I'm betting some glue sniffing GM will give de Haan something like $27.5 million for 5 years. They're the reasons we have lockouts all the time.
So one of the best bagel shops on Long Island officially offered to send JT free bagels for the entire duration of his contract if he returns to the Isles. That's pretty damn funny, even if he's mainly doing it for free publicity. Although if JT signs an 8 year deal, it won't be free.
Supposedly JT was asked by the Isles if they could/should trade him at the deadline and he said no.
Supposedly he moved closer to Belmont in the spring.
Supposedly he was really happy with the hiring of Lou & Trotz.
Supposedly this is all just to satisfy the NHLPA.
Supposedly Stamkos & Seguin have both said they wouldn't let him have #91.
I don't buy that one for a second.
That's what I'm reading on various Isles blogs. Truth to any of it? I'm not sure.
I still feel he's like 51-60% likely to return. Hoping the ass kissing shows are over now and he can get to making an announcement that he's returning.
More Isles rumors- Lou is looking for a goalie. Noooooo shit. Hutton is high on his list. Or maybe on fans' lists.
Hickey was essentially told goodbye. Shame. He's a good puck mover and plays physically for a smaller d-man.
They let Quine, Prince and Davidson all walk. No qualifying offers.
Qualifying offers given to everyone else owed one. Which is too many players to name if you include the AHL guys.
Av- if Mayfield plays over Pulock, Isles fans will revolt. Pulock is seen as the next Karlsson, whether or not he is. Having a 106 MPH shot makes them think he can score at will, and they forget that D-men have to actually play D. He's not terrible on the D-side of the puck, but he's no Karlsson. On either side of it.
Aho looked okay. Not great, not terrible. Toews is higher on the depth chart, but he got hurt last year. But that's a lot of really young D-men, especially if they're going with Greiss and Soderstrom in net. Even if they bring in a real #1 goalie, they're going to see a lot of rubber and a lot of odd man rushes with that D.
Step #1. Sign JT.
Step #2. ??????????
Step #3. Win Stanley Cup!