What the hell, let's start a thread to discuss what's going on over the summer. Obviously things will get really interesting when the draft comes around, and especially after July 1st when all the free agent signings will happen (come home Smytty, we love you!).
But a few interesting things have happened already:
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Ouch. "Hey Jimmy, you did a good job last year, but you're being demoted. And we're bringing in a coach notorious for being a control freak asshole." I can't say I blame him for staying on, he'd have a hard time finding a better job. But that must hurt. That said, Calgary wasn't nearly the team they were under Sutter, and if not for Kipper they'd have been nowhere near as good.
Not sure on the Keenan hiring. Thankfully Sutter is the GM, and other than Sather and Burke he may be the only GM in the league who can keep Keenan under his thumb. It'll be interesting, to say the least. I think Keenan's fairly overrated as far as coaches go, his record is long, but not exactly amazing. No cup that I'm aware of. Barely above .500. Known to have feuded openly with damn near every star on every team he's coached, although Iginla is probably one of the best personalities in the league, so hopefully that won't be an issue. Well actually, I hope the Flaming Cocksuckers fall flat.
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Balsillie's got balls. They're already taking deposits on season tickets and boxes for the Hamilton Predators. He hasn't even successfully bought the team yet, let alone jumped through the hoops to get it relocated. Good (and obvious) to see that there's a lot of support I guess. This will definitely raise eyebrows at the NHL's offices, as well as in Buffalo, Detroit, and Toronto.