EHM The Blue Line

In CBC interviews during the New Jersey-Tampa series, Pat Burns referred to the Devils as 'we'. I think that settles it.

CatchUp wrote: As for Tony, maybe he'll play some 4th line, or not.

You sure you want a super-fast mosquito with hands of stone on your fourth line?

Kekkonen wrote:

CatchUp wrote: As for Tony, maybe he'll play some 4th line, or not.

You sure you want a super-fast mosquito with hands of stone on your fourth line?

Nope, not really too sure - hence the "or not".

Also for those keeping score at home:

Scott Howsen in as GM in Columbus
Jim Playfair out as Coach in Calgary (staying on as associate)
Mike Keenan in as Coach in Calgary
Dave Lewis out as Coach in Boston
John Muckler out as GM in Ottawa
Darcy Regier back as GM in Buffalo
Lindy Ruff back as Coach in Buffalo
Randy Carlyle extended in Anaheim

word up.

CatchUp wrote:I'd be willing to bet that Samsonov magically rekindles his offensive ability playing with Toews or Havlat while being treated like the star he wants to be. As long as Savard uses him how HE wants to be used - all will be fine.

Oh just a note to JFJ: Don't sign Cullimore.

Actually, I think Samsonov and Havlat could be dangerous on the ice together if Sammy doesn't start floating. Put a decent center with them and they could work some magic. Just hope that Samsonov isn't "ruined" from his Montreal experience.

bruins72 wrote:

CatchUp wrote:I'd be willing to bet that Samsonov magically rekindles his offensive ability playing with Toews or Havlat while being treated like the star he wants to be. As long as Savard uses him how HE wants to be used - all will be fine.

Oh just a note to JFJ: Don't sign Cullimore.

Actually, I think Samsonov and Havlat could be dangerous on the ice together if Sammy doesn't start floating. Put a decent center with them and they could work some magic. Just hope that Samsonov isn't "ruined" from his Montreal experience.

I agree, I think with a decent center, it would be a good solid line that Chicago hasn't really had in a while.

I also hope Samsonov isn't ruined, especially at his young age.

Hand ZEUSSSS? Oh wait, I mean a healthy Handzus.


But no...the man in the middle will be Jonathon Toews.

Systemfel wrote:In CBC interviews during the New Jersey-Tampa series, Pat Burns referred to the Devils as 'we'. I think that settles it.

Pat Burns is working for NJ as a scout thats why he always use "we" when he talks about the team. He said that he never talked about beeing back behind the bench of the nj devils with lou.

batdad wrote:Hand ZEUSSSS? Oh wait, I mean a healthy Handzus.


But no...the man in the middle will be Jonathon Toews.

Handzus would be great if healthy and if he resigns with the team. Most of the talk I've heard has suggested that he's probably going to end up elsewhere in the offseason as a UFA. Chicago wants him back but he wants to test the market.

Do you think they'll trow Toews into the fire as a first line center in his first season? If things go bad it could really be a blow to the kid's developement.

Yes, I think they will at least try to throw Toews in failing signing Handzus. The kid has proven over and over (especially world championships) he is ready for this type of shot. I think the Hawks go for it!

I just hate to see so much pressure thrown on a kid right out of the gate. Let's hope he can handle it.

If anyone (other than Sid can) can....it will be Toews.

Just to point out Muckler has not yet been let go. TSN jumped the gun. Although rumours have Murray replacing Muckler, and Muckler going into a consultant role. Also, since Bryan Murray has not signed in Ottawa to coach, there are rumours the big bad Bruins are going after him to coach.

I've been hearing that Murray is going to be Ottawa's GM and one of his assistants is going to be the new head coach.

As for the Bruins, Peter Chiarelli has said that his list of coaching candidates is narrowed down to 4. He's admitted that one of those 4 is Mike Milbury! That one kind of blew me away. He was great as a Bruins coach back in the 80's but I don't know if could coach today's game. He's great for motivating but I don't know about how he would handle this style of game. We all know that he should never be a GM ever again!

I've heard that Pat Quinn is one of the other 3. Also in consideration is Scott Gordon, the Providence Bruins coach. I've heard Claude Julien and Pat Burns tossed around as names for the fourth candidate. Of course, out of the four, only Milbury has been confirmed by Chia.

I personally would like to see Scott Gordon give a chance. He's worked wonders down on the farm. I hear he's got them playing a great brand of hockey down there, fast and in your face. Most sources claim that there will be a few of the Providence Bruins making the jump to the big roster this season and he knows how to get the most of those guys. Plus, there are a bunch of guys already on the Bruins roster that have played for Gordon in Providence not that long ago. Bergeron speaks very highly of him. Kind of afraid of what type of hockey Quinn, Milbury, or Julian might have the Bruins playing.

WOW! Philly stocks up

And Now its official, Muckler let go. Murray as GM in Ottawa

That Philly one is very odd. A loophole found. Timonen and Hartnell sign as Free agents, as the Flyers give up the #1 they got from Nashville back to Nashville in Foppa deal for the rights to deal with Timonen/Hartnell. That is kind of a scary trade. My thoughts on this are it is kind of shady....Philly clearly was talking to these guys all along...and not sure that is playing fair. Quick signings after getting their rights. Hmmmm

HOLY COW! That Philly/Nashville deal is kind of crazy. I agree with you though. Something fishy is going on there. The only other reason I can see for the deals happening so quickly is how much each payer is being paid. I think they were both grossly overpaid. Hartnell is still a great prospect but he hasn't really proven anything, yet they give him $4.2M a year for 6 years? Most were expecting Hartnell to get between $3M - 3.5M per year and probably not for that long. And I don't know if I'd pay Timonen $6.3M per season.

Way to drive the salaries up around the league, Philly!

Yeah the Flyers are up to their old tricks.

Despite the fact that I think they overpaid... their team has just gotten better pretty quickly. Plus, don't forget they got Biron at the end of the season. They might still add some more UFAs too.

Biron is a free agent. Not sure Philly will bring him back or not. Signed Nitty to a big deal the other day.

Really? I thought they had already re-signed Biron back in March?

bruins72 is correct: Biron signed a 2-year deal in March. (Esche will be a UFA July 1st) If the Flyers can somehow sign Handzus when he becomes a free agent they will be in pretty good shape all around...

I'm not seeing what's so shady about this deal.

Nashville can't re-sign two players - they give Flyers exclusive negotiating rights in exchange for 1st round pick - deal made - Flyers negotiate with players - players accept - Flyers get players.

Looks like a simple trade of goods, to me.

Shady in the sense that the signings came way too quick after the trade. Clearly, the Flyers were speaking to the players before they had their rights. It is a technicality yes...but a loophole.

And oh...I stand corrected on Biron. Must have missed that.

Good deal for Nashville. Getting a first is always better than nothing

I'm surprised we didn't heard Minty ranting about Samsonov going to the Hawks... Still crying?

Shadd666 wrote: I'm surprised we didn't heard Minty ranting about Samsonov going to the Hawks... Still crying?

Hey, they got rid of Cullimore and Salmelainen. It's not all bad.

Yeah..Minstrel is probably doing his happy dance actually...