2013-14 NHL Season

Was free associating in my own mind and wondered if Philadelphia might have an interest in signing Halak. Granted, Mason's played fairly well of late and I don't know Emery's contract status. A Halak/Mason tandem would be pretty good.

 

Emery is a UFA after this year. Halak will have several suitors for his services, though not sure if Washington will be one of them after his "I don't want to play against my old team" move. If Philly is smart, they will just re-sign Emery and go with the same tandem, unless Emery wants out. But he'd be the cheaper, shorter-term option and may be just as reliable in the long run.

But being Philly, there is just as much chance that they blow it all up again, buy out Mason on his new extension, let Emery walk and hand Miller a 12-year, $83 million deal only to have him implode under the stress of playing in Philly.

 

This would be the utmost in ridiculous comments if it wasn't about the Flyers. But it is, so ... you're saying there's a chance!

 

This possibility had crossed my mind, too. I read somewhere (Bob Mackenzie IIRC) Miller's wife is an actress. Film or stage, I don't know. Los Angeles doesn't need him. Gibson would appear to be the long-term guy in Anaheim. I suppose San Jose is a possibility. If Mrs. Miller is an aspiring Broadway performer, the Rangers have no need, the Devils have Schneider and the Islanders ... well, just don't see that happening.

Oh, to your point regarding Halak not wanting to play against St. Louis: I don't know who to believe in that fiasco - the Caps or Halak's agent.

 

Surprised there's been no mention yet of Barry Trotz being let go. After 15 seasons, probably time for a new voice in the room. If he wants to continue to coach, he'll get an opportunity to do so.

 

Seems like Leonsis is going to sit for a few weeks before making any drastic moves in D.C., and apparently McPhee has been muzzled or just simply isn't talking.

Starting to think Oates will be back but McPhee won't be. I could get behind the idea of trading Mike Green if there's a way to get a legit defense-first top-four D in return. That entire blue line needs to be blown up, save for Carlson and Alzner. Hillen is good but brittle. Erskine, barf. Orlov's ceiling is probably third pairing.

 

GMGM's contract is expiring, right?

 

Correct. They can just let him walk quietly.

 

But if GMGM goes, does that mean Leonsis constrains the new GM by telling him that Oates stays?

Could be a similar situation in Raleigh. JR is stepping down. But, assuming Ron Francis takes the controls as widely expected, does this mean Kirk Muller is automatically safe?

 

The Sabres finally took 2nd place in something!

 

George McPhee and Adam Oates out in Washington.

 

Leonsis finally pulls the trigger. I do feel bad for Oates, though.