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Sam Reinhart is getting trade interest in Buffalo. Of the names that seem certain to move (Eichel, Ristolainen) Reinhart is a bit of a surprise. Eichel and Ristolainen have been labeled “discontent” through interviews, statements, etc. Reinhart, to me, is more than capable of being a leader on a squad that is in transition. While Detroit may not have the pieces to make it work, Reinhart is possibly the most attractive available pickup from the Sabres roster in relative cost combined with potential. (If CBJ wants to go in, they have 3 first round picks to play with. Not sure if Jarmo would go all in but he’s done it before).
So, it’s been the offseason for Detroit for a while now. I’m constructing a summer schedule with intent of providing 5 days of new content each week so that we can stay on top of any developments, but also keep hockey alive and well in our hearts and minds. With respect to the latter, I’m introducing a summer reading program. I’ll be featuring tidbits from assorted hockey literature that will focus on players, the history of the game, and the culture in Detroit.
Being a part of the Hockeybuzz family comes with a distinct privilege in working side by side (virtually) with author/historian/reporter Kevin Allen. The ability to find information through online resources lacks the shoe leather of a man who has had a front row seat to the NHL since the mid 1980s. The decade of Edmonton and the Islanders where goals flowed like the Au Sable after a three day storm. (If you haven’t canoed the Au Sable in Michigan after a storm, it’s an experience that will fill your senses but empty your cooler. I have a feeling there are still 200 cans of Faygo still swirling around when the tides are high).
Of Course the 80s gave way to the 90s where New Jersey, Colorado and Detroit were finding impressive footing. Scoring eventually died down into the “dead puck era”. Lockouts and strikes led to the “Shannahan summit” and the salary cap and in game shootouts were born (and the tie game was expunged). I try to count the distinctive “eras” that came about since the 1980s, and there are many. The newest era is the “advanced stats” era (in my mind) and the hockey community will do battle each spring as to whether the greatest team assembled on tablet (who uses paper?) will hoist the greatest award in sports. It’s a fascinating discussion with a wide chasm betwixt the two sides. Will ever the twain meet? Geographically, the most improbable of intermingling has opened in my lifetime, perhaps statistically the same can be done?
Regardless of your stance, there is nothing that can substitute the experience of walking into arenas all over the country and seeing the game for the past few decades. Hearing the sounds as wood sticks gave way to composite and traditional skate sharpening was mixed with new metals and shapes. Smelling the air as players went from one or two pairs of gloves per game to 3 to 5 (with drying machines and breathable fabric thank God). CCM turned to Nike, turned to Reebok, turned to Adidas. And now, the NHL is tracking player and puck movement in real time with senors. Still, at the heart of arenas that smell far better than they once did and equipment that gets lighter and faster is the player. The human mechanism that carries the torch of a game once played by factory workers outdoors in frozen climates to the high tech festival designed to engage every possible sense for every possible second. The game still needs a soul, and the player is the vessel.
The first book I’ll be examining, starting next week, is “Made in America”, the Chris Chelios story. Kevin Allen has masterful grasp of the “as told to” genre. The book reads and flows very much like a two person conversation. Amongst Kevin’s arsenal of authorship tools and techniques is the ability to become the transparent listener. The conversation quickly becomes a relationship between the subject and the reader. The benevolence is a moment in time that most of us could never hope to arrange. A hall of fame player who is telling his story at his own cadence and leisure without the pressure of facing a sea of fans. Deeply personal moments in time are rehashed and shared in a way that most of us will never be privy to.
While we look at the journey of one of the greatest American players of all time over the coming weeks, there are some useful tidbits that are available for all of us.
1 - how to win a bar fight in Montreal and not get arrested
2 - how to train for the ice on the sand
3 - how to say “yes” to a less than perfect opportunity. I.e. - a team is looking for a right shot defenseman and you’re a forward. Simply say, “of course I’m a defenseman” and then make your travel arrangements.
I look forward to this addition to the Red Wings blog for the summer, and hope you find yourself a bit richer for examining the different literary works. To get started, grab a copy of “Made in America” - Chris Chelios. Go to
Triumphbooks.com and you can find this and several other titles by Kevin Allen. Digital formats are also available. The series will launch next Monday, June 21st. I look forward to seeing you there.
Check out some of my previous posts
Colorado is out of the playoffs.
Isle be darned, Boston is out
(M)Over Achiever - Seider getting accolades
setting the limits on trades
Moritz Seider reminds me of Jiri Fischer
Mo Seider is getting good ice time at the IIHF Worlds Championship.
There may be some blockbuster deals coming.
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