See: Thomas, Tim.
- aecliptic

Hap hip problems before winning the Conn Smythe. Goalies either are rock solid or oft injured and it seems like there is no in between.

Hap hip problems before winning the Conn Smythe. Goalies either are rock solid or oft injured and it seems like there is no in between.
- tomburton99

Can't have enough goalie prospects in your organization. Hank can't play forever and the Rangers goalie pipeline is as vacant as the Prudential Center for a non-Rangers game.

Trade Richards, Del Zotto, Boyle for John Gibson.
- xcheckmajor

Why would the Ducks do that? I just think Gibson is going to be unreal.

Why would the Ducks do that? I just think Gibson is going to be unreal.
- mrhattrick27

I think the theory behind John Gibson being trade bait is that the Ducks have Jonas Hiller and Victor Fasth.

But, they traded Bobby Ryan for cap reasons, I don't envision them trading Gibson and adding more salary.

reading the nhl.com comments on the usa camp invite roster...pleasantly surprised at how many non ranger fans have stepan making the squad.

It is amazing how quiet things are on the Stepan front. We aren't even getting the proverbial we are continuing to negotiate lines from the Rangers' and Stepan camps. Historically, when a negotiation drags on, Slats (and even Torts), used to beat the player up in the press a little about the player being unreasonable, and needing to get into camp. But, we've heard nothing. Strangely silent.

Peter Laviolette HC of USA team with Bylsma and Granato asst coaches. Flyers/Pens coach brawl on the bench as a side show to the Olympics
- pcjr307

Key the Benny Hill Show theme music...

reading the nhl.com comments on the usa camp invite roster...pleasantly surprised at how many non ranger fans have stepan making the squad.
- rangerdanger94

The U.S.'s weakness is certaintly down the middle. I don't think that either Pavelski or Backes are slam dunks locks over Stepan. Indeed, I would be shocked if Stepan didn't, at least, make the team.

The U.S.'s weakness is certaintly down the middle. I don't think that either Pavelski or Backes are slam dunks locks over Stepan. Indeed, I would be shocked if Stepan didn't, at least, make the team.
- Pete V

I could see them moving kane to center and having kane - kesler - stepan - pavelski down the middle.

I think the theory behind John Gibson being trade bait is that the Ducks have Jonas Hiller and Victor Fasth.

But, they traded Bobby Ryan for cap reasons, I don't envision them trading Gibson and adding more salary.
- jimbro83

If they deal Gibson they need new team management.

I can see them trading one of Fasth or Hiller, likely Hiller, at some point.

If they deal Gibson they need new team management.

I can see them trading one of Fasth or Hiller, likely Hiller, at some point.
- MidnightMarauder

yeah, that is the most likely scenario.

And Hiller will be a UFA soon anyway. Could very well let Hiller walk and go with Fasth and Gibson.

It is amazing how quiet things are on the Stepan front. We aren't even getting the proverbial we are continuing to negotiate lines from the Rangers' and Stepan camps. Historically, when a negotiation drags on, Slats (and even Torts), used to beat the player up in the press a little about the player being unreasonable, and needing to get into camp. But, we've heard nothing. Strangely silent.
- Pete V

what has also become silent is Lundqvist's extension.

There was that talk around the draft that there were discussions, no word of what is going on there.

Sweden is a real darkhorse. Karlsson, ekman-larsson, edler, brodin, kronwall, hedman in front of hank with the sedins, loui eriksson, landeskog, hags and lindberg, zetterberg, backstrom, franzen, nyquist, hornqvist and more up front.

Sweden is a real darkhorse. Karlsson, ekman-larsson, edler, brodin, kronwall, hedman in front of hank with the sedins, loui eriksson, landeskog, hags and lindberg, zetterberg, backstrom, franzen, nyquist, hornqvist and more up front.
- rangerdanger94

That lineup has no shot vs Canada. It will be US vs Canada again

Sweden is a real darkhorse. Karlsson, ekman-larsson, edler, brodin, kronwall, hedman in front of hank with the sedins, loui eriksson, landeskog, hags and lindberg, zetterberg, backstrom, franzen, nyquist, hornqvist and more up front.
- rangerdanger94

I don't think they qualify for darkhorse status anymore, given that they've won 2 of the last 5 Olympic gold medals.

That lineup has no shot vs Canada. It will be US vs Canada again
- mighty13duck

That's a bold statement. I don't think you can count out russia and the czechs and slovaks always surprise.

I don't think they qualify for darkhorse status anymore, given that they've won 2 of the last 5 Olympic gold medals.
- Pete V

True but no one is talking about them at all.

That's a bold statement. I don't think you can count out russia and the czechs and slovaks always surprise.
- rangerdanger94

Saying the Swedes don't have a chance is just idiotic.

That's a bold statement. I don't think you can count out russia and the czechs and slovaks always surprise.
- rangerdanger94

As much as I want team USA to win, Team Canada looks to be unbeatable. I think USA has the best shot. I'm not worried about Russia

Saying the Swedes don't have a chance is just idiotic.
- Pete V

I think that USA Canada and Russia are all better. Hence they don't have a chance in my opinion

I think that USA Canada and Russia are all better. Hence they don't have a chance in my opinion
- mighty13duck

I hope when the gold medal game is played, Lundqvist is already on a plane back to the United States. The Rangers have a home game vs Chicago on February 27th.

I hope when the gold medal game is played, Lundqvist is already on a plane back to the United States. The Rangers have a home game vs Chicago on February 27th.
- jimbro83

Biron

Biron
- mighty13duck

what has also become silent is Lundqvist's extension.

There was that talk around the draft that there were discussions, no word of what is going on there.
- jimbro83

I think we've entered that void time period in the summer. There's no motivation from either sides to just sign a deal right now. Most likely both sides are doing summer things with family etc... I don't expect talks to start heating up until mid August again. One thing I'm curious about, are there any rules pertaining to Olympic participation with unsigned players? For example, if Stepan doesn't sign by Aug 27th, will he be participating at the US Camp in DC or will he not be allowed? Its interesting because if he's restricted, is he barred from participating in another hockey organization event? I'm just thinking because he technically does not have an SPC right now which is governed by the overall CBA which is somewhat legally tied to the Olympic participation rules. Any thoughts Jan?

I think we've entered that void time period in the summer. There's no motivation from either sides to just sign a deal right now. Most likely both sides are doing summer things with family etc... I don't expect talks to start heating up until mid August again. One thing I'm curious about, are there any rules pertaining to Olympic participation with unsigned players? For example, if Stepan doesn't sign by Aug 27th, will he be participating at the US Camp in DC or will he not be allowed? Its interesting because if he's restricted, is he barred from participating in another hockey organization event? I'm just thinking because he technically does not have an SPC right now which is governed by the overall CBA which is somewhat legally tied to the Olympic participation rules. Any thoughts Jan?
- xcheckmajor

That very well may be the case, but the Orientation Camp will not have any skating due to insurance costs, so don't foresee his attendance being an issue. This is similar for Team Canada.