Thrashers could never do that in Atlanta. And yes, they burned Jets jerseys because it was a (futile) rally to save their team and they didn’t want them to move, what’s wrong with that? And I’m willing to bet the people at that rally attended a few games… Just not enough people did in Atlanta.
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kevin from toronto Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Zamboni, So what, 15 people are upset the team is leaving?
And what is an Atlanta Thrasher? This isn’t the arena football league…
Zamboni Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@kevin from toronto, The Thrasher is the state bird of Georgia… That’s why they were called the Thrashers… And like I said, they didn’t have enough people who cared in Atlanta. It’s not that they had bad fans, they just didn’t have enough fans.
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i dont think Thrasher will be moving should be done by now but never know into it happens
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RLane420 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:29 am
@KingsFanFTW, Oh its done
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I’d like to see us make a move with Tampa. I’d be wiling to part with either Bernier and/or Doughty if it meant getting back someone like St Louis and change.
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tuan jim Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@Garrett,
Take your Thorazine. Fast! Before you do yourself harm.
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Garrett Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
@tuan jim, St. Louis is a bit old at this point, but that is the kind of guy we need. Perhaps a younger version, but I’m telling you – I’d take that guy if we really had a shot at winning the cup next year. At 35, sure Doughty may be too much to give away… but Dougnuts should be used as trade bait, not a D-man for the Kings.
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CB14 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@Garrett, The only way Doughty gets traded to Tampa Bay is for Stamkos.
Osaka Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@Garrett, You guys whine we traded Purcell, but you want to trade Doughty?!?!?! You do realize he is 22 years old right? He won’t reach his prime for another 6 years but leads the Kings in ice time now. Besides Lidstrom name one defenceman in the NHL who has a Norris trophy season every year? Not Brian Campbell who won it last year, Drew has those numbers beat.
CB14 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@Osaka, I think you mean Duncan Keith, not Brian Campbell.
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 12:31 am
@Garrett, I have a large bridge in S.F.i will sell it to you cheap? lol.
Michael J. Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Garrett,
My name is Sam McMaster and I aproove of this trade…
DLB Reply:
June 1st, 2011 at 10:41 pm
if I had a ‘like’ button for the McMaster reference, I would be clicking it right now
CB14 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@Garrett, Um, No Thanks on Doughty for St. Louis .
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@Garrett, Keep Doughty he may not play like his rookie year but i think he be better next season Doughty is still young and a very good player when he put his effort out there
and when he get use to pressure on him he learn ways to get around them and score or make a beautiful pass to make a score..Dont Give up on Doughty he still young
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Orphios Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
give up on Doughty? Seriously? Kid has Brian Leetch written all over him and for what, a early to mid 30 year old player that wont get us a cup? Guys, perspective please. We need the winger yes but we arent and shouldnt move Doughty to get it. Player is going to be way to integral for the next oh I dont know 12-14 years for the love of god
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CB14 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@Orphios, I don’t think FTW was saying to get rid of Doughty. I’m judging this on his last line of, “Don’t give up on Doughty, he’s still young”. I think mabye you clicked the wrong reply button.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@Orphios, well we need doughty too he a great Offense/Defensive player by giving up on him and trading him he going to haunt us in the near future
so its better off trying to keep him with the Kings for along time tog et the best out of him…By giving up on him soo soon thats a kick in the head for him and when we do trade him thats a not going to happen and if it does i be piss because he going to take that revenge on us and it will kill us in the near future if that ever does happens
We need a winger yes but trading Doughty will be the dumbest trade ever
Dominick Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@Orphios, FTW wasn’t saying to give up on DD. He was saying don’t.
Duckbasher Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Orphios, – Maybe Doughty could just move to wing? He’s young enought to make the switch.
kevin from toronto Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@Garrett, That’s absurd!
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soyokaze Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@Garrett,
Pass the pipe bro. Must be some good stuff.
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puck73 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@Garrett, Next time you see one of @poorman’s posts, click the reply button and attach your post, he love’s this sort of thing.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@puck73, LOL yea pretty much
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@puck73, Apoplexy to follow!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@Garrett, I really like what I’ve seen of Richard Panik. Kid was the most dominant and skille player on his team during the world juniors. He really stood out and impressed me. The numbers aren’t that great, but he has a boatload of skill, size, and potential. Would love to see him via a trade for Voynov or Hickey.
Check out a couple highlight goals- http://youtu.be/7KkNTsYFP6g
http://youtu.be/JYlwE3ioWlU
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number 6 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Garrett,
Garrett, do you live in some other part of the US and just enjoy writing down stuff to get a reaction. Either that or you haven’t maybe been watching hockey for a long time. I’m not sure but as you can tell by the response, where did you ever come up with the idea of trading Drew Doughty. He is ostensibly the talisman for this franchise, even more than Kopi. He has probably the most upside of any player the Kings have drafted (even more than Kopi) in the last twenty years.
And you’d trade him for Martin St. Louis?!! Yes, St. Louis is a great player but he isn’t Wayne Gretzky or Mark Messier in their prime.
[Reply]
BluLiner Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 9:14 am
@Garrett,
Don’t trade for St. Louis, we could probably get Purcell for Doughty instead!
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CB14 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 9:18 am
@BluLiner, I think we could get Purcell AND Randy Jones for Doughty. On second thought mabye not, that’s alot to give up for one player.
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Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@CB14, Maybe Kopi, and DD for Purse, and Jonsey? LOL
CB14 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Dominick, Sounds reasonable to me. LOL
Even if Doughty is not the annointed one, he’s still going to be real good. Don’t trade him. No one would seriously do that move. I would love to see Kane in a King’s jersey. I wouldn’t mind trading just about anyone to get him.
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Ravens Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@jonsey, Thumbs up to that post
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Osaka Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@jonsey, Drew already is real good.
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Good stuff Rich!
Can I ask how you research the different NHL teams? Certain websites? Consultations with fellow journalists?
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interesting to see where jason arnott goes, he seemed pretty solid for them in a lot of different situations but i still feel like rich said he wont stay.
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Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:47 am
@7holesniper,
There was talk by Arnott before the season, of retirement, but he changed his mind. Might very well be headed that way now.
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Nice job Rich. Is Micheal Nylander really playing still? My god they must of buried that guy deep.
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@Garrett, This has to be without a doubt the worst thread ever. Trade Doughty? Are you off your rocker or what? You want us to trade a 21 yr old world class defenseman, who has the potential of going down as one of the best defenseman ever to play the game, for a mid 30s St Louis? Heck there is only one guy I would even thin of trading Doughty for and he may never play another game (Crosby). I wouldn’t even trade him for Stamkos.
Then you bring up trading Bernier. We have two top goalies now and you want to trade one of them, before we figure out which one is the one to keep. What happens if you trade Bernier and Quick goes downhill, who is going to take over for him? You have to keep both, especially since they are both under low price contracts, until you are absolutely sure on which one is going to lead you to the promise land. I say 1 or 2 more seasons with both. By then it should be established which one we will keep.
I still can’t get over that you actually think trading Doughty is a good thing. How often do you get a world class defenseman on your roster. Yes he had a so so year, but he is still 21 and he is going to come back starting next season with a vengeance. The Doughty we all know and loved in seasons 1 and 2 will be back in season 4 and season 3 will be a distant memory.
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puck73 Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
@Jeff, Thanx for some refreshing common sense, I hope we see you at rookie camp and other Kings events this season.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@Jeff, amen to that every since we got two great goalies they want to throw either Quick or Bernier under a bus that a hell no for me
They both great goaltender for the first time we have two great goalies yea for us
And then the trade for Doughty come on he had a downhill this season he will have a up hill next season i know it and many more he going to be the best trading him will be our death in the future
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Osaka Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
@Jeff, 100% true. I won’t trade Doughty for Stamkos either. 1. Doughty plays more minuets and has more of an effect on the outcome of a game. 2. A young defenseman with his talent is a much more rare commodity than St. Louis or Stamkos.
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Token Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 12:58 am
@Osaka, Now you are just haggling over price.
I’d jump at Doughty for Nash any day.
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Osaka Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 2:39 am
@Token, You would say Nash, hmmmm I like that guy a lot…..
PaulHB Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 4:18 am
@Token, While I’d love to see Nash, I wouldn’t trade Doughty for anyone except for OV or Sid. Now Bernier on the other hand I’d say is on the market for the right price. I just don’t see him as a #1 goalie. Quick is better and will probably always be better.
Also Rich, the talk is that if Atlanta does go to Winnipeg there’s a good chance they’ll be named the Manitoba Moose. Yes, there’s already an AHL team by that name, but supposedly that team will also move and change it’s name.
Token Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:12 am
@PaulHB, Oh, Doughty has not earned that level of company, likely never will. Ovi & Crosby are generational talents. There are a dozen Doughty level defencemen out there, if not more.
Heck, Ovi & Crosby probably sell more jerseys than the rest of the league combined.
There is a long list of star forwards I’d trade Doughty for. But that’s me, I don’t like Doughty all that much.
number 6 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 9:02 am
@Token,
A DOZEN Doughty level defensemen? OK. Duncan Keith, Dan Boyle (maybe), Shea Weber… keep going…
and don’t say Pronger or Lidstrom…. they are either mid 30′s or early 40′s.
Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Token,
It’s fun to speculate isn’t it?
If DL does sign DD, I’d say he’s pretty much untouchable from then on.
I hope DL signs him at least short term. Then your stuck with him forever, because we’ll have the money long term after this season. So this summer you’ll either, get your way, or suffer. Ha ha ha.
Osaka Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@Token, I can appreciate you are not head over heals on Doughty but you mentioned generational players, that is exactly where Drew sits on the cusp of. He might not reach that potential but he has it. You can’t say that about just any player. There isn’t one defenseman in the league that has his upside. Right now there are better D-men but none that have his upside. We are talking of a player that can take over a game like Niedermayer. Now I don’t know if Drew is driven to be that player but he is young. If he doesn’t reach that level he will just be a very good dependable 2 way defenseman for a long time.
Osaka Reply:
May 30th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@Jeff, I just had a flashback of the Kings trading Larry Murphy to Washington in 83.
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number 6 Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 9:03 am
@Osaka,
that was a great trade… (for Larry Murphy)
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So Winnipeg is in the Southeast?
Gotta think they’ll have to shake up the apple cart to make this work.
Columbus Southeast, Atl/Win to Northwest, Avs to Pacific?
Or maybe we just put one wack team in each division, just to even out travel.
[Reply]
anonandonanon Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:05 am
@anonandonanon, That would mean Dallas to the Southeast more than likely.
(I’ll just argue this out with myself, schizo schmitzo.)
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Sebastian Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:10 am
@anonandonanon, i think dallas will move out of the pacific and the avs will move in. makes the most sense geographically.
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Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Sebastian, That’s my hope. I hate Dallas, worse then the Canuckleheads.
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Duckbasher Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@Dominick, I’d like to see Dallas move to another country. ‘jus sayin.
PP Anybody? Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@anonandonanon, I would think Nashville would move to the southeast if anybody does.
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Boy, after reading about Atlanta, Florida and Carolina it feels really good to be a Kings’ fan.
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Looks like it’s official. Bye Bye Atlanta. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6610414
Interesting subplot in the article says that the NHL will not realign it’s divisions next year, meaning Winnipeg/Mannitoba is going to have some high frequent flyer miles. Join the club Jets/Moose.
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Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:42 am
@CB14,
“It’s nice to be back in Winnipeg after all these years,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who attended the news conference.
Funny, since it was Bettman who orchastrated the move from Winny to begin with (some say because of the greedy money chasing Bettmen wanting to put the team in the US, where the dollar was stronger at the time).
No re-alignment means Winny’s first season is going to be completely up hill. Interesting indeed, since Atlanta plays an Eastern conferance schedule.
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Rich, Gotta congratulate that “and Teddy Purcell — who became a mythical figure in parts of Southern California by scoring 17 goals” After all the grief heaped on DL for trading him (in hindsight, of course), one wonders how he was ever thought to be such a superman in the first place
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Dominick Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@Dave’s a Killer,
Nobody except poorman blamed DL.
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Can you really call the relocating Atlanta franchise the Jets? I thought those rights rested with the relocated team. I.E. Phoenix has the rights to the Jets name.
I do agree that the franchise going to Winnipeg is a great move. Sorry to see Atlanta lose another NHL franchise, but if your city won’t support it, it either has to fold or go.
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@kevin from toronto.. Just to be clear: The Thrashers fans didn’t burn a Jets jersey! There was a second hand, blue sheet that had Go Jets Go crudely painted on it mounted near the Thrashers Phillips Arena overlooking the tailgate party.. I’m sure it was put there to taunt the Thrashers Fans. THAT sad flea market sheet was burned.. not a Jets jersey! I love the way all the media seems to distort Thrasher Fans and their actions….also thanks for NOT having any compassion for fellow hockey fans in this difficult time. I guess the people of Winnipeg forgot how panful it was to lose a team. Since 90% of the people in Atlanta now are transplants: most of them could care less about the Thrashers, they came to see the opposing team! The City never supported the team, the owners were even worse.. Except for a few players, the team was apathetic because of the owners lack of support, but turning it around: thanks to Rick Dudley. WINS draws crowds in this city! regardless of all the other factors plotting against this team. (ATL HAD 27 OVERTIMES!!! and 15 over time losses! if we had won 7 of those, ATL would have been in the playoffs! ) And unlike Canada we have OTHER sports in this town: Braves & Falcons! So good luck Winnipeg with this team but please stop bashing the passionate Atlanta fans! It could be YOU in a few years!
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