***updates appear at bottom of the blog...
is one of the busiest weekends of the year at the Buzz....
On the Sundin Front....
From a source, "Tomorrow is the key day."
Another source told me something that was very encouraging if you are a Habs fan...
"Talking to a Swedish friend of Mats he is starting to get excited about the possibility of playing in Montreal. His talks with Gainey have left him 'Blown away' by the man's professionalism and integrity. And Mats has even said he thinks Montreal would be a wonderful city to play in. Mats friend really believes that it is Montreal or retirement. And that the second Mats decides to make a go of it a 2-year deal will get done."
"The Canadiens don't want Mats to do something he doesn't want to do. The Habs are fine saying, 'give us a try we know you will like it.'" In other words, if Mats wants another year it can be negotiated during the season if need be.
Another source told me that Koivu may be playing a role as well, and also as a source said: "Saku is so respected by the Scandinavian Hockey Community that it is hard to imagine Mats hasn't contacted him."
Compensation continues to be sketchy and there are some teams that are upset with the fact that the compensation has not been stated publicly yet.
I continue to hear Grabovsky's name being mentioned. I don't believe the Higgins rumours for a second..
SO WHERE IS YOUR TEAM?
Essentially teams can be broken down into the following categories..
1. The Contender (Window Opening)
Success: Getting to Cup Conference Finals, Failure: Not getting out of the first round
These are teams that have an opening window and realize they are entering their "Stanley Cup Sweet Spot" of three-five years. These teams used to be a lot more conservative. Now with parity I get a sense that teams are much more into "going for it." Look at the Montreal Canadiens as a perfect example. They are a team with great young talent that is really coming together from a chemistry point of view. They finished higher last year than anyone would have anticipated, went two rounds and could have easily gone three or more. Normally a team like the Habs would be conservative on July 1 and beyond...But these Habs are looking far from conservative. The mere fact that they are talking to Mats Sundin says a lot. The Canadiens feel that there is an opening and a chance to go for it now.
JULY 1 outlook: They will be aggressive in getting the one or two pieces that are needed to "take them over the top," but may stop short of over spending.
2. The Contender (Window Closing)
Success: Getting to the Cup Finals.....Failure: Not getting to the Conference Finals
These are teams that have been competitive for a few years but realize their core is either aging or coming up on UFA status. These are teams that have fanbases that are accustomed to winning and see the season as "A last chance for glory"
July 1 outlook: They will be aggressive and may even over spend. This is their last shot and they will take it.
3. Team on the Rise
Success: Winning a round in the playoffs...Failure: Not making the playoffs.
These are teams that are maybe a year away from being contenders. They either just made the playoffs or just missed them, but the core is solid and the fans have big expectations but at the same time won't kill the team if it doesn't win a Cup as long as it sees continued improvement and exciting hockey.
July 1 Outlook> They will sign a few tier 2 guys but will be careful not to mess with the balance and chemistry
4. The Mendosa Team
Success: Making the Post Season...Failure: Not making the playoffs.
This is a team that has been consistently in the playoffs but unable to get past the first or second round for three or more years...Fanbases of these teams are starting to get itchy and coaching changes are inevitable.
July 1 Outlook> In general these teams only get aggressive following a coach or GM shift.
5. Rebuilding Team
Success: Over .500 record. Failure: Not being .500 AND not finishing last over-all and getting a top pick.
We all know what a rebuilding team is and does...
July 1 Outlook> They will be involved but may be the most conservative. However if this team is in a BIG market, have lots of cap space, and there are big names a team like this may get aggressive on July 1 similar to what we saw in Philly last summer.
Enough said...
So as we head into July 1 it is important to slot your team into one of those five categories. Once you have done this you need to factor in the market in which your team resides. How much pressure is there to win RIGHT now, and does your team need a PR boost?
July 1 salaries are always high for many reasons, but the one reason that is always overlooked is the fact that season ticket renewals go out mid July. Trust me when I tell you a team with dwindling season tickets is ALWAYS going to be far more aggressive on July 1.
This year we are seeing this the most in Columbus. People may not realize this but Columbus was a VERY solid hockey market from its inception and even after the lockout. However the last two years the base has slipped as Columbus continues to be the only of the 30 NHL teams that has NEVER made the playoffs...
We are also seeing this a bit in St. Louis, Florida, and on Long Island. Ticket sales are down and the teams are in need of a serious boost.
Want full access to the
RUMOUR CHART, Chat Room, Free Fantasy Games, Insider Emails and NO MORE AUTO PLAY VIDEOS? Then support the site and become a Season Ticket Holder for ONLY $20 a year.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE 
Join the Discussion:
»