Commandant

I think most people expect Cole's numbers to drop because he had a career year at the age of 32 and he'll probably return to the 25-30 goal form he's shown the rest of his career.

In happier news than my Janssen piece. I also did one on Selanne’s career, and the two big milestones he can reach this season. http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/13/the-finnish-flash-is-back-again/

Cam Janssen is a moron and a douchebag http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/12/cam-janssen-douchebag-extraordinaire-rant-warning-foul-language-warning/

200 is just a little less than 2.5 goals per game... so no I don't expect us below 200. But we should aim higher than that IMO.

I dont expect Cole to repeat nor Moen

Extending Encarnacion is actually a huge move that says this team isn't taking steps backwards. i don't see them getting the wild card this year, and I wouldn't trade top notch prospects for short term help. But a guy like Edwin who can provide power for a few years should be kept around. Next you have to decide on Kelly Johnson, is he resigned or not... and I don't have a problem trading anyone who wont be a Jay next year. I know they are close, but Its too hard to win with Romero pitching below what he's capable of this year, and 3 other starters done for the season.

Duh, yeah.... I don't know why I kept flashing back to Sergei.

Desharnais At home 35 points +17 On the road 25 points -7 He can't handle the defensive responsibilities of a centre when the other team's coach gets the ability to match lines.

I agree which is why I would sign him to a short term deal at the right price. My concern about playoffs is a reason I don't lock him up long term at big money.

74? Do you mean 94 for Galchenyuk? I don't think that is finalized as his number yet.

In time I think this is best. He'd make it work with his hockey sense and intelligence and he would face less battles in the defensive zone, so I'm not worried about him wearing down more as Alfredoh suggests. We are probably at least a year away from it happening though.

Semin would help this team as he would score goals in the regular season, no doubt about that. Another writer on our site did a piece on him yesterday, it even got picked up by Puck Daddy. A major reason for his goals being down was the fact he didn't have a centre. http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/10/alexander-semin-from-russia-with-lack-of-effort/ My big concern is this. In the last 4 years Washington was eliminated in the playoffs in 7 games 3 times (Pittsburgh, Montreal, New York). In those 21 games, Semin scored 2 goals. I worry that he doesn't come to play when it matters.

Exactly why I think Robinson was never serious about his interest in the Habs. He doesn't want the media pressure of being a head coach. Lets face reality, the media pressure of being the assistant in Montreal, might be greater than being head coach in a lot of cities.

Bouwmeester and Gomez have the same number of years remaining on their contracts.

NCAA Hockey, or CHL? Where should a prospect go? http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/12/top-shelf-prospects-major-junior-or-college-hockey-what-is-the-best-route/

When he signed the contract they were a team that made the playoffs for the first time, and had a Calder Trophy winning 21 year old goalie in net. Most analysts thought things were looking up for them. Even with a down year, people picked them to be good this year with Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski added. So yeah, I think Nash bought the hype.

Yeah and the injury to Gonchar and his return right after Therrien was canned had nothing to do with Pittsburgh's turnaround. Its almost like we haven't seen the effect an injury to a number 1 defenceman out for a long period of time can have on a team.

Two years ago Columbus was a promising young team coming off its first ever playoff appearance. In the last two years Scott Howson has proven that he has screwed that all up and is the worst GM in the NHL. I can't blame Nash for wanting to leave. The team hasn't really lived up to what they promised him either, to continue to build into a contender.

Exactly. Plus pretending that hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes don't matter is just silliness. http://business.financialpost.com/2012/06/29/graphic-hockey-havens-not-necessarily-tax-havens/

Doan's agent has told every team that has called that Doan is interested. I think he really just wants to stay in Phoenix, but is keeping his options open.

NHL Off-Season Musings…. whats the hold up on the big trades and free agents remaining? http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/07/11/nhl-offseason-musings-player-movement-grinding-to-a-halt/

Its player personnel which is different

Sure there is a difference, but neither of those things is soft

In two years, if not sooner.... Gomez, Kaberle, GIonta, Markov, all have their current contracts off our books. Our cap situation 2 years from now when Eller needs a new contract isn't something we should even worry about.

Do you really think all 4 of those guys will be playing? Will we have 0 forwards in the press box? Or maybe, just maybe, one of white/armstrong is the 13th forward (probably white), with one of our skilled youngsters winning a job on the third line with Eller or the second line pushing Bourque to the third. If those 4 are all in the lineup it means we are carrying exactly 12 forwards, which virtually no teams do.