NHL 2011-2012 thread

[kingbuzzo]

Anyone catch the All Star game? I really enjoyed it. I'm of course a Sens fan, but who couldn't enjoy seeing the Sedins play on a line with Alfredsson. Being from Ottawa, I was happy to see people really embrace the event and pump a whole lot of money into the city and various charities.

As for the Yotes, I don't like to see anyone lose their hockey team. I remember the days of speculation as to weather Ottawa would keep their team, and it was very emotional. I don't think anyone should have to go through that.

I think the league would benefit from a 2nd team in the GTA, and a team in Quebec City. It'd be a wasted opportunity if it didn't happen.

[skyknight]

As for the Yotes, I don't like to see anyone lose their hockey team. I remember the days of speculation as to weather Ottawa would keep their team, and it was very emotional. I don't think anyone should have to go through that.

Should've stay in the Peg in the first place without moving to the desert, that's all I can say. I am pissed that we got our team after Nashville (just doing OK) and Atlanta (no one really misses the team), the main reason was a new arena as a requirement; but Commie Betty needs face the harsh consequences of his past decisions - there are reports that several American-based NHL teams are operating in the red.

Some hard facts does need to be bring out: exactly how much money was pour in by the other 29 owners to keep the Yotes operating (FYI, the Yotes is currently owned by the NHL), and how much money was spend by the local goverment (Glendale is not Phoenix!) for the construction and operation of the arena.

And quite frankly, I think there is not much fanfare for the Yotes in AZ: I see people proud of the ASU Sun Devils (collegian sports), Cardinals (NFL), Suns (NBA), and the Diamondbacks (MLB), but never had I cross a fan of the Yotes - look at the gathering of saving the Yotes from Jim Balsillie that was a couple of years ago, only about 200(!) people showed up VS the whole town celebrating for the return of the NHL to the Peg.

I was a fan of Make it 7 to bring another NHL team to Canada, and I am not oppose to have 10 teams up north, provided that they can sustain themselves.

[Breetai]

Bring a team to Quebec City again, and the GTA could definitely support another (like Hamilton, maybe). Even Regina or Saskatoon would probably support themselves. Well, they'd have fan support. It would just be corporate BS that keeps a team from there.

[Yancakes]

The All-Star game was fun, but not particularly good hockey. Lots of showing off and lots of smiles, though.

I hope the Coyotes wind up in either Kansas City or Hamilton. I'm not particularly fond of Quebec City, and I'm pretty sure (though I might be wrong) that Hamilton and the surrounding area has more population, plus an instant rivalry with Toronto (and I'm always looking for people to make Toronto look bad) wound make for some interesting hockey.

[skyknight]

Less than 1 week til the Trading Deadline, are you guys up North excited!?

Well, things did turn for worst for my Wild, I was hoping they could bounce back after the All-Star, but not, and so for me, "There's always next year"! And I do think next year will be better for us, once the young stars join in the roster.

On the trading rumors, I do strongly believe that Rick Nash won't be traded during the season (man, I wish the Wild was able to draft him instead of Gabby!), may have to be paired up with Jeff Carter to be traded just before the 2012 Draft, and this will a trading partner that is willing to tear its own team down for this duo (or just Nash).

Anyone got a trading wish list going on?

[skyknight]

OK, the Trade Deadline had passed, and I do have mixed feelings for my Wild, as they traded away popular Schultz for homeboy Gilbert (and lost badly to the LA Kings after that ), but they got younger players - plenty from the Devils for Zidlicky (including Frosty). Still I think they are going after the big UFA, and you know who am I talking about, Zack Parise and maybe Ryan Suter - I don't think its possible to have both, unless both want to take a pay cut to play together here.

Ask me which team did best, I say the damn Canucks! and the under-rated Preds, and I am interest to see which one can reach the Western Finals.

[Yancakes]

The Canucks and Preds are my two favourite teams

I understand why the Canucks traded away Hodgson, but I'm pretty angry about it. Pahlsson is a better center for THIS year, being as he has Stanley Cup experience, but Hodgson would have been a solid player for us for the next couple of decades

Oh well, at least they didn't trade away Schneider...

The rest of the moves that the league made on deadline day didn't surprise or interest me. I'm super happy that Nashville kept both Weber and Suter, though.

[skyknight]

The Canucks and Preds are my two favourite teams

I understand why the Canucks traded away Hodgson, but I'm pretty angry about it. Pahlsson is a better center for THIS year, being as he has Stanley Cup experience, but Hodgson would have been a solid player for us for the next couple of decades

Oh well, at least they didn't trade away Schneider...

The rest of the moves that the league made on deadline day didn't surprise or interest me. I'm super happy that Nashville kept both Weber and Suter, though.

Weber and Suter haven't sign any extension, yet; but I think the trade moves are trying to prove to them that the Preds are in for the long-run (the fan support has been steady for the last few years). IF the realignment is to happen, they will play against my Wild, the Jets, and the Stars, which will be a tough division for any team to play in (not counting that Suter could sign with Red Wings or the Wild).

As for the damn Canucks, I think it is foolish just to trade away Schneider before advancing thru the playoffs. IF amnesty clause is allowed in the next CBA meeing, I do see Bobby Lu being one candidate for it - OR a new rule that allows up-front partial payout to reduce player's salary cap, ie: the Canucks pay Bobby Lu $10 million now (which doesn't count against the cap) and reduce his remaining cap hit to about $5 mil/yr, thus making it easier to trade him and keep Schneider.

BUT you never know the CBA works in professional sports, I just hope the BoG and NHLPA can reach an agreement before training camp, preferably around the 2012 Draft and Free Agency period.

[Yancakes]

omg you touched on pretty much my hockey wet dream

We keep Luongo for maybe two more years, let Schneider fully mature as a goaltender, then trade Luongo while we can still get something for him. Preferrably for someone who can score. Anyways, doesn't Luongo already have a front-loaded contract? He'll be cheaper (and thus easier to trade) in a couple of years anyways.

I think the fact that Suter and Weber are still in Nashville right now is a good sign that they won't get rid of either during the off season. I could be completely wrong, but with those two as defensive anchors you'd pretty much never have to worry about defence (if depth is required, they could be split up to two different pairings).

[Breetai]

Shanahan can take a long walk off a short pier. Keith had no ill intentions. His elbow was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was an accident. Either way, Sedin had it coming. He started it anyway!