Frattin is in but will start the season late because of rehab (from all reports).
- LeafMan

Has he really shown enough to be granted a spot? I'm not sure personally.

Connolly and Lombardi need to go but I don't know if they will, are there a lot of teams struggling to reach the floor? I would not mind to see Mac as part of a deal for a goalie ie) Halak

Has he really shown enough to be granted a spot? I'm not sure personally.
- AdamFrench

Carlyle likes Frattin a bunch.

You guys think the NHL is too big? or needs to move some of the sunbelt teams to Canada? Only problem is how many other cities in Canada can host a hockey team? If there aren't enough locations do you cut down on the teams and have overall more talented teams?

Edit: Basically what I'm asking is are there enough WNPs out there to relocate NHL teams, or do you cut the league down

What do you guys think about lowering the number of teams? Overall it creates much more talented teams...could be interesting.
- celata29

I think it's a good idea. There's probably 6 teams that could easily be eliminated.

Also, has anyone talked about what's going to happen with the Winnipeg re-alignment this coming season?

What's Kadri waiver eligibility like?
Can he be sent down without someone claiming him?
- dmnted

He is still entry level, so yes.

You guys think the NHL is too big? or needs to move some of the sunbelt teams to Canada? Only problem is how many other cities in Canada can host a hockey team? If there aren't enough locations do you cut down on the teams and have overall more talented teams?
- celata29

Hamilton and Quebec City

Traded if he doesn't get his poop together this year, i get the feeling they will give him every opportunity to succeed this year, especially in light of what happened to schenn, have to believe that Burke's fate in some way may just be tied to Kadri and his success this year, or even lack thereof. I get the feeling someone gets moved shortly after the pre-season if Kadri proves himself in camp.
- Prolific_Scorer

My point was, if he earns a spot but gets sent down due to contracts on the Leafs, he will not resign and ask to be traded, doesn't matter if the Leafs hold all the cards with him being RFA, it is a waste of an asset to sit, he makes it or gets dealt, imo.

Fair enough
- celata29

Please do not thing i am saying there are no real hardcore hockey fans in these areas, because surely there is, what i mean is in most large US cities they are fighting to attract fans of other more predominant sports more local to the area, with deeper roots, baseball and football and such.

You guys think the NHL is too big? or needs to move some of the sunbelt teams to Canada? Only problem is how many other cities in Canada can host a hockey team? If there aren't enough locations do you cut down on the teams and have overall more talented teams?
- celata29

The NHL would be superb if they dropped 5 teams, it's stupid to even talk about it though.

I think it's a good idea. There's probably 6 teams that could easily be eliminated.

Also, has anyone talked about what's going to happen with the Winnipeg re-alignment this coming season?
- Domaju

There is no realignment now right?

Carlyle likes Frattin a bunch.
- maverickJ

Perhaps.

Has he really shown enough to be granted a spot? I'm not sure personally.
- AdamFrench

I think he has proven all he can in the AHL, time for the big show.

Please do not thing i am saying there are no real hardcore hockey fans in these areas, because surely there is, what i mean is in most large US cities they are fighting to attract fans of other more predominant sports more local to the area, with deeper roots, baseball and football and such.
- Prolific_Scorer

I was agreeing with you.

I think it's a good idea. There's probably 6 teams that could easily be eliminated.

Also, has anyone talked about what's going to happen with the Winnipeg re-alignment this coming season?
- Domaju

I believe they're more focused on actually having a season.

According to Burke, he will be making deals...hopefully it clears up space for Kadri.
Still some time left.
- Fakepartofme

yes i know.. but he needs to find a trading partner as well

easy to say.. hard to actually do

Those backyard rinks in Phoenix are going to be fooked!!!!
- Prolific_Scorer

naw ... they just roll up the silicon thing of majig ......

it looks like ice but it's not ...

My point was, if he earns a spot but gets sent down due to contracts on the Leafs, he will not resign and ask to be traded, doesn't matter if the Leafs hold all the cards with him being RFA, it is a waste of an asset to sit, he makes it or gets dealt, imo.
- LeafMan

Lol I wonder if that 1rst is still on the table for Mac, next years draft looks good

The NHL would be superb if they dropped 5 teams, it's stupid to even talk about it though.
- Leafland

What do you mean it's stupid to talk about? Because it would never happen or for some other reason?

burke will be making trades so there is room for both frattin and kadri.
who, how and what are debatable, but I don't see that duo in the minors again.
- Barx

easier said than done is all

i hope like hell you're right

yes i know.. but he needs to find a trading partner as well

easy to say.. hard to actually do
- Dozzer

If you found a partner, Im sure Burke can as well

next year alot of useless contracts come off the books... timing is good... the first round of developed prospects should be truly ready.. not just the guys who "could be" ready this year
- Dozzer

Pretty much in the same position the habs are in really. Another year or so of suckage, a few nice draft picks, and when those contracts come off the books they should have an influx of drafted talent ready to make the team, kind of looking up for both teams, finally.

Has he really shown enough to be granted a spot? I'm not sure personally.
- AdamFrench

I think his AHL playoff performance showed enough to give him serious consideration. He can't do any worse than Lombardi did.

I'm sure he'll be ready when play resumes in Oct 2013...
- Flyfreaky

oh ffs.. dont bring that nonsense around here.. unlike baseball fehr knows a lockout would lower the fanbase yet again which would only serve as a detriment to player salaries

Perhaps.
- AdamFrench

He does he had him on the first line when Lupul went down and the second line instead of Kulemin. Doesn't guarantee him a spot though.