General Hockey Thread v2.0 - Page 201 - The Orange Mane

Breck Bronc · 07-02-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killericon

Just so you Avalanche fans know, Leopold is a great player. I mean...he's on the verge of being an all-star. If you watch him play....he's a fantastic offensive talent, and he's no slouch hitting. You'll like him...Maybe not as much as you liked Blake, but let's be honest here....the guy is 36. Not that many years left in the tank anyways.

Our only hope is that three new players thrive in a new environment.

Jose Theodore looked better in the Anaheim series than he did all year in Montreal (which shows how badly the rest of the Avalanche played in getting swept by the Ducks). He needs to play close to his 2001-'02 level for the Avs to have a chance at making the playoffs.

Tyler Arnason is a talented player that has no work ethic. If he does change that part of his game then this will be a good move for the Avalanche. Still, going from Peter Forsberg to Tyler Arnason as your #2 center is as big a downgrade as it gets.

And finally, Jordan Leopold is already a solid player that needs to further increase his game now that he's arguably Colorado's #1 defenseman. If Leo takes the next step then at least the Avs made one decent move this offseason.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 01:35 PM

I've liked Leopold since he was a Gopher, but I'm also realistic in regards to next season. The Avs defense will consist of:

Leopold
Liles
Brisebois
Sauer
Skrastins
Clark
Vaananen

Not exactly earth shattering. I am looking forward to 07-08, when all the dead weight (bonuses plus Brisebois, Turgeon, May) will be off the books; that will open up 8 million dollars of cap space. The Avs only have Hejduk, Skrastins, Clark, Theodore, Wolski, and I believe Richardson on the books for 07-08. That will also be the year in which we start seeing some players from these last few drafts emerge. I really think Paul Stastny will be a member of the Avalanche in 07-08.

While I'm not giving up on 06-07, I also know that this team has many more question marks then last year. This organization has made many mistakes since this new cap system has been implemented. Barring any further mistakes, they'll be able to rebound come 07-08.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 02:05 PM

Martin Straka re-signs with the Rangers

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170333&hubname=nhl

Jori · 07-02-2006, 02:09 PM

Two bloggers claim that Weight has signed with St Louis 2 years/ 7 million. I'm waiting for a source from one of the media sites, but the two bloggers, Hadley and Strickland, have been spot on so far this free agency.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 02:19 PM

Bruins sign Shean Donovan

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170339&hubname=nhl

There is also a rumor going around that the Avs are talking to Jan Bulis. Bulis is a good friend of Hejduk's and they seemed to have a good on ice chemistry playing in the Czech Rep last year. I'm still trying to find out how they Avs would fit him in their payroll and if they do have any spare cash...why aren't they going after someone like Spacek or Witt.

Pendejo · 07-02-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

I've liked Leopold since he was a Gopher, but I'm also realistic in regards to next season. The Avs defense will consist of:

Leopold
Liles
Brisebois
Sauer
Skrastins
Clark
Vaananen

Not exactly earth shattering. I am looking forward to 07-08, when all the dead weight (bonuses plus Brisebois, Turgeon, May) will be off the books; that will open up 8 million dollars of cap space. The Avs only have Hejduk, Skrastins, Clark, Theodore, Wolski, and I believe Richardson on the books for 07-08. That will also be the year in which we start seeing some players from these last few drafts emerge. I really think Paul Stastny will be a member of the Avalanche in 07-08.

While I'm not giving up on 06-07, I also know that this team has many more question marks then last year. This organization has made many mistakes since this new cap system has been implemented. Barring any further mistakes, they'll be able to rebound come 07-08.

Yep. Just like Clockwork has been saying...it's time to take some lumps and start rebuilding. Let the young guys get some ice time, and free up some money for the future.

Also...I remember when Weight was traded last year he pretty much made it clear that he wanted to go back to St. Louis. That one was a no brainer. He had his cake and ate it too.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 03:29 PM

Sportsnet is now confirming that Weight has returned to the Blues; 2 years/ 7 million.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 03:44 PM

Panthers sign Salei to a four year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170348&hubname=nhl

SoCalBronco · 07-02-2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

Panthers sign Salei to a four year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170348&hubname=nhl

****

Jori · 07-02-2006, 05:37 PM

Hinote signs with St Louis

Clockwork Orange · 07-02-2006, 05:42 PM

Best of luck in St. Louis, Dan The Man. Thanks for everything.

BroncoBuff · 07-02-2006, 06:58 PM

Jeez, Hinote's gone now? Might as well be baseball the way these guys are moving.

Clockwork Orange · 07-02-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Jeez, Hinote's gone now? Might as well be baseball the way these guys are moving.

Nah, if this was baseball, New York would be buying everyone that they could while Boston whined about it......while buying everyone that they could.

Tredici · 07-02-2006, 08:04 PM

BTW - Jori, just to let you know your updates have been much appreciated. Thanks for the good work.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 08:35 PM

No problem Tred. The hockey off-season can just be as exciting as the in-season. I think now with the big named UFAs off the board, we'll start seeing some trades. I bet everybody is waiting for the Pronger trade before we see some more movement.

I just found out some more detail about Hinote's contract; he signed for 3 years @ 1 million. I think it's fairly obvious why he's no longer in an Avs uniform.

Just so you know, this signing hasn't yet been reported on any of the major media sites. The story comes from www.hadleyonsports.com.

This guy has predicted all the Blues signings correctly hours before they have reached TSN, Sportsnet, etc. Basically, he's the anti-Eklund

In all seriousness, I consider Hadley to be legitimate. I'll certainly miss Hinote. It certainly has been a whirlwind 13 months for this franchise.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 08:39 PM

Apparently the Detroit Red Wings will have press conference tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST; speculation is that Steve Yzerman will retire

Killericon · 07-02-2006, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

I've liked Leopold since he was a Gopher, but I'm also realistic in regards to next season. The Avs defense will consist of:

Leopold
Liles
Brisebois
Sauer
Skrastins
Clark
Vaananen

Not exactly earth shattering. I am looking forward to 07-08, when all the dead weight (bonuses plus Brisebois, Turgeon, May) will be off the books; that will open up 8 million dollars of cap space. The Avs only have Hejduk, Skrastins, Clark, Theodore, Wolski, and I believe Richardson on the books for 07-08. That will also be the year in which we start seeing some players from these last few drafts emerge. I really think Paul Stastny will be a member of the Avalanche in 07-08.

While I'm not giving up on 06-07, I also know that this team has many more question marks then last year. This organization has made many mistakes since this new cap system has been implemented. Barring any further mistakes, they'll be able to rebound come 07-08.

Leopold was one of the Flames' top two defenders during our cup run....It's not as bad as you think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tredici

BTW - Jori, just to let you know your updates have been much appreciated. Thanks for the good work.

Agreed. I'm not even checking any other news source...I go straight here.

Clockwork Orange · 07-02-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killericon

Leopold was one of the Flames' top two defenders during our cup run....It's not as bad as you think.

No one thinks that Leopold is a bum, but he's a downgrade from Rob Blake. We spent this whole offseason talking about how the defense needed to be improved and they managed to actually take a step back.

This Avs team won't be terrible, but they'll struggle to make the playoffs in the ultra competitive Western Conference unless somehow Theowhore rediscovers his 2002 form (not holding my breath on that one).

I'd just prefer that if they're going to be mediocre, go the full nine and just be really bad for a year. The draft picks they get out of it would be well worth it.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 08:46 PM

There's some talent, but the group as a whole is soft. Besides, Quenneville will use Breezeby as a number one defenseman; I just know it. Everytime I'll see Brisebois on the ice this year in an Avs sweater, I'll be reminded of Game 3 against the Ducks.

Clockwork Orange · 07-02-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

Everytime I'll see Brisebois on the ice this year in an Avs sweater, I'll be reminded of Game 3 against the Ducks.

[Mike Evans]But he's a nice guy. I'm not gonna rip him because I've met him and he's a nice guy.[/Mike Evans]

Jori · 07-02-2006, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

No one thinks that Leopold is a bum, but he's a downgrade from Rob Blake. We spent this whole offseason talking about how the defense needed to be improved and they managed to actually take a step back.

This Avs team won't be terrible, but they'll struggle to make the playoffs in the ultra competitive Western Conference unless somehow Theowhore rediscovers his 2002 form (not holding my breath on that one).

I'd just prefer that if they're going to be mediocre, go the full nine and just be really bad for a year. The draft picks they get out of it would be well worth it.

I can see the Avs being somewhere between 7-10 in the west this year. I like their chances better if Theodore plays well, Hejduk rebounds from a subpar year and if Quenneville can resist the urge of over playing Breezeby.

Jori · 07-02-2006, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

[Mike Evans]But he's a nice guy. I'm not gonna rip him because I've met him and he's a nice guy.[/Mike Evans]

Tredici · 07-02-2006, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

I'll be reminded of Game 3 against the Ducks.

Well, I saw Joey out there in the East Parking Lot. I really thought I could pass it through the entire Duck team standing in front of our net.

Mtbrncofn · 07-02-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

Hinote signs with St Louis

Goddamn, that sucks ass. That's where another guy similar to Hinote went too, Podein. I always liked him too.

Mtbrncofn · 07-02-2006, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jori

Besides, Quenneville will use Breezeby as a number one defenseman; I just know it.

Good Lord, I'll be a raging alcoholic 2 weeks into the season.

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07-02-2006, 01:35 PM	#5002
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	I've liked Leopold since he was a Gopher, but I'm also realistic in regards to next season. The Avs defense will consist of: Leopold Liles Brisebois Sauer Skrastins Clark Vaananen Not exactly earth shattering. I am looking forward to 07-08, when all the dead weight (bonuses plus Brisebois, Turgeon, May) will be off the books; that will open up 8 million dollars of cap space. The Avs only have Hejduk, Skrastins, Clark, Theodore, Wolski, and I believe Richardson on the books for 07-08. That will also be the year in which we start seeing some players from these last few drafts emerge. I really think Paul Stastny will be a member of the Avalanche in 07-08. While I'm not giving up on 06-07, I also know that this team has many more question marks then last year. This organization has made many mistakes since this new cap system has been implemented. Barring any further mistakes, they'll be able to rebound come 07-08.

07-02-2006, 02:05 PM	#5003
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Martin Straka re-signs with the Rangers http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170333&hubname=nhl

07-02-2006, 02:09 PM	#5004
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Two bloggers claim that Weight has signed with St Louis 2 years/ 7 million. I'm waiting for a source from one of the media sites, but the two bloggers, Hadley and Strickland, have been spot on so far this free agency.

07-02-2006, 02:19 PM	#5005
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Bruins sign Shean Donovan http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170339&hubname=nhl There is also a rumor going around that the Avs are talking to Jan Bulis. Bulis is a good friend of Hejduk's and they seemed to have a good on ice chemistry playing in the Czech Rep last year. I'm still trying to find out how they Avs would fit him in their payroll and if they do have any spare cash...why aren't they going after someone like Spacek or Witt.

07-02-2006, 03:29 PM	#5007
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Sportsnet is now confirming that Weight has returned to the Blues; 2 years/ 7 million.

07-02-2006, 03:44 PM	#5008
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Panthers sign Salei to a four year deal. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=170348&hubname=nhl

07-02-2006, 05:37 PM	#5010
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Hinote signs with St Louis

07-02-2006, 05:42 PM	#5011
Clockwork Orange Persona Non Grata I seen him! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 21,438	Best of luck in St. Louis, Dan The Man. Thanks for everything.

07-02-2006, 06:58 PM	#5012
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Jeez, Hinote's gone now? Might as well be baseball the way these guys are moving.

07-02-2006, 08:04 PM	#5014
Tredici Ring of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 10,010	BTW - Jori, just to let you know your updates have been much appreciated. Thanks for the good work.

07-02-2006, 08:35 PM	#5015
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	No problem Tred. The hockey off-season can just be as exciting as the in-season. I think now with the big named UFAs off the board, we'll start seeing some trades. I bet everybody is waiting for the Pronger trade before we see some more movement. I just found out some more detail about Hinote's contract; he signed for 3 years @ 1 million. I think it's fairly obvious why he's no longer in an Avs uniform. Just so you know, this signing hasn't yet been reported on any of the major media sites. The story comes from www.hadleyonsports.com. This guy has predicted all the Blues signings correctly hours before they have reached TSN, Sportsnet, etc. Basically, he's the anti-Eklund In all seriousness, I consider Hadley to be legitimate. I'll certainly miss Hinote. It certainly has been a whirlwind 13 months for this franchise.

07-02-2006, 08:39 PM	#5016
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	Apparently the Detroit Red Wings will have press conference tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST; speculation is that Steve Yzerman will retire

07-02-2006, 08:46 PM	#5019
Jori US Olympian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,631	There's some talent, but the group as a whole is soft. Besides, Quenneville will use Breezeby as a number one defenseman; I just know it. Everytime I'll see Brisebois on the ice this year in an Avs sweater, I'll be reminded of Game 3 against the Ducks.