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"PLUS/MINUS is the NHL's best stat, and the only one I use"
- Craig Button*

MINUS: The Vancouver Canucks. They're just wasting everyone's time. Get what you can for Sedin, Sedin and Tavev, then move on.

I've seen this show at least twice with the Leafs - it never, ever works out. Being sentimental is no way to run a hockey team. There is even less excuse in the salary cap world to avoid rebuilding because it's no longer a five year commitment.

The worst part about looking at the Canucks right now, is that they are definitely going to suck anyways. So why not get a few picks and be 30th instead of 28?

I've said this ever since I learned he was friends with Stephen Harper: Trevor Linden has no business running anything.

MINUS: Obsessing over pre-season lines.

MINUS: No good movies. Whenever I go to the movies, I see previews and I think 'damn, I could watch that' but whenever I am at home going through the on-demand, the netflix or whatever, I can't find anything.

Is is because I tape everything I watch on TV, so since I see no commercials I see no movie previews? What's the deal?

It's just weird because at any given time there is always a bunch of movies I'd see at the theatre, but when it comes time to see one at home: nothing.

PLUS: Jemele Hill for having the guts to tell the truth. Whether or not you agree with her, you should be happy that we live in a place - at least for now - where you can say what you think.

MINUS: Joe Sakic is completely incompetent. How is it possible that Matt Duchene has not been traded yet? Why let this drag on and screw up your team?

I guarantee you, all the players on the team - not just Duchene - are pissed. Let's say Sakic is successful and he gets a better package a month from now than he could have gotten in June - it is doubtful the opportunity cost of doing so will make the extra or better asset(s) worth it.

PLUS: The movie It. A movie about a scary clown that terrifies people? Has their ever been a more topical movie?

PLUS: Hockey is back! Even pre-season hockey is tasty. I can't wait till October though - get the NHL Centre Ice Package, a package of Daily Fantasy Advice, fund the Draft Kings, have (so far three) hockey pool drafts and tell me wife it's all for "work."

Good times !!!!!!!!!!!!

MINUS: The Florida Panthers I wonder if they're going to revert back to an analytics approach by November when they learn they still suck.

MINUS: Jarimor Jagr is unsigned and Cody Franson had to sign a PTO. It seriously seems sometimes like people get the job of NHL GM in a completely random way that has nothing to do with the ability to evaluate players.

PLUS: The Devils are my pick for surprisingly good team this year. Taylor Hall and Corey Schneider are two of the best players in the entire NHL, and even though their defense sucks, they're still going to challenge for the Playoffs.

PLUS: The following players will challenge Connor McDavid for the Art Ross Trophy: Taylor Hall, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and Nathan MackInnon.

PLUS: The Blue Jackets' Defense. Not only are Werenski and Jones both already very good, but David Savard is one of the NHL's most underrated players.

When your 4/5 d-men are Ryan Murray and Jack Johnson, I think you have a pretty awesome group of defenseman.

MINUS: The difference between winning the Stanley Cup and missing the Playoffs: Keeping Pikke Rinne as your starter. Worst move of the summer. (non-Joe Sakic Division).

PLUS: Jacob Chychrun's injury being less sever than thought, and Dylan Strome finally making it to the NHL.

MINUS: Too much and too long for Bryan Little. And probably too much for Bo Horvat.

Thanks for reading

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