2011 NHL off-season thread

The Sonics left Seattle for because the taxpayers refused to pony up money for a new arena, no? Why would that change all of a sudden for a hockey team. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

And my take on what the divisions should look like:

EAST
Montreal
Boston
Ottawa
N.Y. Rangers
N.Y. Islanders
New Jersey
Buffalo
Toronto

SOUTH
Washington
Carolina
Tampa Bay
Florida
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Columbus

MIDWEST
Dallas
St. Louis
Minnesota
Chicago
Winnipeg
Nashville
Detroit

PACIFIC
San Jose
Anaheim
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Vancouver
Colorado
Calgary
Edmonton

I know Detroit wants to move East, but would they really put the Red Wings in the "South" Division while keeping Columbus out west? I don't see the league splitting the Devils from the other NYC area teams either. Nashville makes much more sense in the Midwest than the South because of the time zone issue. Plus, Detroit has so much history with teams like Chicago and St. Louis. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

Can we shoot the first editor who writes a "Bruins do the Dougie" hed?

 

Steven Stamkos will be on the cover of the NHL 12 video game.

 

1.5 million Canadians watched last Friday night's 1st round of the entry draft. Those are pretty spectacular numbers for a friggin' draft. A Leafs/Canadiens game would get that on HNIC.

And Free Agency Day begins on July 1 aka Canada Day. ;D

 

Flyers get rid of Carcillo and Powe. Purge continues.

 

First, Malkin said he wanted to get back into the best-player-in-the-world discussion. Now comes word from Russia that he's supposedly working harder this summer than he ever has -- and that he could've returned had the Pens advanced deeper in the playoffs.

Already, I'm looking forward to next season.

 

Was listening to the local sports talk station tonight and they were saying Jagr has a handshake agreement to return to the Penguins, has anyone heard anything on this?

 

My thoughts? Let him go. Lots of talent, but he seems to be fragile between the legs (groin is always injured) and between the ears.

In other Caps news, Washington signed Brooks Laich to a six-year extension. Like that move. Also, to the Blackhawks fans, how much should I like this move to pick up Troy Brouwer? Seems like adding another tough guy to the rotation can't be a bad thing.

 

I always liked Troy Brower. Decent hands and will crash and bang.

 

Depends on how you plan to use him and how much he costs. He's made his name on the Blackhawks being the guy who benefits from being on a line with Toews and Kane. He's looking to get paid for his stats, when he couldn't produce this stats in most situations.

On a good team, he's a good third-liner or the worst of your top 6. He'll throw a ton of hits, is generally defensively responsible (except for when he's trying too hard to throw hits) and won't mess things up.

 

Laich is getting paid like a 60 point per year, quality second line player.