OT- Hockey Talk

[klayman]

random thoughts from the fastest game on earth...

Leafs pull the trigger and grab Nolan from Sharks. Nice deal now for the Leafs, but I think they gave up too much. They probably could have got him for less. I hate Toronto, but I've always liked McCauley. Guess I don't have to feel so dirty about liking him anymore :) I guess Leafs fans can be happy now that Toronto is spending some money. 5 million/year for Nolan or Holik, which would you rather have?

Full Trade Story (http://sportsnet.ca/nhl/story/10469206527827.shtml?sport=hockey&association=nhl&STORY_OID=10469206527827)

After saying the Oilers would vault ahead of Minnesota in the standings a few weeks back, I now find them barely holding on to 8th, behind Minnesota and Anaheim. What's wrong with this team? Injuries play a huge part, but I think there is some serious lack of motivation in the dressing room. I like MacTavish, but he's gotta go. Playing the last game against the Flames last year, a game the Oilers needed to win to make the playoffs, he was too busy matching lines, seeing his top defensive line get most of the playing time, and suffering a 2-0 loss. Since then, I just don't think he's the right man for this club. Why was Mike York a)playing against San Jose last night, when he can't shoot, and b)playing on the powerplay, when he can't shoot?!?! Anything less than a 6th place showing and it's 4 and out for the Oilers.

Can anyone tell me if Pat Quinn and Darcy Tucker are related? Quinn looked like he was going to cry after Keenan badmouthed Tucker the other day. Then Quinn was ready to jump on the ice to defend Tucker the other night??? Seems fishy to me. On another note, I've never seen the fascination with Tucker. Is he one of those pests that other fans just hate? Cause I hate him. Mostly cause TSN interrupts their broadcasts just to tell us what Darcy had for breakfast this morning. :)

The Sportnet announcers commenting on Gary Bettman the other night: "...a commissioner who is close to the fans". This said after Bettman was gracefully enduring Lower Gold sets at the Oilers Hockey game (at the expense of the Oilers owners, no doubt) instead of a private booth. Yeah, Gary Bettman, the hockey fan's commissioner. :rolleyes: Unless you're a Canadian Hockey fan.

After leading the FOFC Hockey pool for most of the year, Chief Rum is killing me in the standings. It seemed to have happened almost overnight. Please convince him to drop Forsberg, Brodeur, Belfour, Kariya, and Alfredsson to the waiver wire so some of the other guys have a chance ;)

[bbor]

I HATE the Naoln deal....

Mccauley i can part with..he will be a career 3rd liner....1st round pick?...no probs...But Boyes is the kid i would'nt have dealt...lots of upside with this 18 year old.

Nolan has a bad attistude and supposed to be a bad dressing room guy......that is the real reason why i hate the deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

All reports do say Nolan has a bad attitude and is a cancer in the lockeroom. You add that on top of the fact that he's oft injured (chronic-type stuff) it's a bit risky. That being said, he can get hot. Has scored a ton of goals (though he's a big of an enigma there too: 40 goals one season, 20 the next). He's tough and strong. I think the Leafs just feel the time is now to make their push. Roberts, Sundin, Belfour, and Mogilny aren't getting any younger. You add a top-line, all-star power forward for a third-line face-off guy. It makes the Leafs better better at this moment. Sometimes you have to make these kinds deals. You can't always be looking ahead.

The Leafs have (for years now) and do need help along the blueline.

[Chief Rum]

Originally posted by klayman
random thoughts from the fastest game on earth...

Leafs pull the trigger and grab Nolan from Sharks. Nice deal now for the Leafs, but I think they gave up too much. They probably could have got him for less. I hate Toronto, but I've always liked McCauley. Guess I don't have to feel so dirty about liking him anymore :) I guess Leafs fans can be happy now that Toronto is spending some money. 5 million/year for Nolan or Holik, which would you rather have?

Full Trade Story (http://sportsnet.ca/nhl/story/10469206527827.shtml?sport=hockey&association=nhl&STORY_OID=10469206527827)

After saying the Oilers would vault ahead of Minnesota in the standings a few weeks back, I now find them barely holding on to 8th, behind Minnesota and Anaheim. What's wrong with this team? Injuries play a huge part, but I think there is some serious lack of motivation in the dressing room. I like MacTavish, but he's gotta go. Playing the last game against the Flames last year, a game the Oilers needed to win to make the playoffs, he was too busy matching lines, seeing his top defensive line get most of the playing time, and suffering a 2-0 loss. Since then, I just don't think he's the right man for this club. Why was Mike York a)playing against San Jose last night, when he can't shoot, and b)playing on the powerplay, when he can't shoot?!?! Anything less than a 6th place showing and it's 4 and out for the Oilers.

Can anyone tell me if Pat Quinn and Darcy Tucker are related? Quinn looked like he was going to cry after Keenan badmouthed Tucker the other day. Then Quinn was ready to jump on the ice to defend Tucker the other night??? Seems fishy to me. On another note, I've never seen the fascination with Tucker. Is he one of those pests that other fans just hate? Cause I hate him. Mostly cause TSN interrupts their broadcasts just to tell us what Darcy had for breakfast this morning. :)

The Sportnet announcers commenting on Gary Bettman the other night: "...a commissioner who is close to the fans". This said after Bettman was gracefully enduring Lower Gold sets at the Oilers Hockey game (at the expense of the Oilers owners, no doubt) instead of a private booth. Yeah, Gary Bettman, the hockey fan's commissioner. :rolleyes: Unless you're a Canadian Hockey fan.

After leading the FOFC Hockey pool for most of the year, Chief Rum is killing me in the standings. It seemed to have happened almost overnight. Please convince him to drop Forsberg, Brodeur, Belfour, Kariya, and Alfredsson to the waiver wire so some of the other guys have a chance ;)

I have nothing against the Oilers, but my second favorite team is the Kings, so you know I have to root for the fall of Gretzky's first team to allow Gretzky's second team to get into the playoffs. As long as Anaheim stays above it all...:)

As for FOFC league, klay, sorry, guy, but none of those players are moving. I don't even need to change my lineup anymore. :)

You're just unlucky. I have played in plenty of NHL fantasy leagues, and I think this is the first one that I was actually leading down the stretch. I guess if you toss enough cards out, eventually an ace is going to come up. :)

Chief Rum

P.S. If Draft Dodger checks in, two things. Happy Birthday. And I hope you're getting that most embarrassing pic ready (Sykora 49 pts, Friesen 41 pts) ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am proud of my crap-ass team. I wasn't there for the draft and ended up with a crap squad. Utter crap. I managed to pick up about 80% of my current team off the waiver-wire and was in 2nd for a while. Back down to 4th, but for the crap auto-draft I had, I can't be too upset.

[Draft Dodger]

The Avs are now 4 points away from the Canuckleheads.
I am happy.

[sachmo71]

Glad to have Nolan shipped out of the West. He is one dirty mofo. Have fun, Toronto.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes, he is. He will fit in well in Toronto with the Tuckers, Domis, and Corsons of the world...

[Maple Leafs]

Noal deal: I like it, although he didn't come cheap. McAuley is a solid player and a total class act, but he won't be more than a third-liner. The 1st round pick will be late in the round, so there's no guarantee there. Boyes is the key, and depending on who you listen to is either a blue chip prospect or a guy who can't skate well enough to be a top NHLer. Toronto fans always over-rate our own prospects (remember Sean Haggerty?), so time will tell. But for this year we moved our fourth line center for a first line winger, so that works for me.

Tucker: Yes, he's a player other teams hate. I'd hate him too if he wasn't on my team. He's a fiery guy and he can score a little, but sometimes his act is a distraction. I think this is his last year with Toronto.

Quinn: He sticks up for his players, like any coach would. By the way, he was yelling at the Ottawa bench because someone threw something (a helmet?) at the Leafs bench, not because of Tucker.

[Draft Dodger]

I think the Sharks made out pretty well - they dumped an overpaid, underperforming player, and got a decent return.

I HATE Darcy Tucker. With a passion.

But I'd love to see him on my team.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I actually have always sort of liked Darcy Tucker. I think for a while he was one of my favorite players not in a Red Wings uniform. He's gotten a little out of control the last year or so. Just a bit.

Hating with a passion? Patrick Roy. Claude Lemieux. Peter Forsberg. There are probably others who aren't or haven't been a member of the Forces of Darkness. I just don't have it in me to think about them. It's a nice, sunny day outside.

[bbor]

Hmm..Detroit fans in glass houses should'nt throw pucks?

Granted...Tucker is a dirty player/suck.....but I seem to recall a 40'ish defenceman in Detroit that plays the same way....

Was'nt he gonna gun down Bettman during the last players strike too?? :)

[bbor]

DOLA...

BTW...If the Leafs deal Coliacovo for Zhitnik..they are ASSCLOWNS

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
Hmm..Detroit fans in glass houses should'nt throw pucks?

Granted...Tucker is a dirty player/suck.....but I seem to recall a 40'ish defenceman in Detroit that plays the same way....

Was'nt he gonna gun down Bettman during the last players strike too?? :)

Cheli certainly is a dirty bastard. Very. It took me a while to get used to him in the Winged Wheel. I used to hate him when he played with the Blackhawks. He's a joy to watch.

I think he did threaten Bettman during the last strike. Yes, I think he did.

[bbor]

Dirty bastards are always fun to watch ....as long as they are on your team:)

I always enjoyed watching Tyson Nash form the Blues stir up shit.
But...i notice most of these shit disturber type players only play well on home ice.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by bbor
But...i notice most of these shit disturber type players only play well on home ice. Not all. Tucker actually seems to crank his act up a few notches on the road. Then you have guys like Steve Webb of the Islanders who doesn't even show up for away games.

[Joe Canadian]

As someone mentioned before, Leafs fan's do have a history of overrating prospects... as a Leaf fan I have to confess that I'm guilty of this.

But I've had the privlage of watching Brad Boyes play, as Toronto's minor league team is located in St. John's. And I can definitly say that Boyes is currently overrated... He can score, and can do fancy moves... but he isn't a great skater, and sometimes I think he does things just to show off. That said he may develop in to a good NHLer in the future, but at this time the future doesn't look as great for Boyes as some would have you believe.

I like the Nolan deal, although I hate to see Alyn go as he is a great PK guy... but he isn't playing that great this year with only 15 pts.

People forget that the Leafs are a fairly old team, with Belfour and Roberts only having a few years left. So the opportuinty for the Leafs to be Cup contenders is within the next 2-3 years. So in order to solidify the chance of a Cup win, they have to improve NOW. But I'll admit, as I am a regular attendee at St. John's Maple Leafs games that the Toronto HQ is sorta forgetting about the future. But I still like that trade.

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by klayman
random thoughts from the fastest game on earth...



I got excited, thought we were finally going to start talking Jai Alai.

Give me a Tevin/Brett or Tevin/Wayne team in Championship Doubles and I'm all set.

[lynchjm24]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
Then you have guys like Steve Webb of the Islanders who doesn't even show up for away games.

Please use his full name. 'For the Islanders, scratch #20,' Steve Webb.

[bbor]

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Please use his full name. 'For the Islanders, scratch #20,' Steve Webb.

AHAHHAAHHAHA :D

[Maple Leafs]

Anyone see the Leafs/Sabres game last night? It included a virtual replay of the Domi/Arverdsson incident, except this time it was the Sabres tough guy (Rob Ray) picking on a Leafs pacifist (Ponikoravsky).

No doubt there will be calls for a suspension, right? I mean, tough guys picking on the skill guys is a three game suspension now, right? I'm sure the Ray suspension will be announced any minute now. Cough.

By the way, unlike Arverdsson, Ponikoravsky actually dropped his gloves and defended himself. And he didn't call a press conference the next day to announce that he wet his pants, but that's another story.

[bbor]

Did Ray even get a penalty??...I kNOW he did'nt get an instigator...even though he punch Ponky 3 times before they dropped the mitts.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by bbor
Did Ray even get a penalty??...I kNOW he did'nt get an instigator...even though he punch Ponky 3 times before they dropped the mitts. They each got five for fighting, and Ray got an extra two for roughing.

Here's a funny take on the Domi incident from an Ottawa writer:
http://www.canoe.ca/Columnists/mcrae_mar7.html

Quote:
"Magnus Arvedson got thumped by Tie Domi? So, like what -- we're supposed to be horrified at this aggression, we're supposed to feel sorry for poor Arvedson? Horse manure. He's in the game of hockey, it's a rough game, he's a big strong man, you don't run and hide, you don't expect a teammate to fight the fight for you.

What are you, man or mouse? If you get licked, you get licked, shut up and take it like a man instead of feeling self-pity and playing along with the expressions of pity -- on grounds you're essentially a fistic pantywaist who should not be bullied -- delivered in your favour by the media. "

[Cards4ever]

Sach, can you get up here tomorrow, I got a extra ticket for the State Championship game! If that doesn't work, I have a extra ticket for the first round of the WCHA playoffs next week!

[sachmo71]

Cards,

You are truly a gentleman and a scholar. Unfortunately, we are trying to get a release out of the door at work, and so I am booked solid for the next few weeks. Assuming nothing goes wrong, than is...but I appreciate the invite. :D

[SoxWin]

Originally posted by bbor
Dirty bastards are always fun to watch ....as long as they are on your team:)

I always enjoyed watching Tyson Nash form the Blues stir up shit.
But...i notice most of these shit disturber type players only play well on home ice.

Watch Matt Cooke sometime ;) We used to have Nash, I can only imagine the antics if they were on the same line.

Rich

[bbor]

Hmm..it would prolly be like corson and Tucker on the same line....(groan)

[SoxWin]

Originally posted by bbor
Hmm..it would prolly be like corson and Tucker on the same line....(groan)

Only without the cheapshots.

It would be like dirty assholes light :)

Rich

[klayman]

Originally posted by Chief Rum
I have nothing against the Oilers, but my second favorite team is the Kings, so you know I have to root for the fall of Gretzky's first team to allow Gretzky's second team to get into the playoffs. As long as Anaheim stays above it all...:)



Guess I should complain about the Oilers a little more often. 3 straight wins, but the win over Anaheim tonight was huge :D

[Travis]

It's no coincidence that the Oiler's winning streak coincides with the return of Smyth and Salo. Heart and soul of the team right there.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, tonight hurt. Not only is Edmonton playing well, but to be honest, we have not been playing real well in a while. The Ducks need to find a way to get serious and maintain.

Chief Rum

[samifan24]

Losing Mike York for 3 months has hurt the Oilers too. It's a shame, since Comrie and York are two of the game's best young players, IMHO.

[Travis]

I like York, but he's too much like Anson Carter as far as consistency is concerned. When they're on top of their game, they're wonderful, but for weeks at a go they have no impact. On the plus side, York could really be back anytime, he already gave it one go with the cast, has ruled himself out for a bit, but he'll definitely be back before the playoffs.

That said, I think Hemsky could be better than both of them by the end of next season.

[Cards4ever]

Anybody see or hear about this nasty injury to the Merrimack College goalie?

http://www.necn.com/sports.asp

[Chief Rum]

Ugh...we lose ugly to the Oilers of Friday, 4-1 (who, while good, are still behind us in the standings and we're at home, so that should be an anticipated win). Three games before that, we lost 3-1 to Phoenix and 4-1 to Atlanta. PHOENIX and ATLANTA! :rolleyes:

We beat Montreal and LA somewhere in that string, but those are also supposed to be wins.

So we play the Red Wings tonight and face a goaltender with a six game winning streak and what do we do? 4-1 win of course.

Pardon me, while I go have another Mighty-Ducks-induced heart attack...

Chief Rum

[bbor]

Hmm Lot's of trades again today...Leafs get Wesley for a 2nd rounder....

Islanders trade Lapointe?...i don't get that one...

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Avs get Marchment. Like anyone actually needed another reason to loathe either the Avs or Marchament...

[sachmo71]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
The Avs get Marchment. Like anyone actually needed another reason to loathe either the Avs or Marchament...

:D

I can't believe how cheap Philly got Lapointe. He's very underrated.

[Maple Leafs]

Senators will apparently acquire Rob Ray today.

As a Leaf fan, this is great news. Ottawa needed more toughness, and I was worried they'd make a bid for George Laraque or Peter Worrell. Instead, they get the Official Punching Bag of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rob Ray.

[Blade]

I just have a feeling that with all the rumors, a lot of teams will stand pat anyway...Oilers being chief among them. The Oilers always seem to have a lot of rumors surrounding them, but no big deals seem to happen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
Senators will apparently acquire Rob Ray today.

As a Leaf fan, this is great news. Ottawa needed more toughness, and I was worried they'd make a bid for George Laraque or Peter Worrell. Instead, they get the Official Punching Bag of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rob Ray.

Rob Ray, eh? He's not the answer to anything. He's a great character guy and, I guess, does add toughness or grit in some capacity, but he's far too limited skill-wise to play regularly in the post-season. Their first option, Brad May, is definitely better. May has more skills and is plenty tough. A good grinding, forechecker type. Worrell or Larque would also work nicely. They certainly do need some sort of help. The last few years the Senators have reminded me of the early-to-mid 1990's Red Wings teams. A ton of talent. Very slick. Very skilled. Ripped through the regular season, only to get an ungracious and early exit in the play-offs. The Wings key was to get tougher. They got Shanahan (a huge piece), had Konstantinov, Maltby, Draper, McCarty, and Kocur all played a big role in the first run. You need that balance. Ottawa isn't there yet.

I think Claude LaPointe is underrated as well. Though I read something in the NY papers that said he was no longer committed to the team. Unless the writer really messed up, the comment was something along the lines of "LaPointe was the last one on the ice for practice and the first one off." Doesn't side like the hard-working, checking centerman I thought he was, but maybe age has caught up with him. He's solid, but the Flyers need to score goals. Claude LaPointe is not going to help you score goals.

[sachmo71]

Originally posted by Blade
I just have a feeling that with all the rumors, a lot of teams will stand pat anyway...Oilers being chief among them. The Oilers always seem to have a lot of rumors surrounding them, but no big deals seem to happen.

In the "Dang, I wasn't expecting that" department, Dallas acquired Lyle Odelein from Chicago for Sami Helenius and future considerations.

Also, there is some confusion about this, but it seems we have acquired either Stu Barnes or Doug Gilmore from Buffalo for Mike Ryan and a draft pick.

Odelein will definately add some toughness, and Helenius was languishing in Utah. He is good enough to get some ice time with the Hawks, I think, and I know he's cheaper than Odelein. I call the trade is a push for both teams.

Stu Barnes or Doug Gilmore are both gritty, clutch guys, but I don't see either of them filling the hole left by Guerin's departure. They will definately contribute, though, and we didn't pay too much for them.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by sachmo71
In the "Dang, I wasn't expecting that" department, Dallas acquired Lyle Odelein from Chicago for Sami Helenius and future considerations.

Also, there is some confusion about this, but it seems we have acquired either Stu Barnes or Doug Gilmore from Buffalo for Mike Ryan and a draft pick.

Odelein will definately add some toughness, and Helenius was languishing in Utah. He is good enough to get some ice time with the Hawks, I think, and I know he's cheaper than Odelein. I call the trade is a push for both teams.

Stu Barnes or Doug Gilmore are both gritty, clutch guys, but I don't see either of them filling the hole left by Guerin's departure. They will definately contribute, though, and we didn't pay too much for them.

The Stars got Stuuupendous Barnes from Buffalo. I guess they were in talks with Montreal about Gilmour, but now that they have Barnes they will probably back off. A good move by Dallas. Barnes has some talent. A very good playmaker. I think he should be a nice addition. Can offer some offensive punch while Guerin heals up.

I guess it's official that Ottawa has traded for Rob Ray. Too bad to see him leave Buffalo. Should make the Ottawa-Toronto games that much more entertaining though.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eh, it's getting fast and furious here. A day early no less. Former Star and ex-Blue Jackey Grant Marshall was shipped over to New Jersey. Hmm... I guess that gives them some more depth at forward. Personally, I can't stand the guy. He's annoying and not all that. Oh well.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
I guess it's official that Ottawa has traded for Rob Ray. Too bad to see him leave Buffalo. Should make the Ottawa-Toronto games that much more entertaining though. Maybe the regular season finale, but unless Jacques Martin completely reverses form, there is zero chance of Rob Ray seeing the ice during the playoffs.

Latest rumor is Gilmour possibly going to Toronto.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
Maybe the regular season finale, but unless Jacques Martin completely reverses form, there is zero chance of Rob Ray seeing the ice during the playoffs.

Latest rumor is Gilmour possibly going to Toronto.

I'd like to see Gilmour back in Toronto. He belongs there. He was so great in the '93 play-offs. Absolutely fantastic. Gilmour, big Dave Andreychuk. A good team. Lots of fun to watch.

[sachmo71]

TSN reports that a deal has been worked out for Gilmour to come to Dallas, but there are some contract issues to still be worked out. I don't know why we would need Gilmour now that we have Barnes. I guess they'll both play wing, but they are versatile players. Leave Turgeon and Arnott on the wings, and center Modano, Barnes, Gilmour, and Kapanen. Poor Malholtra won't see much ice time in the playoffs. :(

[bbor]

C'mon Aaron Miller...let's see you in the Blue n White :)

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by sachmo71
TSN reports that a deal has been worked out for Gilmour to come to Dallas, but there are some contract issues to still be worked out.Apparently Gilmour doesn't have a no-trade clause, but does have enough contract leverage to delay a deal. Sounds like he might hold out to see if a move to Toronto is possible. If not (or if Montreal doesn't feel like accomodating him) I'm sure he'll accept the deal to Dallas.

[Joe Canadian]

Hopefully Toronto can land Gilmour, it would be nice to seem him back in the Blue & White. Plus his leadership skills, plus those of Gary Roberts, would be one of Toronto's greatest assets going into the playoffs.

[sachmo71]

Well, even though my "hockey heart" says Toronto, I think his leadership skills would be very welcome here in Dallas.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by bbor
C'mon Aaron Miller...let's see you in the Blue n White :)

C'mon Aaron Miller...let's see you in the Red n White :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by Joe Canadian
Hopefully Toronto can land Gilmour, it would be nice to seem him back in the Blue & White. Plus his leadership skills, plus those of Gary Roberts, would be one of Toronto's greatest assets going into the playoffs.

Combined they may have the might to counter-act the destructive forces of Domi, Corson, Tucker, and Nolan. A tough task indeed.

[Joe Canadian]

I'm not worried about Nolan, as a change of team should be hust what the doctor ordered IMO. Domi, and Corson are good locker room guys... they just seem to be doing some pretty stupid stuff lately.

[bbor]

Miller resigned with the Kings...4 years 14 mil.

Schnieder will get moved now i imagine.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Amonte to Philly. Now that's more what the Flyers needed. Someone with speed. Someone who can score. Someone who can stay healthy. Not a bad deal for the Flyers. Sure, Amonte has struggled this year, but he could get hot and could flourish with some of the Flyers' talented forwards.

Too bad about Miller. Oh well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Gratton to Phoenix for Briere? Strange deal. Could be a salary dump for Buffalo? I assume Gratton makes more than the little fellow. Could also be setting up for another trade. I know a couple of play-off teams were interested in Gratton. I always liked the big fella even though he's sort of been a disappointment more often than not. Briere I can live without.

[Blade]

I wouldn't be surprised if it leads to Gratton going elsewhere today. I just don't see Phoenix picking up and keeping a salary like Gratton's on the team when they seem to be dumping others...like Amonte.

[sachmo71]

Mathieu Schnider goes to Detroit for players unknown. That is not a good thing for the Stars. Ugh.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/trade_deadline/


EDIT: Wings give up Maxim Kuznetsov and Sean Avery. Owch. Still, it's a good move for them for this year, but they paid through the nose for him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by sachmo71
Mathieu Schnider goes to Detroit for players unknown. That is not a good thing for the Stars. Ugh.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/trade_deadline/


EDIT: Wings give up Maxim Kuznetsov and Sean Avery. Owch. Still, it's a good move for them for this year, but they paid through the nose for him.

When you add a 1st rounder this year and a 2nd rounder next year into the mix... Yes. The price is quite steep. Said to see Avery go. I loved the guy. I've been rooting for him ever since I saw him back in the prospect tourney years ago. He will be missed. However, he was in Grand Rapids at the moment and the Wings have some talent down there, plus some talent over in Europe (Grigienko and Houlder). Kuzenetsov is no loss. He's big. He's strong. He's slow. He can't play defense very well. He was a project for many, many years. Just never panned out.

[Maple Leafs]

Wings apparently also give up a 2003 1st round pick and a 2004 second rounder. Wow... that's a high price for Schneider, good job by the Kings.

[sachmo71]

Usually the Wings steal a player at the deadline, but this was at least an even trade, if not an advantage to the Kings.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This is clearly the biggest deal the Wings have made at the deadline since 1999 when they got Chelios, Ranford, Clark, and Samuelsson. That was a big day even though 3/4's of those players were gone by the begining of next season. Chelios has been a pillar of mean, nasty strength along the blueline since then. The Wings gave up Anders Eriksson, a 1st rounder, and maybe a 2nd or 3rd or some such. I guess this is almost equivalent. Typically, the Wings have made small deals at the deadline: Murphy, Macoun, Slegr. Uusually for depth at defense.

At the end of the day, it's not too bad, I guess. The two picks are high. Kuzenetsov is nothing. Avery is a 3rd/4th line guy. A great, hardworking, high-energy, agitator-extraordinare, but at the end of the day a 3rd/4th line guy. They are desperately protecting Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Grigorenko, and Houlder. So, given what the Wings had to offer (which included the likes of Dandenault, Devereaux, Williams, draft picks, etc.), I guess it's all right.

[Maple Leafs]

What is it with the Wings acquiring ex-Leaf defencemen at the deadline? Macoun, Murphy, Gill, Rouse, Mirinov, now Schneider. Can the Sylvain Lefevbre deal be far behind?

[ice4277]

An interesting point I heard brought up about the Wings this morning. With the looming strike/lockout in 2004, and probable salary cap coming after, its likely the top teams around the NHL may be forced to dump many of their higher-priced players. That would seem to be a good time for the Wings to blow the whole thing up and start over. Ken Holland is making a move for this year, trying to get them one more Cup before starting over with what will likely be spending restraints. Not a bad idea. The draft picks won't hurt them as much as you may think because the Wings are always able to mine some very good talent out of the lower rounds of the draft. They have one of, if not the best, Europen scouting systems that always manages to pull out some gems. The only part of this trade that really hurts is Avery but, as mentioned earlier, he wasn't with the club much this year anyways.

[Blade]

What the Hell are the Blues doing, giving up a good young D like Van Ryn for Valeri Bure?

[bbor]

Can Bure play net?:)

[sachmo71]

I thought Van Ryan was the future in St. Louis, especially with the Pronger injury. On the other hand, if Val can find his game, he could really help the Blues out. My problem with a guy like Bure is that he doesn't really fit into the St. Louis system. We'll see.

The Carter trade just goes to show you the difference between the haves and the have nots in the NHL again. While Dvorak is a nice player, he isn't an upgrade over Carter by any means. Edmonton just couldn't afford him anymore, and so got the best deal they could find. It's too bad, really, because I liked seeing Carter 4 times a year. He's one of my favorite players. :(

[Blade]

I think Lowe really dropped the ball on the Carter trade...if it was for financial reasons, this deal could have waited until draft day...

I am hoping that the deal is a precursor to another deal. Now that we have Cross to shore up our D, Lowe may be a little more likely to deal Niinimaa...which could be good or bad, depending on what we get (please, not Tucker!)

[primelord]

Originally posted by sachmo71
I thought Van Ryan was the future in St. Louis, especially with the Pronger injury. On the other hand, if Val can find his game, he could really help the Blues out. My problem with a guy like Bure is that he doesn't really fit into the St. Louis system. We'll see.

Van Ryn wasn't the future in St. Louis. Jackman is. Plus Matt Walker will probably end up being better than Van Ryn too so the Blues have plenty of good young defenseman. I don't mind that they gave up Van Ryn, but for Valeri Bure???

Like I said in the trade thread I am hoping this move is just setting up another move because if this is all the Blues get done today they just wasted a good prospect.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by Blade
Now that we have Cross to shore up our DThat sound you hear is Leaf fans laughing hysterically.

[Blade]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
That sound you hear is Leaf fans laughing hysterically.

Well, after some of the defensive breakdowns we have had in the last little bit, just having a 6'5" guy to lie across the ice is better than what we have!

[Travis]

Originally posted by Maple Leafs
That sound you hear is Leaf fans laughing hysterically.

Hey, do you guys want Jason Smith back?

[Maple Leafs]

Originally posted by Travis
Hey, do you guys want Jason Smith back? Bastard.

[bbor]

Originally posted by Travis
Hey, do you guys want Jason Smith back?

That's just cold....

But if we still has Cujo we would have had a witty retort for you:)

[Travis]

Originally posted by bbor
That's just cold....

But if we still has Cujo we would have had a witty retort for you:)

Honestly, I'd take Salo over Cujo any day of the week. Especially after he put his money where his mouth was and signed here for less rather than cleaning up in FA...