NHL awards/draft/off-season/training camp/preseason running thread

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

See, I don't get this. Toronto is the capital of the hockey universe - don't believe it, just ask a Leaf fan - and I've never seen mention of a draft party around here, whether sponsored by the Leafs or the local saloon. Not that the Leafs have drafted worth a shit for the past few years but i digress.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

I kinda thought of Kane as a David Bolland kinda player.

Bolland was a terrific junior player (didn't hurt that he played on perhaps the greatest CHL team of all time) but I never saw him as an impact player.

I'm just sorry that my favorite OHL player Vladimir Nikiforov will never get drafted. Guy can stickhandle in a phone booth and skate like the wind. Too bad he's about 5'5"

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

There'll definitely be a "draft" party at the Goose tomorrow night.

How about "the Leafs haven't drafted worth a shit in the past few DECADES"

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Kane's a better skater with better hands than Bolland. But he's small.

Very telling quote from Tom Thompson:

"People say, the new rules make it easier for the small player," he said. "I want to see evidence of that. I think it's clear now that the new rules make it easier for the skill player, but the type of player who has most benefited from the new rules is the big player with skill. When they get it deep and bob and weave, you can't stop them now. Twelve of the 15 highest scorers last year were over 200 pounds.

"Is it better for Kane? I think it is - but the bigger skilled guy gets even more of an advantage."

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Huh? I'm pretty sure Atlanta (hardly a hockey town) is holding one at the Jillians in Decatur like they always do. It's just Friday night.

http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=59aea98e-1749-41c8-8db6-35501817ae27

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Well, last year, the Rangers, Islanders and Devils all hosted draft parties. This year, nothing.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

If the Leafs hosted a draft party, they'd charge $50.00 to get in and $10.00 a beer. And they'd make you buy a T-shirt.

Flash, Beef or anyone else out west--do the Flames, Oilers, Canucks have draft parties?

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Last year, the Devils hosted a free-entry draft party. Food and drinks were cheap, there were interactive games for guests; sticks, skates, socks, sweaters, t-shirts were available to be bought at really affordable prices. Stan Fischler MC'd the draft with Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver and other Devils.

It was a good time.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Agreed completely. I think he could maybe be there if he had someone riding shotgun who could make some room for him, but he could stand to be bigger and stronger. Now I hear Turris is a bit closer to being at the NHL-ready stage, but teams are wary they might have to wait for a few college seasons.

And since I didn't see it before posting, those Thompson quotes are right on the money. If you're big player with speed and skill, you're pretty hard to stop and fairly intimidating crashing the net as the goaltender knows his defencemen can't touch you.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Just in: Ducks signed Giguere to a four-year, $24 million deal today.

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

And Damien Cox nails Gary the Weasel.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/227848

Perhaps the most insulting bit of noise Bettman directed Balsillie's way was to say yesterday that no application had been completed and therefore the quarter-billion dollar ownership transfer couldn't possibly even be discussed.

Not sure, but when Michael Eisner and Wayne Huizenga were being courted in nauseating fashion, it's hard to remember anyone raising a stink about filling out correct dates of birth.

And those fellows sure were dedicated to being long-term owners, weren't they?

 

Re: 2007 NHL awards, draft and off-season running thread

Niedermayer best of his generattion? where does his generation begin, because if we look at defencemen who were in the league at the same time as him – even though they may have been beyond their prime and he not quite in his – there have been better defencemen. Even of the same vintage, I would say Pronger is better. I think Chelios has to be in the conversation, maybe not for his play now despite being a Number two at the age of 63. Then you have to look at guys like Coffey – or is he considered to be from an earlier vintage? what about Ray Bourque or even Rob Blake in his prime? And of course as has been brought up, Lidstrom is definitely in consideration. The big thing with Nieds is, as good as he is, he has also had the fortune of playing on some damn good hockey teams.