Thursday's notes: The Skate of the Union is Strong
by Dirk Hoag on Jul 14, 2011 8:16 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators News
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PrintLast night's Skate of the Union was another big hit, a great way to keep the fans engaged long after the Preds' season was complete, and get some buzz going heading into the fall. While you'll be able to watch the video for yourself to get all the details, I just wanted to touch on a few of the noteworthy bits:
- Tom Ciggaran mentioned that the team is looking to bring in more investors, to the tune of $20-25 million, and that it may take up to 18 months to do this. The intent is to use that money to pay down debt and improve the financial stability of the team. Brett Wilson is still "inching toward the goal line" of joining the ownership group, and they hope to have that completed in September.
- There was a lot of talk about the continuing development of the arena, including word that there will be more features coming to the upper bowl, something "dynamic" in sections 316, 317 & 318 that was teased, and word that once the Music City Center is completed, "the back door will become the front door". It sounds like Bridgestone Arena will look quite different in 2014 than it does today.
- From a competitive standpoint, I get nervous when I hear so much hype about the kids who stepped in when others got hurt last season, and the projection that Niclas Bergfors will be the next Sergei Kostitsyn. As I mentioned yesterday, there is still plenty of time to fill out the roster, but what if the Preds face injury issues like in 2010-11? Who steps in then?
- For a guy who typically manages expectations, David Poile seemed to raise the bar by saying that the "window of opportunity is open" and that the Preds are positioned to compete for several years. While I can't recall the exact wording, he seemed to think the forwards get a bit of a bad rap for the offensive woes. I'm sorry, but I don't think a full season of Mike Fisher is going to make that much of a difference, and if they want to be a real Cup contender, this team needs an offensive force up front.
- Of course, there was the expected Radulov question, followed by Poile's assertion that he will probably come back next summer. Can you imagine if he were to make an appearance at Skate of the Union 2012?
- Two favorite moments - when the crowd gave a rousing standing O to a hockey fan from Atlanta and Barry Trotz gave him a very direct hard-sell on being a Preds fan, and when Jeff Cogen was asked about bringing the Milwaukee Admirals down for a game. He admitted that the idea wasn't even on his radar, but given the huge fan reaction to the idea, he'd look into it. While they're at it, they should really consider a Preds-Blackhawks pre-season game in Milwaukee...
- Lost in all the hubub last night was the signing of Shane O`Brien with the Colorado Avalanche. SOB really won me over during the course of the season, and besides being a solid physical presence and excellent penalty killer, there's an element that will be missing in the locker room going forward. I think I can best sum it up with an old beer-league anecdote I shared over at Pension Plan Puppets recently - SOB reminds me of my old teammate Steve.
- Huge thanks go out to the Predators organization, which brought in five of us bloggers for a closed-door session with the team's top executives before the public panel discussion to check out the new uniformsin their entirety and hear straight from them about the impetus and the process that brought the new look about. I like the fact that they wanted to create something bold & distinctive, while still remaining consistent with the classic elements of the team, like the Pred-head. If you haven't seen the new jerseys in person yet, withhold your judgment; many photos (particularly with a flash) don't do them justice.
And now, follow after the jump for your morning hockey news...
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Ouch! Kristian Huselius suffered a nasty injury while lifting weights in Sweden, and is out until at least November, possibly January.
Torn pectoral? Gross, dude. " Puck, that hurts!
This is a wonderful blog which goes through the medical details of various injuries, and Huselius' sounds really nasty.
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New York's high-priced duo had better deliver...
Wait, Kevin Bieksa is still going to be Canucks’ target of scorn? - Puck Daddy
Wow, what does a guy have to do?
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There has been a great deal of concern in Eastern Europe about their junior programs lagging behind Canada and the US, and now they're doing something about it.
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Milwaukee and jerseys
Glad to hear the jerseys look good in person. I’m starting to like it more and more. I just hope the 3rd that I purchased last year is brought back at some point too. Jerseys are a lot of money to become irrelevant after a season….
I like the thought of having Milwaukee down for a game. And I REALLY like the thought of having a Ads – Preds double header on a weekend! It’d be cool if the pro-shop could offer some select Ads merchandise as well, and vice versa in Milwaukee. And I think returning the favor of a Preds pre-season game up North would be nice as well.
TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....
I like the idea of getting some Admirals gear in the pro shop. That is something that should have been done a while back. I did enjoy seeing the Ads/Amerks game in Nashville during the lockout – but having a real game played here means taking a home game away from other teams. I don’t think it is as easy as it seems. I would be there nonetheless.
agreed
I would love to see an Ads Preds double header. How awesome would that be? Also, having Ads gear in the pro shop would be great. I love the skull logo.
I would totally be in favor...
Of giving up a regular season Admirals game for a pre-season game with the Preds on the BC ice. Having some Preds gear at the pro shop would be great as well.
I saw that the Skate Of The Union led off the 9pm Fox 17 news broadcast last night, which was great to see. I can’t see that happening without the good feelings generated by the playoff run and PR the team garnered during that time. I think that the team pulled off a huge win yesterday for the whole event.
Loved the idea about bringing the Ads down for a game. Kudos to whoever asked that question!
60% of the time it works every time
I have never heard SWFP say “that is a great idea!” to anything anyone has ever said except for things he says, and you made him say that to your idea. That is a real music city miracle
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 14, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
lf you are a Predators fan
Skate of the Union provided evidence that the team’s decision makers listen to you. The only source of some concern: how such a drawn, haggard general manager could sound so positively upbeat. GMDP is clearly working through a hot, heavy off-season.
by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 14, 2011 9:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
waiting on the youth
we have heard for years to wait til the young guys develop. now that some have they are rfa or ufa and have other opportunities.
I was able to catch Jeff Cogen last night
Can’t let the Pred out of the bag….but expect to see our farm teams within a 3 hour driving distance in the near future. He mentioned 2 cities on the radar with hockey ready arenas that they are going for to get a more regional fan base. Hint…..One metro area just lost their team……
if this is true....
i somewhat have mixed feelings about it. I feel like we have a good relationship with the Ads, and would hate to lose that. Also, it seems that having the farm team that close could HURT attendance for both teams. Why drive 3 hrs when you’ve got the team just down the road? i understand it’s a direction a lot of teams are taking, but it almost seems to close. I’d think doubling that radius would still get them close enough, but not too close to disrupt travel.
TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....
HURT attendance????
Your kidding right? To have our farm teams with in 2 or 3 hours can only help attendance? Plus he told me the Preds already have sold over 10K season tix and expect to have 12-13k before the puck drops. 25 sellouts is actually a low ball number and they expect closer to 30-32. “But don’t tell the boss that”. LOL
lets say the preds are in calgary for a saturday night. if we have a farm team within a few hours, you ould have a bus trip there and watch the preds game via satellite on the way back home.
No but...
If I watched players in our farm team move up I’d be more likey to drive a couple hours than fly to see em in the show.
not my expertise
look, i could very well be wrong. but if we’re trying to market to ATL fans to come here to see the Preds, then put a team there, it does make sense to me that they’d stop coming to see the Preds. at least as frequently as they would otherwise. if we weren’t talking about marketing to the ATL fans, i wouldn’t have brought it up. but why put a team in the middle of an audience you’re trying to convince to make the drive up I-65?
i’m sure that the org is considering this heavily, and i’ll trust their decision. it’s more of a “devils advocate” thinking i guess.
TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....
I would think
that Atlanta would get an AHL team at some point. Thus hurting that attendance anyway
:(
Metro Atlanta already has a minor league team
The ECHL Gwinnett Gladiators just broke their status with the Thrashers when they moved to Winnipeg. Their doing really well in support there from every thing I’ve heard.
Tampa is doing this right now with their AHL affiliate
and one of the huge things they’ve been talking about is the cost of travel for the AHL club (theirs is also the Admirals, so I’m not gonna use names). Call-ups are less costly in both time and money when the AHL club is closer—or at least that’s the thinking on Tampa’s end. I’d also suggest that there is an under-served hockey market in the middle of the Deep South right now with Atlanta’s demise, and that there will be some folks who won’t or can’t travel to Nashville for a Preds game but can travel 1-2 hours for an AHL game.
It seems reasonable that the biggest factor for changing affiliates is not competition for ticket buyers, but travel costs for the AHL teams. So the question I’d ask would be “what would these teams’ travel schedules look like?” especially for southern teams that tend to be more spread out than northern teams.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
I think his focus was the Cincinnati Cyclones partnership
The Ads are AHL and the Cyclones are ECHL. The ECHL Gwinnett Gladators just lost their affiliation with the Thrashers.
Huntsville would be GREAT !
I saw the Preds very first game, there………in preseason.
Preds on Thursday……………UABH college hockey mixed with good farm-team hockey on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in Huntsville……….then the next weekend a few hours southeast to Hot-Lanta.
Bus trips and package hotel deals would be nice………..especially, with high gas prices.
Sorry Dude
Arena has to be over 10K and they have to “kick out” the existing farm team, Huntsville aint it.
I personally love the Milwaukee/Nashville connection we have going on.
With the Sounds and the Brewers and the Admirals and the Predators. I am also a Brewers fan so I am not looking forward to when the Sounds lose that affiliation. As for the Ads I want to see them stay in Milwaukee for as long as possible but if they must move I’d like it to be Atlanta.
I wish I could have stayed for the unveilment and to see Scott Walker and Stu Grimson but I had a lot of fun up to when I has to go to work. I bought a chipped Mike Santorelli Vector stick for $20. Skate of the Union truly is a Nashville hockey fans oasis.
It wasn’t preseason, it was an exhibition game. Predators vs Panthers. I was also there. I have the stick Cisar used to score the first goal. Whoo!
World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer
by cisar on Jul 15, 2011 1:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am biased because I love Milwaukee and have a bunch of friends there
So I think its a very bad idea to lose the Ads as the farm team. But that is just me. That being said I LOVE the idea of having the Ads come here to play for a game and even have the Preds go up to Milwaukee for a game.
Interesting
Some of your friends up north are interested in this conversation you had with Mr. Cogen. Did he give you the whole “condition of anonymity” disclaimer?
Any more specifics that you can share with us? Go on….let the ‘Pred out of the bag’….
by Ryan B. Miller on Jul 15, 2011 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
wonder if they thought about doing some kind of Preds and Braves ticket packages for fans of both teams
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 14, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions
On another note Cogen said
They are going to do a Preds “Caravan” with Gnash, Players, and Ice Girls around the state and region much like the Titans and Vols do.
I know one place I hope they bring the Ice girls…
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 14, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
my house?
I will have to clean up…. and send the wife to Atlanta.
Send ’em here, I have no wife to send away! :D
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
My wife would like to see the Ice girls at our house....
She said……ummm. Never mind what she said.
Good summation by Dirk.
Dirk pretty much summed up my feelings on much of what went on in this “event”. That GMDP continues to pretend (or hoodwink the fans, take your pick) that our offense really isn’t that bad just makes one shake their head in bewilderment. And as Dirk noted, Fisher is a good player, but pretending that he being here for the full season is a huge difference maker in terms of offense is misplaced hope. The right way to look at it is Fisher replaced Lombardi who replaced Arnott. We really haven’t added a forward so much as replaced one.
Of equal amusement is Trotz claiming the PP will just “breakthrough” one day. Yup, it’s only a matter of time (rolls eyes). But wait, we have Bergfors now, so all is well.
I really sense a certain arrogance that has crept into this organization these past few seasons. Maybe it’s having the same people around for so long, I’m not sure, but to suggest as Poile and Trotz did that somehow their formula for building a team is superior to the other 29 teams who “just spend money on players” is really filled with hubrus. It’s often not a good thing when an owner gets involved with the personel side of the operation, but I would really like an Ed Snyder type to be around to step in and do what Snyder did in Philly this off-season and tell the GM to resolve their weakspot (goalie situation there) and do it now.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Couldn't agree less
You think sandbagging the payroll with a $51-million, 9-year deal for a goalie, Ilya Brzgalov, and forcing two first class scorers, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, to blow the pop stand to comp for it makes the Flyers more competitive? Nope, we’re not on the same page at all.
by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 14, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you, the Flyers’ off-season moves borders on madness.
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
Hockey Hillbilly, you completely missed my point. The financial aspects of what Philly did have no relevance to the issue here, it’s that the owner stepped in when his GM failed to addresss a long running problem his team had. Trading away Carter and Richards was done for more reasons than just freeing up money to sign a good goalie.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 6:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That’s great that you can predict that…….cancel the season already!
The verdict is out on what kind of team the Flyers have in 11/12 (they’re better than us still). But that’s not even the point here.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Keeping in mind that the SOTU is really just one giant commercial
for the team, I don’t understand how you would expect anything different from the presentation than what they gave. How many commercials tell you all the faults of their product? The only time that happens is when there’s a PR disaster, like BP.
Poile, et al, naturally put the best spin on things that they could. You and I have both already said that DP isn’t likely to tip his hand in terms of what he may or may not be looking for in personnel, and they are extremely unlikely to come out and say, “yeah our PP stunk” in this setting, not even to say “this is what we’re gonna do about it.” They are trying to sell enthusiasm not only to fans but also to sponsors. And let’s face it—Nashville fans LOVE hearing about how they are louder, more enthusiastic, and “better” than any others in the league. We LOVE hearing about how the team is a family. It’s great marketing, cuz that’s what fans in Nashville want to think about the team and that is a HUGE draw for a lot of fans who don’t come on blog sites to argue about trades, free agents, and personnel—and even some who do.
I’m not nearly as disgusted with this presentation as you are, mostly because I really didn’t expect anything else.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
C’mon, CA, you know I’m not talking about the organization criticizing the team or making loud pronouncements of getting that “big fish” player when they can’t be sure they can do so. It’s about leveling with people and giving them a true picture of where things stand, not blowing the proverbial smoke up their chimney’s. There’s no reason an organization can’t sell the team to the fans while also being straight with them.
But at least I can enjoy watching the Canes beat the Bolts in 11/12! ;)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I have rarely heard this organization “level with” people the way you’re suggesting. In interviews, in press conferences, in organized panels like this one, they have always played up the strengths and barely mentioned the flaws. They have always said tried to say that they are on top of things, that we are where we expected to be, that we can do this without changing “our DNA.” This front office has always had a very consistent message and now they’ve gotten the marketing department involved to an extent that it never has been before. They just ain’t gonna say, “look, we’ve got a long way to go on offense and the power play.” They just ain’t gonna. But that’s what they’ve got us for.:)
And Go Bolts! :P
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
The worse thing a team can do is to pretend that a problem doesn’t exist, IMO. It may excite the newer fan to paint a rosey picture, but it tends to alienate the experienced fan.
Stamkos, schmamkos……..it’s Canes time in 11/12! :p
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not saying “should” or “shouldn’t.” I’m saying that this is and has always been their m.o. and it’s unrealistic to expect anything different from them. I have no idea what they talk about around the office.
And you wish. :)
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
I’m aware of this organizations M.O., I just don’t like it. Give me the frankness of a JR or Burke, where even if I disagree with where they’re going, I at least know what the deal is.
Stall…..to Jussi……to Skinner…….SCORE! :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Staal………
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
All I know is...
I’m keeping a Lombardi watch.
If he even plays in 50 games for the Leafs, I’m gonna be pissed.
That means we traded a 50 point guy, an up and coming blueliner that was making 800k for a dud making 1.4
That and SOB just signed a contract for 1.1
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
I’m not going to beat my head against that particular wall, no matter what I wish they’d be like.
And Vinny on the SH breakaway..St Louis beats your boy Ward… SCORE! :)
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
On further review, Ward made the save! :p
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Har. I have video evidence. The call on the ice stands.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
You doctored the video…….out of the replay booth with you! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 12:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And while you’re sitting up here arguing, Downie’s beating the crap out of all your players.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Beware of the great Troy Brodie! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 11:32 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And I remember when...
Ward was originally signed to the two-way.
Not gonna be a bad signing for the Ads after seeing him toil on the Aeros.
Now he’s making 3 mil a year.
Cats and Dogs living together…Total hysteria!
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Or maybe Dan Snyder?
Ha ha ha I laugh at the Flyers! They gave up that for a goalie? When they could have waited a few days and had Vokoun…
by musamonster on Jul 14, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Let's keep in mind that these guys(GMDP & Trotzy) have overcome a lot.
You can see where they might feel that considering their success during the crisis years, now that the team is operating clear of all the recent distraction, fire sale, & Boots mess they only need to tweak.
It’s an understandable feeling. I am sure on many occaisons they have felt like miracle workers.
IVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED
that trotz, and poile to some extent, are much better when the chips are down and things are bad. they are much less proficient, based on history, at taking a good team and making it very very good than they are at taking an undermanned team and making it very competitive. maybe its money. i think alot of it is lack of vision for a grand finished product.
by predswilrule on Jul 14, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s an excellent analysis.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The right way to look at it is Fisher replaced Lombardi who replaced Arnott. We really haven’t added a forward so much as replaced one.
This is a good point. I think that pretending Fisher is the answer to all of our offensive problems is not realistic. He should provide a small boost to our goal total though and I do think that there is a possibility that he could up the production, if only marginally, of his line-mates over the course of a year.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
You're probably right
but what else is he going to say? Poile can’t walk up there and say “We’re screwed, folks.” There’s a lot of offseason left, and I don’t think Poile is that naïve about what this team lacks.
I don’t think he’s being so much naive as he is indifferent towards the offensive side of the game. Having flashy goal scorers just doesn’t excite him. If it did, we wouldn’t draft the way that we have. If finishing as low as we do in GPG every season and watching how completely unable we were to even get the puck into the Canucks Dzone during the playoffs isn’t a motivating factor to change that dynamic, I’m afraid it never will be changed.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
On the other hand, the Ducks had all kinds of flashy offense but they weren’t able get things done with it. And the Canucks didn’t exactly blow us out of the water. Yes offense is needed, but only 2 goals could have flipped that whole series.
So you’re going to just ignore what I wrote and zone in on the Ducks? That argument isn’t gonna fool anyone.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No… but blink twice and we may become the Ducks… again.. No matter what happened in the Canucks series, our defense stood up to them. 2 goals would have flipped that series.
Funny… when I was watching highlights of one of the Canucks-Sharks games one of the commentators on CBC used the phrase “the Sedin twins work their magic”.. I don’t ever remember anyone saying anything like that inthe Preds-Canucks series… infact, they looked pretty stupid in that series. Had it not been for the outstanding play of Kessler, the Canucks might not have made it past us.
This is revisionist history. The Canucks are quite comfortable playing in one goal games, they did so all playoffs long (until that strategy backfired against the Bruins. Saying that we were close because of the score really isn’t an accurate measure of how much better they were than us. If not for the awful goal Luongo let in against Suter in game two, that likely would have been a 4 game sweep. And give the Ducks their star goalie and you’ve got one difficult team to play against there as well.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And giving the Ducks their star goalie is revisionist history as well.. And taking away Suter’s goal is revisionist history. We could have just as easily won the first game. Fact is, the “almighty” Canucks didn’t blow us out of the water. The “greatest offense in the league” were shut down by Rinne and our defense.
We scored 11 goals in 6 games. We weren’t that close to beating them. The Nucks controlled the play for most of that series. And if we can’t agree that Suter’s goal should have never gotten past Luongo, well, not much more for me to say then.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 12:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I AGREE
im afraid w/ a healthy hiller we dont see the second round
by predswilrule on Jul 14, 2011 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda disagree with ya there
What did we lose? Not scoring that’s for sure. The future is our youth and not a overpaid sniper that may or may not produce. Wasn’t much out there in RFA or UFA and to mortgage our future and players in the pipeline is a HUGE gamble. If you look at it, not many teams have changed that much and they ALL paid WAY too much for what they got.
THIS DIVISION HAS
at least the 2 teams that were, yes i said were, behind us.
by predswilrule on Jul 14, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m sorry, SFPreds, but that kind of thinking keeps you as a bubble team forever. The question isn’t whether we lost scoring. The question is did we gain scoring to a team that needs to improve in that area. We have not done so. And it’s just not true that there wasn’t much out there on the UFA market or that most teams didn’t change that much. Picking up a consistant 20 goal scorer for 3 or 3.5M is not an overpayment. If it is, we’ve got some bad contracts on our hands here already!
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 6:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No it’s certainly not. Who should we get?
Fact is, this team has never shied away from trying to bring in free agents. Last year we brought in Lombardi, one of the best free agents out there. The year before Poile made a serious effort to bring in Phil Kessel. But there are only so many players to go after and so many than we can afford. Do you think Poile is sitting in his office, satisfied with the team, saying “well done, it’s time for me to take a break”? I don’t think so.
This team is finally getting back to the financial footing to be able to make some moves, and to be relevant, not just this year, but for the next 10.
The answer to your question is yes, I do think he’s happy where’s he’s at right now. He said so himself.
And we should put our history of past history of signings in context, signing Lombardi was actually a net 1M savings on what Arnott made. Lombo replaced a forward, he wasn’t in addition to one. And the Kessel thing is in question as to whether Poile made a legit bid for him, but that a whole other debate there.
Look, if you want to be happy about where this team is headed, good for you. I, on the other hand, don’t like what I am seeing with the team and the way it’s being built.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oops, one to many histories in that sentence (people interupting me while typing!).
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, I’m not on the inside. For all I know Poile may trade off everyone for a pee-wee team. For all I know, no one may ever want to sign with us again. Or, for all I know, the team could get sold and have another firesale.
Barring that, we are in a pretty good place.
No, this team isn’t finished. If this is the team we take into next year, we are in trouble. But I would be shocked if Poile isn’t on the phone 8 hours a day trying to bring in some proven offense. Whether he gets it or not, that’s another question.
As far as the future, it looks very bright. Our building is filling up. Our prospect talent pool is loaded. Things will be good. Will we win a cup? Who knows?! a lot of good teams have gotten close but not hoisted it. But we will get close.
Hate to tell you, but this is basically the team that will start the 11/12 season. And that’s a shame, because the fans’ support of this franchise deserves better than that.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well no wonder you are so upset
if that’s what you believe. I think Poile would be massively upset as well.
Outside of a possible depth Dman, I’ll put $100.00 that we’ll see no new players brought in before the start of the season. It would have happened by now if it were to happen.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Then I suggest you take your upset self down to Poile’s office daily and make your protest known. Otherwise it seem nothing else will get dont with this team.
Letters have been written. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Safe to say that my advice has not been taken……..but at least it’s known! :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Two in fact! I was very nice, but to the point. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nope, has to be outside of the organization. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 11:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I completely agree. It’s only July 14 and we have money to spend. Only a fool thinks Poile is done with the roster. But he’s not going to tip his hand toward what trades or negotiations are going on, and certainly not going to make promises he can’t possibly guarantee… “Hey guys, were gonna sign a 40 goal scorer! We don’t know who, but trust us, it’ll happen!”… That’s blowing a lot of smoke. The only thing he can promise is what we have and working to add more.
That, musamonster, is hyperbole. No one has suggested that Poile “tip his hand” and announce some big acquisition that he can’t be sure can even be made. But he should level with the fans and not string them along.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t think he was stringing anyone along. He just stated, matter of factly, that this team does have offense on it. But he wasn’t going to say anything that he couldn’t guarantee. He has said before that he is in the market for an offensive forward. He’s just not going to blow any smoke till he has one to show.
Poile has been stringing this along for 3 seasons now, not just this summer. If you want to buy what he’s selling, go right ahead. I’m of the “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice (or more) shame on me” mindset.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If that makes you feel better to believe that, then good for you.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Fact: If we had been able to keep Radulov, Hartnell, Timonen, Vokoun, and been able to replace Kariya… the last 4 years would have been a little different.
And if wishes were horses, we’d all be riding. The ’07 blowup exuse has to stop at some point.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
True… but losing 4 of our best players, who had come through the Preds system, losing the financial backing of our old owner, overpaying to keep the talent we had, playing our “goalie of the day”, and not being able to replace maybe the best free agent forward we had ever seen… that hurt. To think that we then made the playoffs the next 2 out of 3 years (and being in contention for the 3rd with 3 games left in the season) when the pundits thought we should have been eliminated by February, remembering this team might be in Hamilton right now… That puts a smile on my face. And now we are starting to round the corner, push other teams around. Red Wings now want to avoid us…. That is even better.
Now to sign that forward…
But you’re still using the excuse here. Funny thing is, Kariya would be no use to us anyway and we would have lost Timmo to free agency that season as well. We gotta get past ’07!
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kariya would have been no use to us (though I wonder how many thought that before the 07/08 season), but we weren’t able to replace him like we would have otherwise.
Timmo was one thing, but losing that core of players that we had developed though our system was a lot to take. That was a combined 85 goals we lost (though Rads was in 08). Losing one or two is one thing. Losing all five is another. We couldn’t just go and replace them all through free agency. Not many teams can.
Get past 07? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Trying to expect Poile to have us in a position to win the cup the last few years is just ludicrous. Being competitive and making the playoffs with this team is just astounding. Ask the Leafs what they think of our record.
But you are right… now is the time to step back up to the next level. Hopefully things will fall Poile’s way to make some deals that won’t bankrupt us in the long term.
Timonen had already publicly stated that he would take less money to stay in Nashville. He was proud of being the Preds’ captain and wanted to remain so. The trade really hurt him personally.
Bet that 7M a season helped soothe the pain though. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 11:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The kids...
I don’t doubt that the young forwards in the farm system are very talented, but I do doubt that the system in place will allow them to be successful. I’m just saying.
Just remember a few years ago the Preds scored more goals than the Canucks did this year. Trotz will play to our strengths.
I like your optimism. But I did not live in Nashville then. I moved here for the 08-09 season from Memphis. Right when I was getting excited about moving to Nashville and having a hockey team they were trying to sell em. Luckily it turned out the way it did.
Unfortunately, I tend to be more of a “realist” so that I don’t get my hopes up. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised than disappointed all the time.
That's another story
But you want goals? We had goals. Didn’t get us very far.
We had goals because we had skilled players. To suggest that having good offense was the reason we lost those playoff rounds is to ignore that many of those skilled players were injured for us at that time. Being an all D team hasn’t exactly won us a Stanley Cup either.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No, but it shows that just having offense doesn’t make us a better team. Many teams have had plenty of offense but go nowhere (Ducks anyone?)
Bruins anyone? Canucks anyone? Lightning anyone? Sharks anyone? Those were the semi-finalists last season and all were in the top 10 in GPG. Offense is essential to winning in this league, not an option.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Flyers were in 1st place all year.
Their golies went south when they needed them most.
Teams that can balance physical play, offense, and defense, and goal more often than not, win cups.
Right now, the Preds have 2 of the 4.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Absolutely true. Though being 1st place all year only gets you closer to the Presidents Trophy. We absolutely need more goals, but at the expense of other things.
The Ducks had offense...
because they roughed up the competition. They opened the ice up for their offense.
It certainly wasn’t their defense.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
People seem to forget that losing Hiller was a huge blow to the Ducks last playoffs. With a healthy Hiller in goal, we may well have lost that series
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I have to agree 100% with that.
Oh. What have I done?
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
The logic of Gbear is just to irresistable to deny! :D
A healthy Hiller is not a coulda woulda situation, he’s easily one of the top 10 goalies in the league. Hope his vertigo clears up.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And so is Rinne… and he could have played better in that series… and Hiller could have played awful… shoulda woulda coulda.
Ignore reality at your own peril. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Of course management doesn't make player moves with SOTU in mind,
or any other possible press. But consider this – SOTU was good press in the middle of the summer, signing Weber will be another big day, as will a deal for Suter, etc. Then if GMDP were to trade for a goal scorer another big day. This kind of schedule will keep the team in the press rather than blowing it all last night.
Can you tell I am trying to be patient. ;-)
My favorite question/answer
was the one about bringing the Admirals in, and Jeff Cogen’s honest (as usual) response: Never considered it.
Besides, they’re here every night, aren’t they?
what if the Preds face injury issues like in 2010-11? Who steps in then?
This concerns me too. I am trying to remind myself that is it still July though.
I have to think we are likely to pick up the next young Ward, Goc, SOB,(Hnidy, Perrault, Bonk, DeVries, Sillinger, Murray…yada yada) etc. before the season starts (or shortly thereafter). DP’s bread and butter is that kind of low-key acquisition. I think it’s the thing that truly sets him apart.
I do think that we have more offensive prospects in the stable right now than any point in our short history so I don’t really have any issue with hoping some of those guys are ready sooner rather than later either. Guys like Blum, Hornqvist, Franson, and Willy have kind of sold me on the idea that some guys can be productive early.
No offense here (pun intended!), but this “Poile is smarter than the other GM’s” business is just not so. Plenty of teams make good low dollar acquisitions to help themsleves. Think Jussi Jokinen would look good in gold? How ’bout Grabner? Moulson?
Sure, Poile has made some good signings, but so have many other GM’s.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You are reaching on this one, Griz.
Poile has a strong track record of making low key signings that fill holes, add depth, and make positive contributions. No reason to think that he will suddenly stop doing that. I made the comment with regard to roster depth, nothing more .
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I would dare say that’s it’s you who are reaching here. It’s not uncommon for GM’s to make good depth signings. Truth is, Poile has missed out on some bargains in recent years. So have other GM’s, but that makes Poile an equal to them, not smarter.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So Poile should sign every bargain? I think you’re not seeing the forest from the trees here. What do the players and agents want? Maybe the player doesn’t like Nashville, or at least the idea of it. Maybe the agent is talking with 5 other GMs first and one just happened to make the quick deal. There’s a bunch of other things that can happen here.
David Poile is a good GM, twice recognized as one of the top 3 in the NHL. If the deal isn’t there, it isn’t there. The urgency to sign a forward simply isn’t there for him yet – maybe when the season starts, maybe in February. The urgency is to sign Weber.
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
Clock is ticking on that btw...
Since the Preds filed, they will get him regardless. If it gets to arbitration though, it will be a short lived love affair I’m afraid….
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
In which case… if we do have to trade one of the 3, who can we get back? Hopefully not just some draft picks or a couple of mediocres. Talent for talent.
I can't believe I'm gonna do this, but....
Actually, Gbear is right to be concerned, to some extent. The schedule is different this season. It’s gonna be harder at the end than at the beginning. We actually are gonna need to get out in front early this season. We really can’t afford to wait until February for help.
Disclaimer: Grizzledbear is, in general, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. ;D
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Notice how CA has to throw in the qualifier “to some extent”. You’ll come around all the way sooner or later. :p
Disclaimer: CAustin’s often misguided opinions should not be held against her….she’s doing the best she can! :p
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It's getting strange up in here
how far can I go with this agreement thing without breaking the universe?
Yes, we need offense badly. Yes, the power play is horrible. You are correct that we cannot put off upgrading the team and building real depth at the forward position for another year.
However, I disagree that all is lost on July 15 for the rest of this season. I want to see what happens between now and training camp, because I believe in the possibility that something can happen. I disagree that DP has proven that he doesn’t understand our needs, or that he’s unwilling to invest in offense. I also disagree that the kiddos can’t contribute very much next season. They are getting better and they will continue to improve, even though i have no doubt that a proven scorer would be more helpful.
I believe that DP is a very conservative manager in a franchise that rewards that conservatism. He is unwilling to spend more than he absolutely has to, and the ownership wants it that way because there isn’t very much to spend. He is unwilling to take big risks and his bosses are glad that’s the case. It may be time to change that philosophy, but small changes might be sufficient, and I don’t believe that we have enough data to determine whether he’s made those adjustments or not.
So. There. We agree on some things and there are no obvious cracks in the space-time continuum.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
But..........
You’re somewhat mischaracterizing my thoughts here. I don’t think DP wouldn’t like to score more goals, I just do not think he places the emphasis on it that it needs and I don’t think it animates him the way defense does. There’s certainly time to still address the problem, but I question whether there is the desire to do so.
I just do not see the scoring problem as something that can be fixed by a tweak here or there, it’s a deeper problem than that, IMO. I think it may well take a bold type of trade that the Blues made last season for Stewart to change the dynamic up front for us. We have to be willing to give up some value to do something like that and I’m not sure Poile wants to pull the trigger on that kind of a deal. I hope I’m wrong.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 12:32 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Blues make the playoffs last year?
Oh right, they didn’t.
As if that has any relevance to the Blues making a major trade that they believe will help them this season. Sigh.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 11:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
After I posted this my internet went wonky or SBNation went down or something
So I’m gonna try to put the universe back in balance again.
I just do not think he places the emphasis on it that it needs and I don’t think it animates him the way defense does…. I question whether there is the desire to do so.
This is what I would characterize as a characterization of DP being unwilling to invest in offense. It’s one thing to acknowledge that some FAs and trades were not done and another to say they weren’t done b/c DP didn’t try hard enough. In this league, you rarely hear about the deals that don’t get made for whatever reason. I have no evidence that he has or hasn’t tried to get deals, so I cannot conclude that he hasn’t. I do have evidence that the deals he makes tend to be extremely reasonable contracts for players that other teams have given up on for one reason or another. And I have evidence that the FA pool was extremely shallow this season, with few candidates that would have been both cheap and good.
willing to give up some valueI know where this is going, and I don’t like it, ;) In all seriousness, DP gave up Cody Franson. In his eyes, that’s real value. Given his record and his personality, I expect to see him get someone here to make that give more worthwhile than taking Lombardi off our hands. If he doesn’t, I will scream to the rafters about how bad a deal that one was.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Let me know before you scream cuz it’s likely you will have to. :D
Case in point of what I’m talking about. GMDP gave up a 2nd round pick in a great 2010 draft for a Dman that we really didn’t need in Grebeshkov. Everyone thought if we did anything it would be for a forward, but instead we paid a high price for Grebs. I thiink that trade is symbolic of how Poile prioritizes offense vs. defense.
As for cheap and good free agents, that’s kind of an oxy-moron. You want quality, it will cost you one way or the other, either money-wise or in giving up talent in a trade.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 11:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It may be an oxymoron, but it’s what he wants and what he’s willing to do. Ugh. I’m coming too close to agreeing with you here and I don’t want the internet to die on me again so…..
Uhhhh….yeah.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
It’s a jolt to the internet, but it had to happen. :)
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 5:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
DonBorvio, where did I say that Poile should sign “every bargain”? I simply stated that other GM’s make good bargain signings as well as Poile does. It’s the thought that some have that only Poile makes these good signings that is my issue here. I think he’s an average GM, you think he’s better than that. As the Dave Mason song goes “We just disagree”.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I meant you are reaching (or trolling) by putting the
this "Poile is smarter than the other GM’s" business is just not soargument in my mouth. Like I said, the lack of veteran depth concerns me too.
I am perfectly willing to defend or debate my opinions with you (to some degree) but I am not going to allow you to bait me into unrelated arguments by generalizing my posts so that you can again vent about one of your current dissatisfaction’s with the franchise.
Nothing personal though.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a very dramatic attempt at rightgeous indignation, but your own words were “it’s what sets him (Poile) apart from other GM’s”. No one was generalizing your post, that’s what you said.
It’s seems you can’t abide an argument that runs counter to your own and that’s a shame.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Righteous indignation? I think you are misreading me. I am not a political football and I assure you that my feelings are not hurt. Unless you just intend that as another incendiary remark to draw my ire. If that is the case, you are out of luck. I have no ire for you. I don’t come her to be proselytized. I’m just here to talk hockey.
Taking a post concerning the Preds ability to add depth, then rephrasing a non-consequential supporting statement to try and provoke an off-topic response is very plainly trolling. It’s reaching for an argument. At the same time, taking my assertion that Poile is set apart from some other GM’s in a specific area and turning it into (noticed that you also “quoted” me)
“Poile is smarter than the other GM’s”is a textbook example of generalization.
When I tried to clarify my statement, you again rephrased your initial generalization. This is baiting an argument.
…and again, this isn’t me arguing about the intelligence of DP. This is me refusing to argue a concept that I didn’t formulate.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 15, 2011 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
If that isn’t vanity than I don’t know what is. You can wiggle around all you want and throw out the trolling nonsense (who’s being incediary now?), fact is that you made a statement that clearly implied what I stated it did. If you want to walk back what you said, fine, but saying that something seperates one person from their collegues doesn’t leave much room for a varied interpretation.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 15, 2011 1:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
WHILE I AGREE
that poile is good at raiding the clearance rack, there is an overlooked reason as well. if holland, holmgren, gillis, etc makes the same deal as poile it wont look as good cause that signing will get 3rd line minutes and be overshadowed by superior talent. here they may get top 6 minutes and lead the team in playoff goals cause we dont have that same superior talent.
by predswilrule on Jul 14, 2011 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
True. I still hope he can find us a utility guy or two for depth though.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Predswillrule, you took the words right out of my mouth with that. Excellent point.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Pekka's New Mask??
I just sent Dirk the link, but figured I’d post here as well. I may have stumbled upon Pekka’s new mask for next year to go along with the new jerseys. Not sure how to just post the pic, so here are two links to the mask, enjoy!!
http://daveart.com/mask-gallery/set/72157626423201081/default.aspx
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5641021395_49fb8f95c7.jpg
by predshockey37357 on Jul 14, 2011 2:25 PM EDT reply actions
Anders Mask
http://daveart.com/mask-gallery/set/72157626189588154/default.aspx
Little more clicking and I found Lindback’s mask!
This is a link to all the NHL masks this guy has done for those that are curious.
by predshockey37357 on Jul 14, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
They didn’t use the new logos! Doh! :)
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
not a fan of the masks
60% of the time it works every time
by Creeping Death on Jul 14, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Last night got me super excited for next season. While I don’t share the same optimism about our offense, I can’t wait to see what they can do. I loved welcoming the Thrasher fan to Smashville
You’re right about the Thrashers fan’s welcome with a standing O. It’s our trademark. It also prompted a neat burst of humor from Trotz: “Fun (Nashville)…No Fun (Carolina).”
by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 14, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Reading that the Preds would give up Milwaukee as their affiliate...
…is actually making me physically ill.
Craig Leipold would like nothing but to get his hooks into Milwaukee due to the proximity of the Minnesota Wild.
That alone would probably get me to quit following the NHL.
This says nothing of the sort...quite the opposite...
I was able to catch Jeff Cogen last night Can’t let the Pred out of the bag….but expect to see our farm teams within a 3 hour driving distance in the near future. He mentioned 2 cities on the radar with hockey ready arenas that they are going for to get a more regional fan base. Hint…..One metro area just lost their team……
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Doesn’t Atlanta have an ECHL team? Naturally I may be mistaken, but that’s what I thought.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Yes they do.
And currently, Atlanta has no team at all…
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
???? Please to clarify….
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
No NHL or AHL team he means I think.
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
Well I thank all of you that see it that way...
It’s making me feel much better about the situation.
I have feelers out to Milwaukee media I keep in touch with, an email to the Preds, and some good sources at hockeyfights.com trying to track it down.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
If Atlanta get awarded an AHL franchise...
…and Cogen wants his “teams” 3 hours away…
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
but “farm teams” could refer to the ECHL team already there, no? I’m really just speculating here, and to the same extent the original comment is a vague, unverified report of a possibility of some change some time in the future.
I just want to make you feel not sad.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
At first...
I was against being affiliated with any team. The Admirals used to be independent, but to keep the Admirals a viable hockey team, and to keep them moving up the ladder, they affiliated with the Canucks. What a clusterf*ck that turned out to be! Never again I said!
Milwaukee was in line to get the then Winnepeg Jets, but got c*ckblocked by old man Wirtz in Chicago and Petit wanted nothing to do with having to pay that old tyrant blood money to start a team here. So here we sat, a brand new building built especially for hockey and no NHL team. This is a story for a later time though.
Then they got into the AHL, the highest form of hockey known yet in Milwaukee and the marriage with Nashville and Milwaukee began. And you know what? It worked! Milwaukee became a success in part to the Predators and the Preds succeeded in part because of the Admirals. Along the way, I have become a huge fan of Nashville from afar and it would break my heart if it had to end.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
You never worry about my feelings! :p
It’s hard not to read what was said and not take it to mean all of the minor league teams. Would be a shame, IMO.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thanks... :-)
I remember not too long ago, I signed up to make comments on the Tennesseean.
When people were posting there saying they should just let the Preds move. They’re losing money, they’re costing the taxpayer, hockey doesn’t play in the south, I was posting that Nashville was damn lucky to have 1 of only 30 NHL franchises on the planet. The best hockey in the world gets played in your town and that they should fight for it tooth and nail.
No one was happier when Balsilly and his underhanded takeover and move to Hamilton blew up in his crackberry face and that the team survived and continues to grow and succeed.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Well, I do feel for you guys up there if it turns out that you have to be affiliated with Leopold. If Cogen, et al., ask me, I’ll have to say that the Ads are part of this team and we shouldn’t change except in extraordinary circumstances. But you know they won’t ask me. No matter what or when, I hope you can stand to stay with us here.
And Gbear, for some reason you haven’t brought out my soft and caring side.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
Thank you too. :-)
It makes me sick that Craig sold you guys out, turned around, bought the Wild, gets a sellout almost everynight, and STILL can’t build a hockey team that can get to the playoffs.
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
He doesn’t get sellouts that much anymore, because the Wild suck! I was in MN when that all went on, but never went to a Wild game until 2009 when I came back to see the Preds play there. I never really cared much for the Wild, because I was still bitter over watching the North Stars become the brown Stars.
Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."
Minnesota is 99.7 percent of capacity
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
by BrianAdsFan on Jul 14, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
The Wild could be a team to watch out for in 11/12. Heatley and Setoguchi are in the mix and Latendresse will be back as well. That’s a lot of offense to get injected into a lineup. Need Backstrom to stay healthy though.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 11:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Leopold doesn’t give a crap about hockey imho. he just wants the money his wife used to buy him a hockey team to grow so he can pay her back. when he wasn’t seeing a year over year profit in a new market, he got cold feet and wanted out. He planted the seeds of hockey down here, but was too impatient to sow them and sold us out. Leopold wasn’t about the hockey, he was about the “entertainment”. I’m sure the wild are seeing his entertainment shtick develop.
Face it, you’re a big meanie, CA! Or maybe a little meanie, not sure. :D
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
ATL is a solid 4 hours from here. Not 3. So…. No worries.
by Marcus Newman on Jul 14, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
C'mon...;-)
I’ve driven though ATL. I had to do 85 to keep up with traffic…
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
As to the statement that we will spend more money this season than we have previously.........
Looking at the 12 forwards, 5 Dmen and two goalies we have that have contracts and adding in 7M for Weber, that leaves us at about 46M in payroll. Add in Blum, Ellis and Geoffrion at about 1M each and we’re at 49M for a 22 man roster. The actual money being paid to those 22 players is a tad under 2M more than the cap hit. So if ownership is talking about spending in terms of real dollars, that would mean we would need to be at about 53M compared to last seasons total payout of over 52M and about 52M if cap hit is what’s in mind, which was just under 51M in 10/11. Either way, their saying the payroll will be larger may not be as exciting as it sounds. If they decide to go as high as 54M, then you may have something.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 7:46 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
49...
The cap hit was inflated last year with the Fisher signing and that’s if one reads the total salaries these cap hits were and not adjusting it for the actual pro-rated time .
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
I think NHLnumbers prorates the cap hit of mid-season acquisitions. So just under 51M was the cap hit last season
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 8:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If this is true then...
Poile has 2 million dollars buring a hole in his pocket!
3 and a half if Lebda gets sent down (which I doubt…)
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Hopefully more, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Trotz says "we don't need more offense" and Poile "likes where we are right now". We're doomed!!!
by Grizzledbear on Jul 14, 2011 9:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If the Preds are paying Lebda 1.4
he’s playing. No way he gets buried in Milwaukee for that money.
Well, I’ve seen him play. Maybe they’ll get sick of his ‘hole in the wall’ D and call someone up…
This trade is gonna backfire on so many levels…
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
I wonder if by saying we’re going to spend more this year than last, is he including minor league payroll into the equation? because if nothing else is done, I cant figure out how we’re going to spend more than last year (which is what they kept saying at the skate of the union). even if we pick up a gritty d-man like Poile said.
I think everyone...
should start posting at the bottom of the thread…
I’m getting sick of scrolling to find the new posts!
What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...
Use “C” or “Z” to skip around. It’s much faster.
"Its a process"--Erlendsson
Don't Trade Pekka
Part Predator, part Lightning.
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