Former Calgary Flames forward and current UFA Curtis Glencross has realized that maybe taking a hometown discount wasn't the best idea for his bank account. In his interview with Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun, he also gives some interesting commentary on the 2015 free agent frenzy (or lack there of):
“The July 1 market compared to other years was kind of ridiculous — it’s frustrating…I thought something would be done by now, but obviously, the market is not there, and everyone is against the cap. Teams are paying the top-two lines so much money that all they can do is fill with entry-level guys who are going to not cost much.”
Bless him for his honesty.
Curtis Glencross speaks with surprising candor about passing up a big payday for sentimental reasons. http://t.co/xma2Jo7ZiY
— RMNB (@russianmachine) August 29, 2015
Still love Glencross’ honesty in Francis’ report yesterday. He’s not a bad guy for regretting the hometown discount in Calgary. #Flames
— Sean Tierney (@SeanTierneyTSS) August 30, 2015
And now, your lazy Sunday news.
Central Division
Is it really any surprise that the Chicago Blackhawks' home opener is slated to cost a rather pretty penny? (Forbes)
Ongoing cap woes, the d-corps' effectiveness and the void left by Brandon Saad are the three questions facing the Chicago Blackhawks. I guess it was too controversial and/or awkward to list Patrick Kane. (NHL)
Our Colorado frenemies have five predictions for 2015-16. Nathan MacKinnon playing centre is a fascinating one for a number of reasons, and sort of what I had originally envisioned when the Avs brought in Carl Soderberg. (Mile High Sticking)
The Winnipeg Jets aren't the only team with prospects, and the Minnesota Wild's pool was well-served by the 2015 draft. I don't expect Gustav Bouramman to be ranked #20 for long. (Hockey's Future)
Mike Yeo still believes in Darryl Sydor, and from a logistical standpoint, will simply be dividing his duties amongst the coaching staff for the time being. (StarTribune)
Barret Jackman, Austin Watson and Preds mascot Gnash are planning to spend the day at the Nashville Zoo. Expect an adorable photo or two in tomorrow's FlightZone. (Predators.NHL)
And All The Rest
Tyler Ennis thinks the pain of the last two years in Buffalo is going to be worth it. Looking at their new-look roster and prospect pipeline, he's probably right. (Edmonton Sun)
Perennial Babcock doghouse occupant Jakub Kindl hopes that new coach Jeff Blashill will provide him a fresh start. Who knows, he might actually become an attractive name on the trading block. (The Detroit News)
EA Sports has unveiled NHL 16's Top 10 Goaltenders. Ondrej Pavelec does not make the list. (EA Sports)
The LA Kings are bringing Jets fan favourite Peter Budaj to training camp on a PTO. He'll provide nice insurance for Patrik Bartosak while Jean-Francois Berube recovers from injury, I suppose. (ProHockeyTalk)
Johnny Boychuk says expectations are going to be higher for the 2015-16 New York Islanders. Think they'd be interested in a slightly used Dustin Byfuglien? I'm just throwing things at the wall at this point. (NHL)
Blight On The Land
Lets pretend that the Ducks call Chevy and say they want Buff. Offer up 23-year-old Cam Fowler (LHD) in return and nothing more. Yay or nay?
— Ryan Blight (@arby_18) August 29, 2015
Thanks for reading! If you haven't yet listened to Episode 6 of the AIH Superfans podcast, here is the link. I'm afraid the money for your physical invitations was instead spent on copious amounts of refreshments, from the Fox & Fiddle no less! I will now await my cheque in the mail.
