so much for protecting Teuvo...

I don’t believe it does. My understanding is any of long term deals meant to provide cap hit relief that were signed before the last lockout do not operate under the same rules in place now, so there would be cap penalties.

yeah, that’s a good question. I guess I’m operating under the idea that they are, but im not 100% sure.

Yeah, totally agree. Would be a weak move on the organization’s part even if better for their books. Could see Hossa doing it if he was going to retire in a year or two just to ensure Chicago isn’t burdened with the recapture through 2021.

What separates the top teams is the level of skill of the players that they will keep and players at the bottom of the roster. the 9-12th best players across most teams tend to rather fungible throughout the league albeit a function of playing style, cap hits, etc.

shoot, if I’m the Blackhawks, I ask Hossa to waive his NMC and don’t protect him. Late thirties, terrible contract for the cap if he retires before it ends, not a sure fire bet that LV would take him as they need to balance adding 30 players, the cap (to which they’re probably going to be at $60MM to start), and…

While I agree with your comment in theory, a candidate that shows they’re willing to put in a little extra and is prepared for the meeting (on top of the qualities you mentioned) is most likely going to separate themselves during the process. Of course, you never really know what you have until you get them in the…

yeah, true. Kane did win it that one year when Crawford was probably more deserving. Likewise, I’m sure there are many other examples. Superstar by default is definitely plausible too.

good thing I told you now, otherwise that would have been a really awkward season for you in the NHL!

usually when there is doubt, they tend to default to the goalie. Kessel would probably be my pick, but Murray as earned it due to shutting the door vs NYR and Washington, even if he has not played up to that same impeccable level the final two rounds where he has still be rather strong overall.

perhaps similar logic is applied to this record as is the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year. The rules for the Calder state the player has to be 26 or younger. Niemi was 27 during the cup season, so his age was beyond the NHL’s established line. Being ineligible for Rookie of the Year probably disqualifies players…

I’d actually like to see them add a couple more road races in cities like Chicago, NY, SF - similar to what they do in Toronto or Detroit. Obviously, the cost/availability of city streets in these locals is not a given. That being said, it’s something to explore if IndyCar wants to raise the profile of the drivers and…

Nessler and Danielson were paired up in the late 90's for ESPN/ESPN2 or maybe even ESPN+. They always called the second fiddle Big Ten games that aired at noon eastern. They were great then. Looking forward to them reuniting.

Shocked the western final is down since STL and SJ don’t have the same local TV watching fan support as Chicago.

I dont know man...hate crime seems more plausible than the honest mistake of not switching out the previous nights recording

not taking anything away from Wysh’s retort. may be the best piece of writing we’ve ever seen from him. End of the day, I don’t think Teddy is too beat up over it.

Yeah, pretty sure Teddy still wins this one.

Open wheel racing is healthier today than 2002, but would have never been down had the split not happened, which NASCAR capitalized on by taking the money, drivers, technological advancements, etc and using it to fuel its national growth around the same time open wheel racing was fledgling in the US

Oh, excuse me, your honor...two YOUTHS.

Millennials need to take more time at local museums that don’t take themselves to seriously or botanical gardens to really counter the worry of peaking too early.