dlbalr

I wouldn't entirely discount his playing experience. Having been around the block, particularly in the Montreal media market, will give him a bit of an idea of what he's walking into. Would I hire him for that reason? Heck, no. But I wouldn't hire him right now anyway. It is something I'd check off in a checklist of criteria in determining the best guy for the job though; I'd rather have someone who has been in the NHL in some capacity over a career coach from the junior ranks...I'd just rather that NHL experience have some sort of coaching aspect to it.

I'm going to jump in with something quick here since it appears we're headed down a slippery slope here with the language/location requirements. Do not, under any circumstance, try and judge another poster for having or not having a certain belief. It's okay to debate it, but don't let it get personal.

Will the best assets possible want to work in what you're calling more or less a figurehead role? They do the work behind the scenes while Roy is publicly recognized as GM (not unlike his current setup in Quebec), not exactly an enticing invitation for some.

I'm pretty sure MacMillan was picked with the one coming back from Phoenix. http://www.gohabs.com/trades.htm Still a nice pick, I like his long-term potential.

3-2 Flyers now. Methinks this might cool down the Fleury for Canada's starter at the Olympics talk a bit.

Are you predicting that Roy will be named coach, GM, or both?

All I can find online right now is that he couldn't represent them due to injury. He was mentioned at the same time as Tyler Ennis which leads me to believe someone from Team Canada got in touch with him.

Gorges was invited, declined due to injury.

Absolutely, it's worth an inquiry. I'd be shocked if it got any further than that. I'm intrigued by the resume of the latest confirmed candidate in Blair Mackasey, good all-around hockey background... and yes, il parle le français.

I'm pretty sure his QO was just for 100% as he made more than the 10 or 5% thresholds ($1.65 M I think was his salary?). Still, he could have been unqualified and signed cheaper, something Matt D'Agostini did with the Blues. That said, they made the right call letting him go in my opinion.

Actually, very little this year. Hard to get excited for a team so openly tanking...although they win enough to screw themselves over. Point still stands though, there's not a lot of size in Hamilton, that will work to Conboy's benefit.

I'd guess Nash gets (and takes) his one year QO. Palushaj did enough to get qualified as well, as did Engqvist. Remember the reports came when Gauthier was GM; unless Engqvist has already informed the club that he has no desire to return next year, he should be qualified to hold his rights. I suspect Conboy will get a 1 year pact, he was playing a bit better and you can't teach size, something Hamilton will be lacking next year. As for DeSimone, I said earlier I thought he had done enough to get an NHL two-way deal, I'm not so sure now. However, I'd have no objections to keeping him on a minor league pact.

The only thing I wonder with that is does the Detroit owner need money? He just felt comfortable shelling out over $200 million for Prince Fielder so the ownership must have the money. The point is, opening up the vault probably wouldn't work...not to mention the possible lawsuit to follow for talking to an executive that the Wings didn't allow permission for the Habs to speak with.

Some season-ending stats: - FitzGerald won the PIM title by 1 PIM. - DeSimone's -30 rating tied for last in the league and was last for a rookie...Alain Berger (-19) was second last for rookies while Phillipe Lefebvre (-18) was tied for third last...that's an awful trifecta. - Mitera's -21 rating was last in the league for AHL d-men. - Willsie finished 4th in the league in shots on goal. - Palushaj, despite missing half the season, finished tied for third overall in insurance goals with 5. - Engqvist finished tied for fifth overall in first goals of a game with 7.

A bit of a rumour which is odd with no GM in place. Nonetheless, here it is: http://www.edmontonj...1332/story.html Also worth noting from that article is that Bob Hartley's Swiss league team doesn't seem to be willing to release him from his deal to coach in the NHL next season. As his name will surely come up whenever the new GM is hired, this could be worth keeping in mind.

Cool way to end the year, Palushaj scores a PPG in the last minute to win it. Geoffrion and Callahan had the other goals. Shockingly, FitzGerald only took 2 minors. http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1009771

The final game of the season goes this afternoon for Hamilton as the Bulldogs look to end the season on a winning note. Active scoring leaders: Goals: Tomas Tatar (24) Assists: Jamie Johnson (37) Points: Johnson/Tatar (57) +/-: Doug Janik (+18) PIMS: Garnet Exelby (175) Active scoring leaders: Goals: Andreas Engqvist (20) Assists: St-Denis/Willsie (25) Points: Brian Willsie (43) +/-: Alex Henry (+2) PIMS: Zack FitzGerald (264) (3 behind the league leader, expect a fight and/or misconduct from him) Puck drop is at 3:00 PM EST and can be listened to by clicking this link: http://cham.player.amri.ca/

Engqvist, Palushaj, and Leblanc all scored for the Bulldogs as they take this one 5-2. The most exciting news is that Engqvist got his 20th meaning that Hamilton finally has a 20-goal scorer, it took them 75 games but they finally have one. http://theahl.com/st...game_id=1009757

2-2 after 1. The Griffins got the early lead but DeSimone and Geoffrion scored in the second half of the period. Also worth noting, Delmas' pulling last night wasn't performance related but rather injury related. Mayer gets the nod while Hamilton has re-signed Mississauga (OHL) goalie Brandon Maxwell to back up.

It's time for puck drop at Copps as Hamilton plays their penultimate game of the season hosting Grand Rapids. Active scoring leaders: Goals: Anderson/Minard (21) Assists: Jamie Johnson (37) Points: Jamie Johnson (57) +/-: Doug Janik (+18) PIMS: Garnet Exelby (175) Active scoring leaders: Goals: Andreas Engqvist (19) Assists: St-Denis/Willsie (25) Points: Brian Willsie (43) +/-: Alex Henry (+1) PIMS: Zack FitzGerald (257) Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST and can be listened to by clicking this link: http://cham.player.amri.ca/

2 goals on 7 shots allowed for Delmas. Mayer allowed 3 out of 30 in relief.

The wheels are coming off the Bulldogs as Lake Erie pops a couple to make it 5-3 late.

3-3 near the halfway mark of the 3rd now. Leblanc and Fortier have the other goals for Hamilton.

2-1 Lake Erie after 1. Delmas started but was lifted after the 2nd goal. Willsie has the lone goal for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs begin their final stretch of games in the 2011-12 season tonight. Because the schedule maker didn't think a 12 game, 26 day road trip was bad enough, Hamilton is on the road again...and kicking off a 3-in-3 stretch. Active scoring leaders: Goals: Andreas Engqvist (19) Assists: St-Denis/Willsie (25) Points: Brian Willsie (42) +/-: Alex Henry (+2) PIMS: Zack FitzGerald (257) Active scoring leaders: Goals: Evan Brophey (18) Assists: Barrie/Malone (25) Points: Evan Brophey (39) +/-: Cameron Gaunce (+18) PIMS: David Liffiton (149) Puck drop is at 7:30 PM EST and can be listened to by clicking this link: http://cham.player.amri.ca/