AHL- Apolyton Hockey League III-- Olympic edition

[Asher]

The problem with Staios isn't that he's terrible, really. He's one of those understated players (ones that Ben wouldn't know exists) that doesn't score a lot or do anything flashy, but he plays with a ton of heart and blocks shots, plays hard, etc. He's just old (36!) and getting older, and under contract for a few more seasons at a rather-high cap hit ($2.7M or something). If it was Aaron Johnson for Staios, I'd be happy.

But giving up a 3rd rounder for a 36-year old with brutal numbers this year, a large-ish cap hit and long contract? Brutal. Brutal.

[Asher]

I love this satire on how the Edmonton trades went down:

http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/3/3/1335360/visnovsky-traded-for-whitney-oh-my

So he calls Anaheim. "Hey," he says. "You guys were asking about Lubomir Visnovsky earlier? Well, I think maybe we could make this work."

Bob Murray, on the other end, is nobody's fool. He aims high and works his way down. "So how about Ryan Whitney?" says Bob. "He's younger, bigger, and he makes less." He's also worse. Considerably worse. Epically worse.

Steve Tambellini glances at the clock. It's 12:45, Mountain Standard Time. He knows that if he doesn't pull the trigger on something his press conference will be awkward, or it would be if Edmonton's hockey media wasn't competing to get him into the sack. "Throw in a sixth-round pick," Tambellini says.

Bob Murray spits out his coffee. And we're the ones who get burned.

[notyoueither]

That may be a bit generous. Wyshynski is in Philly, I think. A lot of people in the East lose track of players in the West because they do not see them that often. It sounds like he is describing the Staios of 2006 when everyone saw the Oilers play to game seven of the finals.

Staios was a solid three-four then. He's lost a step or two and can't carry the puck a lot. He is also making many more errors when he plays a lot and gets fatigued. In short, he's not the player of 2006 any more.

He is still plays hard and is a good leader though, and in the right role could help a team through a round or several of the playoffs.

[notyoueither]

The problem with Staios isn't that he's terrible, really. He's one of those understated players (ones that Ben wouldn't know exists) that doesn't score a lot or do anything flashy, but he plays with a ton of heart and blocks shots, plays hard, etc. He's just old (36!) and getting older, and under contract for a few more seasons at a rather-high cap hit ($2.7M or something). If it was Aaron Johnson for Staios, I'd be happy.

But giving up a 3rd rounder for a 36-year old with brutal numbers this year, a large-ish cap hit and long contract? Brutal. Brutal.

Only one more year.

He also has a small-market friendly contract.

He counts $2.7 MM towards the cap, but will only be paid $2.2 MM. That means that a team like Phoenix puts $500K in the bank by taking him off Sutter's hands over the summer. Sutter may well think he is moveable.

I am still really happy with that third though. Makes the Grebs and Lubo trades easier to balance vs the cash dumps that they were.

[Asher]

Also, that was the only Flames-Oilers trade in history.

Hopefully it is the last.

It's like incest or something. It's just wrong.

[notyoueither]

I think there were a couple of very minor ones in the 80's and 90's.

The only roster player to move though, I think.

It will most likely be addressed in the next CBA.

[Asher]

[Asher]

The Flames put in another stinker tonight, 4-0 loss against Minnie. But that's without the incomparable Steve Staios. Once he's in the lineup, they'll never lose again.

[notyoueither]

I know what you mean... I was looking for "expert" reports after reading your take on it, and found this one in my normal yahoo sports viewing.

Many in Chicago were surprised we didn't make a move for a "playoffs" goaltender... And this expert gave them a B for pretty much standing pat.

You should check out some of his other "observations"...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puc...urn=nhl,225671

I took a closer look at his summary.

He is a very easy marker. Only 2 D's. He seems to be following the crowd in expecting Montreal to trade one of their goalies... just because.

As Team Canada recently demonstrated, having two good goalies to call on is a good thing in any sort of tournament (such as the playoffs). The trade deadline isn't always the best time to move a player.

[Flubber]

The Flames put in another stinker tonight, 4-0 loss against Minnie. .

I actually attended that one. First time I ever left a game early. Flames actually dominated down low for a chunk of the second period but never really generated chances. They then gave up two quick goals and that was the ball game> the third period was painful so I left

[Asher]

Louuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu



5 GA in one period. ****ing impressive.

He may yet beat his 7 GA in the playoffs last season, also vs Chicago.

Chicago

[Ben Kenobi]

ones that Ben wouldn't know exists

He played for the Canucks for three years. I'm more familiar with him then you are.

Staios is definitely understated. He's understated because he adds nothing to the team.

[Ben Kenobi]

After winning a gold medal? He's been playing well. This is a tough stretch for the Canucks, last 4 games of their road trip.

They've got Chicago, Nashville, Colorado and the Desert Dogs left.

[Asher]

He played for the Canucks for three years. I'm more familiar with him then you are.

"Than", Mr Tutor. And no, you are not.

[Guynemer]

5-2 over the Preds.

Come on, Wings, make a run on it, pass the ****ing Predators and get some breathing room...