Iggy and the Off-Season

While the Boston Bruins celebrate and prepare for their second trip to the Stanley Cup in three years, there's some murmurs about what should have Jarome Iginla done in the aftermath of this whole series. Of course, Iginla publicly was going to head to Boston at the trade deadline, only to veto that and head to Pittsburgh instead. Little did anyone know that they would meet in the Conference Finals and that the Bruins would manhandle the Penguins.

But do you really blame Iginla?? For the Penguins, they were the top dog coming out of the East and it was almost unthinkable to believe that they would get steamrolled the way they did. Hell, Iginla had 4 goals and 12 points heading into the playoffs and looked to be that secondary scoring that the Penguins need should the top line get into a funk. No one thought that the Bruins would shut the entire roster down.

Now, with the Penguins out, Iginla a free agent, and the future being unknown-- did Iginla lose his last chance at getting with a real contender?? The Penguins probably won't bring him back unless he takes a massive pay-cut and assumes the role of maybe a bottom-six guy. It's not that Iginla doesn't bring some intangibles, but he'll be 36 next year and if he doesn't find a way to find more speed in his legs; not many contenders will use him to the fullest.

That's not to say a team won't be salivating to get a leader like Iginla on their team, but they could shy away from what he could be asking for in order to be on that team. The league knows he wants to be with a contender in order to win a Stanley Cup, but will he and his agent, Don Meehan, be willing to take the pay-cut in order to get that ring??

For the most part, Iginla's ego won't be hurt to take the decreased pay, but at the same time-- will his agent be able to convince him that a possible low-ball deal be able to get him to a Cup Finals or will Meehan really go for that top dollar and try to sway Iginla for a fringe team on their way up over a sure thing?? A team like the Blues could benefit from Iginla being on the team, but would Iginla benefit from being there and maybe get to the second round rather than being on a top contender?? Maybe the Marian Hossa trick could be it, where Iginla goes to Boston in the summer-- doubtful-- but it could give him a puncher's chance.

It's a tough spot for Iginla to be in, as he is a figure who is almost universally loved by fans because of what he meant to an organization like the Flames and the country of Canada for his play. Not only that, but he was talked about as being one of the league's top players before Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin started the youth movement in the league. Whatever he chooses this summer, Iginla will make a decision after weighing all the options and will most likely go with his heart rather than go with the dollars.

Another Outlet For Misdirected Hostilities in CBA Talks

Blame the Owners. Blame the Players.

This is a chorus that many a fan are chanting, with the former being the one that the venom is most being spewed at. Rightfully so, as the owners control the lockout and don't seem to agree with what the players are proposing and can't figure out a revenue sharing plan amongst themselves to get their own top dollar.

Of course, the players are going to want their own share as they are the "product" and really don't care (and shouldn't care) about the economic stability of the teams because they're getting paid, so who really cares about the actual health of the team they're playing for as long as they get theirs. And the player's shouldn't worry about how the team's health is because they have their own health, their own well-being, their own on-ice performance to worry about; they shouldn't have to worry about the book of the team.

And while the owners did negotiate the crazy contracts we have been seeing and seems to really be giving out far too much money, thus making them hypocritical when they "cry poor" over losing money; there is one group that could actually be more to blame than the players and the owners combined.

The Agents.

It seems that this topic has been briefly touched on, but it is my own belief that the agents should the most vitriol from the fans.

Sure, the owners do give into the player's contracts demands at times, but at the same time; if not for the agents overrating and overvaluing their client (the player), the owners really have not much of a choice if they want to put a winning product on the ice. The agents know this and know that they can sell ice to an Eskimo if they wanted to, which is why they have driven third-liner's contracts into the $3M/year range when they probably should be half of that. They hype up their player, they use leverage of going to rival teams with their client, and then they smooth talk their way into making the GMs believe they're actually getting a deal.

Yes, the GMs (and, honestly, they play with the owner's money) can avoid this by not buying into their schemes and actually call the agents' bluff, but the agents know they can go to another guy and get the money they want. The fact the agents can manipulate the market the way that they do is almost criminal. They are the guys who skew the contracts and how the value of a player can be determined due to past results. The agents also realize that past results are not indicative of future results; so they have to get their client their maximum dollars-- of course, the fact they take a percentage plays into that, but they're looking at the best interesting in their player-- I'm sure.

Agents are hype-men for the players and in the end, they have to do the best for their client in order to not only retain them, but get them the most money they think they "deserve" and will go at all lengths in order to actually get those dollars-- not caring about who they get it from because loyalty is nothing to the agents, especially since they represent multiple players on different teams and in different standing on the depth chart.  As long as their players (and to a lesser extent-- them) get paid, they don't care where it comes from and they shouldn't either.

In other sports-- the disdain for agents are very much there. In baseball, it's Scott Boras and in football it's Drew Rosenhaus. Both are big mouthpieces for their clients and do get the maximum amount for their players and don't settle for less. It seems that Allan Walsh seems to the be most outspoken of the NHL agents and tries to do what he can to rattle the cages of people everywhere. Sometimes, it's for good (likes speaking out on fake insiders), but most times-- it's for bad (running down his client's [ex]teams). It's a shock that NHL owners/GMs would deal with Walsh when all is said and done, especially with how overaggressive he can be in the social aspect of things. It's one thing to get to the court of public appeal, but it's another thing when you are running down the people who have an effect on your client's career.

You can bitch and moan about who deserves what, but of course because of the entitlement that both sides have--owners because they own the team and make money in other ventures, believing they're above it all; players because they are the show on the ice and their agents overrate them in order to get the utmost, unattainable contract values (for the most part)-- are the main thing. It's more than Billionaire vs. Millionaire-- it's Ego vs. Ego.

Ending of a Loyalty Legacy

With the booming news that both Shane Doan and Martin Brodeur are going to test the free agency market is something that many have had people gasp in astonishment. More with the latter, but overall-- it just proves that almost nothing is sacred or protected when it comes to trying to get paid or putting yourself in a position to win again.

For Doan, the equation is simple: the unknown that is the Phoenix Coyotes' ownership issue is the main thing that is going to push Doan to look at his options. It's not that the league wouldn't provide the money for Doan to be re-signed, it's a matter of Doan trying to get into a stable place where he knows he won't be picking up and moving after next season. More over, Doan could have seen last year as possibly the closest he would get to the Stanley Cup with the team he's with and may want to go to a place where he knows he could be in contention for the duration of what could be his last contract.

The news of Brodeur hiring an agent like Pat Brisson is considered a serious ideal that the long-time Devils' legend could be on his way out. Of course, Brodeur had his father representing him for his career-- so the addition of Brisson, one of the biggest power brokers in the game, will turn heads and maybe make the Devils dealing with Brodeur much harder to deal with. Considering that Brodeur is 40-years-old, who knows what kind of contract he's looking for and what kind of role he would want to play with that team. If a Western Conference team were to get into the mix, the risk of travelling could be something that could hinder their look at Brodeur, as he has been graced with close quarters of the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.

Yet, you have to wonder what this means when it comes to the last of a dying breed when it comes to the loyal players being with their teams for the duration of their careers. Of course with Doan, it's an extenuating circumstance that has him on the lookout for a new team, but it is a bit of a downer to think he won't be on the Coyotes roster if things can't get sorted out between the two.

But with Brodeur, you would have thought that this is a guy who would have been a Devil from start to finish-- which could still be the case with Brisson only being brought in as leverage to get a better deal or to actually gauge his true worth. However, this could be the closest ever to Brodeur leaving-- which should be scary to fans and team management alike with not much going on with goaltender development in their future.

The idea of the long-term deals with the young players is almost a forceful push to get them to be the franchise player with that deal. It's almost, however, that without that long-term deal; the loyalty aspect of it all is going by the wayside-- if it hasn't already. Though, the shocking effect that these two long-time franchise faces possibly going out on their own could make a lot of hockey fans forever give up on the idea that a player will be with the franchise from start to finish, especially in a salary cap era.

But it goes back to that old adage-- if Wayne Gretzky can get traded, anyone can.

Isles Smartly Sign Grahame...Wait, What??

John Grahame has signed with the Islanders. In 2012.

I'll just let that sink in.

If he plays, the Islanders would have had six goalie play in a game for the the team, one off the NHL record.

The question however that seems to come up is why would the Islanders do it if they have guys like Kevin Poulin and Anders Nilsson in Bridgeport of the AHL to come up?? Why not give the young guys some time in the NHL??

The point is that this is a stop-gap move. The Bridgeport Sound Tigers are in the mix for a division title and a spot in the playoffs in the AHL. To pull up that team's goalie just to sit on the bench in the NHL and MAYBE get some playing time in-- seems a bit ridiculous for the long-run, especially for meaningless games in the NHL, since the Isles have been eliminated.

While it's suspect, especially since it's been a while since John Grahame has been in the NHL (he did play in the KHL and last year in the AHL), it's a smart move to have a guy that's in some kind of game shape, rather than someone that could be just a beer-league guy to sign to an amateur try-out contract or to pluck someone from the AHL or ECHL in order to get them a taste of the show AND maybe stifle the chances of that team to actually make the playoffs or be there for a stretch to get them in the playoffs.

Yet, the biggest question is whether or not John Grahame will get some time in net. Considering there is five games left, considering the Islanders seem to be cursed with goaltending injuries-- you would think he could get some time in there to see if he can actually hack, as well as saving up Al Montoya from possible bad things happening to end the season.

Grahame has been the goalie coach for the USHL Sioux City Musketeers this past season and was 23-19-5 over 48 games in the past two seasons prior with the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters, so he could be ready to actually get something done. There's two games that I could see Grahame getting without having accusations of the Islanders tanking-- one against Winnipeg and one against Columbus-- as both teams are eliminated from the playoffs. Heck, if Montoya slips and Grahame comes in as a reliever and lights it up tonight; it could be sooner.

In the end, people will say this was an out of left field thing for the Islanders and another sign this is a team with no direction at all. I say it's a smart decision when you take into account that their younger guys will be able to experience meaningful games in the minor leagues rather than gathering dust on a NHL bench.

Taking the Turco Chance

Last night, I was opining on Twitter about how the Ottawa Senators should possibly look at getting Marty Turco into their fold, if for nothing else but to rely on him going down the stretch. Especially after Marty Turco's solid display for his first game with Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian League (resulting in a 4-1 win); it wouldn't be the worst idea since he has an out-clause to it.

That said, odds are that if Marty Turco does sign and try to come over, he will get picked up on the waiver wire like Evgeni Nabokov did last season, but that's something that Senators might have to risk.

You see, the Senators have rode Craig Anderson for the last 17 games straight. That shows that Paul MacLean really doesn't show much faith in back-up Alex Auld and that Anderson will earn his contract. That said, the surprising Sens will need more than to hope Anderson doesn't burn-out if they want to make the playoffs and really shock the world for a team that wasn't supposed to even content at all.

Sure, there could be a better alternative in the trade market, and especially with the caveat of Turco having to got through the waiver wire-- it would be a risk, but if he falls through the cracks; a nice insurance policy. Turco looks like he wants to be on a contender, which is what the Senators could become with him in the line-up.

The thing with Turco is that if he does get picked up on the waiver wire-- who could be the person to do it?? You could think the Columbus Blue Jackets would go after him-- but he didn't seem to willing to go there when he had the chance to. The San Jose Sharks could be a team that could get with Turco, though Thomas Greiss has played alright and Antero Niittymaki is on the outs with the franchise; though that insurance policy would be nice for a team who really needs to prove something in the playoffs. Even the Calgary Flames may want to take a shot if the price is right-- but I highly doubt it with their lack of cap space and contract space, as well.

Marty Turco will be on a NHL team before the trade deadline and it's my belief that he'll play in the NHL this year. With what team is really the question. Also, if he gets picked up on waivers by a team he doesn't want to be with-- does he pull a Nabokov and not play for the season?? Does it matter to him if he can get a shot back in the NHL?? We've got about three weeks to find out if someone takes a chance and he takes a chance on them.

Nashville's D-ilemma

It was mentioned on the 11.09.11 episode of the Face Off Hockey Show, which was the unknown topic of the masterful Lyle Richardson's article on The Hockey News' website-- but the Nashville Predators are in a tight spot with the signing of Pekka Rinne last week, but only in terms of trying to re-sign Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, or both.

If you look at the things both bring to the table, you have to wonder who has the edge. The knee-jerk reaction is to say Weber-- if only for the physical force he brings to the table, as well as the cannon of a shot. The fact that the Predators are not a high-offensively minded team and Weber is good for 15 goals on the back-line while Suter has no more than eight in one season (2006-07).

Yet, the Predators have always been know and probably will always be known as a defensive team. That's where I think Suter has the edge. As good as Weber is in the offensive zone, Suter has the edge in his own zone and is probably the more of a shutdown man in comparison. If the Predators want to stick to that same scheme of defense first, Suter has to be the right choice to say around.

Of course, you look at what has happened in situations before. Most notably, the Ottawa Senators when trying to decide between Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara. In the end, the Sens made the wrong choice in picking Redden, as Chara was a monster back then and still is now. That's where the Predators are and this is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. If you let Weber go, you let a physical presence go with a helluva offensive upside. If you let Suter go, there goes a guy who could shutdown a team in a key situation.

Another side of the situation is Ryan Suter being the only one of the two being a UFA in the summer, while Shea Weber is a RFA. The danger in this is that Suter can be left with nothing coming back in return, which will ramp up his trade rumors. With Weber, the Predators could have other team dictate what the Predators have to pay if he is signed to an offer-sheet in the summer.

David Poile is a magician as a GM. If there's anyone who can balance out this situation, it could be Poile. While he's not a guy who will spend over his own means in order to appease the fan base who'd love to have all these guys signed to long-term deals. He won't hand-cuff his team in order to keep some guys who may not be able to pan out to their contractual terms. All eyes will be on Nashville until the trade deadline, then starting up again in June-- and mostly not for the hockey.

On the Topic Of Tryout Contracts

While the shooter-tutor and small child won't get offers, we stand only a few weeks from NHL camps opening up, the slew of tryout contracts that are out there aren't surprising. However, there are some interesting names that are out there when it comes to the tryout basis, especially for the teams that signed them up to begin with. The list that I has, goes as such:

-Fabian Brunnstrom, Detroit Red Wings: For a kid who was hyped and sought after when he was a free agent in Sweden, he seemed to fizzle in the Dallas heat. Whether or not he'll thrive in Motor City remains to be seen, but if there's a team that has the ability to turn one team's trash into a treasure-- it's the Red Wings. They've picked diamonds in the rough for the better part of the past decade and if they are able to figure out where Brunnstrom is supposed to fit in, sell him on it, and then have him succeed; it could be a great reward for a small risk.

-Michael Nylander, Philadelphia Flyers: With the neck injury he suffered, it was unknown whether or not that Nylander would be able play again, but it seems that the Flyers have some sign of faith in Nylander to at least give him a look. While he could work very well with Jaromir Jagr, the speed of the game seemed to have taken it's toll on Nylander, as seen during his days in Washington. However, with the lack of offense the Flyers have, it could result in #92 suiting up in the City of Brotherly Love.

-David Aebischer, Winnipeg Jets: While his time in the Swiss league has been rough to say the least, the Jets really lose nothing in trying to stack up their minor league or at least give Aebischer one last kick in the can for the NHL. For a team that's under new.....well, everything, it's the perfect spot for Aebischer to make a good first impression. Though it's unlikely he'll unseat Ondrej Pavelec or Chris Mason; should he want to play in the AHL-- it will be there for his taking. Yet, they would have to get over his contract with HC Lugano; but they'll cross that bridge if they get to it.

-Owen Nolan, Vancouver Canucks: If nothing else, this could breath some life into the "NHL '94" franchise, should Nolan be able to to make the Canucks. He's one of the few left from that fantastic game, but he could also give some more veteran presence in the room. With 26 points in 24 games over in the Swiss league-- he does seem to have SOME positives to him on the ice, though it'll be seen if he can make it work during the camp.

While there are others (Chris Clark, Jay Pandolfo to name a couple), these are the guys who I think will definitely be ones to look at and will probably make the most noise in the camp-- for the better or worse.

Second Expansion Go 'Round in Sunrise

Traveling this past week or so has been the reason for the delay on new stuff-- so apologizes or something.

As the introduction of the new Florida Panthers happen, the questions will always come up about how this new team could actually make an impact and whether or not they will actually be worth all this spending to get to the salary floor. In all honesty, I think a lot of people are rooting for them, but with the guys they brought in for how much they brought him in for-- there's not a lot of hope for this team.

This team is an expansion team for a second time. There's no way around it, but with what the Panthers have done, they will have to learn to how to play together and have to form some kind of chemistry in a short period of time in order to be somewhat competitive. In the early going, you have to think they may have a rough time about it; but they could throw some other teams off because you won't know what's going to happen when them-- though trying to sustain that for the long-term is the real task.

It was a necessary evil for the Panthers to do, however. With the team being wreck from previous GM's tenures; they don't have any "homegrown" talent. The guys they did have who they groomed from the start are off to greener pastures-- whether it's because the GM at the time didn't like them and traded them out or if they didn't feel like dishing out the money to keep them there-- something went wrong. I doubt that Dale Tallon fully expected to spend like a sailor on shore leave with this free agency season-- but at the same time; he had to. He was damned if he did, damned if he didn't in all honest. If he didn't go on this spree, people would be on his case and the Panthers case for not caring. He did make these moves and people are wondering why the hell he gave such big contracts to menial players for big dollars.

The contract length is something I can totally understand, but maybe-- just maybe-- they're giving their newly stocked prospects a chance to grow and learn the system before rushing them into the line-up-- which could be worse than inflated contracts. Odds are, with the younger kids (if they were around) they would be as bad as the veterans they signed and lack the chemistry these new Panthers would have. Plus, there's no guarentee that any of the younger kids would pan out in the NHL style and speed of play-- which could also be worse due to the fact that it could ruin their mentality when playing; being more destructive in the long-run.

While the idea is if a team can't hack it, they should be moved or even eliminated from the league-- which I think should happen-- the NHL won't do it and the NHLPA won't agree to it because it would eliminate many jobs and ruins a lot of the market the NHL has built up. The Panthers, along with the Phoenix Coyotes, are prime examples of why there should be NHL contraction-- mostly in a business sense. It has nothing to do with on-ice product (at least in Phoenix), but the mismanagement that happens off the ice-- that's what kills it for everyone and makes the common fan look down on the organizations; if they even pay attention to them at all.

The bottom-line is that the Florida Panthers, from pillar to post-- were and are in a bit if disarray. While they had some kind of building blocks come their way in the past couple days (Keith Seabrook, Sergei Shirokov, and Angelo Esposito), it's nowhere near what they could have had if they keep and grew their talent from back in the day....or did, but didn't want to dole out the money when contract time was up. Granted-- two of those three names I mentions have bounced around many organizations-- which shows that it's probably going to be even harder to develop because they can't hack it with any team much less this one.

Best of luck to the Panthers-- because they'll need it.

The Summer of GMGM

Say what you will about the on-ice results, but the moves the Washington Capitals have made this off-season have been nothing short of spectacular. Most of that can be credited to the slyness of one General Manager George McPhee; or GMGM, as the kids call him.

First off, it started with the firing of Arturs Irbe and bringing back Dave Prior as the goaltending coach and Olaf Kolzig as the assistant goaltender coach, probably laying the ground work for Kolzig to take the reins later on down the line. That was also something that set-up Semyon Varlamov to get dealt, since he had fallen behind Michal Neuvirth and even Braden Holtby; but there was no deal for Varlamov in June.

Fast-forward to the Draft, where there wasn't anyone the Caps wanted, so GMGM made the move to give up their 26th pick in the first round to the Chicago Blackhawks for Troy Brouwer. That's a move that kind of solidified the end of Matt Bradley's tenure in DC, but Brouwer is a guy who has playoff experience at a young age, that it could help the team-- if they can get him signed.

Move a couple days ahead, and some people say this was a little bit of a slip-up, giving Brooks Laich a long-term deal for big dollars to keep the fan-favorite in Capitals red. In the end, with the cap going up and salaries probably doing the same-- it could end up being a steal when all is said and done. However, at the moment-- it doesn't play out to some fans liking.

Then July happened....and GMGM got cold-blooded.

It started off for GMGM by signing old Capital Jeff Halpern to a one year deal, bringing in some leadership that some thought was lacking in the dressing room. Then, he signed Joel Ward, a gritty forward, from Nashville for four-years, then got a veteran defenseman in Roman Hamrlik for two years, probably to help mold the younger defensemen on the squad.

But that was not the biggest move of July 1st for GMGM.

I don't know if it was knowing there was desperation or if it was his cutthroat ways-- but McPhee got rid of Varlamov and sent him to the Colorado Avalanche...for a 1st Round Pick in 2012 and 2nd Round Pick in either 2012 or 2013; the Caps choice. The 2012 Draft is supposed to be much, much, MUCH deeper than this year and with the Avalanche possibly being as bad as they were last year-- could be a HUGE pick-up for the Caps.

But wait-- there's more.

While many thought that GMGM could be mad to go with two rookies in the NHL.....July 2nd, McPhee addressed that-- by signing the highly touted free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun to a one year deal....worth $1.5M dollar, which is a paycut of over $4M from last season. I don't know what voodoo McPhee did to make this deal happen; but he could have pulled off the biggest shock of the free agency period. Not only does Vokoun provide a veteran presence and can stop a lot of shots; but he'll be able to mentor his fellow Czech Republic native, Neuvirth-- which could prove very invaluable down the line.

However, with only $500k left of their cap, you can bet that McPhee will probably deal someone to free up some space and sign the likes of Brouwer and bring up some of the guys from Hershey to try their hand-- but at the same time; he's done a lot of amazing things in order to make his team better and get all the parts he thought was missing and got them ousted early for the past two playoffs.

The pressure is on the team and coaches now, though. GMGM has done his part and you really can't fault him too much for the results that happen on the ice. Yet, with the group he's compiled, it's almost to the point where not much could go wrong unless the chemistry just goes awry.

But, if he does get the brunt of any failure, he can definitely fall back on his new stand-up comedy career, as you see here; working out material during a press conference.

Good Idea/Bad Idea: Free Agency

Every now and again, I'll decide that it's a chance to test out the whole "Good Idea, Bad Idea" thing. Can't tell you when's the last time.......probably if I were more apt to searching my tags I would find it...but alas, here we are.

In any case, at Noon Eastern today, the Free Agency bonanza begins and there's going to be a lot of people aching to hear who goes where and for how long. Sometimes it's good to deal with the reaction of people-- but more often than not-- it's a drag. Luckily for you, I've decided some good ideas and bad ideas when it comes to dealing with free agency happenings-- hence, the name.

GOOD IDEA: Keeping track of what you're team needs: It's one thing to go after a guy who just desirable to the rest of the league; but in the end-- reality has to set in. So long as you understand the role the player you pick up will play in the grand scheme of things-- the better you'll feel about the terms of the deal.

BAD IDEA: Flipping out over what other teams get: Sure, it's nice to "Keep up with the Browns," but in the end-- I think there is more stress when you worry too much about what everyone else is doing to the point where you judge what the hell your rival is doing. Sure, you can really bash on thing or another-- but at the same time; remember the first "Good Idea" and think if that'll help their team; then you can be angry if it does help them.

GOOD IDEA: Enjoying the banter that is in chat rooms and Twitter: This is a long, drawn-out process and you'll need to coziness of friends and colleagues to get through the boredom if you're staring at the screen. Plus, you could meet new people along the way through such things-- which is always a good idea.

BAD IDEA: Taking chat rooms and Twitter as gospel: We've been through it in trade deadlines, drafts, and last year's free agency-- but we've all been duped many a time through fake rumors or fake Twitter feeds and people not doing the 10 second check-up on the reality of the situation. I know we all want to be the first to know-- yet, it's best to be accurate than quick (that's what she said).

GOOD IDEA: Watching guys like Jaromir Jagr and Brad Richards in what they're doing: These guys are the big names and are going to headline whatever happens on July 1st or whenever they sign. They have the ability to change a team if they're in the right situations, as well as sway other free agents one way or the other.

BAD IDEA: Watching guys like Jaromir Jagr and Brad Richards in what they're doing: This will drive you mad. The fact of the matter is that if they don't sign by 12:01 PM of July 1st; people will have that great knee-jerk reaction of why haven't they sign, because it could take days. They may be the premier names of this FA class; but they aren't the end-all, be-all.

GOOD IDEA: Tracking the salaries: This is great in the cap system because you could see guys take less money to put themselves in a better situation to win the Stanley Cup. The fact remains that since all the guys are going for the same goal; it's harder to demand a big salary if you want to be on a contender.

BAD IDEA: Trying to be a capologist: Math was never my strong suit, though my mother wanted me to be an accountant because I was good in high school (debit-credit, debit-credit); but don't get all caught up in when a team signs someone; then trying to figure out who else they can get and how they can fit them under the cap-- as if your opinion really matters......

That's just a few and probably craptastic reasons to even remotely look at when it comes to the first day of Free Agency, known as Free Agent Frenzy. It should be fun and it should be good times to see who goes where-- especially in a shallow pool like we have.

For Your Consideration: Denver, Colorado

Every year around TV/Movie awards time, some talent agencies have been known to send out reminders to the voters about their clients nomination; or even locations saying to choose there town to shoot a movie. With Free Agency around the corner, I couldn't resist trying to sell some of the markets that could use a big name player. This installation-- Denver, Colorado and the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche have shown some promise in the past, but at the same time-- they haven't been able to consecutively string together good playoff performances. With a little veteran leadership, however, the fact remains that this is a team that has something going for them and if they get one or two more parts-- it's golden.

After This Year, It's You and Another Two: That's right, while it's sure to change-- if you're going to sign in Colorado, you'd be one of three players signed beyond the 2011-12 season. Only Paul Stastny and Cameron Gaunce are the players that'll be on the roster. Sure, we'll see Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly, and the rest will probably follow suit, but to know a team wants to lock you up for a decent term before the "franchise" guys-- a nice start to the tenure.

Taking Breath Away: While the city there is already a fantastic looking area, it's a city that's in a higher atmosphere. Therefore, you better get your lungs ready for an off-ice conditioning. It may take some time to get accustomed to the entire climate of Colorado, but you'd have a distinct advantage over the opponents coming into it....or not, either way. Plus, if nothing else-- you won't need an flight to get into the Mile-High Club.

Stop-Gap Stopper??: With Peter Budaj on his way out, and unknown what's up with Brian Elliott, any goalie who could stop one out of 20 shots in 50+ games is golden. At the same time, the lack of defense may warrant the need for a goalie who is a proven starter if the Avs are trying to get successful and will give him the money. If they're looking for a stop-gap for the likes of Calvin Pickard coming up; then it could be an issue of getting a capable back-up to be the starter for two or three years.

Remembering the Legacy: It's been a rough time for the Avalanche in the few years when it comes to the playoffs. Now, it seems they're bringing out those old teams and really becoming the Edmonton Oilers to an extent by remembering the past while waiting for the present to become the future past.....wait, what?? Still-- maybe that motivation could come to the young kids and they'll magically get the whole winning spirit back again.

They do lack an ice girls picture, which is what really ran Craig Anderson out of town, but this is a team that has heritage on their side for it all and they do have the winning mentality with them. They'll probably have to wait in the end, but this team has a lot of promise and that's why you should sign a crazy long-term deal.

For Your Consideration: Raleigh, North Carolina

Every year around TV/Movie awards time, some talent agencies have been known to send out reminders to the voters about their clients nomination; or even locations saying to choose there town to shoot a movie. With Free Agency around the corner, I couldn't resist trying to sell some of the markets that could use a big name player. This installation-- Raleigh, North Carolina and the Carolina Hurricanes.

For a team that has had a Stanley Cup in their history in a post-lockout NHL, there hasn't seem to be too much buzz for the Hurricanes when it comes to the free agent market. Hopefully, this year, that'll change because of the money they have to work with and with the kind of team they can be with the talent they have. And why not, after the reasons I present to you now.

Newly Discovered Hot-Bed: With the All-Star Game last year, the hockey world was exposed to the hospitality and rabid the Hurricanes fans can actually bring. Yes, it's not your usual hockey market, but at the same time-- with the right personnel, this team can flourish. Sure, you'll have some fans who are still learning the lingo and how the game goes-- but every market had to start somewhere.

What's Old is New Again: For some reason, the Hurricanes love having guys on the roster who have had a tour of duty with the team before. Whether it's someone like Erik Cole or the coach Paul Maurice; if you have donned the black and red before-- make sure you know which phone number is GM's Jim Rutherford because odds are he'll be giving you a buzz in the near future to see if you want to come back to play.

Under the Radar Prowess: This reason is one that depends on how you look at it, as the Raleigh area is very enamored with their college basketball, as NC State, University of North Carolina, and Duke University is all in the area. This could be a bad thing if the Canes are doing good and the fans won't come out to see them play because of the routine of getting into basketball; but it could also be good if there are struggles with the squad as the team would get lost in the fold due to the intensity of the ACC.

Arena Rowdiness: With a team name like the Hurricanes, you're going to have a building that'll do all the things it can to be loud and create as much noise as possible. Whether it's from the hurricane warning horn being sounded at the beginning of the game or the fact Ric Flair pops up after every Carolina Hurricane goal......and period open.....and whenever he feels like because he's Ric Flair, dammit (WHOOOOOO!!); the energy that can be create could be a motivator and a deciding factor from game-to-game with this team; and who doesn't like positive vibes when playing at home.

The Canes have to try and act accordingly to keep up with the rest of the Southeast Division, who would are always on the look-out for the the best team there and stockpiling great talent to make sure they move onto the playoffs. If Carolina wants to "keep up with the Joneses", they'll have to be willing to spend a little and convince free agents it's a great place-- which it is.

For Your Consideration: Edmonton, Alberta

Every year around TV/Movie awards time, some talent agencies have been known to send out reminders to the voters about their clients nomination; or even locations saying to choose there town to shoot a movie. With Free Agency around the corner, I couldn't resist trying to sell some of the markets that could use a big name player. This installation-- Edmonton, Alberta and the Edmonton Oilers

Sure, the Edmonton area has been seemingly snubbed with the past dealings of Chris Pronger, Dany Heatley, and other prominent free agents and possible traded players not liking the area for some reason or another. There's a lot to be intrigued about when it comes to Edmonton, and here's a few reasons why.

Team of Hype and Hope: This is a team that has the past two 1st Overall Picks in the NHL Draft and if not for a late-season injury to Taylor Hall, they may not have been in that spot. In any case, why wouldn't someone want to play in a line-up where there's a lot of attention on the young guys and you could actually guide them to the promised land a be looked at as a savior....so long as Ryan Smyth doesn't come back, of course.

New Arena Fever: Sure, when someone signs there; they'll be playing in one of the oldest buildings in the league, but there's relief. If someone signs a multi-year deal, said signee could be playing in the new home of the Oilers in their own little mini-city that owner Daryl Katz is proposing. It's like you're playing in Edmonton, but not. Plus, they'll have longevity there as the arena deal keeps the team there for 35 more years.

Hockey Weather Year Round: If you need hockey weather to get yourself more into the game, you'll want Edmonton. Sure, the wind chill can get to -40 at night and sure there's more snow than Rick James ever saw during his partying years-- but it's a great atmosphere and keeps your focus on the game and on the team. You won't have the annoyances of not wanting to play because it's too nice out and there's a beach inches from your arena-- you'll be dialed in with the weather.

On The Shoulders of Giants: Each and everyday you'll look up at the rafters or look around the arena and see what you've got to live up to. With the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Grant Fuhr plastered all over the place, Kevin Lowe in the front office, and a bevvy of other Oilers legends that will undoubtedly have their uniform number retired or re-retired or some kind of thing to delay the game for 10-15 minutes-- you'll have no choice but to gain that winning feeling for your team.

Granted, there's a lot of work for the Oilers, as they have finished 30th for the second straight season; the fact remains there's nowhere to go but upward. With a full season with the young guns that the Oilers are sure to have, this could be a great situation for many free agents.....just so long as Steve Tambellini doesn't give a player who's over-35 a crazy, long-term deal like so much Nikolai Khabibulin.

For Your Consideration: Sunrise, Florida

Every year around TV/Movie awards time, some talent agencies have been known to send out reminders to the voters about their clients nomination; or even locations saying to choose there town to shoot a movie. With Free Agency around the corner, I couldn't resist trying to sell some of the markets that could use a big name player. This installation-- Sunrise, Florida and the Florida Panthers.

While they are the bottom of the list in salary accounted for, the team has shown some promise and very unassuming when it comes to their actual team. They're going to have fresh start with the coaching staff and should be able to meet an expectation of.....well, icing a team....but here's the reason to sign on with Sunrise's favorite (and only) team.

They Have The Cash: That's right, if you want to go to a place that's going to need to fill their roster, it's the Panthers. They'll have over $40M UNDER the cap, which means about $20M UNDER the floor; which means they'll have money to burn. With 11 players signed, odds are they'll be looking to get some big names.....or at least recognizable names, including the goaltending position.

It's Fan Friendly: If you sign there, you'll be showing you're one with the people. The team is already making waves in the community, asking the fans how they'd like to see in the line-up. Sure, that's probably a way to gauge who the fans actually want to see and who they could actually maybe get on the market, but still-- it's fun. Granted, there's tarps covering up the upper deck; but that's neither here nor there. If you act now, stuff the ballot box and maybe sway management to sign you.

Not Much Pressure in the Sun Belt: While other warmer climate cities like Phoenix and Tampa have some kind of expectations.....the Panthers haven't been in the playoffs since the 1999-2000 season; so if you don't carry the team to the second-season.....that's not on you, it's the franchise history that's dooming you. But if you do make it, you're a superstar.

They Are Seeing Red: No, it's not the Unwritten Law mainstream hit, nor are they trying to make a big Russian movement (that we know of); but the Panthers are going back to their roots. With the introduction of a red jersey, the Panthers harken back to the day of John Vanbiesbrouck, Pavel Bure, Scott Mellanby.....umm....Dave Lowry....errr....it really drops off from there, not going to lie. But still-- it adds to the redness that's going to be in the Southeastern Division.

So, if there's nothing else to think about and you want to deal with seeing Alex Ovechkin and Eric Staal a majority of the season, then the Florida Panthers are the team for you. Sure, they have a young squad; but even if you had some success with your other team-- you'll be the big man on campus when you sign with the Panthers. Plus, it's warm in the winter....so if the team still stinks-- you can escape to the beach right outside your door.

College Signing Craziness is Just That

As we are down to the Frozen Four, most of the college players who aren't a part of those four teams and aren't drafted are being courted by NHL teams. We've seen these kind of sweepstakes and hype happen before, but are people making too much out of some of these players getting a look-see. Is this just a footnote and stop-gap exciting thing between the trade deadline and playoffs??

While people are raving over Stephane Da Costa of Merrimack College, at what point do you look at the past signees and realize that sometimes the hype doesn't pay dividends in the first few years....or ever. In the past, we've seen the sweepstakes for Tyler Bozak and Bobby Butler, and while they're slowly shaping into form-- do they warrant the hype, much like the hype some European free agents get-- but they never really pan out like many would think.

Granted, this is something that you could go with junior players and stuff-- but they often get drafted and then never pan out or signed and they kind of fade into oblivion. Yet, it seems that when it comes to this-- if the playoff excitement isn't there-- this is the only thing for the people to get up about. Which, if this is your thing, god love ya-- but I don't see where all the hype is coming from. I just don't get hype unless they prove it without hype...or something. But this whole idea is foreign and weird to me.

To be honest, I can't think of the last time an undrafted college player has made a big impact in the NHL. Maybe you could say that Matt Gilroy for the Rangers was the last big name to come in and contribute to his team immediately, while Tyler Bozak came in with the Leafs for a few games last year and did well, but was bussed between the Marlies and Leafs, while this year he hasn't been the best, as his -29 shows-- but it happens. Mark Letestu is another guy who got signed after his freshman year, but plied his trade in the minors before really getting his shot this year. It just seems the hype that comes from all of this isn't worth getting upset if you lose out on a guy-- because recent history hasn't shined kindly on some of these guys coming off a solid couple of college seasons.

While this is something that is a nice little distraction from the playoff race in the NHL, it seems that the attention it's given is a little much. Granted, I'm not one who has ever really bought into this being a route to be a cure-all or even stop-gap for a team's problems. It seems like if the player who signs even makes it into the NHL, regardless of how good they are in the college ranks-- it'll take a lot of time for them to make a full-time impact in the show. There are a few exceptions to the rule, but not many to warrant some of the craziness being thrown around.

Rubles Doesn't Provide Championships

The big thing about the summer was that many NHLers who were in the twilight of their careers were making a defection to the KHL, primarily SKA St. Petersburg. The likes of Maxim Afinogenov, Denis Grebeshkov, Petr Prucha, Sergei Zubov, and Alexei Yashin were on the roster. Even Evgeni Nabokov tried his hand at it.....but then left after it wasn't for him.

Yet, with all the big names out there-- much like Ak Bars Kazan in the 2004-05 season-- they still weren't able to get to their championship for the season; which shows how little marquee names matter in any game, much less the Russian KHL.

Yet, while in the North American game, the lean is more towards getting the Stanley Cup when acquiring elite players; is that the motive for those in the KHL?? When you look at it all, while teams do want to provide a core that'll win games and get the ultimate championship-- it almost seems like getting these players are more of a way to attract the fans into the building. Let's not kid ourselves, the fact is that there are many KHL teams who are in financial peril, mostly because they're paying out to get these recognizable names the fans would want to come out and see.

So, it begs the question on what is the best way to go about things and what values the fans hold?? Obviously, the one market in the NHL has a salary cap; but beforehand, you saw teams like the New York Rangers swooping up free agents because they thought it could give them a chance to win the Stanley Cup and give themselves a name recognition to get fans talking about the team and get a buzz surrounding them. In the end, however, the Rangers always boomed out-- but they got the attention needed and got the people coming in. This almost seems like the way some KHL teams have been going-- get the names in, the people will show up, who cares if you win a title, so long as you make a profit.

But how long are fans able to take it?? I'm sure the tolerance in Russia could be a little bit more, but in the end-- fans are fans and as much as they would love to have the best players for their team; if they aren't winning against teams who don't have as much star power, but are playing like a team-- you'll want to have the front office shift in dynamics; or you'd think, of course.

In the end, it's all about what makes the most sense, and in a time where the KHL has seen teams have to fold up because the ends don't meet, whatever gets people out there to the rink will be the bottom line and if it's bringing back recognizable names just for the sake of it and not to really go out there to take the title-- then that's what's it has to be. It may not be right for most people, but if it's right for the team....that's all that matters.

Friday Five: Week of Waivering

With all the moving and shaking on the waiver-wire, we get to the Friday Five with probably the biggest fish on the waiver-wire as the weekend starts up....if he makes it that far.

1. Evgeni Nabokov signed with the Red Wings, but has to go through the waiver process. Where will he end up??

There's a lot of things going on about how the Red Wings will keep them and the deal they're going to strike up with the New Jersey Devils, who have first priority of the team. However, there's the obvious candidates of the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, but the San Jose Sharks could be in the market-- which would be ironic when it comes to Nabokov leaving the Sharks because he was low-balled in the contract negotiations. But at $570k, he's very affordable for any team that could need a veteran presence in net. Nabokov hits waivers at 12:01 PM ET Friday.

2. The St. Louis Blues seemed to be bit by the waiver bug, as they've had two guys plucked from waivers for them. Who did they piss off to have something like this to happen??

The Blues seem to bring about the affordable contract that's very enticing to other teams out there. Yet, while the Marek Svatos loss hurt, I don't think that Kyle Wellwood getting plucked off is too much of a big deal. Even so, you have to feel bad for the Blues-- who have been bit by the injury bug in a bad way, and just needed to get some more guys in order to stay competitive while guys like TJ Oshie and David Perron are on the mend. Plus, it seems that Jaroslav Halak and the rest of the team hit a bit of a skid, but have gotten a little bit back on track since then. Luckily, the Blues are only three points out of the 8th spot in the West and no one seems to want to take control of the final playoff spot, which could suit the Blues fine if they can keep playing consistently.

3. Could the coaching change in New Jersey really have turned the Devils around??

While they are 23 points out of a playoff spot, the coaching changes seems to have brought back the Devils in some aspect. The Devils have won four of their last five and scored 20 goals in those games. Martin Brodeur has had a bounce-back to sorts, while Ilya Kovalchuk finally woke up a slight bit during this. While they won't make the playoffs and actually ruin their chance to get the first overall pick, but they will do their best to save face and try to actually show they're a better team than 2010 showed this season.

4. Don Cherry says a new head shot rule isn't needed, it's just more respect between players. How crazy is he??

To be honest, and I may be an apologist for Cherry, but he's right to a point. The respect between players isn't there anymore and that's something that should be spotted when you see a lot of these plays that result in serious injury. Now, not only is it up for the NHL to maybe define the head shot a little better and clearer, but the NHLPA has to step up and talk to their membership about the lack of respect there. Question why they would go out and take out a vulnerable guy, even though both guys are in the same membership and are just trying to make a living playing a game. While there's a rule needed, Cherry is right when it comes to respect being a focal point, as well.

5. The All-Star captains are Eric Staal and Nicklas Lidstrom. People are doing mock drafts for who's going to get picked in the pick-up game format. Biggest question-- who's picked last??

Scientifically, it really depends on how the picks go. We've all played some kind of pick-up sport in school or recreationally that you usually try to take advantage of bad picks because of friendships, but you also adapt to the pick of the other captain. My two picks for the last pick are Brent Burns and Claude Giroux. With Burns, there's a lot of good defensemen and he's probably lost in the fold when it comes to the other all-stars. Giroux could also get lost in the fold, but I don't think as badly as Burns would. Giroux is a solid player, but is he better or more revered than other skaters on that list?? Probably not, but he'll be a good addition and may get picked towards the bottom. If I had to pick on, Burns would be my ultimate last pick.

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That's another week and if you have any topics during the week when it comes what you want to see in the Friday Five, Scotty.Wazz@Gmail.com is the place to send stuff to and I'll do what I can to touch on them at the week's end.

The End of Confusion.....For Now

It's finally done. It only took two months, two contracts, and two drawn-out debates between the NHL and NHLPA for the biggest free agent to his the market to have a team...and it's still the same team that he ended the 2009-10 campaign with. However, even though Ilya Kovalchuk will remain a Devil; the biggest news could be the end of these kind of contracts that lead to questions about circumvention....we think.

If you're to listen to the likes of Darren Dreger, the deal Kovalchuk got and deals like Roberto Luongo, Marc Savard, and Marian Hossa has (where it's a long-term deal with declining salary in the latter years) will be the last of their kind. Whether or not you take that as a reassuring bit of news or not is up to your own discretion. People will always make a fuss about any kind of long-term deal, actually.

It all started with the Rick DiPietro contract right after the lockout. It had nothing to do with the money at first, it was the absurdity of a 15-year deal for a goalie who hadn't proven much in his few years in the league leading up to that point. It's compounded now that DiPietro's injury history has been the downfall of that contract. After that, you saw the same long-term deals given more often to players after their entry level contract was up. The likes of Mike Richards, Alex Ovechkin, Henrik Zetterberg, Duncan Keith, and Nicklas Backstrom got long-term, high money deals after their first deal-- though Backstrom and Ovechkin are the only two who has their contract money raised later into the deal, but still-- it seems the long-term contract is the way to go.

However, is it the best way?? With all of those deals over 10-years, who knows what the future actually holds. I mean, it's one thing to give the money out that freely for the term, but to actually predict what could happen in year seven or eight of the deal is insane. While it could turn out to be a great deal should the player keep up the pace they've set for themselves, it could also be disappointing should they not be able to produce in the years they are actually getting the big money, right Daniel Briere?? Then, you have the side of the player being disappointed in his latter years when he's actually doing well and only making a million bucks; but he could also slack off during those years since he already got the bulk of his money. It's a crapshoot, for sure-- but aren't all contracts.

The next debate about contracts will probably be the ability to restructure the contract of a player during their tenure. Especially with these long-term deals becoming more and more prominent, the idea is definitely one that should be taken a look at. Give it an option where during a contract term, the team can open it up once and the player can open it up once; but it can only happen after the second year of the term has been complete it. It is another way for owners to be saved from themselves, but maybe it's something where they can actually be smarter and maybe player agents will be smarter and putting out a smaller term with a same cap-hit, but giving their player options after that deal and giving them more bargaining power when the contract is up because their player can actually get a new deal later for a decent amount of money.

These are all some crazy ideas for the sake of crazy ideas. In the end, it may not as crazy as once though, but time will only tell how this will happen. As far as we know now, this will not happen again, hopefully. That's not to say we won't have someone a few years down the road try this same stunt with the new CBA being in effect; because odds are we will have someone test the boundaries off the hop to see how strong the NHL will stand. Even so, if the NHL is doing this with a high-profile player like Kovalchuk and an ally like Lou Lamoriello; odds are the message has been received loud and clear to teams about trying to make a deal like this again.

Or not.

Tin-Foiling The Kovalchuk Decision

Before I start, I will say that this will be something out there, something that probably is so far away from being true that if you believe-- you're a silly goose. That said, this is what came across my crazy mind while trying to deal with my everyday night stocking job. As you know, I'm not normally of the tin-foil hat brigade; but this is my venture into that situation.

With the decision to void the 17-year contract the New Jersey Devils gave to Ilya Kovalchuk, it makes me wonder if this is just another line of things that has really gone crazy this summer in the free agent market. Especially considering the guy who gave Kovalchuk the contract, I almost wonder if it's some kind of "Arrested Development" situation.

How is that?? Well, that's because the players (Kovalchuk in this case) are making a big commotion for wanting long-term contracts and big money as they play the role of the Bluth children. In this case, the owners were being represented by Lou Lamoriello as he played the role of George Bluth Sr. and got all distracted as the kids are making said commotion. All the while, the NHL played the role of J. Walter Weatherman and being the set-up man and stopping the Bluth kids complaining and proving the point that other owners and GMs wanted to in the first place.

Yes, it's a stretch, but the point is valid. For many owners and critics; the long-term, front-loaded deals are something that are getting out hand and in this instance, finally called to the table and challenged. Now, with this whole thing, other contracts have been now re-opened and looked at with a fine-toothed comb. Roberto Luongo is one that has been confirmed as being looked at. Yet, why did it take so long for something like this to be challenged and for this to be come a big issue. Sure, it's been looked at prior and pushed to the wayside with the conclusion that it's nothing that is a problem; yet with this contract, immediate action was taken and rejected out of hand.

All the while, the talk was why would Lamoriello, a guy very close to Gary Bettman when it comes to advising and being a strong voice for the Board of Governors, pull a contract like this-- especially after it was rumored that Bettman told Lamoriello it would get rejected if he actually signed Kovalchuk to this offer. For a guy who Bettman's trust with his opinion; it almost seems like a set-up and a way for Bettman/NHL to set an example for the other owners who may have done this before and those who were thinking about doing this in the future. Who else to use for an example than a guy who is held in the high regard and showing that if the NHL is going to do it to a guy like Lamoriello, they will do it to anyone who tries to pull something like this again.

Even with this as an example, it's a way the NHL is trying to save the owners from themselves in giving these long-term, front-loaded contracts. Now, they have the guideline and know that the NHL will actually start to stick up for themselves and not sit on the sidelines when it comes to some of these outrageous contracts that have happened recently. The big issue, I suppose, was the huge drop-off of the contract in the end. It's not like Mike Richards, who does have a drop-off, but nothing that's as drastic as Kovalchuk's and Richards' is a slow decline and nothing out of the ordinary.

Granted, the odds that the Devils will restructure and get Kovalchuk under contract before the month is up is very good; but it just adds to the whole mantra of this off-season, where the strange things get stranger by the day. It's a small win for the NHL and actually makes them look strong, even though you kind of saw it coming (if you're not a Devils fan, of course). Plus, gives me a chance to throw an "Arrested Development" reference in there.

Skaters Skankin' To SKA

(Get the pun??)

Maxim Afinogenov joined Evgeni Nabokov and Denis Grebeshkov in heading off to SKA Saint Petersburg for the 2010-11 season in the KHL. They will join Alexei Yashin, Sergei Zubov, Sergei Brylin, Robert Esche, Alexander Korolyuk, Oleg Saprykin, and Joel Kwiatkowski as former NHLers playing with the club. Obviously, the team is trying to show that a team of unwanted NHLers could take down the KHL game-by-game....or not.

While it's a bit of a surprise that no one wanted Afinogenov at the price he wanted (well, not really), the interesting part is why they are going to SKA over other teams there. It's almost turning into what Ak-Bars Kazan was during the lockout, who had Vincent Lecavalier, Alexei Morozov, Ruslan Salei, Slava Kozlov, Brad Richards, Alexei Zhitnik, Dany Heatley, Michael Nylander, and Nikolai Khabibulin. Granted, the caliber that Kazan had was much higher than others because of the lockout, but still. It's almost like a who's-who of players on a team like that.

While the loss of Nabokov and Afinogenov could sting, it's a small sting. It's not something like if Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, or Drew Doughty would make a mass exodus to the KHL in the same time-span while they are in their prime; because then that would be a little worrisome. The NHL could even lose one, like say Ilya Kovalchuk for example, and still be fine. And maybe these guys heading over can actually prove they are worth it, albeit in a lower tier of competition for the most part, but it'll be something that could be a stepping stone to their next contract being in the NHL, like Nikolai Zherdev did. But it's not like these guys were really on the top of their game when they left, though some may debate Nabokov and how much of a loss he could be. That said, he won't get the money in the NHL he would in the KHL. They may be missed in some aspects, but as a whole-- they're going to be guys to replace them in the end.

I don't know where the money is coming from for SKA to sign all of these players, but it could be hard pressed to beat the star power they seem to have right now. Whether or not that will translate to the ice or not remains to be seen and as we saw with the Lockout version of Ak-Bars; having the biggest names and the highest paid players isn't always the best way to go about things. Luckily, with former NHLer Darius Kasparaitis behind the bench as head coach, you can bet he's going to be able to deal with the NHLers coming over and get them to work as one unit rather than individuals.

My hope, though, is that they will change their jerseys to something of a checker patterned to really validate my musical references to ska.