I hope so. I would rather lose with new faces learning the game instead of the same boring stuff over the last two years.

We really do need some new faces on the bench.
- VANTEL

I agree, I'd love to see some new faces. Hopefully some of them will steal a job or two.

Oiler have two bloggers

Our blogger I think has taken his pooch to Kananaskis to retrieve golf balls so he can golf for free.

I know Ian deserves a break , maybe one of the regulars like Steamer should do a Guest Blog.

That "exclusive" by Duthie was a big yawn but one rumor Lu did banish was that he vetoed trades that were on the table. If that's true, it leads me to think that either Gillis fcuked up the interest he did have or there was no real interest at all.

Tough to see how even a good run of 30 games at say a .930 sv% would suddenly get people banging down the door.
- AlexF

He said the exact same thing at the trade deadline. It's all semantics though. Hasn't actually dispelled any rumours. His extremely careful wording actually provides more creedence to the reports that he had a very short list of teams (Florida, Tampa, maybe a couple others who had zero interst) he was willing to accept a trade to which did not originally include teams that had discussed offers with Gillis (Toronto, maybe Columbus).

He said the exact same thing at the trade deadline. It's all semantics though. Hasn't actually dispelled any rumours. His extremely careful wording actually provides more creedence to the reports that he had a very short list of teams (Florida, Tampa, maybe a couple others who had zero interst) he was willing to accept a trade to which did not originally include teams that had discussed offers with Gillis (Toronto, maybe Columbus).
- KB3Point0

I bet Lu would have not said a word yet if Team Canada's training camp was not here. Avoid the media circus and concentrate on stopping pucks.

Not a fan of Afleck (except for the duck commercial of course ) but I have to give credit where credit is due. As such, I would have to say it's the other way around - Afleck has written most of the movies he (and Damon) have been in (I did like Chasing Amy, by the way).

P.S. Argo had the most egregious use of historical latitude I've ever seen
- Zogg

Meh, Affleck doesn't know how to spell movie, let alone write one. He's a terrible actor, makes Keanu Reevs look like Kenneth Branagh.

But hey, we're all entitled to our opinions.

Meh, Affleck doesn't know how to spell movie, let alone write one. He's a terrible actor, makes Keanu Reevs look like Kenneth Branagh.

But hey, we're all entitled to our opinions.
- 1970vintage

Oh, I agree - as mentioned, I'm definitely not a fan and, frankly, feel his acting is wooden and unconvincing (Damon is the much better actor - as is Affleck's younger brother Casey) I was only saying that it's not true that Affleck was/is riding Damon's coat tails. Affleck, as hard as it is to believe, has actually penned and produced some very good movies (Gone Baby Gone - fantastic flick, The Town, Good Will Hunting etc).

P.S.of course Argo not being one of them

Oh, I agree - as mentioned, I'm definitely not a fan and, frankly, feel his acting is wooden and unconvincing (Damon is the much better actor - as is Affleck's younger brother Casey) I was only saying that it's not true that Affleck was/is riding Damon's coat tails. Affleck, as hard as it is to believe, has actually penned and produced some very good movies (Gone Baby Gone - fantastic flick, The Town, Good Will Hunting etc).

P.S.of course Argo not being one of them
- Zogg

Hmm, who to believe, Trey Parker and Matt Stone or the skit I watched with Matt Damon doing all the work and Ben Affleck drinking beer on the couch (SNL? I forget).

One of the better and more educated posters over on HF said that every time Lou has answered questions of that ilk he's worded his answer very carefully and the same every time, and while Lou always says he never "blocked" or "vetoed" a trade, it does sound like he may have indicated that it was Florida or TB or nothing...
- Fosco

More rumor and speculation? This entire Luongo saga is filled with "he said she said", "he's in the know so he should know", "I did 2 minutes of comparison research so it must be true" talk. It's all baseless until it gets confirmed and that's why this topic is SO....FCUKING...BORING.

WTF is Luongo doing having an interview like that just prior to training camp anyway? Unless he's trying to force a trade or buyout via the media it's ill-advised and ensures that questions like this keep coming. And if he was trying to get the fans on his side somehow, know that only his good play on the ice will do that.

On a side note I do find that when two sides willing to terminate a contract by mutual consent and are not able to do so it is absolutely madness. In a league of innumerable rules which defy logic, that one stands fairly tall.

Hmm, who to believe, Trey Parker and Matt Stone or the skit I watched with Matt Damon doing all the work and Ben Affleck drinking beer on the couch (SNL? I forget).
- 1970vintage

You will note that SouthPark has satirized and poked fun at a lot of people - Hillary Clinton, George Clooney, Barack Obama, Russell Crowe, Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand, Mel Gibson, Marilyn Manson etc. I think you will agree that at least a few of these individuals are quite talented at their craft/position, which was my point to begin with (that is, as concerns some of Affleck's work)

Edit: there are actually rumours that neither one wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting. I guess it just shows that you have to take everything with a grain of salt.

As you touched on, though, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

More rumor and speculation? This entire Luongo saga is filled with "he said she said", "he's in the know so he should know", "I did 2 minutes of comparison research so it must be true" talk. It's all baseless until it gets confirmed and that's why this topic is SO....FCUKING...BORING.

WTF is Luongo doing having an interview like that just prior to training camp anyway? Unless he's trying to force a trade or buyout via the media it's ill-advised and ensures that questions like this keep coming. And if he was trying to get the fans on his side somehow, know that only his good play on the ice will do that.

On a side note I do find that when two sides willing to terminate a contract by mutual consent and are not able to do so it is absolutely madness. In a league of innumerable rules which defy logic, that one stands fairly tall.
- AlexF

I would think if both sides agreed, then it should be a moot point - void the damn contract. Im certain the Aquilinis wouldnt mind getting out of under that contract for nothing......

You will note that SouthPark has satirized and poked fun at a lot of people - Hillary Clinton, George Clooney, Barack Obama, Russell Crowe, Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand, Mel Gibson, Marilyn Manson etc. I think you will agree that at least a few of these individuals are quite talented at their craft/position, which was my point to begin with (that is, as concerns some of Affleck's work)

Edit: there are actually rumours that neither one wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting. I guess it just shows that you have to take everything with a grain of salt.

As you touched on, though, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
- Zogg

I was just being cheeky,

I would think if both sides agreed, then it should be a moot point - void the damn contract. Im certain the Aquilinis wouldnt mind getting out of under that contract for nothing......
- chompsey

Even though most players would never concede to voiding a contract if asked, it should be an option at least. It would also offer teams a bit more of a chance to change their fortunes. The league has become so restrictive in its options.

I would think if both sides agreed, then it should be a moot point - void the damn contract. Im certain the Aquilinis wouldnt mind getting out of under that contract for nothing......
- chompsey

I wouldn't be so sure. Gillis/FA seem to think that they have to "get something" in return for their asset, voiding the contract wouldn't accomplish that. Also, I have to think that a significant proportion of the NHL population (GM's) would see Luongo as damaged goods, I wonder how many teams would be interested in his services after all of this...

I would think if both sides agreed, then it should be a moot point - void the damn contract. Im certain the Aquilinis wouldnt mind getting out of under that contract for nothing......
- chompsey

NHLPA won't go for it. That is opening a whole can of worms. If they did one it opens up for unguaranteed contracts.

Even though most players would never concede to voiding a contract if asked, it should be an option at least. It would also offer teams a bit more of a chance to change their fortunes. The league has become so restrictive in its options.
- AlexF

There would certainly be cap-recapture penalties applied if it were deemed "legal".

More rumor and speculation? This entire Luongo saga is filled with "he said she said", "he's in the know so he should know", "I did 2 minutes of comparison research so it must be true" talk. It's all baseless until it gets confirmed and that's why this topic is SO....FCUKING...BORING.

WTF is Luongo doing having an interview like that just prior to training camp anyway? Unless he's trying to force a trade or buyout via the media it's ill-advised and ensures that questions like this keep coming. And if he was trying to get the fans on his side somehow, know that only his good play on the ice will do that.

On a side note I do find that when two sides willing to terminate a contract by mutual consent and are not able to do so it is absolutely madness. In a league of innumerable rules which defy logic, that one stands fairly tall.
- AlexF

He is going to Team Canada gathering next week. It avoids all the media circus he would face there if he didn't speak prior.

Even though most players would never concede to voiding a contract if asked, it should be an option at least. It would also offer teams a bit more of a chance to change their fortunes. The league has become so restrictive in its options.
- AlexF

If players choose to void a contracts why wouldn't teams who are not satified with the player have the same option. It won't happen.

I wouldn't be so sure. Gillis/FA seem to think that they have to "get something" in return for their asset, voiding the contract wouldn't accomplish that. Also, I have to think that a significant proportion of the NHL population (GM's) would see Luongo as damaged goods, I wonder how many teams would be interested in his services after all of this...
- 1970vintage

Disagree, I think they are past the point of expecting a return. I think that having a disgruntled player on the team far outweighs getting a return......

Disagree, I think they are past the point of expecting a return. I think that having a disgruntled player on the team far outweighs getting a return......
- chompsey

If that's the case then buying him out should have been considered more realistically. I get that it's a log of money, but the risks are just too great to continue down this road. The organization now risks that their "franchise player" implodes, the team starts to tank, ticket sales drop off and then they still have to buy the player out. Of course, everything could turn out roses and rainbows.

If that's the case then buying him out should have been considered more realistically. I get that it's a log of money, but the risks are just too great to continue down this road. The organization now risks that their "franchise player" implodes, the team starts to tank, ticket sales drop off and then they still have to buy the player out. Of course, everything could turn out roses and rainbows.
- 1970vintage

Canucks are often associated with rainbows and roses .

Oh damn...I forgot about him

In six years of drafting for Gillis, he's made 37 selections. Five of those pics have played an NHL game, I'm hoping JT is true to his word, allowing the young guys a shot at making the club.
- LeftCoaster

I'd say that's more a product of the strong roster he's had for most of his tenure.

Andersson, Blomstrand, and Tommernes could all see time this season, maybe even Gaunce or Horvat. If not this season, than most certainly a couple will see a handful of games next year.

I think it's a good thing the Canucks haven't had to rush their prospects in the last five years; although, the current lack of depth will probably change that from here on.

I'd say that's more a product of the strong roster he's had for most of his tenure.

Andersson, Blomstrand, and Tommernes could all see time this season, maybe even Gaunce or Horvat. If not this season, than most certainly a couple will see a handful of games next year.

I think it's a good thing the Canucks haven't had to rush their prospects in the last five years; although, the current lack of depth will probably change that from here on.
- Fosco

I know you are busy with work but you should do a guest blog on the prospect camp coming up.

Blomstrand Tommerness Andersson all Swedes

If players choose to void a contracts why wouldn't teams who are not satified with the player have the same option. It won't happen.
- VANTEL

I said it had to be by mutual consent.

Disagree, I think they are past the point of expecting a return. I think that having a disgruntled player on the team far outweighs getting a return......
- chompsey

This

If that's the case then buying him out should have been considered more realistically. I get that it's a log of money, but the risks are just too great to continue down this road. The organization now risks that their "franchise player" implodes, the team starts to tank, ticket sales drop off and then they still have to buy the player out. Of course, everything could turn out roses and rainbows.
- 1970vintage

They have another year to make that decision (of buying him out). I really get the feeling Lu is pushing them through the court of public opinion towards that option.