Meh.... I'll believe it when I see it
- RichardHertz

for sure but this guy is a reliable journalist. Broke Kessel story 1st.

Source may be Jacob's son.

for sure but this guy is a reliable journalist. Broke Kessel story 1st.

Source may be Jacob's son.
- Feeling_Glucky

I sure to god hope it's true...

Perhaps... Too many experienced players ahead of him.
- RichardHertz

Possibly, but out of the 5 players drafted from 2012 that are going to camp only Reilly is playing hockey that would be ranked ahead of Ceci's play right now. That doesn't even include the disappointments from the 2011 draft that are going to selection camp. Maybe it was his +/- that held him back but I don't see how Tyler Graovac can beat out some players on offense and Ceci doesn't on defense. Graovac started hot, no doubt, but he's cooled off considerably now. I'm from the Ottawa area, for the record.

I sure to god hope it's true...
- RichardHertz

he told Lucic personally and Lucic's wife now tweeting it..

What did you think of the mid season finale of the Walking Dead?
- RichardHertz

Fantastic... You should check out the game though

I feel your pain I was dragged to this mess of a film / allegory for pedophilia last weekend. Cut off my head so I forget please.
- StevenStiller

God help us!

Possibly, but out of the 5 players drafted from 2012 that are going to camp only Reilly is playing hockey that would be ranked ahead of Ceci's play right now. That doesn't even include the disappointments from the 2011 draft that are going to selection camp. Maybe it was his +/- that held him back but I don't see how Tyler Graovac can beat out some players on offense and Ceci doesn't on defense. Graovac started hot, no doubt, but he's cooled off considerably now. I'm from the Ottawa area, for the record.
- PuckingOpinion

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying Ceci sucks, just saying this years group is deep.

My picks would be

Dumba, Hamilton, Harrington, Murphy, Reilly and Reinhart

Fantastic... You should check out the game though
- laughs2907

Is it on X-Box?

for sure but this guy is a reliable journalist. Broke Kessel story 1st.

Source may be Jacob's son.
- Feeling_Glucky

I hope so... I'm surprised other media outlets aren't commenting on this.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying Ceci sucks, just saying this years group is deep.

My picks would be

Dumba, Hamilton, Harrington, Murphy, Reilly and Reinhart
- RichardHertz

Oh I know you're not saying Ceci sucks, I'm just saying going off who's hot right now and who isn't, Ceci makes the cut. But it seems like they're going more towards the higher draft pick group and hoping the struggles won't carry over to the WJC. I hope they don't. I'm a fan of Ceci for sure, but I don't care who plays for Canada if we win Gold.

Is it on X-Box?
- RichardHertz

Yup... There are 5 episodes (400 points each)

http://marketplace.xbox.c...fe-1000-9115-d802584111de

Oh, they're coming out with a disc version as well...

http://www.examiner.com/a...dition-officially-delayed

Oh I know you're not saying Ceci sucks, I'm just saying going off who's hot right now and who isn't, Ceci makes the cut. But it seems like they're going more towards the higher draft pick group and hoping the struggles won't carry over to the WJC. I hope they don't. I'm a fan of Ceci for sure, but I don't care who plays for Canada if we win Gold.
- PuckingOpinion

I have a feeling we're winning gold this year.

Yup... There are 5 episodes (400 points each)

http://marketplace.xbox.c...fe-1000-9115-d802584111de
- laughs2907

I need to check that out... is there any kind of hacked version online?

I need to check that out... is there any kind of hacked version online?
- RichardHertz

O, knot shore.

I have a feeling we're winning gold this year.
- RichardHertz

Same here. Gold is the expectation every year, as it should be.

I don't normally post on Cloutier's blogs, as a Leafs fan it's hard to be fair because I don't like replying to dozens of comments calling me a Richard or going about nonsense.

Now, I agree in some part about this but in a different manner. The NHLPA should look at whose going, and assign players based on which owners are there, and have a wide view point between the 6 of them. For one, I'd ensure a Boston Bruins player is there who isn't afraid of being scorned by his owner. For one, I'd go with a guy like Marchand or Lucic. Both of whom were offered these deals before the CBA, and can at understand why they were offered and ask Jacobs those types of hard pressed questions. Most importantly, both have likely long careers and are young. But not too young as to not be new to the league. They are veterans, not journeyman.

After that, I'd pick one of Toews and Crosby. I'd lean towards Toews if only because he is a signed to a deal that's not outrageous and falls under 6 years. From there, I'd take one player signed to a large deal recently. Shea Weber comes to mind, or Zach Parise or Ryan Suter. Then, a journeyman veteran who isn't a star but is notable among players. Parros, Halpern, Prust, Hamrlik. All guys who have had similar careers as notable but not stars. Add a perspective from a players standpoint who don't get too large of multi-year deals, and make around the league average or lower.

Another outspoken player. I like Miller in that regard. Outspoken, straight to the point, isn't afraid of saying something that doesn't sit well with everyone. I like that, and he never comes out as disrespectful. Overstated, but maintains some sort of professionalism.

Lastly I'd choose someone who is European. What are their thoughts? They'd go home and play for decent money and be close to family, friends and culture. What does it mean to them to be in the NHL? Why is it important? Guys like Grabovski, Semin, Weiss, Jokinen/Jokinen, and so on. Some of them have oft reputed reputations or don't come off like they care, or are die hard NHLers. There has to be perspective from all sides, all walks of hockey from all corners of the Hockey Circles.

My list would be:

Toews
Miller
Lucic
Parros
Weiss
Weber

I wish there could be seven, I'd love to hear from an Iginla or a Doan. Big name guys in their respective markets. But I feel the above would be a very diverse group of men with different thoughts and ideas about the Lockout. But I'm just a Leafs fan posting on Cloutier's blogs.

I don't normally post on Cloutier's blogs, as a Leafs fan it's hard to be fair because I don't like replying to dozens of comments calling me a Richard or going about nonsense.

Now, I agree in some part about this but in a different manner. The NHLPA should look at whose going, and assign players based on which owners are there, and have a wide view point between the 6 of them. For one, I'd ensure a Boston Bruins player is there who isn't afraid of being scorned by his owner. For one, I'd go with a guy like Marchand or Lucic. Both of whom were offered these deals before the CBA, and can at understand why they were offered and ask Jacobs those types of hard pressed questions. Most importantly, both have likely long careers and are young. But not too young as to not be new to the league. They are veterans, not journeyman.

After that, I'd pick one of Toews and Crosby. I'd lean towards Toews if only because he is a signed to a deal that's not outrageous and falls under 6 years. From there, I'd take one player signed to a large deal recently. Shea Weber comes to mind, or Zach Parise or Ryan Suter. Then, a journeyman veteran who isn't a star but is notable among players. Parros, Halpern, Prust, Hamrlik. All guys who have had similar careers as notable but not stars. Add a perspective from a players standpoint who don't get too large of multi-year deals, and make around the league average or lower.

Another outspoken player. I like Miller in that regard. Outspoken, straight to the point, isn't afraid of saying something that doesn't sit well with everyone. I like that, and he never comes out as disrespectful. Overstated, but maintains some sort of professionalism.

Lastly I'd choose someone who is European. What are their thoughts? They'd go home and play for decent money and be close to family, friends and culture. What does it mean to them to be in the NHL? Why is it important? Guys like Grabovski, Semin, Weiss, Jokinen/Jokinen, and so on. Some of them have oft reputed reputations or don't come off like they care, or are die hard NHLers. There has to be perspective from all sides, all walks of hockey from all corners of the Hockey Circles.

My list would be:

Toews
Miller
Lucic
Parros
Weiss
Weber

I wish there could be seven, I'd love to hear from an Iginla or a Doan. Big name guys in their respective markets. But I feel the above would be a very diverse group of men with different thoughts and ideas about the Lockout. But I'm just a Leafs fan posting on Cloutier's blogs.
- Viktory

Marchand shouldn't be allowed to represent a dying dog. He doesn't have the character to represent the players. As for Crosby's contract being outrageous, that's nonsense. A market gets defined and given the statistics of Crosby and people who make in the same range or more than him, he is a steal.

Marchand shouldn't be allowed to represent a dying dog. He doesn't have the character to represent the players. As for Crosby's contract being outrageous, that's nonsense. A market gets defined and given the statistics of Crosby and people who make in the same range or more than him, he is a steal.
- PuckingOpinion

I dont Think that crosby has an outrageous contract, I just think toews' isn't outrageous in any form. As for Marchand, I didn't think sequin was a good representation for the players. He's played two NHL seasons and doesn't have the communal repute other players do. Marchand at least has been around a long time. I settled for lucic because he was signed with Jacobs consent right before the expiring CBa and should represent that during the negotiations. I have a feeling Jacobs will not run this meeting with an iron fist. I look at some of the other guys and thnk they all have a decent shot at making an impact because of their wealth outside the game

I dont Think that crosby has an outrageous contract, I just think toews' isn't outrageous in any form. As for Marchand, I didn't think sequin was a good representation for the players. He's played two NHL seasons and doesn't have the communal repute other players do. Marchand at least has been around a long time. I settled for lucic because he was signed with Jacobs consent right before the expiring CBa and should represent that during the negotiations. I have a feeling Jacobs will not run this meeting with an iron fist. I look at some of the other guys and thnk they all have a decent shot at making an impact because of their wealth outside the game
- Viktory

I just assumed you though Crosby's contract was outrageous because you said you would pick Toews over Crosby because Toews contract wasn't outrageous....

Marchand's length in the NHL exceeds Seguin by 18 games, and he's not anything close to a role model. I speak of that with experience living in Halifax during Marchand's QMJHL days. The NHLPA needs quality character people to represent them and regardless what anyone thinks of Sidney Crosby, he plays the game with his heart and soul and does not hinder the image of the game one bit.

The NHLPA needs quality character people to represent them and regardless what anyone thinks of Sidney Crosby, he plays the game with his heart and soul and does not hinder the image of the game one bit.
- PuckingOpinion

But in my opinion, those guys are found outside the face of the NHL. Crosby is not the face of the NHLPA, and at this point, Media attention and sway is meaningless. That relevance passed when the NHLPA turned down 50/50. Now it's just a murmur's farce trying to grab the Media support. As such, I feel the guys I mentioned represent drastic difference of types of players, types of people, and types of employees that best represent each grouping within the NHLPA in terms of salary, importance, repute and sway among the NHL community. All from different walks of life and culture and live for hockey imo.

I don't feel Crosby would harm the negotiations, but I feel putting in better suited people would make a difference. How can the majority of players relate to the best player in the world? Everyone is a step down from in terms of importance to the league, and skill. But how can you argue that Crosby fairly represents the NHLPA? I think he represents what the NHL knows it can market and cater to. Knows that a huge majority of fans follow Crosby's every word. It might not be common sense, but Crosby is an icon. I don't feel icons get a deal done for the 500+ players who don't make the league average. The other guys on the other hand are more down to earth players and people. Some are there for the reasons of their contracts, other for their outspoken attitude. All of them are their because they should want to play hockey and maintain their rights, not fight over pennies and money they may or may not have played.

If I was a borderline player, I want to play. That's where I am going to make money, and at this point I'm not going to make everything I could potentially make in one year for this year. So all I really want is the opportunity to make some money this year and maintain many of the rights an NHL player was guaranteed last lockout. If the league wants to offer whatever amount of make whole, I take it and stop negotiating it and going back to the issues like contract max length, restricted free agency rights, ELC's, and so on to ensure players are safe from losing rights, and ensuring rising players that they can enjoy the same luxury of rights as I would.

The last thing the players should be worrying about is money. In my opinion, the majority of the Union would rather take the money offered for some sort fair compromise on their rights. Because at this point, that money is lost for this year and I'll never make it back. They should accept it, and negotiate things the Union has a chance of receiving.

As for Marchand, it was a bad call on my part. I'm not very familiar with the player's past and notoriety. I merely was looking for an example for one of supplemental arguments.

Marchand shouldn't be allowed to represent a dying dog. He doesn't have the character to represent the players. As for Crosby's contract being outrageous, that's nonsense. A market gets defined and given the statistics of Crosby and people who make in the same range or more than him, he is a steal.
- PuckingOpinion

Not at all surprising that you would think it's a great blog. One of the most ridiculous I've read on the lockout.
- MJL

No doubt MJL, I have never seen anyone in the entire HB that likes to argue more than you. Whenenver somebody calls somebody a moron for some reason I always think of you. Merry Xmas!

Clouts,
You incomparable nincompoop. Jonathan Toews is one of the brightest guys in hockey. Very smart kid. He also only makes $6.3m per year for 5 years -- a very rational contract for one of the steadiest players in hockey.

That is all.
- Jam16sugar

Toews is a selfish greedy little punk, end of story. His comments on this lock out have disgusted me, he is not thinking of anyone but himself! Ditto Crosby Moron

Clouts,
You incomparable nincompoop. Jonathan Toews is one of the brightest guys in hockey. Very smart kid. He also only makes $6.3m per year for 5 years -- a very rational contract for one of the steadiest players in hockey.

That is all.
- Jam16sugar

Correction, Make that for 4 years and counting Toews, Crosby, Malkin, Versteeg, Ovechkin, Malkin can kiss my azz
Good riddance to those spoiled little pukes!

Not at all surprising that you would think it's a great blog. One of the most ridiculous I've read on the lockout.
- MJL

Why do you even read it then? Oh ya something to argue about. As a diehard flyers fan I am ashamed somebody as brain dead could cheer for my team.