The official NHL thread

[WOLF]

From ticket site. Maybe an announcement is coming soon. 2/8 could be the date:

Gillette Stadium will be the host to a classic NHL match up between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens during the 2014-2015 NHL season. Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's New England Patriots, is an outdoor football stadium with a seating capacity nearing 69,000 seats. The NHL is excited to continue the success of outdoor games that have been reintroduced in recent years. Both the Bruins and Habs have history playing in outdoor games. In 2003, the Montreal Canadiens participated in the NHL Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers. In 2010, the Boston Bruins participated in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The 2014-2015 NHL schedule won't be complete without this major marquee... The NHL Stadium Series presents the Montreal Canadiens vs the Boston Bruins at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The game will be broadcast across the US and Canada and highlighted as an Original 6 Match up that has many key components: history, tradition, playoff positions, bragging rights and the eyes of hockey fans across the world.

Bruins vs Canadiens Gillette Stadium Tickets

Tickets for the Bruins and Canadiens game will be in very high demand. Gillette Stadium holds close to 69,000 fans but that won't seem like enough seats to hold the massive amount of fans from all over New England and Quebec. Seats are available all across the stadium including lower level seating, end zone seating, sideline seating, upper level seating, vip boxes, suites, front row seats aisle seats and so much more. Gillette Stadium is a modern stadium with excellent amenities (inside the stadium and outside the stadium).

This game will sell out very quickly. If you're planning on going to the game, please make sure to order seats for the game as soon as you can to guarantee you can get seats. The Bruins vs Habs game in Foxborough, MA will be a very popular event and tickets will be at a premium. This game will be one of the NHL's premier games in the 2014-2015 season.

When I saw the schedule, I thought THAT could be the date, given that it's after the Superbowl and the NHL has a bit more chance to be in the spotlight on weekends.

Where there's smoke there's fire. Should be AMAZING, but I still think if you take 60K Bruins fans, 10K Habs fans, vast amounts of alcohol, mixed with cold weather, and you could have a security nightmare on your hands. Sounds like fun!

[UtahRatt]

Subban is going to get so overpaid its not even funny.

He should get good acting money. Like Kristen Stewart, terrible but high paid.

[WOLF]

Pens new coach. He could be a pleasant surprise, but color me underwhelmed:

From TSN.ca -

The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to introduce Mike Johnston as their new head coach at a news conference at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.

Johnston has worked the last five seasons behind the bench with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, leading them to a berth in the Memorial Cup tournament in 2013.

Prior to joining the Winterhawks in 2008, he worked with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks as an associate coach.

Johnston also coached Canada's entry in the 2009 World Under-18 Hockey Championship and worked for Team Canada for five seasons from 1994-99 serving in the capacity of General Manager and associate coach and finally head coach for the 1998-1999 season, and was an assistant coach at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.

Johnston has won three gold medals as head coach for Canada at the Spengler Cup Tournament and two World Junior Championship as an assistant coach in 1994 and 1995.

[alecjonsludge]

Pens new coach. He could be a pleasant surprise, but color me underwhelmed:

From TSN.ca -

The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to introduce Mike Johnston as their new head coach at a news conference at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.

Johnston has worked the last five seasons behind the bench with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, leading them to a berth in the Memorial Cup tournament in 2013.

Prior to joining the Winterhawks in 2008, he worked with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks as an associate coach.

Johnston also coached Canada's entry in the 2009 World Under-18 Hockey Championship and worked for Team Canada for five seasons from 1994-99 serving in the capacity of General Manager and associate coach and finally head coach for the 1998-1999 season, and was an assistant coach at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.

Johnston has won three gold medals as head coach for Canada at the Spengler Cup Tournament and two World Junior Championship as an assistant coach in 1994 and 1995.

Used to coach the University Of New Brunswick men's team as well. Could never bring home the CIS Championship,something the team has done on a regular basis since.

[WhiteHouseSubsAC]

Johnston is a great coach. I don't know if he will be able to handle Crysby but he did some excellent things in Portland.

[pieceofme]

Draft day! Got a feeling Florida won't keep the number 1 pick. Hope we do, but we'll see what the return will be like if it does happen.

[Kid-Wicked]

dale tallon was on tsn and said he's had 3 real solid offers for the first pick, one of which IS from the canucks.
hunter shincarick, a roster player and the 6th overall pick.
is reinhart that good?

[NeverSurrender]

If the Isles trade their 1st, Garth Snow will get fleeced.

[WOLF]

dale tallon was on tsn and said he's had 3 real solid offers for the first pick, one of which IS from the canucks.
hunter shincarick, a roster player and the 6th overall pick.
is reinhart that good?

Reinhart won't go first. It's looking more and more like Aaron Ekblad, a D man, will go #1. Any team looking to build depth, from the back end out, will love him. The Leafs covet him, as they are finally getting smart. Build around Bernier in nets, Reilly, Ekblad (if they can get him), Gardiner, etc. Good teams start with good defence.

This is a solid draft, but there's no "star" or "generational player" here. I think you will see lots of teams trading down, accumulating extra picks and the odd roster player.

There's nobody in the draft I would sell the farm for. There are rumors that we may see some actual hockey trades today; roster player for roster player, as well.

[WOLF]

Looks like Kesler has been traded to Anaheim.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=455848

The deal makes Anaheim an offensive power house - IF Kesler stays healthy.

They gave up a lot though:

- Nick Bonino
- Luca Sbisa
- 1st rounder

This helps the Canucks if they are indeed rebuilding, but are these guys game changers? Still, not a bad haul for an oft injured malcontent who let it be known he wanted out.

[alecjonsludge]

Not a bad deal for the Canucks, I like Bonino's game.As Wolf stated,Kesler didn't want to be there and this helps them rebuild.

[WOLF]

Now Canucks' have moved Jason Garrison, a hometown boy, to the Lightning, for a 2nd rounder. 'Nucks are clearing cap space and stockpiling picks and kids.

Benning may have accomplished more in a few hours than Gillis did in several years!

[alecjonsludge]

Now they got Derek Dorsett for a 3rd rounder. Trevor Linden is not a wallflower.

[alecjonsludge]

Darren Dreger is reporting that the Canucks are trying to work out a deal for the 1st overall pick.

[pieceofme]

The Canucks are getting fleeced today imo.

Not long to go now!

[WOLF]

The Canucks are getting fleeced today imo.

Not long to go now!

I don't think so. The return was good for Kesler. If Kesler were healthier/happier maybe he would command more, but Bonino is a legit 20 goal guy; Sbisa has moved around a lot but I think he has upside on D, and a 1st rounder is just that.

Apparently the 'Nucks DID try to move up to #1 overall to take Reinhart. They offered BOTH their 1st rounders and Shinkaruk. I don't get that. Reinhart is good, but not THAT good. What message does that send to Shinkaruk, and whomever they will draft at #6 (and #24).

In any case - Vancouver is drama central at the draft.

[alecjonsludge]

Penguins trade James Neal to Nashville for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.
On the surface it looks like a steal for Nashville, but The Penguins needed to dump salary and this also helps them with their bottom six issue. Ideally I'd have prefered he stayed as he is as pure a sniper as this is(when he's not serving suspensions for boneheaded moves),but the salary they need to dump is too old(Kunitz,Scuderi), or too oft injured(Letang,Scuderi again) or virtually untradeable due to his stroke issues (Letang again), making Neal the sacrificial lamb.

ETA As well,trading Kunitz would only put management at odds with 87, not a good way to start out your tenure.

[WOLF]

Penguins trade James Neal to Nashville for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.
On the surface it looks like a steal for Nashville, but The Penguins needed to dump salary and this also helps them with their bottom six issue. Ideally I'd have prefered he stayed as he is as pure a sniper as this is(when he's not serving suspensions for boneheaded moves),but the salary they need to dump is too old(Kunitz,Scuderi), or too oft injured(Letang,Scuderi again) or virtually untradeable due to his stroke issues (Letang again), making Neal the sacrificial lamb.

ETA As well,trading Kunitz would only put management at odds with 87, not a good way to start out your tenure.

Hornqvist is Jeckyll/Hyde, but if you get the good one, he can be a great asset, while addressing some of the bottom 6 depth issues via Spaling. You could have done worse.

[WOLF]

If the Isles trade their 1st, Garth Snow will get fleeced.

I think the Isles had a really good day. Del Colle is a character, and talented, kid. The trade to move up and draft Ho-Sang was brilliant. The kid needs a bit of an attitude adjustment, but that being said he might be the most talented kid taken today.

[jizzyjizim]

We get ZEE GERMAN!



He'll be the big Center we crave..happy with the pick...

[pieceofme]

The Canucks are getting fleeced today imo.

Not long to go now!

I don't think so. The return was good for Kesler. If Kesler were healthier/happier maybe he would command more, but Bonino is a legit 20 goal guy; Sbisa has moved around a lot but I think he has upside on D, and a 1st rounder is just that.

Apparently the 'Nucks DID try to move up to #1 overall to take Reinhart. They offered BOTH their 1st rounders and Shinkaruk. I don't get that. Reinhart is good, but not THAT good. What message does that send to Shinkaruk, and whomever they will draft at #6 (and #24).

In any case - Vancouver is drama central at the draft.

I'm pretty sure they were getting better offers at deadline day.

Unless the Canucks pull some big move (such as signing Miller like i've heard), then they will be playing for McDavid next year.

And I'm glad the Panthers took Ekblad instead of taking the Canucks offer.

[jizzyjizim]

The Canucks are getting fleeced today imo.

Not long to go now!

I don't think so. The return was good for Kesler. If Kesler were healthier/happier maybe he would command more, but Bonino is a legit 20 goal guy; Sbisa has moved around a lot but I think he has upside on D, and a 1st rounder is just that.

Apparently the 'Nucks DID try to move up to #1 overall to take Reinhart. They offered BOTH their 1st rounders and Shinkaruk. I don't get that. Reinhart is good, but not THAT good. What message does that send to Shinkaruk, and whomever they will draft at #6 (and #24).

In any case - Vancouver is drama central at the draft.

I'm pretty sure they were getting better offers at deadline day.

Unless the Canucks pull some big move (such as signing Miller like i've heard), then they will be playing for McDavid next year.

And I'm glad the Panthers took Ekblad instead of taking the Canucks offer.

That Canucks offer was shit anyway

[NeverSurrender]

If the Isles trade their 1st, Garth Snow will get fleeced.

I think the Isles had a really good day. Del Colle is a character, and talented, kid. The trade to move up and draft Ho-Sang was brilliant. The kid needs a bit of an attitude adjustment, but that being said he might be the most talented kid taken today.

Thanks for the post, Wolf.

[WOLF]

Madness sure to ensue today:

- Habs acquire P.A. Parenteau for Danny Briere yesterday (love it).

- Jason Spezza just traded to Dallas for Alex Chiasson, other youngsters, and picks (Dallas will soon be a power house)

UPDATE -

- Habs sign Manny Malhotra 1 year/850 K (excellent, 2nd best faceoff % in NHL, great as 4th line center and PK)

- Ehrhoff to Pittsburgh to replace Niskanen; 1 year/4 million (good signing IMO)

- Oilers are IDIOTS. Benoit Pouliot: 5 years/20 million, Mark Fayne: 4 years/14 million ( I guess you need to sign who you can in Edmonton, but Pouliot and 20 million do not belong in the same sentance)

TOO MUCH TO KEEP UP WITH NOW -

Tom Gilbert to Habs
Jussi Jokinen to Panthers
Stastny to Blues
Dan Boyle to Rangers
Cammaleri to Devils
Mason Raymond to Flames
Goalie Chad Johnson to Isles
....

[jizzyjizim]

Madness sure to ensue today:

- Habs acquire P.A. Parenteau for Danny Briere yesterday (love it).

- Jason Spezza just traded to Dallas for Alex Chiasson, other youngsters, and picks (Dallas will soon be a power house)

UPDATE -

- Habs sign Manny Malhotra 1 year/850 K (excellent, 2nd best faceoff % in NHL, great as 4th line center and PK)

- Ehrhoff to Pittsburgh to replace Niskanen; 1 year/4 million (good signing IMO)

- Oilers are IDIOTS. Benoit Pouliot: 5 years/20 million, Mark Fayne: 4 years/14 million ( I guess you need to sign who you can in Edmonton, but Pouliot and 20 million do not belong in the same sentance)

TOO MUCH TO KEEP UP WITH NOW -

Tom Gilbert to Habs
Jussi Jokinen to Panthers
Stastny to Blues
Dan Boyle to Rangers
Cammaleri to Devils
Mason Raymond to Flames
Goalie Chad Johnson to Isles
....

Fayne signing was a good deal IMO...Pouliot signing isn't great, I wasn't crazy about the term more than anything...but if anything this Oilers team needed size and with both those signings, plus Purcell we got size..the Oilers will always have to over-pay players to play in Edm, it'll be this way until they can ice a competitive team..and really..who cares...they had 21 million in cap space to sign these guys..its not my money, fuck it

[WOLF]

Totally insane day. Lots of teams got major makeovers. Here's the lowdown:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=25880

[pieceofme]

The Bolland contract is insane, but I'm okay with all the other Panther ones.

So far that is. Only day 1!

[pieceofme]

Currently the Alberta teams along with Buffalo are looking like the most likely to get McDavid.

Still, I'm sure there will be trades and more signings so things could look different. Although Buffalo won't be trying that hard, as they have been/are going full rebuild.

[NeverSurrender]

One day maybe I will get a real NHL team to cheer for.

[WOLF]

The Bolland contract is insane, but I'm okay with all the other Panther ones.

So far that is. Only day 1!

The Panthers WAY overpaid for Bolland, essentially a 3rd line player, but beyond that the Panthers added a lot of depth that will help support the development of their young players.

I'm sure coach Gallant is happy to have a Luongo/Montoya tandem in nets, Willie Mitchell, Jokinen, Shawn Thornton, to mentor the likes of Huberdeau, Ekblad, Gubrandson, Barkov, etc.

Good week for the Panthers.

One day maybe I will get a real NHL team to cheer for.

The Isles need to draft well, which they did, and keep their players. We all know, given ownership and volatility, that the Isles won't attract quality free agents. Build from within. Once the kids get good, and the team is in a new building, maybe with a new owner, then the vets will come.