Better now?? Thoughts??

[hayden-collectables]

So after the majority of the “big” names have been move who do you feel has improved their team the most and which teams are still just spinning their wheels.

I will give you my thought and let the wolves tear me apart….I am not going to deep into it just want to start some new talk.

Vancouver with the Twins went from a possible rebuild to a definite playoff team, now getting Louango long term is priority 1. They will have another 95-100 point season as a team.

Flames with Jay Bo now have the best top core of D in the NHL. I have them winning the NW going in to the play offs in the 3 seed. Will it get them past the 1st round, not sure, but it better if Suter wants to keep his job.

Edmonton, In the long run not getting Heatley might be a good thing. Cog’s is a good young player with a lot of potential. It would have been nice for them to see Penner’s underachieving butt and hefty $4 mil contract go away but oh well. Getting “bulin” was huge. He will give a young team some stability and consistency. With the guidance of Quinn and Reny I have them winning a lot of 1-0 and 2-1 games making the payoffs in the 7th-8th spot

Montreal, Wow, lots of singing but are they any better? IMO, Cammy, Gionta, and Gomez are undersized to say the least and not sure if they can operate as 1st liners without a superstar’s support. I have MTL missing the Play offs. (….. ducking and running now….)

Ottawa, well, not sure! Heatley staying or going will have a great impact on the team both on and off the ice. I just don’t see enough changes there to consider them playoff bound.

Leafs, Rebuild is not even close to what is happening there. I will give credit to Burkey, he is doing as promised making them bigger and tougher. Not one of his draft picks were under 6’ tall and were all in the 185-210 lbs range. With the addition of Orr his team promises to be WAY more interesting. Look to 2012 before even being considered for the post season.

A couple of others

I like Philly has going into this year a real mix of everything, as much as I think they got fleeced long term in the Pronger trade, for this year it will make them a top 3 team in the east.

Washington, the pickup Knuble gives them some CRAZY *** depth! They now have a 50 goal guy and 3, 30 goal guys. My only question is in net, is Varlomov going to run with the #1 spot this year or is Jose still the guy in net??

Can Pittsburg do it again?? Nope….not in my opinion, not that they are any worse I just think that everyone around the east is now better.

Chicago IMO won the UFA lottery! Even with Huet in goal they will pressure Detroit for 1st in the west.

Thoughts?

 

[FrankToronto]

Montreal, Wow, lots of singing but are they any better? IMO, Cammy, Gionta, and Gomez are undersized to say the least and not sure if they can operate as 1st liners without a superstar’s support. I have MTL missing the Play offs. (….. ducking and running now….)

As a Habs fan, all I can say is Wow too. I was super excited about the signing of Cammalleri, and while I like Gomez and Gionta I don't like their contracts. I'm completed puzzled because it seems that Gainey has blown up the team.

Basically every UFA they had... gone. He was interested in signing Kovalev and Komisarek, but it didn't work out. I'm not quite sure why it didn't work out with Kovalev and it seems Komisarek went to the Leafs for only a bit more cash so I don't know where the line in the sand was drawn.

I was not surprised - though I don't like it - that Koivu was not re-signed. I also wish Tanguay was still on the team. Have not heard anything about Lang.

Spacek is a good signing and Gill may be a big D-man, but he doesn't fit the style of play that the Habs typically have had. But now that pretty much everyone on the Habs is gone, what is their style of play?

I love Gainey. But I'm scratching my head. His job is riding on next season.

Leafs, Rebuild is not even close to what is happening there. I will give credit to Burkey, he is doing as promised making them bigger and tougher. Not one of his draft picks were under 6’ tall and were all in the 185-210 lbs range. With the addition of Orr his team promises to be WAY more interesting. Look to 2012 before even being considered for the post season.

By signing Komisarek, I assure you the Leafs have bolstered their defence tremendously. Outside of Kaberle, I have never been pleased with what the Leafs were getting out of their D-men for the amount of money they were paying. Komisarek was signed for what he is worth (and a big loss to the Habs, IMO). He's a hard hitting defenseman who plays with a lot of character. Definitely the right kinda guy for Burke to sign.

Seems to me that Burke is making the right moves as opposed to just making moves. He's not going to do something if it doesn't make sense. So while the Leafs are a long way from being a contender, I think the rebuilding is taking the right steps.

 

[hayden-collectables]

As a Habs fan, all I can say is Wow too. I was super excited about the signing of Cammalleri, and while I like Gomez and Gionta I don't like their contracts. I'm completed puzzled because it seems that Gainey has blown up the team.

Basically every UFA they had... gone. He was interested in signing Kovalev and Komisarek, but it didn't work out. I'm not quite sure why it didn't work out with Kovalev and it seems Komisarek went to the Leafs for only a bit more cash so I don't know where the line in the sand was drawn.

I was not surprised - though I don't like it - that Koivu was not re-signed. I also wish Tanguay was still on the team. Have not heard anything about Lang.

Spacek is a good signing and Gill may be a big D-man, but he doesn't fit the style of play that the Habs typically have had. But now that pretty much everyone on the Habs is gone, what is their style of play?

I love Gainey. But I'm scratching my head. His job is riding on next season.



By signing Komisarek, I assure you the Leafs have bolstered their defence tremendously. Outside of Kaberle, I have never been pleased with what the Leafs were getting out of their D-men for the amount of money they were paying. Komisarek was signed for what he is worth (and a big loss to the Habs, IMO). He's a hard hitting defenseman who plays with a lot of character. Definitely the right kinda guy for Burke to sign.

Seems to me that Burke is making the right moves as opposed to just making moves. He's not going to do something if it doesn't make sense. So while the Leafs are a long way from being a contender, I think the rebuilding is taking the right steps.

It is nice to see some passion and conviction in the center of the hockey universe AKA Toronto, Like you say making the right moves. Mike K and Exelby will definatly help out the buds this year!

As for Montreal, yeah, I don't know....I think Koivu will end up in MIN with his brother, Tanguay will go to LA the only one I am really struggling with is Kovalev, what happens to him??

 

[2fnlo]

Atlanta - Quietly are amongst the most improved in my humble opinion. With Little budding into a talented scorer, and a wealth of decent picks and prospects I think they could be a surprise team this season. Adding some power on defense with Kubina, and a legit 20 goal scorer who should play well in supplementation to Kovalchuk. I think they will be tough to play against in the East. Will they be a contender? No, they might not even make the playoffs, I just like what they have done for their team.

Minnesota - Could turn out to be a victor also. Havlat should fill in nicely for Gabby, although he isn't the 1 on 1 player, he was at least healthy all season. If Koivu's big brother signs I like what they have done overall.

Calgary - Whats not to like as a fan? Well my concerns lie in the offense department. Lets hope mobile, young puck moving defense can help up the games of Calgary's youngsters (Moss, Boyd, Glenncross). Sutter, who is likely also better with the youngsters than Keenan, should also help boost the secondary scoring. I don't think we need to discuss the back end, it looks ok Sjostrom is a mini steal also.

Chicago - I don't really care for any of their moves. Can Hossa play goal? I dunno but he may have to, someone does. I also hate long term signings. Dipietro anyone? Gaborik, Sedins, Havlat, etc. all signed moderate term contracts, which would have been optimal for the seemingly haunted Hossa.

Montreal - I know I will be hated on here. But does losing out on Lecavalier mean the team has to go Tampa Bay, sign anyone not bolted down to outrageous contracts, throw them in the blender and hope it all works out? It didn't work for Tampa last year. If that wasn't bad enough there must have been a sign that said, "You must be under 6 feet tall for this ride." Larger teams like the Bruins and Flyers will have a heyday with the Habs I fear. I feel sorry for Price, Montreal's defense also is looking very suspect for the upcoming season.

Toronto - Did as promised. Will be TOUGH to play against, literally. Not sure they will do much in the standings, except the fight column.

Flyers - I like what Pronger brings to the Flyers, a tough team by trait. However how many years, scratch that, DECADES or brutal goaltending is it going to take for them to realize signing a decent goalie would help them so much?

 

[hayden-collectables]

I like what you have to say!! I don't know anything about Sjostrom...what is his story?

 

[northendhockeynut]

I don't know anything about Sjostrom...what is his story?

Fredrik Sjostrom

The following is posted on The Hockey News site

FREDRIK SJOSTROM, LW/RW, 26 TERM: $750,000 per/2 years
ANALYSIS: A native of Sweden who played his junior hockey in the Flames' backyard with the Western League's Hitmen (the club he was drafted from by the Coyotes 11th overall in 2001), Sjostrom will bring some depth on Calgary’s latter lines, a job he did with success last season with the Rangers. He won’t provide much offense to a team that will need it after the departure of Mike Cammalleri, but at less than a million per, it’s a deal that can’t go wrong

 

[hayden-collectables]

Fredrik Sjostrom

The following is posted on The Hockey News site

FREDRIK SJOSTROM, LW/RW, 26 TERM: $750,000 per/2 years
ANALYSIS: A native of Sweden who played his junior hockey in the Flames' backyard with the Western League's Hitmen (the club he was drafted from by the Coyotes 11th overall in 2001), Sjostrom will bring some depth on Calgary’s latter lines, a job he did with success last season with the Rangers. He won’t provide much offense to a team that will need it after the departure of Mike Cammalleri, but at less than a million per, it’s a deal that can’t go wrong

LOL...I just pulled that up, I was spelling his name wrong and couln't find him...Thanks..LOL...

 

[jaywings19]

Fredrik Sjostrom

The following is posted on The Hockey News site

FREDRIK SJOSTROM, LW/RW, 26 TERM: $750,000 per/2 years
ANALYSIS: A native of Sweden who played his junior hockey in the Flames' backyard with the Western League's Hitmen (the club he was drafted from by the Coyotes 11th overall in 2001), Sjostrom will bring some depth on Calgary’s latter lines, a job he did with success last season with the Rangers. He won’t provide much offense to a team that will need it after the departure of Mike Cammalleri, but at less than a million per, it’s a deal that can’t go wrong

Sjostrom is very fast and will be a key penalty killer. The Rangers even used him in the shootout quite often. However, he will not be a force offensively and brings little in terms of physical play. A very good depth player for the price that Calgary paid.

 

[hayden-collectables]

Sjostrom is very fast and will be a key penalty killer. The Rangers even used him in the shootout quite often. However, he will not be a force offensively and brings little in terms of physical play. A very good depth player for the price that Calgary paid.

That is good to hear!! Thanks for the info!!:beer:

 

[MIKEYSLEAFS]

Not one of his draft picks were under 6’ tall and were all in the 185-210 lbs range.

is kadri that big,i thought they were joking on tsn when they picked him he was one of the smaller players and needed to grow his body a little more,even burke said after picking him as there pick he would now go bigger and meaner after he was confronted by the tsn guy

 

[GrimUSMC]

Atlanta - Quietly are amongst the most improved in my humble opinion. With Little budding into a talented scorer, and a wealth of decent picks and prospects I think they could be a surprise team this season. Adding some power on defense with Kubina, and a legit 20 goal scorer who should play well in supplementation to Kovalchuk. I think they will be tough to play against in the East. Will they be a contender? No, they might not even make the playoffs, I just like what they have done for their team.

Minnesota - Could turn out to be a victor also. Havlat should fill in nicely for Gabby, although he isn't the 1 on 1 player, he was at least healthy all season. If Koivu's big brother signs I like what they have done overall.

Calgary - Whats not to like as a fan? Well my concerns lie in the offense department. Lets hope mobile, young puck moving defense can help up the games of Calgary's youngsters (Moss, Boyd, Glenncross). Sutter, who is likely also better with the youngsters than Keenan, should also help boost the secondary scoring. I don't think we need to discuss the back end, it looks ok Sjostrom is a mini steal also.

Chicago - I don't really care for any of their moves. Can Hossa play goal? I dunno but he may have to, someone does. I also hate long term signings. Dipietro anyone? Gaborik, Sedins, Havlat, etc. all signed moderate term contracts, which would have been optimal for the seemingly haunted Hossa.

Montreal - I know I will be hated on here. But does losing out on Lecavalier mean the team has to go Tampa Bay, sign anyone not bolted down to outrageous contracts, throw them in the blender and hope it all works out? It didn't work for Tampa last year. If that wasn't bad enough there must have been a sign that said, "You must be under 6 feet tall for this ride." Larger teams like the Bruins and Flyers will have a heyday with the Habs I fear. I feel sorry for Price, Montreal's defense also is looking very suspect for the upcoming season.

Toronto - Did as promised. Will be TOUGH to play against, literally. Not sure they will do much in the standings, except the fight column.

Flyers - I like what Pronger brings to the Flyers, a tough team by trait. However how many years, scratch that, DECADES or brutal goaltending is it going to take for them to realize signing a decent goalie would help them so much?

I say Boucher takes over by the middle of the year. I never understood why they gave up on him to begin with, the kids (now man) got talent and should have been our #1 for many years.

Also, I dont knwo how you can argue that Phanuef, JBo, and whoever #3 is is better then Pronger, Timmonen, and Coburn. I really think the FLyers have arguably the best top 4 D in the league when you add Carle in as a #4. I like our team this year and the next two years alot. After that, its up in the air.

 

[2fnlo]

I say Boucher takes over by the middle of the year. I never understood why they gave up on him to begin with, the kids (now man) got talent and should have been our #1 for many years.

Also, I dont knwo how you can argue that Phanuef, JBo, and whoever #3 is is better then Pronger, Timmonen, and Coburn. I really think the FLyers have arguably the best top 4 D in the league when you add Carle in as a #4. I like our team this year and the next two years alot. After that, its up in the air.

Whoever is #3, is Regehr, you know the Olympian? And Sarich is a pretty formidable #4 himself. However I am pretty sure this argument will never be settled here by us, lets just let the players on the ice decide. Still you should run a poll on the subject I would love to see the result.

 

[GrimUSMC]

Whoever is #3, is Regehr, you know the Olympian? And Sarich is a pretty formidable #4 himself. However I am pretty sure this argument will never be settled here by us, lets just let the players on the ice decide. Still you should run a poll on the subject I would love to see the result.

No disrespect to your team, I honestly did not know who #3 and #4 were.

That is a stoudt lineup though Ill definitely agree to that. If Jokinene plays liek he diod at the end of the regular season, and Iginla is himself, I would be happy to be a flames fan. I also like Dustin Boyd, I think he has 25-30 goal potential.

 

[hayden-collectables]

I say Boucher takes over by the middle of the year. I never understood why they gave up on him to begin with, the kids (now man) got talent and should have been our #1 for many years.

Also, I dont knwo how you can argue that Phanuef, JBo, and whoever #3 is is better then Pronger, Timmonen, and Coburn. I really think the FLyers have arguably the best top 4 D in the league when you add Carle in as a #4. I like our team this year and the next two years alot. After that, its up in the air.

#3=Robyn Regher, made the last two Olympic teams for Canada going for 3rd...very solid stay at home D man

 

[hayden-collectables]

No disrespect to your team, I honestly did not know who #3 and #4 were.

That is a stoudt lineup though Ill definitely agree to that. If Jokinene plays liek he diod at the end of the regular season, and Iginla is himself, I would be happy to be a flames fan. I also like Dustin Boyd, I think he has 25-30 goal potential.

oh sorry you got an answer already...
Iginla will be back, having 2 pure shooters (Mike C) on the same line is tough to get point totals for both.

BOyd at 30 goals may be a stretch, I think Bourque will get 30..

 

[hayden-collectables]

Whoever is #3, is Regehr, you know the Olympian? And Sarich is a pretty formidable #4 himself. However I am pretty sure this argument will never be settled here by us, lets just let the players on the ice decide. Still you should run a poll on the subject I would love to see the result.

I will build a poll, post the link in a bit....

 

[2fnlo]

No disrespect to your team, I honestly did not know who #3 and #4 were.

I think it is an East vs. West sort of thing. No one really knows who Coburn and Timmonen are out this way. Carle only because he is a former Shark. However with all due respect Regehr could nearly be the Flyers #2. At least in my opinion.

 

[hayden-collectables]

I think it is an East vs. West sort of thing. No one really knows who Coburn and Timmonen are out this way. Carle only because he is a former Shark. However with all due respect Regehr could nearly be the Flyers #2. At least in my opinion.

I agree, I am trying to post the poll but might need a mods help.

 

[Orca Pod]

I would take the Flamingos top 4 over the Flyers top 4 every day of the season. In my opinion, it is not even close. Dion played like a POS last season, and he was still wayyyyyyy better than Coburn could ever dream of becoming. Timmonen and JayBo? About a wash. I would much rather have Reggie on my team than Pronger. It's not that I wouldn't like Pronger on my team, it's that Reggie is one of the two most underrated Dmen (other is Mitchell) in the league. Rehger makes so few mistakes, it is amazing he never gets the Norris nod, because he doesn't get as many points as Dion, I guess...

Sarich was arguably the Flames most consistent Dman over the last half of the season. He rounds out arguably the most formidable top 4 D in the league.

 

[hayden-collectables]

I would take the Flamingos top 4 over the Flyers top 4 every day of the season. In my opinion, it is not even close. Dion played like a POS last season, and he was still wayyyyyyy better than Coburn could ever dream of becoming. Timmonen and JayBo? About a wash. I would much rather have Reggie on my team than Pronger. It's not that I wouldn't like Pronger on my team, it's that Reggie is one of the two most underrated Dmen (other is Mitchell) in the league. Rehger makes so few mistakes, it is amazing he never gets the Norris nod, because he doesn't get as many points as Dion, I guess...

Sarich was arguably the Flames most consistent Dman over the last half of the season. He rounds out arguably the most formidable top 4 D in the league.

Well my friend I agree, Willy is AWSOME, can you imagine him and Regher togther? No one would ever score and still no one would notice them...I posted a poll.