The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Offseason Thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

Sid could only wish he could pull ass like Richards can. Plus there is a bigger pool of women for Richards too. You have the Philly girls and the NJ sluts. Here you just have yinzers.

Isn't being the best looking girl in Philly like being the tallest midget? Outside that group, does it mean a whole lot

[Dr. Sak]

I'm sorry. Sid will be trolling for guys...especially with those chick lips.

[Suburban Rhythm]

So you check out his lips?

[Dr. Sak]

How cant you? He's always pouting!

[Dr. Sak]

Which one of us is going to come out alive when we go to that Pens/Flyers game ;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Just think the same thing...people around us are going to be thinking "Would you two shut the hell up already!!?"...about 2 mins into the 1st period.

[Suburban Rhythm]

And, no way his lips are as big as you are making them out to be. No way Hatcher could get his blade past them to his teeth, Hatcher's aim is terrible.

[Dr. Sak]

Just think how pissed those pens fans will be when they find out you are responsible for bringing in a Flyer fan!

[Dr. Sak]

And, no way his lips are as big as you are making them out to be. No way Hatcher could get his blade past them to his teeth, Hatcher's aim is terrible.

Hatch wanted some chicklets so he decided to knock his teeth out.

[Maple Leafs]

How about we stuff it in a bag...crap in it...light it on fire and leave it on Bobby Clarke's steps.
My guess is that Clarke signs it to be his starting goaltender.

[Dr. Sak]

My guess is that Clarke signs it to be his starting goaltender.

Or the Leafs sign it to 4.25 million dollar contract to play defense for the next few years.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Just think how pissed those pens fans will be when they find out you are responsible for bringing in a Flyer fan!

Just wear a Ward or Roethlisberger jersey, and they won't care

[Dr. Sak]

And we'll drink Eye-Urn City

[Dr. Sak]

Just wear a Ward or Roethlisberger jersey, and they won't care

I think I'd almost rather wear a Pens jersey than a Ben one. He might be the only person in the city I despise more than Crosby.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think I'd almost rather wear a Pens jersey than a Ben one. He might be the only person in the city I despise more than Crosby.

Doesn't like kid with big lips, doesn't like guy who puts his head through a windshield. What's next, you hate the mullet?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Captain Pavel "Chekov" Kubina?

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/08/07/6373196-sun.html

Leafs looking to Kubina

By LANCE HORNBY, SUN MEDIA

Not only is Pavel Kubina unlikely to be traded, but Cliff Fletcher is talking him up as a possible captain if Mats Sundin departs.

With an Aug. 15 window to shop Kubina rapidly closing, the Maple Leafs' general manager yesterday listed the chance of dealing the $5-million US defenceman as "less than 50%."

"Any trade involving Pavel would have to be very advantageous for the Leafs," Fletcher said. "I thought he played well last season (after an awful start to Kubina's four-year $20-million deal) and I know (new coach) Ron Wilson liked him a lot. Plus, it's very quiet right now for trades."

Wilson was in favour of a deadline deal last February to send Kubina to his San Jose Sharks, which the defenceman vetoed with his no-trade clause, much to Fletcher's chagrin.

When the Leafs missed the playoffs, a clause in Kubina's contract gave them from June 20 to Aug. 15 for a trade. But though teams such as the Los Angeles Kings are looking for veterans on defence, the Leafs now need Kubina on a green blueline if veteran Bryan McCabe isn't returning.

"He could be a serious candidate to be our captain," said Fletcher, who could be without Sundin and two of three alternates in McCabe and the traded Darcy Tucker. "It's Aug. 6 and we have to start thinking about these things."

Tomas Kaberle is the lone remaining alternate captain.

"He is among a number of candidates, but I don't expect it will be decided until the end of training camp," Fletcher said. "And if Mats is gone, it's possible we might rotate it (month-to-month as teams such as Minnesota do)."

As far as the McCabe stalemate is concerned, there is a growing feeling that he will agree to be moved somewhere in the autumn, rather than report to camp and cause a stir.

[Draft Dodger]

I'm told European captains are all the rage

[samifan24]

Pavel Kubina, Captain? Really? Is there no one else?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Jeff Finger might have a shot at it.

[samifan24]

I always liked Matt Stajan. Seems he's been a bit of a disappointment, though, although I must admit I don't follow the Leafs very closely. Certainly he hasn't been as successful as my boy Brad Boyes.

[Draft Dodger]

now I understand what ML is talking about when he talks about Ottawa fans...
Hey Joe! Where Ya Goin?: The Great Joe Sakic Caper | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/44034-hey-joe-where-ya-goin-the-great-joe-sakic-caper)

[Honolulu_Blue]

After all the Jeff Finger talk and the "no tade" clauses and all that, it's time to give back to our good friend, Maple Leafs.

Here you go. This is for you:
All Heart - Wendel Clark By Curtis Trevor - CrashtheCrease.com (http://www.crashthecrease.com/blog/?p=59)
All Heart - Wendel Clark By Curtis Trevor (http://www.crashthecrease.com/blog/?p=59)

Aug.11, 2008 in Uncategorized (http://www.crashthecrease.com/blog/?cat=1)


The one and only. Wendel Clark often gets recognized as just that, and with the new shape of the game and the way he played he may have just been the last player we can truly describe that way.


Wendel Clark had a shortened career mainly because of the style of play cause injuries that even he could not play through. Wendel was not the biggest guy, the strongest player but he played every game like he was.
During his career Wendel played taller and heavier then he actually was and that took a toll on his body, he did everything in his power to protect his teammates and anything for his team to win, if he had to score a hat-trick he would, if he had to fight Bob Probert he would, if he had to take on a much bigger Marty McSorley who just dropped Doug Gilmour with an elbow he would and he would do it very well.


There has not been many players in the history of the NHL who could do this on a night to night basis and there has been even fewer who could do it that actually would do it


Sure that style of hockey probably cost him many games lost due to injury and it probably cut his career short by a few years but I am sure if he could change anything he would not change a thing.


When he is honored by the Maple Leafs this season everyone can sit there and be proud of him for giving everything he ever had for the Maple Leafs and making all hockey fans proud of playing the game hard.


I invite you all to take a look at this video clip of Wendel Clark playing hockey the Wendel Clark way.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEltpSMTDPM)
All Heart - Wendel Clark (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEltpSMTDPM)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEltpSMTDPM)
I ask you this, will we ever see another play like this and what was your favorite Wendel Clark memory that sticks out the most to you?

[Dr. Sak]

Hey SR...I found this blog post...pretty funny if it is true.

The Sweater Ted: The Billy Tibbetts Urban Legend (http://sweaterted.blogspot.com/2008/08/billy-tibbetts-storyallegedly.html)

[Maple Leafs]

Apparently our long national nightmare is over, and Bryan McCabe has agreed to be traded once the Leafs pay his roster bonus on Sept. 1.

After refusing to even consider a trade last season, he was finally persuaded to accept an opportunity to go play for... the Panthers?

Hm. Guess being near nice golf courses is more important than winning, or being near family, or pretty much anything else.

[DeToxRox]

Apparently our long national nightmare is over, and Bryan McCabe has agreed to be traded once the Leafs pay his roster bonus on Sept. 1.

After refusing to even consider a trade last season, he was finally persuaded to accept an opportunity to go play for... the Panthers?

Hm. Guess being near nice golf courses is more important than winning, or being near family, or pretty much anything else.

Well, hell, he's had so much time to himself in the spring lately he's probably played all the golf courses in Ontario.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hey SR...I found this blog post...pretty funny if it is true.

The Sweater Ted: The Billy Tibbetts Urban Legend (http://sweaterted.blogspot.com/2008/08/billy-tibbetts-storyallegedly.html)

Billy Tibbetts...one thing a Flyers fan and Pens fan can agree on.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Got my THN 08-09 Yearbook. Anyone interested in a brief team rundown, just leave a post, I'll try and get to it.

As if there is any doubt, they are picking the Wings to repeat.

Pens, 2nd in the East, behind Montreal.

[TazFTW]

Dola

Got my THN 08-09 Yearbook. Anyone interested in a brief team rundown, just leave a post, I'll try and get to it.

As if there is any doubt, they are picking the Wings to repeat.

Pens, 2nd in the East, behind Montreal.

Rangers, please.

[Maple Leafs]

As if there is any doubt, they are picking the Wings to repeat.

Pens, 2nd in the East, behind Montreal.
Are you sure you're looking at the predictions section? And not last year's results page?

Way to go out on a limb, THN.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Rangers, please.
Team Grade: B-
Prediction: 6th in East

Top 10 prospects:

Rank - Name - Position - Age - 2007-08 team - Est NHL arrival

1. A Cherepanov - RW - 19 - Omsk (Rus) - 2009-10
2. B Sanguinetti - D - 20 - Brampton (OHL) - 2009-10
3. M Del Zotto -D - 18 - Oshawa (OHL) - 2011-12
4. I Baranka - D - 23 - Hartford (AHL) - 2008-09
5. A Anisimov - C - 20 - Hartford (AHL) - 2009-10
6. L Korpikoski - LW - 22 - Hartford (AHL) - 2008-09
7. D Stepan - C - 18 - St, Mary's (USHS) - 20012-13
8. G Moore - RW - 24 - Hartford (AHL) - 2008-09
9. D Byers - LW - 22 - Hartford (AHL) - 2009-10
10. M Sauer - D - 21 - Hartford (AHL) - 2010-11

[Travis]

Edmonton when you have time please.

And thanks!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Edmonton when you have time please.

And thanks!

Team Grade: B
Prediction: 6th in the West

Top 10

1. J Eberle - C - 18 - Regina (WHL) - 2009-10
2. R Nash - C - 19 - Cornell (ECAC) - 2011-12
3. T Chorney - D - 21 - N Dakota (WCHA) - 2010-11
4. R Schremp - C - 22 - Springfield (AHL) - 2008-09
5. J Petry - D - 20 - Mich St (CCHA) - 20011-12
6. J Deslauriers - G - 24 - Springfield (AHL) - 2009-10
7. JF Jacques - LW - 23 - Springfield (AHL) - 2008-09
8. L Reddox - LW - 22 - Springfield (AHL) - 2009-10
9. T Peckham - D - 20 - Springfield (AHL) - 2001-12
10 D Dubnyk - G - 22 - Springfield (AHL) - 2011-12

[bbor]

In case you guys havent heard...Mccabe plus ??? for Mike Van Ryan.

Seems like a problem for a problem trade.

[Dr. Sak]

Ryan Whitney is out 3 to 5 months.

Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole: Ryan Whitney Out Three to Five Months (http://goingfivehole.blogspot.com/2008/08/ryan-whitney-out-three-to-five-months.html)

[Suburban Rhythm]

So he fucked up Wade Redden on one foot?

That actually makes me feel better about his season last year, because he fell well behind what he had done in 06-07.

Welcome to the Kris Letang show. He'll get the first shot at Whitney's spot opposite Gonch on the PP now. And hopefully Alex Goligoski shines in camp and plays ahead of Darryl Freaking Sydor.

[Maple Leafs]

An interesting look back at one of the great and/or tragic "what if" scenarios in recent league history:
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2008/08/vinny-was-an-ho.html

[DeToxRox]

An interesting look back at one of the great and/or tragic "what if" scenarios in recent league history:
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2008/08/vinny-was-an-ho.html

Vinny would've gotten hit by Steve Chaisson on the way to the Garden anyway.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Sakic is back for 1 more year at least.

[Draft Dodger]

$6 million, NTC per Dater.

it puts the Avs at a hair under $52 million, leaving them 4.5 to spend on Sundin and Forsberg!

[Maple Leafs]

Sakic is back for 1 more year at least.
Whoa, slow down there Joe. This is a big decision, why rush into it like this?

Your friend,
Mats

[Suburban Rhythm]

TRADE

Tampa gets:

Meszaros

Ottawa gets:

Kuba
A Picard
2009 1st (SJ's from the Dan Boyle deal)

I have to say edge Sens- Meszaros is the best player in that deal, but probably isn't more than a 2nd pairing D. He's been pretty awful in his own zone the past 2 seasons. Still young and the potential is there, but he's at best a #3 guy IMO.

Sens get a guy to fill his spot this season (Kuba) and potentially in the future (Picard), grab a 1st round pick, and get rid of Meszaros and his crazy contract demands.

[bbor]

I was shocked when i heard this deal......Mesaros for a 1st would even be a stretch in my books.

[Arctic Blast]

Shocking. I like Meszaros, and I could see moving him for the first, OR for the players, but not all of it. That's insanity.

[Dr. Sak]

Picard is a borderline NHL defensemen. Good offensively...bad in his own zone.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Picard is a borderline NHL defensemen. Good offensively...bad in his own zone.

So they replaced Meszaros perfectly?

Still, what is Picard? 20?

And Meszaros could easily turn into a legit top pair guy, he's only 22. But, on the current group of D, him, Matt Carle and Paul Ranger are the top 3. OUCH!

[Dr. Sak]

Picard is 22.

[Maple Leafs]

Mezsaros was something like +35 as a teenaged rookie. He can be a very good player, but for whatever reason he took a step back the past two years in Ottawa.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Mezsaros was something like +35 as a teenaged rookie. He can be a very good player, but for whatever reason he took a step back the past two years in Ottawa.


You mean the one season he played with Chara?

[Maple Leafs]

You mean the one season he played with Chara?
What, the Lightning don't have somebody like that for him to play with?

[Suburban Rhythm]

What, the Lightning don't have somebody like that for him to play with?

True. Isn't Vlad Mihalik like 6'7"? That is pretty damn close to 6'9".

[Maple Leafs]

Mats Sundin confirmed today that he's not planning to make any decisions before the season starts, and will probably play a partial season a la Forsberg or Niedermayer.

In other words... "Hey, remember that shit I said at the deadline about how you need to be on a team from October to June? I can not believe you suckers actually bough that!"

[samifan24]

Mats Sundin is the new Brett Favre?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Didn't see this posted

To Florida:

Bryan McCabe and 2010 4th round pick

To Toronto:

Mike Van Ryn

[Chief Rum]

Didn't see this posted

To Florida:

Bryan McCabe and 2010 4th round pick

To Toronto:

Mike Van Ryn

I was going to post something before, but then I realized both teams suck, so who cares?

(runs away and hides... :devil: )

[samifan24]

I see that Stephane Yelle signed with the Bruins. I had no idea he was even still in the league. He's been on Calgary for years? How did I miss this? I never watch the Flames but still...

[Dr. Sak]

Mats Sundin is the new Brett Favre?

Favre actually won something.

[Maple Leafs]

Mats Sundin is the new Brett Favre?
Actually, Favre was the new Sundin.

But think of it this way: remember how long the Favre saga seemed to drag on (and on and on) for?

That entire thing happened in between Sundin even saying anything.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Chelios OFFICIALLY signs his one year deal. Year 25.

Panthers agree to 6 tear extension with Keith Ballard. So, where will Bouwmeester be traded in February?

[Draft Dodger]

I forget - how did Ballard get to Fla?

[Dr. Sak]

Jokinen?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Jokinen?

Yes

Jokinen for Ballard and Boynton....might be some other riff raff involved, can't remember.

Then Florida made the trade for Bryan McCabe.

Maybe they will pair their D with Tampa's forwards and form one halfway decent team in the state of Florida.

[Dr. Sak]

My friend just told me that the Pens called him and a player will deliver his tickets to him today at 4pm at his house. I offered him $200 to let me answer the door. He declined. I still might show up in his yard with my Flyers jersey.

[Suburban Rhythm]

My friend just told me that the Pens called him and a player will deliver his tickets to him today at 4pm at his house. I offered him $200 to let me answer the door. He declined. I still might show up in his yard with my Flyers jersey.

They'll probably slide right past you pretty easily, like it was May all over again.

;)

[Dr. Sak]

They'll probably slide right past you pretty easily, like it was May all over again.

;)

Right, Crosby falls at the sight of an orange and black jersey.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Right, Crosby falls at the sight of an orange and black jersey.

Is your jersey a Briere jersey? Cause it will almost be like you an invisible--whoever delivers the tickets won't even notice you.

[Dr. Sak]

Is your jersey a Briere jersey? Cause it will almost be like you an invisible--whoever delivers the tickets won't even notice you.

No it's a Richards one...so if it is Malkin he'll be reminded of the crushing check that make him miss the ECF and Stanley Cup Finals.

[Suburban Rhythm]

No it's a Richards one...so if it is Malkin he'll be reminded of the crushing check that make him miss the ECF and Stanley Cup Finals.

The ECF? I'll assume you are forgetting about the slapper Malkin blew past Biron about, oh, 10 seconds after that hit.

[DeToxRox]

The ECF? I'll assume you are forgetting about the slapper Malkin blew past Biron about, oh, 10 seconds after that hit.

It had a delayed effect .. See Stanley Cup Finals.

[Dr. Sak]

The ECF? I'll assume you are forgetting about the slapper Malkin blew past Biron about, oh, 10 seconds after that hit.

He was numb after the hit. It took awhile for the pain to reach his brain...he's a little...um...slow.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He was numb after the hit. It took awhile for the pain to reach his brain...he's a little...um...slow.

Like Ivan Drago, he can't feel pain.

I will give you some players sense pain quicker than others. Steve Downie for example. That is one good explanation for skating away in the middle of a fight.

[Dr. Sak]

Like Ivan Drago, he can't feel pain.

I will give you some players sense pain quicker than others. Steve Downie for example. That is one good explanation for skating away in the middle of a fight.

Or Ryan Malone after Hatcher bloodies him.

Sid has an uncanny sense of feeling pain BEFORE it hits him. Like anytime Mike Richards goes after him and Sid curls in the fetal position.

Wow are we going to have fun on October 14!! ;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Or Ryan Malone after Hatcher bloodies him.

Sid has an uncanny sense of feeling pain BEFORE it hits him. Like anytime Mike Richards goes after him and Sid curls in the fetal position.

Wow are we going to have fun on October 14!! ;)

Malone at least took the punches (or are we talking a typical Hatcher high-stick?) Downie threw in the towel.

I think Sid is just trying to clear the puck with his hand, since 99% chance his stick was broken by a Richards slash.

I should know for sure whenever my tix get here. Are you going to stuff your face with popcorn Bobby Clarke style?

[sterlingice]

(that little exchange is fun- I miss the season and it needs to start soon)

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Malone at least took the punches (or are we talking a typical Hatcher high-stick?) Downie threw in the towel.

I think Sid is just trying to clear the puck with his hand, since 99% chance his stick was broken by a Richards slash.

I should know for sure whenever my tix get here. Are you going to stuff your face with popcorn Bobby Clarke style?

No but I will slide tackle your ass ala George Laraque on Marty Biron. Oh that's right...he tripped!

[Suburban Rhythm]

No but I will slide tackle your ass ala George Laraque on Marty Biron. Oh that's right...he tripped!

I know I am a few years older...so I can play Gary Roberts to your Ben Eager.

[Suburban Rhythm]

For anyone wondering...I am taking the good Dr to the Pens/Flyers game 10/14. I am slightly worried...since as I mentioned, I know I am a couple years older, and remember prior posts about cougars. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

I know I am a few years older...so I can play Gary Roberts to your Ben Eager.

I hope you don't break your hip running towards me.

[Draft Dodger]

so, who delivered the tix?

[Dr. Sak]

Gonchar

[samifan24]

Gonchar

Wow, that's pretty cool. I figured they'd send some AHL scrub you never heard of. Are you a full season ticket holder?

[Chief Rum]

Right, Crosby falls at the sight of an orange and black jersey.

Ha Crosby!

This is going to be like a McDonald's Monopoly game. You'll go nuts picking up fifty Atlantic Avenues, and never get that Park Park square you need. Because there is only one Park Place square out there and it's in Omaha or Tuscaloosa or Ogden.

I can see it now. Crosby goes to one place, Malkin to another. The rest a y'all get a thousand Mark Eatons, Robert Scuderis and Jonathon Filewiches (wiche?). "Hey, guys, look, I got a Minard!"

[Chief Rum]

Gonchar

Well, that's pretty solid actually. I'm still waiting to see how many times the scrubs get sent out, and the guys at the door say, "Who are you again?"

[Wolfpack]

Carolina presented their new alternate uniforms today, though the design has generally been guessed at for a while now. Basically, the shoulder logo (storm-flag-on-a-stick) and primary logo are trading places. The design is also mostly black with only the name and numbers in white with red trim and the red and black pattern on the shirttail changed to black and gray. There will also be a red/gray strip on the sleeve and the lower leg.

http://cdn.nhl.com/hurricanes/images/upload/2008/09/third_jersey2.jpg

[samifan24]

Carolina presented their new alternate uniforms today, though the design has generally been guessed at for a while now. Basically, the shoulder logo (storm-flag-on-a-stick) and primary logo are trading places.

Wow, that jersey sucks. Here's a better option:

http://geoffsanderson.com/images/home_whalers_93-94_frontrs.jpg

[Suburban Rhythm]

Well, that's pretty solid actually. I'm still waiting to see how many times the scrubs get sent out, and the guys at the door say, "Who are you again?"

If it is the same as last year, only about 20 ticket holders got a visitor, and it was by those pretty much assured of making the team.

And around here, some of the "scrubs" are more loved then some of the skill guys. If people got to pick, I would not be surprised if, after Crosby and Malkin, the 3rd choice would be Max Talbot. Ahead of Fleruy, ahead of Gonchar, ahead of Staal. He might even challenge Malkin for 2nd.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Carolina presented their new alternate uniforms today, though the design has generally been guessed at for a while now. Basically, the shoulder logo (storm-flag-on-a-stick) and primary logo are trading places. The design is also mostly black with only the name and numbers in white with red trim and the red and black pattern on the shirttail changed to black and gray. There will also be a red/gray strip on the sleeve and the lower leg.

http://cdn.nhl.com/hurricanes/images/upload/2008/09/third_jersey2.jpg

At least it's not waving a white flag.

[Dr. Sak]

Wow, that's pretty cool. I figured they'd send some AHL scrub you never heard of. Are you a full season ticket holder?

I don't have season tickets. It was my buddy and he has a half a season ticket plan.

Well, that's pretty solid actually. I'm still waiting to see how many times the scrubs get sent out, and the guys at the door say, "Who are you again?"

Here's an article on TSN on the guys they sent out.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=249077&lid=sublink09&lpos=headlines_main

Joining Crosby in knocking on front doors were Marc-Andre Fleury, Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik, Maxime Talbot, Tyler Kennedy, Pascal Dupuis and Jeff Taffe.

The Pens tape all of these and put them on their website. Last year Talbot delivered tickets to an older lady and she kept calling him Malone. I think this is a great thing the Pens do for their fans. The Pens as a whole, minus the whole almost moving bit, treat their fans really well.

If it is the same as last year, only about 20 ticket holders got a visitor, and it was by those pretty much assured of making the team.

And around here, some of the "scrubs" are more loved then some of the skill guys. If people got to pick, I would not be surprised if, after Crosby and Malkin, the 3rd choice would be Max Talbot. Ahead of Fleruy, ahead of Gonchar, ahead of Staal. He might even challenge Malkin for 2nd.

Chicks dig Talbot. A lot of girls I know are head over heels in love with the guy. If Colby was still on the team you could say the same for him. He was really popular.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Joining Crosby in knocking on front doors were Marc-Andre Fleury, Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik, Maxime Talbot, Tyler Kennedy, Pascal Dupuis and Jeff Taffe.

The Pens tape all of these and put them on their website. Last year Talbot delivered tickets to an older lady and she kept calling him Malone. I think this is a great thing the Pens do for their fans. The Pens as a whole, minus the whole almost moving bit, treat their fans really well.



Chicks dig Talbot. A lot of girls I know are head over heels in love with the guy. If Colby was still on the team you could say the same for him. He was really popular.

Yep, that is the same article from the PG today. How did they end up with Taffe? He wasn't even signed until a few weeks ago.

Everyone loves Talbot. Some of the TV timeout stuff they show on the Jumbotron with him is hilarious.

And Colby is a UFA after this season. Is there any doubt he'll be back?

Of course, Rico Fata started out really popular here too.

[Maple Leafs]

My friend got Leafs season tickets and they were delivered by Tie Domi.

It wasn't a promotional thing, he's just doing part-time work as a bike courier these days.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What, having Leafs tickets wasn't punishment enough?

[Draft Dodger]

I like that Canes jersey

[Galaxy]

If being a Leafs fan wasn't punishment enough.

Fixed.

[Suburban Rhythm]

My tickets got delivered today....


by the UPS guy.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Get to Wilkes-Barre Dec 13th to get your Michel Therrien bobblehead.

http://cdn.nhl.com/penguins/images/upload/2008/09/therrien_bobble.jpg

[Suburban Rhythm]

Double Dola

Canes sign Eric Staal to 7 year / $57.75M extension ($8.25M per)-- kicks in in 2009-10.

[Dr. Sak]

Dola

Get to Wilkes-Barre Dec 13th to get your Michel Therrien bobblehead.

http://cdn.nhl.com/penguins/images/upload/2008/09/therrien_bobble.jpg

Thats my birthday!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Thats my birthday!

The gift that keeps on giving - Michel Therrien bobblehead.

[Dr. Sak]

Actually I think I am going to Philly that day...the Pens and Flyers play in Philly.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I didn't know alternate jerseys were back this year. Interesting.

[Fidatelo]

Alternate jerseys are ok, but I think teams need to take it a step further. I think teams should start having alternate nicknames, so for like 5 games a year the NY Rangers become the NY Tropics with jerseys and other promo items to match.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm hoping they follow the MLB and NBA's lead and put "Los" before the nicknames. Los Wild vs. Los Jackets Azules? YES!!!!!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Montreal trades a 2nd round pick to the Blackhawks for Lang.

[Galaxy]

Alternate jerseys are ok, but I think teams need to take it a step further. I think teams should start having alternate nicknames, so for like 5 games a year the NY Rangers become the NY Tropics with jerseys and other promo items to match.

Let's Get Tropical!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Double Dola

Canes sign Eric Staal to 7 year / $57.75M extension ($8.25M per)-- kicks in in 2009-10.

I guess not official yet, the NHL rejected the contract due to no-trade clause wording.

[Wolfpack]

Meh, it was basically a technicality. Essentially, they had wording that specifically identified the no-trade clause as kicking in on a specific date, but there wasn't a guarantee that he would legally be eligible for unrestricted free agency on that date (though I assume that's by "years of service" even though he'd still be under contract then). Shouldn't pose a problem as they'll drop the specific date and just tie it to his free agency status.