NHL

[GordonH]

So looking at 1 team, lets see what they done:

Its started in the head office:
Bringing in Bob Nicholson as CEO
Then adding Peter Chiarelli as GM
Winning draft lottery #1 spot
Then hiring Todd McLellan as head coach

Players
Connor McDavid (F)
Griffin Reinhart (D)
Cam Talbot (G)
Brad Ross (F)
Eric Gryba (D)
Already in the Oilers organization Darnell Nurse (D)

Based on what I see here plus those players already on the team, I only see this team going to the top in Pacific Division.

Looking over the other moves within Pacific Division all but 2 teams have improved there chances. Those 2 that have not both have an aging roster.

[GordonH]

Based on both how they played this past season and moves they have made at draft & free agency. I can see 5 of the 7 Canadian based NHL teams could/may make the playoffs next season. I'll let you guess who they are, should be pretty simple.

[the truth]

who will not make the playoffs
van and to

[Poindexter]

Both, and peace will also break out in the Middle East. :)

[GordonH]

Toronto Maple Leafs have announced their new GM Lou Lamoriello http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/m_news.htm?id=775458

[the truth]

wow big move for them, nice catch imo

[GordonH]

wow big move for them, nice catch imo

Time will tell if off ice changes, result with on ice improvements.

[Bsuds]

No ice right now (except in my drinks)...it's too friggin hot!

[GordonH]

No ice right now (except in my drinks)...it's too friggin hot!

Actually the prospects for all NHL teams play threw the summer months, then at end some are invited to training camp.

[dieseluphammerdown]

wow big move for them, nice catch imo

Lou is not a good catch the game has passed him by, just look at the shambles he has left the Devils in .
The Leafs continue to be a no where franchise and picking up a 72 year old GM is just more evidence of this.

The Leafs are starting a rebuild or continuing their rebuild that started in 67, either way it'll take five or so years to complete a rebuild if done properly through a youth movement and by that time Lou will be pushing to the 80 year old mark.

I'm not complaining though as it is enjoyable to watch this franchise fail year after year.

[GordonH]

^^^ Dale Tallon was unavailable, if he was he would have been a better choice.
I suspect Lou was brought in to teach the young Assistance GM the ropes to being a GM in the NHL.

[dieseluphammerdown]

^^^ Dale Tallon was unavailable, if he was he would have been a better choice.
I suspect Lou was brought in to teach the young Assistance GM the ropes to being a GM in the NHL.

That seems to be the consensus on hockey forums I frequent .
I'm not sure what Lou has to offer an up and coming young GM at this point in his career.
Again look at the mess he has left the Devils in, I think that it go's to show Lou's hockey blue print is no longer relevant in todays NHL .
Since Lou enter the League as a GM the game has changed, and to bring him in to mentor someone , in a roll that Lou himself has been failing in over the last five or so years imo wont work.
Like you said only time will tell, having said that I believe this is a big step backwards.

[dieseluphammerdown]

I can see it now, Lou will once again fire a coach and replace said coach with himself behind the bench something he has done on more than one occasion.
This is another thing that makes no sense in Leaf nation hiring a coach before hiring your GM.
Babcock is not Lou's hire so Lou and Babcock may not be on the same page when it comes to rebuilding and the types of players needed for the franchises vision in the future .

I don't think this is the end of the mess known as the Leaf in the NHL.

[GordonH]

I can see it now, Lou will once again fire a coach and replace said coach with himself behind the bench something he has done on more than one occasion.
This is another thing that makes no sense in Leaf nation hiring a coach before hiring your GM.
Babcock is not Lou's hire so Lou and Babcock may not be on the same page when it comes to rebuilding and the types of players needed for the franchises vision in the future .

I don't think this is the end of the mess known as the Leaf in the NHL.

That would not fly dieseluphammerdown, since that would first need to be approved by Lou's boss.

Added later: biggest mess within the Leafs is the ownership, 2 media giants that do like each other.
Rogers 37.5%
Bell 37.5%
Kilmer Sports 25%

[GordonH]

As of right now Patrick Kane has not been formally charged, he is just being investigated. Either way it's not looking good for young Chicago Blackhawk key player.
http://www.castanet.net/news/Sports/145 ... -hot-water