By the way, although I felt this already, my best source also told me this AM: "there is a .02% chance of Roberto Luongo joining the Hawks."
- John Jaeckel

Agreed, the only less likely candidates for a Hawk uniform next year are Alexander Radulov and the Kostitsyn brothers.

i'd be careful with the thinking that it is a "Bettman-manufactured" franchise. Nashville's arena is considered one of the loudest buildings in the NHL now and there is really nothing but positives that come out of the players who play there. The main issue in the past had been corporate seats based on the competition within the city/state but that isn't so much of an issue anymore. When you hear analysts discuss the NHL and the non-tradional markets that are floundering, Nashville hasn't been in that conversation for the past couple of years now. The grassroots programs and the "fan ownership" of the team locally has risen to very exciting levels.
- Lohaus

>Have seen your rah-rah for Nashville before and in most areas of life, I too, like to see the glass half-full -- but not on Bettman-manufactured franchises
>I suggest you read the attachment below from the Tennessean from just two days ago
>http://www.tennessean.com...-ice-success-public-money
>Bettman's expansion has brought record revenues, player salaries, TV ratings, and franchises that people could care less about, as well as, substandard NHL players and referees because of the number of total teams and games
>I would love for contraction to happen, but know it is a pipe-dream
>We can agree to disagree
>

And who plays with him? The next coming of Paul Coffey? You still need to sign another D-man if Keith is your number three unfortunately.
- anawrocki

I agree.

Very doubtful they get Suter.

Just answering your question about a #3.

My buddy (a goalie) was skating with Toews and Montador twice a week at Johnny's while they were out with their concussions. While Toews got stronger and back to normal, there was no way Montador could have played during the playoffs according to him. There is plenty of time before the season starts, so let's hope that he comes around.
- Sundevil

Monty might be skating with Kim Johnson next year

I dunno, Cowen-Karlsson should be a very good pair to build around for the next 5-7 years if you're a Sens fans. No need to go after Suter at this stage.
- andru2797

Very impressed with Cowen in the playoffs. Thought Craig was very good too. Man, I love Neil.

Pretty much the ONLY way Detroit can go for him is if Lidstrom retires, and I heard recently he is leaning toward coming back again. Understand this, if he wants to play, he is not going to retire so they can get in on Suter. Furthermore, the Wings would be incredibly foolish to want him to do so—only so they can lose Suter to someone else.
- John Jaeckel

Not true, the Wings have the cap space this summer for him even if Lidstrom comes back at the same salary he had this season. If Lidstrom came back at a discount, they let Quincey and Hudler walk, they might be able to sign both Suter and Parise. Not likely they get both but if Lidstrom retires they would have the cap space to do it easy.

And who plays with him? The next coming of Paul Coffey? You still need to sign another D-man if Keith is your number three unfortunately.
- anawrocki

Suter - Seabrook
Keith - Leddy
Montador - Olsen
O'Brien


Done.

If I can accept Bob Probert playing for the Indianhead, I think I can swing Luongo.



It's doubtful but who knows.