GASabresIUFAN Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 I was looking at the "best" UFAs still available; guys like Markov, Vanek, Stafford, Franson, Fisher and Gionta and I think because of the Olympics I might sign in Europe and then go represent my country in the games. For most of the guys on this list it will be their last and in some cases only chance to represent their country. I know Gionta wants to be near home, but what an opportunity. Go play in the Swiss league, earn a decent paycheck, and then Captain the US olympic squad. I was reading that there are some 200 USA born players currently playing in Europe. Also guys like new Amerk signee and former KHL goal leader Stevie Moses (guys on AHL only contracts) and college kids will be eligible for the team. If your USA hockey, wouldn't you want guys like Stafford and Gionta on such a team to add leadership and experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabills Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 I was looking at the "best" UFAs still available; guys like Markov, Vanek, Stafford, Franson, Fisher and Gionta and I think because of the Olympics I might sign in Europe and then go represent my country in the games. For most of the guys on this list it will be their last and in some cases only chance to represent their country. I know Gionta wants to be near home, but what an opportunity. Go play in the Swiss league, earn a decent paycheck, and then Captain the US olympic squad. I was reading that there are some 200 USA born players currently playing in Europe. Also guys like new Amerk signee and former KHL goal leader Stevie Moses (guys on AHL only contracts) and college kids will be eligible for the team. If your USA hockey, wouldn't you want guys like Stafford and Gionta on such a team to add leadership and experience? Somewhere, not far from here, d4rk just threw up a little in his mouth and doesn't yet know why. I still think the NHL ends up going. The players want to play, the NHL knows they want to play, they're holding it over their heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darksabre Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 Somewhere, not far from here, d4rk just threw up a little in his mouth and doesn't yet know why. I still think the NHL ends up going. The players want to play, the NHL knows they want to play, they're holding it over their heads. I thought it was the El Nino burrito fighting back. I see now that I was wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleven Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 I really want the players to just tell their teams to off and go to the Olympics anyway. Even if it results in an injury to Eichel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 Somewhere, not far from here, d4rk just threw up a little in his mouth and doesn't yet know why. I still think the NHL ends up going. The players want to play, the NHL knows they want to play, they're holding it over their heads. They already have the schedule out. It would be a logistical nightmare for them to participate at this point. It's not happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taro T Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 Somewhere, not far from here, d4rk just threw up a little in his mouth and doesn't yet know why. I still think the NHL ends up going. The players want to play, the NHL knows they want to play, they're holding it over their heads. They already have the schedule out. It would be a logistical nightmare for them to participate at this point. It's not happening. This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleven Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 They already have the schedule out. It would be a logistical nightmare for them to participate at this point. It's not happening. I've heard rumors of a second schedule in case they strike a deal with the IOC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 I've heard rumors of a second schedule in case they strike a deal with the IOC. Someone mentioned that around here a couple weeks ago. That doesn't work either. Venues are booked, tickets are sold. The thought of moving that stuff around, even if the backup schedule exists, is a complete nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFAN Posted July 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 I think the all-star weekend is Jan 27th and the Olympics Feb 10-25. They'd have to cancel the all-star weekend in TB to do the Olympics. Not happening at this point. The NHL isn't playing this time. The point of this thread is that USA Hockey and the other associations be wise to add a few NHL vets to their teams for both quality of play, and experience. These vets would also be wise to participate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-90 W Posted July 27, 2017 Report Share Posted July 27, 2017 As much as I love the NHL, they sure do push us to the brink as fans at times. Really annoyed that they're trying to ban their players from the Olympics. The league is like a hot chick that knows she can get away with being awful to people lol. On a side note, I bet we'll see Antipin's partner Chris Lee playing for Canada. Also, I seriously hope Ryan Miller makes an appearance, somehow, someway. The 2010 tournament was some of the most exciting hockey I have ever seen, still wish I could find it on dvd somehow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewookie1 Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 The nice thing is, if the NHL doesn't go and Middlestadt plays great at the WJC, he might get a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pi2000 Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 The nice thing is, if the NHL doesn't go and Middlestadt plays great at the WJC, he might get a look. What about AHL? Or Aliso Viejo Ice Palace Div 1 adult league? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFAN Posted July 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 Many here are two young to have actually watched the Miracle on Ice, but the hockey Tourney back then was great. It didn't need to "pros" to be great (the Eastern Bloc teams were essentially pros). This coming Olympics should be just fine. I'm kind of excited to see how the mix of young and old will do. Seeing Mittelstadt getting big time Int experience with NHL vets like a Gionta should enhance his development and be great for us and the Sabres long-term. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 Many here are two young to have actually watched the Miracle on Ice, but the hockey Tourney back then was great. It didn't need to "pros" to be great (the Eastern Bloc teams were essentially pros). This coming Olympics should be just fine. I'm kind of excited to see how the mix of young and old will do. Seeing Mittelstadt getting big time Int experience with NHL vets like a Gionta should enhance his development and be great for us and the Sabres long-term. You had a villain in those days though, which makes anything better. I guess Canada would be that by default right now, but that's a pretty weak villain status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleven Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 You had a villain in those days though, which makes anything better. I guess Canada would be that by default right now, but that's a pretty weak villain status. Exactly, which is why the USSR game is remembered and the Finland game is forgotten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabills Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 Also, my being upset about the NHL not being included has nothing to do with the quality of hockey, I'm sure it's not going to look like a Keystone Cops episode out there. For me its about seeing NHL stars competing for their country. Its like an All-Star game that actually matters. Also, I really want to see Eichel play for USA. Also, I really want to watch Leafs fans be upset about rooting against Matthews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-90 W Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 Also, my being upset about the NHL not being included has nothing to do with the quality of hockey, I'm sure it's not going to look like a Keystone Cops episode out there. For me its about seeing NHL stars competing for their country. Its like an All-Star game that actually matters. Also, I really want to see Eichel play for USA. Also, I really want to watch Leafs fans be upset about rooting against Matthews. So many valid points. Olympics is awesome no matter what but with NHL players it's even more awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTS Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 While many of us are approaching this from the US attitude (very little nationalism)... there are people in other countries who are not happy their country's best players are not able to represent their flag at the Olympics. I am sure they will enjoy rooting for their best players from the other professional leagues but they'll really want the BEST players to be there to give their country the best chance to win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleven Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 While many of us are approaching this from the US attitude (very little nationalism)... there are people in other countries who are not happy their country's best players are not able to represent their flag at the Olympics. I am sure they will enjoy rooting for their best players from the other professional leagues but they'll really want the BEST players to be there to give their country the best chance to win. LOL WUT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-90 W Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 LOL WUT I know right? I could make Uncle Sam blush the way I approach Olympic hockey; even Brazilian soccer fans would roll their eyes at me ???? USA USA USA!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eleven Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 I know right? I could make Uncle Sam blush the way I approach Olympic hockey; even Brazilian soccer fans would roll their eyes at me USA USA USA!!! I was referring more to the facts that we live in a society so patriotic that we play anthems before domestic sporting competitions, pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth before school, and have t-shirts with tear-shedding bald eagles on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darksabre Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 I was referring more to the facts that we live in a society so patriotic that we play anthems before domestic sporting competitions, pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth before school, and have t-shirts with tear-shedding bald eagles on them. Stop, I can only get so erect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Rhea Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 I still think that guys are going to go and play for their country for 2 weeks instead of play for their NHL team for 2 weeks. What's Bettman going to do? Fine them, suspend them, fire them? I don't think Bettman can stop them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunkard Posted July 28, 2017 Report Share Posted July 28, 2017 I still think that guys are going to go and play for their country for 2 weeks instead of play for their NHL team for 2 weeks. What's Bettman going to do? Fine them, suspend them, fire them? I don't think Bettman can stop them. I imagine he can sue or withhold their paychecks. I'm sure there's some kind of standard AWOL clause written into NHL contracts. If that's the case they can probably take any players who don't show up to work to court for breach of contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTS Posted July 29, 2017 Report Share Posted July 29, 2017 LOL WUT I was referring more to the facts that we live in a society so patriotic that we play anthems before domestic sporting competitions, pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth before school, and have t-shirts with tear-shedding bald eagles on them. And yet we care more about the championship of the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA more than any respective world tournament. We would rather see our local teams succeed rather than see our National teams take our best talent and win. Just the way it is. The National Anthem and Pledge are false patriotic traditions that are holdover from an era when we needed to be brainwashed. The most "patriotic" American couldn't give damn about the United States competing against the world. They care about their college football team winning an SEC championship or their NBA team winning the final. Other countries celebrate their internationally successful athletes and their respective sports. In the US we view the Olympics as second fiddle to our big 3 (and some throw hockey in there for #4). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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