NHL Off Season

[Asher]

TSN is reporting Calgary is making a big pitch for Richards. Explains why there's been no activity from Calgary yet, despite ~8M in cap space.

Not realistic. But I'd be thrilled with a Tanguay - Richards - Iginla line...

[notyoueither]

Wow. Some people were calling Tambellini Mr. Dithers.

He's certainly been active today.

Barker, Belanger, Eager, Hordichuck sign good contracts and Foster is shipped out for Sutton.

Most all of those are upgrades for the players traded or not coming back.

[Asher]

Brad Richards is supposed to make his decision tomorrow.

New York Rangers, LA Kings, Calgary Flames all still in the running. Calgary has reportedly offered a 9-year, $64M deal, with $60M+ of it in the first six years.

Iginla has personally called him to try to convince him. He's been told there would be a Tanguay - Richards - Iginla line.

[Ben Kenobi]

center Brad Richards had three clear criteria in selecting his new hockey home: Stability in ownership, a strong hockey market and the chance to win the Stanley Cup.”

Explains why he didn't go to Calgary.

[Asher]

I'd take my chances with Calgary over Vancouver any day. Calgary, an underdog team, lost Game 7 by 2-1.

Vancouver, the overwhelming favourite, nearly bounced in the first round and lost G7 of the SCF with a blowout one-sided game.

You're really in no position to be cocky. 41 years, Ben. 41 years.

[Asher]

FWIW, I'm somewhat relieved we're not burdened with that contract. He's barely a point per game, 31 years old and coming off a concussion...

[notyoueither]

Yes, I'd say the Flames ducked one.

The same things happened in Edmonton 3 and 4 years ago. Whale hunting in the summer only to be turned down, and eventually the decision by the owner(s) to tear it down and start over through the draft. The draft is where most good teams are built.

I see the same thing happening in Calgary. The topic of rebuilding alternating with the desire to get somebody, anybody in to squeeze the last few drops out before blowing it up and starting over.

[Ben Kenobi]

I'd take my chances with Calgary over Vancouver any day. Calgary, an underdog team, lost Game 7 by 2-1.

The same flames in the post-lockout era have failed to win a playoff series?

Vancouver, the overwhelming favourite, nearly bounced in the first round and lost G7 of the SCF with a blowout one-sided game.

Who defeated all the best teams in the west, and came one game from the cup? Calgary lost to Tampa Bay! The first cup won by a Florida team.

You're really in no position to be cocky. 41 years, Ben. 41 years.

8 years with no playoff series wins a long time, Asher.

[Asher]

41 years. Nuff said.

Never a winner.

That's pretty embarrassing.

[-Jrabbit]

The Hawks have decided to re-tool with an emphasis on gritty, physical veterans, all seemingly about $1million apiece or less (except Montador, $2.75mm). Seems they want to get more physical as a team and surround the kids with reliable vets.

The Hawks signed five veterans to one-year contracts during free agency Friday, including Dan Carcillo, Andrew Brunette, Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell and Brett McLean.

Bowman announced they accomplished what they wanted to in free agency and now will go about locking up the remaining rostered players, particularly Frolik.

[notyoueither]

Good business by Chicago this summer.

[Asher]

Sharks trade Heatley to the Wild for Havlat. Hmmm.

[notyoueither]

Wow.

[Guynemer]

Damn.

[Kontiki]

Given all the insane deals this year, how much do you figure Vokoun left on the table? It's gotta rank up there in all time (theoretical) haircuts.