This is my opinion but the best thing to happen to the NHL was the invention of high definition TV. The popularity of hockey will continue to growth because of improvements in television technology
The NHL in my opinion just needs to focus on enforcing the rules of the game to allow it to be played at a fast level
I had a number of friends who watched the stanley cup for the first time this year and they all told me how much they enjoyed it even though they did not totally understand the game
The speed and flow of the game is enjoyable to watch for our
A D D society unlike baseball
Popularity of hockey will continue to grow and revenues should continue to increase plus the fact that the NHL players are likable
- molly2522

They really need to get some people in the booth and between periods that aren't complete tool bags.

I not gonna lie I want Tom Wilson too.
- wiz1901

>King, you point out a very big problem
>And why I have also been in the camp that the cap won't grow much
>Big picture -- Bettman was an NBA guy who went for the TV dollars at the beginning of his regime and couldn't deliver the #s -- then or now
>Not sure the NHL has the right kind of people in its mix
>So often in hockey you find people whose DNA originates from "one-strain" only: a sports executive (like Bettman) who "learns" what hockey is or a "hockey-guy" who has trouble balancing his own checkbook
>You would think by now the NHL could be run by smart people who know, love, and understand how to grow hockey
>But this is a league that can't even tell its teams what the cap will be -- WHEN teams really need the information
- SnapitUpstairs

Snap: Do you think an NFL guy, other than the guy at the NHL now, would help the NHL? Or does the NHL need a major overhaul in it strategy?

Personally, I think the NHL needs to do like the NFL has done over the past decade or so - tweak the rules so that skilled players can make exciting plays.

I not gonna lie I want Tom Wilson too.
- wiz1901

That would be lovely

I said I dont EXPECT a cup(bc the odds of a repeat are so low) but they have as good of a shot as anyone in the NHL. I think next year is wide open, especially given all the player movement that should occur over the next few months. Im just not willing to throw in the towel and call it a "lost season" bc of all the youth. There is enough talented experience to help develop those young guys all year for a long Cup run...
- EnzoD

Snap: Do you think an NFL guy, other than the guy at the NHL now, would help the NHL? Or does the NHL need a major overhaul in it strategy?

Personally, I think the NHL needs to do like the NFL has done over the past decade or so - tweak the rules so that skilled players can make exciting plays.
- KingB

They did that in 2004 with "enhanced focus" on clutching, grabbing, hooking, slashing and interference. NHL Referrees called it very tight for 5-years and recently there has been a regression to the '90s style of clutch and grab hockey. Refs need to call more of those penalties and it will open up the scoring a bit. Also, reducing the size of goalie pads a bit more should add a few more goals.

They did that in 2004 with "enhanced focus" on clutching, grabbing, hooking, slashing and interference. NHL Referrees called it very tight for 5-years and recently there has been a regression to the '90s style of clutch and grab hockey. Refs need to call more of those penalties and it will open up the scoring a bit. Also, reducing the size of goalie pads a bit more should add a few more goals.
- EnzoD

Goalie pads are atupid huge. Their jerseys too. Thats the #1 thing that needs to be addressed is the goalie pad extreme size

That would be lovely
- ehawk

After the Philip Forsberg for Martin Erat trade, just can't see them trading one of the young up and comers for Sharp.

I not gonna lie I want Tom Wilson too.
- wiz1901

Worst case scenario he's Bickell 2.0 with a much lower cap hit.

JJ / Others,

What could Uncle Dale realistically put together to get Sharp? I agree with your assessment of why he would want Sharp and that Florida is a likely destination.

That said, the draft is in Sunrise, Dale will want to make a splash, so giving up the 11th overall pick will be tough. They have no second round pick. Unless someone like Matheson is part of the conversation . . .

Goalie pads are atupid huge. Their jerseys too. Thats the #1 thing that needs to be addressed is the goalie pad extreme size
- mrpaulish

I like the new Pic ..I know you love Tom Wilson as much as any one. Imagine a line with Shaw and Wilson. Talk about tough to play against physically/mentally as both Shawzy and Wilson try to get into the heads of the opposition. Wilson seems to LOVE the physical side of the game, where Bickell has to be coerced to hit someone. With Big Bicks surely gone, there is a gaping hole in the Hawks roster for a Top 9 Power Forward

I not gonna lie I want Tom Wilson too.
- wiz1901

Let's send Stan a petition.

I like the new Pic ..I know you love Tom Wilson as much as any one. Imagine a line with Shaw and Wilson. Talk about tough to play against physically/mentally as both Shawzy and Wilson try to get into the heads of the opposition. Wilson seems to LOVE the physical side of the game, where Bickell has to be coerced to hit someone. With Big Bicks surely gone, there is a gaping hole in the Hawks roster for a Top 9 Power Forward
- EnzoD

That would be such a scrappy line

Ok now I'm getting my hopes up darn it

JJ / Others,

What could Uncle Dale realistically put together to get Sharp? I agree with your assessment of why he would want Sharp and that Florida is a likely destination.

That said, the draft is in Sunrise, Dale will want to make a splash, so giving up the 11th overall pick will be tough. They have no second round pick. Unless someone like Matheson is part of the conversation . . .
- gmurban

Hubedreau + Petrovic + #88 pick overall for Sharp, Bickell, Paliotta(we have Johns).

Bickell essentially goes for a third round pick like Brolig. Sharp + Paliotta nets Hubedreau and the Petrovic.

I don't know, just a starter?!

Hubedreau + Petrovic + #88 pick overall for Sharp, Bickell, Paliotta(we have Johns).

Bickell essentially goes for a third round pick like Brolig. Sharp + Paliotta nets Hubedreau and the Petrovic.

I don't know, just a starter?!
- Bjm84

Dale just peed his pants laughing.

Hubedreau + Petrovic + #88 pick overall for Sharp, Bickell, Paliotta(we have Johns).

Bickell essentially goes for a third round pick like Brolig. Sharp + Paliotta nets Hubedreau and the Petrovic.

I don't know, just a starter?!
- Bjm84

IDK if the Hawks really have a need for Huberdeau given his smaller stature and style of play. I would prefer Sharp +Bickell +Paliotta for Gudbranson..that dude is a monster too

Hubedreau + Petrovic + #88 pick overall for Sharp, Bickell, Paliotta(we have Johns).

Bickell essentially goes for a third round pick like Brolig. Sharp + Paliotta nets Hubedreau and the Petrovic.

I don't know, just a starter?!
- Bjm84

Yea.....

But Tom Wilson

That would be such a scrappy line

Ok now I'm getting my hopes up darn it
- ehawk

Younlet Desi walk

Or KeepDesi if some nimrod takes Bickell.

Ger Tom Wislon and then eoll 4 lones again with Wilson taking Bickells usual spot.

MUCH better competition than in 2011.
- paulr

Keep in mind Bowman had on a average about $600,000 each to replace most of those players back in 2010.

There's still a team in the Phoenix market because it's a much larger market than Hamilton, Quebec City, etc. And as idiotic as it may seem to all of us, the league is hell bent on being patient and waiting for that market to take hold, because in the long run it means more money for the league than one of those smaller markets.
- MartiniMan

...And there is big money waiting for teams in Seattle and LV...Although I'm not a believer Vegas is the right spot.

Yea.....

But Tom Wilson
- mrpaulish

Panarin-Toews-Hossa
Saad-B.Richards-Kane
Wilson-TT-Shaw
Nordstrom-Kruger-Desjardans

Keith-Seabs
Hammer-TVR
Mike Reilly-Johns


Darling
Raantaa

A few IFs in there but that is one darn good roster after a Cap-Purge. Also, the size/grit/board ability of Wilson and Shaw should allow TT more time/space to learn the Center position at the NHL level...

After the Philip Forsberg for Martin Erat trade, just can't see them trading one of the young up and comers for Sharp.
- vabeachbear

There is clearly another side to the argument.
The invested on dee, the think Holtby is the guy in net, and the past season back they were desperate enough to boast the PP by adding Mikhail GrabovskiThen last seaosn thought both Burakovsky and Kuznetsov could waltz in and be the guys.
Ovie is 29 and they pobably feel they gotta make noise or bigger changes pronto if they want to make the jump.
They play a style that has lost of thumpers but with them there have to be stronger mid roster scoring.

Hmmm they wouldn't give us 20 yr. old Andre Burakovsky, would they?

The hawks scouting also has the big ties to the USA program and Riley Barber is their property but he would be the second asset, not a primary, imo.
http://www.draftsite.com/...layer/riley-barber/17545/

Panarin-Toews-Hossa
Saad-B.Richards-Kane
Wilson-TT-Shaw
Nordstrom-Kruger-Desjardans

Keith-Seabs
Hammer-TVR
Mike Reilly-Johns


Darling
Raantaa

A few IFs in there but that is one darn good roster after a Cap-Purge. Also, the size/grit/board ability of Wilson and Shaw should allow TT more time/space to learn the Center position at the NHL level...
- EnzoD

Back to Back Champions

But if doesnt get hirt do we still win the Cup ? Im not sure
- mrpaulish

Impossible to know but I would lean to yes...Vermette could have been here....Don't know if Bowman pulls the trigger. But also don't know who the Hawks would have faced as I think they would have won the Division.

Impossible to know but I would lean to yes...Vermette could have been here....Don't know if Bowman pulls the trigger. But also don't know who the Hawks would have faced as I think they would have won the Division.
- Al

Agred. If Kane wasnt hurt maybe Sharp gets moved at the deadline too. Either way it all worked out .