A move back to NJ would be a good one for Gionta...that's obvously where he made his name.
- philco28

I thought the same for Cole to Carolina but...

I thought the same for Cole to Carolina but...
- soad_live

I might see him go to Islanders to.

That is an astute comment regarding contracts ending this year for some Icehog players. No doubt teams have seen AHL thoroughly with the strike being the reason extra attention given to viewing your own guys and the competition in the AHL.

So in just one example you ask your self -- you are GM of a weak team like Ottawa or Columbus -- if I am trading for a Stalberg or whomever off Chg roster/even that coveted #1 in strong draft year -- what Rockford plaYER CAn play for my team and fill a hole I have? Because I am going to have this player included as the final piece in deal. The new Columbus GM probably has a plan already in place regarding his three #1 drafts 2013. Probably has to take a center one of those choices who can lead a moribund team out of the wilderness. So what Rockford guy maybe fills a role with my new look team next fall?

Do I want BIG BOY (hAYES), a great shot/offensive guy with a little snarl in Morin, and so now I have a prospect with development time and even a taste of NHL. With the Columbus guy it is a matter of if he wants to create competition for a role on his team with an inexpensive add by taking a flyer on the Rockford player because he already knows that Brassard is not going to be his #1 center & he doesn't even see Brassard as his #2 center. He will sign or draft a center, SO WHERE DOES HE GET A WINGER to compete for a job. Chg is one possibiity.

A player like Stalberg can be marketed in Columbus. But Stalberg is not really what an Ottawa wants.

Btw do you recall Brassard was AN ESPECIALLY QUICK OFFENSIVE GUY WHO COULD PLAY AT HIGH SPEED - in his draft year scouting report? Has Brassard been maybe somewhat timid due to the physicality of NHL and its larger size players?

Now let's look at Stajan. Is he a possible keeper next year? Look at NYI. Need a center. Is Broadhurst looking mighty good?

But Garth Snow uses all these AHL type players in the NHL. Would he be adverse to a Morin or whomever. DK. But I will be interested if both a deHahn and T Hickey is on that defense next year.

Probably GM's are mulling over lots of ideas. The only idea I am sold on is that ROR is not moving to Chg.
- jhawk59

Morin and Pirri would be most appealing and could play with a few teams now..........

I thought the same for Cole to Carolina but...
- soad_live

Or Ryder back to Montreal...DAMN that dude scores some pretty goals

It´s hey to K.Hayes for this season: http://www.collegehockeyn...es_out_for_the_season.php

Or Ryder back to Montreal...DAMN that dude scores some pretty goals

- philco28

JJ- have you heard if there is a deal in place for Brassard, or just talks? I know he went down yesterday, but wasn't sure if that might be the only hold up or if this is a repeat of last year...lots of smoke, not much fire.

JJ- have you heard if there is a deal in place for Brassard, or just talks? I know he went down yesterday, but wasn't sure if that might be the only hold up or if this is a repeat of last year...lots of smoke, not much fire.
- ikeane

Talks, and many more talks happen than actual deals

Talks, and many more talks happen than actual deals
- John Jaeckel

I figured GMs are always talking. Brassard seems to be a name that does not go away. With Bolland down, wasn't sure if StanBo was finally going to pull the trigger

I figured GMs are always talking. Brassard seems to be a name that does not go away. With Bolland down, wasn't sure if StanBo was finally going to pull the trigger
- ikeane

Might that be a good swap (Bolland for Brassard). Chances are we would not see Bolland in the playoffs.

I figured GMs are always talking. Brassard seems to be a name that does not go away. With Bolland down, wasn't sure if StanBo was finally going to pull the trigger
- ikeane

Really wish he would. I think Brass could be a huge asset in a not very deep organ-I-zation at the center position.

Just heard from another source who says he is "99%" certain the issue with Bolland is his back, and not a concussion.

Interesting, because seeing the way he was moving the other night, thinking back on it, makes me wonder if it really isn't the back.

I have followed up with the original source on the concussion to see what's what. It could also be—though unlikely—both.

Ott would be good w/Kaner and Sharp because he'd win some board battles. He's such a bastardd. One of those guys you hate when he's on the other team, but love if he's on your team.
- eburgio

I'm a fan of a bunch of the former Dallas guys. They were nasty to play against.

Great article JJ. Few things.

-I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

-Brassard is nice but I'd actually really like to see SB go after O'Reilly. The Hawks have assets and if someone like Bolland is moved in the offseason, then giving ROR a 5-6 year deal for 5-5.5 per is worth it. Solves the #2C issue and moves Bolland back to #3C and move Shaw to wing. I know the Avs would rather not make this deal with a future division opponent but if the Hawks make a real solid offer it'd be tough for them to turn down. That team is a mess right now and in need of a rebuild.
- dan9189

We need to stop discussing this - it will not happen.

Esplen now covers his blog quality with photos of scantily clad ladies! It's kinda like Playboy ... Nuck fans go to the site and pretend they read the article.
- paulr

The Vancouver box scores are frequently entertaining as well...the gift that keeps on giving...from last night:

15:32 Vancouver diving - 2 min D. Sedin drawn by M. Stone

Do you think teams will be hesitant to deal with the Hawks because of the Hawks dominance so far ?

For example giving the Hawks a #1a C or power forward might seal the deal of them winning another cup.

- mrpaulish

If only adding one player guaranteed anything!

When teams are down, they never look at the deals they they help other teams...they are looking at getting the most for their castoffs in their rebuilds...

Might that be a good swap (Bolland for Brassard). Chances are we would not see Bolland in the playoffs.
- powerenforcer

Dont think they want Bolland.

If I was them Id start with Stalberg.


If Stalberg was not available Id stary with a #1 pick straight up or a #2 pick and Morin or Hayes or Someone else from Rockford that coild be on Columbus right now.

New CBJ gm wants more picks

Your right and look at the fans reaction to the Blog...Ian's blog on this game was way off the mark
He thought the bangers should have played more. Bottom line ...the whole Canuck Team was slow and tired last night.


Who was on the ice for the first 2 Coyotes goals? Lapierre, Kassian, and Wiese. Lapierre and Kassian were pretty much responsible for each goal (Wiese is a total non-factor in all ways). Exactly why should they be playing more? They were horrible and deserved to sit down with Ballard on the end of the bench...not that many/any other Canucks player was much better
- PEIHawkFan

I used to like Esplen, but after Clouts, anyone would be better. He was female doging about the players, and obviously they hold much of the responsibility, but what about launching AV? That team is too talented for these kind of swings. Kassian has really turned into a lump recently too. He looked like white Buff out there early, and now he's turned into Ben Eager with the stupid penalties.

It´s hey to K.Hayes for this season: http://www.collegehockeyn...es_out_for_the_season.php
- MjulQvist

K. Hayes has had a "difficult" week from "defi"-gate to surgery and done for the year.

Talks, and many more talks happen than actual deals
- John Jaeckel

Ya know, there's no way of knowing this, but I would love there to be a list of all the trades that never quite materialized, regardless of sport. I bet that it would be fascinating to see what teams were close on certain players but didn't make it happen, and how that affected the franchise, for better or worse.

We need to stop discussing this - it will not happen.
- FredoXV

Agreed. I'd also be really hesitant to giving a a guy with one pretty good year 5.5m for multiple years. Yeah, he might turn into something really good, and he might also force the the team to make some tough decisions....again.

As much as I've pounded StanBo for some of his decision, I don't want to go through all that again. They're financially ok, and obviously playing well. However, I do want to see them add something before the playoffs. In a perfect world, a guy like Ott. But I don't see that happening. If anything, its a lower line guy.

We need to stop discussing this - it will not happen.
- FredoXV

Agreed...

between his ludicrous salary demands, and the Hawks and Avs likely ending up in the same division very soon. Not gonna happen...

Dont think they want Bolland.

If I was them Id start with Stalberg.


If Stalberg was not available Id stary with a #1 pick straight up or a #2 pick and Morin or Hayes or Someone else from Rockford that coild be on Columbus right now.

New CBJ gm wants more picks
- mrpaulish

And this is why you won't be General Managing in the NHL anytime soon. To boot, the Columbus G.M. already has 3 #1 picks in next year's draft.

Dont think they want Bolland.

If I was them Id start with Stalberg.


If Stalberg was not available Id stary with a #1 pick straight up or a #2 pick and Morin or Hayes or Someone else from Rockford that coild be on Columbus right now.
- mrpaulish

A simple swap wouldn't happen anyway.

For one, Bolland is injured. (And so is Brassard). For two, Bolland isn't really in line with the "get young" mentalitly that the Jackets are likely to take. And for three, the point of the move is to improve the center position up and down the roster. Brassard isn't really an upgrade over Bolland in any glaring sense. Adding him to the mix along with Bolland gives the team insurance if Bolland is out for a while, and even greater depth and flexibility if he is able to play.

So many folks are hung up on Bolland having to be dealt if they want to add Brassard. It doesn't have to go down that way. If he is acquired, one of the two won't be wearing the Indianhead next year, most likley, but that's a problem for the off season.

Might that be a good swap (Bolland for Brassard). Chances are we would not see Bolland in the playoffs.
- powerenforcer

Swap as in trade? Or Brassard taking Bolly's roster spot due to injury?

As a trade I can't see CLB doing this.