He’s probably too expensive in the long run (sorry I’m too lazy too look up his current contract numbers) but he’s 24, big, solid, scary, and has a wicked mean streak. Phaneuf is like Pronger in all the ways that they create the cognitive dissonance Plank mentioned above. Yay for young, talented, physical defensemen! Oh and eff Calgary.

If we could somehow grab him and play him on Joe’s wing (this fantasy would work with or without Heater), I think he would probably be right up there with Crovechalkin, if not ahead of them.

Because I can’t take anything seriously.

I’ve always had a man crush on Rick Nash. Him and Ales Hemsky. Love that guy.

Either or.

He had 94 points last season, he’s only 24, his name is fun to say, he was on the 2004 US Junior National Team (The team that actually won a gold medal for us), and he is currently halfway through his 4 year contract worth 12.5 mil, so that’s 3.125 mil a season, hell of a bargain……………..oh and he’s a Lady Byng finalist……….and he’s alternative captain for the Devils……….. he may be the only player ever that I have man crush on

Yeah, he’s getting old. But he’s still the biggest, meanest, SOB to skate on the blue line in my memory.

Suspensions, penalties, yeah, don’t really care. When he’s on the ice you know it, you fear what he’s going to do and you hate his guts… unless he’s wearing a sweater that matches yours.

Obviously the Ovechkins and the Kovalchuks and the Nash’s would be awesome to have. But that seems like a cop out to me, so I’m going to give a shoutout to one of my favorite young players on the East Coast.

David Clarkson has been a personal favorite of mine for the last few years. He came into the league for a few games in the 06-07 season, but got the full time job up with the Devils the next year, playing in 81 games and racking up 183 penalty minutes. In the 08-09 season, he started to show a little scoring flare, with 17 goals and 15 assists to go with 164 PIMs. He’s a gritty checking line forward who is tenacious in front of the net, can light the lamp, and will also stand up for his teammates. He’s only 25, and is signed for a very reasonable 800K per year.

This year he already has 14 points (5 on the PP) through 18 games. Will that continue? Probably not. But he’s still shown the ability to get on the scoresheet, which, for a tough guy, is pretty awesome. His scouting report reads: “His knack for fighting and precise checking combined with his speed and aggression has made him a cult favorite in New Jersey.” It’s like a faster Douglas Murray on the wing with a scoring touch. He is a true power-forward, and someone you can put on the ice on any line and in any situation.

so he’ll stop scoring against us and start scoring FOR us.

(I also can’t take things seriously)

I guess I will cop out because I love Nash, a guy who can drag a crappy franchise on his back and still put up numbers. He is the kind of player like a Parise that I would trade anyone on the team for.

My non cop out, pretty realistic thought:
Jeremy Roenick. He should be rested and healthy. He is enthusiastic, clearly loved and charismatic. He would be a short term role player that would fill gaps where needed, bring energy and momentum in bursts, and probably be content with a small role on a fairly loaded team that is hopefully developing leadership from the inside anyway and wouldn’t need him long term.

Although Rick Nash would be nice because Steve Nash is my favorite basketball player and then I could just have a tshirt that says Nash and pretty much cover all of the bases.

Roenick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second choice: Lidstrom. It pains me to covet what so obviously belongs to the Wings. But him and Boyle on a line would be sick!

Still, Roenick!!!!!!!!!

I really want this kid in a Sharks jersey. My nomination for the prototypical power-forward, this kid plays with so much snarl and moxy opponents want to smack him back into his place. That is until he obliges and puts a good ol’ fashioned beatdown on their ass. He sticks up for his teammates, not a stranger to laying down big hits, and can throw with (and win against) the heavyweights.

He’s a big body at 6’4" 220lbs and has the ability to put points on the board as well. In 2008-09, he played in 72 games and posted 17G-25A-42P and 136 PIMs. And he still produces in the post-season: last year he had 3G-6A. If I had to put it in Sharks-related terms, he’s basically like Ryane Clowe with anger management issues. And Bruins fans love him for it.

He recently signed a contract extension for 3-years, $12.25 million. Kind of a big hit, but I think Boston realizes what this kid brings to the team and he still has unrealized potential on the offensive aspect of his game. Another plus (and why I keep calling him a kid) – he’s only 21 years old. Still plenty of time to ripen up into an even better player.

And for fun, here’s some evidence. Trust me, you’ll like it.
Exhibit 1 – Fight
Exhibit 2 – Hit

Everyone keeps bringing up these high scoring forwards. We’ve got plenty of offense.

Let’s face it, it’s the D this season that makes up sod ourselves.

What I’d actually want for this team is Rob Blake about 10 years younger. In the interim, I’ll settle for someone who serves the equivalent function.

Someone who is a fan of the glass and will happily offer free samples to opposing forwards.

Someone who is happy to allow you puck possession for the opportunity to use you like a human pinata.

Someone who is revered by chiropractors across North America for causing a 250% increase in their business.

Someone who will make Evgeni Nabokov’s crease like that area of desks around the one hot chick in engineering classes: the place where everyone wants to be, but is scared shitless to actually approach.

Someone who will be on the ice for 25-30 minutes, roughly half the game, and makes that a half of the game in which the other team DOES NOT SCORE.

Take your pick: Chara, Rehgyr, Jovanovski, Pronger, Bouwmeester, Phaneuf, Scuderi, Gill, or go young with the wild cards: Seabrook, Hedman, or any of the big D Nashville always seem to come up with.

Bottom line, this team needs a stopper.

I was actually thinking about writing a post about Chara, but you beat me to it.

No explanation. I just think he is good and is going to be VERY good.

I’m compelled to go for a D man because SJ is better stacked with forwards and I wanted to pick Jeff Odgers because I enjoyed watching his nose bleed during pre-skate warm-ups from the previous night’s activites, but rumors have it he’s retired.

Instead of seconding another’s pick I’ll take Drew Doughty from LA, he’s young, has good size and seems to be taking the game more seriously and it shows in his on ice effort. Also he’d have to change his nickname from “Doughnuts” to something much less absurd.

between Corey Perry and Steve Ott.

(I can’t take anything seriously as well. I’ll try though.)

Leme get Mitchell back, for the love of god!

his team…well…isn’t good…and he still puts up huge numbers

who scored the amazing shootout goal. Get him to Worcester then import him for home games (guaranteed shootout)

I posted in the fanshots, WTC update says Vesce got sent down and Jody is out for at least 2 more games.

I don’t even think I spelled that right. A former 1st round pick that’s been to the Finals ( and lost, with FLORIDA???!), he’s a defensive stalwart with tremendous size, and superb skating ability ( hard to find on a big man. Just ask the pylon named Rathje). Also has soft hands, and a great offensive mindset, he would fit in on the San jose PP seamlessly.

That being said, his physical presence is much greater than a Mike Rathje, as Jovo’s not afraid to use his body. Defensive-minded, but not afraid to stay inside the blueline on a PP. On a PK, his wide frame takes up space and shortens lanes.

Putting up SOLID numbers this season on the back end in Pittsburgh, and doing a pretty decent job of filling in Gonchar’s shoes (if only the rest of their defense could stay healthy)

Boosh. Nothin’ else needs to be said

Duncan Keith was a huge reason the Hawks made it to the conference finals. He’s making $1.9 million (a steal) but should see a 3x increase in salary if the Hawks can afford him with Campbells gigantic salary. Routinely paired against opposing team’s best players and posted the best +/- on the team. Progressively becoming a better PP quarterback. Tremendous skater. Great all-around player. And Eddie Olzyck has a certified man crush on him.

Stephane Robidas is a #1 defenseman in a #3 defenseman’s shell. He blocks an insane number of shots. Routinely paired against top players. Its remarkable that he was placed on waivers twice and passed up by several teams, having to prove his worth over and over again. That makes you love the guy b/c he didn’t quit. Led Stars in +/-. Put him on a second unit with Vlasic as the shutdown pair. You can also option him on the powerplay as he’s scored 10 goals before. Set to make $3 million next year, which could be over-paying if he’s on the Sharks roster, but he’s perfect for the Stars.

for shits and giggles