Saw this just now, can anyone confirm?

Anyone read Finnish?

This actually got me thinking as I was looking at KHL signings this morning: it seems pretty darn shady that KHL teams can make offers to players this early in the off-season. Then again, it's the KHL I'm complaining about...

Can anyone share a link to the upcoming NHL off season contracts/signing schedule?

OMG, 75 words? Really? Hmmm, what to say. What can I do to fill the void?

For the first time in 5 years, hockey cards collectors can look forward to NHL products from someone other than collectibles giant Upper Deck.

I'm not going to bore you with set stats, but this looks like a major release, and will include the first jersey-autos of rookies this year. Let's get on with it.

EDIT: I've joined the 21st century and added pictures.

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After much anticipation, the 2010-11 Victory Jamie McBain Rookie card is mine!

Global domination is now within my grasp.

via sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net

!

Checklists for future releases haven't been posted on Upperdeck's website as of yet, but with Artifacts set to release on 10/12, I don't see anything beyond McBain and Samson rookies until Upper Deck Series One is released on 11/9.

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I just got a call from the Hurricanes Ticket Office.  I had signed up for the waiting list for ASG tickets.  He was kind enough to call me and let me know there would be no retail tickets available, only tickets available to STH's and the league.  Thought I'd pass on the news.

FWIW, the rep added that there would likely be retail tickets available for the skills competition and young stars scrimmage (it's not really a game, let's be honest).

Luckily for me, my sis signed up for season tickets specifically to get into the ASG, so i still have a potential in.  But this is kind of lame for those without that opportunity.  Good added value for the STH's, sure, but not all hockey fans are STH's.

If you're like me you A) haven't had enough of Canes Country today and B) you're sublimely interested in the upcoming prospects, The CHL prospects game is on NHL Network tonight, right now (7pm EST).

I'll be posting my thoughts throughout the game - feel free to join!

...hmph...so evidently, I need to have at least 75 words.  Here's a list of the current top ten CHL prospects from ISS

1  Hall, Taylor   LW  14-Nov-91 L *6.00.75 186  Windsor 
2  Seguin, Tyler   C  31-Jan-92  R  *6.00.75  180  Plymouth 
3  Fowler, Cam   D  5-Dec-91  L  *6.02  195  Windsor 
4  Kabanov, Kirill   LW  16-Jul-92 R *6.01.75 176  Moncton 
5  Gormley, Brandon   D  18-Feb-92  L  *6.02  187  Moncton

6  Connolly, Brett   LW  2-May-92  R  6.02  181  Prince George 

7 Gudbranson, Erik   D  7-Jan-92 R *6.03.75 195  Kingston 
8  Burmistrov, Alexander   C  21-Oct-91  L  *5.11.5  162  Barrie 
9  Pysyk, Mark   D  11-Jan-92  R  *6.01  179  Edmonton 
10  McFarland, John   C  2-Apr-92  R  *6.00  200  Sudbury 

TSN is reporting that Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs has applied for 2 drafts, an outdoor game and an all-star game, all within the next 4 years.  Normally I like Brian Burke just off principle.  He's a little loomish but he's honest and isn't afraid to tell you what he thinks.  However, this application to the NHL is a little high-headed.  Did he forget there are 29 other teams in the NHL vying for the same affections?  What makes Toronto so special?

Found this website for watching AHL games.  At $6.99 per game, it sounds like a convenient once-in-a-while treat on a Hurricanesless evening. They keep games achieved to so there's lots of possibilities there.  They also have free highlights so there's no excuse not to check it out.  However, I haven't been able to test it yet as my flash player needs updating here at work so I'm passing this all on the premise that the site works :-)

So far I don't see Leighton's 90 save performance from 2008, nor anything tasty looking beyond that year.  But if you're like me and don't want to drive 9 hours to watch the prospects take on the Admirals, this looks like a fine alternative.

So I have a fantasy question for all you Caniacs.  On my 1st (of four) fantasy teams Stephan Weiss is my 3rd center.  But I just now noticed that Paul Stastny is available on waivers.  Weiss is rated far higher, though if healthy I know Stastny will put up better numbers.  Weiss should be good for 75 games and Stastny has had injuries the last couple years.

Florida is on the up and the Avs are on the down, but my gut still says Stastny.

I'm torn, really.

Help, please :-)

In keeping with a recent invite to openly be pigheaded about hockey, I'd like to speak for the male species and embrace the opportunity with open arms.

First, let me begin by saying I'm ashamed that the Eye Care Associates Storm Squad link was moved from "Team" to "Fan Zone".  Should we blame Mr.Bernaky or the NHL page makers for this oversite?  I think a little someone named Kirstin Dunst taught us all that cheerleading was a team sport.  This move just underlines the incorrect arguement that these hardworking girls (and Mike) are merely eye candy.  They mean so much more to all of us than just that.  Not only do they shower us with treats and clean off the ice, they are an inspiration... mostly to men... to get out of your seats and beat up the 12-year-old next to you for a t-shirt or to get your eyes examined at Eyecare Associates while proudly waving the red, black, silver and white.  Do they give discounts if you wear a Canes jersey to an appointment?  Are they are part of my HMO?  I don't care!  I'm moved by sponsorship advertising and as well you should be!

That said, I think the best eyes of the group belong to Ms. Whitney.  Be sure to offer your superlatives of this important aspect of our Hurricanes' TEAM.

Oh, and feel free to wander off the beaten path.

@Bob: i wasn't sure if this belonged under posts or shots.  Feel free to move as you see fit.  It's ironic, though: if I ran around taking pics of the storm squad practices I'd be a stalker.  You collect pics of of one of the players and you're just a fan.  What a fine line we lead along the double-standards of maledom.

And now we know how the Canucks were able to keep the Sedins.  He's one of my favorite d-men in the league and will likely make a top notch 1st defensive pairing with fellow Swede V.Hedman.  I'm just going to start groaning now b/c these two will be tough to play against.

Of note is the 7-year length of Ohlund's new contract.  I honestly don't know if he'll be any good past 35.

I'm getting ridiculously antzy with the off season looming.  The cure?  DRAFT SPECULATION.

I was checking out NHLDraftSite2009.com and looking at where we stand.  I'm not high on their pick for us - doesn't really address our needs. Mynhldraft.com was slightly more generous with Dylan Olsen. I think as much as I loathed him in the playoffs we need a Lucic-type for the RW.  Zack Kassian would do nicely but he'll go well before our pick and RW's are pretty rare it seems this year.  On the other hand, Carolina hasn't had much luck picking big guys in the past so maybe we just trade for one later :-)

My pick: Zach Budish -- C/RW.  Huge friggin guy.  Could be a serial crusher.