Why do we need two teams in Florida, too? Aren't one of those or both struggling? Just no common sense. - JoeRussomanno
The NHL's expansion and relocation plans were very shortsighted all along.
They took a stable market in LA, got a hard on over Disney money and jammed the Ducks down 30 minutes drive away. Think that didn't hurt the Kings at the gate?
At least Miami & Tampa are a few hours drive apart.
Phil Esposito tells a great story about how the Tampa Bay got the Lightning. Espo was the front man for a group of Japanese investors. They were not considered front runners, by any stretch. However, Esposito told them to have a cashier's check for the full expansion fee ready at the proposal meeting.
Esposito went in, talked about the feasibility of Tampa and the impact of adding a team there, then pulled out the $50mm check. He said later that they were the only group that was willing to pay the expansion fee right off the bat & that is the biggest reason there's a Tampa Bay Lightning.
Location: There aren't any answers. Only choices. Joined: 07.01.2007
Aug 20 @ 1:32 PM ET
If anything we have the Winter olympics to keep us busy in January I guess. Another thing i don't like, Pro athletes competing in an amateur event. The olympics should not include pro athletes in any event. Just my opine. - JoeRussomanno
In 2016. And it wasn't amateurs as soon as there were servicemen and women competing for their countries.
The USA Hockey folks say that Jones is one of best all-around defenseman for his age group that they've had come through the NTDP-- which says a lot. Should play in NHL at about 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and is a real plus skater.
The USA Hockey folks say that Jones is one of best all-around defenseman for his age group that they've had come through the NTDP-- which says a lot. Should play in NHL at about 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and is a real plus skater. - bmeltzer
Meh...if they draft that high, they'll end up taking a center anyhow
Like Couturier over Hamilton? That might be one we'd like to have back in a few years, with all due respect to Coots.
Can't imagine how bad Jets fans will feel on having passed on BOTH of them to pick Scheifele... - Tomahawk
I didn't understand that. Couts had a bad WJC but that was one tourney when he was recovering from mono. He was the number one ranked player when the initial rankings were released in late 2010. I would have been furious if the Flyers had passed up Couturier when he was still on the board at 8th overall.
Location: Dude, I am so sorry about whatever made you like this. Take it easy. Joined: 07.06.2007
Aug 20 @ 2:10 PM ET
The USA Hockey folks say that Jones is one of best all-around defenseman for his age group that they've had come through the NTDP-- which says a lot. Should play in NHL at about 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and is a real plus skater. - bmeltzer
love how Popeye (when he was on the Nuggets) went up to Joe Sakic and said pretty much "my kid says he wants to play hockey... what do i do now?"
love how Popeye (when he was on the Nuggets) went up to Joe Sakic and said pretty much "my kid says he wants to play hockey... what do i do now?" - Crimsoninja
I do love that story. But what I love best about it, is the kid had a clear access to the NBA and a ton of coaches and colleges... and he chose Hockey. I like that kid.
love how Popeye (when he was on the Nuggets) went up to Joe Sakic and said pretty much "my kid says he wants to play hockey... what do i do now?" - Crimsoninja
Another thing i don't like, Pro athletes competing in an amateur event. The olympics should not include pro athletes in any event. Just my opine.
