Southernmn

The Wild have a problem filling the X ??

Thanks...that's all I really want, some REAL discussion regarding the teams. I some times have a real problem with that on GPL too.

You are correct.....some of thie n coming's have some size to them, and are supposedly physical players, so hopefully this will help a little bit. With out the Gophers being a little (or actually a lot) tougher next year, it will be difficult for them compete with the UND's and UW of the world next year.

You are right.....he would have fit into the Sioux line up nicely. Scoring wasn't the real reason he was on the team............he was one on the few players on the team who really seemed to enjoy getting his nose dirty. When he was working hard on the boards, and hitting a lot, he was a very effective player (and something we need more of). I think his injuries were a bit more signifigant then we knew, which did make him nearly invisible the latter part of the season. Still, signing for the reported amount of money does seem a bit out of whack.

BUT.....also remember, that just because you get drafted, that doesn't mean you will be getting an offer at all. Depends solely on what the NHL club wants you to do.

This should be interesting...............

It's more than speculation......just look at the facts. From Buffalo's point of view, if they doesn't sign him, he can become a free agent next year, and sign with any team he choses, with Buffalo getting NO compensation for him. So in effect, they will have pissed away a number 1 pick. From Stafford's point of view, if he does wait till next year, he will NOT get a larger signing bonus, nor salary from any team that signs him (assuming that Buffalo will offer the rookie max), who ever that may be. However, if he has an off year, or possibly sustains a serious injury of sort, his value could drop, and even going the free agent route, could get considerably LESS money next year. So there is no real advantage on his part for not signing. Bottom line.......Buffalo will offer the max.........Stafford signs. Will be shocked if he doesn't.

Uhmmm.....you just went from being non-objective to just plain stupid. Why is it not possible the have grown up discussion regardless of where your loyalies lie ??

As I recall.........Minnesota was their pick last year at this time, and we all know how that worked out. A lot will depend who is still on the rosters after the NHL draft and signing are concluded. Lot of players are still flight risks for the what I think will be the "Big 3' in the WCHA next year. And of course injuries during the season will play a BIG part, as always.

Lucia did recruit Oshie, but only got the cursory greeting in. He was going to UND no matter who else came knocking.

http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/t.j._oshie

Sorry.........we don't hate you guys NEARLY as much as we hate them !!

You really can't defend anyone doing the jersey pop, or any other type intentional display, whose sole purpose is to piss some one off. Hockey (and most sports) are a very emotional undertaking, and letting emotions go is just fine. But these gestures have no place in sport no matter if the athlete is on your team or the the opposing team. It's just plain immature and wrong. I would have no problem with players getting unsportsman like conduct penalty's every time this happens. As far as the spitting goes.........we need to just get over that. Irman has never said that he was spit on in the penalty box. Taunted...yes, but that happens in every arena, at every game. Not even sure how that rumour got started. There are security people around every penalty box, and i doubt they have let that happen. Let's just get over it...please

4 year star players are going to become a VERY rare commodity before too long. If they are good enough to play right of high school (rarely happens anymore), they are probably good enough to be drafted fairly high (ala Kessel, Oshie, and Teows in the upcoming draft). Otherwise these players come out of the juniors, and by the time they have played 2 years of college hockey, they are 24 years old, and really can't afford to give 2 more years to a college career, when they can be making some real money. 4th (and some 3rd) year players in the future, will only be role players who have only a modest chance of playing professional hockey.

Depends on who else leaves early how much it effect the teams on the top. Denver & CC look to be 2 teams that will slide a bit, and who knows whats going on in Duluth ?? St. Cloud will get out of the gate quicker next year. Mankato will still have big issues on defense. Minnesota going to have to find someone to score goals, and the defense and goaltending has to get better, because they aren't going to able to just outscore teams like this year. Wisconsin stands a very good chance of losing Elliott and Earl (at least), will have to wait and see. North Dakota should be stronger up front with guys like Toews and Oshie knowing what is expected of them next year. Defense depends if everyone stays or not (ie Smaby)......still not convenced the goaltending will be strong game in and game out. AA & MTU will still be AA & MTU..lots of work to do there.

Was merely making an observastion from watching Parise play the last 5 years.......wasn't ripping him at all.

I assume from your response, that there will be no "adult" conversation on the topic ??

Parise in the NHL You must be joking. Last time I looked he hasn't been drafted....and don't expect that to change after this year's draft. He CAN play very good at times, but he can also play VERY bad. You never know what you going to get with him.

ANyone who tells you that they think the Gophers got screwed is lying. NO ONE thinks they played near well enough to beat anyone that game. No whining, just severe disappointment at the way they played.

Hoefully.............they better not make it to the Championship game and lose to THOSE GUYS !!! Especially in that arena. Make for a long walk out of the arena.

Kessel will huge next year....took him 1/2 the year to figure things out. Goli's not going anywhere......Johnson is the biggest concern at this time. How about the boys in GF ?? Lot of rumours flying around about Spirko, Toews.

*LOL*............I hear you !! I was at that game...........

1989 was the last 3rd place game, and the last time they used that format. Careful......your age is showing.