Iron Crotch

I still think the Isles are flying below the radar and will make a pitch for Stamkos. They could let Okposo and Nielsen walk and use that money on Stamkos (seems odd they haven't resigned one or both already). A 1-2 punch of Tavares and Stamkos would be deadly. I'm probably in the minority, but I wouldn't be too broken up if Stamkos doesn't pick Buffalo. I'm not so sure Stamkos isn't better off on the wing (i.e. Tampa is right about his best position). And, these monster free agent deals have a way of coming back to bite a team a few years down the road.

I'm jealous. Red Rocks is the best venue in the country. One of the many reasons I miss living in Colorado.

This analogy is more accurate than you think. We simply we can't field a team full of guys playing in a third-rate league (MLS) and hope to compete against sides where every player plays in top leagues (England, Germany, Spain, Italy). We played a front-6 of all MLS guys in this one. That won't beat an Argentina. Ever.

Another good read from Garth: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=77649

Yeah, he will sign with Buffalo. He wants to play with his good friend and current linemate Jack Eichel. They have the same agent. He'll sign with Buffalo. Vesey - Eichel - Reinhart will be the line. (last two Hobey Baker winners on the same line) In my opinion, this means Murray doesn't need to trade up to #3 or #4 for a winger.

Could be. Purely conjecture, but I think Stamkos might end up with the Islanders. They'd be copying the Penguin's model of a super-strong 1-2 punch down the middle with Stamkos and Tavares. The Isles would be a really interesting team with Stamkos.

Garth is a local sportswriter of unknown identity (although I'm sure someone on here knows who he is) who blogs under the pseudonym "Garth". Eklund is the fraud who posts fantasy rumors that never come true. Garth covers the Sabres for some news organization (guesses?). He and Ek are two very different things.

Former Oil King captain Mark Pysyk for Eberle (and possibly some other pieces on each side) is one of the many rumor floating around out there in twatter. IIRC, Risto, Bogo, and Pysyk are all right-side defensemen. We can spare Pysyk. We need a left-side defenseman.

A few nice tidbits/rumors from Garth: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/GARTHS-CORNER/Chatter-Up/6/77637 He says expect a 7-year, $10 million offer for Stamkos who won't be back in Tampa.

Vessey and Eichel have been friends for years having played together on many Boston-area travel teams plus the USA team last summer. They are linemates this summer. Oh, and they have the same agent. Very good chance Vessey signs with Buffalo if Murray wants him.

Leverage move by his agent. Play the "KHL card" to either get more money or get a trade. Gus came to North America in 2009 (as a kid) because he wanted to play in the NHL. That hasn't changed.

Every year Edmonton takes the best forward available in the draft... and every year they finish last. At this point, the fans and press are putting huge pressure on the organization to pick a defenseman or trade down. Word is they like Juolevi quite a bit. I think that will be their pick, although it is quite possible that they trade the #4 pick (maybe even to us for #8).

I think Chycrun and Juolevi could easily both be gone by Pick #8. This is an interesting draft because it is very difficult to predict. (I'd be shocked in the Oilers don't take a defenseman at #4... if they don't trade the pick...)

Pittsburgh needs to leave the "yellow out" crowd look to Nashville. ...I just can't make myself root for the Pens. Go Sharks.

This is exactly my take as well. I think we need another top defensman or two in order to make a real playoff run. My guy is Chychrun since we need another power play defenseman, but if Murray likes one of the other top defense prospects better then I trust him.

Hitch looks like he is going to eat somebody.

Dopelord is weedtastic... better eat your Weedies before listening...

The top three defense prospects are all left-hand shots. Interesting. (Risto shoots right)

As expected the Predators are letting Goose and Nystrom walk. Goose played well enough in his role of defensive stopper / faceoff specialist that I think he will have a couple of teams interested if he decides not to retire.

Obscure, old school. Anyone remember Slint?

Pekka Rinne's game has gone downhill since goalie coach Mitch Korn left and went to Washington. And, that is exactly when Holtby became a "world class" goaltender. Coincidence? I think not. Pekka's game is all kinds of up right now.

Since when is St. Louis a "rust belt" city?

The final Game 7 tonight. Going to be very tough for the Preds to win in San Jose. But, go Preds! https://www.facebook.com/nashvillepredators/videos/10154200737947558/

I always get riffs stuck in my head, this from the greatest super-group that ever lived...