Gregor on the road II: Thursday's on Thursday
Jason Gregor
June 26 2009 06:54AM
I’ve always been a believer in Karma, and tonight augmented that belief.
When I found out I was going I went through my media guide because it has a list of hotels in each city. I called the first few and they were sold out, I eventually settled on Hotel Inter-Continental. I had until Wednesday to cancel my reservation, and I don’t know why, but I did a Google search of it Wednesday morning.
When I called them, the reservation guy said it was a five minute walk from the Bell Centre. Turns out he was a lying bastard. It was 45 minutes away in old Montreal according to Google maps. I cancelled and got a room at Hotel de la Montagne, because it was just off of Crescent Street and only a three minute walk to the Bell Centre.
Last time I was in Montreal, was in 2002 for the Grey Cup. What a party that was. I remembered this bar called Thursday’s on Crescent Street because it was the most fun I’ve ever had at any bar. After unpacking and blogging I go down to get a bite to eat, and I almost sheet in my pants when I realize that my hotel is connected via one stairwell to Thursday’s. Unreal. Karma of the Nation I say.
It gets better. I’m not the only guy who likes Thursday’s. It was a smorgasbord of hockey people and I found out some interesting things.
- Biggest false rumour is that Jack Johnson is asking for $5.5 million a year. That is complete bogus. Look for him to get a deal around $3.5 mill.
- Dean Lombardi will consider moving the number five pick. He has had lots of offers, and now that he’s got some depth in the organization he will strongly consider moving down, or even getting a player for that pick, although the former is more likely.
- No one seems to know what Garth Snow and the Islanders are thinking. It was split 50/50 on who they will take, but not one person said it would be Duchene, so it’s either JT or VH.
- It seems very likely that Heatley will be dealt tomorrow. Destination is unknown, but Minny, Edm, NYR ( I don’t see how), Vancouver and an unknown fifth team are interested. But this deal doesn’t have to happen tomorrow, it could easily happen on day two, since none of the aforementioned teams have a pick before Ottawa.
- A guy not connected to NASH or EDM laughed when I brought up Nilsson for Tootoo rumour. Exact quote: “Why the hell would Nashville make that trade? Tootoo is top five in the league at what he does.” Hard to argue that.
- The Flyers are searching around and as usual they could make a move that no one expects. Don’t rule out the Flyers being involved in a trade. Surprising to me, but Hartnell’s name has come up. I’d be shocked if that happens, but you never know.
- The Oilers are working hard to get in the top eight. If it happens it will happen once the Draft has started. Don’t expect any moves between teams in the top ten until right before the draft, or more likely, when it’s in progress.
- The Ducks are trying to get Giguere to waive his no-trade clause so they can move him. Will anyone take him at $6 million a year??
- The Kings would be more inclined to go after Hossa than trade for Heatley or Lecavalier. They have lots of cap space and it wouldn’t cost them any roster players to land Hossa. They’d go after Hossa before Gaborik, but mark it down they will make a splash in free agency. Lombardi wants to make the playoffs next year.
- The Ducks want an answer from Niedermayer by tomorrow on his plans for next year. If he stays, like Dreger reported, the Ducks will push to move the Human Rake. They’d rather keep Beauchemin and sign Wisniewski for longer terms.
- Here is a strange one. Tomas Kaberle has a no movement clause, BUT because the Leafs missed the playoffs last year, the Leafs can now trade him starting tomorrow until August 15th without his consent; basically for the next six weeks his no trade clause is not in effect, so look for him to be moved. I’m not sure why Blowhard Burke would want to move him, since he only makes $4.25 million for next two years, but it looks like he is gone.
- Not NHL related, but the NHLPA has given the green light for players to play in the 2014 Olympics, but right now some NHL owners don’t see the value. They clearly don’t get how it grows the game by having their players in the Olympics. If the NHL doesn’t agree to it, there are two options in place:
- The World Juniors that year would be moved to February and they would play for the Gold.
- Follow soccer’s lead and have an under-22 tournament. It might be hard to convince some teams to let a few guys go, but they will have to look at the big picture. I think the NHL won’t screw this up and will keep NHL players involved, because it gives them more exposure.
I’m looking forward to getting to the Draft tomorrow, there should be lots to talk about.
off-topic, but why does the first "A" in the Walkabout Pub logo here have two wangs sticking out of it?
RE: Minny/Heatley http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1729272
And I read it wrong. They said Sheppard & Cuma, but didn't mention the Wild's 1st, although it doesn't say they wouldn't.
@ Wanye Gretz: Awesome, I love this site. Keep up the great work guys.
@ humantorch: Boomerang or Boomerwang?
ahh. i'm lame.
@ Archaeologuy: is the Walkabout an Australian pub? I guess that would make sense, but all I see are wangs.
Let's please not get into a discussion regarding what that says about me.
I know Cammarelli is a UFA, just saying if Horc goes and we replace that position with Cammy, it is like trading for him and I wouldn't do it. I love cammy and thouht we should have went after him when he was holding out. I was pissed when th Flames got him.
If Horc goes tambo will have a tough time filling that hole.
"Even Calgary Flames winger Jarome Iginla, one of the league’s premier players, was the subject of trade rumours yesterday involving the Toronto Maple Leafs among other teams. " HUH! (Globe and Mail today - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/trade-winds-hit-montreal/article1197930/)
Can't imagine this ever happening....could it?
@ bingofuel:
I think we need to divert power to the warp drive from non critical support systems...the site is slowing down for me...WE NEED MORE POWER!
Archaeologuy wrote:
Just so you know, Cammy's production has been as inconsistant as Horcoffs over his career.
Don't make us pull the 5 on 5 numbers out again.
@ humantorch: Where are you @? Amsterdam? The birthplace of many great ideas. Nothin like reading the paper in the mornin at the cafe I'd assume.
I feel like I'm getting my $20 worth already! I'm a fan of this new media/grass roots movement thingy
As a Flames fan, I'm not too disappointed to see Cammalleri go. Sure, if given the choice between him or nothing, I'd keep him. But I see him getting a bigger contract than he's worth and not living up to it. Wouldn't be the 1st guy, I guess.
humantorch wrote:
hahahah that's a boomerang! It's an Australian pub but I can see where the imagery can resemble a Wang.
I didn't notice the wangs until I fullscreened my browser. Thanks for that.
MC:
.87 PPG in the last 4 years. I also like the fact he's played an average of 76 games/season over the same period.
SH:
.78 PPG
Average 73 games played over the same time period.
Horcoff offers more other 'stuff' (pk, faceoffs, etc), I dunno, it's a tough one.
Off topic about Walkabout, but has that bar changed management? It used to be run by the Kiwi retard who wouldnt play the audio for the Oilers games. Now suddenly you have good service, decent uniforms and better looking chicks.
AN EXPLANATION IS DEMANDED!!
Ogden Brother wrote:
in 4 full NHL seasons he has put up 30+ twice and was on pace for 25/60 in 07/08 in a shortened season. Even being inconsistent he still fills the offensive role better than Horc. He wont be nearly as Defensively reliable as Horc, but theres a give and take there. This is all just arguing something that is a non point anyway because there would be no trade for a UFA anyway.
What has Jack Johnson done to deserve anything near 3.5...
what a punk...
For people who are looking for some extra trade rumors to supplement Gregor's reporting....you may want to check this site out:
http://peklundthephoneyhockeyblogger.blogspot.com/
It's rife with insider info and trade knowledge
@ Jack Bauer:
I have enjoyed my time there of late. I got smashed there about 3 weeks ago and all the ladies working there seemed hot. Mind you when ol' Wanye gets a few in him I have been known to mistake coat racks for women.
*fondly remembers a fine evening with a coat rack. So many splinters...*
Archaeologuy wrote:
Ya but if Gainey is serious about Horc, we could still get MC through other means. You're definately correct about the no trade thing, but where there is a will there is a way.
Heatly's agent, awesome!
I think I am getting a man crush on Gregor.
Everybody's favorite EKLUND is saying the Oil "are closing in on dealing for the #4 overall"
The Habs will not take Horc. Get real.
Wanye Gretz wrote:
Is he going to make him an offer? that's awesome! this trip idea just keeps getting better and better.
Tell Tambellini to go home - the nation will take it from here...
@ dyckster: But if Gainey wants Horc the Oilers wont be getting zilch for him. So IF they trade Horc AND they sign Cammaleri on July 1 THEN its like trading Horc for Camm + a quality player/prospect (from Montreal). I'd make THAT trade in a heartbeat.
Even if Camm doesnt sign. That extra 5.5 million off the books + whatever comes off in any other trade opens things up to acquire other big ticket guys via trades or free agency, or allows the Oilers to take on salary mid season from struggling teams. Guys needed to be moved anyway and no one really sees Horc as a long term solution to any oiler problem do they? He hurts the Cap and hasnt been good since his surgery. If he can be moved then it should be done.
@ Jack Bauer: good to note.
I just wish they would get some real Aussie beer! Fosters is no more a popular beer than Canadian. Meaning: no one with taste buds drinks it!
Peter Pan wrote:
We didn't make it up "Shawn Horcoff’s name has come up. The belief being that Horcoff is Gainey’s type of player. Solid both ways. " Right from our ON man in Montreal.
Archaeologuy wrote:
I couldn't agree with you more, I was just trying to clarify with some folks that I DO realize we don't have to trade for Cammaleri. Either way though, I think he'd be a good alternative if we don't get Heatley.
@ Archaeologuy: Jason Gregor wrote: Horcoff to Montreal would give Tambellini lots of room to wheel and deal then, but I caution Oiler fans in thinking this will happen. My source said there hasn’t been any talks with the Habs up until now.
@ ChiliChunk: lol
RossCreek wrote:
Hmmm... a number 4 pick. Would that mean Kane?
Last time I was there they had VB and Extra Dry. Good old Extra Dry - just what a 16 year old kid who hates the taste of beer needs . . .
Jana wrote:
At least we know Eklund is reading ON . . .
@ dyckster: Agreed. But its not just Gainey either. Tell me that what Horc brings doesnt sound like the kind of Hockey Jacques Martin dreams about at night. And the Canadiens dont have any Centres outside of Glen Metropolit and Maxim Lapierre under contract next season. Yikes.
They will be going hard after Lecavalier, but if that doesnt pan out...
Jana wrote:
Yup. Its no secret they'd love to land him. Brownlee's mentioned it. Jim Matheson also mentioned the Oilers talking with Atlanta about the 4th in today's Journal.
@ RossCreek: Fully aware of that. Doesnt mean we cant debate the possibility, no matter how unlikely.
RossCreek wrote:
Brownlee Outscoops Matheson! Go team Brownlee!!
Archaeologuy wrote:
If we can't debate possibilities of things happening, the value of this site falls to near Zero.
Imagine Tambo perfected a time machine and went back to fix all the mistakes the Oilers have made at the draft in the past 10 years?
Then we would be talking about a team!
*drool*
This site is single-handedly making old-time newspapers obsolete.
Archaeologuy wrote:
He is the prototypical Habs player (is he bilingual?). They are shallow with respect to "quality" centers. Lecavalier will fill a completely different void then would Horc though. I'm sure Martin would love to get them both!
Gregor on the team The Oil shopping Souray for the 5th pick could this be a way to move up plus clear cap space to go after Jay-Bo?
Wanye Gretz wrote:
Finally the Oilers can fix the mistake they made in 2001 when they drafted some kid named Alice instead of Archaeologuy, who had a wicked career leading his under 10yr old team (7 years earlier before 2001) in PIMs with 4.
Where did Gregor go?
We need updates!
Man, I love this... I can't read enough today. Somebody already quoted above though that all of our trade boners will likely be for nothing at the end of the day - I hope it isn't so. GO GREGOR!
Archaeologuy wrote:
AMEN!
@ swany: Brayden Schenn in Oiler silks? My totally Hetero Man-Crush on Souray prevents me from liking this deal on a personal level.
Archaeologuy wrote:
Goon!
PS - Is someone in charge of informing all of us if a new blog is posted or will I just get left alone in this one hitting refresh?
humantorch wrote:
Do you see wangs everywhere?
@ Chester Copperpot: I didnt write that quote. That was Swany.
Is it a bad thing that I am sitting at my fiancee's daughters grade 6 grade and repeatedly checking this post the whole time? LOL