A Leafs fan trapped in the body of a Yotes blogger.
- Tsyolin

Born in Mississauga, what do you want from me?

Dipietro is a bit more complex because he cannot play in the NHL or anywhere else for that matter. My point is that it is ludicrous to assume that Wang who is in the process of moving to Brooklyn and recapitalizing the team would offer up Strome as an incentive for a deal. He already has the Yashin experience, he does not need another long term buy out on the books. The Islanders are going to be big players on the NY scene.

.
- spatso

This does not make any sense

Strome would be the incentive to avoid a buyout like Yashin

The way the new deal is structured a team like Florida can take on a big cap hit and get financial assistance from the sending team. So, for example, the Flyers might be able to offer up Briere and his $6m cap hit to Phoenix. They split the actual salary dollars 50/50 and the Desert Dogs get a $6m cap hit to help them get to the minimum.

Dipietro is a bit more complex because he cannot play in the NHL or anywhere else for that matter. My point is that it is ludicrous to assume that Wang who is in the process of moving to Brooklyn and recapitalizing the team would offer up Strome as an incentive for a deal. He already has the Yashin experience, he does not need another long term buy out on the books. The Islanders are going to be big players on the NY scene.

My point was simply if they say Strome is available 20 teams would be interested and under the new CBA just about everybody can figure out a way to do it except for those teams already in cap trouble. Now if you want to talk of a lesser talent than Strome, the story and options change.
- spatso

Problem is nyi isn't keeping some of the salary, so that's the end of that.


There are not 20 teams that can spend 25m to make that deal. It's insane to even suggest it. If an owner is loosing money what makes you think he throws 25m away? Think.

The way the new deal is structured a team like Florida can take on a big cap hit and get financial assistance from the sending team. So, for example, the Flyers might be able to offer up Briere and his $6m cap hit to Phoenix. They split the actual salary dollars 50/50 and the Desert Dogs get a $6m cap hit to help them get to the minimum.

- spatso

You're failing to see that Briere is actually a player who has and can still contribute at a high-level in the NHL; a buy-out/trade gives Philly cap space, Florida gets a player who can contribute at a much more reasonable salary and cap hit.

DiPietro offers nothing to the team receiving him except a financial burden and cap penalty, for a very long time. Case in point: look at Luongo, an Olympic Gold winning goalie who has put up very good numbers his entire career. Yes, Gillis' asking price was high, but the consensus was teams wanted Vancouver to take back salary while also not giving up key players, picks, and prospects in return... I say again, Red Leader, this is a player who can actually play at a high-level who was not traded because of the cap/financial burden. There were not 20 teams lining up to take him.

Dipietro is a bit more complex because he cannot play in the NHL or anywhere else for that matter. My point is that it is ludicrous to assume that Wang who is in the process of moving to Brooklyn and recapitalizing the team would offer up Strome as an incentive for a deal.He already has the Yashin experience, he does not need another long term buy out on the books. The Islanders are going to be big players on the NY scene.

What financial magic do you think's going to happen in Brooklyn? They're still going to be cash-strapped team; and you're making zero sense with Yashin. Yashin was a Bad Thing to Happen to the Islanders; it's EXACTLY why they need to dump DiPietro.

My point was simply if they say Strome is available 20 teams would be interested and under the new CBA just about everybody can figure out a way to do it except for those teams already in cap trouble. Now if you want to talk of a lesser talent than Strome, the story and options change.

20 teams in the league would be interested in Strome; 20 teams in the league would think long and hard about whether they think tacking an extra 25M on top of a Strome ~8 year contract* is worth the financial burden.

* see my above post

* see my above post
- gravyface

last time I used multiple quotes Dozzer threatened to Ban me.

Problem is nyi isn't keeping some of the salary, so that's the end of that.


There are not 20 teams that can spend 25m to make that deal. It's insane to even suggest it. If an owner is loosing money what makes you think he throws 25m away? Think.
- burn

Right, and tack 25M on top of a typical 8-year commitment to Strome... you're into Crosby and Malkin money at that point, which the Penguins (and Chicago with Toews, Tampa with Stamkos, etc.) had the luxury of actually seeing said players become superstars before showering them with money.

Guys


we're not getting DP and we're not getting Strome.
- AdamFrench

I see EK agrees with your Russian pick..

I see EK agrees with your Russian pick..
- bixll

I'm the complete opposite on Nichushkin as all these new guys pumping his tires saying he's a top-3 pick "now" despite them never seeing him play more than 4 games.

Like Weirdoh said, "Oh great, a youtube video, he must be the best."

I'm the complete opposite on Nichushkin as all these new guys pumping his tires saying he's a top-3 pick "now" despite them never seeing him play more than 4 games.

Like Weirdoh said, "Oh great, a youtube video, he must be the best."
- AdamFrench

I don't know these players. I thought you were high on him..My bad.

Right, and tack 25M on top of a typical 8-year commitment to Strome... you're into Crosby and Malkin money at that point, which the Penguins (and Chicago with Toews, Tampa with Stamkos, etc.) had the luxury of actually seeing said players become superstars before showering them with money.
- gravyface

I can't wrap my head around the fact he thinks at least 20 teams can afford 25m buyout. we just went through 2 lockouts because 2/3 of the teams are losing money. Teams losing money aren't going to throw another 25m away.

You're failing to see that Briere is actually a player who has and can still contribute at a high-level in the NHL; a buy-out/trade gives Philly cap space, Florida gets a player who can contribute at a much more reasonable salary and cap hit.

DiPietro offers nothing to the team receiving him except a financial burden and cap penalty, for a very long time. Case in point: look at Luongo, an Olympic Gold winning goalie who has put up very good numbers his entire career. Yes, Gillis' asking price was high, but the consensus was teams wanted Vancouver to take back salary while also not giving up key players, picks, and prospects in return... I say again, Red Leader, this is a player who can actually play at a high-level who was not traded because of the cap/financial burden. There were not 20 teams lining up to take him.



What financial magic do you think's going to happen in Brooklyn? They're still going to be cash-strapped team; and you're making zero sense with Yashin. Yashin was a Bad Thing to Happen to the Islanders; it's EXACTLY why they need to dump DiPietro.



20 teams in the league would be interested in Strome; 20 teams in the league would think long and hard about whether they think tacking an extra 25M on top of a Strome ~8 year contract* is worth the financial burden.

* see my above post
- gravyface

Brooklyn is the most populous borough in New York City. the arena is brand new and sits in a highly gentrified neighbourhood that is only going to get bigger and wealthier. this as opposed to what was by far the lousiest arena in the league that sits far, far away from Manhattan. with the on-ice product on the upswing and an arena that will allow the organization to generate revenues it wasn't able to before, the Isles moving to Brooklyn is a re-branding in every sense.

Brooklyn is the most populous borough in New York City. the arena is brand new and sits in a highly gentrified neighbourhood that is only going to get bigger and wealthier. this as opposed to what was by far the lousiest arena in the league that sits far, far away from Manhattan. with the on-ice product on the upswing and an arena that will allow the organization to generate revenues it wasn't able to before, the Isles moving to Brooklyn is a re-branding in every sense.
- DoubleDown

Still need to win games for that to happen; Brooklyn isn't in Quebec City or Markham last I checked.

Damn Frenchie ... What's wrong with you ?

http://www.youtube.com/wa...M&feature=player_embedded

Damn Frenchie ... What's wrong with you ?

http://www.youtube.com/wa...M&feature=player_embedded
- .HOHO.

Boys - just had the most amazing Friday of my life last week.

My buddy's (Rob) wife (Tina) works for Heart and Stroke and he helps her a lot with the fundraising she takes part in. Their largest fundraiser is the Hockey Heroes weekend in Moncton, NB.

Because I help him from time to time, he got me the chance to chauffeur some of the NHL alumni from the Moncton airport to the Delta hotel downtown. There were 4 vehicles and about 12 legends coming flying into Moncton at one time.

Cutting straight to the chase - I walked up to Wendel and asked to carry his luggage to my vehicle (yes, "I handled his bag" - ). I had him riding shotgun, and Todd Harvey in the back. Some agent dude was behind me.

The drive was about 20 mins long. I wanted to get them talking so I asked about Bozak and they carried the conversation from there. It went from Bozie to Kadri to Grabovski - and it was very interesting.

I snuck 2 videos ... the first was of the conversation between Wendel, Todd and agent dude. They talked mostly about Bozie and how he should not try and hit a huge homerun in UFA because he's not the 1C he thinks he may be. He should sign a 4-6 years at $3.5M and stay in Toronto because "he enjoys it here". Don't ink a contract where you can't live up to it anywhere else and then the team "craps on you" later.

Then I made a comment about feeling bad for Burkie. Wendel replied "Don't feel bad for Burkie. His biggest mistake was holding on to his buddy one year too long". I figured this was going to be a good exchange so I videoed this as well. The convo went from Burke to Wilson - and then it opened it. Harvey called Wilson everything but a white man - and even admitted to sneaking under the table and smearing salad dressing on his shoes during team suppers.

I asked if Reimer was a legit #1. Wendel said "No. He handles the puck like a hot potato".

I asked if Thomas was a suitable backup. Wendel said "Absolutely not. He's out of shape and a head case".

Wendel said Gillis was an idiot for not trading Lu to Toronto and that he (Wendel) would trade for Luongo in a heartbeat. He realizes Gillis is fearing for his job because he knows he won't get what he wants for Lu.

Needless to say, this second convo was much juicier than the first - and that's when Wendel noticed the camera was on. He said "you can't share that" ... and then the agent dude chimed in saying "Yeah, you have to delete that". So I deleted it - reluctantly. At least I have the conversation about Bozak.

But I am trying to recover the 2nd video from the iphone.

Boys - just had the most amazing Friday of my life last week.

My buddy's (Rob) wife (Tina) works for Heart and Stroke and he helps her a lot with the fundraising she takes part in. Their largest fundraiser is the Hockey Heroes weekend in Moncton, NB.

Because I help him from time to time, he got me the chance to chauffeur some of the NHL alumni from the Moncton airport to the Delta hotel downtown. There were 4 vehicles and about 12 legends coming flying into Moncton at one time.

Cutting straight to the chase - I walked up to Wendel and asked to carry his luggage to my vehicle (yes, "I handled his bag" - ). I had him riding shotgun, and Todd Harvey in the back. Some agent dude was behind me.

The drive was about 20 mins long. I wanted to get them talking so I asked about Bozak and they carried the conversation from there. It went from Bozie to Kadri to Grabovski - and it was very interesting.

I snuck 2 videos ... the first was of the conversation between Wendel, Todd and agent dude. They talked mostly about Bozie and how he should not try and hit a huge homerun in UFA because he's not the 1C he thinks he may be. He should sign a 4-6 years at $3.5M and stay in Toronto because "he enjoys it here". Don't ink a contract where you can't live up to it anywhere else and then the team "craps on you" later.

Then I made a comment about feeling bad for Burkie. Wendel replied "Don't feel bad for Burkie. His biggest mistake was holding on to his buddy one year too long". I figured this was going to be a good exchange so I videoed this as well. The convo went from Burke to Wilson - and then it opened it. Harvey called Wilson everything but a white man - and even admitted to sneaking under the table and smearing salad dressing on his shoes during team suppers.

I asked if Reimer was a legit #1. Wendel said "No. He handles the puck like a hot potato".

I asked if Thomas was a suitable backup. Wendel said "Absolutely not. He's out of shape and a head case".

Wendel said Gillis was an idiot for not trading Lu to Toronto and that he (Wendel) would trade for Luongo in a heartbeat. He realizes Gillis is fearing for his job because he knows he won't get what he wants for Lu.

Needless to say, this second convo was much juicier than the first - and that's when Wendel noticed the camera was on. He said "you can't share that" ... and then the agent dude chimed in saying "Yeah, you have to delete that". So I deleted it - reluctantly. At least I have the conversation about Bozak.

But I am trying to recover the 2nd video from the iphone.
- CanadianTom

what did they say about Kadri and Grabo?

Boys - just had the most amazing Friday of my life last week.


- CanadianTom

pretty sweet ..im jelly

I wouldnt post the videos public if they didnt know you were filming, and they asked you not to.

If something like this even managed to get through the NHL upper management, I think people aren't thinking clearly on two things:

- Not even a company as wealthy as MLSE/Bell/Rogers is just going to throw away $25 million to make one of their franchises marginally better.

- It would take a hell of a lot more than Strome to get it done.

I think we can all just agree this has an extremely low probability of happening.
- abstrakt

Agreed.... but if it was the Black Hawks, Capitals or the Bruins ownership they could push it through. I for one would like to see MLSE attempt a deal of this nature and force the league to come out and endorse it or poo-poo it... because no doubt if its another club such as those mentioned above... they have more chance of sliding something like this through. The financial power of MLSE really hasn't been used to benefit the hockey club to do date. Its time to at least try something like this. Besides, if getting contract such as DiPietro's and buying it out can be treated as a financial loss or expenditure.. it probably reduces MLSE profits, thereby reducing the transfer payments that have to made to the financially weaker teams - AND THAT would be attractive.

This configuration of the deal Strome and DiPietro for Komisarek is clearly not balanced enough. The deal would have to be larger and require that the Isles take on much more salary/CAP hit in the short term.

I'm the complete opposite on Nichushkin as all these new guys pumping his tires saying he's a top-3 pick "now" despite them never seeing him play more than 4 games.

Like Weirdoh said, "Oh great, a youtube video, he must be the best."
- AdamFrench

Well duh, obviously. The prospects with the most YouTube videos of them playing are obviously the best.

Boys - just had the most amazing Friday of my life last week.

My buddy's (Rob) wife (Tina) works for Heart and Stroke and he helps her a lot with the fundraising she takes part in. Their largest fundraiser is the Hockey Heroes weekend in Moncton, NB.

Because I help him from time to time, he got me the chance to chauffeur some of the NHL alumni from the Moncton airport to the Delta hotel downtown. There were 4 vehicles and about 12 legends coming flying into Moncton at one time.

Cutting straight to the chase - I walked up to Wendel and asked to carry his luggage to my vehicle (yes, "I handled his bag" - ). I had him riding shotgun, and Todd Harvey in the back. Some agent dude was behind me.

The drive was about 20 mins long. I wanted to get them talking so I asked about Bozak and they carried the conversation from there. It went from Bozie to Kadri to Grabovski - and it was very interesting.

I snuck 2 videos ... the first was of the conversation between Wendel, Todd and agent dude. They talked mostly about Bozie and how he should not try and hit a huge homerun in UFA because he's not the 1C he thinks he may be. He should sign a 4-6 years at $3.5M and stay in Toronto because "he enjoys it here". Don't ink a contract where you can't live up to it anywhere else and then the team "craps on you" later.

Then I made a comment about feeling bad for Burkie. Wendel replied "Don't feel bad for Burkie. His biggest mistake was holding on to his buddy one year too long". I figured this was going to be a good exchange so I videoed this as well. The convo went from Burke to Wilson - and then it opened it. Harvey called Wilson everything but a white man - and even admitted to sneaking under the table and smearing salad dressing on his shoes during team suppers.

I asked if Reimer was a legit #1. Wendel said "No. He handles the puck like a hot potato".

I asked if Thomas was a suitable backup. Wendel said "Absolutely not. He's out of shape and a head case".

Wendel said Gillis was an idiot for not trading Lu to Toronto and that he (Wendel) would trade for Luongo in a heartbeat. He realizes Gillis is fearing for his job because he knows he won't get what he wants for Lu.

Needless to say, this second convo was much juicier than the first - and that's when Wendel noticed the camera was on. He said "you can't share that" ... and then the agent dude chimed in saying "Yeah, you have to delete that". So I deleted it - reluctantly. At least I have the conversation about Bozak.

But I am trying to recover the 2nd video from the iphone.
- CanadianTom

Sounds like a cool experience ...

But after their reactions to the video , do you think they would respond positively to you posting the story online ?

I would have kept it in the vault myself

what did they say about Kadri and Grabo?
- Feeling Glucky?

He said Bozie really likes playing in Toronto - and instead of trying to hit a homerun, go for a "nice 5-6 year deal" so the cap #s work out better for him and the team.

If he signs a short term for AAV of $5M, he might screw himself on the next contract when he doesn't live up to the $5M per.

Meanwhile Harvey is in the back seat saying "Yeah, take the money!!". That was funny.

When he was talking about a team souring/shi*tting on a player because they don't live up to the deal, you can hear me say "Is that what happened to Grabbo?". He said "Yes" and went on to say he's not a 30 goal guy.

There was a lot of "he is what he is" comments. lol

Sounds like a cool experience ...

But after their reactions to the video , do you think they would respond positively to you posting the story online ?

I would have kept it in the vault myself
- .HOHO.

When I was recording the 1st video (the less incriminating one about Bozie/Kadri/Grabbo) I thought I saw Wendel look at the camera a couple times. Where he didn't say anything, I thought to myself - maybe he doesn't care.

He did have sunglasses on though, so maybe I was wrong.

But he definitely noticed the second one. And he didn't ask me to delete it - the agent did. He just asked me to not share it. It'd be pretty cool if I can salvage it.

Still need to win games for that to happen; Brooklyn isn't in Quebec City or Markham last I checked.
- gravyface

Right just 3 times the size

Boys - just had the most amazing Friday of my life last week.

My buddy's (Rob) wife (Tina) works for Heart and Stroke and he helps her a lot with the fundraising she takes part in. Their largest fundraiser is the Hockey Heroes weekend in Moncton, NB.

Because I help him from time to time, he got me the chance to chauffeur some of the NHL alumni from the Moncton airport to the Delta hotel downtown. There were 4 vehicles and about 12 legends coming flying into Moncton at one time.

Cutting straight to the chase - I walked up to Wendel and asked to carry his luggage to my vehicle (yes, "I handled his bag" - ). I had him riding shotgun, and Todd Harvey in the back. Some agent dude was behind me.

The drive was about 20 mins long. I wanted to get them talking so I asked about Bozak and they carried the conversation from there. It went from Bozie to Kadri to Grabovski - and it was very interesting.

I snuck 2 videos ... the first was of the conversation between Wendel, Todd and agent dude. They talked mostly about Bozie and how he should not try and hit a huge homerun in UFA because he's not the 1C he thinks he may be. He should sign a 4-6 years at $3.5M and stay in Toronto because "he enjoys it here". Don't ink a contract where you can't live up to it anywhere else and then the team "craps on you" later.

Then I made a comment about feeling bad for Burkie. Wendel replied "Don't feel bad for Burkie. His biggest mistake was holding on to his buddy one year too long". I figured this was going to be a good exchange so I videoed this as well. The convo went from Burke to Wilson - and then it opened it. Harvey called Wilson everything but a white man - and even admitted to sneaking under the table and smearing salad dressing on his shoes during team suppers.

I asked if Reimer was a legit #1. Wendel said "No. He handles the puck like a hot potato".

I asked if Thomas was a suitable backup. Wendel said "Absolutely not. He's out of shape and a head case".

Wendel said Gillis was an idiot for not trading Lu to Toronto and that he (Wendel) would trade for Luongo in a heartbeat. He realizes Gillis is fearing for his job because he knows he won't get what he wants for Lu.

Needless to say, this second convo was much juicier than the first - and that's when Wendel noticed the camera was on. He said "you can't share that" ... and then the agent dude chimed in saying "Yeah, you have to delete that". So I deleted it - reluctantly. At least I have the conversation about Bozak.

But I am trying to recover the 2nd video from the iphone.
- CanadianTom

What an experience.

What an experience.
- burn

You have no idea!

I was as nervous as I was on my wedding day!