Jeremy Laura: Crack$ in the foundation and other $tuff

Jeremy Laura: Crack$ in the foundation and other $tuff
- Jeremy Laura

Glad to see you’re back - you’re one of the best this site has.

Good things.

Glad to see you’re back - you’re one of the best this site has.

Good things.
- Chief4Feathers

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Bless you brother. That means a lot to me

Thanks for yet another poignant article.

It is critical the league does not tic off the fans as the NFL is doing. Nuff said there.

I find it crucial that we really take a look at all that Sweden has done during this plandemic. They have not shut down their economy and caused all this monetary loss! hell most people there no longer wear masks. Many of our younger players are headed there to keep and improve their skills!

I agree with you let the gm and owners know. We want hockey at hockey games not political movements and social justice warriors. I respect a player to do whatever he likes on his time not on my time when I pay to come out to watch a game. Keep it to hockey please

Thanks for yet another poignant article.

It is critical the league does not tic off the fans as the NFL is doing. Nuff said there.

I find it crucial that we really take a look at all that Sweden has done during this plandemic. They have not shut down their economy and caused all this monetary loss! hell most people there no longer wear masks. Many of our younger players are headed there to keep and improve their skills!
- HenryHockey

Living in Michigan, it’s hard to realize that other states have done away with a lot of the shutdown. Some institutions decided WAY too early on to close everything down. The IVY league, for example, cancelled all sports in the fall. I will give credit that many are just trying to do the right thing. Thanks for chiming in H2!

I agree with you let the gm and owners know. We want hockey at hockey games not political movements and social justice warriors. I respect a player to do whatever he likes on his time not on my time when I pay to come out to watch a game. Keep it to hockey please
- saintdog44

My greatest concerns is this, forced participation is not a movement. Whether you’re trying to persuade teammates, owners, or the fans. In most venues, if the fans don’t like something they just get ignored. The strained economics has shifted that. It really stinks that no one cares what the “little guy” has to say until it affects their paycheck, but it is reality. Sports is entertainment. It is supposed to be the place where we can put aside all those differences for a couple hours and share something we love. I am hoping we can get back to that place.

My greatest concerns is this, forced participation is not a movement. Whether you’re trying to persuade teammates, owners, or the fans. In most venues, if the fans don’t like something they just get ignored. The strained economics has shifted that. It really stinks that no one cares what the “little guy” has to say until it affects their paycheck, but it is reality. Sports is entertainment. It is supposed to be the place where we can put aside all those differences for a couple hours and share something we love. I am hoping we can get back to that place.
- Jeremy Laura

Whether one agrees or disagrees, likes it or not, sports is a reflection of our society, and in many instances - a platform for causes that have changed the perception of social standards and norms.

Mohamed Ali, Jackie Robinson, Billy Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Colin Kaepernick, etc.

Whether you embrace these causes, or oppose it kicking and screaming, we’re changing and evolving as a society because of it.

A final thought for you, the consumer. The league is going to be trying harder than ever to get butts back in seats. Your dollar and participation may be more valuable to them than ever. If there are things that bother you, and have you considering leaving the sport, write or call your GMs and let them know.

Damn straight.

Great stuff as usual, Jeremy. You are one of the few non-Kings bloggers I read regularly.

Whether one agrees or disagrees, likes it or not, sports is a reflection of our society, and in many instances - a platform for causes that have changed the perception of social standards and norms.

Mohamed Ali, Jackie Robinson, Billy Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Colin Kaepernick, etc.

Whether you embrace these causes, or oppose it kicking and screaming, we’re changing and evolving as a society because of it.
- Chief4Feathers

I agree that society is reflected in sports, absolutely. However, the issues are being hammered in a new and much more aggressive way. There’s no doubt that Jackie Robinson and Willie O’Ree paved the way for racial equality in sport. The current culture of violence that is burning down cities and demonizing police is not going to get the culture to a more positive place. Fans accepted the talents and abilities of the aforementioned Trail Blazers. Forcing fans to hide because you dislike their values or they disagree on the status of a situation isn’t anywhere close to what those men brought.

Damn straight.

Great stuff as usual, Jeremy. You are one of the few non-Kings bloggers I read regularly.
- Only_A_Ladd

Much appreciated!

I agree that society is reflected in sports, absolutely. However, the issues are being hammered in a new and much more aggressive way. There’s no doubt that Jackie Robinson and Willie O’Ree paved the way for racial equality in sport. The current culture of violence that is burning down cities and demonizing police is not going to get the culture to a more positive place. Fans accepted the talents and abilities of the aforementioned Trail Blazers. Forcing fans to hide because you dislike their values or they disagree on the status of a situation isn’t anywhere close to what those men brought.
- Jeremy Laura

'Morning, J & Team! Quick thoughts: There's a difference between a movement and a riot; I'll leave it at that. I don't want to drink the water (DMB song...NO comments, please ) when I'm being served a very smooth Irish whiskey or pleasant Scotch (sport is sport, and the twain shan't meet).

Since the "break" J, some of the goalies we mentioned have been dealt with. I read MAF as a potential to DET and am very intrigued. Agree that Krug, despite being a MI guy, wouldn't want to be part of the current state of DET; I agree, but drool at the thought of MAF & Krug coming to us!! Still think DET is a salary dump team this year, will deal with those players we absorb that have bounce-back years as part of the NEW Wings. Some of our fringe players and a couple of marquee names (Svech, Ras, Cholo, etc...) may be on their last leg (and won't be surprised to see one + of them gone by season's start). ANY salary dump will cost the dealer, The Captain will protect the sanctity of the Wings process and traditions, I believe.

Got my popcorn & Tropical Punch Kool-Aid ready with the draft moved up and FA coming earlier!!! THIS IS GONNA BE GREAT!!!

Personally i am not interested in M.A Fleury. A 35 year old goalie making 7 mil for 2 seasons left nty. Like Bernier he would just be a stopgap and be done before the Wings are even ready to compete. I would much rather Yzerman go after a young goalie like Demko, Georgiev (not like the Wings have any goalie worth protecting in the expansion draft right now anyways) type that will still be in his prime when the Wings are on their way up.

If Yzerman is going to take up 7 mil in cap space, i would also rather he do it taking on a bad contract and getting a 1st round pick and/or a good prospect to do it.

'Morning, J & Team! Quick thoughts: There's a difference between a movement and a riot; I'll leave it at that. I don't want to drink the water (DMB song...NO comments, please ) when I'm being served a very smooth Irish whiskey or pleasant Scotch (sport is sport, and the twain shan't meet).

Since the "break" J, some of the goalies we mentioned have been dealt with. I read MAF as a potential to DET and am very intrigued. Agree that Krug, despite being a MI guy, wouldn't want to be part of the current state of DET; I agree, but drool at the thought of MAF & Krug coming to us!! Still think DET is a salary dump team this year, will deal with those players we absorb that have bounce-back years as part of the NEW Wings. Some of our fringe players and a couple of marquee names (Svech, Ras, Cholo, etc...) may be on their last leg (and won't be surprised to see one + of them gone by season's start). ANY salary dump will cost the dealer, The Captain will protect the sanctity of the Wings process and traditions, I believe.

Got my popcorn & Tropical Punch Kool-Aid ready with the draft moved up and FA coming earlier!!! THIS IS GONNA BE GREAT!!!
- mcmastermike1968

I’m also intrigued on MAF. That stability is invaluable. Thanks for chiming in!

Personally i am not interested in M.A Fleury. A 35 year old goalie making 7 mil for 2 seasons left nty. Like Bernier he would just be a stopgap and be done before the Wings are even ready to compete. I would much rather Yzerman go after a young goalie like Demko, Georgiev (not like the Wings have any goalie worth protecting in the expansion draft right now anyways) type that will still be in his prime when the Wings are on their way up.

If Yzerman is going to take up 7 mil in cap space, i would also rather he do it taking on a bad contract and getting a 1st round pick and/or a good prospect to do it.
- dcz28

I do like Georgiev. NYR has some good stock! I wouldn’t mind MAF, there are a lot of contracts coming off the books in the next two years. But I appreciate where you are at. We need a young stud in net that can take the reins in the next couple years. Well thought out! Keep it coming!

What about taking a shot at Veini Vehvilainen? He has some potential and Columbus is deep with goaltending. Just trying to keep Detroit’s build young. MAF keeps you in the games but landing with Detroit might wear him down. If he could work with a younger up coming, well maybe?

What about taking a shot at Veini Vehvilainen? He has some potential and Columbus is deep with goaltending. Just trying to keep Detroit’s build young. MAF keeps you in the games but landing with Detroit might wear him down. If he could work with a younger up coming, well maybe?
- Tee56

But if one was to take on MAF's entire salary, there should be a sweetener attached. A 2nd or a prospect maybe more,and you give a small asset back such as a 4th

But if one was to take on MAF's entire salary, there should be a sweetener attached. A 2nd or a prospect maybe more,and you give a small asset back such as a 4th
- HenryHockey

With all these "sweeteners" being talked about it's only a matter of time before every team in the NHL gets diabetes. Just like every team is drafting Askarov.

What about taking a shot at Veini Vehvilainen? He has some potential and Columbus is deep with goaltending. Just trying to keep Detroit’s build young. MAF keeps you in the games but landing with Detroit might wear him down. If he could work with a younger up coming, well maybe?
- Tee56

For sure, whoever is in net is going to see a lot of shots. Bernier is UFA after this year. So are Glenny, Helm, Filppula, Nemeth and Biega. That’s 15.5 million coming off the books after this season. If Fleury comes to Detroit, he can be made available to Seattle. I don’t mind it at all, but wouldn’t mind a “sweetener”. I’m sure Steve’s got his list of goaltenders, and literally anything would be an improvement over last year. We have to see, too, if any sort of voluntary salary reductions will be put into place. The cap ceiling may not be the biggest restrictor for teams at this point

With all these "sweeteners" being talked about it's only a matter of time before every team in the NHL gets diabetes. Just like every team is drafting Askarov.
- gergeswillems

There is so much “wheeling and dealing” being contemplated. Teams that are out of the playoffs already are doing their “internal audits”. Teams that would normally be at the ceiling are looking to cut costs, which means even MORE salary dumps that are going to be tabled. In two weeks I assume we’ll start to see the estimated damage. This feels a bit like uncharted territory, except that we’ve seen something very like it when the salary cap was introduced.

But if one was to take on MAF's entire salary, there should be a sweetener attached. A 2nd or a prospect maybe more,and you give a small asset back such as a 4th
- HenryHockey

It’s always possible. Things are just really getting going on what teams are going to be able to do internally

Just a quick note. Not including the “play in” round, 75 games have been played without fans. Assuming an average capacity of about 17K per game with an average of $100 per ticket, you’re looking at about 125 million in lost revenue. Add in concessions, jersey and swag sales, I’m not sure if you double that, but it’s a healthy chunk. Add the extra expenses of “the bubbles” and it may be creeping up to a quarter billion. Things are going to continue to get complicated as families are being allowed in (expenses wise). I’m wondering if the league will reconsider compliance buyouts (but there’s not much time to allow that). The numbers are strange to look at for sure

I guess the Coyotes might be a short term option for a goalie. They have Kuemper (30 years old) and Raanta (31 years old) both making over 4 mil and they have to shed salary to ice a team. Only problem is the Coyotes don't have a pick until round 4 this draft and might not have one until round 4 next year either so they can't really give picks away to dump salary. They would still need to shed more salary even if they dump a goalie too. Not sure what they could give up to dump cap space unless they decide to trade 1 or 2 players that teams are willing to give up something for and not salary dumps.

I would still much prefer a young goalie that can be their #1 when they start being good again over some older short term stopgap option. If Demko had not played in the playoffs maybe they could have tried to swing a deal to get him while taking on Loui Eriksson and his contract for their troubles...not likely happening now damn it.

I guess the Coyotes might be a short term option for a goalie. They have Kuemper (30 years old) and Raanta (31 years old) both making over 4 mil and they have to shed salary to ice a team. Only problem is the Coyotes don't have a pick until round 4 this draft and might not have one until round 4 next year either so they can't really give picks away to dump salary. They would still need to shed more salary even if they dump a goalie too. Not sure what they could give up to dump cap space unless they decide to trade 1 or 2 players that teams are willing to give up something for and not salary dumps.

I would still much prefer a young goalie that can be their #1 when they start being good again over some older short term stopgap option. If Demko had not played in the playoffs maybe they could have tried to swing a deal to get him while taking on Loui Eriksson and his contract for their troubles...not likely happening now damn it.
- dcz28

It’s funny, I’ve poured over AZ a bit. Those goalies are a bit more “ideal” in terms of $ and age. I really like your headspace on this one. I agree on VAN. they have a nice setup in net. Thanks for putting this one together!

It’s funny, I’ve poured over AZ a bit. Those goalies are a bit more “ideal” in terms of $ and age. I really like your headspace on this one. I agree on VAN. they have a nice setup in net. Thanks for putting this one together!
- Jeremy Laura

So so many goalie options right now. This is the reason i never wanted Askarov at 4th overall...well that and the fact goalies are way too much of a gamble to take that high imo unless you are like Carolina and have plenty of young forwards and defensemen but need a top notch goalie. They can afford to take a risk like this but the Wings can't right now.

Columbus is another team that might have to make a move or two to be under the cap. They have 7 million in cap space but Dubois alone should likely eat all of that maybe more. They also have Andersson to re-sign. They could move one of Merzlikins or Korpisalo (both 26 years old) to make a bit more cap room. Maybe they also try to dump Wennberg who hasn't exactly lived up to his potential for a 14th overall pick and has a 4.9 million cap hit.