Thomas shuts out the White House

I had just finished writing my blog for today, when news broke that Tim Thomas had declined his invitation to the White House, to meet president Barack Obama with the rest of the Boston Bruins. So I decided to postpone yesterdays blog till tomorrow, and focus in on this decision by Tim Thomas.


It has become a tradition for teams that win their championships to have a visit to the White House, 
and Yesterday January 23rd the Boston Bruins had their trip to the White House, after winning the Stanley Cup.  But the 2011 Stanley Cup winning Bruins were missing a key member of their team, the guy who practically put the team on his back during the finals; Conn Smythe winning goalie Tim Thomas. I really didn't understand this move, this was one of the last opportunities for the entire Stanley Cup winning team to be all together; Kaberle flew in from Montreal, retired Bruin Mark Recchi, Shane Hnindy and Steven Kampfer were all in attendance despite no longer being a part of the Bruins. But Thomas one of 2 American born players from the 2011 championship team, was no where to be found. Thomas released a statement on Facebook, explaining his absence;
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This is about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. This is the only public statement I will make on this topic. TT"


Now Thomas had every right no to attend the trip to the White House, you can't argue that, and I don't have a problem with him voicing his opinion on politics. But here's where he messed up; Tim Thomas whether he meant to or not, he made himself bigger than his teammates, something that you should never do in professional sports, a choice Thomas never should have been allowed to make. The Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli acknowledged the fact that he could have forced Thomas to show up, but didn't, he also won't be suspending the Bruins goaltender. The reason I believe Thomas was not forced to show up, is because of how much he means to this team. A team is going to let their star players get away with stuff, Thomas is a veteran, and a grown man with his own opinions he can do as he pleases. But what Thomas ultimately did, was overshadow the Boston Bruins trip to the White House; For his teammates, it's not about the amazing once in a lifetime chance to tour the White House and shake the presidents hand, it's now about why didn't Tim Thomas show up. By not showing up, Thomas moved the attention from his teammates to himself, instead of celebrating with his teammates after winning the Stanley Cup it became all about Tim Thomas. 

Now I give Thomas full props for standing up for what he believes, and have the courage to do so, despite the public backlash he would have received. BUT when the President of the United States gives you a personal invitation, to come to the White House and meet him you go, no matter what your political or personal beliefs are. There is no act of a political party or stand it is simply a matter of congratulations from the highest most important person in America. You go, smile and have a great time with your teammates, you don't sit at home and sulk. Tim Thomas picked the wrong time/moment to voice his opinion, any other time this would have been perfectly fine, heck he could even join one of those protests that happen outside the White House every other day. But Thomas' team was being honoured by the president, Obama even put a special mention of Tim Thomas in his speech. The timing and the way Thomas approached this couldn't have been worse, he completely took the attention away from the Bruins and put it on himself, a very selfish act. You were invited to the White House to be congratulated for athletics, not to debate politics.

Thomas should have shown up and shown some respect for the President of the United States, your organisation and your teammates.  Not to mention the fact he represented the United Stares at the 2010 Olympics. To me this was a classless act from a very classy guy. Thomas better pick up his game and return to the level he was performing at when he won the Cup, or it's going to be an extremely long season in Boston. I'll post a video at the bottom that includes the presidents speech to the Boston Bruins.

 

Thomas shuts out the White House

I had just finished writing my blog for today, when news broke that Tim Thomas had declined his invitation to the White House, to meet president Barack Obama with the rest of the Boston Bruins. So I decided to postpone yesterdays blog till tomorrow, and focus in on this decision by Tim Thomas.


It has become a tradition for teams that win their championships to have a visit to the White House, 
and Yesterday January 23rd the Boston Bruins had their trip to the White House, after winning the Stanley Cup.  But the 2011 Stanley Cup winning Bruins were missing a key member of their team, the guy who practically put the team on his back during the finals; Conn Smythe winning goalie Tim Thomas. I really didn't understand this move, this was one of the last opportunities for the entire Stanley Cup winning team to be all together; Kaberle flew in from Montreal, retired Bruin Mark Recchi, Shane Hnindy and Steven Kampfer were all in attendance despite no longer being a part of the Bruins. But Thomas one of 2 American born players from the 2011 championship team, was no where to be found. Thomas released a statement on Facebook, explaining his absence;
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This is about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. This is the only public statement I will make on this topic. TT"


Now Thomas had every right no to attend the trip to the White House, you can't argue that, and I don't have a problem with him voicing his opinion on politics. But here's where he messed up; Tim Thomas whether he meant to or not, he made himself bigger than his teammates, something that you should never do in professional sports, a choice Thomas never should have been allowed to make. The Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli acknowledged the fact that he could have forced Thomas to show up, but didn't, he also won't be suspending the Bruins goaltender. The reason I believe Thomas was not forced to show up, is because of how much he means to this team. A team is going to let their star players get away with stuff, Thomas is a veteran, and a grown man with his own opinions he can do as he pleases. But what Thomas ultimately did, was overshadow the Boston Bruins trip to the White House; For his teammates, it's not about the amazing once in a lifetime chance to tour the White House and shake the presidents hand, it's now about why didn't Tim Thomas show up. By not showing up, Thomas moved the attention from his teammates to himself, instead of celebrating with his teammates after winning the Stanley Cup it became all about Tim Thomas. 

Now I give Thomas full props for standing up for what he believes, and have the courage to do so, despite the public backlash he would have received. BUT when the President of the United States gives you a personal invitation, to come to the White House and meet him you go, no matter what your political or personal beliefs are. There is no act of a political party or stand it is simply a matter of congratulations from the highest most important person in America. You go, smile and have a great time with your teammates, you don't sit at home and sulk. Tim Thomas picked the wrong time/moment to voice his opinion, any other time this would have been perfectly fine, heck he could even join one of those protests that happen outside the White House every other day. But Thomas' team was being honoured by the president, Obama even put a special mention of Tim Thomas in his speech. The timing and the way Thomas approached this couldn't have been worse, he completely took the attention away from the Bruins and put it on himself, a very selfish act. You were invited to the White House to be congratulated for athletics, not to debate politics.

Thomas should have shown up and shown some respect for the President of the United States, your organisation and your teammates.  Not to mention the fact he represented the United Stares at the 2010 Olympics. To me this was a classless act from a very classy guy. Thomas better pick up his game and return to the level he was performing at when he won the Cup, or it's going to be an extremely long season in Boston. I'll post a video at the bottom that includes the presidents speech to the Boston Bruins.

Trading places

Well with the trade deadline coming near, it's time for trade rumours to start picking up. Who's buying, who's selling; Will the Sabres trade Miller, will the Ducks finally trade Bobby Ryan? All questions will soon be answered; but for now, here's my list of the 10 players, that will most likely be getting a change of scenery. Heads up this is a list of players that will be off the market by the Feb 27th Trade deadline; meaning they may have already been moved.


1. Ales Hemsky; Edmonton Oilers;
As has been the case for a few years now, the Oilers are currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, and they have awoken from their dream start of the season. Right now the Oilers need a shakeup, whether in the form of another skilled youngster, or the shape of a grizzled veteran that will add depth and leadership to this young Oiler hockey squad. So why Hemsky, because he's a free agent at the end of the season; If you trade him now and get something for him, or let him walk for free at the end of the season. Plus there is a little talk the Sabres may be interested in acquiring Hemsky. However poor play and missing time due to injury are not helping Hemsky's cause to a) stay with the Oilers or b) a decent trade to be made.


2. Hal Gill; Montreal Canadians
After what transpire with Cammaleri and the general poor play of the Habs, the Canadians are in selling mode; dump players that aren't contributing and clear up some cap space. Plus what team wouldn't want Gill? A tall, tough serviceable defenceman that plays a solid defensive game,  and had a Stanley Cup on his resume. Gill would be an easy deal for the Habs.
Also look for the Canadians to ship out a few players in around the trade deadline period; they need to sell not buy!


3. Drew Stafford/Derek Roy; Buffalo Sabres

Well what can I say about abysmal season the Sabres have been in, heck have we even been playing hockey?! One thing's clear, there needs to be a shake up in Buffalo, Trading Miller before the deadline is too big a move and unlikely to happen. So who's next on the list; Derek Roy and Drew Stafford, two players who are massively underperforming to say the least. Stafford has shown that he can score and score in bunches, plus his $4 million dollar cap hit, isn't a huge amount for most teams. The Sabres have already been shopping Derek Roy around and have found some interest around the league. Roy is a good player, who can produce and add some leadership, and is just having a tough go in Buffalo and could benefit from a change in scenery. Plus Anahiem has shown interest in both Roy and Stafford, which would help clear up cap space for the Sabres.


4. Shane Doan; Pheonix Coyotes
Not too much to this rumor except for the fact, Doan may want to experience some playoff success once in his career, and the Coyotes owe it to Doan to give him to a decent team, after all he's done by staying with them all his career. This is similar to the situation the Sabres found themselves in by helping Dominic Hasek get to the Red Wings years ago.


5. Nazem Kadri/Luke Schenn; Toronto Maple Leafs
Now I put Kadri and Schenn together for 1 reason; they will likely be involved in a big package deal; There are talks that Kari, Schenn and a first rounder will be shipped off to the Flyers for James Van Reimsdieyk.
Any deal the Leafs make will likely include either or both Kadri and Schenn. A solid defenceman who eats big minutes, plus a young prospect. Although Bozak is getting the job done, the Leafs need a true number one centre if they want to go far in the post season, plus with injured players returning with in the coming weeks, the roster is over flowing. I sense a trade!


6. Derrick Brassard; Columbus Blue Jackets
Brassard is a player who never really lived up to the expectations that come with being a top 10 draft pick.
Ever since the Blue Jackets started playing poorly they have been shopping players around, waiting for the best deal. Brassard is one of the players the Blue Jackets have been showcasing, plus he would provide some depth to a team needing scoring from the bottom 6.
With the firing of the head coach last week, there are rumbles that Brassard may be off the table*.


7. Ryan Suter; Nashville Predators
The Predators need a major shakeup if they want to go further in the playoffs than the first round. Suter is a free agent at the end of the season, and could land a major offensive return, that the Predators are in dire need of.


8. Zach Parise: New Jersey Devils

Parise is having a fairly decent year with the Devils and they aren't too keen on trading the 24 year old, but he is a free agent at the end of the season, and could walk away for nothing, something the Devils are not about to let happen. The problem the Devils face is whether they want to sign him to a 4 year extension for big money. My gut tells me Parise will be on the move.


9. Travis Moen: Montreal Canadians
As previously stated the Canadians are going to be sellers at trade deadline, they have a lot of pieces that can be moved and clear up salary cap space. Moen is a solid 3rd line player, who doesn't come with a huge price tag. Moen is likely to be sought after a ton before the trade deadline. Teams like the Sabres who need to get bigger would be happy to take Moen.


10. Tuomo Ruutu; Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are more than likely to be sellers come trade deadline. A player that can and will cause a fair amount of attention is Ruutu. He would help an offensively struggling team down the stretch, and could see some much wanted playoff action. Not to mention Ruutu is a free agent at the end of the season, and could walk away for nothing from the Hurricanes.


Take a look at the list and see how it affects your team, remember these deals are hypothetical and may not happen, so don't freak because your favorite player is on the List.
Bobby Ryan and Ryan Miller are not on this list for a couple of reasons

Ryan will most likely not be moved before the trade deadline; thus giving more teams a chance to negotiate with the Ducks, and give them a bigger return.
Ryan Miller will not be traded mid season; no gaurantees the Sabres will keep him but he will not be moved mid season. Too much money for a goalie who isn't stopping the puck, and to difficult to negotiate.

Trading places

Well with the trade deadline coming near, it's time for trade rumours to start picking up. Who's buying, who's selling; Will the Sabres trade Miller, will the Ducks finally trade Bobby Ryan? All questions will soon be answered; but for now, here's my list of the 10 players, that will most likely be getting a change of scenery. Heads up this is a list of players that will be off the market by the Feb 27th Trade deadline; meaning they may have already been moved.


1. Ales Hemsky; Edmonton Oilers;
As has been the case for a few years now, the Oilers are currently sitting outside of the playoff picture, and they have awoken from their dream start of the season. Right now the Oilers need a shakeup, whether in the form of another skilled youngster, or the shape of a grizzled veteran that will add depth and leadership to this young Oiler hockey squad. So why Hemsky, because he's a free agent at the end of the season; If you trade him now and get something for him, or let him walk for free at the end of the season. Plus there is a little talk the Sabres may be interested in acquiring Hemsky. However poor play and missing time due to injury are not helping Hemsky's cause to a) stay with the Oilers or b) a decent trade to be made.


2. Hal Gill; Montreal Canadians
After what transpire with Cammaleri and the general poor play of the Habs, the Canadians are in selling mode; dump players that aren't contributing and clear up some cap space. Plus what team wouldn't want Gill? A tall, tough serviceable defenceman that plays a solid defensive game,  and had a Stanley Cup on his resume. Gill would be an easy deal for the Habs.
Also look for the Canadians to ship out a few players in around the trade deadline period; they need to sell not buy!


3. Drew Stafford/Derek Roy; Buffalo Sabres

Well what can I say about abysmal season the Sabres have been in, heck have we even been playing hockey?! One thing's clear, there needs to be a shake up in Buffalo, Trading Miller before the deadline is too big a move and unlikely to happen. So who's next on the list; Derek Roy and Drew Stafford, two players who are massively underperforming to say the least. Stafford has shown that he can score and score in bunches, plus his $4 million dollar cap hit, isn't a huge amount for most teams. The Sabres have already been shopping Derek Roy around and have found some interest around the league. Roy is a good player, who can produce and add some leadership, and is just having a tough go in Buffalo and could benefit from a change in scenery. Plus Anahiem has shown interest in both Roy and Stafford, which would help clear up cap space for the Sabres.


4. Shane Doan; Pheonix Coyotes
Not too much to this rumor except for the fact, Doan may want to experience some playoff success once in his career, and the Coyotes owe it to Doan to give him to a decent team, after all he's done by staying with them all his career. This is similar to the situation the Sabres found themselves in by helping Dominic Hasek get to the Red Wings years ago.


5. Nazem Kadri/Luke Schenn; Toronto Maple Leafs
Now I put Kadri and Schenn together for 1 reason; they will likely be involved in a big package deal; There are talks that Kari, Schenn and a first rounder will be shipped off to the Flyers for James Van Reimsdieyk.
Any deal the Leafs make will likely include either or both Kadri and Schenn. A solid defenceman who eats big minutes, plus a young prospect. Although Bozak is getting the job done, the Leafs need a true number one centre if they want to go far in the post season, plus with injured players returning with in the coming weeks, the roster is over flowing. I sense a trade!


6. Derrick Brassard; Columbus Blue Jackets
Brassard is a player who never really lived up to the expectations that come with being a top 10 draft pick.
Ever since the Blue Jackets started playing poorly they have been shopping players around, waiting for the best deal. Brassard is one of the players the Blue Jackets have been showcasing, plus he would provide some depth to a team needing scoring from the bottom 6.
With the firing of the head coach last week, there are rumbles that Brassard may be off the table*.


7. Ryan Suter; Nashville Predators
The Predators need a major shakeup if they want to go further in the playoffs than the first round. Suter is a free agent at the end of the season, and could land a major offensive return, that the Predators are in dire need of.


8. Zach Parise: New Jersey Devils

Parise is having a fairly decent year with the Devils and they aren't too keen on trading the 24 year old, but he is a free agent at the end of the season, and could walk away for nothing, something the Devils are not about to let happen. The problem the Devils face is whether they want to sign him to a 4 year extension for big money. My gut tells me Parise will be on the move.


9. Travis Moen: Montreal Canadians
As previously stated the Canadians are going to be sellers at trade deadline, they have a lot of pieces that can be moved and clear up salary cap space. Moen is a solid 3rd line player, who doesn't come with a huge price tag. Moen is likely to be sought after a ton before the trade deadline. Teams like the Sabres who need to get bigger would be happy to take Moen.


10. Tuomo Ruutu; Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are more than likely to be sellers come trade deadline. A player that can and will cause a fair amount of attention is Ruutu. He would help an offensively struggling team down the stretch, and could see some much wanted playoff action. Not to mention Ruutu is a free agent at the end of the season, and could walk away for nothing from the Hurricanes.


Take a look at the list and see how it affects your team, remember these deals are hypothetical and may not happen, so don't freak because your favorite player is on the List.
Bobby Ryan and Ryan Miller are not on this list for a couple of reasons

Ryan will most likely not be moved before the trade deadline; thus giving more teams a chance to negotiate with the Ducks, and give them a bigger return.
Ryan Miller will not be traded mid season; no gaurantees the Sabres will keep him but he will not be moved mid season. Too much money for a goalie who isn't stopping the puck, and to difficult to negotiate.

Sabres core

I’ll admit it, I don’t understand the Buffalo Sabres.  I don’t understand when the owner comes out and says he “believes” in the  team and that the main problem for the team is injuries.  I don’t understand when the president of the organization comes out and says fans (bloggers and journalists) need to have more patience. (Is  41 years not enough patience?) I don’t understand when the GM says he’s not going to shake up a lineup that is obviously stale and not championship caliber.  Let’s not even talk about this year in that regard.  Let’s talk about the past two seasons when the Sabres were bounced from the first round of the playoffs by bigger more physical teams.  That’s what I’m talking about, not the bunch on the ice now, because as we all know and Terry Pegula has reminded us, this team is not the team they thought they’d have.  I also don’t understand the coach when he talks about it being his fault for players not playing hard or skating well or other such excuses. 

I don’t understand when the “elite” goaltender comes out and says that no trade will shake this team into playing that it has to come from within.  From within the locker room and from within each player.  However, I do understand something – the team is on a better (not right but better) course.  The GM is allowed to spend to that cap. He did just that over the summer and it’s now hurting the team.  Bravo that he has that ability for the first time in his tenure, but he didn’t do it very well.  Sure we got a couple of marquee players from the weak group of the free agent class and they both will be part of the team that leads the Sabres to a better future.  However, are they difference makers on Cup winning teams?  They can be, but unfortunately not with the current core group of players.  Individually the Sabres cores are a talented bunch, but collectively something has gone awry. 

Thomas Vanek is the best of the bunch belongs in the conversation with the games second tier of elite players.  Players like Kane, Toews and Sedin.  He’s not Crosby or a right-minded Ovechkin, but he is an elite player that’s for sure.  He makes a living in front of the net and can pin point a shot with anyone in the league.  Imagine what he’d do with players of his caliber on a true number 1 line.

Ryan Miller is an elite goalie having an off year.  For anyone who disagrees let’s look at Tim Thomas a couple of years ago … he wasn’t even a “has been” at the time he was a “never was,” but look at him now.  Now is not the time to give up on Miller.

Derrick Roy is a solid second line center or a great third line center.  He can pass and score, but has proven incapable of any kind of leadership role.

Drew Stafford is a highly skilled player who has reached his potential for three-quarters of one season.  Last year, a contract year, he scored 31 goals.  That’s an outstanding season, but he doesn’t appear to have what it takes to be a night in night out first line winger or the will to “bring it” every night.

Jason Pominville is slightly behind Vanek and would be a great second line winger and from what I can tell a good captain. 

Finally, Paul Gaustad, the last member of the group and least skilled of the “core.” He came up as a motor guy who hit, fought and brought energy and has turned into a faceoff specialist who stands around watching his goalie get creamed while doing nothing. 

You’ll notice two things that were  nowhere in the previous paragraphs one is the word – toughness and the other is a top two defesneman.  This group is not tough and they have no defense as part of the “core.”  However, both on the horizon with players like Tropp, Kassian, Foligno, McNabb and of course the Tylers Myers and Ennis.  These player are with here now or already staking claim to make the roster next season.  But that doesn’t’ help the Sabres now and as hope is never a planning factor, it shouldn’t start with the hope that those players will continue to develop into first line, top two players.  The onus lies with the GM. 

The twitter hash tag #darcydosomething is not only a cry for the GM to make any move, but for him to make a big move involving the “core.”  Not a second rounder for a former talent, or some obscure player for another.  It’s time to move one of the core and shake things up. Like many people, I know the GM has an infatuation with “his” players but too bad.  You don’t think the Oilers GM had an infatuation with Gretzky, or the Bruins with Thornton or the Sens with Hossa?  Be real, none of this core should be untouchable, but unfortunately the delay is making one thing perfectly clear – no other team could possibly want any of this core other than Vanek or Pominville and the GM is now working from a position of weakness.  To move any of the others would take including one of the aforementioned potential stars.  Either Tyler Myers, McNabb or Kassian and it’s never good gutting your youth. 

I started this blog saying things I didn’t understand, let me end the same way. From my vantage point, there truly is only one thing I actually don’t understand – how does the owner not see what everyone else does – the GM has to go.  #TerryfireDarcy.

~Donmanski

Don't forget to vote in the poll on the right!

Sabres core

I’ll admit it, I don’t understand the Buffalo Sabres.  I don’t understand when the owner comes out and says he “believes” in the  team and that the main problem for the team is injuries.  I don’t understand when the president of the organization comes out and says fans (bloggers and journalists) need to have more patience. (Is  41 years not enough patience?) I don’t understand when the GM says he’s not going to shake up a lineup that is obviously stale and not championship caliber.  Let’s not even talk about this year in that regard.  Let’s talk about the past two seasons when the Sabres were bounced from the first round of the playoffs by bigger more physical teams.  That’s what I’m talking about, not the bunch on the ice now, because as we all know and Terry Pegula has reminded us, this team is not the team they thought they’d have.  I also don’t understand the coach when he talks about it being his fault for players not playing hard or skating well or other such excuses. 

I don’t understand when the “elite” goaltender comes out and says that no trade will shake this team into playing that it has to come from within.  From within the locker room and from within each player.  However, I do understand something – the team is on a better (not right but better) course.  The GM is allowed to spend to that cap. He did just that over the summer and it’s now hurting the team.  Bravo that he has that ability for the first time in his tenure, but he didn’t do it very well.  Sure we got a couple of marquee players from the weak group of the free agent class and they both will be part of the team that leads the Sabres to a better future.  However, are they difference makers on Cup winning teams?  They can be, but unfortunately not with the current core group of players.  Individually the Sabres cores are a talented bunch, but collectively something has gone awry. 

Thomas Vanek is the best of the bunch belongs in the conversation with the games second tier of elite players.  Players like Kane, Toews and Sedin.  He’s not Crosby or a right-minded Ovechkin, but he is an elite player that’s for sure.  He makes a living in front of the net and can pin point a shot with anyone in the league.  Imagine what he’d do with players of his caliber on a true number 1 line.

Ryan Miller is an elite goalie having an off year.  For anyone who disagrees let’s look at Tim Thomas a couple of years ago … he wasn’t even a “has been” at the time he was a “never was,” but look at him now.  Now is not the time to give up on Miller.

Derrick Roy is a solid second line center or a great third line center.  He can pass and score, but has proven incapable of any kind of leadership role.

Drew Stafford is a highly skilled player who has reached his potential for three-quarters of one season.  Last year, a contract year, he scored 31 goals.  That’s an outstanding season, but he doesn’t appear to have what it takes to be a night in night out first line winger or the will to “bring it” every night.

Jason Pominville is slightly behind Vanek and would be a great second line winger and from what I can tell a good captain. 

Finally, Paul Gaustad, the last member of the group and least skilled of the “core.” He came up as a motor guy who hit, fought and brought energy and has turned into a faceoff specialist who stands around watching his goalie get creamed while doing nothing. 

You’ll notice two things that were  nowhere in the previous paragraphs one is the word – toughness and the other is a top two defesneman.  This group is not tough and they have no defense as part of the “core.”  However, both on the horizon with players like Tropp, Kassian, Foligno, McNabb and of course the Tylers Myers and Ennis.  These player are with here now or already staking claim to make the roster next season.  But that doesn’t’ help the Sabres now and as hope is never a planning factor, it shouldn’t start with the hope that those players will continue to develop into first line, top two players.  The onus lies with the GM. 

The twitter hash tag #darcydosomething is not only a cry for the GM to make any move, but for him to make a big move involving the “core.”  Not a second rounder for a former talent, or some obscure player for another.  It’s time to move one of the core and shake things up. Like many people, I know the GM has an infatuation with “his” players but too bad.  You don’t think the Oilers GM had an infatuation with Gretzky, or the Bruins with Thornton or the Sens with Hossa?  Be real, none of this core should be untouchable, but unfortunately the delay is making one thing perfectly clear – no other team could possibly want any of this core other than Vanek or Pominville and the GM is now working from a position of weakness.  To move any of the others would take including one of the aforementioned potential stars.  Either Tyler Myers, McNabb or Kassian and it’s never good gutting your youth. 

I started this blog saying things I didn’t understand, let me end the same way. From my vantage point, there truly is only one thing I actually don’t understand – how does the owner not see what everyone else does – the GM has to go.  #TerryfireDarcy.

~Donmanski

Don't forget to vote in the poll on the right!