Sean Avery And Colin Campbell - New Rule Change

I remember growing up and when I was playing anything outside with my friends there was one major rule ... No making up rules as you go along. Not in Colin Campbell's game though, apparently he can just make up rules and "interpretations" as he sees fit, depending on who is affected.

Lets keep in mind the Simon / Pronger incident when reading this story! Here is what happened last night that is causing quite a stir in the NHL offices:



I am sure my interpretation of this maneuver by Sean Avery is going to be argued relentlessly. I think there is nothing wrong with what Avery is doing here. He is not in the crease, he is not coming into contact with Marty, he is doing his job and that is to distract and help his team score a goal. What difference would it make if Sean's back had been to Marty and he was doing those same movements trying to distract him? My other question is directed at Paul Martin who stands 2 feet away from Sean and does nothing for a good 10 seconds, and then he tries to give him a cross check that is ineffective.

Was anyone surprised to learn this today from NHL.com - NHL reacts quickly to Avery's antics, amends unsportsmanlike conduct rule

According to Marin Brodeur "I've played for 15 years in this league. I've been watching games for 33 years. I had never seen that in my life, I don't think that kind of behavior should be done in front of the net, but there is no rule for it." Well since Marty is not fond of it, don't worry, Colin will fix that for you sir.

The NHL moved quickly this morning by making an "on-the-fly rule interpretation." Seriously, that's what it says in the article ... along with this - "An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play," Colin Campbell, the NHL director of hockey operations said in a statement.

"That's not something that anyone writing the rule book has anticipated, and I don't think that we view that as part of our game," said Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford, an NHL goalie for 13 seasons. "With that being said, Sean Avery didn't do anything to break any rules. "With every rule that is written, or how we try to change the game, somebody gets creative. Sean has gone beyond being a little bit creative on this one."

That is exactly what you get from Avery, a talented player always looking for ways to push the envelope. He rarely stops talking on the ice or the bench, whether it's to opponents, teammates, officials or anyone who will listen. Once again folks, Mr Campbell shows us how easy it is to re-write the rules for this great sport. I find it interesting that they filed this under unsportsmanlike conduct instead of interference since the "interpretation" of the movement is intended to interfere with the goaltenders job of keeping the puck out of the net.

I guess that was overlooked when they decided to make this "on-the-fly" rule change ... good job Colin Campbell ... thank you for making this sport "better." *insert sarcastic "yeah, Right" here!*

The 2008 Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery Process

I always thought the NHL gave the first draft pick to the worst team from the year before … what I did not realize is that there is a weighted system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks and that will take place Monday, April 7, at 8 p.m. ET at the NHL’s New York City office.

As stripped from the pages of NHL.com – “The League, in cooperation with TSN, further announced that the results of the Draft Drawing will be televised live by TSN in Canada; VERSUS in the U.S.; and NHL Network in the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, the results will be streamed live on NHL.com and TSN.ca and broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio. It will be only the second time the Draft Drawing results will be televised live, and the first time since 2005, when the Pittsburgh Penguins won the right to select first overall and drafted Sidney Crosby.”

So - let me ask you all this - would you believe that they went and sold the rights to this honored and coveted process … the NHL has now named it the “Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery” … amazing! For those that want to know (and don’t pretend you don’t care) I might be badmouthing it, but I’ll be glued to the TV on April 7th at 8 p.m. ET - it will originate from the NHL on TSN studios in Toronto. TSN’s James Duthie will host the program, with Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie and analyst Mike Milbury.

The Draft Drawing involves Clubs that do not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, or the Clubs that acquired the first-round drafting positions of those non-playoff clubs. Here is how the super secret formula works (again, according to NHL.com) … the club selected in the Draft Drawing may not move up more than four positions in the draft order. Thus, the only Clubs with the opportunity to receive the first overall selection are the five teams with the lowest regular-season point totals, or the Clubs that acquired an eligible Club’s first-round draft pick. The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will take place at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario. The first round will take place on Friday, June 20 commencing at 7 p.m. (local time) and the subsequent rounds (two through seven) will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21. No club will move down more than one position as a result of the Draft Drawing. Under the weighted system, the club with the fewest regular-season points will have the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and will pick no lower than second. Based on team finish, the percentage chance of being selected in the Draft Drawing is:

30th place team - 25.0%

29th place team - 18.8%

28th place team - 14.2%

27th place team - 10.7%

26th place team - 8.1%

25th place team - 6.2%

24th place team - 4.7%

23rd place team - 3.6%

22nd place team - 2.7%

21st place team - 2.1%

20th place team - 1.5%

19th place team - 1.1%

18th place team - 0.8%

17th place team - 0.5%

Western Conference Playoff Spots

If you look at the spread in the West ... ONLY 8 points separate 13th and 5th. Top that off with the teams in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th are all tied with 72 points (this is including the San Jose Sharks)!!! Am I worried - absolutely. It would be a crying shame for the Sharks to miss the playoffs this year. I am looking at hotels in the Nashville area in the event they meet up with the Predators soon.

All said - these last 20 or so games are going to be intense, gritty and down right brutal when it comes to Western division and conference rivals scratching for these last few points. What is also making this an amazing season is with only 2 more days left before the trade deadline hits - we are still waiting patiently for those flood gates to crash open so we can witness the shuffle of players by coaches and GM's in the hopes of securing one of the births come April!

There are a TON of rumors flying around the league and not much action, which tells me that come Monday and Tuesday ... the NHL corporate offices will be in utter pandemonium trying to facilitate trade calls between teams, players, agents and the NHLPA. The next 72 hours are not going to provide much sleep if you are an NHL executive in NY.

If You Listen Closely

You'll be able to hear the quiet buzz going around the NHL. *insert sarcastic snicker here*! This trade deadline dash is as loud as a train. Everyone is trying to get the scoop on who is going where and when. What is going to happen is you'll see small trades here and there until POW - someone big moves and that will open the flood gates. I would equate this moment with the time right before the bell rings and the horses take off out of the gates. Its the calm before the storm.

I found this information on TSN ... here is a list from a bunch of different news sources and what they are writing about. So many rumors going around its like lunch time in an 8th grade cafeteria.

- Many reports from Tampa note that Lightning D Dan Boyle could be among the most attractive options at the deadline, with the New York Post reporting that the Rangers are hotly pursuing Boyle, with the Flyers and Sharks also hovering. The St. Petersburg Times joins TSN in reporting that the word around the GM Meetings had the Lightning looking to see what they could get in return for C Brad Richards.

- According to the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers aren't likely to make too many moves because of injuries and a roster of young talent that they want to build upon, but would consider a young scoring winger in exchange for C Jarret Stoll, who will be a restricted free agent. The paper goes on to say that if a team wants to make a push for D Joni Pitkanen, it would take a winger like Alexander Frolov to make a deal work.

- If the Bruins are going to get in the bidding for Marian Hossa, the price could be Phil Kessel and Mark Stuart, according to the Boston Globe, while the Ottawa Sun suggests that Glen Murray would be part of the package. According to the Ottawa Sun, the Habs, Bruins, Senators, Rangers, Sharks, Ducks, Wings and Stars have all made their pitch for Hossa. The Ottawa Sun says that the Sharks turned up the Heat in their pursuit of Hossa, offering C Patrick Marleau. The New York Post adds Sharks D Matt Carle and Thrashers C Bobby Holik to that trade mix.

- Reports out of South Florida and Minnesota both indicate that the Wild are angling for Panthers C Olli Jokinen, seeing him as a legitimate No. 1 centre for Pavol Demitra and Marian Gaborik.

- The Boston Globe lists Alex Tanguay, Vaclav Prospal and Jarret Stoll as potential top-six forwards of interest to the Bruins.

- According to the Columbus Dispatch, Adam Foote is the only pending unrestricted free agent that the Blue Jackets are talking contract with. That means Sergei Fedorov, David Vyborny, Michael Peca, Jan Hejda and Ron Hainsey are all considered trade fodder approaching the deadline.

- The Bergen Record notes that there were rumours of Bobby Holik being dealt from the Thrashers to the Rangers, but Atlanta's surge into Southeast contention makes it less likely.

- The New York Post initially had the Devils getting interested in Chicago's Robert Lang or Martin Havlat, then saying that the Devils are more likely to get involved in a rental player acquisition. The Ottawa Sun suggests that if the Montreal Canadiens get Marian Hossa, they might make a push for Havlat as well.

- The Columbus Dispatch says that the Senators would be willing to move Antoine Vermette or Chris Kelly for a power play quarterback. The Ottawa Sun suggests that, instead of dealing Vermette, the Senators consider moving D Andrej Meszaros.

- The Denver Post, noting that Toronto, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, New Jersey, Vancouver and Nashville had scouts at a recent Avalanche game, noted that one scout said he was in Colorado to evaluate Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette.

- The Belleville News-Democrat suggests that both Barret Jackman and Bryce Salvador are possible trade bait since they are heading for unrestricted free agency and the Blues have spent quite a bit of money on the blueline already.

- While the numerous Leafs with no-trade clauses are still waiting for word on possible deals, the Toronto Sun notes that Matt Stajan is finding his name in more trade talks. The Toronto Star reports that the Leafs might need to include younger players -- like Nik Antropov or Alexei Ponikarovsky -- in trade talks since they would both fetch a good return.

- According to the New York Post, the Rangers could be interested in Blues LW Martin Rucinsky, and may send D Marek Malik to St. Louis in such a deal.

- Reports indicate that Maple Leafs D Tomas Kaberle did not waive his no-trade clause for a deal to Philadelphia. The Ottawa Sun reports that the Flyers had offered C Jeff Carter and draft pick.

- Oilers G Dwayne Roloson, with one year at $3-million remaining on his contract, could get moved out of Edmonton if he gets his way. Roloson is naturally not thrilled with playing backup to newly-established starter Mathieu Garon.

- According to the Boston Globe, the Lightning have interest in Avalanche G Jose Theodore and Roloson.

- The Globe and Mail revives the long-rumoured Alex Tanguay-for-Michael Ryder trade rumours.

- The Columbus Dispatch has the Devils interested in Blue Jackets C Manny Malhotra.

- Both the Boston Globe and Toronto Sun suggest that Maple Leafs D Hal Gill could be moved out before the deadline.

Injuries And Underdogs

I think we are beginning to see the unofficial start of Playoff Hockey folks! Some teams are kicking into their power push early this year ... with playoff slots within so many teams reach, it is going to be a free for all out on the ice ... every game! Nashville, Chicago, Washington, Florida ... all looking very sharp.

10 points separate 6th spot from 14th spot in both East and West Conference - with 20+ games left to play anyone can theoretically make it to the Post Season. Of course teams like LA, Tampa, Toronto will have to believe in miracles (thanks Al Michaels) ... however it is not out of the question. These will be the teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches. There is some strong talent on the NHL trade roster, I am excited to see who goes where.

My pics for the night before I head out to celebrate Valentine's Day with my wife ...

Sharks -
Result: Lost to the Oilers! Not to often are you handed 10 power plays, gift wrapped and tied with a bow. I am going to give this game to Garon, he was on fire! Sharks head out on a nice road trip - maybe they just need to get out of the bay area for a bit. Good Luck Sharks!

Wild -
Result: It took a shoot out ... but a win is a win! With as many lead changes in this game ... it could have been anyones. Vancouver played hard, but the Wild took what they needed. Minn sits now at 24-0-1 for the season (and 50-1-1 over the past 2 seasons) for winning when leading after 2. Impressive ... to say the least.

Stars -
Result: Phoenix had one thing on their mind ... dont let Dallas win - and they made their wish come true. If you have Vrbata on your Fantasy Team (like I do), PLAY HIM!!! If Phoenix is going to make a playoff run this year it will be because of this Winger.

Penguins -
Result: Carolina has been showing some grit as of late - with the loss of their leading scorer to a torn ligament, it will be even harder for them. But with Whitney getting a goal and 2 assists ... along with Cole and Staal snaping their pointless streak the Canes might just have what it takes.

Islanders -
Result: Here was an underdog that was going up against a deflated Toronto team. NYI was sitting on a 7 game losing streak and Toronto bringing up the rear of the Eastern Conference was relying on a hope and prayer last night. NYI snapped that losing streak and are now 4 points out of 8th place in the Conference.

Lets see how I do ... I have taken a short break from my picks just because, well I suck! ha ha

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

One Thing I Am Not Giving Up For Lent

What do we have on tap for tonight … there are some evenly matched line ups. Seems like the Ducks/Ranger game does not have a favored team so I am going to stay away from that one (however, I will be secretly hoping the Rangers take the W away from Anaheim – probably wont happen … but a boy needs dreams right?) OK … so tonight I am going big – picking a bunch to try to catch up with Clint for the time being. I am sure he will have his massive list up here soon.

Tonight does have a couple games that stand out we’ll start with Detroit and Los Angeles … Here is the best team in the NHL playing the worst, the only way to get your money’s worth (and entertainment value) is to take Detroit and the over (5 1/2) … yes, I know I said I never take the over/under, however, Detroit at -320 is ridiculous and IF they play the way they have been playing ALL YEAR it will be a high scoring game. Now, I will go on the record to say that since I have said it here, LA will hold Detroit to ONE goal!!! We shall see.

Result: Babcock said it the best after this game "Every once in a while you need to be reminded" - Goliath just got his ass kicked by David last night in Detroit!!! I got the over right ... just wrong team. 4 goals in the 4th for LA ... congrats.

Stars / Wild … Both teams are on an upswing and the odds are in the Wilds camp for 2 reasons. 1. Home Ice and 2. Turco sitting this game out. Gaborik was pointless Tuesday night so he may be looking to prove something, especially after scoring 3 goals in 2 games previously. I am going to go with Dallas as the underdog, lets see what they can dish out.

Result: Mike Smith has something to be proud of today - he and the Stars shut out the Wild. It was an underdog night last night and the Stars came out to shine! (wow - was that cheesy?)

Calgary is playing Chicago and Columbus is in Phoenix … down and dirty … Flames and Coyotes!!!

Result: NO and NO ... huh ... both wrong? Did anyone tell Columbus and Phoenix that they were the favored teams??? Thank god I have a day job!

Tampa in Nashville … Nashville is hot, Tampa is pulling it together. This game is going to come down to puck control. I am taking Nashville only because they are on fire at home right now.

Result: I guess home ice doesnt mean much these days - Tampa was able to hold off the Predators and keep them tied going into OT. Prospal scored 58 seconds later to help the NHL's worst road team look like the best!

Florida in Ottawa – now here is a team on the way up playing a team on the way down. Ottawa is struggling and has given up a lot of ground lately losing 8 of 11 games. Florida is on an upswing and has 4 points to go if they want a spot in the playoffs. They know it, Ottawa knows it and well, now you know it! Ha – this will be a fun game to watch … Going with Florida!

Result: They fought the good fight - Florida is looking better and better ... having Heatly back was Ottawa's saving grace. Looks like I get to notch another in the L column!

Pittsburgh / Islanders – Penguins without Crosby, NYI trying not to lose the 6th straight. With Pittsburgh giving up and allowing New Jersey to walk away with a win, I think Mr Therrien has taken them to task by letting them know “It’s unacceptable to lose a hockey game like this.” We’ll see what the Penguins bring to the ice tonight. I am going with Pittsburgh.

Result: NY's coach summed it up the best - "It was a game of mistakes and we made one to many" ... on the other bench, Mike Therrien, who 3 days ago blamed the Pens loss on Ryan Whitney's weak showing on the ice, said that Ryan upgraded his game not only offensively, but defensively he was sharp. Its always good to hear your coach saying those things when your playing well. Good job Pittsburgh!

Ricci - Back In Teal

Today the San Jose Sharks announced that Mike Ricci is coming back to The Shark Tank - this time in a suit and tie. Ricci will serve as Advisor to Hockey Operations. Bryan Marchment was also brought into the Sharks organization working on scouting and player development.

According to tsn.com -

Ricci, in his new role, will serve as a consultant to the club's hockey
operations department and assist in player development. He will also serve
various roles within the organization, including marketing, promotions and
community relations.
He notched 605 points (243 goals, 362 assists) and 979
penalty minutes in 1,099 NHL games with Philadelphia, Quebec/Colorado, San Jose
and Phoenix. He also added 66 points (23 goals, 43 assists) in 110 playoff
games.

I love this announcement and to have Ricci's passion and leadership back in the locker room at the Tank will show next season. Anyone care to wager if he grows his hair out again?

Bryan Marchment's duties will include working with players in San Jose and Worcester, as well as scouting Sharks prospects at the college and Canadian major junior levels. He will also serve as an advisor to the hockey operations department. Bryan played in 926 NHL games over 17 seasons with Winnipeg, Chicago, Hartford, Edmonton, Tampa Bay, San Jose, Colorado, Toronto and Calgary and posted 182 points (40 goals, 142 assists) and 2,307 penalty minutes.

I will give Clint a few moments to gather his thoughts regarding this announcement ...

Edmonton Strikes Again and Arbitration News (Updated 7/27 at 11:48 PM)

Edmonton and Anaheim
For the second time this off-season, the Oilers have tendered an offer sheet to a restricted free agent. Last night, their target was Dustin Penner of the Anaheim Ducks. The offer wasn't quite as large as their sheet for Vanek (7-years at $50 million), but it's still pretty large at $21.25 million over 5 years. If the Ducks choose not to match the deal then the Oilers must give the Ducks a first, second and third round draft pick.

In his first full NHL season, 24-year-old Penner put up 45 points including 29 goals in 82 games. This offer puts Anaheim in a tough position. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer have done the team a great disservice by not making their decision regarding retirement by now. If Nieds does decide to come back and the Ducks match the Oilers offer, then the Ducks would be over the cap and would need to get back under it before the start of the season. If the Ducks do match the deal, however, it all but guarantees that either Niedermayer or Selanne will NOT be playing for them this season. Also, by matching this deal the Ducks put themselves in a tough position next summer when it comes time to re-sign Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, who are certainly worth more than Penner and will demand as much in response.

Frankly, the Oilers are getting desperate and taking wild stabs at players. Penner, though talented, is inconsistent at best. While his size makes him an asset, and even dominant when he's on, Edmonton is taking a big chance trying to sign him for that much money since he'll have a lot of developing to do in order to justify that contract. Burke, Anaheim's GM, was put in a tough position by two of his star players and dug an even deeper hole by over-paying for Bertuzzi. With that in mind, I can't see him matching the offer for Penner. Instead, he should take the draft picks and go give Bertuzzi's problematic back a good rub, he'll need it stay injury free so Big Bert can play as their main power-forward.

Blues Avoid Arbitration

The St Louis Blues avoided arbitration with one of their best young players by re-signing 24-year old Lee Stempniak to a 3-year deal worth $7.5 million. In his second NHL season, Stempniak scored 27 goals and added 25 assists and should be on the Blues' top scorers next season.

Buffalo Still Trying to Do the Same

The Buffalo Sabres' woes continue as they head to arbitration today with Derek Roy. Roy scored 63 points in 75 games with an impressive +37 plus/minus rating. While Roy is small at only 5-9, he's one of the fastest players on the team, a very good defender, plays on both special teams, and is a big part of their offense. Roy is in position to receive a substantial raise over his $627,000 earned last season likely using Nathan Horton's contract and Dustin Penner's offer sheet as leverage. The Panthers re-signed Nathan Horton to a $24 million dollar deal for 6 years after he scored 62 points in 2006. Frankly, he's better than both of those players simply because of his speed and ability to play on both sides of the ice. However, expect Buffalo to announce a significant deal with him prior to arbitration beginning this morning. If not, I'm guessing the arbitrator will award Roy a deal worth around $4.5 million for next season.

UPDATE

As predicted, the Buffalo Sabres have avoided arbitration with Derek Roy by signing him to a 6 year deal worth $24 million.

Wheel Of Fortune - NHL Style!

Drury and Gomez head to New York, Smyth is joining the mile high club, Kariya is singing the blues, Brian Rafalski is now a Red Wing while Mathieu Schneider packs up in Detroit and heads west to the O.C. – all this, and to top it off, Philly hooks into a keeper by using the 8 year lure with a “no movement” clause … Daniel Briere! Daniel is joined by Edmonton’s Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul on Philly’s roster, which now makes the Flyers one of the “Teams to watch.” Philly has been busy in the back rooms putting together proposals that win – is this a sign of what is to come once Philly takes the ice when the season starts? Daniel, Jason and Joffrey join the recently acquired Kimmo Timonen and Scott Harnell who both made the move from Nashville to The City of Brotherly Love!!! We’ll see how much love is shown when the Flyers are unleashed on the rest of the NHL.

My take – I think it is a gamble when you absorb so many new players into an organization and expect them to hit the ice as a cohesive team running with all cylinders firing. This will be no doubt an interesting team to watch.

I am happy to read that Joe Thornton took the 3 year extension keeping him in San Jose for a little while longer. I would not be surprised to see Joe wearing the “C” on his jersey next year. At the same time I hold back a tear for Scott Hannan who is heading to Colorado! Good Luck Scott … we’ll see you soon enough. Scott is a rock solid defenseman who, when turned loose on an opponent, is deadly! He will certainly be missed. I hope the new D’s on the roster can quickly fill his shoes.

I think there were definite winners and losers yesterday during the opening of free agency. The GM’s licking their wounds today know that the job ahead of them is rough and steep – but this is the NHL, anything can happen, anything is possible. As John Tortorella use to say “Safe is Death!” On the other hand, the GM’s who inked some impressive and amazing deals have their own drama to deal with. Attitudes, Personalities, Teamwork – the usual stuff!

Here's Your Sign!

Looks like Kansas City is doubling down on their hand ... news reports are saying that just east of KC in Independence, MO the city council is looking at plans to build a $50 Million hockey arena for a team to play in the CHL. Story Here - http://www.joplinglobe.com/statenews/local_story_181233937.html

With play beginning in 2009 the new minor league team would be a well thought out addition to the NHL team that MIGHT be relocated to Kansas City. Seems that the main issue right now is the Pred's lease through 2028. Del Biaggio seems to have the midas touch and has kept the attention of Nashvilles owner Leipold long enough, I have not heard much regarding Balsille's courtship.

Having the Pred's move to Kansas City would be a strong move for the NHL - there is a market ripe for the pickings. My fear is that, like some other sports franchises, they would quietly sneak into KC under the cover of darkness and start practicing, play some games, and then wonder where all the fans are. If they were to ask me, I would say that before the ink dries on the contract Del Biaggio should be collecting commercial air time slots in KC faster than a sailor collects phone numbers during fleet week.

I think a change is good, especially in a league that has so much more potential than it is currently showing. Personally I think the NHL should have a larger following than the NBA, MLB and NFL put together - but thats just me in my pollyanna world. However, when the WNBA shows a larger following and more network broadcast time I hang my head in shame and curse the NHL for allowing OLN, Versus and the like to talk them out of the spotlight. When ESPN could have lit them up brighter than South Beach Miami on a Friday night. *These analogies are getting fun*

Well it is 10am on Sunday, 2 hours before the feeding frenzy begins. I can only imagine what it is like around the league, in owners offices, with the General Managers and Coaches crunching numbers and pulling their hair out by the roots to get that ONE player that will help them get to the Cup!

Can You Afford Me Now?

With a 29% increase in the Salary Cap from 2 years ago these NHL teams have more leg room in their finances than United Air Lines offers in their First Class Cabin. With all the housekeeping going on around the league and the teams positioning themselves financially for Sunday's Easter Egg hunt ... an added $6 Million to the salary cap puts some teams in prime position for the free agents hitting the boards.

I have been reading all day long about Chris Drury all but inked into San Jose's roster for next year - however, knowing Doug Wilson and what he will do to get a player he wants ... I will wait patiently until I see Chris donning a teal jersey.

Now I read that Chicago is shopping Khabibulin, Teemu Selanne and Neid's from Anaheim are contemplating retirement ... there is going to be so much cash flying around I will be surprised if everyone can keep up with the transactions that take place over the next 32 days.

On the other side of the coin - with all this being said, I know there are going to be smart GM's and others who make emotional decisons. There is a fine line between collecting single players and creating a great team. I would like to see some teams focus on fan appreciation, fan generation, hockey introductions into the cities they live and play in. I would like to see this next season focus on introducing the NHL as a viable sport to watch. Sure Hockey has its followings - it has its fan base ... but I think its time to hit the marketing trail hard.

How has NASCAR grown year after year, its fan base has exploded over the last 5 years. It is not because the races are any more entertaining - its the introduction of the sport into mainstream media. The NHL needs to expand into markets that will carry its message to as many people as possible - of course, I am sure they know that, but maybe now they can afford to focus some of the attention outside of the locker room.

Preparing for the 2007/2008 NHL Season!

Its to early to start a countdown - that would just depress us! However - Free Agency starts in 4 days ... July 1!!! Are YOU ready?