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Check this out – a solid breakdown on the 70 point player and why he shouldn't be overrated. Some interesting discussion came about, and one point was made mentioning how the guide projects more people to hit 70+ points than there were last season in the NHL.

To me, projections will inherently be optimistic. Why? Two main reasons:

1) Injuries. We as prognosticators account for injury, but there are a lot that you would need a crystal ball to predict (Parise last season, for example).

2) Projections are done in a vacuum, to a degree. The point I am trying to make is that we often project numbers for players making assumptions (better linemates, power play time, that sort of thing). Not every player can get first power play time. Not every player can get top line minutes. However, 'if' (a dangerous word, I know) these were to happen, how would a player do?

At the end of the day projections aren't gospel, but they do help. The more opinions you can get (which is the beauty of our Guide, as myself and Dobber don't pull any punches on players we disagree about), is that you get a wide spectrum of thoughts on the same player.

Shea Weber – where does he end up? I think he's gone from Nashville before the deadline. Some potential teams that may be interested (off the cuff):

Calgary – tons of cap space opening up, would need to clear for this season. Could offer Bartschi/Backlund+

Detroit – Lidstrom retiring after this season? Could offer a package involving a few of Smith, Tatar, Nyqvist, Jarnrkok. The Wings have a number of good prospects.

Edmonton – Eberle? Paajarvi? Oilers have cap space, but I think Weber wants to win above all. Edmonton isn't there for another 3-4 years.

Long Island – lots of assets, read above regarding winning in the near future.

St. Louis – Blues could put together a really nice package as they are stacked up front. Closer to winning than Edmonton or Long Island.

Toronto – not sure they have the assets to acquire Weber. Kadri/Gardiner/Blacker? Not sure the Preds would want defensemen back.

Vancouver – hometown choice, close to winning, but may not have the assets. Canucks could flip Schneider for an asset and use that asset in the trade (similar to what the Blue Jays did in baseball to acquire Colby Rasmus from the Cardinals). Hodgson/Schroeder and a pick would be a starting point, as both players had disappointing 2010-11 seasons.

Why hasn't Bryan McCabe signing anywhere yet? Does he want a two year deal? Hell, Ed Jovanovski is more beat up and broken down and he got a four year retirement contract from the Panthers. McCabe would help a lot of power plays around the league.

Band-Aid Boy of the future Brett Connolly injured himself yesterday. He fell into the boards at the Canadian Junior Team summer camp, landing awkwardly on his leg. No update yet.

Ignore the lack of sound – Shea Weber shows that a hockey net is no match for his slap shot.