Hockey: Finally, hockey is back. Two games tonight in the pre-season. Toronto is hosting two games against Ottawa in the ACC. This is most fans first chance to take a look at many of the big names coming up and who've come in for the Leafs: Armstrong, Versteeg, and Khadri. Ottawa isn't dressing a fair number of their top few lines, including Aflerdsson, Spezza, Fisher, Gonchar, and Kovalev.
The Flames are also playing in Vancouver tonight. It's the first pre-season game for both teams. A few dressed tonight will have a chance to see each other again after the Young Stars tournament in Penticton, BC. Like most pre-season games, most of each side will be sitting out when it comes to the top lines. The Sedins, Kesler, Burrows, and a fair chunk of the defensive corps will not be playing; similar to the Flames who won't be dressing captain Iginla, Kipprusof, Conroy, Bouwmeester, Tanguay, or Jokkinen.
It's nice to have it back. Neither game is televised tonight. The Leafs' game against the Senators tomorrow will be on TSN at 1900 EST.
In other news, Roman Polanski's Ghost Writer has a scene that has the Canucks playing against the Blues on the television. It's at least a few years old. It was a broadcast from Rogers' Sportsnet (in upstate New York?) with the play by play being done by the best man in the business, Jim Houston. It was a Vancouver power play that included Elder and Ohlund on the back end and the twins with Markus Naslund up front. It definitely caught my eye.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
August 18: Down the long road
Hockey: The NHL is currently reviewing a new hybrid icing rule. This rule doesn't replace the current icing rule, but it does tack on an important provision. The rule, which is used in US hockey leagues, states that which ever player reaches the defensive-zone face off dot first has the right to the puck. At that point the offensive player cannot make aggressive physical contact to gain position. The idea is that, in the event of a collision or a player falling to the ice, there will be enough time for the player to protect himself before hitting the boards.
This rule makes sense, but is part of what might be the start of a disturbing trend. This rule is brought in because of a general lack of respect for opposing players. It's a safety rule that says, 'the league doesn't trust its players enough to not injure one another.' Agitators are roster spots to cause havoc and annoyance around the ice. To be able to perform at this role they are being asked by hockey culture to have less respect for other players. These aren't the enforcers of the past that would have nothing wrong with roughing anyone up but would do so in a manner that allowed the target to at least try and stare them down first.
Unfortunately, without an discussion out on what the penalty would be (it ought to be a 5 minute unsportsmanlike major), it is impossible to say if the impact on a team would be great enough for a player to take this penalty. The fact is, shit happens. Take the Flames' third game last year, where Iginla and the Oilers' Souray were entangled for some distance chasing down an iced puck. The result was both hitting the ice hard, where Souray sustained a grade 1 concussion and injured his shoulder, which ended up in him missing a stretch of games. Neither of those players are dirty. Iginla will beak and he will fight. What about the Sabres' Kaleta? I don't think any rule will stop him from trying a dirty trick. You'll see him protest on game 1 of the season that they were still "on the dot" when he made contact.
I would like to see less injuries on the ice. However, it needs to be a change in culture. Yzerman weighed in on the head shot debate and said just that. We cannot leave players in the league that have no concern for other players. You can play hard, fast, strong, aggressive, and dominant without being disrespectful or dangerous.
This rule makes sense, but is part of what might be the start of a disturbing trend. This rule is brought in because of a general lack of respect for opposing players. It's a safety rule that says, 'the league doesn't trust its players enough to not injure one another.' Agitators are roster spots to cause havoc and annoyance around the ice. To be able to perform at this role they are being asked by hockey culture to have less respect for other players. These aren't the enforcers of the past that would have nothing wrong with roughing anyone up but would do so in a manner that allowed the target to at least try and stare them down first.
Unfortunately, without an discussion out on what the penalty would be (it ought to be a 5 minute unsportsmanlike major), it is impossible to say if the impact on a team would be great enough for a player to take this penalty. The fact is, shit happens. Take the Flames' third game last year, where Iginla and the Oilers' Souray were entangled for some distance chasing down an iced puck. The result was both hitting the ice hard, where Souray sustained a grade 1 concussion and injured his shoulder, which ended up in him missing a stretch of games. Neither of those players are dirty. Iginla will beak and he will fight. What about the Sabres' Kaleta? I don't think any rule will stop him from trying a dirty trick. You'll see him protest on game 1 of the season that they were still "on the dot" when he made contact.
I would like to see less injuries on the ice. However, it needs to be a change in culture. Yzerman weighed in on the head shot debate and said just that. We cannot leave players in the league that have no concern for other players. You can play hard, fast, strong, aggressive, and dominant without being disrespectful or dangerous.
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 16: Should we listen?
Hockey: Without much of a shock, Kaberle is staying in Toronto. It is the most important thing of the hockey off season! No, it's not. Enough about this. It's a waste of time. Go to tsn.ca/nhl and you get attacked by the most recent thoughts of each and every Leaf. Why is there this much attention for a player staying? There wasn't even this much attention given to Vancouver when they went out and signed Hamhuis or Ballard.
In far more important news, Yzerman is taking every step he can to ensure the Tampa Bay Lightning will be a team of the future. He as gone out head hunting and has brought back Al Murray. Who, you might ask? He was the head scout for the men's national hockey team for the juniors and under-18 teams. Some of those teams have had a great deal of success. Okay, all of them have. He has a keen eye for identifying young talent which will prove to be a perfect asset to a team that needs to start bringing in better late-round draft picks.
Anyways, Kaberle isn't the greatest defensemen in the league. Don't lie to yourself because of the attention the Toronto media is giving him. How about talk shows spend less time asking, "is it worth all this attention?" and start ignoring it. It's just trash news.
In far more important news, Yzerman is taking every step he can to ensure the Tampa Bay Lightning will be a team of the future. He as gone out head hunting and has brought back Al Murray. Who, you might ask? He was the head scout for the men's national hockey team for the juniors and under-18 teams. Some of those teams have had a great deal of success. Okay, all of them have. He has a keen eye for identifying young talent which will prove to be a perfect asset to a team that needs to start bringing in better late-round draft picks.
Anyways, Kaberle isn't the greatest defensemen in the league. Don't lie to yourself because of the attention the Toronto media is giving him. How about talk shows spend less time asking, "is it worth all this attention?" and start ignoring it. It's just trash news.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
August 15: Talk of the town
Hockey: As is always the case, the Toronto Maple Leafs are taking the front page of most hockey sources right now. It isn't because of major events like the signing of a draft pick or reaching an agreement with some under the radar player from over in Europe. Nope, the status quo remains; the Leafs are front page news because Tomas Kaberle has is no-trade clause coming back into effect at midnight (EST) tonight. Because of this earth shattering event, the hockey must keep constant tabs on exactly what Burke is saying, have opinions from Kaberle, and must back months and months into archives to bring out a single quote from either expressing "displeasure" or "unwillingness" to stay in Toronto.
ESPN, TSN, CBC, and Sportsnet all have front page news for Kaberle. The only major exception is on ESPN, which is using the day as speculation central, and is including the likes of Kovalchuk and Niemi in the mix. Interesting, out of the 4, ESPN is the only non-Canadian site. I understand that the Leafs are the NHL's most popular team (theoretically speaking, of course; there is no evidence to support that the Leafs are more popular then any other team), but does the whole NHL universe need to know what the Leafs are doing on a day-by-day basis? Is the hockey world made better because the Maple Leafs have constant coverage on every event, happening, or non-happening? The simple answer is 'no'.
Recall back to June: it is the day after the Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup. I awoke the next morning to do my usual look on TSN for some of the specifics of the cup win, thoughts after the game, interesting stats, and what-have-you. I loaded up my browser and directed myself to TSN. I was floored: there, in the middle of the tsn.ca/nhl was a big picture of Tomas Kaberle with a caption referring to if he's going to stay or go. I was shocked. Hockey reporters did everything they could to suppress the urge to talk about Toronto throughout the second season (as has been the case for the past 4 years), but the day after it was done the kids just couldn't wait anymore. This example illustrates how confused Canadian reporting is on hockey. It doesn't matter which network you're watching, at some point in their year that network will open the debate 'is centric focus on Toronto necessary?' Time and time again you will hear some punched up, inflated bullshit to describe how it might be good; however, the final consensus on the matter is a direct "no!" So, we have groups of reporters and analysts stating that this is bad, but there is no change.
Here's another example: an independent arbitrator recently ruled that the Kovalchuk deal was invalid. This prompted the league to review several major contracts, notably the Cauncks' Luongo. I looked around for opinions by the team and Luongo and could not find any. Did anyone think to look into that? Try to ask Luongo about what this might mean? Of course not. Vancouver is not Toronto, thus Vancouver doesn't get the additional in depth look at team happenings. If it isn't clear already, this is a major issue. There is a lot of debate around long term, front-end loaded contracts. Any further ruling by the league will be precedent setting. Why are we not hearing from the players about the impact it would have on them and the team, possible reimbursement for the teams if a contract was voided, or what would happen to those players if they had their contracts torn up? None of this has anything directly to do with Toronto. The response? Cover something else about Toronto.
Until Toronto is doing groundbreaking work, making the playoffs, and is showing success, this coverage is undeserved. The only coverage we should be seeing is a mix of pessimistic/fatalistic outlook for the league's worst team over the last 5 years and the optimistic torch bearing of those who believe that Toronto might turn it around. Both should be mixed into the pack of other team analyzing. The league is not in fantastic shape with a number of teams hemorrhaging money. Fuller coverage of each team will spur more interesting for those teams. That might not increase the fan base immediately, but as kids get turned onto hockey and start to follow some of the reporting on it, they might be able to choose another team. Supporting your local team is fine, but what about supporting a league with a bad leg?
On a related note, Kaberle isn't going anywhere. Burke wants something very, very specific. Mostly, a guarantee that Komisarek will be healthy for the entire season. No trade can give him that.
ESPN, TSN, CBC, and Sportsnet all have front page news for Kaberle. The only major exception is on ESPN, which is using the day as speculation central, and is including the likes of Kovalchuk and Niemi in the mix. Interesting, out of the 4, ESPN is the only non-Canadian site. I understand that the Leafs are the NHL's most popular team (theoretically speaking, of course; there is no evidence to support that the Leafs are more popular then any other team), but does the whole NHL universe need to know what the Leafs are doing on a day-by-day basis? Is the hockey world made better because the Maple Leafs have constant coverage on every event, happening, or non-happening? The simple answer is 'no'.
Recall back to June: it is the day after the Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup. I awoke the next morning to do my usual look on TSN for some of the specifics of the cup win, thoughts after the game, interesting stats, and what-have-you. I loaded up my browser and directed myself to TSN. I was floored: there, in the middle of the tsn.ca/nhl was a big picture of Tomas Kaberle with a caption referring to if he's going to stay or go. I was shocked. Hockey reporters did everything they could to suppress the urge to talk about Toronto throughout the second season (as has been the case for the past 4 years), but the day after it was done the kids just couldn't wait anymore. This example illustrates how confused Canadian reporting is on hockey. It doesn't matter which network you're watching, at some point in their year that network will open the debate 'is centric focus on Toronto necessary?' Time and time again you will hear some punched up, inflated bullshit to describe how it might be good; however, the final consensus on the matter is a direct "no!" So, we have groups of reporters and analysts stating that this is bad, but there is no change.
Here's another example: an independent arbitrator recently ruled that the Kovalchuk deal was invalid. This prompted the league to review several major contracts, notably the Cauncks' Luongo. I looked around for opinions by the team and Luongo and could not find any. Did anyone think to look into that? Try to ask Luongo about what this might mean? Of course not. Vancouver is not Toronto, thus Vancouver doesn't get the additional in depth look at team happenings. If it isn't clear already, this is a major issue. There is a lot of debate around long term, front-end loaded contracts. Any further ruling by the league will be precedent setting. Why are we not hearing from the players about the impact it would have on them and the team, possible reimbursement for the teams if a contract was voided, or what would happen to those players if they had their contracts torn up? None of this has anything directly to do with Toronto. The response? Cover something else about Toronto.
Until Toronto is doing groundbreaking work, making the playoffs, and is showing success, this coverage is undeserved. The only coverage we should be seeing is a mix of pessimistic/fatalistic outlook for the league's worst team over the last 5 years and the optimistic torch bearing of those who believe that Toronto might turn it around. Both should be mixed into the pack of other team analyzing. The league is not in fantastic shape with a number of teams hemorrhaging money. Fuller coverage of each team will spur more interesting for those teams. That might not increase the fan base immediately, but as kids get turned onto hockey and start to follow some of the reporting on it, they might be able to choose another team. Supporting your local team is fine, but what about supporting a league with a bad leg?
On a related note, Kaberle isn't going anywhere. Burke wants something very, very specific. Mostly, a guarantee that Komisarek will be healthy for the entire season. No trade can give him that.
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 9: Decision made
Hockey: An independent arbitrator reviewing the Kovalchuk contract with the Devils has rules that the contract's aim was to circumvent the salary cap and has voided the contract. This means Kovalchuk will become an unrestricted free agent again.
The manner which the Devils went about introducing Kovalchuk following the attempt at a 17-year contract will ultimately be a hindrance to Kovalchuk. He was introduced as a Devil, the next step for the organization, the final piece, and what have you. Now that he is a UFA again, where will he go? He has shown his hand and most people are well aware of the amount of money he thinks he is worth. It is doubtful that any NHL will be willing to pay $11.5 million a season for him, even if they are more subtle about circumventing the cap.
I'm leaning to almost say Russia. The KHL has that kind of money and won't be afraid to aggressive pursue Kovalchuk following the failure of the Devils' contract to stick. Kovalchuk doesn't seem to care about how other teams look at him. After all, he did turn down a very nice offer from Atlanta that he turned down--a contract worth about $100 million over 12-years. That contract wouldn't have been stopped by the league.
In all seriousness, Kovalchuk is in a terrible position. He walked from his draft team because he wanted to be somewhere he could win. When he got there he asked for too much money. Now he's got no home, no contract, and only a month left of summer before he really needs to be looking at where to play. If he wants to stay respectable off-ice then he is going to have to save face, choose the Devils at the $6 million that he was going to be making this year, and then try again next year.
The manner which the Devils went about introducing Kovalchuk following the attempt at a 17-year contract will ultimately be a hindrance to Kovalchuk. He was introduced as a Devil, the next step for the organization, the final piece, and what have you. Now that he is a UFA again, where will he go? He has shown his hand and most people are well aware of the amount of money he thinks he is worth. It is doubtful that any NHL will be willing to pay $11.5 million a season for him, even if they are more subtle about circumventing the cap.
I'm leaning to almost say Russia. The KHL has that kind of money and won't be afraid to aggressive pursue Kovalchuk following the failure of the Devils' contract to stick. Kovalchuk doesn't seem to care about how other teams look at him. After all, he did turn down a very nice offer from Atlanta that he turned down--a contract worth about $100 million over 12-years. That contract wouldn't have been stopped by the league.
In all seriousness, Kovalchuk is in a terrible position. He walked from his draft team because he wanted to be somewhere he could win. When he got there he asked for too much money. Now he's got no home, no contract, and only a month left of summer before he really needs to be looking at where to play. If he wants to stay respectable off-ice then he is going to have to save face, choose the Devils at the $6 million that he was going to be making this year, and then try again next year.
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2: Decisions
Hockey: Call it cap troubles or call it fear of the sophomore curse, Chicago has walked away from the $2.75 million salary for Anti Niemi that was set by an arbitrator. Instead, the goalie that recorded 16 wins in the playoffs last year to win the Blackhawks a Stanley Cup, is an unrestricted free agent. At age 26, the Finnish goalie would be a big asset to a wide array of teams looking for... well, anything and everything. He's got 22 playoff games, he's got a cup, and he's got the desire to do it again. There are a few places that could be his new home, depending on what a team will willing to make work.
A few teams that have some cap space open might be interested in Niemi. However, many of the teams are a lot closer to the cap then is currently shown. Take the Edmonton Oilers. That team will be bringing in at least 3 entry level contracts: Hall, Eberle, and Paarjarvi-Svensson (plus, potentially, Omark). Those contracts don't count in full against the team until any of those player play more than nine games. Edmonton still has room, but already have Khabibulin, Deslauriers, and Dubnyk. Niemi would give the Oilers some good trade pieces in two young goaltenders that have some NHL experience.
The Atlanta Thrashers have Chris Mason and Ondrej Pavelec, two goaltenders that will split the load this year. Tampa Bay has Dan Ellis and Mike Smith as their two keepers, but after Smith's lackluster couple of seasons since arriving in the Brad Richards trade, he might be on the outside if Niemi moves in. Some other names in the mix could be Carolina, due to the recent up-and-down play and injuries of Cam Ward; Nashville doesn't have a name to a backup yet, but with Renne already making $3.4 million, adding a $2.75 million to the goaltending might be a bit much; and the Islanders could add to their netminding mess by adding Niemi to play in front of Roloson, but, like so many teams talked about, Niemi might be part of a later trade equation.
The last team with a need for a goalie and has cap room would be the Dallas Stars. There's a great deal of irony here, as the Chicago Blackhawks have signed former-Star Marty Turco. This leaves the net being cared for by Kari Lehtonen and Andrew Raycroft. For a team that is looking to move past the era of Turco and Modano, a pick up like Niemi might go a long way for the team, even if it means having $7 million invested in 3 goalies.
Almost any team could use this guy. I said earlier that Chicago would be crazy to get rid of Niemi. I used the fact that Chicago dumped about $15 million in cap to facilitate an environment that could keep Niemi. However, in the end, the money still dictated the final sale. With Huet making $5.625 million the Blackhawks could not afford to be paying over $8 million in goaltending. A big loss for that team, but the gain for the rest of the league and maybe a week of fun speculation and talk about the Stanley Cup winning goaltender of last year.
A few teams that have some cap space open might be interested in Niemi. However, many of the teams are a lot closer to the cap then is currently shown. Take the Edmonton Oilers. That team will be bringing in at least 3 entry level contracts: Hall, Eberle, and Paarjarvi-Svensson (plus, potentially, Omark). Those contracts don't count in full against the team until any of those player play more than nine games. Edmonton still has room, but already have Khabibulin, Deslauriers, and Dubnyk. Niemi would give the Oilers some good trade pieces in two young goaltenders that have some NHL experience.
The Atlanta Thrashers have Chris Mason and Ondrej Pavelec, two goaltenders that will split the load this year. Tampa Bay has Dan Ellis and Mike Smith as their two keepers, but after Smith's lackluster couple of seasons since arriving in the Brad Richards trade, he might be on the outside if Niemi moves in. Some other names in the mix could be Carolina, due to the recent up-and-down play and injuries of Cam Ward; Nashville doesn't have a name to a backup yet, but with Renne already making $3.4 million, adding a $2.75 million to the goaltending might be a bit much; and the Islanders could add to their netminding mess by adding Niemi to play in front of Roloson, but, like so many teams talked about, Niemi might be part of a later trade equation.
The last team with a need for a goalie and has cap room would be the Dallas Stars. There's a great deal of irony here, as the Chicago Blackhawks have signed former-Star Marty Turco. This leaves the net being cared for by Kari Lehtonen and Andrew Raycroft. For a team that is looking to move past the era of Turco and Modano, a pick up like Niemi might go a long way for the team, even if it means having $7 million invested in 3 goalies.
Almost any team could use this guy. I said earlier that Chicago would be crazy to get rid of Niemi. I used the fact that Chicago dumped about $15 million in cap to facilitate an environment that could keep Niemi. However, in the end, the money still dictated the final sale. With Huet making $5.625 million the Blackhawks could not afford to be paying over $8 million in goaltending. A big loss for that team, but the gain for the rest of the league and maybe a week of fun speculation and talk about the Stanley Cup winning goaltender of last year.
Friday, July 23, 2010
July 23: OCC (1)
Out of Character: I was killing time browsing the fun world of /r/. While there I came across a lengthy post about a guy who turned down a girl's advances. The situation was not all that uncommon at your given pub or bar. Average guys sees attractive girl, executes a well timed approach (in this case, while waiting for a drink at the bar), and engages in a conversations after drinks had been retrieved. The conversation went on and the two learned they had many things in common: music, movies, past times, and the like. The girl then pops the question, "Are you going to buy me a drink?"
This is a terrible question that no man wants to hear. Guys love it; men hate it. The difference? A guy is male who has a goal of seeking out a woman for sex that evening. He wears his Ed Hardy tees, roughed in Guess jeans, and the cleanest pair of work boots you've ever seen. Guys drink to boost their confidence enough to engage women and believe that offerings of liquor is the direct path to naked, genital bumping sleep over; men are gentlemen. They exude confidence. They guys or men around them feed off of his presence. Men put their values ahead of opportunity. Hopefully this distinction does help in understanding why men don't like this question.
Men like conversation. They like learning about the woman they're talking to. Pets, past times, and peeves, nothing is missed. All the while he is thinking about two things. First, what is his escape route incase the situation gets pear shaped. Second, how does he make her feel like the most important woman in the building and seal the deal with a good night kiss and a future date. All this is going on in a gentleman's head as the conversation progresses. When a woman asks about the drink she is doing a few covert things. "Is he willing to pay for things (i.e., what is his financial standing)? Does he do what I ask or request (exertion of control)? If he does, does he get me what I asked for?" All of this in one simple question.
Men are based on values. Chivalry is a value that is held dear. Men asked this question are not denying chivalry when they don't oblige the request for free booze. Women who have the goal of a good time out can easily extort free alcohol from the numerous guys in the clubs. Yet, women seem to fail to tell the difference between a man and a guy. This leads to women claiming a ruined night because some asshole didn't dash to the bartender asking for that rye and ginger. It's unfair to put us men in the same category as the throngs of guys lurking around the dance floor.
If we don't want to buy you a drink it isn't because we're cheap, spiteful, think you're unattractive, snooty, or what-have-you. Us men don't buy you a drink because we believe that it signifies the end of the conversation. Once that precious resource is gathered, you women walk away because of a pressing engagement with your friends that you've been neglecting. So, don't ask us. Because a guy will offer a drink when you've already got a full one in your hand. A man will offer you a drink when you're almost empty or when he wants to preserve the conversation. Finally, men are interested in you and not just your vagina. Drink or no drink, a conversation can remain rich and stimulating. Guys want you liquored up so the distinction between person and vagina are diminished.
In the end, our man in this story was called out for being disrespectful and labeled an asshole because he believed what all gentleman believe. A woman is worth what she can carry. If she is unable to carry a conversation due to being needy then a man won't be bothered. Women, don't be like this. Understand that some of us are there to learn more about you and make your night special, even if you don't give us a date, a kiss good night, or even your number. Gentlemen are a dying breed, but that's due to the evolution of the bar-scene. If women start seeking our the gentleman again the bars will soon repopulate with men.
I will offer a drink, but I will never buy one if asked to. It's a value that I stand by. And I put my values in front of opportunity.
This is a terrible question that no man wants to hear. Guys love it; men hate it. The difference? A guy is male who has a goal of seeking out a woman for sex that evening. He wears his Ed Hardy tees, roughed in Guess jeans, and the cleanest pair of work boots you've ever seen. Guys drink to boost their confidence enough to engage women and believe that offerings of liquor is the direct path to naked, genital bumping sleep over; men are gentlemen. They exude confidence. They guys or men around them feed off of his presence. Men put their values ahead of opportunity. Hopefully this distinction does help in understanding why men don't like this question.
Men like conversation. They like learning about the woman they're talking to. Pets, past times, and peeves, nothing is missed. All the while he is thinking about two things. First, what is his escape route incase the situation gets pear shaped. Second, how does he make her feel like the most important woman in the building and seal the deal with a good night kiss and a future date. All this is going on in a gentleman's head as the conversation progresses. When a woman asks about the drink she is doing a few covert things. "Is he willing to pay for things (i.e., what is his financial standing)? Does he do what I ask or request (exertion of control)? If he does, does he get me what I asked for?" All of this in one simple question.
Men are based on values. Chivalry is a value that is held dear. Men asked this question are not denying chivalry when they don't oblige the request for free booze. Women who have the goal of a good time out can easily extort free alcohol from the numerous guys in the clubs. Yet, women seem to fail to tell the difference between a man and a guy. This leads to women claiming a ruined night because some asshole didn't dash to the bartender asking for that rye and ginger. It's unfair to put us men in the same category as the throngs of guys lurking around the dance floor.
If we don't want to buy you a drink it isn't because we're cheap, spiteful, think you're unattractive, snooty, or what-have-you. Us men don't buy you a drink because we believe that it signifies the end of the conversation. Once that precious resource is gathered, you women walk away because of a pressing engagement with your friends that you've been neglecting. So, don't ask us. Because a guy will offer a drink when you've already got a full one in your hand. A man will offer you a drink when you're almost empty or when he wants to preserve the conversation. Finally, men are interested in you and not just your vagina. Drink or no drink, a conversation can remain rich and stimulating. Guys want you liquored up so the distinction between person and vagina are diminished.
In the end, our man in this story was called out for being disrespectful and labeled an asshole because he believed what all gentleman believe. A woman is worth what she can carry. If she is unable to carry a conversation due to being needy then a man won't be bothered. Women, don't be like this. Understand that some of us are there to learn more about you and make your night special, even if you don't give us a date, a kiss good night, or even your number. Gentlemen are a dying breed, but that's due to the evolution of the bar-scene. If women start seeking our the gentleman again the bars will soon repopulate with men.
I will offer a drink, but I will never buy one if asked to. It's a value that I stand by. And I put my values in front of opportunity.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 21: Near-misses
Hockey: The NHL rejected the Ilya Kovalchuk deal. The Devils attempted to sign him to a 17-year, $102 million contract. The league states that the contract was designed to circumvent the salary cap, thus making it an invalid contract. Interesting call by the NHL. TSN asked the two most important questions about such a contract: first, are these kind of monster contracts good for the NHL (assuming the contract was not rejected); second, was the NHL justified in rejecting this contract?
You better believe the NHL was justified by rejecting this contract. The NHL pays the wages to the players. To bring parity to the league, they instituted a salary cap. In a way, the NHL said that a player is only worth a percentage of a team's available funds, rather than a player being with a certain dollar amount. Now, that's not exactly how it plays out in arbitration, but is more or less accurate. For example, given his current contract and the current salary cap, Alex Ovechkin is worth $9,538,462, or 16% of a team's salary. He's the star player of the team, leads them in points, leadership, energy, and humor. Logic would say that his value is accurate.
Looking at Kovalchuk, he would have been costing the Devils $6 million a season (for EVER!). That amounts to 10.1% of the Devils' salary. Now, that in itself isn't bad. After all, he will likely lead the team in goals and points next year. He brings leadership. That part is okay. What the league didn't like was the fact that, although only costing the Devils $6 million (or 10.1%) he would have been paid $11.5 million (or, if making that much a year, would be a cap consumption of 19.4%). No player is worth $11.5 million. Especially not one who isn't the center piece of a team. The league was justified in saying that offering a player that much money, then reducing the overall impact for the team by adding on additional years (which he wasn't likely to even play in) with little financial cost, was done in an effort to circumvent the cap.
This leads to the other question. These monster contracts are only good if it means keeping a franchise player in your city for a reasonable amount. Moreover, these long-term contracts should only be done to keep proven players in the city they want to be in. Luongo, Ovechkin, and Crosby (although, he doesn't have a massive contract) all want to be in their respective cities. Kovalchuk wants money. If he truly wanted to play in the NHL (and not chase the money to the KHL) then he would have signed with the LA Kings. Reasonably long term contracts are balanced, fair to the team, fair to the league, and don't have that player making twice as much a year than the salary cap hit.
Kovalchuk's signing was a farce. The league did the right thing. Will he sign again with the Devils? Doubtful. Teams with the room might offer him a 3 or 4 year contract worth $35+ million. After this fiasco I'm not that the Devils will want to have the looming eye of the league gazing down on their next round of contract talks to keep the Russian sniper in the red and black. He wants money and playoff experience. Until he gets more play off experience I would argue that he isn't worth more than $6 million a season. Even then, if he had 3 cups I would say he isn't worth more than $7 million.
You better believe the NHL was justified by rejecting this contract. The NHL pays the wages to the players. To bring parity to the league, they instituted a salary cap. In a way, the NHL said that a player is only worth a percentage of a team's available funds, rather than a player being with a certain dollar amount. Now, that's not exactly how it plays out in arbitration, but is more or less accurate. For example, given his current contract and the current salary cap, Alex Ovechkin is worth $9,538,462, or 16% of a team's salary. He's the star player of the team, leads them in points, leadership, energy, and humor. Logic would say that his value is accurate.
Looking at Kovalchuk, he would have been costing the Devils $6 million a season (for EVER!). That amounts to 10.1% of the Devils' salary. Now, that in itself isn't bad. After all, he will likely lead the team in goals and points next year. He brings leadership. That part is okay. What the league didn't like was the fact that, although only costing the Devils $6 million (or 10.1%) he would have been paid $11.5 million (or, if making that much a year, would be a cap consumption of 19.4%). No player is worth $11.5 million. Especially not one who isn't the center piece of a team. The league was justified in saying that offering a player that much money, then reducing the overall impact for the team by adding on additional years (which he wasn't likely to even play in) with little financial cost, was done in an effort to circumvent the cap.
This leads to the other question. These monster contracts are only good if it means keeping a franchise player in your city for a reasonable amount. Moreover, these long-term contracts should only be done to keep proven players in the city they want to be in. Luongo, Ovechkin, and Crosby (although, he doesn't have a massive contract) all want to be in their respective cities. Kovalchuk wants money. If he truly wanted to play in the NHL (and not chase the money to the KHL) then he would have signed with the LA Kings. Reasonably long term contracts are balanced, fair to the team, fair to the league, and don't have that player making twice as much a year than the salary cap hit.
Kovalchuk's signing was a farce. The league did the right thing. Will he sign again with the Devils? Doubtful. Teams with the room might offer him a 3 or 4 year contract worth $35+ million. After this fiasco I'm not that the Devils will want to have the looming eye of the league gazing down on their next round of contract talks to keep the Russian sniper in the red and black. He wants money and playoff experience. Until he gets more play off experience I would argue that he isn't worth more than $6 million a season. Even then, if he had 3 cups I would say he isn't worth more than $7 million.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20: Landing
Hockey: Ilya Kovalchuk has finally decided on where he wants to play... in a sense. The winger signed one of those contracts that makes everyone scratch their heads. He signed a 17-year, $102 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. That keeps him a Devil through the 2026-2027 season. If he plays to the end of that contract, he'll be retiring as a 44 year old.
Why does this make sense? It's simple. Players are paid what they are negotiated for on a yearly basis. That is, I could sign a 2-year, $11 million contract that sees me being paid $10 million in the first year and $1 million in the second. Although my earnings would be distributed like that, teams are only accountable for the average of the control. In this case, while I'm making $10 million, my salary cap hit is only $5.5 million. In other words, this is a way to subvert the salary cap.
So, how does this all break down for Kovalchuk exactly? Well, first, the numbers here are speculative and are retrieved via data-mining on the NHL servers. Second, it isn't done by me, it's done by the good fellows at www.capgeek.com. Kovalchuk is worth a $6 million a year salary cap until 2027. He is slated to make $6 million in the 2010-2011 and the 2011-2012 seasons. Now, here's the tough part, because no team would ever be willing to pay this much for a single player; Kovalchuk is slated to make $11.5 million for the 2012-2013 through the 2016-2017 seasons. After that, his salary slowly drops.
Let's say he signed a 7 year contract with identical numbers. That would mean he would be making $81 million over 8 season, same personal distribution of wealth, but the Devils would be looking at a cap hit of $10,125,000 yearly for Kovalchuk. That's why the long contract. In his final 5 years he's slated to make $550,000 a season, which is tiny if he's still able to play, but it does make the contract viable for a team now.
Nonetheless, he's a big price to keep around, and don't think about trading him, either. NMC for 2010-11 through 2016-17; NTC for 2018-19 through 2026-27, is on the bottom of the contract. NMC meaning No Movement Clause and NTC being No Trade Clause.
He may as well have tattooed a the Devil's logo on his chest.
Why does this make sense? It's simple. Players are paid what they are negotiated for on a yearly basis. That is, I could sign a 2-year, $11 million contract that sees me being paid $10 million in the first year and $1 million in the second. Although my earnings would be distributed like that, teams are only accountable for the average of the control. In this case, while I'm making $10 million, my salary cap hit is only $5.5 million. In other words, this is a way to subvert the salary cap.
So, how does this all break down for Kovalchuk exactly? Well, first, the numbers here are speculative and are retrieved via data-mining on the NHL servers. Second, it isn't done by me, it's done by the good fellows at www.capgeek.com. Kovalchuk is worth a $6 million a year salary cap until 2027. He is slated to make $6 million in the 2010-2011 and the 2011-2012 seasons. Now, here's the tough part, because no team would ever be willing to pay this much for a single player; Kovalchuk is slated to make $11.5 million for the 2012-2013 through the 2016-2017 seasons. After that, his salary slowly drops.
Let's say he signed a 7 year contract with identical numbers. That would mean he would be making $81 million over 8 season, same personal distribution of wealth, but the Devils would be looking at a cap hit of $10,125,000 yearly for Kovalchuk. That's why the long contract. In his final 5 years he's slated to make $550,000 a season, which is tiny if he's still able to play, but it does make the contract viable for a team now.
Nonetheless, he's a big price to keep around, and don't think about trading him, either. NMC for 2010-11 through 2016-17; NTC for 2018-19 through 2026-27, is on the bottom of the contract. NMC meaning No Movement Clause and NTC being No Trade Clause.
He may as well have tattooed a the Devil's logo on his chest.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15: Farewells
Hockey: Winger Pavel Demitra is off to the KHL. Unfortunate, considering he is still worth something at 35. As is with many players, the asking price was too high considering his pervious season. He did start the season on LTIR while recovering from shoulder surgery. Nonetheless, Demitra was streaky and obviously longed for a more prominent role on the team. He finished the year with a very low point total considering his skill set (3-13-16 in 28 GP). Fortunately, he did finish as a +3, which still shows he is able to be a dangerous scored with decent two-way play.
If you were only cheaper, I guess. New York could have used you, and the dynamic duo of Gaborik and Demitra could have be reunited.
If you were only cheaper, I guess. New York could have used you, and the dynamic duo of Gaborik and Demitra could have be reunited.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 12: Twists
Hockey: The Blackhawks might be willing to see everything fall away so quickly. Chicago has announced that they will match the San Jose Shark's offer on D Nik Hjalmarsson. Because Hjalmarsson is a restricted free agent he is forced to stay in Chicago if his offer is matched. Although I believe Hjalmarsson is a fantastic player and has a good future, I'm not sure if the Blackhawks have the room for him financially.
The Blackhawks only have 5 defensemen signed with one-way contacts (Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Scott, and now Hjalmarsson) and have a total cap hit $20.2 million. To put that in perspective, the Vancouver Canucks have 9 defense signed (Hamhuis, Ballard, Salo, Edler, Ehrhoff, Bieksa, O'Brien, Rome, and Alberts) and a combined cap hit of $25.7 million. Moreover, Vancouver is likely to be shipping a defenseman or two out to accommodate for two-play contract players crack the roster. Nonetheless, the Canucks have a full contingent of defensemen while the Blackhawks do not, and considering the difference in price, I'm not too sure if Chicago is going to be able to make it.
It's tough comparing those two teams and their defensive corps. After all, Duncan Keith won the Norris. I would argue that if Ehrhoff can build off of the season he had last year that Ehrhoff could be a Norris candidate. Chicago is desperately trying to make room for a full team, and as long as players like Campbell and Huet are around they will have to accept that they will be playing with low rated players just so they can fill the bench.
The Blackhawks only have 5 defensemen signed with one-way contacts (Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Scott, and now Hjalmarsson) and have a total cap hit $20.2 million. To put that in perspective, the Vancouver Canucks have 9 defense signed (Hamhuis, Ballard, Salo, Edler, Ehrhoff, Bieksa, O'Brien, Rome, and Alberts) and a combined cap hit of $25.7 million. Moreover, Vancouver is likely to be shipping a defenseman or two out to accommodate for two-play contract players crack the roster. Nonetheless, the Canucks have a full contingent of defensemen while the Blackhawks do not, and considering the difference in price, I'm not too sure if Chicago is going to be able to make it.
It's tough comparing those two teams and their defensive corps. After all, Duncan Keith won the Norris. I would argue that if Ehrhoff can build off of the season he had last year that Ehrhoff could be a Norris candidate. Chicago is desperately trying to make room for a full team, and as long as players like Campbell and Huet are around they will have to accept that they will be playing with low rated players just so they can fill the bench.
Friday, July 9, 2010
July 9: A thousand little pieces
Hockey: Chicago continues with its dismantling at an alarming rate. It started when the team traded Byfuglien et al. to Atlanta. Followed by dealing Versteeg to Toronto. Now, 9 days after free agency has started, the Blackhawks still haven't filled out their roster with key players. Players such as Johnsson, Hendry, and Madden are still not signed. Moreover, several important RFAs are still waiting on final offers or arbitration. With that said, the speed has been too slow or the offers weren't there for fast developing Swedish defensemen Nik Hjalmarsson. The San Jose Sharks have signed the restricted free agent to an offer sheet that will keep Hjalmarsson in the teal and black for the next four years.
It's a frightening prospect as a fan. Your team wins the cup then ceases to exist the following year. At least, that is almost the sense coming from the organization. Toews and Kane are fantastic players, but they can't play 40 minutes a game each. There are too many holes and not enough money to fill the gaps. If Chicago does of the route of young talent again (which isn't the same as it was 2 years ago) then there will be a major gap in experience. The kind of experience only exposure to the NHL can offer.
The Chicago Blackhawks hit it right last year. Now, there are several bloated contracts that will eat up much of the salary for the next several seasons. Campbell is not worth $7.14 million a season. Huet is slated to make $5.62 million while likely only playing 20 games this coming season. I have my doubts that any player should be making 10% of the max salary, and that's what both Kane and Toews will be doing. I'm not saying they aren't worth it as individuals. I am arguing that for team dynamics in the salary cap era it is important to make room for a whole team.
There will still be exciting hockey coming from Chicago. I strongly doubt a deep playoff run simply because the key players of Chicago will be overworked by the end of the first round and will not have the energy to survive the second. Good news for Vancouver.
It's a frightening prospect as a fan. Your team wins the cup then ceases to exist the following year. At least, that is almost the sense coming from the organization. Toews and Kane are fantastic players, but they can't play 40 minutes a game each. There are too many holes and not enough money to fill the gaps. If Chicago does of the route of young talent again (which isn't the same as it was 2 years ago) then there will be a major gap in experience. The kind of experience only exposure to the NHL can offer.
The Chicago Blackhawks hit it right last year. Now, there are several bloated contracts that will eat up much of the salary for the next several seasons. Campbell is not worth $7.14 million a season. Huet is slated to make $5.62 million while likely only playing 20 games this coming season. I have my doubts that any player should be making 10% of the max salary, and that's what both Kane and Toews will be doing. I'm not saying they aren't worth it as individuals. I am arguing that for team dynamics in the salary cap era it is important to make room for a whole team.
There will still be exciting hockey coming from Chicago. I strongly doubt a deep playoff run simply because the key players of Chicago will be overworked by the end of the first round and will not have the energy to survive the second. Good news for Vancouver.
July 9: Headshots
Hockey: The NHL is still working out some specifics of next year's new headshot rule. The emphasis is going to be on the "East-to-West hits". That is, not the checks that happen the way Willie Mitchell hit Jonathon Toews; rather, the way Richards hit Booth. Those blindside hits are malicious and are not needed in hockey. There are many chances to land punishing checks where the victim will be in relatively safe positioning.
One thing I've thought of is a scaling system that punishes offenders based on two criteria. First, the offender's records. If we're talking about a Datsyuk hitting a vulnerable player in the head then there would be a different outcome than if Matt Cooke did the same hit. A simple three-level system that carries increasingly harsh supplementary discipline. As a note, this should be retroactive upon approval of the rule. Second is the additional suspension added on top of the automatic suspension.
First offense: 3-game suspension as long as the hit was clearly not intent to injure.
Second offense (or first time with a clear intent to injure): 5-game suspension plus the additional (which will be discussed in the second criterion). Players suspended here still count towards the team's salary and cannot be placed on long term injury. In other words, teams signing players with a history or a likelihood of a player are running the risk of throwing money away.
Third offense (or second if the first offense was considered intent to injure): immediate season suspension with overlapping 20-game suspension plus the additional (which will be discussed in the second criterion). A player committing this offense with less than 20-games left in season will serve the rest of the suspension in the following year. If that player is bought out or is leaving his current team then that player must pay a fine in the form of his current per-game earnings for each game left in his suspension. Like in the second offense, players suspended in this fashion still count towards their team's salary cap. The third offense is repeated until that player cannot pay his fines (and will likely not be signed by another team ever again).
The second criterion, "additional": The additional is the true balancing to this rule. Some players think trading a 5-game suspension for a hit to the head is worth taking out a star player for 40 games. The "additional" penalty is determined based on the number of games missed by that victim. For example:
Player X hits Player Y.
This is Player X's first offense.
It's determined there was a clear intent to injure.
Player X is given a 5-game suspension.
Player Y misses 12 games as a result of the hit.
Player X serves the 5-game suspension then the 12 -game portion.
Once Player Y plays again then the accumulation of the number of suspendable games is stopped (even if the injuries suffered following the hit by Player X result in Player Y missing additional games).
I don't like the term "eye-for-and-eye" because it is probably one of the most misinterpreted ideas in Western culture. However, this is pretty close to it. More of a tit-for-tat. This is a punishment system that is entirely based upon the damage inflicted in a single hit, rather than a precedence made involving two other players in entirely different circumstances. Focusing on the microcosm of a single hit makes easier to determine an appropriate punishment. Often there is talk about the extent of the injury determining the degree of the punishment. I feel that this adds a systematic process to managing the punishment of offending players.
One thing I've thought of is a scaling system that punishes offenders based on two criteria. First, the offender's records. If we're talking about a Datsyuk hitting a vulnerable player in the head then there would be a different outcome than if Matt Cooke did the same hit. A simple three-level system that carries increasingly harsh supplementary discipline. As a note, this should be retroactive upon approval of the rule. Second is the additional suspension added on top of the automatic suspension.
First offense: 3-game suspension as long as the hit was clearly not intent to injure.
Second offense (or first time with a clear intent to injure): 5-game suspension plus the additional (which will be discussed in the second criterion). Players suspended here still count towards the team's salary and cannot be placed on long term injury. In other words, teams signing players with a history or a likelihood of a player are running the risk of throwing money away.
Third offense (or second if the first offense was considered intent to injure): immediate season suspension with overlapping 20-game suspension plus the additional (which will be discussed in the second criterion). A player committing this offense with less than 20-games left in season will serve the rest of the suspension in the following year. If that player is bought out or is leaving his current team then that player must pay a fine in the form of his current per-game earnings for each game left in his suspension. Like in the second offense, players suspended in this fashion still count towards their team's salary cap. The third offense is repeated until that player cannot pay his fines (and will likely not be signed by another team ever again).
The second criterion, "additional": The additional is the true balancing to this rule. Some players think trading a 5-game suspension for a hit to the head is worth taking out a star player for 40 games. The "additional" penalty is determined based on the number of games missed by that victim. For example:
Player X hits Player Y.
This is Player X's first offense.
It's determined there was a clear intent to injure.
Player X is given a 5-game suspension.
Player Y misses 12 games as a result of the hit.
Player X serves the 5-game suspension then the 12 -game portion.
Once Player Y plays again then the accumulation of the number of suspendable games is stopped (even if the injuries suffered following the hit by Player X result in Player Y missing additional games).
I don't like the term "eye-for-and-eye" because it is probably one of the most misinterpreted ideas in Western culture. However, this is pretty close to it. More of a tit-for-tat. This is a punishment system that is entirely based upon the damage inflicted in a single hit, rather than a precedence made involving two other players in entirely different circumstances. Focusing on the microcosm of a single hit makes easier to determine an appropriate punishment. Often there is talk about the extent of the injury determining the degree of the punishment. I feel that this adds a systematic process to managing the punishment of offending players.
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 5: (Restricted) Free Agency
Hockey: Now is the declaration of arbitration. That special time of the year where players who haven't been noted to have received qualifying offers are announced to be going for arbitration. This years crop is as interesting as any other; both ends of the spectrum are coming to the table, where you have some players who are very likely to be awarded significant contract increases while other players are gambling on an increase greater than the outstanding offer.
Vancouver has 3 players this year. Mason Raymond, the speedy winger, scored 25 goals last season. A 2nd/3rd line player with that level of skill can easily command $3 million. Of course, Vancouver is already closing in on their salary cap after acquiring defensemen Kieth Ballard and Dan Hamhuis, leaving only $1.4 million left. Mason Raymond's arbitration means that Vancouver is either going to ship out some salary (in the form of one of the 6 movable defensemen, notably Kevin Bieksa) or see an asset be moved out.
This is the same situation for a couple of 4th line players: Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. Both are tough and possess decent speed, can fight, and have shown high doses of grit, but Jannik Hansen is likely to get the bigger salary increase. Hansen, the 24-year-old Dane, had 9 goals (9-6-15) last season in 47 games with the Canucks. A great edition for the penalty kill or to fill in extra minutes between top line shifts. A shame in the Canucks do not re-sign him.
Another big name to get a raise will be Stanley Cup winner Anti Niemi of the Blackhawks. His performance throughout the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, and with a ring and a day with the cup to come, he is likely to see his worth jump. Ironically, he might have his arbitration hearing on the same day he has the cup. Wouldn't that be a great idol at the bargaining table.
One player I'm not sure about is Oiler's Gilbert Brule. Although he has shown great skill in the WHL, Brule has not had that NHL-level development that was expected with Columbus drafted him 6th overall in the 2005 draft. Brule did put up impressive numbers (17-20-37), but finished with only playing 65 games and a -8 rating. He made $800,000 last year, and his point total says he will be going up, but streaky play, healthy scratches, and rumors of questionable work ethic make the deal difficult to predict. He's going up, just not to the $2.5 million he can ought to be worth.
Vancouver has 3 players this year. Mason Raymond, the speedy winger, scored 25 goals last season. A 2nd/3rd line player with that level of skill can easily command $3 million. Of course, Vancouver is already closing in on their salary cap after acquiring defensemen Kieth Ballard and Dan Hamhuis, leaving only $1.4 million left. Mason Raymond's arbitration means that Vancouver is either going to ship out some salary (in the form of one of the 6 movable defensemen, notably Kevin Bieksa) or see an asset be moved out.
This is the same situation for a couple of 4th line players: Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. Both are tough and possess decent speed, can fight, and have shown high doses of grit, but Jannik Hansen is likely to get the bigger salary increase. Hansen, the 24-year-old Dane, had 9 goals (9-6-15) last season in 47 games with the Canucks. A great edition for the penalty kill or to fill in extra minutes between top line shifts. A shame in the Canucks do not re-sign him.
Another big name to get a raise will be Stanley Cup winner Anti Niemi of the Blackhawks. His performance throughout the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, and with a ring and a day with the cup to come, he is likely to see his worth jump. Ironically, he might have his arbitration hearing on the same day he has the cup. Wouldn't that be a great idol at the bargaining table.
One player I'm not sure about is Oiler's Gilbert Brule. Although he has shown great skill in the WHL, Brule has not had that NHL-level development that was expected with Columbus drafted him 6th overall in the 2005 draft. Brule did put up impressive numbers (17-20-37), but finished with only playing 65 games and a -8 rating. He made $800,000 last year, and his point total says he will be going up, but streaky play, healthy scratches, and rumors of questionable work ethic make the deal difficult to predict. He's going up, just not to the $2.5 million he can ought to be worth.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1: Free agency and the frenzy, part 2
Hockey: The day isn't done for Vancouver. There's rumors out that Vancouver is close to signing the big and tough shut-down defenceman Dan Hamhuis. The deal is pegged at $4.5 million a season and is reported to be 6 years in length. This will put Vancouver close to the cap while still missing several players for the 3rd and 4th lines. I'd guess that Vancouver is working on a deal that will see one defensemen shipped out. Vancouver has 9 defensemen with only 3 being 5 or 6: Salo, Edler, Bieksa, Ballard, Ehrhoff, Alberts, O'Brien, and Rome. Alberts and Rome would be on the outside. Salo being injury prone makes having defensive depth important. Still, with all 8 of those defensemen signed, Vancouver would be staring at a staggering $25.7 million in their back end. Vancouver would have the deepest defensive corps in the league and would fix their issues from last season. This deal is done as of 1700 EST today.
The Calgary Flames have signed two former players: Alex Tanguay has signed a 1-year, $1.7 million contract. He's coming off a career-low season in Tampa Bay (10-27-37), which was preceded by a career year in 2006-2007 (22-59-81) in Calgary. If he's able to reproduce what he did in Calgary in the '06-'07 campaign (or even '07-'08 where he had 58 points), he would be considered a steal; and Olli Jokinen. That's right Flames fans, you've reacquired Olli Jokinen. That guy who fizzled and cost $5.5 million and a few prospects. He's back. This time he's under a 2-year, $6 million contact. If he can accept a 2nd line center role where he'll be playing with playmaker Tanguay it could work. However, Jokinen must do more and be a better team player. These signings might cost Sutter his job, but that can only be told once the starts.
Atlanta has decided to call in outside help in goal by signing former-Blue Chris Mason. With Halak arriving in St Louis and having Conklin already locked up, the 2008-2009 hero Mason was not needed. Atlanta was quick by offering a $3.7 million, 2-year to Mason, who will be playing with Rene, likely splitting games 60-40.
More to come.
The Calgary Flames have signed two former players: Alex Tanguay has signed a 1-year, $1.7 million contract. He's coming off a career-low season in Tampa Bay (10-27-37), which was preceded by a career year in 2006-2007 (22-59-81) in Calgary. If he's able to reproduce what he did in Calgary in the '06-'07 campaign (or even '07-'08 where he had 58 points), he would be considered a steal; and Olli Jokinen. That's right Flames fans, you've reacquired Olli Jokinen. That guy who fizzled and cost $5.5 million and a few prospects. He's back. This time he's under a 2-year, $6 million contact. If he can accept a 2nd line center role where he'll be playing with playmaker Tanguay it could work. However, Jokinen must do more and be a better team player. These signings might cost Sutter his job, but that can only be told once the starts.
Atlanta has decided to call in outside help in goal by signing former-Blue Chris Mason. With Halak arriving in St Louis and having Conklin already locked up, the 2008-2009 hero Mason was not needed. Atlanta was quick by offering a $3.7 million, 2-year to Mason, who will be playing with Rene, likely splitting games 60-40.
More to come.
July 1: Free agency and the frenzy
Hockey: Free agency is a fun time of the year. It is that time where teams are looking to grab the best names on the market, work trades, and plan for what the team of next year is going to look like. For fans, we sit and watch every trade for our team, or division, and our rivals to see who is the next bruiser or sniper we will have to deal with.
I'm interested in the role players. We all know the Kovalchuk is going to make a massive impact where ever he goes. A better trade for me to watch is the Cancucks signing Manny Malhotra to a 3-year, $7.5 million contract. He's a 30 year old centerman with decent size, grit, and heart. He'll block shots, win draws, kill penalties, and play the agitator. All important assets for Vancouver to build on.
Colby Armstrong is another one of those 2nd or 3rd line players with a boatload of toughness. Armstrong, 27, signed with Toronto, earning $3 million a season for the next 3 years. He's got some skill, will hit, will fight, and has his head in every game. Brian Burke's idea is to have his top-6 forwards as skill and his bottom-6 as toughness. Not necessarily enforcers, but guys like Armstrong who will lay the body while maintain an offensive upside.
Edmonton is still hard at work with rebuilding. They aren't making any indications that they are aiming for post-season success. Tambellini is setting aim for a post-season appearance, but would likely want to avoid too much success as it will be reflected on player's salaries for the next season. With that said, Tambellini has signed defenceman Curtis Foster to a 2-year, $3.8 million contract. This is likely facilitate moving Souray out of Edmonton, a player that Tambellini will likely have to pay someone to take.
More to come.
I'm interested in the role players. We all know the Kovalchuk is going to make a massive impact where ever he goes. A better trade for me to watch is the Cancucks signing Manny Malhotra to a 3-year, $7.5 million contract. He's a 30 year old centerman with decent size, grit, and heart. He'll block shots, win draws, kill penalties, and play the agitator. All important assets for Vancouver to build on.
Colby Armstrong is another one of those 2nd or 3rd line players with a boatload of toughness. Armstrong, 27, signed with Toronto, earning $3 million a season for the next 3 years. He's got some skill, will hit, will fight, and has his head in every game. Brian Burke's idea is to have his top-6 forwards as skill and his bottom-6 as toughness. Not necessarily enforcers, but guys like Armstrong who will lay the body while maintain an offensive upside.
Edmonton is still hard at work with rebuilding. They aren't making any indications that they are aiming for post-season success. Tambellini is setting aim for a post-season appearance, but would likely want to avoid too much success as it will be reflected on player's salaries for the next season. With that said, Tambellini has signed defenceman Curtis Foster to a 2-year, $3.8 million contract. This is likely facilitate moving Souray out of Edmonton, a player that Tambellini will likely have to pay someone to take.
More to come.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
June 30: Free agency 2010 begins...
Hockey: Bit of a late post, but everyone within the hockey world knows what has started... it's free agency 2010. I disagree with many, many people saying this is a pathetic pool, a shallow pool, or limited pool, etc. This is a great pool for teams looking for that extra something-something to elevate the rest of their team into the play offs, conference finals, cup champions. Nonetheless, I want to watch where the not-big-names go and to guess their impact.
The Canucks are still looking for another defenceman, even at 7 signed +2 in the minors. Vancouver needs centers. Madden is available now, and it'd be interesting to see what Vancouver will offer for him. He fits what Gillis needs: experience, 4th line center. Kyle Wellwood is a fan-friendly player, and ought to received some consideration.
It's going to be a fun day and I'm looking forward to writing about those role players going to new homes.
The Canucks are still looking for another defenceman, even at 7 signed +2 in the minors. Vancouver needs centers. Madden is available now, and it'd be interesting to see what Vancouver will offer for him. He fits what Gillis needs: experience, 4th line center. Kyle Wellwood is a fan-friendly player, and ought to received some consideration.
It's going to be a fun day and I'm looking forward to writing about those role players going to new homes.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28: Re-ignition
Hockey: To follow up on the earlier post, Calgary has extended qualifying offers to several players. The three notables are White, Sutter (omg noe wai!), and the new 26-year old goaltender Karlsson. I can't find what the offers are pegged at right now, but I can guess that White (who made $800,000 last year) is likely to get an increase in pay, as is Sutter (who made $500,000). Karlsson is noted to be at $1.5m, but that was from his time in the Swedish Elite League translated over. At 26 he can still be considered a rookie, which is something to note.
In all, I'm guessing this round of offers will take off $3.5m to $4.25m in the remaining $7.2m cap space. It's significant, but now Calgary does have defensive depth for both the season and trades, a back-up goaltender, and some prospects that might be trade-worthy.
In all, I'm guessing this round of offers will take off $3.5m to $4.25m in the remaining $7.2m cap space. It's significant, but now Calgary does have defensive depth for both the season and trades, a back-up goaltender, and some prospects that might be trade-worthy.
June 28: Fizzling fire
Hockey: One thing Flames' GM Daryl Sutter forgot from his childhood is that when make a fire with gas, while bright and strong to start with, will fizzle out. As of this morning, the Flames are sitting at $52.1m in salary, leaving around $7.2 left. While that chunk of change might be able to seek out a much needed forward--or the perfect center for Iginla--it still doesn't account for several pieces missing from the team. Still unsigned for the Flames are Higgins (UFA), Conroy (UFA), Nystrom (UFA), new goaltender Henrik Karlsson (RFA), and a good looking Ian White (RFA). Assuming all players remain at their last season's salary, that would be a combined cap hit of $6.3m. Obviously, seeking out a UFA center that is able to play with Iginla will cost more than the $900,000 left. Moreover, the Flames would likely want to avoid what happened during the 2008-2009 season where, because of how close they were to the cap, weren't able to call players up from the minors for the last 9 games of the season. Those last 9 games where they lost much of a 16 point lead they had on the Canucks for the division title.
Nonetheless, Calgary is lacking many pieces and is not a full team. A weak development program that saw Backlund slow and sputter. Only 9 one-way forwards are signed, with about 3 two-way players in the ranks that might be able to come up. That leaves a disjointed team with too many holes to be ignored for the sake for finding that perfect center. The back end is in far better shape. Bouwmeester, Regher, Sarich, Staios, Giordano, and Pardy are signed. As well, minor leaguers Seabrook, Brodie, and Meyers have shown good development and could fill in.
With a priority on re-signing Ian White, I wouldn't be shocked if a big name like Regher is asked which teams he wouldn't mind moving to. The Flames do have enough depth on the back end to address their lack of scoring (and structure; and balance; and heart; and toughness; and size) on the front end. A trade that might aim to bring in some big names with extras, like Savard or Spezza. However, the trade would see the Flames dumping a lot of salary in the process. This must be done to facilitate the restructuring (and not rebuilding) of the team.
Remember, GM Sutter has said again that he's "only one player away". Which is an improbability considering he only has 12 real forwards ready to play, and even a few of them are questionable. The Flames need to plan with a Deep Blue level of strategy on how to fix their scoring up front while avoiding the red-zone of the salary cap.
Nonetheless, Calgary is lacking many pieces and is not a full team. A weak development program that saw Backlund slow and sputter. Only 9 one-way forwards are signed, with about 3 two-way players in the ranks that might be able to come up. That leaves a disjointed team with too many holes to be ignored for the sake for finding that perfect center. The back end is in far better shape. Bouwmeester, Regher, Sarich, Staios, Giordano, and Pardy are signed. As well, minor leaguers Seabrook, Brodie, and Meyers have shown good development and could fill in.
With a priority on re-signing Ian White, I wouldn't be shocked if a big name like Regher is asked which teams he wouldn't mind moving to. The Flames do have enough depth on the back end to address their lack of scoring (and structure; and balance; and heart; and toughness; and size) on the front end. A trade that might aim to bring in some big names with extras, like Savard or Spezza. However, the trade would see the Flames dumping a lot of salary in the process. This must be done to facilitate the restructuring (and not rebuilding) of the team.
Remember, GM Sutter has said again that he's "only one player away". Which is an improbability considering he only has 12 real forwards ready to play, and even a few of them are questionable. The Flames need to plan with a Deep Blue level of strategy on how to fix their scoring up front while avoiding the red-zone of the salary cap.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
June 26: Apple and Peach Pork Tenderloin
Cooking: Apple and Peach Pork Tenderloin. It's the start of summer and fruit will be coming around fast. This is an easy recipe that takes seasonal fruit and matches it with a meat that takes sweet flavours well. It has a few steps that are packed with a tonne of smaller steps. However, they are mostly technique tidbits that give you more control of your food.
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
Apples (baking apples, not sauce apples)
Peaches
Sweet onion
A sweet white wine (e.g., gewurtzaminer)
Butter
Salt and pepper
Step 1: searing and sealing the pork
In a hot pan, add some olive oil. Don't use extra virgin because you will burn it; just simple olive oil. Season the tenderloin with some salt and pepper. To seal the meat you must sear it the entire way around. To keep it really juicy, melt a knob of butter in the pan and baste the meat. Just tip the pan up slightly to pool the liquid and spoon it over the meat. Roll the meat and repeat until golden brown the entire way around. Take the pork out of the pan and let it rest. It is very important you let it rest as you'll be cutting into it shortly.
Step 2: the fruit
Using the same pan (because all that searing left great flavours in the bottom of the pan), take your finely chopped onions and place them in the pan now at medium-high heat. If there isn't enough fat in the pan, add some more butter. Cook onions until transparent. Add sliced peaches and apples and saute. When the fruit is just getting soft, season with salt and pepper. Add enough wine to submerge the fruit. Reduce the mixture until fruit is well glazed.
Step 3: baking in flavour
Set the oven (or BBQ) pre-heated to 350*F. The pork has rested and can not be cut into without it losing a lot of juice. You want to be able to stuff the pork, so make a medial cut into the pork deep enough to facilitate adequate stuffing. The pork should still be raw inside after the searing. If it isn't then you've over cooked it. Add as much of the fruit into the cut as you can while still being able to close the meat. Place on foil for wrapping. Take the rest of the fruit and place around the pork. Tightly wrap the pork and fruit in the foil. Place in oven (or BBQ) for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and let sit. Cut into manageable portions. Serve with the wine.
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
Apples (baking apples, not sauce apples)
Peaches
Sweet onion
A sweet white wine (e.g., gewurtzaminer)
Butter
Salt and pepper
Step 1: searing and sealing the pork
In a hot pan, add some olive oil. Don't use extra virgin because you will burn it; just simple olive oil. Season the tenderloin with some salt and pepper. To seal the meat you must sear it the entire way around. To keep it really juicy, melt a knob of butter in the pan and baste the meat. Just tip the pan up slightly to pool the liquid and spoon it over the meat. Roll the meat and repeat until golden brown the entire way around. Take the pork out of the pan and let it rest. It is very important you let it rest as you'll be cutting into it shortly.
Step 2: the fruit
Using the same pan (because all that searing left great flavours in the bottom of the pan), take your finely chopped onions and place them in the pan now at medium-high heat. If there isn't enough fat in the pan, add some more butter. Cook onions until transparent. Add sliced peaches and apples and saute. When the fruit is just getting soft, season with salt and pepper. Add enough wine to submerge the fruit. Reduce the mixture until fruit is well glazed.
Step 3: baking in flavour
Set the oven (or BBQ) pre-heated to 350*F. The pork has rested and can not be cut into without it losing a lot of juice. You want to be able to stuff the pork, so make a medial cut into the pork deep enough to facilitate adequate stuffing. The pork should still be raw inside after the searing. If it isn't then you've over cooked it. Add as much of the fruit into the cut as you can while still being able to close the meat. Place on foil for wrapping. Take the rest of the fruit and place around the pork. Tightly wrap the pork and fruit in the foil. Place in oven (or BBQ) for 12-15 minutes.
Remove and let sit. Cut into manageable portions. Serve with the wine.
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25: Draft Day, 2010, part 2
Hockey: Vancouver is looking to make a move. Florida's D Keith Ballard may be going to Vancouver along with F Victor Oreskovich in exchange for Vancouver's first round pick (25th overall), F Michael Grabner, and F Steve Bernier. The catch is that if Vancouver's choice for is still available when their pick comes up then Vancouver with 86 the deal and use their pick. Florida picks again at 15th overall, where they will likely take Vancouver's expressed pick in order to close out the trade.
Hall goes 1st, Seguin goes 2nd.
Hall goes 1st, Seguin goes 2nd.
June 25: Draft Day, 2010, part 1
Hockey: Draft Day 2010 today in Los Angeles. The TSN mock draft and many people are under the impression that Taylor Hall will be selected 1st overall by the Oilers. This is bloody terrible. Hall is a fantastic player and has the ability to make an immediate impact on an organization; however, the value of a strong, smart, and high-skill center ought to trump that of a sniper on the wing. High end centers have the ability to make those around them better, even more so than a winger can. Seguin ought to be picked 1st overall because of the focus on rebuilding, rather than filling seats.
Then again, this is the Oilers organization.
Then again, this is the Oilers organization.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24: In-laws coming?
Hockey: The moves made by Chicago are far from done, it seems. This has moved past preparing for a weekend to a court ordered house cleaning in preparation for the in-laws coming over. Chicago has not bothered to care about "the team that won the cup" and in the mode of ensuring there will be room and opportunity to start a post-cup win rebuild the year after rather than after 3 years of varying success.
The Big Buff trade went through last night.
Before the flushing of cap, Chicago was $234,164 below the cap and was technically an incomplete team. Unless Chicago is planning on filling the rest of the roster with rookies, the Blackhawks are going to need more cap room for resigning other players: Anti Niemi. The goaltender that won Chicago the cup, playing in every game (though not finishing every game), is still and unsigned RFA. Once Chicago is done dumping salary they are going to lock in Niemi. Unlike Montreal, Chicago is willing to deal away more replaceable features of their organization rather than the corner stones for long-term greatness.
Numbers, in and out:
IN: Jeremy Morin, $977,500
IN: Marty Reasoner, $1,150,000
OUT: Dustin Byfuglien, $3,000,000
OUT: Brent Sopel, $2,333,333
OUT: Ben Eager, $1,000,000
OUT: Akim Aliu, $875,400
(Subtotal from Atlanta trade: freeing up $5,081, 233)
OUT: Colin Fraser, $700,000
That's a freeing up of $5.7m cap. They aren't done yet. John Madden, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordon Hendry, Kim Jonsson, and Andrew Ladd are all unaccounted for. This group, on top of Anti Niemi.
Expect more to come.
The Big Buff trade went through last night.
Before the flushing of cap, Chicago was $234,164 below the cap and was technically an incomplete team. Unless Chicago is planning on filling the rest of the roster with rookies, the Blackhawks are going to need more cap room for resigning other players: Anti Niemi. The goaltender that won Chicago the cup, playing in every game (though not finishing every game), is still and unsigned RFA. Once Chicago is done dumping salary they are going to lock in Niemi. Unlike Montreal, Chicago is willing to deal away more replaceable features of their organization rather than the corner stones for long-term greatness.
Numbers, in and out:
IN: Jeremy Morin, $977,500
IN: Marty Reasoner, $1,150,000
OUT: Dustin Byfuglien, $3,000,000
OUT: Brent Sopel, $2,333,333
OUT: Ben Eager, $1,000,000
OUT: Akim Aliu, $875,400
(Subtotal from Atlanta trade: freeing up $5,081, 233)
OUT: Colin Fraser, $700,000
That's a freeing up of $5.7m cap. They aren't done yet. John Madden, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordon Hendry, Kim Jonsson, and Andrew Ladd are all unaccounted for. This group, on top of Anti Niemi.
Expect more to come.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23: More moving?
Hockey: It appears Chicago is frantically working on preparations to tap the free agent market. The Blackhawks are in the process of trading Dustin "Big Buff" Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers. What a fun move! This is how it breaks down:
To Atlanta
Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, Aliu
To Chicago
24th and 54th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Marty Reasoner, and Jeremy Morin.
My take is that Atlanta, a struggling organization from the top to bottom, is picking up three (four?) guys with massive hearts. That is an ideal situation for up and coming players like F Evander Kane (18) and D Zach Bogosian (22). Moreover, this could spur on more seasoned players, like Afinogenov and Antropov.
Chicago appears to be gearing up for the free agent market. Getting picks and ensuring that players who will be costing them more are on the out spells cap space and motive. I wouldn't be shocked if we start to hear more about Chicago's interest in big name free agents.
This trade isn't final yet.
Also, this gets Big Buff away from Vancouver and closer to Philly.
To Atlanta
Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, Aliu
To Chicago
24th and 54th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Marty Reasoner, and Jeremy Morin.
My take is that Atlanta, a struggling organization from the top to bottom, is picking up three (four?) guys with massive hearts. That is an ideal situation for up and coming players like F Evander Kane (18) and D Zach Bogosian (22). Moreover, this could spur on more seasoned players, like Afinogenov and Antropov.
Chicago appears to be gearing up for the free agent market. Getting picks and ensuring that players who will be costing them more are on the out spells cap space and motive. I wouldn't be shocked if we start to hear more about Chicago's interest in big name free agents.
This trade isn't final yet.
Also, this gets Big Buff away from Vancouver and closer to Philly.
June 23: Move done; draft preperation
I've moved into a new place after the last two days. It's cramped and cluttered (was before I moved in). A bit of an adjustment, but the hope is I will be employed somewhere soon so I can move again.
Hockey: Vancouver is picked up a new, full-time goaltending coach. Ian Clark, who was a major reason why Luongo signed long-term in Vancouver, is out and is being replaced by Roland Melasnson. The move is more for Cory Schneider than for Luongo, but after the last up-and-down season, the current Canucks captain could use a change in perspective.
Montreal has made the move to keep two contributors from last season. "Young" Matthieu Darche, who is 33, has finally earned a one-way contract. He'll be spending the next season on the 4th line, rare appearances on the 3rd, and healthy scratched then; or, he'll be picked up off waivers. Montreal has also resigned Tomas Plekanec. Sticking with his recently announced paradigm, Gauthier is signing veteran players to big contracts, which is going to leave little room for the free agent signings they are going to need for another playoff run. Remember, this year they don't have Halak, which means Montreal will have to do even more on the front-end defensive side of things to keep themselves in games.
Edmonton, still a reeling team from last season, has made a minor coaching change. No longer will Grizzly Quinn be leading the bench--he's been move to the front office! Tom Renney will take off as head coach now, clearing up any possible chance that the issues were derived from a "lack of coordinated effort by the coaches". Which is not the case and would not be the case in the future. Quinn and Renney were a think that that pushed ideas forward and did what they could. Edmonton lacked a lot of things last season, but good coaching wasn't one of them. I doubt this will be part of the answer. Consider how the Flyers played through the playoffs and compare that to Edmonton; Philly was a unit, always a coordinated group that trusted and relied on each other. Edmonton players didn't trust one and other, resulting in haphazard play and numerous turnovers per game. Until that team can trust they will not be able to grow. Taking Quinn out of the mix isn't going to solve the trust issue.
And, lastly for now, Scott Niedermayer has retired. He was a great player because he brought everything you wanted: smarts, skills, power, cheap tactics, and leadership. All things that help teams win in the NHL. Will Teemu retire as well? Who knows yet?
Hockey: Vancouver is picked up a new, full-time goaltending coach. Ian Clark, who was a major reason why Luongo signed long-term in Vancouver, is out and is being replaced by Roland Melasnson. The move is more for Cory Schneider than for Luongo, but after the last up-and-down season, the current Canucks captain could use a change in perspective.
Montreal has made the move to keep two contributors from last season. "Young" Matthieu Darche, who is 33, has finally earned a one-way contract. He'll be spending the next season on the 4th line, rare appearances on the 3rd, and healthy scratched then; or, he'll be picked up off waivers. Montreal has also resigned Tomas Plekanec. Sticking with his recently announced paradigm, Gauthier is signing veteran players to big contracts, which is going to leave little room for the free agent signings they are going to need for another playoff run. Remember, this year they don't have Halak, which means Montreal will have to do even more on the front-end defensive side of things to keep themselves in games.
Edmonton, still a reeling team from last season, has made a minor coaching change. No longer will Grizzly Quinn be leading the bench--he's been move to the front office! Tom Renney will take off as head coach now, clearing up any possible chance that the issues were derived from a "lack of coordinated effort by the coaches". Which is not the case and would not be the case in the future. Quinn and Renney were a think that that pushed ideas forward and did what they could. Edmonton lacked a lot of things last season, but good coaching wasn't one of them. I doubt this will be part of the answer. Consider how the Flyers played through the playoffs and compare that to Edmonton; Philly was a unit, always a coordinated group that trusted and relied on each other. Edmonton players didn't trust one and other, resulting in haphazard play and numerous turnovers per game. Until that team can trust they will not be able to grow. Taking Quinn out of the mix isn't going to solve the trust issue.
And, lastly for now, Scott Niedermayer has retired. He was a great player because he brought everything you wanted: smarts, skills, power, cheap tactics, and leadership. All things that help teams win in the NHL. Will Teemu retire as well? Who knows yet?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June 19: Curry bison burgers
Cooking: Tonight's dinner is something awesome: curry bison burgers. I've recently stopped eating beef and have preferred the taste of bison for some time. Moreover, I enjoy the taste of curry. Bison's richness pairs well with the robust, spicy, and earthy flavors of curry. Considering I'm moving soon (where I will be without a BBQ) I decided to give it a go mixing the two for one last BBQ adventure.
Ingredients: (yields 4-5 burgers)
1.5lbs lean ground bison
2 large eggs
1/2 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon sour cream (my secret burger ingredient)
3 tablespoons curry powder (-ish. I added until the bison was yellow)
salt and pepper
I mixed everything but the bison together first. Added the bison after and then firmly pressed the mix into patties with my hands. Cooked on the BBQ, set to high for 15 minutes, 8-ish minutes a side to prevent them from sticking and having them bind well.
The end result is one hell of a burger. It was fantastic. Topped with some aged cheddar and easy condiments. It stands on it's own.
Ingredients: (yields 4-5 burgers)
1.5lbs lean ground bison
2 large eggs
1/2 large onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon sour cream (my secret burger ingredient)
3 tablespoons curry powder (-ish. I added until the bison was yellow)
salt and pepper
I mixed everything but the bison together first. Added the bison after and then firmly pressed the mix into patties with my hands. Cooked on the BBQ, set to high for 15 minutes, 8-ish minutes a side to prevent them from sticking and having them bind well.
The end result is one hell of a burger. It was fantastic. Topped with some aged cheddar and easy condiments. It stands on it's own.
June 19: Predators strike early
Hockey: The Nashville Predators are making some early moves before draft day and free agency. Two moves have been made: first, Jason Arnott has been trade to New Jersey for Matt Halischuk and a second-round pick in the 2011 draft. Halischuck is a smaller winger, standing 5'11" and sitting at 185lbs. At age 22, he's still got plenty of time to build up his legs for speed or balance. He played in both the AHL and NHL last year, putting up 22 points in 32 games and 2 points in 20 games, respectively. The second round pick that went along with Halischuk is likely going to be a middle-of-the-pack pick. Jersey, with plenty of skill, a new head coach, and Brodeur still, are likely to make another trip to the play offs. Which is good for Nashville.
Nashville has done remarkable things over the past few seasons. They aren't a high-skill, high-priced, high-hitting, high-scoring, or power house teams. However, they make it to the play offs or close almost every year. Nashville did a masterful job against Chicago considering how heavily weighted that series was in Chicago's favor. Personally, I'd give a vote to Trotts for the Jack Adams'. Nonetheless, the lack of post-season success (being ousted in the first round) and missing the play offs one year (2008-2009), Nashville does need to consider the future.
I'd say New Jersey is closer to another cup run than Nashville, making the trade a balanced one for both teams. Trotts will do his thing again, instilling solid work ethic. Nashville needs some work and I need to put some thought into who will be the next captain. Not following the team directly I don't have an answer right now, though I'm sure it'll be obvious with a bit of research.
Also, Nashville brought in Ryan Parent (and a 7th round conditional from 2011) from Philly for the rights to Hamhuis. Hamhuis may not sign in Philly and take his chances in the open market. Nonetheless, this is a smart move by Holmgren, ensuring that he can shore up his defensive core. I believe Ryan Parent will still develop and become a better player. He has shown the ability to move the puck, lay the body, and take punishing minutes in the corners. He needs to just get his wits about him. Philly was disjointed and bloodthirsty, and that forced Parent out of the "learning" bit to the "just do better" bit. Nonetheless, another wise move by both organizations.
Nashville has done remarkable things over the past few seasons. They aren't a high-skill, high-priced, high-hitting, high-scoring, or power house teams. However, they make it to the play offs or close almost every year. Nashville did a masterful job against Chicago considering how heavily weighted that series was in Chicago's favor. Personally, I'd give a vote to Trotts for the Jack Adams'. Nonetheless, the lack of post-season success (being ousted in the first round) and missing the play offs one year (2008-2009), Nashville does need to consider the future.
I'd say New Jersey is closer to another cup run than Nashville, making the trade a balanced one for both teams. Trotts will do his thing again, instilling solid work ethic. Nashville needs some work and I need to put some thought into who will be the next captain. Not following the team directly I don't have an answer right now, though I'm sure it'll be obvious with a bit of research.
Also, Nashville brought in Ryan Parent (and a 7th round conditional from 2011) from Philly for the rights to Hamhuis. Hamhuis may not sign in Philly and take his chances in the open market. Nonetheless, this is a smart move by Holmgren, ensuring that he can shore up his defensive core. I believe Ryan Parent will still develop and become a better player. He has shown the ability to move the puck, lay the body, and take punishing minutes in the corners. He needs to just get his wits about him. Philly was disjointed and bloodthirsty, and that forced Parent out of the "learning" bit to the "just do better" bit. Nonetheless, another wise move by both organizations.
June 19: Gluttons for hunger
Food: It is an interesting proposition: we can genetically engineer food to be healthier, resistant to disease, drought, and insects, grow faster, and grow more. Considering 1 billion people are malnourished (and a total of 1.6 billion people malnourished or undernourished), genetically modified foods would seem to be the solution to our rapidly growing hunger problems. It is predicted that by 2025 that the globe will have to produce 50% more food just to stay at the status quo. However, GMO foods have received a lot of criticism. The most notable (and articulate) argument against GMO is the lack of long term research on the effects of consuming the food. There is an unofficial test underway right now: the United States.
For almost 12 years the primary crops (e.g., rice, soya, corn, cotton) has been GMO in the United States. What does that mean? Well, it means that the vast majority food Americans eat and export are or have been in contact with GMO products. Liberty corn is an example of this. Liberty corn is a specially designed corn that resists Liberty weed killer. Liberty corn has another interesting fact about it: it isn't grown for direct consumption. That's right. The primary corn crop grow across the Midwest is meant to be reprocessed into animal feed and (high fructose) corn syrup. The affect of this is that animals are being fed GMO feed, thus "contaminating" the animals (no research has shown differences between GMO grain and organic grain fed to cattle, they are both bad). GMO corn syrup is used in about everything you can imagine: soda, alcohol, chips, gum, condiments, breads, and candy bars, to give a short list. This doesn't make GMO bad, though. This is just an example of the poor management of food crops. However, the American public is alright (or ambivalent) to the issue. The American way of "more yield, more profit" seems to trump awareness.
In Europe it is exactly opposite. You have to search high and low through a British big-chain supermarket to find a product with GMO in it. The public push back about GMO has been immense, resulting in European governments restricting the growth the GMO crops. The only GMO crop that is allowed to be commercially produced in Europe is maize. The public is also very aware of GMO regulations, ensuring that all GMO products coming into Europe are clearly labeled--something Canada or the United States have yet to do. It is so aggressive in Europe that when the green movement catches wind of a GMO crop exists they will organize and vandalize the crops.
Two different views between North America and Europe are stark. They show that a lack of general education on the topic can lead to passive acceptable or ambivalence. Whereas in Europe, the little bit of information has been perverted and is being used as a weapon to fight GMO. GMO has not yet to be shown to cause any long term effects. It is the American diet and not the GMO which is causing the health epidemic. GMO might be the only option to ensure food production can match demand. Crop reorganization is essential, but is entirely controlled by the consumer: each time you buy a candy bar you are saying "grow more sugar, grow less vegetables".
Aside from the likely food crisis that is approaching there is still one more frightening thing to mention. The argument around GMO should be shifted away from blocking it entirely or denouncing it as "unnatural" and ought to be placed on who owns it. It shouldn't be the big corporations that own life. If you want to fight for the future of GMO, whether to keep it or destroy it, start by fighting for ownership of life. Humans own the earth. Humans should choose their food. Humans should choose how that food is grown.
For almost 12 years the primary crops (e.g., rice, soya, corn, cotton) has been GMO in the United States. What does that mean? Well, it means that the vast majority food Americans eat and export are or have been in contact with GMO products. Liberty corn is an example of this. Liberty corn is a specially designed corn that resists Liberty weed killer. Liberty corn has another interesting fact about it: it isn't grown for direct consumption. That's right. The primary corn crop grow across the Midwest is meant to be reprocessed into animal feed and (high fructose) corn syrup. The affect of this is that animals are being fed GMO feed, thus "contaminating" the animals (no research has shown differences between GMO grain and organic grain fed to cattle, they are both bad). GMO corn syrup is used in about everything you can imagine: soda, alcohol, chips, gum, condiments, breads, and candy bars, to give a short list. This doesn't make GMO bad, though. This is just an example of the poor management of food crops. However, the American public is alright (or ambivalent) to the issue. The American way of "more yield, more profit" seems to trump awareness.
In Europe it is exactly opposite. You have to search high and low through a British big-chain supermarket to find a product with GMO in it. The public push back about GMO has been immense, resulting in European governments restricting the growth the GMO crops. The only GMO crop that is allowed to be commercially produced in Europe is maize. The public is also very aware of GMO regulations, ensuring that all GMO products coming into Europe are clearly labeled--something Canada or the United States have yet to do. It is so aggressive in Europe that when the green movement catches wind of a GMO crop exists they will organize and vandalize the crops.
Two different views between North America and Europe are stark. They show that a lack of general education on the topic can lead to passive acceptable or ambivalence. Whereas in Europe, the little bit of information has been perverted and is being used as a weapon to fight GMO. GMO has not yet to be shown to cause any long term effects. It is the American diet and not the GMO which is causing the health epidemic. GMO might be the only option to ensure food production can match demand. Crop reorganization is essential, but is entirely controlled by the consumer: each time you buy a candy bar you are saying "grow more sugar, grow less vegetables".
Aside from the likely food crisis that is approaching there is still one more frightening thing to mention. The argument around GMO should be shifted away from blocking it entirely or denouncing it as "unnatural" and ought to be placed on who owns it. It shouldn't be the big corporations that own life. If you want to fight for the future of GMO, whether to keep it or destroy it, start by fighting for ownership of life. Humans own the earth. Humans should choose their food. Humans should choose how that food is grown.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18: Halak, the day after.
Hockey: There is a vast amount of coverage out of Montreal about the Halak trade. Many fans were enthralled with Halak during the Montreal Canadiens' late season push and remarkable playoff run. I share the same view as they do: trading Halak was bad for Montreal, both in the short and long term. Gauthier made his case that teams must be build around sturdy veterans and break-out seasons by younger players. What I gathered from his phone conference following the Halak trade was that his future plan for the Canadiens was to keep high-priced players as a major component of his organization and to pray for unbelievable seasons by entry-level players. That is a pipe dream and a system meant to attract fans and not hardware. Chicago had a rare combination that allowed a young team to make its way from the basement of the league to Cup champions. One piece of that was a brilliant effort by goaltender Anti Niemi. What did Montreal do with their goaltender that could do that? Traded him.
I've been told that it was the right thing for Montreal to do. Halak had arbitration rights. This would bump is salary from $800,000 to the $3-4m range likely. Montreal could have lost Halak for nothing. While all this is true, good management ought to have recognized at some point that Carey Price needs more work and Halak is ready, making Halak the optimal choice for the future and be willing to pay him his dues. St. Louis is now in the position of having to sign Halak. It could cost the team a significant amount if another team makes an aggressive offer sheet, but in all likelihood, St. Louis will do what Montreal wasn't willing to: sign Halak to a contract and keep him there for several years.
I've been told that it was the right thing for Montreal to do. Halak had arbitration rights. This would bump is salary from $800,000 to the $3-4m range likely. Montreal could have lost Halak for nothing. While all this is true, good management ought to have recognized at some point that Carey Price needs more work and Halak is ready, making Halak the optimal choice for the future and be willing to pay him his dues. St. Louis is now in the position of having to sign Halak. It could cost the team a significant amount if another team makes an aggressive offer sheet, but in all likelihood, St. Louis will do what Montreal wasn't willing to: sign Halak to a contract and keep him there for several years.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17: Indecision to bad decision
Hockey: The Montreal Canadiens have traded Halak to the St. Louis Blues for Ian Schultz and Lars Eller. Let's go over some numbers:
Lars Eller, a 21 year old center from Denmark, stands at 6-feet tall. Not a lot of size, but he does have a 2-way upside. He's got decent speed and has shown strength in taking face offs. He played in 7 games for the Blues last season, notching 2 goals (2-0-2) and a +2 rating. He had a 25% face off record. His contract lasts through 2011-2012 at $1.275m a season.
Ian Schultz is a 20 year Canadian who played his last season with the Calgary Hitmen. In 70 games the 6'2" 200lbs. right winger put up 24 goals and 31 assists (24-31-55) with 150 PIM. He's got an aggressive streak in him, making him a good grinder and agitator. He has an entry level contract of $875,000 a season through the 2011-2012 campaign.
Jaroslav Halak. The fast Slovak had a show stealing season in Montreal. In 45 games with Montreal, Halak put up an attractive 24-13-5, 5 shutouts, 2.24 GGA, and an impressive .924 save percentage. He's dominant in the bottom of his net, has a good stick, and tracks the puck well. His weakness is his hit-and-miss glove hand, something the Flyers abused during the Conference finals. Halak did all of this at $800,000.
So, how does this trade work for Montreal? It doesn't. With the rich free agent pool this summer Montreal had a chance to go in find the grinders they needed. Price is not a #1 caliber goaltender. He had one good season followed up a roller coaster ride over the past two. Price, an RFA on July 1, would have taken a pay cut from his $2.2m salary based on his performance. That ought to have been enough cap room to keep a true number one, Halak. The dream is over Montreal. Your organization just traded away an asset with a greater worth than what you received back.
For the Blues, this is a fantastic trade. Picking up a solid goaltender to share the duties with Chris Mason/Ty Conklin is another solid building block for this team. With Alex Pietrangelo showing great strides last season, and still hope that Backes, Oshie, Berglund, and Boyes will have shaken off the freshman curse, the Blues are set for an exciting season of development. Blues fans will be hoping for a Colorado-esque season with an energetic young team backstopped by a fantastic goaltender.
Winner: St. Louis Blues.
Lars Eller, a 21 year old center from Denmark, stands at 6-feet tall. Not a lot of size, but he does have a 2-way upside. He's got decent speed and has shown strength in taking face offs. He played in 7 games for the Blues last season, notching 2 goals (2-0-2) and a +2 rating. He had a 25% face off record. His contract lasts through 2011-2012 at $1.275m a season.
Ian Schultz is a 20 year Canadian who played his last season with the Calgary Hitmen. In 70 games the 6'2" 200lbs. right winger put up 24 goals and 31 assists (24-31-55) with 150 PIM. He's got an aggressive streak in him, making him a good grinder and agitator. He has an entry level contract of $875,000 a season through the 2011-2012 campaign.
Jaroslav Halak. The fast Slovak had a show stealing season in Montreal. In 45 games with Montreal, Halak put up an attractive 24-13-5, 5 shutouts, 2.24 GGA, and an impressive .924 save percentage. He's dominant in the bottom of his net, has a good stick, and tracks the puck well. His weakness is his hit-and-miss glove hand, something the Flyers abused during the Conference finals. Halak did all of this at $800,000.
So, how does this trade work for Montreal? It doesn't. With the rich free agent pool this summer Montreal had a chance to go in find the grinders they needed. Price is not a #1 caliber goaltender. He had one good season followed up a roller coaster ride over the past two. Price, an RFA on July 1, would have taken a pay cut from his $2.2m salary based on his performance. That ought to have been enough cap room to keep a true number one, Halak. The dream is over Montreal. Your organization just traded away an asset with a greater worth than what you received back.
For the Blues, this is a fantastic trade. Picking up a solid goaltender to share the duties with Chris Mason/Ty Conklin is another solid building block for this team. With Alex Pietrangelo showing great strides last season, and still hope that Backes, Oshie, Berglund, and Boyes will have shaken off the freshman curse, the Blues are set for an exciting season of development. Blues fans will be hoping for a Colorado-esque season with an energetic young team backstopped by a fantastic goaltender.
Winner: St. Louis Blues.
June 17: Oilers doomed like BP
The title holds a lot of irony in it. Both will need to spend a lot in a massive clean up effort if their current attempts fail to contain a rapidly growing, oily mess.
Hockey: I'm a Canucks fan. I'm from the Okanagan. This year, the Canucks are holding their training camp in Penticton, BC. The Canucks hold their training camps around the province to make them like BC's team, not just Vancouver's team. The turn out to these camps are amazing. A great way to spread the popularity of a team. Teams in the shaky US market could learn from this. Washington is the dominate team in the SED, and is slowly becoming a favorite across the hockey world because of Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, and coach Boudreau. The star power of the Capitals will continue to attract young fans to playing and watching the game. You can't say the same for the 4 other teams in the SED.
The NHL entry draft is on Friday June 25. Edmonton has the first overall pick--a pick they deserved. Edmonton has completely fallen apart over the past 3 years. Since their cup run in 2005-2006, Edmonton has tumbled down the standings. At the start of the 2009-2010 season, Edmonton was ranked higher than Vancouver and Colorado in the NWD by TSN. Bringing in two head coaches (Tom Renney and Pat Quinn), a resurgent goaltender (Khabibulin), and the having the belief that the long list of young players would develop earned Edmonton that ranking. However, players like Gagner, Cogliano, Brule, Pouliot, and Jacques didn't answer the call. It's a disturbing trend to see that number of young players stagnate in a division, let alone within a single organization.
That's not to say all is lost. Lowe knew he had to make changes that would turn the course of the doomed vessel, targeting and hiring Steve Tambellini as the new GM. After one season it is impossible to say if there's an impact. The 2010-2011 season will be the decision for the Oilers organization: getting the first overall pick has the chance of adding a player to your organization immediately. Whether it is Hall or Seguin remains to be seen, but both have that potential. Although a deep draft this year, Edmonton only has 1 top-30 pick. This would be one reason why Tambellini is fielding offers. The deal with the best outcome would be a deal with Boston that would ship an unhappy and discontent Sheldon Souray and the first overall pick (plus others?) for the 2nd and 15th overall picks. This strategy will only work if Edmonton does something about their development system. Hall and Seguin may be neck-and-neck for that top ranking, but I fear that whomever is chosen by Edmonton will have his value immediately diminished. While Pheonix is the financial sinkhole of the NHL, Edmonton might be the talent black hole.
A few other notes: while the draft is coming up soon, shortly after that we have free agency. The pool this year is massive. I'm predicting a lot of deals and a lot of "favors" being done to ensure that high-cap teams are able to engage the free agent market. I won't be shocked if teams like Calgary (with an incomplete team and 3.8 million away from the cap) deal with like Columbus for money-trades.
New Jersey has a new head coach. The organized hired from within, bringing up AHL affiliate coach McLean. McLean lead Lowell to a 39-31-4 regular season record before being ousted in the first round of the AHL playoffs.
Hockey: I'm a Canucks fan. I'm from the Okanagan. This year, the Canucks are holding their training camp in Penticton, BC. The Canucks hold their training camps around the province to make them like BC's team, not just Vancouver's team. The turn out to these camps are amazing. A great way to spread the popularity of a team. Teams in the shaky US market could learn from this. Washington is the dominate team in the SED, and is slowly becoming a favorite across the hockey world because of Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, and coach Boudreau. The star power of the Capitals will continue to attract young fans to playing and watching the game. You can't say the same for the 4 other teams in the SED.
The NHL entry draft is on Friday June 25. Edmonton has the first overall pick--a pick they deserved. Edmonton has completely fallen apart over the past 3 years. Since their cup run in 2005-2006, Edmonton has tumbled down the standings. At the start of the 2009-2010 season, Edmonton was ranked higher than Vancouver and Colorado in the NWD by TSN. Bringing in two head coaches (Tom Renney and Pat Quinn), a resurgent goaltender (Khabibulin), and the having the belief that the long list of young players would develop earned Edmonton that ranking. However, players like Gagner, Cogliano, Brule, Pouliot, and Jacques didn't answer the call. It's a disturbing trend to see that number of young players stagnate in a division, let alone within a single organization.
That's not to say all is lost. Lowe knew he had to make changes that would turn the course of the doomed vessel, targeting and hiring Steve Tambellini as the new GM. After one season it is impossible to say if there's an impact. The 2010-2011 season will be the decision for the Oilers organization: getting the first overall pick has the chance of adding a player to your organization immediately. Whether it is Hall or Seguin remains to be seen, but both have that potential. Although a deep draft this year, Edmonton only has 1 top-30 pick. This would be one reason why Tambellini is fielding offers. The deal with the best outcome would be a deal with Boston that would ship an unhappy and discontent Sheldon Souray and the first overall pick (plus others?) for the 2nd and 15th overall picks. This strategy will only work if Edmonton does something about their development system. Hall and Seguin may be neck-and-neck for that top ranking, but I fear that whomever is chosen by Edmonton will have his value immediately diminished. While Pheonix is the financial sinkhole of the NHL, Edmonton might be the talent black hole.
A few other notes: while the draft is coming up soon, shortly after that we have free agency. The pool this year is massive. I'm predicting a lot of deals and a lot of "favors" being done to ensure that high-cap teams are able to engage the free agent market. I won't be shocked if teams like Calgary (with an incomplete team and 3.8 million away from the cap) deal with like Columbus for money-trades.
New Jersey has a new head coach. The organized hired from within, bringing up AHL affiliate coach McLean. McLean lead Lowell to a 39-31-4 regular season record before being ousted in the first round of the AHL playoffs.
Pre-game
I've decided to spend some time and energy making a blog. A blog about my three favorite things: hockey, psychology, and cooking. Why blog about things I like? I want to take the combined information that I've read about each of those topic, parse it out, and give my take. This blog isn't for anyone other than myself. So, the same way players get into the game, time to go out and have a first shift.
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