Pay Attention to the Preseason

NHL training camp is two weeks away and I am more excited about this season than I have been in the past. Most people look at training camp as just meaningless exhibition games, and while they are exhibition games, many of the players are fighting for their chance to make it into the NHL, or attempting to redeem themselves. Preseason hockey brings an insight as to the future of our clubs to see the prospects of our favorite clubs. Fights are also an excellent way to make preseason more exciting and gear the fans up for the regular season no matter how closely they follow the league.

I look at this year as a step towards a new generation of hockey players. Players such as Sakic, Roenick, and Jagr are fading away from the spotlight. Now live the days of the next superstar players that will help define this era in hockey. Players like Crosby and Malkin in Pittsburgh are starting their dynasty. Ovechkin is becoming a household name. Younger players like Stamkos and Tavares will be looked to for leadership in their respective clubs.

With the stories away from the ice like the ownership issues in Phoenix and Tampa Bay, to the public trade request of Dany Heatley all the way to the disaster that is the NHLPA, it can be easy to forget that hockey is the most exciting sport and every game does mean something. It may not field the best rosters, or count in the standings, but it does not mean players are not attempting to make a name for themselves.

Summer NHL Research Via YouTube

To me – the off season is hell. I love watching games, and following news, but in the off season, I get bored. Therefore, I look more at the players and learn about them through interviews, what they’re like away from the ice, and so on. And it really is great because for the most part, they’re just the same as you and me, but with more money. They’ve got families, cars, and other hobbies that they like to discuss.

I took some time over the past few days and just learned about the players personalities by just watching some videos on YouTube.

Mark Bell who is not a stranger to bad news over his career talked about the then recent DUI arrest in San Jose, in addition to how inspired he is by his nephew who has a brain disorder. Further research on my part says Bell claims that the incident in San Jose opened his eyes, and has been sober since. He has been invited to the Flyers’ training camp.

Fan favorites Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green aren’t strangers to having fun before games. I’m sure most of us have seen the video with the descending door and cart. Makes you realize that these guys are just kids.

I’m going to think that he gets a lot of heat from these types of interviews. I’m not really into fashion, but Vesa Toskala clearly is, showing off his suits, hats and… purse? He carries a purse? Yeah, I’m sure Burke likes that kind of toughness on his roster!

During a preseason game in Las Vegas, there was a stoppage in play due to some glass being replaced. Well, no stranger to entertaining the fans and himself, Roenick decided to bust a move all the way back to his bench. Sad he had to retire, but he will not be forgotten.

Sean Avery – the most hated guy in hockey. Did you know he likes dolls? How about purses? He had an internship at Vogue one offseason. For a guy who has a reputation as a pest, there is no question that he has a life that he enjoys away from the ice. Would you like dating the super models he has? Who cares if they’re sloppy seconds? But what is interesting is he knows what he does, he knows the reaction he’ll get and he loves it!

Either way, it is now time to focus on the upcoming season. It has been a long off season and training camp is a few days away. Fans are going to get to see a lot of new faces and stars emerge. Can’t wait to see how this season turns out for the guys I listed above, and the rest of the players.

Mats Naslund = “Le Petit Viking”

Jeff Gesner is the owner/operator of a small sports apparel/memorabilia business
called “The Stadium”. He spent some time in the scriptwriting business for film. The transition has been satisfying for Jeff being a sports fanatic.

I’ve been a hockey fan for as long as I can remember, I was wearing Montreal Canadiens t-shirts, hats, and socks long before I truly understood the game, even my toothbrush had the Habs logo on it. I also remember admiring a poster that hung above my bed for years.

The poster showcased Mats Naslund, a Swedish born NHLer who was drafted by the Canadiens in 1979. He was my favourite player growing up.

Mats played three years in Sweden before joining the Montreal Canadiens in 1982. In his first season as a Hab, he scored 26 goals and 45 assists for a total 71 points in 74 games. Naslund’s popularity quickly grew amongst the Montreal fans, he was the first European-born player to ever play for the Habs, and he was eventually nicknamed “Le Petit Viking” (The Little Viking).

Mats is the last Montreal Canadien player to earn over 100 points in a single season, he did it in 1985-86 with 110 points. He also led the Canadiens to their 23rd Stanley Cup championship in 1986 with 19 playoff points. Naslund won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1988 beating out Wayne Gretzky in the voting, he never had more than 19 penalty minutes in a season which ranks him as one of the most gentlemanly players of all time.

The 1989-90 season was a struggle for Mats, he posted a career worst 41 points, which led to his decision to leave the NHL and play in Europe the following season. Mats returned to the NHL after a four year hiatus signing with the Boston Bruins during the shortened lockout season in 1994-95. He played 34 games with Boston putting up 22 points; he then retired from professional hockey at age 36.

Mats played in part of nine NHL seasons, during that time he was a Lady Byng Trophy winner, four time all-star, Stanley Cup champion, and an Olympic Gold winner. He played 651 games, scoring 251 goals, 383 assists for a total 634 points. In addition he had 92 career playoff points.

Naslund paved the way for stars such as Peter Forsberg and Mats Sundin, he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest Swedish born players of all-time. He’s played in multiple World Hockey Championships representing Sweden, and he also constructed the 2006 gold medal winning team at the 2006 Winter Olympics as general manager.

Mats Naslund played his first NHL season the year I was born; he played left-wing and wore number 26. When I began playing hockey as a kid I selected left-wing and the number 26 as well. My oldest hockey memories are of Mats Naslund, and he’s a big part of why I’m a hockey fan today. He was my favourite player growing up; he still is my favourite player.

Jason Smith Calls it a Career

Jason Smith is throwing in the towel; he announced his retirement earlier today at a press conference. He joins Jeremy Roenick, Teppo Numminen, and Mike Sillinger who have all recently retired from the NHL.

“I have been fortunate to have played in the NHL for 16 years. I have played alongside many great teammates and for organizations that I was proud to have been a part of”.

Smith was drafted in the first round by the New Jersey Devils 18th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He played four seasons with the Devils before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a blockbuster deal that included Steve Sullivan, Alyn McCauley, and himself in exchange for Dave Ellett, a fourth round draft choice, and Doug Gilmour.

Smith stayed with the Leafs for almost three seasons until being traded to the Edmonton Oilers. Smith was able to find a home in Edmonton after mediocre play in New Jersey and Toronto, he became team captain from 2001 to 2007, it stands as the longest serving in Oilers history.

Jason landed in Philadelphia for the 2007-08 season, his reputation as a leader secured him the “C” in his lone season with the Flyers.

Prior to the 2008-09 season the Ottawa Senators were looking for a veteran leader to add to their blue line, they signed Smith to a two year contract. Smith’s age and style of play finally caught up with him as he scored only 1 goal during all of last season.

Smith retires at age 35; he played 1,008 games in the NHL, scoring 41 goals with 128 assists, and 1099 penalty minutes.

Jason Allison is Attending Leafs’ Camp

Jeff Gesner is the owner/operator of a small sports apparel/memorabilia business
called “The Stadium”. He spent some time in the scriptwriting business for film. The transition has been satisfying for Jeff being a sports fanatic.

Does anyone remember Jason Allison? He was last seen wearing blue and white with a maple leaf in the center of his chest, well apparently he’d like to don the maple leaf again. Allison will be at the Leafs’ training camp this month; he hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2005-06 season where he participated in 66 games, scoring 17 goals, 43 assists.

“I’m physically and mentally as healthy as I’ve been in five years,” Allison said. “I’m excited and ready to go.”

Jason Allison was vilified for his poor skating ability, even though he was pretty near a point per game player during his career, 552 games played, and 485 points. He was a huge star with the London Knights before being drafted 17th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

Allison was part of the Toronto Maple Leaf experiment that included Jeff O’Neill and Eric Lindros. The three stars were all signed prior to the 2005-06 season following the 04-05 NHL lockout. It proved to be a failed experiment, as Eric Lindros played a mere 33 games, Allison suffered a hand injury and was forced to have surgery, and O’ Neill posted only 38 points. Lindros signed with the Dallas Stars after the disappointing campaign in Toronto, he played another 49 games, scoring only 5 goals with the club, he then retired after his second straight unproductive season. Allison hasn’t played another NHL game since; O’Neill was able to hold his job for one more season with the Leafs putting up similar numbers as the year prior with 20 goals, 42 points. Ironically, O’Neill tried out for a roster spot with the Carolina Hurricanes last year after being absent during the 2007-08 season, but did not make the final squad and was released.

All three of these players were forced out of the game under the age of 35. Did playing in Toronto suck everything out of them?

It seems a lot of players disappear in the world of sports, Allison was only 31 years old when he was left astray, other players such as Jeff Friesen and Anson Carter have been lost in the shuffle as well. The NHL is getting more competitive each year; the players are younger, faster, and simply just more talented than years ago.

Apparently Claude Lemieux started a trend with former NHL players wanting one more shot to play the game, Theo Fleury recently stated that he wanted another opportunity, now Allison wants back in the game too. Who’s going to be next in line? I’m sure Allison won’t be the last name we hear about this season in hopes of lacing up the skates one more time.

I don’t think even Jason Allison himself would argue that his skating ability isn’t atrocious, but his skills were never an issue demonstrated by the consistent numbers he put up throughout his career, and he appears determined to make this comeback a success, so maybe we’ll see him on the ice again this year.

Top Remaining NHL Free Agents

Adam Steevens is a student, author and blogger who has semi-coherent
thoughts about the NHL

The off-season, although universally loathed by hockey fans, is one of the most formative times for an organization. Rosters change, free-agents find new teams, and fans renew their collective hopes for a brighter future. With the season looming just around the corner, some of the biggest names have already signed on the dotted line. Marian Hossa signed a huge (and possibly illegal) deal with the Blackhawks, Gaborik ended up with the Blueshirts, and Alex Tanguay left the Habs for Tampa Bay. Almost every big-time UFA or FA has signed on for the 2010-2011 season. That being said, are there any good free-agents left? Are there any more free-agents that could help a new squad? Could your team still snag an impact player before the puck drops? Let’s take a look at the remaining free-agent gems, and where they would fit best.

Petr Sykora

Coming off a championship year with the Pens, Sykora has made it clear that he will not be returning to the Penguins, and is exploring his options. Although he’s had a lengthy career, he’s still a valuable offensive talent; he scored 25 goals in 2009, and has appeared in four Cup finals in his career. His playoff experience, goal-scoring touch, and relatively cheap cap hit make him an attractive addition to almost any team. Philadelphia has been rumored to be interested in the winger, but he would probably find a bigger role with a team in the Western Conference, particularly the Central Division. The Wings and Hawks have great lineups on paper, and if St.Louis, Nashville or Columbus want to keep up with the arms race without completely breaking the bank, Sykora would be a great fit.

Mats Sundin

After a completely disappointing, half-season stint with the Vancouver Canucks, the Swedish power-forward finds himself on the open market yet again. It seems unlikely that the Nucks will renew Mats for the 2011 season, after further limiting their cap space with the recent signings of Ehrhoff and Scheinder. J.P Barry (Sundin’s agent) recently told the media that Mats will not wait as long as last year to sign, but I’ll be surprised if he finds a team before the start of the season. There aren’t many rumors floating around about exactly which teams would be interested in Sundin, but expect a team who needs a physical presence up front to chase after him. Chicago and Boston were purportedly in talks to acquire Keith Tkachuk at the deadline last year, so expect both of those clubs to make a run at Mats.

Miroslav Satan

Admittedly, Satan turned out to be a huge bust for the Pens in 2009. They paid him $3.5 million, and he actually ended up playing ten games for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Scranton. Like Sykora, Satan will not be playing in Pittsburgh this season, but he could be a key depth player for another organization. Despite his struggles in 2009, he still has a dangerous scoring touch, and the Islanders and Sabers have both reportedly expressed interest in re-acquiring his services. Considering just how far Satan’s stock fell during last season, neither team is going to pay Miro anything close to what he made in Pittsburgh, and because of this, I think the KHL might claim another misplaced NHL veteran.

Mike Comrie

The Canadian center has had a mixed amount of NHL success; over the course of his career, he’s had two 30-goal seasons, but only registered 7 points over 22 games in 2009. Comrie has proven he can be solid two-way center with tremendous upside, but he is often injury prone and is coming off the worst season of his life. He could be poised for a breakout year, but the organization that signs him will need the cap space to take a $2-3 million gamble on a potentially fragile center. Brian Murray has already said that Comrie’s performance does not warrant an extension, so it’s likely he’ll be playing elsewhere. This is another player who would fit well in the Central Division; Nashville could use the depth at center, while Columbus could take more offensive pressure off Rick Nash by signing Comrie.

There are still a ton of great names left in the free-agent pool that I didn’t cover, (Phil Kessel and Maxime Afinogenov, for example) so leave your expert analysis in the comments. ‘

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