July 29, 2011

Today is editing day for the 2011-12 Fantasy Guide. Will be out on Monday. More information than ever, of course. Pick your copy up here. Updated daily/weekly until puck drop in October.

 

Ryan Miller is looking forward to playing less in 2011-12.

 

“Miller said he’s the kind of person who benefits from a strong relationship with his goaltending partner, and said that Enroth has been slow to come out of his shell in Buffalo as compared to the more “rah rah” type of compatriot that Lalime was, but he’s impressed with Enroth’s talent and is excited to work with his next season.”

 

“When asked about how many games he’d like to play, Miller brought up the stat that no goaltender in the past few years who’s won a Cup played more than 65 games in a season, and said he’d gladly play a reduced number if that’s the formula.”

 

From Chris Botta (reputable Islanders blogger and former beat writer):

 

“This is what SNY Point Blank has been told this evening. Another hockey move is on its way. For what it's worth, we were also told that we're going to like this one. In our view, it's the only way spending $3 million on Brian Rolston instead of somebody younger and better makes sense.”

 

Let the speculation begin. Komisarek? Ballard? Doubtful. If it sounds like a hockey move that “will be liked,” I assume the Isles will be adding a legitimate talent to their team. Which teams are tight against the cap right now. Buffalo. Do they move Boyes to Long Island? Do the Islanders want or need Boyes?

 

What do you think will happen?

 

An interesting read from a few weeks ago – what if the Canucks traded Ballard for Blake Comeau, and signed Chris Campoli? Ballard never got a fair shake last season, but a fresh start may be in order. Speculation is fun, isn’t it?!

 

Colorado signed their two recent 1st round picks yesterday – Landeskog and Siemens. Landeskog has a great shot at making the team, while Siemens (Stefan Elliot’s defensive partner) is likely headed back to the WHL.

 

The Blackhawks have invited Ray Emery to training camp. Emery will battle with Alexander Salak for the back p gig behind Corey Crawford. Salak has a two-year, one-way contract.

 

Canucks re-signed Jannik Hansen to a three-year deal worth about $1.3 million per. Very good term and dollar figure for a versatile and underrated forward. I think the team may toy with the idea of placing him with the twins at times this season if they can’t find a winger for Kesler until the deadline (thus moving Burrows back to line two). Just a thought.

 

The slap shot on the penalty shot is slightly more common nowadays thanks to Mr. Rolston – I still don’t think Luongo understands what happened:

 

Some thoughts on the Blue Jackets and their 2011-12 power play.