IBatch

That's the new model. And doubt it will change anytime soon. Stone I believe more than bud-lite boy. Although I did find his shirt company a little hilarious rubbing it in after (118 million over the cap - we don't care - etc)

Sorry that doesn't bother me at all. I'm a little tired of the leaders we've had on this team since Linden. I'm sure Miller would have toned his stuff down if asked. A couple things and he's somehow not a good leader is a bunch of BS. Or made a good Captain. Aren't you a little bit sick and tired of watching guys walk down the tunnel with their heads held down? Know Miller confused Delia but it wasn't like he didn't scream at it him to leave before starting to hit the net with his stick, and yes it was his mistake too, which you can bet he knew right away and was trying to help. Got him moving didn't he? Don't confuse pissed off for sulking either. Better then smiling and saying "well there is is always next game". Miller is the only reason this team isn't blown to smitherings. If we kept that pick, I doubt we'd be talking about any of this right now. JT Miller is both our curse and our saviour, without him i'm pretty sure both EP and QHs would be on other teams already. They weren't ready. And Horvat certainly wasn't going to score 99 points and put the team on his back. What the heck did EP do when Miller was keeping the team relevant? Not enough. I don't think Miller was nearly as bad as things were blown into. Nobody seemed to mind watching him name the starting lineup in the bubble. And personally, i've been waiting a long time to see some sort of passion from this team. Jovo was probably the last guy to show any like that, maybe Bieksa or Kesler as far as guys with obvious leadership goes. Why can't we have good things and just appreciate it when we have it?

They are buddies off the ice.

As a reply I voted hell yes we need a pre-season. 6 games is right on the money. Any less isn't enough time for staff to try fringe players out, and manage turnover plus try new things out. Vegas. Has the exact same roster so don't "OMG they lost every single game" because for sure they won't treat it like other teams will. Likely they will use it for their prospects. PIT who has seen the most turnover (10 guys !) will be working hard on line combos. We absolutely need a pre-season this year for reasons stated already. Would you prefer they use the regular season to pin down our defensive pairings instead? Or work on a post Horvat PP? Stars yes they should get a couple games in. 2 each at least.

Also will say, never get bummed if we lose games, or stoked if we win most. See that every year on this site. We can lose every game or win every game, it won't predict the season at all no matter who's playing. Stars aren't risking themselves. Including goalies. And no name pre-season leading scorers who've barely or haven't had any NHL games, rarely are worth picking in fantasy leagues. Too many variables with what each team is trying to accomplish. Sure hope that Tochett will use these games to find his D pairings. Sure Podz and Hogs also will be given a chance, but don't be surprised if Hogs is waived and Podz is sent down if nobody's is injured.

First of all, the pre-season is so tame compared to how it used to be it's like a beer league in comparison. Used to be, for about 3 decades, guys literally were fighting for a job. Fight filled affairs every night, a lot more than the regular season, and fighting has been trending down now for 15 years. So let's just not worry about that OP. If you want to spend the time, and this is when every team had a guy or maybe two, who has 20 fights a year and a half dozen more who had 4-10, go check out the stats for what the pre-season average fights per game looked like compared to the average regular season game. Year to year more fighting in the pre-season. Secondly, Green failed to use his pre-season to focus on his regulars after a crap ton of change over. Sure hope Tochett doesn't make the same mistake this year, given the entire D core has changed aside from QHs and Myers. Trying to find that 13th guy (Green) cost him his job. Coaches need the pre-season for a variety of reasons. Good teams use it for exactly what Green did - good for him he found Chiasson whom was the right choice, but he completely missed the ball on instead playing our starting roster and working on getting guys to gel given all the change over. That said Bruce also sucked with the PK. So maybe it wouldn't have mattered much - and I hated waiving Gadjovich. Do you really want four new guys on our D not getting any reps prior to the season? As far as stars go, still voted yes. They need reps too, just not as many. A couple games here and there so opening night isn't a gong show. The pre-season for sure is there for a reason. Gives teams a chance to figure out the bottom part of their roster. And for the record, two coaches in a row isn't on the coaches, it's on the GMs. And the players.

I do agree they likely start with QHs and Hronek. Not sure it will work, but they will give it a go. Pearson back means Hogs is waived. Not the end of the world. Just don't see a spot for him. Unless he has a crazy pre-season. Doesn't mean he's getting picked up either. It's also likely Podz starts the season in the AHL. Although his game, would work on the fourth line. Until we move a winger, or someone is injured, those guys likely won't be on the team, both of them anyways. Unless we do something radical like waiving Garland. No way Tochett approves that. Why would he? Same with Beau. Same with Brock. Even Studnicka, he's our only RHC. Bluegar and Suter are locks. Joshua is likely safe too. Pearson for sure is safe, he gives Tochett the option to create a 3rd shutdown line with Suter and Mikheyev. Or add him to the top six. There is no way Hogs is going to bump Pearson. And Podz doesn't need waivers.

This is what they likely will try first. Soucy is the guy they will use Cole to insulate and are hoping will run with the chance as a top four. If they find QHs and Hronek get owned in their own end, then I see them splitting it up, putting Cole (Schenn 2.0) on his line and moving Hronek down to play with Soucy. Personally feel they will lean heavily on the top pairing. QHs finishes the season with 26 plus minutes a game. Hronek 24ish. Soucy and Cole 20-21. Irwin Myers ... 15-18 Myers with the extra minutes because when he's needed will also move up and down a little. Also see Brisbois and Wolanin getting games in the Irwin spot. But to start, it's Irwin's to lose.

Pretty sure the pairings they will go with are: QHs Hronek Soucy Cole (Cole the vet to stabilize the extra minutes) Irwin Myers Wallinder is going to be groomed for QHs partner. Hronek will get a good shot at proving he's a good fit. If things don't work out: QHs Cole Soucy Hronek Irwin Myers

Sure a lot nicer to see than Goldobin, Bear, LE and maybe Pearson. Last season Brock has a career year in assists. And you got your wish, a lot of time playing with Dries, the spare part line, and on and off the first unit (our second unit is only thrown out there to regain possession and the zone the last 30 seconds). Under Tochett he played better. Know his criticism is warranted. But man i've never seen a guy with worse luck. JV's mistake breaks his back, his wrist etc ... was our best player (know you will never admit this) covid year, then Greens last season, Bruce bump which he was part of, then breaks his freaking hand. For stretches during his time with us he's shown he can play well. This year will be the last one I hold out on hope he can make it work. Hope he's working on his foot speed. New training routine, came into camp looking lean. There is still a chance there is a place for him. Was hoping he'd be our Patrick Sharp.

Wouldn't include Sakic, was barely sub-six, and played at 195-205. QHs is 5'9 1/4-1/2 and started at 170 and change. Maybe added 10lbs to his frame but has a ways to go yet, and should end up in the 190 range. Chris Chelios. QHs's is noticeably height challenged even standing against average height stars in the 5'11 range. Jack Hughes is taller, 5'10. I'm not sure Bieksa was six feet either. Some of these guys lie about their height. Met Kesler, didn't look much over six feet, know exactly what 6' 1/2 and 6'2 look like, because of all the time i've spent with my brothers, and others in that height range. Same with Messier, in real life they shrink, or seem to anyways. Vernon, his entire career added two full inches lol, he admitted he's 5'7" and not 5'9". Demko and Edler are tall dudes. Met Demko and he's a tall man. Reality is 5'11-6'1 there really isn't much of a difference, aside from bulk at that point. Kariya is a good example. Borque started at 5'11 and 195, finished his career at 230. Lidstrom wasn't tall either. 6'0. Coffey height. Even Howe wasn't tall, just built like a brick. Incredibly strong. Pretty sure MTL has had several small Captains the past 20 years too. Saku Kouivo, Ghallagher think had it for a short spell (pun intended), Gionta for several years, and now Suzuki. Weber and Patches in there as well. Wendel Clark and Gilmour weren't tall either, but one was a complete bruiser, and the other's nickname was "Killer". Chris Chelios another Yzerman/Sakic studs, in the 5'11 range. Tochett is average hockey height and for sure looks taller than QHs. He's short! And we all want to Hug him. He's cute too, the hair probably adds an inch lol. The thing I got around to like the most about QHs scouting reports, once we drafted him and Burkies hilarious first comment "that's a small body gentleman, a small body", and started to immediately worry about his well-being at the NHL level, even in todays game, was his competitiveness was off the charts in his scouting reports. 5 out of 5 plus some. Every source has compete as one of his best or even his best asset. Not just a fantastic skater and puck distributor. Was worried about his ability to stay healthy at the start of his career, and a full 82 game season plus playoffs would wear him down. Werenski and McAvoy (McAvoy isn't tall either, no way he's 6 feet unless he's grown since I saw him his rookie season, looked pint sized) have constantly struggled to stay healthy. So far QHs just pops right back up. And in the bubble was heavily targeted from game one in MIN. Dumba is another short D who's had trouble staying healthy. That worry is still there, but no more than any other player on the team now. Guys durable and he's also tough. Broken nose, no big deal. Right back at it. Chelios was nicknamed "Junkyard Dog" by Larry Robinson, the perfect blend of size and skill and blunt force all-time. Chelios was also a small PMD back then. A gym/fitness nut, hope QHs takes Tochetts words to heart and watches some video of Chelios too. Chelios was able to endure that style, because of his commitment to the gym. A 190lb stronger QHs, would make him even a better player. He could look like Bure if he can commit to it (muscles, not sure how those arms can hold the stick sometimes when others are tugging on it), and that should add a lot of value to his game and keep him in it as well.

McCarthy was the first, Lidster so he's the 3rd, I think.

Miller at least tells it like it is "we don't play for you (specifically directed at the reporter after an inflammatory question), we play for each of us in that room" - storms off. Or "the last two years was a shitshow". You can bet QHs will appreciate that, as will the team and most fans (some don't like it). And that's only 1 out of 20 Miller interviews, the other ones he's collected. For sure EP wasn't ready and for that reason alone, not the right choice. Personally was happy with either QHs or Miller. If I had to pick, slight edge to Miller, he just signed long term and has become a real leader in that room long before Horvat was traded. But prerrefed just an interim C deal with Myers or Schenn if he stayed as a one year wait and see. Or just four A's this season. QHs stepped up though, and impressed Tochett enough, which is good enough for me. Either was a good choice. EP was the only choice I would have felt was wrong based on the media data we have available to us. Like "hey please sign, we will do anything, here's the C". Another thing, QHs is only 23, he could be our Captain for another 15-18 years if things work out.

EP, just go and watch the All-star interview. Then follow through with Tochetts comments. It's clear QHs was the front runner. Not second choice. Would have been surprising if EP was given the Captaincy, only one person was ever asked, and guess what, they've made the announcement. For months the discussions have been will it be JT Miller, or will it be QHs, with Tochetts comments really focusing on only one guy. QHs. As an aside, no issue with this, would have been fine with waiting too. QHs will be a good one for us for sure. Doesn't take a shift off. Takes a hit and jumps right back up. And off course is an unbelievable player. Edit: Getting asked to take an increased leadership role with QHs, after Horvat was traded, isn't getting offer the C. QHs embraced it, EP said the right things when asked the question "If he'd like to Captain this team", in a way that kept the door open, while politely turning it down, by the media.

Would strongly recommend, for any hockey fans, if you get the chance go to MTL and enjoy their food and cheer, in the winter and go have a look at their arena. It would take a couple games of intermission's, just to read about their legends who they've got plaques around the upper bowl. Their site lines aren't great because it's too big, so make sure you get red tickets. And spend some time looking at their statues, and if you want bring your skates and enjoy a skate before the show. Was considering bringing up some of their earlier guys, some who even today are in the top 30 all-time Hockey News rankings. Thanks to the 1999 lists and whom they used back then to do them. Plante and Roy on their own are both in their top four all-time. With a debate with both, of why they could or should be considered number one (Sawchuk gets that honour and likely will forever, they have a rule, that the 1999 list is set in stone, any player that was already retired can't move up the list). Hasek was number six, Dryden number 7. Broduer retired and moved way up to number 3. Hall ranked 5. Makes sense given he was the original butterfly goalie which gets missed, and his stats were pretty sick. As an aside, Lidstrom was barely even on their radar at the time for D's, but recentcy bias and a writer who never saw any great defensemen but him play, ranked him ahead of Orr, pushing him all the way up to number 3 after he retired. Yikes. Not sure why folks can't defer to their elders. I'm a sponge and asked about guys from mine all the time from family members, and friends parents. At least the list in 1999 wasn't completely ruined by that and Harvey still gets the number two spot, but guys like Borque, Potvin, Coffey and Robinson were done dirty. Same with Al Mac, even guys like Kevin Stevens, who changed style to fit a team dynamic, he's said he left a lot of points on the table to please Lemaire and make it work for the team and believe him. Yzerman did too for Bowman. Lidstrom at 17th for PPG, just behind Suter. To me he did everything well, but nothing elite. He wasn't an Orr, Coffey, Al Mac, Housley, Leetch, Potvin, Murphy etc etc etc on the offensive side of things. And he certainly wasn't a Robinson, Langway, Steven's either. Or Borque. Borque could crush you .. 230lbs when he retired all muscle. Or Pronger. Coffey was one tough player as well. So was Orr. As was Chelios. Salming, Park (who mentored Borque). It took a lockout and rule changes for a 35 year old Lidstrom to get a PPG season with 80 in 80. A 37 year old Zubov also got 71. The 2000's, IMO, was the worst decade talent wise, after the old guard retired, i've ever seen. It was simply bad. Crosby and Ovi helped for sure. And it was looking up near the end of the 2000's. Jagr after the lockout, almost beat Thornton for the Art Ross, and the Richard trophy Cheechoo got three more goals lol. Left soon after. Alfie, Sundin, Selanne, Sakic were all long in the tooth. Past their "primes" like Lidstrom. It was something to behold anyways. It's sure nice to see things finally catching up skill wise. Know i say this a lot. It's a pet peeve of mine. It's too easy to compare era's. If stars in their 20's can't keep up to guys in their 30's that's all you need to say. 37 year old Shanny is another guy. These guys loved the post lockout era. Made up a little bit, for losing 1.5 years to lockouts on their all-time stat sheet a little. Jagr would have 2100 points easy if he didn't go the KHL, or lose those seasons. And 75 goals just from the lockouts is reasonable. Plus another 60-90 from the KHL. In other words, Ovi likely is chasing Jagr if things went differently. Ovi still has less EV goals right now then Jagr. And long ways behind Gretzky's even strength and shorties combined. Bobby Hull gets penalized in this regard too, going to the WHA. Jagr had longevity too. But his peak was also every bit as good as McDavids so far. And better than Ovi's and Crosby's.

It's not really even fair. Which goes to show how great that lineup is. Agree it might be the greatest lineup you could make aside from just removing one of Coffey or Borque for Orr. Sick.

Habs all the way. Not surprised they went with Plante, they could have also gone with Roy, Dryden or maybe even Price. No team has had such a rich goaltending history as MTL has had. For forward lines, that's also crazy good. Beliveau. Beliveau is arguably the best forward of the group. MTL bought the senior league, just so they could acquire his contract at the start of his career. He's those days version of Crosby, Mr consistent. Always in the conversation for the best player on the planet. And that spanned through 3 decades. Not only is he considered the best leader the sports ever had, he also could play at an elite level right until retirement Was going to announce his retirement, but the Habs begged him to come back. Already part of two dynasties, the Habs 50's and 60's ones... at the time the Habs weren't expected to make the playoffs. Eventually he relented and came back for one more year, as a mentor more than anything. At the time Esposito was shattering records, and Orr was even better. And the Bruins boasted the most 20 goal scorers in league history. They were a powerhouse at the peak of their primes. The Habs didn't feel they had a chance, threw in their rookie goalie Dryden to gain some experience and to see what he could do. The rest is history, Boston was denied a dynasty, and Beliveau was a huge part of that. The guys on the Boston team were pretty upset over Dryden, calling him a "Giraffe", but gushed over Beliveau, and how good he still was (the guys used to shadow him just couldn't do it). His final season, talk about going out on top. Didn't get to see him play, but sure enjoy reading about him.

Maybe the Canucks reach out to him and see what he's looking for. He still wants to play, it makes the most sense he'd like to go for a cup. His bank account can't be a factor at this time given what he took in LA. We could do worse then Edler as a depth guy. As far as sentiment goes, give him a one day deal so he can retire as a Canuck. Or maybe sign him during the season if we get into injury problems on the left side, and even give him a shot. Personally think if nobody else is giving a PTO, we don't have any business doing that either.

Use to bring those bums up when things got over the top critical of LE. There were a few before and after as well. Sure would be nice if the NHL and NHLPA, would have some protection from guys simply not earning their contracts. As in a production clause, make it easy to match based on whom it is, reducing buyouts also reduces escrow, players hate escrow. Maybe they also need to reduce bonus structures to include ANY UFA. Paying them out at the start of their first couple seasons, reduces the carrot for these guys. It's ridiculous the number of teams with players on their books from some guys, going back a decade (Rick Diepetro). It's a trend that will continue, with RFA deals likely to also start peppering teams books at some point as well.

Nice not to have anyone on the list. Interesting comments about as Alf would say "slo-mo" Seider. Goes to show Detroit has more growing pains. Yzerman recently said to his fans "lower expectations, have a ways to go yet" to his fanbase paraphrasing, and for sure they do. Chariot is their version of Gudbranson, without the wheels and at a bad cap hit/term. A buyout candidate when they are ready to make a move like we did with JT Miller. Vlasic is kind of sad. For a decade, like they stated, was the leagues best defensive defenseman. Slavin in CAR is turning into that right now, was unbelievable in last years playoffs, shutting down best lines each series. THN regularly, had Vlasic in their top 50 any position each year when they put it out, usually in the middle of the pack, which is pretty remarkable given the other D's selected before him and after.

He did. Going to the finals made up for it somewhat. He was a bit of a nutter, made some bad moves and some good ones.

If the team didn't sign Mikheyev, we'd of had some cap flexibility. Without getting into the term and cap hit (seems about right), it was a timing thing. That cap would have allowed the team to either keep Horvat or make a move to improve our defense without worrying about OEL so much (maybe hold off a year on his buyout). It's not like the team did poorly without him (or Horvat for that matter), it's more about cap flexibility and re-allocating it where we need it the most. That extra 4.75, could have been used to keep Horvat and add a Bluegar/Suter or Cole last season. Then add Soucy this year, for example. I like the Horvat trade though. And no way 8.5 x 8 is going to age well. Personally don't mind Ilya M at all. Maybe they planned to trade other guys, and found out they couldn't. This summer they did a great job of clearing cap and not committing to anyone expensive. And what could we have done this summer with an extra 4.75 in cap? Really the only mild criticism of Allvin and co so far that I can think of. The OEL think might come to haunt us, but get that was fixing a big mistake. This summer and since the Horvat trade (glad he was patient), was progress. Overall im happy with the job he's done so far. Kuzmenko was found money. An excellent pickup. Soucy - i've wanted him on our team for a couple years now. No bad contracts given out. It's refreshing. Also think we've got a better chance at making the playoffs then the pundits are saying. Some actually are calling us a dark horse and believe we have a shot. Truly believe with this roster, a couple years ago, we'd be talking about whom we will play in the first round a bit right now. LA and SEA will give us a run for our money for sure. Edit: As for the PK, believe we go from 69 goals allowed to the middle of the pack or above average, 54-50 instead, that's enough for 8-10 extra points. 91 - 93 is close to what we will need to make it. A better defensive system, shouldn't be too hard to find an extra 2-4 points along the way should it?

And the answer to the question is still Rick Tochett. Lol. Berube in St. Louis too.

Soucy hands down. Check him out. We haven't had a guy like him since Ohlund or maybe Edler when he first came to the league and would stand guys up.

The thing that changes our options is Hronek. Having 2d's should reduce our short handed goals against. We can't allow 14 goals and only have the 13th best in the league and expect to add points to the season. Hope they give it a go anyways. Rather have a consistent power play then a hot and cold one too.