The Jackets were “officially” done with adding players before Juice was hurt, but the injury forced their hand. Amid speculation that the team might consider making another move or two, the vibe from the club (backed up by Portzline) is that the team is done making moves – this is, for better or worse, the team, plus or minus a few changes that might occur in training camp.
Michael Arace takes a look at the products of this summer, and though his assessment is generally positive, I think Jackets’ fans would all agree that the chance for the playoffs comes down to the goaltending of Steve Mason and Mark Dekanich. Despite that “X-factor”, this is an exciting team, and much like the rest of the fans, I can’t wait for training camp.
A happy retirement and good riddance to Kris Draper, who is expected to call it a career today. Respect for Draper making a great career and for his success, still burning hate of the winged wheel on his chest. The guys at Winging It In Motown will have a more respectfully gushing obituary for him later today.
LTL is exploding with content, from his reaction to the Prospal deal, a bit of a swag alert, and the news that it’s once again time for hockey to beat down cancer. Go take a look.
Gary Bettman made Rick Nash Money last year. But before you get too worked up about that, it’s worth considering how many deals Bettman has gotten done that will (hopefully) continue to improve the game, and the fact that he makes less than the other three major league commissioners.
The Springfield Falcons are still auctioning off signed jerseys to raise money for Tornado Disaster Relief after the town was struck earlier this summer. If you can spare a dime, brother, there’s some interesting stuff to be had, and the auction ends today.
20 years ago, Brendan Shanahan left the Devils for St. Louis, and the Blues gave up Scott Stevens as a result. Puck Daddy takes a look at the aftermath, and the legacy of the deal.
Fox Sports Ohio is on the road visiting some players to check out their offseason. This week? Antoine Vermette in Quebec City, where they’re also learning about the joy of poutine. Don’t forget to hit Brynd for some smoked meat, guys!
Speaking of the Blues, former head coach Andy Murray is going to be taking up the reins at Western Michigan University, while PHT sees a battle ahead between Ben Bishop and Brian Elliott for the backup job.
Puck Daddy ranked who they expect the 25 top centres to be for the 2011-2012 NHL season. Before you get your back up about where they’ve ranked Jeff Carter, consider who they have ranked in front of him. It’s still not a bad place to be.
A 15 year old prospect is already being touted as “the next Sidney Crosby“, but when you look at it, the parallels are rather eerie.
That will just about do it for this morning. Have fun out there!