Yeah, not a fan of ESPN or the kinda sorta World-esque Cup of Hockey
- jmatchett383

I saw the World Cup tournament in 1996 in Philly and that was some of the best hockey I've ever seen live.

I don't particularly care for how they've set this particular tournament up (the whole "rest of Europe" team concept is dismissive and lazy), but an offseason international tournament is far better than stopping the season to play the Olympics.

As long as ESPN does not employ Pierre McGuire, I would be OK with ESPN doing the games.

I saw the World Cup tournament in 1996 in Philly and that was some of the best hockey I've ever seen live.

I don't particularly care for how they've set this particular tournament up (the whole "rest of Europe" team concept is dismissive and lazy), but an offseason international tournament is far better than stopping the season to play the Olympics.

As long as ESPN does not employ Pierre McGuire, I would be OK with ESPN doing the games.
- johndewar

I was at those 3 games in 1996. The inaugural event at the arena with a brawl 20 seconds in and LeClair scoring the first goal, the Swden/Canada Double-OT game, and the Finals game where LeClair tied it with 6 seconds left...never in my life have I seen hockey as fantastic as that (probably never will again).

Speaking of ESPN and the world ending, ESPN won the rights to the World Cup:

http://www.si.com/nhl/201...-hockey-espn-tv-broadcast
- johndewar

Asked this on Jan Levin's blog, maybe someone here would know: Since the "World" Cup is controlled and run by the NHL, do the broadcasting rights count towards HRR with respect to the salary cap? I'm guessing no, but I thought it was worth asking.

Asked this on Jan Levin's blog, maybe someone here would know: Since the "World" Cup is controlled and run by the NHL, do the broadcasting rights count towards HRR with respect to the salary cap? I'm guessing no, but I thought it was worth asking.
- jmatchett383

No idea. I would think it would count towards it. But who knows in this wacky place...

I was at those 3 games in 1996. The inaugural event at the arena with a brawl 20 seconds in and LeClair scoring the first goal, the Swden/Canada Double-OT game, and the Finals game where LeClair tied it with 6 seconds left...never in my life have I seen hockey as fantastic as that (probably never will again).
- jmatchett383

Yep, me too.

I remember my then girlfriend (now my ex-wife) remarking about this one player during the pre-game skate who looked smaller than the rest of the players. She even called him "bird man".

It took me a couple of minutes, but I realized she was talking about Wayne Gretzky.

Should have known right there that woman was no good.

Asked this on Jan Levin's blog, maybe someone here would know: Since the "World" Cup is controlled and run by the NHL, do the broadcasting rights count towards HRR with respect to the salary cap? I'm guessing no, but I thought it was worth asking.
- jmatchett383

Good question. For the sake of the players, I hope so.

Yep, me too.

I remember my then girlfriend (now my ex-wife) remarking about this one player during the pre-game skate who looked smaller than the rest of the players. She even called him "bird man".

It took me a couple of minutes, but I realized she was talking about Wayne Gretzky.

Should have known right there that woman was no good.
- johndewar

Yeah, you should have booed her and possibly performed a beertality on her for that. That's a clear-cut sign that she's no good. I, on the other hand, got a kiss on the lips from my dad's friend's super hot HS senior daughter (I was 13 at the time) when the US tied it late.

The only thing missing from those games was Mario (thankfully for the US).

I'd love Kane, Kassian is a big guy with some potential, but he's also not a very disciplined player. I also am not sure he's got the hockey sense to ever be much more than a 3rd liner
- Jsaquella

Probably does but would have to be used in a role to use those talents

I would love to have Kane in Philly. Take the Pittsburgh game where Jake gets hit and would be KANE to drop the gloves and then not have to worry about Voracek in the box for 5 minutes.

All we would ask of him is to put pucks in the back of the net.

Probably does but would have to be used in a role to use those talents
- ob18

I just think Kassian is comparable to Bickell, Marroon, Beleksy. They might not be sexy but they can play valuable rolls on a team. And at 24 he is young enough to still develop his game

I just think Kassian is comparable to Bickell, Marroon, Beleksy. They might not be sexy but they can play valuable rolls on a team. And at 24 he is young enough to still develop his game
- J35Bacher

I won't disagree, it's worth a look without committing long term.m But so are many other players.

I honestly don't get the fascination with Kassian.
- MJL

Ditto

With all the Kane talk, wasn't there speculation we traded hartsy to make room for/attempt to land Kane in the summer? Can't remember if i read this somewhere or just making it up

With all the Kane talk, wasn't there speculation we traded hartsy to make room for/attempt to land Kane in the summer? Can't remember if i read this somewhere or just making it up
- arichardson22

I don't think they'd do that without having some firm talks and a handshake deal with Winnipeg. Probably just speculation and trying to put pieces together.

Good for Cousins. He hit on my girlfriend though so I don't like him.

I just think Kassian is comparable to Bickell, Marroon, Beleksy. They might not be sexy but they can play valuable rolls on a team. And at 24 he is young enough to still develop his game
- J35Bacher

If you want a guy that age who has a big frame and can play a little bit, then why not go get Kenny Ryan from Colorado for a 5th. Much like Kassian, he had good junior numbers and much like Kassian, he's yet to turn those numbers into solid NHL productions (sans 1 season).

Good for Cousins. He hit on my girlfriend though so I don't like him.
- NickTheKid87

Why not? Was he creepy about it? If not, it just shows that he thinks you have good taste.

With all the Kane talk, wasn't there speculation we traded hartsy to make room for/attempt to land Kane in the summer? Can't remember if i read this somewhere or just making it up
- arichardson22

I don't remember hearing that. I really don't think the Flyers will go after Kane any time soon though. They'd have to give up too much.

Why not? Was he creepy about it? If not, it just shows that he thinks you have good taste.
- jmatchett383

I'm just messing. It was before we were even dating lol. It was at trial on the isle or one of those gimmicks

I don't remember hearing that. I really don't think the Flyers will go after Kane any time soon though. They'd have to give up too much.
- NickTheKid87

It will never happen, but I'd love to see some crazy deal for Kane & Trouba. Can't imagine what he cost would be, though. But I love me some Trouba.

I'm just messing. It was before we were even dating lol. It was at trial on the isle or one of those gimmicks
- NickTheKid87

Stop dating pick bunnies!

/just kidding.

I just think Kassian is comparable to Bickell, Marroon, Beleksy. They might not be sexy but they can play valuable rolls on a team. And at 24 he is young enough to still develop his game
- J35Bacher

I would take Kassian for really cheap only. I would not give up a roster player or anything resembling a prospect. Maybe a 5th, 6th or 7th or a guy like Stortini.

Stop dating pick bunnies!

/just kidding.
- jmatchett383

Oh believe me, I would never date a puck bunny. I never want to be that close to the players.

I would take Kassian for really cheap only. I would not give up a roster player or anything resembling a prospect. Maybe a 5th, 6th or 7th or a guy like Stortini.
- NickTheKid87

Regardless of the assets we move, $1.75M for 4 points in 26 games and a healthy scratch is not doing it for me.

30 Thoughts kicks off with some cap/escrow talk this week

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...hats-happening-with-kane/