http://briarpatchmagazine.com/blog/view/tender-thoughts-on-hockey-and-maculinity

gOOD QUICK READ.

EDIT: Caps lock is fun.
- DynamicThreads

I'll never understand why society feels the need to trivialize masculinity. You'd think it's a vice on par with alcoholism with the light it has been portrayed in the past decade or so.

Re-read both of those things, because that's hilarious.
- awildmudkip

I think you can look at Pittsburgh and Chicago and see the two ends of the spectrum, so to speak.

Chicago has been able to establish a core of talented players. They're all paid handsomely. However, Chicago has been able to fill in the holes with great drafting. Guys like Bickell, Shaw, Saad and Kruger. Guys who fill a need and contribute.

Look at the Penguins. The same thing cannot be said for them. When you're spending a TON of money on high profile superstars like Crosby, Malkin, Letang and Fleury you have to be able to fill your team with drafted talent to make it all work. Instead, Pittsburgh has used draft picks to bring in wingers like Perron who simply don't cut it.

Basically, they've really screwed themselves. They've got no picks and very little money to spend.

I think you can look at Pittsburgh and Chicago and see the two ends of the spectrum, so to speak.

Chicago has been able to establish a core of talented players. They're all paid handsomely. However, Chicago has been able to fill in the holes with great drafting. Guys like Bickell, Shaw, Saad and Kruger. Guys who fill a need and contribute.

Look at the Penguins. The same thing cannot be said for them. When you're spending a TON of money on high profile superstars like Crosby, Malkin, Letang and Fleury you have to be able to fill your team with drafted talent to make it all work. Instead, Pittsburgh has used draft picks to bring in wingers like Perron who simply don't cut it.

Basically, they've really screwed themselves. They've got no picks and very little money to spend.
- TerryPegula

I think this is completely spot on. Consistently drafting smart is absolutely crucial.

Not my style.
- DynamicThreads

Understandable... It's not for everyone.

I think this is completely spot on. Consistently drafting smart is absolutely crucial.
- PrinceChill

...and the Pens think Jim Rutherford is the man to make this happen for them. The guy with a mediocre at best record with Carolina. Their management moves the past few seasons have been mind boggling.

...and the Pens think Jim Rutherford is the man to make this happen for them. The guy with a mediocre at best record with Carolina. Their management moves the past few seasons have been mind boggling.
- TerryPegula

That's fine by me. It's going to be tough enough crawling out from this basement. Poorly managed teams are all welcome in my conference.

Patrick Kaleta -1 year deal with no guarantee to make the club
Matt Ellis – 2 year AHL level deal with option to move up to NHL with injuries
Andrej Meszaros – See ya!
Andre Benoit – See ya!
Tyson Strachan – Like what he’s done for animals but unless he wants AHL deal.. See ya!
Anders Lindback – If we end up keeping Johnson as the backup then See ya! But if we let him go I wouldn’t hate Lindback as 2nd goalie
Drew Bagnall – AHL 2 year deal
Johan Larsson – 2 year low end NHL level deal
Mark Pysyk – 3 year NHL deal (clause no option for Rochester)
Mikhail Grigorenko – Either move him to wing and sign him to a 2 year deal or trade his rights
Zac Dalpe – Could take him or leave him at a 2 year 2 way deal
Phil Varone – Deserves another look. – Low end 2 year deal with AHL possibility
Tim Schaller – 2 year AHL Deal
Matt Hackett – I’d like to give him another look.. 2 year 2 way deal
Nathan Lieuwen – Tough with him.. 1 year AHL prove it deal wouldn’t be so bad
Jerry D'Amigo – 1 year AHL deal
Jordan Samuels-Thomas – 1 year AHL deal
Jerome Leduc- - 1 year AHL deal
Kevin Sundher – Let him walk.