Rick Nash potentially available

[GhostofPotvin29]

While they are intense markets in the context of the US, I still don't think any of those markets rival a Canadian one, because hockey will never be the #1 story all season long like it will in the Canadian markets.  They're huge markets some of them, but I still don't think it's that similar to a Canadian one.

That being said, I don't agree with calling him a baby.

True, but the point was they're not exactly back-water places either. You screw up big time in NY and you're still in the sports page of the NY Times.

And my point was that even with that, the pressure I don't believe is the same.  You'll be able to get away from it easier in those places than a Canadian market I think, even if they are among the most intense.  Maybe not in Detroit.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

Can't handle a Canadian market, poor baby. I only want players on the Leafs who actually want to be there, don't wilt under pressure and are proud to don the jersey and work to build a winner.

This comment makes no sense. Assuming that list is correct, he's listed some of the most intense hockey markets in North America.

Sounds like he likes the idea of a more intense market.  I think maybe it's sour grapes he has an aversion to. 

While they are intense markets in the context of the US, I still don't think any of those markets rival a Canadian one, because hockey will never be the #1 story all season long like it will in the Canadian markets.  They're huge markets some of them, but I still don't think it's that similar to a Canadian one.

That being said, I don't agree with calling him a baby.

I think his list has more to do with, you know, teams being good and all, as opposed to geographic region.

Last time I checked there weren't many Canadian contenders.

Food for thought (not for you necessarily).

 

[LuncheonMeat]

While they are intense markets in the context of the US, I still don't think any of those markets rival a Canadian one, because hockey will never be the #1 story all season long like it will in the Canadian markets.  They're huge markets some of them, but I still don't think it's that similar to a Canadian one.

That being said, I don't agree with calling him a baby.

True, but the point was they're not exactly back-water places either. You screw up big time in NY and you're still in the sports page of the NY Times.

And my point was that even with that, the pressure I don't believe is the same.  You'll be able to get away from it easier in those places than a Canadian market I think, even if they are among the most intense.  Maybe not in Detroit.

The best part is, if you take a lot of crap in the papers playing in NY, at the end of the day you're still living in NY.  There's something to be said for that. 

 

[jonlleafs]

Can't handle a Canadian market, poor baby. I only want players on the Leafs who actually want to be there, don't wilt under pressure and are proud to don the jersey and work to build a winner.

This comment makes no sense. Assuming that list is correct, he's listed some of the most intense hockey markets in North America.

And San Jose...

Living in San Jose, I resent that... a bit.  While the Sharks are not the #1 sport in town, it does get pretty rabid here.  The fans, surprisingly, for a California city are pretty versed in hockey and their team.  The local 4 pad rink that the Sharks use as a practice facility and houses the adult leagues is the biggest in the US as far as players and usage.  They open at 6am and close at 1am and all 4 pads are typically in use non-stop.  I play in 3 of their levels here and there are 21 levels of teams right now for their summer season.  Not sure if there are many leagues going on right now in the summer in Toronto or Ontario in general, but 21 levels each with 6+ teams is quite impressive.  San Jose is easily one of the most, if not the most intense hockey market in the US.  Here's a link to the standings/stats page for the league.

http://stats.liahl.org/display-stats.php?league=1

You can see there are a ton of teams and players.

 

[jonlleafs]

Can't handle a Canadian market, poor baby. I only want players on the Leafs who actually want to be there, don't wilt under pressure and are proud to don the jersey and work to build a winner.

This comment makes no sense. Assuming that list is correct, he's listed some of the most intense hockey markets in North America.

And San Jose...

One of the biggest cities in the U.S. and has only one major sports team, don't get it twisted, the Sharks are a huge deal here.

Are you in San Jose as well?

 

[#1PilarFan]

I expected someone to come to San Jose's defense, much like I would expect Raptors fans to argue for their market's intensity. I'm sure San Jose is a wonderful place etc, but if it's a top 10 hockey market, I'll eat my hat.

You can throw out however many anecdotes you want - I'm sure they have some great fans, but how are you going to compare it to the Original Six and hockey cities like Edmonton, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, et al?

 

[jonlleafs]

I expected someone to come to San Jose's defense, much like I would expect Raptors fans to argue for their market's intensity. I'm sure San Jose is a wonderful place etc, but if it's a top 10 hockey market, I'll eat my hat.

You can throw out however many anecdotes you want - I'm sure they have some great fans, but how are you going to compare it to the Original Six and hockey cities like Edmonton, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, et al?

Well, I'm not going to compare with the original six and other hockey mad cities, but I'm just telling it like it is.  It is no where near as hockey mad as any Canadian city I'm sure, but it's no Phoenix either.  People actually have Sharks flags, stickers, license plates brandished on their cars, homes, RV, etc.  I even saw some kids playing street hockey down the street from where I live in 90F (32.2C) weather.  I think you're forgetting that this is Silicon Valley and there are a ton of Canadians living in this area.  That would explain the popularity of ice hockey in these parts.  I can literally go any day of the week and play ice hockey either through pickup or in a real game.  I've played ice hockey 4 games per week in the last 3 weeks.  So, just to give you an idea, hockey is big in San Jose.

I remember going back home to London, Ontario to visit and looking for some pickup games.  It was very hard to find.  I managed to get in on one private game once in the 2 weeks I was there.  Yes, it was the summer, but ice hockey doesn't stop in the summer here in San Jose. 

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Can't handle a Canadian market, poor baby. I only want players on the Leafs who actually want to be there, don't wilt under pressure and are proud to don the jersey and work to build a winner.

This comment makes no sense. Assuming that list is correct, he's listed some of the most intense hockey markets in North America.

And San Jose...

One of the biggest cities in the U.S. and has only one major sports team, don't get it twisted, the Sharks are a huge deal here.

Are you in San Jose as well?

Yes I am, Japantown area.

 

[jonlleafs]

Can't handle a Canadian market, poor baby. I only want players on the Leafs who actually want to be there, don't wilt under pressure and are proud to don the jersey and work to build a winner.

This comment makes no sense. Assuming that list is correct, he's listed some of the most intense hockey markets in North America.

And San Jose...

One of the biggest cities in the U.S. and has only one major sports team, don't get it twisted, the Sharks are a huge deal here.

Are you in San Jose as well?

Yes I am, Japantown area.

Cool.  I'm just glad there are more Leaf fans in the area. 

 

[Hampreacher]

This sage has gone on too long. We have GM who has forgotten the system. A player is being traded. You ask for offers and take the best and maybe tweek it a little. This has gone on counting trade deadline 8 weeks. His demands are absurd. He is asking for more than Edmonton got when they traded Wayne Gretzky. Rick Nash is no Wayne Gretzky. Look at the offers take the best one and tweek it and get it done.

 

[Corn Flake]

This sage has gone on too long. We have GM who has forgotten the system. A player is being traded. You ask for offers and take the best and maybe tweek it a little. This has gone on counting trade deadline 8 weeks. His demands are absurd. He is asking for more than Edmonton got when they traded Wayne Gretzky. Rick Nash is no Wayne Gretzky. Look at the offers take the best one and tweek it and get it done.

I don't think Howsen ever actually knew the system.

 

[maplesyrup]

There was a pretty good discussion on where's he'd wind up on TSN radio last night. They broke down what would likely be required going back to Columbus form each of the six teams and if that package would make sense. Three teams were eliminated for varying reasons with the consensus belief that he's a virtual lock to be going to the Rangers based on the fact they have the deepest pool of about-to-break-out young players Howson would be looking for. San Jose only enters into the conversation if they'd part with Couture and nobody sees that happening.   

 

[Hampreacher]

Sather should know he made the Gretzky trade.

 

[maplesyrup]

Sather should know he made the Gretzky trade.

Nope. Couldn't be further from the truth... He actually nearly quit the Oilers he was so disgusted by the trade... He said so himself (ESPN's 30 in 30.) I believe it was the first of the series.

 

[Kaberle15]

Zack Parise
Rick Nash

 

[Bullfrog]

chin up Gardiner, Marco Sturm is still available!

 

[rdowdall]

chin up Gardiner, Marco Sturm is still available!

Careful NHL, it's Sturm season in T.O.....

 

[Joe S.]

Sather should know he made the Gretzky trade.

I'm pretty sure that was 100% Pocklington.