Brian Burke and Ron Wilson have named their 34 man squad for the Team USA Hockey camp. No surprise that Ryan Miller will be along for the journey to Vancouver in 2010. It seems like yesterday that Don Waddell and Peter Laviolette stiffed Millsie from the squad that performed at Torino. Miller will give Tim Thomas a run for his money to start in the 2010 Games.

Conspicuous by their absences from Team USA's camp invitees are Drew Stafford and Paul Gaustad. What gives, Burkie?

The Campers:


Goaltenders
Tim Thomas, Boston
Ryan Miller, Buffalo
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles

Defensemen
Tom Gilbert, Edmonton
Tim Gleason, Carolina
Ron Hainsey, Atlanta
Erik Johnson, St. Louis
Jack Johnson, Los Angeles
Mike Komisarek, Montreal
Paul Martin, New Jersey
Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh
Brian Rafalski, Detroit
Rob Scuderi, Pittsburgh
Ryan Suter, Nashville
Ryan Whitney, Anaheim

Forwards
David Backes, St. Louis
David Booth, Florida
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles
Dustin Byfuglien, Chicago
Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers
Chris Drury, New York Rangers
Scott Gomez, New York Rangers
Patrick Kane, Chicago
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver
Phil Kessel, Boston
Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey
Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay
Mike Modano, Dallas
Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
T.J. Oshie, St. Louis
Zach Parise, New Jersey
Joe Pavelski, San Jose
Bobby Ryan, Anaheim
Paul Stastny, Colorado



My Rant:

Stafford played for Wilson and Burke at the Worlds in May. He seemed to me to be a tap-in putt to make the USA camp. He's a better option than Booth and Okposo, in my opinion because of his two way abilities. Booth, is known more for his offense than his D at this point in his young NHL career. Okposo is has all the tools, however, he needs more NHL minutes in ordre to develop his game. Staff skates well and he's a a more complete player at this point in his development. Booth and Oshie will be better players in time, not now.

Snubbing Gaustad is a glaring omission for guys like Wilson and Burke who like bangers and muckers. Goose wins draws, skates well, can finish, and forechecks with ferocity.


Go figure.




****





***


Jay McKee comes back to the Buffalo Sabres.

True or False?

The St. Louis Blues bought out year four of Jay's 4/4 contract that he agreed to on July 1, 2006.

I've been in communication with Jay over the past couple of days, and suffice it to say, he'd wear a Blue and Gold #74 sweater again in a Western New York minute! Question is, will the Sabres want to fill a definite need by adding McKee to the group that he is familiar with. Or, do they promote from within or find a trading partner?


My opinion:


Sign Jay now. The guy is a pros pro. Buffalo needs another veteran voice in the room.

Spacho, like Komisarek, will be playing the UFA market. He's as good as gone as there will be no shortage of teams that will pay him north of $4 million. He's a 40-50 point Dman, ala Mark Streit last July 1.


With Teppo fading like a sunset, this leaves two leadership voids on the Buffalo blueline.

Rivet, Reggie, Hank, Chainsaw, Butler need a wingman.


Jay McKee is just what the doctor ordered. He knows the Sabres, and they know him.

Do it Darcy. Do it now!




***



Nice to see the Montreal Canadiens Scott Gomez. Sorry, Hab fan. Gomez is a true #2 centre, not a top line guy. Who will he play with?

As the rest of the Adams Division bulks up, Bob Gainey decides to shrink his team up the middle of the ice. This move smacks of Vinny not wanting to play in Montreal. Ditto Briere.

No Koivu to speak of.


Looks like Montreal will have its hands full.


***

Join the Discussion: Chat Room » Message Board »

» SUDDENLY LAST SEASON

» PAILLE RETURNS

» 6-2 CATS

» NEW LINDY IS TEAM MVP

» SABRES GROUND FLYERS, 3-2