The draft was off the charts, literally. The Edmonton Olilers decided to take Taylor Hall, which I can't say I was surprised, but was kind of disappointed. I felt that Tyler Seguin deserved to go number one overall. Neiter the Edmonton Oilers or Boston Bruins should be thinking they lost out on the draft, both are unreal prospects. It was interesting to watch Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley fall so low. It seemed right to watch newly retired Scott Niedmayer hand off the jersey to Fowler, who was frequently compared to him. It was awesome to see Brandon Gormely go to Phoenix, who continues to get better and better. Jaden Schwartz was taken very early by St. Louis which left Montreal Canadiens without him. They selected Jarred Tinordi, the hulking defencemen from the USHL. I was happy with this selection.
Prospects I'll be watching, other than first rounders:
Ryan Spooner- Boston Bruins- 45th overall
Kirill Kabanov- Dallas Stars- 65th overall
Jordan Weal- LA Kings- 70th overall
Stanislav Galiev- Washington Capitals- 86th overall
Mathieu Corbeil- Columbus Blue Jackets- 102th overall
Konrad Abeltshauser- San Jose Sharks- 163th overall
Stephan MacAuley- St. Louis Blues- 164th overall
Someone who I was super surprised to see drafted... Sawyer Hannay of the Halifax Mosseheads. I was able to see him play, and watched him extensivey in his training camp. Simply put, I didnn't even feel he deserved to make his junior team. I see him as a Kevin Bieska, just much, much worse.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25th, 2010 (2)
The draft day coverage starts in less that 5 hours, and still no one knows who the Edmonton Oilers will take 1st overall. There have been mock drafts, and mock drafts but GM's and scouts have nothing to do with those. So we will wait and see.
My opinon, Tyler Seguin should be taken 1st overall. The right-handed center seems more ready and mature then his "rival" Taylor Hall. To see Seguin's development after being cut for Team Canada shows his desire to be the best player he can be. He knows the pain and sacrifice it takes to be a NHL star. After watching some meetings with both Tyler and Taylor, my belief is stronger. Tyler was confident with lots of eye contact and laughter while Hall spoke to the floor and had many "uums." Edmonton needs a natural center too, they already wonderful prospect wingers and just imagine the beauty of Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Seguin and Jordan Eberle in the future...
Montreal has the 27th pick and St. John Sea Dog, Stanislav Galiev is projected there abouts. I sure hope if this kid is still around for that pick (I imagine he will be), that they do not make the mistake of passing over him. I have watched him play and he is a truely amazing sight to see. Give him a few more years and he will be an elite player in the NHL, just wait and see. Trading up for Mikael Granland would be great to see but not sure how that would work out. The Canadian comparison to Granland, Jaden Schwartz could be avalible with the 27th pick too, and I wouldn't mind him being a Hab.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
My opinon, Tyler Seguin should be taken 1st overall. The right-handed center seems more ready and mature then his "rival" Taylor Hall. To see Seguin's development after being cut for Team Canada shows his desire to be the best player he can be. He knows the pain and sacrifice it takes to be a NHL star. After watching some meetings with both Tyler and Taylor, my belief is stronger. Tyler was confident with lots of eye contact and laughter while Hall spoke to the floor and had many "uums." Edmonton needs a natural center too, they already wonderful prospect wingers and just imagine the beauty of Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Seguin and Jordan Eberle in the future...
Montreal has the 27th pick and St. John Sea Dog, Stanislav Galiev is projected there abouts. I sure hope if this kid is still around for that pick (I imagine he will be), that they do not make the mistake of passing over him. I have watched him play and he is a truely amazing sight to see. Give him a few more years and he will be an elite player in the NHL, just wait and see. Trading up for Mikael Granland would be great to see but not sure how that would work out. The Canadian comparison to Granland, Jaden Schwartz could be avalible with the 27th pick too, and I wouldn't mind him being a Hab.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
June 25th, 2010
School's out for summer... if you didn't sing that to the Alice Cooper classic, you've got to wonder about yourself. GM's have been busy, and have entertained us already.
All the way back on June 17th, my team, the Montreal Canadiens traded away the goaltender that carried them to the Eastern Finals, for Lars Eller and Ian Shultz. A lot of initial reaction was that this was a ridiculous trade, however when you take a look at it, it may not seem all that bad. It was smart to trade him at his peak (I may have waited till Draft Day) but for the money I imagine he was going to ask for, and the risk of him dropping back into his backup role self, they timed it right. I love the style of Lars Eller, and am very excited to see him suit up in a Habs uniform, Ian Shultz also seems like a player that Montreal needs, a strong power forward that is able to put the puck in the net. Now it's just the hope of Carey Price being the goaltender he can be. It's a wait and see kind of trade.
2 days later, Nashville trades the rights of Dan Hamhuis to Eastern Conference Champs, the Philadelphia Flyers, for Ryan Parent and a 7th round pick. A good trade all in all if Philly is able to lock Hamhuis up. Nashville doesn't loose to much as they receive just as young talent Ryan Parent who won't cost them as much. No worries to the Preds fans, remember you still have Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell are now Bruins. They traded away there 15th overall pick, a 3rd rounder and soon-to-be-gone-anyways Dennis Wideman. A fantastic trade for Boston, and Florida did well given the situation. Horton wanted out, and Florida was able to get a great pick, and a defencemen that will add depth to that core. Rumour has it that Edmonton wants the 15th pick, so it'll be interesting to see what develops there.
Chicago is just distributing players for picks, picking up a first rounder, 2nd rounder and 6th rounder so far. They had to dump salaries and this way makes sense. They've also pick up a veteran in Marty Reasonor and sub par prospect Joey Crabb. Losing Dustin Byfuglien and prospect Akin Aliu are the biggest hits to them, but was necessary.
Draft Daaay.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
All the way back on June 17th, my team, the Montreal Canadiens traded away the goaltender that carried them to the Eastern Finals, for Lars Eller and Ian Shultz. A lot of initial reaction was that this was a ridiculous trade, however when you take a look at it, it may not seem all that bad. It was smart to trade him at his peak (I may have waited till Draft Day) but for the money I imagine he was going to ask for, and the risk of him dropping back into his backup role self, they timed it right. I love the style of Lars Eller, and am very excited to see him suit up in a Habs uniform, Ian Shultz also seems like a player that Montreal needs, a strong power forward that is able to put the puck in the net. Now it's just the hope of Carey Price being the goaltender he can be. It's a wait and see kind of trade.
2 days later, Nashville trades the rights of Dan Hamhuis to Eastern Conference Champs, the Philadelphia Flyers, for Ryan Parent and a 7th round pick. A good trade all in all if Philly is able to lock Hamhuis up. Nashville doesn't loose to much as they receive just as young talent Ryan Parent who won't cost them as much. No worries to the Preds fans, remember you still have Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell are now Bruins. They traded away there 15th overall pick, a 3rd rounder and soon-to-be-gone-anyways Dennis Wideman. A fantastic trade for Boston, and Florida did well given the situation. Horton wanted out, and Florida was able to get a great pick, and a defencemen that will add depth to that core. Rumour has it that Edmonton wants the 15th pick, so it'll be interesting to see what develops there.
Chicago is just distributing players for picks, picking up a first rounder, 2nd rounder and 6th rounder so far. They had to dump salaries and this way makes sense. They've also pick up a veteran in Marty Reasonor and sub par prospect Joey Crabb. Losing Dustin Byfuglien and prospect Akin Aliu are the biggest hits to them, but was necessary.
Draft Daaay.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June 13th, 2010
And the 2010 NHL season is over, well on the ice. I don't think Chicago ending there 49 year cup-less streak was much a surprise to the hockey world, but still to see it raised, and the well deserving players react, is always a beautiful moment. Adam Burish slightly ruined the elegance with his interview, because as much as I hate Chris Pronger, chirping him right after you've got the holy grail just doesn't make much sense. Dude, you are Adam Burish, he is Chris Pronger.
I was thrilled to see Marian Hossa show he wasn't a curse, and happy to see that Joel Quinville split up Toews and Kane. That spread it out and Prongs can't play 45 minutes a game. Duncan Keith is a beauty, as is his partner Brent Seabrook.
As much as I was hoping to see the Flyers come away hoisting the Cup, I wasn't disappointed. Briere, Giroux, Gagne, Carter, Carle; players I love to watch play didn't completly screw up (well, their first line was a combined -21, ouch) and made an entertaining series. Let's all be honest here to, a little goaltending in the Cup Finals woulda been nice.
So, with exams approaching, this won't be near the top of the list. Once the summer hits, I'll put much more of an effort. There is so much more to write about in the hockey world that I will catch up on for sure! Perhaps more detail on how I though the Finals went, and maybe even some thoughts on FIFA 2010. It's only day 2, but I've been enjoying it a tad, a good study period.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
I was thrilled to see Marian Hossa show he wasn't a curse, and happy to see that Joel Quinville split up Toews and Kane. That spread it out and Prongs can't play 45 minutes a game. Duncan Keith is a beauty, as is his partner Brent Seabrook.
As much as I was hoping to see the Flyers come away hoisting the Cup, I wasn't disappointed. Briere, Giroux, Gagne, Carter, Carle; players I love to watch play didn't completly screw up (well, their first line was a combined -21, ouch) and made an entertaining series. Let's all be honest here to, a little goaltending in the Cup Finals woulda been nice.
So, with exams approaching, this won't be near the top of the list. Once the summer hits, I'll put much more of an effort. There is so much more to write about in the hockey world that I will catch up on for sure! Perhaps more detail on how I though the Finals went, and maybe even some thoughts on FIFA 2010. It's only day 2, but I've been enjoying it a tad, a good study period.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
Saturday, May 29, 2010
May 29th, 2010 (2)
Puck drop is soon arriving for the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. Doesn't that have an ring to it? I just picture this deep voice unnecessarily announcing it. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but it makes sense in my head...
I am quite interested in seeing how this goes. Philadelphia I feel in over their head in roster ways, so in that sense, I think 4 days was too long for the wheeling team, they needed to continue to roll. But then I think about the injuries and rest that this team needed. So that leaves you at the "hmm" stage. Either way I feel Chicago will come out and win this game.
You're not supposed to have sides as someone in the journalism world, so thankfully I'm just trying to get into it, not quite there. I am actually quietly cheering for the Flyers. They do have 3 players I can't stand (Pronger, Carcillo and Hartnell) but then they have the players I love (Giroux, Gagne, Briere.) Plus they beat out my Habs, and it's much better to say your team got knocked out by the Cup champs that year. Lastly, some people that I'm close to are from around there, and may as well cheer with them after cheering hard against them.
Around and hour to go. Yes.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
I am quite interested in seeing how this goes. Philadelphia I feel in over their head in roster ways, so in that sense, I think 4 days was too long for the wheeling team, they needed to continue to roll. But then I think about the injuries and rest that this team needed. So that leaves you at the "hmm" stage. Either way I feel Chicago will come out and win this game.
You're not supposed to have sides as someone in the journalism world, so thankfully I'm just trying to get into it, not quite there. I am actually quietly cheering for the Flyers. They do have 3 players I can't stand (Pronger, Carcillo and Hartnell) but then they have the players I love (Giroux, Gagne, Briere.) Plus they beat out my Habs, and it's much better to say your team got knocked out by the Cup champs that year. Lastly, some people that I'm close to are from around there, and may as well cheer with them after cheering hard against them.
Around and hour to go. Yes.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
May 29th, 2010
A few weeks ago, I sat down and made the ultimate Montreal Canadiens 2011 roster. Making teams is something I have never been able shake from my childhood. I took all the players hailing from Quebec and tried to make the best team going. This is what it looks like:
Simon Gagne/ Daniel Briere/ Patrice Bergeron
David Perron/ Vincent Lecavalier/ Martin St. Louis
Alex Burrows/ Mike Ribeiro/ Jason Pominville
Claude Giroux/ Maxim Lapierre/ Ian Laperriere
Mathieu Darche/ Antoine Vermette/ Steve Bernier
Kris Letang/ Stephane Robidas
Francois Beauchemin/ Marc-Andre Bergeron
Marc-Edouard Vlasic/ Alex Picard
Bruno Gervais
Roberto Luongo
Marc-Andre Fleury
Martin Brodeur
Lots to pick from for forwards, and 3 no brainer goaltender choices. Defenceman though? Not so much. The only player to be snipped from the D, was Mathieu Roy.
Simon Gagne/ Daniel Briere/ Patrice Bergeron
David Perron/ Vincent Lecavalier/ Martin St. Louis
Alex Burrows/ Mike Ribeiro/ Jason Pominville
Claude Giroux/ Maxim Lapierre/ Ian Laperriere
Mathieu Darche/ Antoine Vermette/ Steve Bernier
Kris Letang/ Stephane Robidas
Francois Beauchemin/ Marc-Andre Bergeron
Marc-Edouard Vlasic/ Alex Picard
Bruno Gervais
Roberto Luongo
Marc-Andre Fleury
Martin Brodeur
Lots to pick from for forwards, and 3 no brainer goaltender choices. Defenceman though? Not so much. The only player to be snipped from the D, was Mathieu Roy.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26th, 2010
The 2010 Stanley Cup finals are set, the Philadelphia Flyers will play the Chicago Blackhawks. To think that the Flyers made it into the playoffs in the last game of the regular season in the shootout is crazy. As hard it was to see them knock out my Habs, it is kind of a neat story. Michael Leighton was spectacular in the Montreal series, and his interview after the game really showed how much it meant to him. Now you've got the Chicago Blackhawks, and hopefully you have seen the Blackhawks TV segment with them playing Mario Kart on the Wii. I laughed through the whole thing just because you see these young men taking a little kid-ish game so serious. Take the time to go to their website and watching those videos make you feel like you know that team a little better.
I can't see Philly hoisting the Cup this year, Chicago is just playing scary hockey right now. I'm saying Chicago in 6. Jonathan Towes playing hero throughout the entire series. Remember the Olympics?
Today, I had the honour to meet Mike Danton. I had written to him at the beginning of the year for support and I had left my email address in it. It only took saying my name for him to remember me, which was pretty neat. It turns out that he had tried to email me back but it had bounced back to him. We were both leaving but he is coming back and said to make sure to hear him talk. I hear people said he was really inspirational, so I am so glad he is going out and speaking about his past. It's a great step in the right direction.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
I can't see Philly hoisting the Cup this year, Chicago is just playing scary hockey right now. I'm saying Chicago in 6. Jonathan Towes playing hero throughout the entire series. Remember the Olympics?
Today, I had the honour to meet Mike Danton. I had written to him at the beginning of the year for support and I had left my email address in it. It only took saying my name for him to remember me, which was pretty neat. It turns out that he had tried to email me back but it had bounced back to him. We were both leaving but he is coming back and said to make sure to hear him talk. I hear people said he was really inspirational, so I am so glad he is going out and speaking about his past. It's a great step in the right direction.
All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis
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