Happy Friday!
As we mentioned, the NHL’s buyout window starts today (I believe, technically, this evening, if it’s truly 48 hours after the end of the Stanley Cup Finals) – as has been mentioned, don’t expect Scott Howson to buy out Mike Commodore until the end of the window, but at the same time, keep an eye out for other rumored buyouts like Chris Drury. You never know when some interesting nuts might get shaken out of the tree and onto the lush grash of the free agent market.
That is a terrible metaphor. I’m so sorry.
The Bruins Stanley Cup Parade will kick off tomorrow at 11 am. Zdeno Chara has graciously agreed to replace the hook and ladder truck that normally leads the parade.
More talk about Edmonton, the draft, and that Columbus might well be up for dealing the #8 pick. We keep hearing the names Ales Hemsky and Jeff Carter…
In Game 7 recaps, Tapeleg has a wee bit of smug, Stanley Cup Of Chowder rejoices, and Nucks Misconduct gives us a look at the other side of the coin.
Jeff Little has his Game 7 thoughts, but he also gives a fair bit of thought to recent news out of Nationwide as we head into the offseason.
In Vancouver, the fans stepped up to reclaim their city after the riots, organizing a grassroots effort to clean up the damage.
Columbus came out at #12 in NHL market ratings for game 7. But don’t worry, the Dispatch will happily use their chat to explain that we don’t love hockey anymore.
Apparently the Carolina Hurricanes are having problems re-signing….all of their free agents. So it seems they might have trades available for the rights to, say, Joni Pitkanen? Blueshirt Banter looked at the situation, and they’re licking their chops about Jussi Jokinen possbily being available. If Columbus moved Jakub Voracek or Kristian Huselius, Jussi might make a nice replacement on the wing…
Mike Yeo is expected to be named as the Minnesota Wild‘s new head coach today. Which mostly makes me go “…really?” OK, yes, he did a great job with the Aeros. I get that. But you replace a guy with no NHL head coaching experience with…another guy with no NHL head coaching experience, and even less experience at the AHL level? Good luck.
Just a reminder: The Jacket Backers are hosting a blood drive in honor of Ryan Salmons tomorrow. Please consider donating if you’re eligible.
If you’re less excited about giving blood? Join them at the Blue Jackets’ draft party next week! There will be prizes.
So amid all the talk that the Flyers arefinally negotiating with Bryzgalov, news breaks that they’ve also apparently been talking to Tomas Voukon’s agent? Negotiating tactic or a sign that they don’t think they can get Bryz? I’d also point out that Voukon isn’t expected to come cheap, either…oh, and that whole “possible tampering charges” thing. Whoops.
So Christian Ehrhoff needs offseason shoulder surgery. I’d suggest that if Scott Howson is still looking at him as a UFA, that should lower him a peg or two on the ladder.
Uni Watch tries a hand at redesigning jerseys for the Winnipeg ___________. It appears that even if the team’s name is officially unveiled by the draft, they’re expected to just give their draft picks blank NHL shield jerseys, since the uniforms won’t be ready from Reebok in time.
We’ve discussed before that Bettman really ought to stop handing out the Stanley Cup, given that it’s a moment of triumph that doesn’t need to get coated in distaste from 20,000 people booing him. I like the idea of the previous team’s captain bringing it out onto the ice to present it. But I also think this idea has some merit.
Have some top 10 goals from the playoffs.
YankeeCanuck takes some time with his Inner Me (and Henry Rollins) to digest the season as a whole.
Finally, we say a respectful fairwell to a man whose name few in Columbus knew, but whose work was treasured and delightful all the same. RIP to Mr. Clarence “Chris” Olson, the cannonsmith who built and prepared the 1857 Napoleon that sits in Nationwide Arena. You were a craftsman, sir.