The Head Must Shake

Just a short thought. Here is an article from TSN, on the Sedins' upcoming UFA status, and potential new contracts.

Here is my first exhibit, screenshot A:

Here is a quote:

"I think we just need to discuss where they (the Sedins) fit into the marketplace." Barry told the Team 1040. "We need to get into that kind of detail, and we haven't gotten there. We haven't discussed term; we haven't discussed their intention of what kind of term, or ours. So, until we get thru those discussions and term, we probably won't get to the dollar stage."

Wait. Wait just a second...

"So, until we get thru those discussions and term, we probably won't get to the dollar stage."

I know I'm not an arts student, and my application for a posted job, a writing position with the Ottawa Senators, never panned out. But still, does TSN really mean to tell me that "thru" is not only what passes for hockey journalism now, but also the quoting of hockey agents? I mean, it is J.P. Barry, and maybe he doesn't have enough time for full words, what with all the Sundin meetings going on, but still. Not to mention the fact that he's saying this on the Team 1040, and unless it's an email you'd have to be a pretty good psychic to know he really meant to say it 'thru', to be cool and hip like the MSN kids. It's 2am, I just noticed this, and I'm entitled to my belief that I must chuckle that TSN quotes others as having said "thru". Maybe he really did say it in an email, but even when you record a conversation, your transcription's goal is to get the proper intent of the speaker, and I'm pretty sure a professional agent, dealing with players earning millions of dollars, would not want to be quoted as being the guy who said "thru".

Come on, TSN. Come on.

Thus ends my griping for the early morning, goodnight.

Daily News Mystery

From a new mystery player to Tortorella getting a job, news is indeed picking up this month.

From Spector, it appears that there is indeed a mystery right winger coming our way. I had heard the rumour from less trustworthy sources, and ignored it until now. It seems that Binghamton's beat writer Sharp has indeed spoken with Tim Murray, who says that he has a verbal agreement with a right wing who could challenge for a spot in Ottawa alongside Foligno and Bass, and should be a top 6 forward should he stay in the AHL, if he isn't in the top three. I would forget about suspecting Parrish and Murray; I'd have a hard time believing they could drop from their NHL jobs (and pay) down to potentially landing in the AHL, so I'm wondering if it's some unknown character, or a vet wanting to prove he's still got it.

Sharp also points out that Picard is very likely to be playing with the Sens, considering he'd have to clear waivers to wind up in the AHL, along with the fact that he has solid puckmoving skills and hockey sense, both of which are needed in Ottawa this season. The fact that he reminds us of Tampa's reluctance to include him in the Meszaros trade, along with the fact that Meszaros might well flounder as a team's most experienced defenseman and that both Kuba and Picard could do well alongside our solid defensive stalwarts, well it certainly suggests that they might angrily lash out at us by snatching Picard off waivers. But Tampa's GM wouldn't do that, would he? Oh, right, they don't have a GM... just a few assistant GMs, assistant to the GM, and a director of hockey operations. Hmmm...

Tortorella has come on board to work for TSN as a panelist this season, commenting on 60 games alongside other hosts. He is also joined by ex-NHLer Ray Ferraro. His boisterous style, which was both effective and occasionally distracting behind the bench, should further add to the TSN experience. He might well be able to challenge Don Cherry for viewers looking for wild and crazy commentary (and the Hockey Night theme), and it is only fitting that he takes up the post as a wild and crazy commentator, considering that Barry Melrose, who took over Tampa's bench after his departure, was known for exactly the same kind of material.