The official NHL thread

[John Simon Ritchie]

This scares the living piss out of me if they can go back and void Hossa's contract a year after the fact. From what I'm understanding here, not only could the Blackhawks lose Hossa, but they'd be fined 5Mil on the salaray cap. That seems so wrong.

From ESPN....

It's comical to read some people declaring that the NHL can't go after the contracts of Roberto Luongo(notes), Chris Pronger(notes) and/or Marc Savard(notes) because it "would be in complete violation of the collective bargaining agreement and it would be a complete infringement of the players' rights under the CBA," as Kurt Overhardt told the Vancouver Sun.

Second 26.10 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement not only states that an investigation will in "no way be limited by the fact that such [Standard Player Contract] was approved and registered by Central Registry," but that "there shall be no limitation of time barring the investigation of a Circumvention by the Commissioner." As long as the investigations were ongoing -- and they have been for these contracts, and for that of Marian Hossa(notes) -- the NHL can still go after them.

For a document that usually offers about as much definitive clarity as a Rorschach test, that's fairly authoritative.

That said, many of the agents speaking on and off the record following the rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk's(notes) 17-year contract with the New Jersey Devils don't appear to be ringing an alarm bell on the NHL's investigation of similarly structured deals. From 'Malkin To The Kings' in the Ottawa Sun, speaking to a high-profile anonymously sourced agent:

Shit, that sucks. Definitely don't wanna lose Pronger here in Philly.

[johnk5150]

This scares the living piss out of me if they can go back and void Hossa's contract a year after the fact. From what I'm understanding here, not only could the Blackhawks lose Hossa, but they'd be fined 5Mil on the salaray cap. That seems so wrong.

From ESPN....

It's comical to read some people declaring that the NHL can't go after the contracts of Roberto Luongo(notes), Chris Pronger(notes) and/or Marc Savard(notes) because it "would be in complete violation of the collective bargaining agreement and it would be a complete infringement of the players' rights under the CBA," as Kurt Overhardt told the Vancouver Sun.

Second 26.10 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement not only states that an investigation will in "no way be limited by the fact that such [Standard Player Contract] was approved and registered by Central Registry," but that "there shall be no limitation of time barring the investigation of a Circumvention by the Commissioner." As long as the investigations were ongoing -- and they have been for these contracts, and for that of Marian Hossa(notes) -- the NHL can still go after them.

For a document that usually offers about as much definitive clarity as a Rorschach test, that's fairly authoritative.

That said, many of the agents speaking on and off the record following the rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk's(notes) 17-year contract with the New Jersey Devils don't appear to be ringing an alarm bell on the NHL's investigation of similarly structured deals. From 'Malkin To The Kings' in the Ottawa Sun, speaking to a high-profile anonymously sourced agent:

Shit, that sucks. Definitely don't wanna lose Pronger here in Philly.

This is fucking BULLSHIT. If it happens, where the FUCK are these guys going to play? Everyone has their rosters/caps set. I'm praying the NHL delays this arbitration bullshit a season.

[WOLF]

/\

It's just an early shot across the bow for future collective bargainning agreements. All of the aforementioned contracts are bullshit and are taking advantage of a loophole in the CBA, however by the letter of the law the contracts aren't in violation of any clause in the CBA (nor is Kovalchuk's either). They can't go back and nullify contracts that were already accepted, but you can be sure that the league governors will tell their GMs to knock it off and the loophole will be closed next CBA.

I also hate to say it, but with Donald Fehr aligning himself with the players, and the league and owners becoming increasingly unhappy with a CBA they hailed as a victory, we're headed for armageddon. If there's another year long lockout in the next 3-5 years, say goodbye to hockey in a lot of US cities.

[johnk5150]

The Stanley Cup may be disappearing today. It's Kaner's day to have it. He took it to Niagra Falls.

[WOLF]

The Stanley Cup may be disappearing today. It's Kaner's day to have it. He took it to Niagra Falls.

That dude who travels with it, and wears while gloves all the time, is going to earn his pay today! Why do I think he's going to be wearing a life vest and will have a barrel handy?

[Facedown]

I heard on Sports Radio today that they fucked up the Stanley Cup....again.
Washington Capitals are SC champs this year, sorry Chicago.

[WOLF]

I heard on Sports Radio today that they fucked up the Stanley Cup....again.
Washington Capitals are SC champs this year, sorry Chicago.

It was the Prince of Wales Trophy (Eastern Conference Championship).

[Facedown]

I heard on Sports Radio today that they fucked up the Stanley Cup....again.
Washington Capitals are SC champs this year, sorry Chicago.

It was the Prince of Wales Trophy (Eastern Conference Championship).

You are correct, sir.

[chungasrevenge]

Feeling good as the new season begins. Looks like the best club on paper in 20 years. The Philly collapse will be the fuel. They also have some interesting trade bait in Savard, Ryder, Wheeler and perhaps Thomas around deadline time.

[Kerry King's Pentagram]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

[WOLF]

Feeling good as the new season begins. Looks like the best club on paper in 20 years. The Philly collapse will be the fuel. They also have some interesting trade bait in Savard, Ryder, Wheeler and perhaps Thomas around deadline time.

I'm sure the Bruins will find a way to fuck things up. They'll trade Savard... or they won't and he'll be a cancer. They'll have a rash of injuries again. TT and his big contract will be a distraction as he sits on the bench... or Rask will struggle his sophmore season and TT will do his floppy the seal imitation.



All kidding aside, the B's scare the hell out of me. Horton was a great addition. Chiarreli has drafted and traded well to stockpile young talent. Horton was an awesome aquisition. If they don't win this year or next they never will.

[chungasrevenge]

Feeling good as the new season begins. Looks like the best club on paper in 20 years. The Philly collapse will be the fuel. They also have some interesting trade bait in Savard, Ryder, Wheeler and perhaps Thomas around deadline time.

If they don't win this year or next they never will.

This is true.

The Habs owned them last year, so it's payback time.

[chungasrevenge]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

How many people are they expecting at the game?

[Kerry King's Pentagram]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

How many people are they expecting at the game?

Don't know to be honest. The venue's capacity for hockey games is about 8,000 or so. Belfast's regular games average about 4,000 per game each season. I'd expect at least 5,000. Possibly more.

[feds]

Canucks will take a serious run this year and win it all. Just sayin'

[Lardbucket]

Canucks will take a serious run this year and win it all. Just sayin'

No they won't. Just sayin'

[feds]

At least they didn't tank year after year just to stock up on top draft picks or sign free agents to ridiculous contracts. Enjoy the cup, it's as tainted as the Rangers 94 win.

[johnk5150]

Canucks will take a serious run this year and win it all. Just sayin'

No they won't. Just sayin'

Canucks will be fine.

Coach Q got paid Friday. Love to see the Hawks keep some of this momentum going. Bring on Detroit and let's pass out some rings.

[chungasrevenge]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

It's not being broadcast on the local network. Another great PR move by the Bruins at a time when interest in the team is really growing. They had 14K the other night for a rookie game against the Islanders.

[SkyDog112046]

The Bruins are putting out a lottery ticket now that the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics have done so. It's a $5 scratch ticket.

I'm guessing they won't follow Jeremy Jacob's suggestion for one lone winning ticket with a $0.50 grand prize.

[John Simon Ritchie]

Flyers versus Devils preseason game tonight. Can't wait.

[johnk5150]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

It's not being broadcast on the local network. Another great PR move by the Bruins at a time when interest in the team is really growing. They had 14K the other night for a rookie game against the Islanders.

I bet your owners didn't black out home games for twenty years like Bill Wirtz did here in Chicago.

[Kerry King's Pentagram]

I'm hoping the Bruins exhibition game against Northern Ireland's Belfast Giants next month is broadcast. It's one of the most exciting things to have ever happened for UK ice hockey.

It's not being broadcast on the local network. Another great PR move by the Bruins at a time when interest in the team is really growing. They had 14K the other night for a rookie game against the Islanders.

That sucks. I'm sure footage of it will show up somewhere online. It's possible the Giants or Bruins may offer a webcast on their official site. It would be silly for them not to. Not everybody can get over to Belfast. Hopefully, we'll know in the next week or so what's happening.

[chungasrevenge]

Sounds like Caron/Hamill/Colbourne/Sauve are all about ready to push out a veteran or two. By veterans I mean Wheeler, Ryder, Savard, Sturm. Pressure is on to produce cause there are some youngsters with game breathing down their necks.

Get the duck boats ready for the parade.

[SkyDog112046]

Sounds like Caron/Hamill/Colbourne/Sauve are all about ready to push out a veteran or two. By veterans I mean Wheeler, Ryder, Savard, Sturm. Pressure is on to produce cause there are some youngsters with game breathing down their necks.

Get the duck boats ready for the parade.

No way Jacobs would spring for duck boats.

More likely way that the Bruins would celebrate a championship:
Celebration in the Garden
Ticket prices twice normal face value
Full price concessions
$10 commemorative plastic cups.

Hell, if they were about to win he'd have a sign in the locker room saying "BYOC: Bring Your Own Champagne". Cheap ass motherfucker...

[WOLF]

/\

I think you guys are getting ahead of yourselves...

[SkyDog112046]

/\

I think you guys are getting ahead of yourselves...

I don't think they are going to win, we were just talking hypothetically.

I think they will be better than last year, but that eventually their idiot coach will cost them a series. 2nd round at best with ol' Claude on the bench.

[WOLF]

If Savard is out for the year that hurts their depth at center big time. I know he's a pain in the and all, but with out them there are a lot of "if's". If Bergeron can regain his form and be a #1 center; if Krejci can be a consistent #2 guy; if kids can step up and fill the #3 and #4 center roles...

The Bruins have young depth like no other team (thanks a lot Brian Burke and John Ferguson Jr.), but Savard is a big loss, if he is indeed lost for an extended period of time.

[chungasrevenge]

If Savard is out for the year that hurts their depth at center big time. I know he's a pain in the and all, but with out them there are a lot of "if's". If Bergeron can regain his form and be a #1 center; if Krejci can be a consistent #2 guy; if kids can step up and fill the #3 and #4 center roles...

The Bruins have young depth like no other team (thanks a lot Brian Burke and John Ferguson Jr.), but Savard is a big loss, if he is indeed lost for an extended period of time.

Friggin Matt Cooke. Bergy looks to be ready to have a career year. Krecji didn't look sharp last night against Florida. Seguin is learning, but would be better suited to start on the wing. All this of course is based on one pre-season game. Wheeler/Colbourne/Hammill might be taking that 3rd center spot until Seguin is ready or Savard returns. If Savard comes back like he did against Philly, then he's better off staying in Ontario.

Think the Habs might be interested in Thomas? Price isn't going to make it through the season without having a breakdown from the pressure. Every goal will be followed by a "Halak" chant.

[chungasrevenge]

/\

I think you guys are getting ahead of yourselves...

I don't think they are going to win, we were just talking hypothetically.

I think they will be better than last year, but that eventually their idiot coach will cost them a series. 2nd round at best with ol' Claude on the bench.

Claude got a HUGE ovation from the season ticket holders at the town hall meeting the other night. Almost as much as Bergy and Neely. I was sort of surprised after last seasons's ending. In front of Jacobs as well. He was all smiles.