More NHL Free Agency Speculations

Here are some of my thoughts and opinions regarding several teams in the NHL. The Oilers will certainly be an exciting team to watch next season.

http://www.givemesport.com/358805-edmonton-oilers-gm-proves-genius-by-signing-perron?tg=351026

However, being able to match the physicality of many of the top level teams will be a challenge for the Oilers. I believe it'll be very difficult for players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov to deal with bullies like Milan Lucic or Andrew Shaw.

However, perhaps the speed of the younger players will counteract the lack of physical presence in the Oilers' roster.

But perhaps GM Craig MacTavish still has plans to sign an enforcer. I certainly hope so. Otherwise, this team could be dealing with a considerable amount of injuries throughout the season.

Cheers.

Two Team's Going in Completely Different Directions

Hi all,

I just thought I'd share my thoughts regarding a couple of the top stories that have been surrounding the National Hockey League. Enjoy, and please don't hesitate to join the many off season NHL debates.

http://www.givemesport.com/358337-vancouver-canucks-gm-gillis-continues-risky-strategy

http://www.givemesport.com/358363-columbus-blue-jackets-continue-rebuilding-process?tg=/nhl

Cheers! :)

NHL Free Agency Friday Winners

Here are my thoughts on what occurred this past Friday.

This past Friday was a very frantic, exciting day in the world of hockey. Many of the National Hockey League’s Stars have decided to leave their teams, sign big contracts and further develop their career within a new organization.

Some of the more familiar names include:

1.      Daniel Alfredsson: signed a one year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

2.      Vincent Lecavalier: Longest serving Captain has signed with the Flyers

3.      Danny Brier: Been the face of the Flyers but has now signed with the Montreal Canadians

4.      Nathan Horton: Stanley Cup winner with Boston has signed a long term deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets

5.      David Clarkson: The Toronto native has come home and signed a long term deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Those are my top five transactions that occurred this past week. But the question is which team won in the end. This was a very tough decision that is still being debated by analysts and fans. I believe the Flyers and the Blue Jackets were the winners with their key signings. Vincent Lecavalier is a great two way player with exceptional puck handling skills, an accurate shot, and plenty of experience. He’ll be a great leader to the younger players in the dressing room as well. Lecavalier is a great replacement for Danny Brier, and will be a beautiful addition to one of Flyers younger lines. Having a player like Lecavalier allows the coaching staff more depth, and more ability to experiment. I mean there are so many options now. He could center a line with Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds, or Jakub Voracek. The possibilities are all winners for the Flyers in my opinion.

The Columbus Blue Jackets took a big leap of faith in signing Nathan Horton long term, and I’m sure it’ll pay off. Horton is no Rick Nash, but with the past few seasons he’s been having, he’s pretty close. This guy has experience, a Stanley Cup to his name, speed, and exceptional puck handling skills. Plus, he’s still relatively young as well. And when you consider that he’s joining Marian Gaborik and Artem Anisimov, it’s hard not to get excited. Further having a Vezina trophy winner in Sergei Bobrovsky will help the Blue Jackets string together some more consistent wins as well.

All in all these two teams are the clear winners for me. I can’t wait to see which player has a bigger impact for their respective team. It certainly is going to be weird seeing Lecavalier in bright orange though.

You can also view these thoughts here, and comment as well. That way you can also be a part of Sportsnet Fanfuel. Link is http://www.sportsnet.ca/blogs/fanfuel/fan-fuel-2013-nhl-free-agency-flyers-jackets-big-winners/ Let the debate begin!!!

Alfredsson Leaves Ottawa in Search of Stanley Cup

This has been a shell-shocking Friday for the Ottawa Senators and its fans. Their 17 year Captain Daniel Alfredsson has chosen to leave Ottawa, and has signed a one year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. I didn’t believe it when I first heard the news. I assumed the 40 year old veteran would play out the rest of his career as a Senator. However, this proves that a player on a quest to win a Stanley Cup will do anything to achieve that goal. Alfredsson’s contract is a one year 5.5 million dollar deal. I’m sure the Senators nation will be quite angry at this decision by their Captain. Especially when considering that Daniel Alfredsson stated that the Ottawa Senators don’t have enough depth or skill to win the Stanley Cup. Furthermore, he was very clear that this was a selfish decision filled with nothing but the ambition to leave the team, and win a Stanley Cup elsewhere.

            I believe Daniel Alfredsson will have a fighting chance to get his Stanley Cup ring with the Detroit Red Wings. After all, he’ll be joining seasoned veterans Pavel Datsuyk and Henrik Zetterberg. And to be clear, it wasn’t all sadness and loss for the Ottawa Senators. Bryan Murray managed to acquire Bobby Ryan from the Ducks in exchange for Yakub Silverberg, Stefan Noeson and a first round draft pick. I believe this player is an excellent addition to the Senators roster. Bobby Ryan has phenomenal puck handling skills, size, physicality, and a heck of a shot. And more importantly Ryan has proven to be a consistent goal scorer throughout his time in Anaheim.

            So it’s the end of an era for the Ottawa Senators. And I for one hope that Daniel Alfredsson doesn’t come to regret his decision. I can’t wait to see how the first game between the Wings and Senators plays out.

Bartoli and Lisicki Set to Meet in Wimbledon Final

Well the stage is set for the Women’s Wimbledon final which takes place on Saturday. This final features two opponents who have never won a grand slam title. Bartoli advanced to this year’s final by defeating Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets 6-1 and 6-2. Sabine Lisicki struggled in her semi final against Radwanska, but prevailed in the end, winning 6-4, 2-6, and 9-7. I’m sure this wasn’t the final matchup anyone was expecting. But at least now fans will get to see one of these players win the championship for the first time. And both players certainly deserve to be heading to the final as well. It’ll be interesting to see which player prevails. On the one side, you’ve got Sabine Lisicki, who is still building on the momentum from her victory against Serena Williams. And on the other, you’ve got Maria Bartoli, who has been to the finals of this tournament before.

            Both of these players have many similarities within their game. They both have strong serves, exceptional footwork, and aren’t afraid to charge the net when required. This match is going to come down to which player can keep their composure, keep up with and manage the intense pressure. I believe this will be one of the most exciting women’s finals ever at Wimbledon. It may not feature any of the more familiar faces in the women’s game. But that just proves that the level of skill required is increasing in the women’s game. I can’t wait to see which of these great players will lift the trophy on Saturday.