If you believe that Evander Kane is reinventing himself into a quality teammate, would you trade Kubalik for him?
- Dieselhead

E. Kane is certainly a better player than Kubalik, but I'd have a hard time believing the premise.

Yep. But the franchise values are rising quickly. The league's financial health is far better than when he arrived. I know some don't care about that, but I suspect the owners do...
- mohel

Agree the lost year of hockey was necessary for the growth of hockey going forward and being more stable financially as a league. Owners will always get richer in any of the leagues that is a given. Once the escrow is paid back to the owners by the players in full then the financial growth of the league will be on a dramatic rise. And hopefully those teams that struggle to break even year in year out will also more stabilize.

Yea but Vegas is a union city
- BetweenTheDots

??? Not sure that has anything to do with anything. Most southern cities are not. NHL franchises are in Dallas, Nashville, Tampa, Miami & Raleigh, in addition to Phoenix. I believe all are 'right to work states'.

Agree the lost year of hockey was necessary for the growth of hockey going forward and being more stable financially as a league. Owners will always get richer in any of the leagues that is a given. Once the escrow is paid back to the owners by the players in full then the financial growth of the league will be on a dramatic rise. And hopefully those teams that struggle to break even year in year out will also more stabilize.
- Scott1977

Well 50% capacity now for Canadien teams - or maybe it is only in the Ottawa province of Canada - means less revenue for teams. Don't visiting teams get a portion of revenue per normal operating procedure - or am I imaging something I heard many (even decades) years ago? Anyway, it is a covid protocol this mandate by the government of 50% seating capacity. So I guess that means season ticket holders rotate games and could be few seats for walk up. That this policy may occur in the United States would come as no surprise.

If you want to see some exciting hockey on the tube, however, the exhibitions (if broadcast on your cable etc al) as a prelude to the WJC ought to be exciting. Kaiser is the main player Blackhawk fans can look forward to seeing. Commeso, too, but he may not be the regular starting goaltender. I believe the Pickle kid Vlasic is playing as well. Krutil for Czech Republic - please. He isn't ready for AHL.

??? Not sure that has anything to do with anything. Most southern cities are not. NHL franchises are in Dallas, Nashville, Tampa, Miami & Raleigh, in addition to Phoenix. I believe all are 'right to work states'.
- scottak

The question is even if they stay in the Phoenix area where do they play? Gila River didn't extend the lease agreement past this year, because they want to focus more on concerts. They could lease where the Suns played but that would only be short term, a new arena would take a couple of years. The ownership is not the issue, The Muerlo's are multi billionaires.

The reason is because every region in the US needs to be represented if Bettman was going to entice a network tv company to pick up the NHL on more than a game per week basis.

Without a team in Arizona what sport do you think Austen Matthews would be playing today, because it’s very unlikely to be hockey. By helping indirectly building a grassroots hockey base in the US it’s only a matter of time before the US is the best hockey nation in the world because of the number of athletes now viewing hockey as a legitimate sport to pursue. You have Gary to thank for that.
- paulr

E. Kane is certainly a better player than Kubalik, but I'd have a hard time believing the premise.
- mohel

Unless the guy that threw him in the shower in his clothes in Winnipeg, for continuing to break team rules, big Buff, is an assistant coach.

The reason is because every region in the US needs to be represented if Bettman was going to entice a network tv company to pick up the NHL on more than a game per week basis.

Without a team in Arizona what sport do you think Austen Matthews would be playing today, because it’s very unlikely to be hockey. By helping indirectly building a grassroots hockey base in the US it’s only a matter of time before the US is the best hockey nation in the world because of the number of athletes now viewing hockey as a legitimate sport to pursue. You have Gary to thank for that.
- paulr

Think about this, Matthews plays in Toronto. Last I checked, Toronto is in Canada, not the US.
And what major TV contract has Bettman signed? I can watch more poker matches than NHL games on "free" TV during any week. The fact that he "fixed" the Crosby draft lottery should be enough to kick his a$$ out as commissioner.

The question is even if they stay in the Phoenix area where do they play? Gila River didn't extend the lease agreement past this year, because they want to focus more on concerts. They could lease where the Suns played but that would only be short term, a new arena would take a couple of years. The ownership is not the issue, The Muerlo's are multi billionaires.
- LAHawk

They may be billionaires, but they can't seem to pay their bills or taxes on time. They are also looking at playing in the Diamondbacks stadium, or ASU's 5,000 seat arena. Or a combo of all of them.

The original point was, should the NHL be in Phoenix. I'd say the answer is yes, because it's one of the 10 largest USA markets. Can a mismanaged team be successful there? That's another question.

It's hard to argue that Jerry Moyers had any type of clue. And Meruelo has had the team since 2019. The last 2 years haven't exactly been bathed in glory.

Think about this, Matthews plays in Toronto. Last I checked, Toronto is in Canada, not the US.
And what major TV contract has Bettman signed? I can watch more poker matches than NHL games on "free" TV during any week. The fact that he "fixed" the Crosby draft lottery should be enough to kick his a$$ out as commissioner.
- powerenforcer

Matthews grew up in Scottsdale. The point, I believe, is that if there wasn't a team in Arizona, it's unlikely he'd have ever played hockey.

They may be billionaires, but they can't seem to pay their bills or taxes on time. They are also looking at playing in the Diamondbacks stadium, or ASU's 5,000 seat arena. Or a combo of all of them.

The original point was, should the NHL be in Phoenix. I'd say the answer is yes, because it's one of the 10 largest USA markets. Can a mismanaged team be successful there? That's another question.

It's hard to argue that Jerry Moyers had any type of clue. And Meruelo has had the team since 2019. The last 2 years haven't exactly been bathed in glory.
- scottak

Last 2 years have not been normal either because of COVID

Last 2 years have not been normal either because of COVID
- LAHawk

And every other sports franchise in NA has faced the same challenge. I haven't heard of others being behind on their taxes and bills. Or not having a place to play.

And every other sports franchise in NA has faced the same challenge. I haven't heard of others being behind on their taxes and bills. Or not having a place to play.
- scottak

Nitpicking here, but wasn't Ottawa behind on their bills at one point?

I would like them to be the 1972 Montreal Canadiens, but then reality sets in.
- LAHawk

LA, here's some background on Meruelo from Katie Strang in 'The Athletic':

The Coyotes were not Meruelo's first foray into trying to buy a sports franchise. In August 2011, he announced an agreement to purchase a majority stake in the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, pending board of Governors approval. The deal fell apart just a few months later. According to one report, the league felt the deal was too highly leveraged. Multiple sources told The Athletic the NBA harbored doubts about Meruelo's ability to withstand operating costs and did not receive the financial assurances needed to assuage those concerns.

Again, apparently not the most stable of ownership in the desert.

LA, here's some background on Meruelo from Katie Strang in 'The Athletic':

The Coyotes were not Meruelo's first foray into trying to buy a sports franchise. In August 2011, he announced an agreement to purchase a majority stake in the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, pending board of Governors approval. The deal fell apart just a few months later. According to one report, the league felt the deal was too highly leveraged. Multiple sources told The Athletic the NBA harbored doubts about Meruelo's ability to withstand operating costs and did not receive the financial assurances needed to assuage those concerns.

Again, apparently not the most stable of ownership in the desert.
- scottak

I get it Scott, after all I was in LA during the McNall charade.

"* This may be nitpicky but Ryan Carpenter could possibly gain a half step in his stride if he learned how to skate with just one hand holding his stick as he forechecks or backchecks; the double-handed grip at all times is awkward and seems cumbersome."


Ok, I appreciate the validation --- over here I had a goalie who thought he was hot #2 keep telling me that (it was a training clinic) ... and later we did a drill with goal cages moved to each opposite blue line and basically the idea was two groups of players lined up on the boards at a blue line ... whip behind the net in front of them come on back and shoot ... if you missed the net you had to chase down the puck... also you had to keep going until you scored... yes that guy was the goalie I faced .. we had a lot of kids who thought they were Pavel Datsyuk ... so I only got a single run (it was a bit of a relay race against the skaters on the other boards, while giving the goalies a lot of reps with shots) ... one and done, a quick 5 hole - and back in line - all while starting out with a one handed carry (like an open ice skate)...

Thanks for that Theo ...

If you believe that Evander Kane is reinventing himself into a quality teammate, would you trade Kubalik for him?
- Dieselhead

I would bet my first born that E Kane will never play for Blackhawks.

I would bet my first born that E Kane will never play for Blackhawks.
- Angotti

He's in the AHL can't he be claimed?

Hey Rico, just trying to follow your line of thought. You've alluded a number of times to how inexperienced KD is, and that there is no direction and they should bring in an experienced hockey guy. Now here, you say that KD is showing competence (in two minor trades and ousting a coach who was heading a basically winless team).

Is it just the fact that they've hired someone to oversee the restructure, or did KD prove something that I haven't read about? Seriously not trying to be an ass here, I just don't understand the flip.
- Chunk

Chunk, as a interim GM I'm fine with KD as the permanent head decision maker on the hockey side, no no no. If Rocky made him permanent GM with no over boss no, he's too inexperienced.......... If the new head of hockey ops decides KD is fine as GM with his mentorship, ok.

Temporarily KD is fine.

IMO he needs to be given credit for King coming up, how Crawford has taken on much of the head coaching duties and the subsequent 10-6 record and the 180 the club has done on ice. Maybe he didn't make those decisions alone he was certainly a part of them.

He's in the AHL can't he be claimed?
- rpeters01

Nope, he could have been claimed only during the waiver period, which he cleared before being sent down.

Ricochet has been spot on the last few threads. Until new direction and leadership is in place, everything is up in the air not just with the team direction, but who’s operating across departments to shape this team in the future.

Sportsology is not Ernie Accorsie v2 and we don’t have Ted Philips here. I’m sure the structure updates and resulting hires will be a collaboration between ownership, Forde, and Rocky’s closest hockey minds he turns to.

Here’s a link to Forde on the 32 thoughts podcast which will shed light on why the Wirtz hired him:
https://open.spotify.com/...si=ZKJR-okVSSmMx6d9_tjUNg
- TheDrumonMadison

Thanks, Dmad. But really it's a simple call isn't it? The organIzation has been bad with no plan for 5 yrs, those decision makers are gone, those left behind are inexperienced, it stands to reason you need new and competent people at the top of the hockey ops side.. Beyond importantly serious IMO so lets get jiggy wit it.

That link is gold, thanks for it. This Forde dude is impressive and knowing he's gonna scrub the organIzation and make recommendations to Rocky and Son is very encouraging. ....... Great link that I forwarded to a few people already. Thank you!!

Think about this, Matthews plays in Toronto. Last I checked, Toronto is in Canada, not the US.
And what major TV contract has Bettman signed? I can watch more poker matches than NHL games on "free" TV during any week. The fact that he "fixed" the Crosby draft lottery should be enough to kick his a$$ out as commissioner.
- powerenforcer

You have a unique ability to change conspiracy theories on the fly as soon as your last one has been disproven. And all the while you depend on me to correct your illogical premise so I’m constantly on the defensive replying to your changing conspiracies.

But I’ll try … if Bettman is trying to help a Canadian team by ensuring Matthews plays for Toronto, why did he let Crosby play for an American team?

Because it's the 10th biggest metropolitan area in the USA. Bigger than Boston, Detroit, MSP, SEA/TAC & Denver. And it's growing.

The problem hasn't been the location, it's been the team's ownership and management. Vegas seems to be doing quite nicely in a desert not too far north of Phoenix.
- scottak

Did not know this and with the goofs that have run the show in AZ makes you wonder how much of an opportunity they've already wasted to lay hockey roots and build a big fan base.

You have a unique ability to change conspiracy theories on the fly as soon as your last one has been disproven. And all the while you depend on me to correct your illogical premise so I’m constantly on the defensive replying to your changing conspiracies.

But I’ll try … if Bettman is trying to help a Canadian team by ensuring Matthews plays for Toronto, why did he let Crosby play for an American team?
- paulr

Stop yourself! Bettman doesn't really want a Canadian team to win a Cup. You wacky Canadians will still support the league anyway. See? But Bettman can't make it look too obvious, so Matthews goes to Canada, but signs a shorter term contract. He'll be in the US to win his Cups.

I can't believe you need this spelled out.