Our favourite annual hockey guide hits the newsstands this week.
McKeen’s offers intelligent, scout’s-eye assessments of every team’s important players.
One omission: an editing error resulted in dropping the report on Alexei Yemelin.
But here’s McKeen’s on P.K.: “… a confident, freewheeling workhorse with great speed and passion … takes charge, strives to be a difference-maker … adept at one-timers while moving backwards … continues to shore up defensively, displaying better patience and tighter positioning …”
And a cautionary note on Erik Cole (whom McKeen’s grades as a good acquisition): “shows a moderate compete level defsnsively but can get lazy and rigid in terms of body psoitioning and preparation …”
The coach will love that.
• • •
Best news of the summer: Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated, who’s been on the DL, is recovering and will be back in his morning slot Tuesday on CJAD.
A reminder, if you need one, of what a great writer Farber is.
• Stu Hackel, another great SI writer, on the league’s biggest gambles
• BGL had a good piece in the Globe & Mail
• An interesting take on the Canadiens’ D
• Fantasy focus on Yannick Weber
• Mac Bennett’s road to Montreal
• Caution: Bruins love at Puck Daddy
Sunday videos:
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TO MIKE BOONE :.
Up there it says it hits the newsstands this week, but on August 25th, McKeen’s Hockey Ron Jones was tweeting “Official shelf date for the McKeen’s Hockey Pool Yearbook is Monday September 12 (according to our distributor).”
Did they change the release date some time after that tweet?
Was 7-11 confused for dates? http://goo.gl/xiOst
When should I put up the tent??
Also, do you know if the Yemelin report was done at all? And if it was, will it be made avalaible?
Thank you.
CAMMALLERI-GOMEZ-GIONTA
Formed a small but creative and elusive unit in pre-season two years ago.
PACIORETTY-PLEKANEC-COLE
Would love to see what Plekanec can do with that much space.
MOEN-ELLER-KOSTITSYN
Please don’t stall the young center’s offensive development by playing him between two bangers (Moen+White).
DARCHE-DESHARNAIS-WHITE
(bis)
Note that if I could genetically create a fast, defensively-responsible, faceoff-winning, huge, mean, feared yet disciplined heavyweight to center Moen and White on the fourth-line, I’d move up Desharnais to the third and sadly leave savvy Mathieu Darche – the perfect 13th forward – in the pressbox when everyone’s healty (if that ever happens).
Sounds like another Russian enigma. Here is hoping it works out for us.
http://habshq.com/2011/09/01/how-good-is-alexander-avtsin/
Sounded like Martin Havlat to me.
Has anyone begun building their fantasy team yet? I have the goalies and the top 4 D thus far.
Chinchillin’
spacek is still a good 2nd line D-man at 37
Any team that boasts Jaro Spacek as it’s projected 6th or 7th defence man is not in too bad shape if you ask me.
By season’s end we might be calling him sPAYCHECK because as a UFA he will be working to ensure that he gets another one.
HH Good one!
I, on the other hand always said that he was “money!”
I posted these goals projections a few weeks ago but in reality it’s a realistic over/under threshold. If these projections are attained the Habs will score 245 goals.
Cammalleri (25-25-50) – Plekanec (20-45-65) – Cole (25-25-50)
Pacioretty (25-15-40) – Gomez (10-40-50) – Gionta (30-25-55)
Kostitsyn (20-30-50) – DD (15-25-40) – Darche (10-10-20)
Moen (2-3-5) – Engqvist (1-4-5) – White (2-3-5)
Eller (10-20-30)
Markov – Subban (30-40-70) combined
Yemelin – Spacek (15-20-35) combined
Gill – Gorges (0-15-15) combined
Weber/Diaz (5-15-20) combined
I know. I know. Needs tweaking.
I think Cammalleri is due for 30+ myself, doubt AK gets 50P from the 3rd line either. Plus I’m figuring on Eller centering 3rd line with DD as his winger.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
There’s just no way after last playoffs that Eller is unseated from centering the 3rd line unless he suffers a severe regression. The kid was easily the 2nd best center on the team by a wide margin, taking the matchups Gomez was supposed to be taking.
http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
+1 x a million
“Et le but!”
my preference:
Cammalleri – Plekanec – Gionta
Pacioretty – Gomez – Cole
Darche – Desharnais – Kostitsyn
Moen – Eller – white
Palushaj or Engqvist whom ever is best in training camp
I think cole can bring Gomez back to the real world time for his buddy to be moved up to the 1st line…
I’m sure someone will want tweaking>
I’d count on Cammy getting 30. Patch – 50 Points not 40.
And switch Eller with DD. That’s low for Eller. Lars is miles and miles and miles ahead of DD anyway.
In training camp I would try Cole, Pacioretty, Kostitsyn, Gionta with Cammalleri and Plekanec whom ever fits best would stay on the 1st line.
The remaining three I would try with Gomez on the 2nd line two would stay the other one would go to the 3rd line with Desharnais and Darche
The 4th line would be Moen, Eller, White I would give Eller a crack at the 3rd line also so it would be competition between Eller and Desharnais for the 3rd line or put them both on the 3rd line with whom ever don’t make the 2nd line just my opinion…
i dunno
needs tweaking
You forgot to say ™
http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
Eller is this teams 3rd line center and people should stop kidding themselves otherwise.
“That beautiful bastard scored semi-conscious.” On the Rocket’s Game 7 game winning goal against the Bruin’s April, 1952
Sometimes it’s necessary to state the obvious. Thank you.
Just listen to one of puck daddy’s comments on the NHL radio, and you’ll all change your voice about how good this guy is.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
What comment in particular? Do you have link for it? To me day in and day out he’s got the most compelling general hockey-based content and there’s a lot of it.
I like the product he puts out. I don’t always agree with everything that he writes, but then I don’t agree with everything people here write either.
I just think your saying he knows nothing about hockey and that he’s as bad as Eklund is a little much, that’s all.
/\\ike
GO HABS GO!
There are definitely some lapses in quality on puck daddy, but with the amount of material coming out that’s almost impossible not to have. Bottom line is that they put a lot of good stuff out there, and Wysh manages to stay more unbiased than about 90% of bloggers out there, and maybe 70% of beat reporters.
http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
the last 2 years the habs have had solid to great goaltending…good to very good d play…the weakness really has been the scoring…goaltending and d play should remain the same or even better,,,the key will be scoring…there were too many games last 2 years where after the firts period it was pretty clear that we will score 0 to 2 goals in the game…..
Just a heads up to the poolies out there. Every year I go back and look at the various sources I use to rank my guys pre-draft, and see how they did in terms of predicting the final scoring races. Over the past two years McKeens has done a so-so job- I think through no fault of their own, because so many top guys missed significant minutes last year (most notably Crosby). But I still use them as a resources because they are often bang on in terms of projecting depth charts. Also, its damn good reading and a great way to get poop on teams we don’t often see out East.
Contrary to my expectations, the tsn rankings are usually pretty good. The worst (by far) has been Profantasy. For instance, last year they ranked Henrik Sedin 31st overall- oopsies.
The worst I’ve ever seen is CBS Sports. Last year they had Peter Forsberg in the top 100.
http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
Anyone going to CBS Sports for hockey advice in their pool is in trouble to start with. I can only imagine how Jim Nantz would describe a hockey game. Would he bring the Masters touch describing a heavyweight fight, comparing the right hook to a beautiful azalea popping out of the ice. And when the crowd is screaming the patrons would be showing their satisfaction with result of the strike.
ESPN just gets names wrong. Mathieu Carle ranked above Matt Carle last year.
They have Drew Doughty ranked 14th among Defencemen, Chara is 2nd among Ds even though he was 19th, 16th and 12th in points by Defencemen in the last 3 seasons! Letang is 3rd when he came in 9th for D points last season. Alex Goligoski is ranked ahead of Shea Weber and Tobias Enstrom!
Don’t even get me started on forward rankings.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
I never trust rankings, I always have to go through myself. The crazy thing this year will be where Crosby goes.
http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
I think the most interesting situation heading into training camp and the regular season is how Jack Martin will decide to put together the 3rd and 4th lines.
Lars Eller will miss training camp, last I heard a few months ago, so Martin’s job might be a bit easier. However, once Eller is healthy, does David Desharnais move to the wing on the third line or center the 4th?
3rd-Desharnias-Eller-Kostitsyn
4th-Moen-White-Darche
or
3rd-Darche-Eller-Kostitsyn
4th-Moen-Desharnais-White
Not sure which way things will go but I don’t think we will see a new face in the group of forwards except Erik Cole and if injuries force a callup from Hamilton.
I think Mike Bluden may have an outside chance to become a utility player and become a player Martin may call on from time to time. Hopefully a bigger and stronger version of Tom Pyatt.
Eller say’s he will be ready to go.
Ya I saw Subban tweeting about him so I think he will be too?
So yeah, I wonder how the lines will look?
Only Jacques knows and he won’t tell!!
It is my understanding that PG and JM spent the summer doing a mime show.
I think you were right with this one:
3rd-Desharnias-Eller-Kostitsyn
4th-Moen-White-Darche
The 4th line will be a combination of those 3 and whoever makes it out of traing camp.. DD is not a typical 4th line center and I think he did great on the wing with the G’s against Boston in the playoffs before getting injured.
If a prospect winger really impresses out of camp, it’s possble he may be put on the 3rd line if he has offensive skills tho.
“That beautiful bastard scored semi-conscious.” On the Rocket’s Game 7 game winning goal against the Bruin’s April, 1952
The only problem with DD at wing is the greater risk of injury going into the corners. I recognize Gionta is similar size, but experience galore. Will be interesting to watch, part of me wonders if JM might not experiment with DD centering 4th line. I know that is not where he should be, but numbers may dictate.
I like the idea of moving Desharnais onto Eller’s wing along with AK (or Cole). I think that given 20 games together they could wind up becoming the de facto second line (unless Gomer gets it together big time).
But I don’t see it happening. Given that JM thinks that a line combination becomes stale dated after a period or 2, I don’t expect to see any lines as we’re used to thinking about them. I wonder if he ever thought about selecting linemates based on weight or hair color, maybe astrological sign. Oh wait – he tried all those.
“OK – if you like brussel sprouts you’re on the first line, asparagus guys you’re on second. Anyone who likes broccoli is in the press box tonight.”
I think AK starts on the first line…mainly to showcase him for trade value…and if he tears it up then what? I say sell high or keep him.
If AK does tear it up and PG can get good value for him in a trade, you can bet he’ll be traded. This is especially true if Eller and DD continue to play well and give us real scoring depth. Even more so if someone like Palushaj shows he is capable of playing a depth scoring role with the big club.
- Honestly yours
Did White ever play center at the professionnal level? In the AHL perhaps?
Hey Burly, are you going to the outdoor game in Hamilton? If so, do you have an idea of how much tix will cost? It might be worth the 8 hour drive to see this game.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
All Hamilton Bulldogs season ticket holders will receive a ticket to the outdoor game in their package. Prior to going on sale to the public, season ticket holders and flex pack holders will have an opportunity to purchase tickets to the game. Tickets for the outdoor game will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00 a.m. Ticket prices will be announced in the near future. Bulldog web site.
Much appreciated. Thanks.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Yah, I think I will be going. I have a hunch of buddy of mine who is a Leaf fan will probably arrange a bus trip for a bunch of us to go. If he does that, will let you know you would be more than welcome. Tailgating the whole deal. Cool thing about Ivor Wynne stadium is it is one of the only CFL venues where there is tailgating somewhat permitted.
Awesome. Appreciate the invite, sounds like a great time.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Robert, still there? Further to our brief exchange a couple of days ago, check out Dowbiggin’s column today in the Globe Sports section on the media and the recent death of Belak. Grist for the mill.
Thanks for pointing that out. The article on “How hockey got hooked on pills” is also very enlightening!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/
PS We have a similar path to becoming Hab fans. I switched when the “big guy” was traded to Detroit ( loyal Canadian boy)
Sad article, isn’t it? Every year, younger, hungry guys waiting to take your place, and no different for the young guys. I know a young guy who is trying to make it with one of the NHL clubs, whose agent has told him the club expects him to fight. He’s big enough to do it, but it’s not his nature. So it’s that or the AHL.
There is a kid playing Lacrosse with a friend of mines son. He will probably get drafted top 5 into the OHL this year. Guess what he did this summer. He took boxing lessons, he is a big kid who loves the fighting side of hockey. Sickens me to know that at that age the father thinks this is great. Even worse, you know some coaches are drooling at the thought of this.
Aaron Palushaj I hope this Kid makes the big club he’s all class a cammeralleri and plekanec in the making starting out he would be great for the 3rd or 4th line he was a big time 1st liner in the AHL with NHL experience he may fit on any line hope he makes it with the Habs give it to a guy who wants to earn it not to an outsider who comes in for the money….
If he is going to make the Habs he is going to have to be a superior skater. In the interview linked here he says he put on 8 pounds of muscle and he still looks … well, not thin, but not ripped either.
Contrary to popular belief, punctuation is actually cool.
- Honestly yours
Punctuation is important. It helps distinguish between the company that knows its sh*t and the company that knows it’s sh*t.
———————————
How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
LOL – Well played UCE!
I had to read it a second time to catch it, but that was excellent!
- Honestly yours
Quit changing the subject. Now about Diplomacy trash talking lessons.
Back in the day I had gathered a decent crew for Diplomacy games. We were usually able to wrap up a game in about 2.5 hours. So on one of our Sunday afternoon marathons (all fuelled by home made beer, home made pizza and other unmentionables) we were into game 3 on a day where I had won games 1 and 2. Late in the game with me having a decided advantage, one player said out loud during his move, “h’mm, I don’t have any chance of winning and Dave is ahead again so rather than not win and see Dave win again I am just going to spend all my resources on attacking him thus weakening him and assuring his non victory, or something like that.”
Suffice it to say I didn’t win game 3.
For the record, I was also not trash talking at all. I was doing my best to win slowly without looking too menacing and was as silent as can be. Buddy saw right through it and went in for the kamikaze kill.
Things worth remembering going into the 11-12 season:
- Alexei Yemelin scored 11 goals in the KHL last year, best on his team and tied for 6th overall in the league. He was also named best defencemen in the 2010 playoffs when Ak Bars Kazan won the league championship. He could be a valuable PP addition, mixed in with Subban, Weber, Markov it’s quite the combination.
- Tomas Plekanec will be going for a 6th consecutive 20 goal season and with the 5 straight 20G seasons already under his belt, his streak is better than anyone from his draft class save Ilya Kovalchuk.
- The last time Mike Cammalleri scored 19 goals (final year in LA), he followed up the next season with 39 goals in Calgary. He tends to follow a ‘down’ year with an ‘up’ year in production. His 26 goals in 2009-10 was not really a down year IMO as he was easily pacing for 30+ when he was injured, plus there was that 13 goals in the postseason.
- The only remaining forwards from last year to have over 100 hits in a season are AK and Moen. This year, we have Erik Cole, who has twice had over 200 hits in a season, plus the aggressive talents of Ryan White, who was averaging 2.6 hits a game this year and 2.9 hits per game last year in his limited call up. Pacioretty was also adding up hits with 67 in 37 games. Suffice to say, the opposing teams are likely going to note the physical prescence of the 11-12 Habs.
- And let’s hope Josh Gorges is back with that solid instinct for blocking a shot and Yemelin doesn’t mind laying down in front of NHL slappers either, Roman Hamrlik for three of his four seasons in Montreal blocked at least 187 shots. I know he was pretty much a goat by April but damn if he didn’t absorb the rubber like racetrack while he was on the ice.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Lots of reasons to be excited about this coming year. Nice post SF09.
To add to your list, we should have three lines capable of scoring. That has been missing for some time.
Agree, can’t contend for long without the depth scoring and MTL has been short on that since the early 90s.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
All this positive talk makes me think I wandered in to the wrong blog this morning. Gonna have to make another cup o’joe to handle all these happy thoughts.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
So I take it the tanking strategy is on hold for the moment.
You were b*t$hing last night too! Why don’t you come back in a couple of days…you know, when it’s gone!
Scott Gomez is still a Hab. That should get us back to where we belong in terms of site negativity:-)
The tank stank.
There’s no chagrin in a win.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Even with Gomez,
It’s a win, I sez!
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Steve, the gomer will lead us to the promised land! Believe I even heard SmartDog saying that, although later he was claiming it was an old concussion talking
Note that Spezza, Sharp and Pominville from Plekanec’s 01 draft class are also looking for their 6th 20 goal season in a row.
I miss Wiz!
It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight; It’s about the size of the fight in the dog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRf_A07Elyw
Bringing back the Wiz!
Lol!
It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight; It’s about the size of the fight in the dog.
The AHL has dropped the team’s games played from 80 to 76. They are also eliminating the 4 games in 5 nights that was so common previously.
http://theahl.com/2011-12-ahl-schedule-released-p172293
No inspiration needed here. If we stay healthy, we will compete for the cup THIS year folks. Enjoy the ride of every two points.
Stay thirsty my friends!
I bet you say that to all the girls.
Aside from Palushaj, what are the thoughts on others from Hamilton that might have a crack at Montreal this year?
One guy who might be ready is Andrew Conboy. He has good size and I hope that he can follow the Ryan WHite track. I am just going by stats and articles, however. Is there anyone that has seen him play a bit that can offer a comment?
Serious issues with Conboy’s skating will hold him back and despite his size, he’s an average fighter at best. I’m actually downgrading him out of Habs Future for the coming season. Showed little in the AHL playoffs as well.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
I would think that the back to back exhib games with the Bruins will give Conboy a chance to show any improvement over last year.
What are your thoughts on Ian Schultz? He is at least a year away from any games in Montreal. There were reports of conditioning issueswith him last year. Any hope?
Conditioning problems have persisted from what I picked up from MTL’s development camp over the summer, apparently still not in very good shape and no way does a HC like JM let that fly.
If he doesn’t start going at it like Subban in the gym, he’s got no chance. Can’t be out of shape in today’s league.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
Thanks
I would be surprised if Conboy ever makes it to the NHL. He may be tall but is lean so not a heavy weight fighter. He is not fast nor hockey smart enough to make the NHL IMHO.
IMHO, don’t believe any are ready for the NHL from Hamilton right now.
PG went out and got Mike Blunden (F), Nathan Lawson (G), Brian Willsie (F) and Jeff Woywitka (D) over the summer to give depth.
From last years group at Hamilton, Palushaj (F) and Engqvist (F) would be closest. And add a returning Trotter (F) from the KHL(not sold on him).
From the new players you have Yemelin (D), Diaz (D) and Leblanc (F) as potentials with Yemelin being given every opportunity to make the club.
Thank you
Well said, Frank. You’re spot on with your observations. The team is basically set with just one real job opening as the 13th forward.
The Habs will regret it if they let Leblanc join the big team during the next two years. This guy needs to play a ton of real hockey. We don’t want to screw him up the way we did with MaxPac a few years ago.
Steve, we may just carry 21 players plus 1 from Hamilton as needed and for whatever position needs covered. Camp will tell but it may turn out to be a committee covering the 13th forward position.
As for Leblanc, agree 100%.
The Palushaj interview was pretty encouraging. He looks like a good guy who works hard and really wants to make at the next level. We can criticize the Habs management a lot for the way they draft and the kind of teams they put together but one thing I’ve loved about this organization over the past few years is the way that they have somehow been able to acquire players with a lot of class. It’s an intangible that is often overlooked by everyone but I think it is what holds this team together.
+1
Well I was out last night and the TV in the bar was tuned to one of the sports channels.
They were showing something called the street skateboard championships. Basically guys trying to do tricks on skateboards. Tricks consist of trying to ride the skateboard on a handrail or flipping it in the air, or both. About 90% of the attempts end in a fall.
See here for an example:
http://tinyurl.com/3zvev2g
Why am I telling you this? Because this idiotic, comepletely uninteresting event was help at Phoenix’s Jobbing.com arena. And there were more people in the audience than at a Coyotes game.
Yes, in Phoenix AZ, the NHL is getting outdrawn by dudes on skateboards.
I am guessing they sold alot of Dorito’s at the arena that night.
Yeah but could they sell tickets to 41 skateboarding competitions per year? Nevertheless, putting a hockey team in Phoenix was the stupidest of all of Bettman’s ideas. The only thing stupider is wanting to put a team in Las Vegas.
THe link to the Palushaj video isn’t working, at least not for me.
Try this;
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41655-VIDEO-Oneonone-with-Canadiens-prospect-Aaron-Palushaj.html
Thanks Habfab, so seems to be quite the trend with all the MTL youngsters putting weight on in the offseason. Now if we can just get our trainers to figure out how to put lifts in their skates we can put to bed all the smurf talk.
Ssssh! Don’t look now but I have noticed lately that when we list players at canadiens.com, that most seem to be an inch taller then their previous or junior teams lists them at.
I understand that it is known internally at Habs HQ as “Operation Smurf Free!”
I think we are just drafting players that physically mature later.
Puck Daddy, Sorry but to be a credible hockey writer you have to know something about hockey.
Not worth anyone’s time here and I rate him right up there with that guy where everyone goes for trade rumors.
Here’s an idea, if people stop supporting his web site he’ll be done. Every click is another dollar for him.
I certainly don’t miss last summer’s September talk. Halak this Halak that, Price is greedy, he shouldn’t be wrestling in the WWE, and should drive a KIA.
Rookie inter-squad game today at 2pm, if you’re in Brandon, MB lets go together.
I was wondering if sections 400s are standing?
I need to do the virtual ticket room on the 10th for Bruins tickets, wish me luck!
I hope Aron makes the team this year. I own one of his Team USA gamers from the World Juniors.
How much would you pay for as 2007 Game Worn Carey Price Hamilton Bulldogs Jersey? I was offered 5K for mine, considering it’s the only one on the planet that I know of I said no.
I start advertising for my new small business, I wonder how much the Gazette charges for a small logo sticky?
I ate 10 lobsters while I was in PEI, I want more.
This years Summit will be the best one in four years.
I’m done now.
The 2011 Summit
This will be one to remember.
And don’t forget the Children’s Foundation Auction.
Raffle tickets are 20.00 ea or 3 for 40.00
Everyone should bring one item to raffle off.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures for the facebook site.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
Puck Daddy I find, outside of the vitriol and drivel that is Ryan Lambert is a pretty good site for hockey. I don’t always agree with them on the issues (the siterunner is an unapologetic defender of Scott Stevens) but they do cover a lot of stuff at issue and spread a lot of great hockey links around in their daily Puck Headlines.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
SF09 on Twitter
I’m going to have to vehemently disagree with you here. As far as blogs go, PuckDaddy often gets it right. Remember, too, that it is staffed by a number of writers. Just as
HabsHockey Inside Out is. Sean Leahy wrote the Bruins season preview, not Greg Wyshynski (aka “THE PuckDaddy”).But to say that it’s up there with Eklund, who basically follows no journalistic standards at all? That’s a pretty unfair statement.
And they do often link back to this site, too.
/\\ike
GO HABS GO!
Boone’s a beauty. One day after the subtle swipes at Laraque, he comes back with praise.
Nice.
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If you’re sick of not being able to view the HIO comment structure from your iPhone, try downloading Mercury browser. If you have alternative suggestions, please send them along!
Listen up, ya hockey pucks, Milt Dunno here with another one-minute Face Wash. We’re gonna make it two minutes this week because the face belongs to Dustin Byfuglien, the Jumbo Jet defenceman recently arrested for being impaired while operating a tub-boat. One report said he weighed in at 286 lbs. That’s 21 lbs. heavier than his team has him listed at on its website.
What the byfug is goin’ on, Dustbin, ya been dumpster diving behind diners?
Thing is, no one seems to care he’s been busted for tipsy tootling down the river, the buzz is all about how one athlete has tried to make himself bigger than the game. There’s even a website dedicated to fat Byfuglien jokes, http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23DustinByfuglienIsSoFat
Is that fair, folks? Or is the situation being blown out of proportion? Well, I’ve talked to my people in Winnipeg and here’s what they’re telling me, that Dusty’s so huge:
– he beeps when he skates backward
– they’ve had to reinforce the players bench and widen the gates
– the Jets asked him to be the backdrop for the team photo
– he wears three chin straps
– he uses a small tarp as a bib
– buffet restaurants have posted a picture of his face in a circle with a slash through it
– he was told to skip jump rope during training because the seismic activity was annoying Earthquakes Canada
– he’s the Before photo and Zdeno Chara’s the After picture in an ad for a weight loss clinic
– meteorologists fear his pre-game skates could trigger tornado warnings
– after every game he’s going to donate his sweater to a homeless person for use as a tent shelter
– to show his love for his new NHL home, he’s having a map of Winnipeg tattooed on his back, 1:500 scale
I could go on but the doorbell just rang. Probably the pizza man. I ordered a Byfuglien Special: Canadian, Hawaiian, Vegetarian, Meat Lovers and Deluxe all in one. Should last me a week.
Remember, never go into a corner without thinkin’ trophy.
This is Uncle Miltie, signing off … [sound of an airhorn blast]
John, I spoke with my family in winnipeg, it was apparantly a misunderstanding between mgmt and Dusty’s agent. He thought the team name was the Bombers and that he was to represent the B52 not a sleek air force jet. Thus the delay in the uniform being presented yet. THere is talk of a large Hercules being the plane on the crest now. So far the jersey is only fitting Dustin.
My sources tell me that the delay has to do with the uniforms being made for the players in alphabetical order and they ran out of cloth after the B’s…
Agents – the ruin of many a good player. Sounds like a fit subject for an Uncle Miltie Face Wash. I’ll pass it on to him.
Today’s prediction: Saskatchewan 24 Winnipeg 18
Ouch, don’t tell me you will be watching the game with a watermelon on your head. Unfortunately I fear you are right, I think I heard wpg is 2-12 in recent years on Labour Day game in Regina.
“Tubs of goo have feelings too.” – JohnBellyful
I agree with JB. But Uncle Miltie? The guy’s a neanderthal … with apparently good sources.
“he beeps when he skates backward.” – Uncle Miltie
Yah, but both of you…err…them are hilarious nonetheless.
That Miltie done an’ got Dustin’s face Buffed. Dang, that’s too funny!
WAIVER WATCH
The following players have to clear waivers this season; Desharnais, Pacioretty, Weber and White as opposed to last season (4th year pro).
Eller and Subban are the only players that do not require to clear waivers on the present roster listed at canadiens.com .
The following players listed as prospects have to clear waivers; Blunden, Henry, Lawson, Trotter, Willsie and Woywitka.
None of the 4th year pros nor the prospect players have to clear re-entry waivers.
Thanks for the info. What rule dicates as to when a player has to clear re-entry waivers?
Sorry but I’m not a labour lawyer
The rules for Waiver and re-entry start on page 66 of the CBA and they are complex. Basically years of service or games played after signing a professional contract and at what age that first contract signed.
http://www.nhlpa.com/About-Us/CBA/
There are several sites that post waiver list and I check those for my information.
Doesn’t it just depend on whether they have a one way contract or not?
25 before 14
No, one way contracts have no bearing on Waivers.
I think a one-way contract simply means a player is paid the same salary whether he plays in the AHL or the NHL.
http://habsprospects.hockeyhq.net/
So, if Trotter doesn’t make the big club out of camp, he can get yoinked off waivers whenever the habs try and bring him up?
I’m unclear.
end transmission.
No, that would be re-entry waivers.
When he has to go through waivers, is when he is sent down to Hamilton (after training camp or any send down time)
Oh to be an Islander fan. First there was the fight night promotion, now they are leading the way in Corporate Sponsorship. Tat’s and Hockey baby!
http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/at_the_nassau_mausoleum_come_for_the_piercings_stay_for_the_last_place_hockey/6528466
Happy to hear about Michael Farber. Best wishes on his continued recovery.