2015/16 Playoff Highlights

2015/16 Season Highlights

2014/15 Playoff Highlights

2014/15 Season Highlights

2013/14 Playoff Highlights

2013/14 Season Highlights

2012/13 Playoff Highlights

2012/13 Season Highlights

2011/12 Playoff Highlights

2011/12 Season Highlights

Season 2011/12

Playoffs 2010/11

Season 2010/11

Playoffs 2009/10

Season 2009/10

Season 2008/09

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 Maple Leafs Start Playoffs in Nations Capital

Everything is decided with the exception of some key NHL first round matchups.  We know Toronto is in the playoffs and will start in the Nations Capital, we just don't know yet the capital of what nation.  If the Leafs can get a single point against a Columbus team resting their star players, the Leafs will travel down the road to Ottawa and if not, travel to play Washington.  In the West if Anaheim gets a point, they host Calgary in round one.  If the Ducks lose in regulation and Edmonton wins in regulation, the Oilers will host the first games of the battle of Alberta while the Ducks and Sharks do their own thing in California. 

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Nordiques - Hitmen Battle for Playoffs

The Quebec Nordiques (Matt) will only need to end the day tied with GM Tyson's Hamilton Hitmen for the final playoff spot in the East Division.  Halifax (Shawn) has been remarkable, in fact the highest scoring NHLP team since the Trading Deadline, even without their star players.  The Destroyers put up 7 more points Saturday and moved into second in the Division, a point ahead of Hartford (Andrew) with the tie-breaker for their potential first round matchup very much up in the air on Sunday.  Both teams have 7 man-games Sunday, while half of Shawn's are hurt or resting.  Still should not matter as his half team has outscored a full Hartford team 16-8 this week alone.  Halifax has the tie-breaker.  Both teams could dress as few as three or four players today.  For GM Matt in Quebec things could be bad today, looking like only Lucic and Burakovsky will have to hold off Wennberg, Hedman, Perron, Eberle and Grabner.  Indications are Turris and Hoffman are resting today, hurting both GM's.  It is even possible Wennberg sits for Columbus, further making things tough for GM Tyson who looks like the favorite to grab the final spot in the East Division.

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   Strip Need Three Point Gain

In the highly unlikely but somewhat possible category, the Las Vegas Strip team of GM Vinnie appear his best hope for a playoff team today.  The Strip will send out Nugent-Hopkins, Jenner, Parayko and Parayko with Nash not dressing in hopes of gaining three points on Chicago (Andrew) who looks to have Perry, Brassard, Cogliano and Berglund all going.  The Strip have the tie-breaker so just need to end tied.  Atop the GM Scott has a tall order without Turris, needing three points to finished first and an easier matchup if Chicago is in.  The Titan would need the three from Nugent-Hokins and Skjei if Turris is in-fact out of the Sens lineup as all indications point he will be.  If the Titan can't get to first the high-flying New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) will host either Chicago or Las Vegas, whoever gets the final playoff spot in the Division.

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Crosby In NHLP Playoffs

Although it was anything but easy, GM Tyson knows he is in the playoffs even if unsure of his first round opponent.  Barring the unforeseen today Cleveland will get Boston (Ryan) unless GM Matt has a big day in Cincinnati and overtake Cleveland for third.  It would seen highly unlikely Toronto (Chad) will be in the playoffs, only having Saad and Grabner and needing a huge four point gain on GM Matt's four playing players who also have the tie-breakers.  The NHLP playoffs page will be updated tomorrow and sheets will be sent out.  NHLP tie-breaking picks will be posted and emailed and GM's are asked to make their picks so the site can be ready for game one of the NHLP playoffs.

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Toronto Needs Two

The NHLP season ends today for some NHLP teams who only have 7 man games left and everyone playing today.  The issue in some tight races will be that of resting players where it could be costly having a top scorer out of the lineup today and tomorrow.  As far as the NHL games go, many are huge today for things just are not decided in many places.  Of course Tampa Bay is still alive, as are the Islanders, both hoping Pittsburgh, playing a meaningless game, ices a competitive team against Toronto.  The Leafs need two points between Pittsburgh Saturday and Columbus Sunday or risk losing out on some complicated tie-breaking procedures.  If Toronto doesn't win either, the Islanders will be in if they win both games in regulation against New Jersey and Ottawa.  Of course Tampa will have to have the Islanders lose one if Toronto only gets a point in their final two games and must win in regulation.  

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Toronto and Cincinnati Battle for Fifth & Playoff Spot

The North Division is anything but decided heading into the final two days of the NHLP season.  GM Jr's Dallas team holds down fourth spot, but are out unless Tampa pulls off a mini-miracle and somehow still gets into the NHL playoffs.  Failing that, Dallas will penalty out leaving the real battle now for 5th place.  GM Matt has the upper hand in Cincinnati where his Rage have two more man games and technically three if Krug is out for GM Chad's Leafs.  Cincy is a point ahead of Toronto but only has to tie in the end and they are in on the strength of the NHLP's third tie-breaker, most goals from playoff players, sitting with over 20 more than the Leafs.  Although in 3rd place, Cleveland (Tyson) could still be out if a colosso-collapse occurs.  We think Crosby is playing, which will help the Fury who are in by 5 points if Dallas penalties out.  the fury would need two teams to pass them, so things get easier if Toronto makes the NHL playoffs.  It has been a great Division to follow and this weekend could be exciting if things come down to Sunday in the NHL and NHLP.

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 Blackhawks Hope for Islanders

Without Tavares GM Andrew in Chicago has outscored Buffalo (Joel) 5-1 this week and has a 5 point lead in the South Division.  Andrew is hoping the Islanders can still get in and it just might happen if the Toronto Maple Leafs choke, ending with two straight loses.  GM Joel only needs to tie Andrew if the Islanders are out, then having a full playoff team to just 6 for Chicago.  If Andrew gets in with Tavares, everything can change.  Without Tavares, the top two teams battling for first in the Division would likely smoke GM Andrew the first round.  Even GM Vinnie is only 5 points out as well in Las Vegas, but with three players injured and suspended.  There is a lot to play for here this final weekend. 
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Now or Never

GM's Matt (Quebec) and Tyson (Hamilton) are separated by a single point in the East Division race for 4th while somehow GM Shawn has made it to the final weekend, still alive in Halifax.  The Destroyers have three players hurt but are thankful that the St Louis blues are in a battle, meaning Tarasenko will play at least on Saturday.  Sitting with the most man-games left at 14, but technically only 8 if his three injured players sit the final two games each.  Halifax is not a show in to make it in, but would have to be passed by both Quebec and Hamilton who are likely more worried about each other.  Making matters worse is GM Tyson is without Weber this weekend while GM Matt has Marchand suspended.  The CTR had predicted GM Shawn would end with 364 points, what they have today with 14 man games left.  Quebec was expected to get 368 and may still finish with that number by end of games Sunday.  This is coming down to the final games and will be a great race to enjoy this final weekend of a long season.

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Boston Has GM's Breathing Sigh of Relief

If there ever was doubt, there is no more.  Now the question isn't if the Bruins are in, but rather, how far can they go?  NHLP GM's went heavy on the Boston Bruins, risking their seasons in belief that the Bruins were nothing more than slow starters.  A number of NHLP teams will now benefit from their big scoring Bruins and the Bruins could still be a home team in the NHL first round and even win the entire Division with the Rangers, Habs, Sens and Leafs.  One of either Boston, Ottawa or Toronto will finish 8th and play Washington in the first round.  The Caps likely want nothing to do with Toronto or Boston, two teams that seem to be peaking.  The NHL season ends Sunday.

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Destroyed!!!

GM Shawn heard the bad news he has been dreading for a while now.  It is official, Letang will not be back in the playoffs this season.  In February it was revealed he had an herniated disk, but they had hoped he would avoid surgery.  After another MRI it was now revealed he would have to undergo the surgery, putting him out 4 to 6 months.  This is a crucial blow for the team who had one of the best Penguins teams with Malkin, Guentzel and Letang.  "The threesome would have been unbeatable on a Pens run" said Muddy Capone.  The Destroyers are still in, three points up on Hamilton (Tyson) for the final playoff spot in the East Division.  Without Letang's first round scoring team becomes less a deadly force in a round one matchup with elite teams Carolina (Joel) or Hartford (Andrew).  For Shawn he was looking like this was his year, but already the difficulty of having a perfect season are now starting to show as the final days of the season unwind.

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This Is It

For the Tampa Bay Lightening, this truly is it.  a matchup with the Boston Bruins, that even winning stills leaves them shy of a playoff spot, but losing means they are surely going to be out.  If the Bolts lose tonight the most any current non playoff team can get to will be 94 points. So a Bruins win puts them in the NHL Playoffs after a up and down crazy season, that has seen them on the brink every other day and just yesterday, a first round home team in the Division.  The Leafs would need a single point and the Sens just win (depending on tie-breakers) to get in.  Of course another lose by the Bolts would also be enough.  Where things get really interesting is if the Bruins lose tonight.  Boston would then only have two games left, Ottawa and Washington.  So suddenly if the Bruins lose, that Ottawa game becomes huge.  One team must get two points, but one team will likely get non, leaving a slim crack for the Bolts to yet get in.  What the Bruins have going for them is they only have to tie anyone, while the Bolts and Sens look like they have to get ahead as tied in points means they will be out.  If the Bolts win tonight the Leafs schedule gets more interesting with Washington, Tampa, Pittsburgh and Columbus still yet to play.  So what we are trying to say is, if Tampa wins tonight, this isn't it, it is only the beginnning.

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Be Careful What You Wish for

GM Charlie just lost Kunitz in Phoenix for the first round of the NHLP playoffs.  Kunitz was projected to get 2 to 3 first round points.  "It is often the little things that change everything" said Muddy Capone, "GM's match up just right, or wrong, or a small injury kills a teams cup hopes...just like that."  Everything must go right to win it all.  Everything.  sometimes GM's hope for a matchup and in the end, it was the wrong one for them.  Maybe they score high in the first round and would have knocked out their second round opponent, but then they are out matched come round two.  There is no league in the world where so many things matter.  The NHL matchups, NHLP matchups, every injury to every player.  Every single NHLP Champion catches breaks.  You can't win without them.  GM's are hoping to make it in and those in, have a favorite matchup in mind already.  Sometimes, playing the weaker team in the first round, means you avoided the best team.  Taking them out yourself could actually be what clears your path.  As of today, no NHLP matchups are certain, but we can call about two or three, but not with certainly as a 7 point night be a team changes all that.  The final week is going to set up the matches.  Be careful what you wish for.  Often it turns out to be the thing that costs you your shot at a Championship.

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 Crazy-Good or Crazy-Bad?

We keep waiting for the Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) to fall out of a playoff spot.  They have been without top guns Malkin and Letang for years now but yet with 27 player games remaining in the season the team is still 2 points up on 5th.  With the St Louis Blues one of the most deadly teams in the NHL right now over their last 10 games, this team with Tarasenko, Steen and Pietrangelo along with their three Penguins can really make some noise in the playoffs.  With top players like Malkin, Tarasenko and Zuccarello, neither GM's Joel or Andrew who sit 1-2 in the Division want to play a healthy Halifax team, maybe in any round.  For GM Shawn this will be a crazy week, but is it crazy-good or crazy-bad.  This is not the team you can miss with.  The kind of team that "would have" won it all, had they got in when we look back at how things unfold.  Each passing man-game leaving them in is a great feeling, but come Sunday and if meaningless games  are on tap for the Pens and Blues, do guys like Tarasenko dress or play meaningful minutes?  All Halifax must do is beat one of Quebec(Matt) who can penalty out if either the Bruins or Sens miss, or Hamilton (Tyson) who is missing Weber.  How Halifax is staying this close is beyond us.  For GM Shawn he just has to do it for 27 more man games and likely this team produces a full 7 players in game one of the playoffs.  Is it crazy-good or crazy-bad?

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Panik Time Yet?

GM Joel must be a little hot under the collar right now.  His 7 players play 3 games each for just 21, or less man-games left on the season.  With Zucker day to day, the team may play more or less then the Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) team who's four games from Tavares won't be used this week.  The Sabres have the tie-breaker if they can gain a single point on the Hawks as GM Joel has a full 7 playoff players and the Hawks will miss either Tavares, Brassard or Backes.  although not etched in stone yet the 4th place team looks like they will play New Orleans (Shawn) with Kane, Toews and Couture.  With three Blackhawks the Sabres feel they will be a much stiffer competition in round one where man-games of 5 players on each team (Wolverines-Sabres) will be matched up on the same teams making for a very interesting series.  For GM Joel it appears Panik and Panik must have a great finish this week or it may end in disaster, so a much less team built by GM Andrew.  The Blackhawks appear to be an easy matchup for anyone and who's at best can steal a more deserving spot from another team.  Knowing how bad this team is, Joel must be a little more disappointed it has come to this.  Joel himself said there was "No Panik in Buffalo".  Well if there isn't today, Panik's season might just end on Saturday when the NHL Hawks play their final game of the season.

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Malkin & Letang - 17 Minutes, 23 Seconds

GM Shawn gave the points and GM Jr gave the players.  It was an NHLP theme this season for GM Shawn, having all the points and acquiring names like Toews, Malkin, Parise, and Letang in the three separate deals the two GM's made this season.  For Halifax, the combined 56 points lost in deals for Malkin and Letang have to really smart, knowing the team is without these players again Sunday as they hold onto a slim two point lead for the final playoff spot in the East Division.  Since the GM's traded the two players, Shawn has not got one game from Letang and only one game, 17:23 of ice time from Malkin.  "The trade was announced March 15th at 4 PM and Malkin's last time on the ice was before 10 PM that night" said Muddy Capone.  The Destroyers have hung on while Hamilton (Tyson) has gained 4 and Quebec (Matt) three points over the past two weeks.  The Destroyers have by a wide margin the highest scoring team in the entire NHLP, when healthy.  Without the bodies against healthy teams it has been a struggle.  GM Shawn could yet have three teams, or just one, in the NHLP playoffs.  The GM has done it all this season and things can truly go either way in the next 8 days.  Gonna be a stressful week for the GM with real Cup aspirations in 2017.

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Gamblers Hold On To Vin's Best Chance

GM Vinnie still has two shots at a playoff team but it is the Stastny-less Gamblers who have the best shot, sitting one point ahead of GM Chad's Penguins.  Chad has three Bruins and three Preds, and can still penalty out, but although the Bruins look like a safer wager then yesterday, the Gamblers still have the final playoff spot.  Chad has only gained a single point the last two weeks so it is reasonable to believe this will be tight through the final games next week.  Vinnie will have the man game advantage in a big way after the Bruins finish their season early Saturday.  Atlantic City is the highest rated team of GM Vinnie's and his best shot at a playoff spot and a playoff run for the Cup in 2017.

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Tampa Loses Two Crucial Points

If Tampa Bay was in the drivers seat, they are no longer.  They must now gain at least a single point on Boston and win the teams head to head against the Bruins to make the NHL playoffs.  Sunday see's the Bruins against a tough Chicago team that can almost just rest players the rest of the way.  The Blackhawks can only play for the Presidents Cup in the NHL, trying to catch 3 points on Washington who has a game at hand.  Chicago will likely ice a full team today, but they likely won't next weekend.  GM Jr in Dallas must have a huge day today, including points, a Tampa win and Bruins loss or tie to give him back the hope.  The Stars are two points back of Cleveland (Tyson) who's cup hopes rest on a playoff spot and having Crosby carry the team to a Championship.  GM Chad is also just two points back of Cleveland where the NHLP Champions in Toronto are still hoping for back to back cups, or at least the opportunity to play in the show starting on the 12th.

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   Tavares Shut Down For Season
 
With just a week left in the NHL season, the NY Islanders have said Tavares is week-to-week, meaning he won't play again if they don't make the post season.  The Islanders lost some easy games after showing all kinds of early potential under new coach Doug Weight.  For NHLP GM Andrew it is likely the final straw in his post season hopes.  The Blackhawks are tied for the last playoff spot and now without their top scorer over the final 30 man games.  After Sunday's games all NHLP teams will have between 21 and 29 man games to go for the final week.  GM Joel has his own injury with Zucker hurt in Buffalo, sitting three points behind Chicago and Miami (Charlie) who are without Vatrano, sitting the team tied with Chicago.  Sunday is a big day in this race as 19 of the 21 players on those teams play.

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Big Name Hunting

The NHLP Trading Deadline isn't always about the Blockbuster deals and the big names.  Often it is about getting that guy that no one else really even sees, or knows of, adding him to put your team over the top.  Even if it only turns out that way!  We can't say that these players below put their NHLP Winning Teams over the top, but they were players on the winning teams and many of them made a huge difference, a few made 'the difference'.  Although there isn't an unknown on every team (like 2006 Schneider, 2008 Gionta, 2009 Rolston and 2014 Coyle, maybe some of the best teams to win), almost every single season there has been at least one player with his name on the NHLP Cup that will likely never get a single vote to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame...But in the NHLP, we will forever call them a CHAMPION!
  (I had to add two guys to a few years for I was so torn)

1990 - Petr Klima
1991 - Bob Probert, Kevin Hatcher
1992 - James Patrick, Ulf Dahlen
1993 - Glen Wesley
1994 - Oleg Petrov
1995 - Sylvain Cote
1996 - Robert Svehla, Vladimir Konstantinov
1997 - Darren McCarty, Martin Lapointe
1998 - Dave Manson, Jason Woolley
1999 - Dave Reid
2000 - Lubos Bartecko, Rob Zamuner
2001 - Martin Gelinas?
2002 - Sean Hill
2003 - Derek Morris
2004 - Curtis Brown
2006 - Matthieu Schneider?
2007 - Trent Hunter
2008 - Brian Gionta?  Wow!
2009 - Brian Rolston?
2010 - Niklas Hjalmarsson
2011 - Andrej Sekera
2012 - Tyler Kennedy, Jannik Hansen
2013 - Bryan Bickell?
2014 - Charlie Coyle?
2015 - Jiri Sekac
2016 - Craig Smith?

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How The West is Won?

Four NHLP teams sitting with some big player names are all sitting within 3 points of being in or out of a playoff spot in the NHLP's West Division.  Vancouver (Joel) has the top rated of the four teams and 287 points, two up on Green Bay (Ryan) holding down the 4th spot and three up on Calgary (Jr) and Seattle (Shawn) both a point out of fourth and three out of third.  For Joel he just got Sheary back, still making him the best pick of the four to stay in.  GM Jr has the lone injury of the teams with Stastny still not set to return while Green Bay can still be a penalty out if the Bruins miss.  GM Shawn made a number of moves and added players like Thornton and Kesler to go along with Pacioretty in what he hoped would be a long Storm playoff run.  With just over a week to go in the season the West Division will be fun to follow down the stretch.

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 Leafs 8 To Move Within 1

GM Chad had a huge night and the 8 points from Toronto have the team only a single point of of 4th in the North Division.  The reigning NHLP Champions still have a shot to make the playoffs.  "This could be a major shocker" said Muddy Capone who's CTR recently said Toronto would struggle to make it in.  If Chad gets this team in, the Boston Bruins will have to make the playoffs and will likely be at the cost of Cleveland (Tyson) the top rated team in the Division missing the playoffs with a team with Crosby.  GM Jr is one point up on both Cleveland and Toronto in Dallas, but is currently sitting with a penalty for three Bolts.  If Tampa Bay wins their last 6 games of the NHL season, and they will have Johnson and Stamkos back next game, they are in the playoffs regardless of what anyone else does.  Tampa and Boston have one head to head game, so as long as Tampa matches Boston and wins that game, Tampa will be in.  The North Division could go many ways over the next week with GM's cup hopes squarely on scoring down the stretch and potential penalty outs.

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Colorado Reign's Supreme

The NHLP Yearbook has finished with the West Conference Power Rankings and found the NHLP's most powerful team.  GM Chad who just won his third NHLP championship last season has the pre-playoffs top rated team in the NHLP in Colorado.  The Avs are the NHLP's Millennial Cup winnings of 2000, the GM's first Cup.  This years team has two Caps, Wild and Ranger players and can easily have a team that can score with 7 second round players.  "They will be hard to beat at any time" said Muddy Capone who helped analyze all the NHLP teams this season.  How strong are your teams?  Check it out.

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Career High 11 Moves Rage From 5th

The Cincinnati Rage had GM Matt in a tough spot, a full 7 points out of a playoff spot.  Monahan and Steen had 4 point night each and Ferland added two and Pietrangelo one for the biggest night GM Matt has ever had in 9 years as an NHLP GM.  "We needed that" said Matt who moved all the way into third in the North Division, leaving Cleveland, GM Tyson's Crosby team now out of the playoffs.  Although GM Jr's New Jersey Devils hit the NHLP all-time record of 17 points in a night in the Playoffs, it is very uncommon to have a Big Night after the NHLP Trading Deadline.  "It only makes sense" said Muddy Capone, "All high scoring non-playoff players have been replaced on the rosters, making scoring down the stretch more difficult."  In 1800 previous hockey nights Matt had never had an 11, meaning of course still not a 12, something done 35 times in 306 GM man years.  So that means it takes about 8 GM years to have a 12 point night.  So with next year being year 10 GM Matt has fallen behind the curve but has 12 more years to get one to tie his buddy GM Andrew who only has one in 21 GM years.  The Rage are now 4 points ahead of 5th.  The Fury are the top CTR team in the Division and between the two is Dallas (Jr) who is in, but automatically out without the Bolts in, meaning all this race would be for not.  It was a memorable night for GM Matt but the goal is still getting Cincinnati to the post season, something else not accomplished just yet.

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Halifax Has Unexpected Huge Night

When you are three points up on 5th and have three players, including your top scorer injured, with only 50 man games prior to season's end, there is no better time in the world to have a huge scoring night.  For GM Shawn, it wasn't looking good.  A late season rash of injuries has the team in a battle for their playoff lives.  With only his three healthy Blues playing, Steen, Tarasenko and Pietrangelo combined for a whopping 8 points, to move the Destroyers 11 points up on Quebec (Matt).  Every point here will be huge and all those points might be needed as it was projected to be very close, but this night will help Halifax.  Quebec has all 7 players playing tonight including Marchand, Bergeron, Lucic, Stone and Turris, a potential of an 8 point night of their own.  This will be an exciting race to follow.  Of course Boston had some help last night, but needs their own win tonight, or Halifax may not have to worry about points if Quebec penalties out down the stretch.

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Eastern Conference Power Rankings In

Two Conferences down and just one to go.  What NHLP team is the best in each Conference and what team is best in the entire league?  The NHLP Yearbook never holds back.  We would not be doing our job if we sugar coated every single thing.  We dish out the good on the deserving and the nasty on the ugly.  Should it be any other way?  If you don't like it...do fucking better next year!

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Islanders - Bolts - Canes

The NHL Standings in the Eastern Conference are coming down the wire.  NHLP Cup runs depend on it every game.  Tonight the Islanders (Nashville), Bolts (Chicago) and Hurricanes (Red Wings) all try and close the gap on the Bruins.  By winning games at hand, the Islanders could tie the Bruins tonight while Tampa Bay and Carolina could be 1 point back of the final playoff spot by winning games at hand, the Hurricanes having two.  Carolina has the Red Wings on the second half of back to back and the third of three in a row.  NHL teams do not play three in a row, however an ice issue early in the season has forced the Wings to play 3 straight days.  What is really interesting is the final weekend on the NHL schedule.  Would you rather be done and watch on TV or know what you have to do, even needing to win, and go out and play?  Well, the Bruins are watchers.  After the Bruins season ends:

Leafs play home to Pittsburgh and Columbus
Islanders play in New Jersey and home to Ottawa
Carolina home to St Louis then to Philly
Tampa Bay home to Buffalo

So the Bruins had better get to winning.  If all those teams are tied or a point behind and they all have two more games to play the final weekend after your last game ends, you are in trouble.  Things are tense!

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6 Days - 6 Divisions

The CTR has been busy and so far the Central Conference, North and South have been completed.  What was each teams best and worst drafted players?  What was each teams best and worst moves of the total moves they made?  Who has the strength and can your team win it all?  Check out the CTR and see who is the best right now in the Central Conference. 

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Seasons Top Team - Playoff Predictor

The CTR has been around for as long as any NHLP GM can remember.  Trying to predict which NHLP teams are strongest, and then when the playoffs come, which will go on to win.  The CTR or Cup Threat Ratings puts out its seasons Power Rankings which are very different from the Playoff predictions.  Of course sheer power isn't guess work for the CTR.  It is a strict formula, no guess work involved.  It takes each NHLP teams roster and evaluates players performances against each NHL teams standings.  If a player plays on the top NHLP team, Chicago or Washington, he is valued higher then an 8th seeded player.  Sure the 8th place team could go on and win the Cup.  It does happen.  However, the CTR does not get into what ifs, but just pure standings and performance.  So the CTR will determine who the best NHLP teams are.  Will they win?  Well, come playoffs, the CTR predicts each NHLP series, with a remarkable 80% accuracy rate.  Not 100%, but 80% is respectable.  Come playoffs, the CTR then knows NHL matchups, NHLP team rosters, injuries, NHLP matchups and we try all over again.  Sometimes we succeed in picking the teams that go far, but every year has that 20% of the series that don't go as expected.  That what makes it fun.  It isn't easy, but we love trying.  Who will be the favorite, get cursed this season.  Stay tune, we love letting everyone know what we think.  And, right or wrong, we will...

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 Must Win for Tampa Bay

With a lose Thursday night against Boston, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be at least 7 points clear of a playoff spot with just 9 games to play.  Tampa does not have the first tie-breaker of any team they can tie, so must finish at least a point up on 9th place to get into 8th.  The Bolts completely blew it last game against the lowly Coyotes, leaving two points in the desert and just maybe their season, even with a win tonight.  For many NHLP GM's, well make that EVERY GM, you are either cheering hard tonight for a Bruins win, or just very hard for them to lose.  If the Bruins miss the playoffs no less then four NHLP Teams penalty out.  There are teams without two Bruins that may also penalty out if the Bruins miss.  For example with the Bruins and Islanders miss, Chicago (Andrew) would penalty out.  With Dallas (Jr) currently facing a penalty with the Bolts, if the Bruins miss, so do Toronto (Chad), meaning Cincinnati (Matt) currently in 5th would be in.  In addition to those who penalty out, 9 other teams will lose a single player if the Bruins miss, including first place NHLP teams.  If the Bruins lose to Tampa Tonight, they will be in at nights end, however the NY Islanders will have two games at hand and be two points behind.  That means even with a Bruins win, the Islanders can catch them by even games.  The Bruins just lost to Toronto and Ottawa, play Tampa tonight and the Islanders Saturday.  As was said at the NHLP Trading Deadline, if they went 1-3 or 0-4 over that stretch, they may be in trouble.  So far, they can at best go 2-2.

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Hedman In League THREE Times

The updates are not complete, but the NHLP appears to have a major fuckup.  "It happens" said Muddy Capone, "Things do get haywire at the meetings."  After Dallas (Jr) and Hamilton (Tyson) both added Hedman, the New York Islanders (Ryan) were somehow able to add Hedman, Johnson, Point and Orlov in a single Transaction to the Minors.  The Islanders are well back and both the Stars and Hitmen are out as well.  The final updates as well as meeting hi-lights are yet to come, likely still today.

UPDATE:

This is not the first time this happened.  "There is nothing we can do now" said GM Jr, "We all missed it."  The league has announced all teams will stay the same, but if both St Louis and Boston miss the NHL playoffs, the NY Islanders (Ryan) would be in if Tampa got in and what a playoff team that would be.  Ryan would look good on a Bolts run with Hedman, Johnson and Point.

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GM's Come Between Two GM's

Things got so heated NHLP GM's had to step between GM's Andrew or Matt.  "Would have been a fucking awesome battle" said one GM who asked not to be named, then added, "But here I am, the little French guy right between them."  GM Andrew was in rare form, feeding Matt Andrew's views on building a Cup winning team.  "It seemed to have peeved Andrew that someone had a different view" said GM Scott who witnessed the shenanigans.  Andrew clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was in a fowl mood most of the day.  As for Matt he didn't back down.  "I had my own way and it works for me" said Matt, "I don't care how he builds winning teams, I will win it my way."  Matt feels his strategy of getting a playoff team in and letting the cards fall from there is a fair strategy, while 6 time winner GM Andrew had non of it.  "I don't believe in just making it, you have to build to win it all" Andrew said.  We can only hope these two meet somewhere in the playoffs.

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Shawn's Best Season - Now a Cup?

GM Shawn landed the biggest player of the day, adding Toews from Calgary (Jr) as well as the Flames Waiver next season, for GM Shawn his 5th of the year.  Everything during the season went Shawn's way, a great draft and run with numerous trades to 15 or more.  In New Orleans the first round team is one for the ages, Kane, Toews, Seabrook, Couture, Parise, Gallagher and Stafford.  "That is the kind of team that can walk to a Championship" said Muddy Capone.  The issue is as always, everything must fall perfectly into place for the Wolverines and likely will take a Chicago run to win it all.  In Halifax the GM has Malkin, Letang and Guentzel with the rookie the only healthy one and only 4 points up on a playoff spot.  With three Blues including Tarasenko it would seem a Pens run could be all it takes for the Destroyers, if they can even get in.  Seattle finds themselves a whopping 6 points out with no hope of a penalty in front anywhere, meaning Jumbo Joe Thornton, Kesler and Pacioretty must score huge down the stretch to even see playoff action.  Shawn traded a ton of points and may have cut things too thin, but if he gets in and stays in elsewhere, this could be his season to finally rule the NHLP.

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Expansion on Horizon

It is official.  The NHLP GM's voted to move forward, accepting applications for at least two new GM's in 2017/18.  The league would welcome back 11 year veteran GM Glenny if Glen decides he wants one of what appears to be six expansion teams.  "This could open the door to Barrie Island" said Muddy Capone, "With Joel's dream of having a team there, likely allowing another GM to take Carolina while Barrie Island finally becomes reality with expansion."  The league is not disclosing who the other potential GM's would be, but rumors persist both GM's Sean and Johnny are on the short list of potential candidates.  The NHLP has never ran with more than 12 GM's but is excited about the potential possibility of moving into uncharted territory as the league nears season 30. 

Potential NHLP Expansion Teams

Anaheim Ducks
Atlanta Thrashers
Barrie Island 1/2 Chance Stumblers
Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota Gull
Nashville Predators
New Jersey Devils
Ottawa Senators
San Diego Griffins
San Jose Sharks
Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals
Winnipeg Jets

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Iconic Bet Made at Trading Deadline

NHLP GM's had another round of bets made at the Trading Deadline, including of the most iconic bets the league has been witness to in 27 years.  "I only wish we made the bet 27 years ago" said GM Scott.  GM Charlie bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs would win the NHL's Stanley Cup before GM Scott's choice, the Winnipeg Jets.  Then making the same bet were GM's Marcel and Andrew who took Montreal and Toronto.  The bets start this season with all four GM's adding in 20 to the pot and the pots grow each each until a winner.  These are separate bets between the GM's, so Marcel won't lose to a Jets Cup but both GM's Scott and Marcel will be out if the Leafs ever win a Cup in our lifetimes before the Jets or now Montreal.

More Bets...

NHL First Round Scoring
Shawn has Keith
Matt has Staal

The Bolts are IN
Shawn says Tampa Bay makes NHL playoffs
Matt says Toronto makes NHL playoffs
GM Scott says - "I didn't bet these two, but I hope they both make it in and Boston can penalty out 4 NHLP teams and lose in total 19 players off playoff teams"

Playoff Points - Must Lead or Tie Outright, or No Bet
Marcel - Crosby
Shawn - Kane
Matt - Kessel
Joel - Backstrom
Chad - Burns
Andrew - Pavelski
Scott - Collectively the Nashville Roster
ok, Scott - Forsberg

Conn Smythe - Win it or No Bet
Scott - Forsberg
Matt - Keith
Chad - Crosby
Marcel - LMFAO - Price
Charlie - Kane
Andrew - Burns
Joel - Holby
Shawn - Toews

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Wait Over - Malkin a Destroyer

GM Shawn found the perfect fit for Kucherov, adding the perfect low number in Andrighetto who's 11 points will help unload Eichel and Eichel who had served their purpose but maybe held onto a little to long.  Halifax who gave 19 points added Malkin, one of the most desirable players in the entire NHLP.  For GM Jr it simply came down to there weren't any better options left for Dallas who could do quite well with the Deal, or not.  Dallas did add 19 points and Kucherov and Nash and win the deal if Tampa Bay can make the NHL playoffs.  It is extremely unlikely at this point that the Stars can get off Kucherov, still 7 points out of a playoff spot and needing someone to score down the stretch.  This would all be great if Tampa is in fact a playoff team, but if not, losing your highest scoring player for round one won't likely turn into a long playoff run.  As for the Destroyers, they are now in 4th, a single point up and still must unload Eichel, Eichel and Andrighetto.  The team is currently carrying Letang, a perfect fit with Malkin but there will be questions as to if this team can carry an injured player past the deadline as teams react around them to this trade.  Both GM's could easily win this deal yet in the end, both could be non playoff teams or lose this deal depending one how things unfold.  The NHLP Yearbook knew there were little chances of a huge 20 point deal left and this makes it even more bleak as almost every Division is now so tight.  There are still good players out of the playoffs like Pavelski and Toews, but is their even points and can the numbers work or did those GM's leave those star players on their rosters too long. We will likely know more within the next three days as the Deadline is Saturday.
 
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Yearbook Connects GMs for Blockbuster

GM Andrew admitted it was some great legwork by the NHLP Yearbook that helped move his Blockbuster along.  "It was right there on the NHLP Homepage" said Andrew, "If you need points, talk to Seattle, and we did."  Seattle (Shawn) was up 38 points and moved half those in landing Thornton, Niskanen and Buchnevich, going from 1st place to 4th place in the West Division.  Andrew feels his Chicago team did well with 19 points and an Elite playoff player in return.  "I am very happy with two Ducks, now we can build from here" the GM stated about Perry and Cogliano, two of the three coming back with the 19 points.  The final piece was Pearson leaving the Blackhawks 100 non playoff points from Tavares and Pearson.  The Hawks will either eat Tavares or bully the Minors for the players needed, even take a chance on Tampa Bay players.  He may not be the only one as the NHL Eastern Conference standings continue to tighten as do the NHLP standings.  This move may have signaled the end of the 20 point deals this season as every Division has tightened and even those with 20 points to move, are not structured in a way they will likely move their top players points.  "Suddenly we have hit that time in the standings when things get to be claw and scratch" said Muddy Capone, "Every point every night from here on out cannot be understated."  Clearly, the races are on.

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Two Divisions Tighten

GM's Matt and Scott got together in an 11 point deal this afternoon.  Quebec added Doughty and 11 points to really make the East Division much tighter, only 19 points now separating the high flying Halifax (Shawn) team and 5th place.  The Atlantic now has 4 teams separated by just 4 points from 2nd to 5th.  Philadelphia goes from 2nd to 5th, but now has a full 7 playoff players.  "This is how this time of year changes over and over" said Muddy Capone, "After each deal teams now can do something they previously didn't think they could do or can't now do something that they thought they could."  The NHLP Trading Deadline, the final day transactions of any kind may be made on the season, is now just four days away.

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Central - North Division

Montreal (Marcel) up 24 with Johnson 44 and Little 36 - Seems unlikely GM Marcel will stay on Tampa Bay, being in first but the GM has recently said he is happy with his teams.  Has enough points to go to the Minors and outbid most others for two players.

Boston (Ryan) up 16 with 7 playoff players.  Appears set.

Cincinnati (Matt) up 14 with Barkov 43 and Palat 35 - Has a good low out with Boedker 22 so will likely set a full 7 from the Minors.

Cleveland (Tyson) up 9 with Rust 25 who is an injury pick any day.  Crosby's team, so will do anything to get a spot.  Will have to react when the lower teams come up, as may teams in front.

Toronto (Chad) back 9 with Pearson 41 - The defending Cup champs will struggle to make it in.  When they move into the race, everyone else ahead is set to move as well.  Has low number in Gallagher 20 to help move Pearson.  Has assets as does everyone here.

Dallas (Jr) back 23 with Faksa 30 and Andrighetto 11 - No issue getting points to go to the minors, but back 23 will be no easy climb only then to force the hands of the teams he passes.  Seems things were left to late.  Malkin 72 is the man every playoff team would love, but even with Andrighetto that is 83 in an even point trade and the team needs 23 to get into 4th.  Lots of work and likely done.

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Central - South Division

New Orleans (Shawn) up 43 with a set team of 7 playoff players.  Assuming  Kane, Keith and couture don't move, the next two highest have 72 points.  GM Shawn is open to giving points but will not be able to use many of his 43 to improve.

Miami (Charlie) up 37 with Nylander 48, Kopitar 40 and Bjugstad 9 - Thanks to the low number GM Charlie can use his points to easily have 7 playoff players.  Doubtful he will take the chance on Nylander, being up 37 and risk 6 playoff guys, but he can do what he wants.  Is a team that can make a huge deal within the league for decent points.

San Fran (Scott) up 20 with Leddy 37 - GM Scott can trade Leddy within or to the Minors.

Buffalo (Joel) up 13 with one of the best teams in the league.  Will just react, moving what he must to keep a spot when he sees what GM's Andrew and Vinnie do.

Chicago (Andrew) back 13 with Tavares 58 - even with Buchnevish that is 76 for 2 players.  Likely cannot get into a bidding war so will have to settle for what he can get.  May have to eat Tavares, something the GM just cannot stomach.  So Thornton 45 seems gone already which sets off the chain reaction to follow.  Won't be easy ending with a full 7 or making it in. 

Las Vegas (Vinnie) back 18 with van Riemsdyk 51 and Ladeskog 28 - Has Pavelski with a difficult 61 to move.  Even with low Ryan is 85 in even deal.  Vinnie may have to eat JVR, almost for certain.  Both Ryan and Ryan are injury drops but the GM must not see anything he likes at 24.  Likely can't get in.

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East - Atlantic Division

Memphis (Jr) - up 9 with full 7 players

Philadelphia (Scott) up 9 with Doughty 38 he is looking to trade or will drop to the Minors.

Atlantic City (Vinnie) up 2 with Kadri 50, Nylander 48 and Yandle 33 - Assuming St Louis is in now Stastny's 39 isn't an issue.  GM Vinnie is in no position to not eat his two Toronto guys, meaning if they fall to Tampa Bay or Islanders, this team will penalty out.  Goal could be to unload one.  Yandle is low enough that can be dropped.

New York Rangers (Charlie) up 2 with what we will call 7 playoff players.  Big huge win for his two Blues last night.  If he keeps them both, he could penalty out if they crash and burn their final 12 games at the meeting.  But appear well safe today.

Pittsburgh (Chad) back 2 with three Bruins.  Man have they turned it on.  Chad now has 7 playoff players as no one is likely counting those Bruins out anymore.

Montreal (Marcel) back 37 with Klingberg 40, Huberdeau 13 and Huberdeau 13.  GM Marcel also has Matthews 55, Marner 54 and Marner 54, but that is his only hope.  They finish strong and get in.  He has enough scoring that if he can get 20 back somehow, maybe he can score in with those three playing 12 games after the Deadline.  He has hope someone Penalties, if he can catch one guy.  Likely out.

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East - East Division

Halifax (Shawn) up 27 with Kucherov 69, Eichel 47, Eichel 47 - If it wasn't for a St Louis win last night, add in Tarasenko.  Only up 27 and this spells horrible first place team.  GM Shawn easily has the points to trade within the league, but will that deal only kill the other team he trades with?  It might be worth a shot for some desperate team.  Can the GM just hold onto Kucherov and risk a 6 man playoff team for a first place team?  Tampa could go to the Cup, they were preseason favorites.  Tough decisions but enough for a blockbuster with the league for the first team to scoop up these points.

Hamilton (Tyson) up 13 with Carter 59 and Bozak 46 - Not a great position.  GM Tyson should be shopping within, even if he moves out and comes back up, least he has 7 playoff players.  This could be get bleak the longer he has these two.

Carolina (Joel) up 8 with Gaborik 18 - here is a team that can add a non playoff player with Gabby's low number, so things are looking good thanks to the well structured team.

Hartford (Andrew) up 8 with a full 7.  A spot will be Andrew's as he has a desirable roster.  The one drawback is now low number, so can only trade for playoff players and likely only moving forward.

Quebec (Matt) back 8 with Carter 59 - Even with low Dumba 26 that is 85 for two players moving Carter.  Not a good position for GM Matt knowing strength is in front in the Division.  The good news is you are only 27 out of first, so the top dogs are also hog-tied.

New York Islanders (Ryan) back 23 with Benn 63, Leddy 37 and Brown 29 - A horrible job keeping Benn this late while in last.  He should have been used to go to the Minors, grab playoff guys, and start trading within the league.  A little late for that now.  This team is surely toast even with one of the most desired players, Oshie 45.  Likely best case is a 6 man playoff team.

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West - Pacific Division

Alaska (Marcel) up 15 with full 7 and unlikely to touch it much.

Colorado (Chad) up 10 with full 7 playoff players and a very good team.

Indianapolis (Matt) up 8 with Trocheck 47 and Palat 35.  GM Matt has a good team and could move Trocheck in a trade for points.

Los Angeles (Andrew) up 1 with a deadly team that could easily win it all.  He must react when teams behind act.

Edmonton (Scott) back 1 with Bailey 49, Bailey 49 and Bjorkstrad 10 - GM Scott was smart enough to carry a low number but the three are 108 or 36 a player.  Sitting out will make it impossible to enter a bidding war so will be a beggar and beggars aren't choosers.

Portland (Vinnie) - back 55 with Skinner 45, Yandle 33, Faksa 30 and Brown 29.  Clear the GM did nothing and deservedly has nothing.  The team is sitting with Oshie, but outside a monster deal that doesn't appear even possible in the league, this team is dead.


West - West Division

Seattle (Shawn) up 38 with Pearson 41 and Kane 39.  GM Shawn will move his 80 points and give whatever he can for whatever he likes.  He has all the points, so if you need them, take a peak.

Vancouver (Joel) up 26 with Bozak 46.  Clearly GM Joel is looking for a huge trade and with Toronto potentially in, this makes a good chance for another GM to take the points and run.

Phoenix (Charlie) up 20 with a very solid 7 players.  Knowing Charlie this team might be set as is.

St Louis (Tyson) up 19 with Hagelin 22.  Hagelin should be back for the playoffs, so it isn't a sure thing he is gone, but the team here is set otherwise with 7 playoff players.

Green Bay (Ryan) back 19 with 7 playoff players.  The GM did the right things but getting 7 playoff players and now can move forward, even at the risk of eating a non playoff guy.  Not the first option but it may be the only option remaining.  Better this then totally giving up like a few other teams have.

Calgary (Jr) back 25 with Sharp 18 - Team is sitting with Toews 48, Zucker 45, Jones 39, Weber 38 and Parise 31 so we do expect a blockbuster here to move the team into a playoff spot.  It will happen.  By not making previous moves the team won't be as strong as it should have been, but no one is to blame other than the GM here.  They will get in, but likely then not have the team left to win it all.

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Do We Still Need a Frozen Minors?

It is a good thought provoking question.  There are 47 NHL games from Monday to Friday night, and none of any players points will matter if dumped to the Minors Saturday.  Why do we freeze the points?  The concept itself has been around since the very first NHLP season in 1989-90.  That year the NHLP had a Winter Meeting and Trading Deadline, exactly like now, where the Minors were open for the picking, almost identical to the way things are still done 30 years later.  Back then however their were no Waivers and all the deals for every team were made during these meetings, making them much more crazy then even now.  The NHLP did not freeze the Minors back than, they just got frozen automatically.  The reason for that was there was no such thing as the Internet.  The only way we had any idea who had what points was the Toronto Star and Toronto Sun, which on every Tuesday published a complete list of every team and every player in the NHL and all their points.  So for years, the NHLP would use these numbers, of the following Tuesday, which were frozen as of games played Sunday and these stats did not include Mondays games.  Our meeting the next Saturday or Sunday would use the newspaper as our bible, thus the frozen Minors, five days before a meeting (if we went Saturday), just like now.  But now we have the Internet.  We can print a frozen Minors from the NHL.com website, say Friday morning if we wanted to.  So the question is, do we still need to freeze the Minors?  One theory in favor of it was it gave GM's time to prepare.  But how many GM's actually come in that prepared?  Another thing is there was a belief, that is true, but it would create GM's from being aggressive or making bad decisions, solely based on say a players 5 point week.  It does happen.  That might be fun for the Winter Meeting, but does the frozen minors penalize good teams that were built during the season?  One theory is it does, as those GM's don't have to go to the Minors with their players, so they can't benefit from the big weeks GM's who have players to drop can benefit from making a pick and gaining say 10 points.  Is this a bad thing?  Maybe, maybe not.  It is also possible a GM with players to drop can be the one having a good week and now he is actually dropping more points than his players truly have.  It makes sense to still freeze our minors as the GM's who make the list, have a lot of leg work involved in making the list as they do, showing the number of players who are picked once and twice and not making this list to the day before a meeting, is asking a lot in little time.  As with the last 30 years ahead of a meeting, on Monday morning we will be freezing the Minors.  Is it the best option, who knows?  But it is the same for everyone, so no advantages or disadvantages should be differed from the system.  What we do know, the meeting will now only be 5 days away...

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Oil No Balls Afterall

After a sleepless night and much deliberation, the Edmonton Oil just did not have the confidence that the Tampa Bay Lightning will come back into the NHL playoffs.  "The injuries last night, 4 points back and still no timetable on Stamkos" the GM said where his determining factors.  "One thing we think we did, was found a way to compete with the great teams in this Division" added Scott, "We don't have any distance players yet, but I believe the Divisions elite will be looking to avoid us if we get in with 7 playoff players".  The actual Waiver numbers are below for verification, but the 6 player drop added Bailey, Bailey, Tkachuk, Tkachuk, Frolic and Bjorkstrand.  The Waiver season is now officially over and NHLP teams have trades and just one more meeting a week away to set their final rosters foe the playoffs.

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Pominville for Backlund

GM's Matt and Scott got together in a deal this morning, sending Backlund to Cincinnati while the Flyer grab their third Wild player, Pominville.  "I sometimes wish the guy would not email me" said Scott, "Here I am trying to concentrate on when Stamkos is going to return and the guy is throwing Pominville in my face".  The GM said if he screws his Waiver up now, Matt is going to get pummeled at the meeting.  The GM's also hooked up on a separate deal with Edmonton getting Eller for some picks in exchange for Jenner who is now an Icemen.

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 Hartford Grabs Waiver - Hoffman & Wennberg

Same old story for GM Andrew.  Acquires the Waiver and ends up with better players, better picks and a better team.  Hartford didn't pay a lot for the Waiver but when they added Hoffman and Wennberg, two high scorers they received some high picks from Edmonton (Scott) in a deal which sees the Oil holding the seasons final Waiver.  The Oil then traded Marner, Marner, Huberdeau and Huberdeau for a big pile of shit from Montreal (Marcel) with a pick thrown in to help bare the smell.  The Oil now have a huge decision.  "We can risk it all or play it safe" said the GM about his plans, "Getting 7 playoff players is easy, likely the loser way out".  What's the riskier option the Yearbook inquired?  "Well with no more Waivers, no secrets need to be held" said Scott, "Hedman, Hedman, Stamkos, Backlund, Tkachuk, Tkachuk and Bjorkstrand or the Calgary, Edmonton, Nashville, Chicago player options, playing it safe."  Tampa Bay is still four points out and now without a center after Johnson's potential career ending hit, Stamkos likely a month away or a 7 sure, safe, full playoff team.  What GM in this league would even think about risking missing the playoffs on a penalty out, when a sure thing, a full 7 and making the playoffs where anything can then happen, over not there at all?  "You are right" said Scott, "But it sure was temping taking the easy way out and grabbing 7 playoff players."

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Couture's Second Choice

After a wild turn of events, one of the more sought after NHLP players finds himself in New Orleans (Shawn).  After it was announced Couture waived his no movement clause yesterday, it was only a matter of time before the Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) traded the player as reported here first from the NHLP Yearbook.  Everyone anticipated his new home was going to be Philadelphia (Scott) but the Flyer could not get a deal done, turning Hamilton down on three straight separate offers.  GM Tyson knew the worth of Couture, Seabrook and Fowler and swiped the three for likely anything better than the Flyer could offer in the first place.  GM Shawn, having his most outstanding season as a GM stepped up, trading marquee names Wennberg, Weber and Grabner.  The GM's hammered out a few conditions to the deal and all was set.  New Orleans is killing it this season.  Trade after trade, giving and giving some more, with this most recent one 17 more points and they still can't trade their stock pile.  Shawn could have two additional Waivers next season and is sitting here with Kane, Couture, Keith, Seabrook and still 40 tradable points.  Not often does a team not getting their player hold a press conference but that is what the Flyer did last night, apologizing to Mrs. Couture for not bringing her husband to town.  "She bleeds Orange" said the GM, choking back tears, "I feel I let her down but made a promise we will draft Couture next season."  A better promise might have been to win this years Cup for her and rub it in her husbands face, but to each his own. 

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Hartford Acquires Final Waiver

GM Andrew has the final Waiver in Hartford.  The big deal of the night is partially updated in Transactions.  Hamilton (Tyson) traded Couture, Seabrook and Fowler to New Orleans (Shawn) for Wennberg, Weber and Grabner.  This is a massive deal.  Details will have to wait until the morning.  Stay tune, more breaking deals are in the works.

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Press Conferences Called for 7 PM

It should come as no surprise that Couture was dealt.  Philadelphia (Scott) and Hamilton (Tyson) have called 7 PM press conferences about the deal.  "It is a big one" said Muddy Capone, "There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of points, a lot of playoff players, just a big NHLP trade."  The head office is running behind, updates to office pools will be done first and the site updated ahead of the games so the Waiver can be fairly auctioned.

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     Injury Picks Updated

GM Jr made a move, dropping Rust for Streit ahead of the NHLP Final Waiver tonight.  Cleveland (Tyson) can make the same move today before 6 PM for a 25 point player.  On Friday, Vegas (Vinnie) can pick 24 for Ryan while on Sunday both Burakovsky's can get to 29 for Quebec (Matt) and Portland (Vinnie).  On the 14th Halifax (Shawn) can pick for Letang.  The final potential injury pick of the season can be GM Vinnie again for his second Ryan to 24 points on the 15th.  Picks can be made up to the start of the NHLP Trading Deadline and not there after.

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  Jumbo Joe Soon Jumbo Joe On Another Team

Hy Marx, Team Reporter for two-time NHLP Champions in Chicago (Andrew) has made it clear Thornton will not be a Blackhawk much longer.  "Andrew has been shopping Jumbo Joe" said Marx who said he is looking for a deal as soon as possible, hopefully before the Trading Deadline.  Other players who have been mentioned in trade reports include Oshie on the Island.  Howie Feltersnatch who took over this year from Phil Updegrave in New York has reported GM Ryan said it would take 15 to 20 points or he will bury Oshie.  The Islanders have had offers.  Finally, Winsom Cash, Team Reporter in Las Vegas has confirmed GM Vinnie has not only received offers for Pavelski, but that if GM Vinnie cannot make the NHLP Trading Deadline, a deal is expected mid-week next week.  The Strip are last in the South, 21 points out, and Vinnie called Pavelski the very best player on a non-playoff team.  "I'd take him over Toews, not even close" said Vinnie who's player has 11 more points than Toews who is a very hot NHLP commodity that is also rumored to be in the trade winds.  If you have a report, let us know so we can help you out.  Quebec (Matt) is holding an auction today for the very final Waiver on the season, after losing yet another player Turris. 

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Couture Waives No Movement Clause in Bizarre Fashion

As if things could be more bizarre in Hamilton (Tyson).  On the heels on a murder for hire plot that has seen Kenya Kill Jr, long time Team Reporter, replaced with newbie Willie Nailer, now Couture is making the news.  Apparently he has submitted a list of teams he would be interested in moving too, but Nailer said when GM Tyson was given the list, one team had an asterisks beside it.  "It is true" Tyson said.  Nailer said that team was Philadelphia, ironically enough were Couture's wife is reported from.  "It is a tad bizarre to receive a list with an asterisks" admitted Muddy Capone who say he has never heard of a thing.  Making this even more twisted is Kent C. Strait reported last evening that the Flyer have reached out to the Hitmen and so far the teams are believed to have gone back and forth on two potential deals with more in the works.  Will Couture remain a Hitmen, be traded elsewhere or end up wearing his wives childhood colors?  Stay tune as we follow this and many other NHLP stories.

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Mr. April in Play?

It should come as not shock that Toews name is officially out there.  B.A. Ware, long-time Team Reporter of the Calgary Flames said that a deal is imminent at this point.  "Toews is in play right now and could go any time" said Ware.  GM's must act quick.  You can't afford to sit back and wait or he will be gone.  The Flames are way back, some 21 points out.  Building around Toews would be Jr's best shot at a Cup, but not making the playoffs is no shot at all.  It is believed there are enough assets that the two-time NHLP Champion Toews would not have to go, but the easiest way in would be moving him in a blockbuster.  Ware said his sources, which get no higher, said a deal is on the table right now and there is a 50% chance Toews is gone before the meeting.  All indications are Toews winds up in New Orleans although other front running teams are also Alaska and Halifax.

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Another Minute - Another Deal

They are coming in fast and furious.  "You can tell it is March" said Muddy Capone, "We just can't keep up with all the trades."  Calgary (Jr) moved out of last place with a 6 point gain for Hornqvist, adding the fourth Minny player to be dealt in the past 24 hours, Zucker.  The Vancouver Canucks (Joel) were on the receiving end of Hornqvist, adding him to Schultz and Sheary, a Penguins dynasty and still 25 points of play money ahead of the NHLP Trading Deadline on the 18th.  Last season from March 1st to the NHLP Trading Deadline there were 19 total Trades and this year so far there have been 14 trades.  This is the same number of trades from March 1st to March 8th as last year, with both years seeing 14 deals the first week of March.

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Bergeron Lone Survivor in the Knight

After two more trades earlier in the day, the 2nd last Waiver of the year was a house cleaning with only one player surviving.  "He was a little worried when we called him in" said Ryan, "But he has really picked up his game and deserves new teammates."  The 6 new Knights are Pastrnak, Neal, Dubinsky, Jarnkrok, Streit and Schmaltz, a mixture of young and old on the West Division team now 23 points out.  "Everyone is for sale, obviously" said Ryan, "I lot of work yet to do, but hopefully we have some attractive pieces now."  Earlier in the day Cogliano was shipped to Seattle (Shawn) for Little and Bonino will have to get use to the Alaska nights, a whole different night, as GM Marcel picked him up for Landeskog.  There is one Waiver remaining and suddenly it appears like it shall be auctioned off.  GM Matt said the Quebec Waiver can be had for the best package, and what a good package it should be. 

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And Just Like That, He Was Gone

The dominos started falling on Tuesday with three separate trades.  Each trade bringing more urgency to the next GM to find his deal or make his move.  After stating Letang was going to be traded, Memphis GM Jr wasted little time in finding a home on a big club.  Memphis added 12 points and Stepan from Halifax (Shawn), leaving the Destroyers just 15 points up now...ON SECOND! For the Machine they are now safely in with 7 playoff players.  Another team safely in, New Orleans (Shawn) gave 7 points in a separate deal and are still 27 points up on second.  Shawn traded Pominville and Barkov in a deal with Cincinnati (Matt) for Wennberg and Gallagher.  The move put the Rage into 4th spot.  GM Matt said he is "Far, far, far from done", meaning we expect some more movement there as all the Divisions start to tighten just enough that it might be a good time to start paying attention if you haven't been all season.  It's March.  That means hibernation time is over.

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"It Was About More Scoring"

The Colorado Avalanche (Chad) traded 16 points and two Minnesota Wild players in what GM Chad said will give his team move playoff scoring.  "This is how we will compete with Los Angeles" said Chad about GM Andrews Kings, "My new guys will outscore the Minny guys I gave away in the first round, I know that much."  Chad traded Niederreiter and Spurgeon for Rakell and Zibanajad, giving the St Louis Blues (Tyson) some cushion.  "We know Calgary (Jr) is trading Toews" said Tyson, "We acted first and now can re-trade our Minny guys to grab one of the West Division spots."  Chad said he had tried to acquire some top players on out of playoff teams but the GM's aren't moving those guys.  "This was our next option" said Chad, "I can't wait around for GM's to make up their minds, I have my own teams to run."  Chad said he is not done.  In other NHLP news, new Toronto Team Reporter Barry McCaulkiner said the Maple Leafs are in fact shopping Shattenkirk.  Apparently Chad wants to change the look of the Leafs.  McCaulkiner took over the Team Reporter job from long time Leafs reporter Roc Bottom, who just could not see himself staying on after Toronto's NHLP Championship. "I am going out on top" said Bottom.

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Knights - Machine Both Look For Points

The Green Bay Knights (Ryan) are trying hard to move some players, most recently the Knights GM has mentioned both Bergeron and Doughty, but all 7 players are in play heading into the second last Waiver of the season.  With just 11 days to the NHLP Trading Deadline the information trickling into the leagues head office is coming at a faster pace.  The Memphis Machine (Jr) claim to be willing to part with Letang, from the Cup winning Penguins.  He is a massive asset that won't be cheap to acquire.  No word on when Letang will return with the coaches most recent update that they hope it won't be too long.  This will hardly scare any GM who has any amount of points as Letang is the top offensive defenseman on Crosby's powerplay.  In another report Halifax GM Shawn said he has been trying hard to move 20+ points but GM's are not yet desperate enough to make any moves.  "That is always an issue" said Muddy Capone, "Many GM's wait and then suddenly two or three moves later, they don't have the points they thought they had or their best opportunities have went down the toilet."  If you don't move first, you move later.  The later you move, the less options you will surely have.

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The Difference of One Trade & 30 Days

The Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) have had a pretty good last 30 days.  Prior to February 5th the team had not had a Big Night, Big Week or Big Month on the season.  At that time they were in a battle for their playoff lives, just mere points ahead of Hartford (Andrew) for 4th place in the East Division.  That night they traded Schwartz and Hudler for Eichel and Eichel and look what has changed since.  The team has had two Big Team Nights and now two Big Team Weeks as well as leading the NHLP in scoring for the month of February.  Currently with 322 points the team is first overall in the NHLP, 40 points clear of 4th in the Division.  The team has gained 35 points in the Eichel and Eichel deal after each had 16 points in February and each 6 more points the first week of March.  For the Big Team Week of 26 this week, the 6 & 6 of the Eichel's are only second to the 9 of Kucherov.  The teams three non-playoff players had 21 points while Johansson (3), Nash (1), Stepan (1) and Tarasenko (0) combined for just 5 points.  In the next 12 days until the NHLP Trading Deadline, quite possibly no other NHLP team will shake the foundation of the league then the Destroyers thanks to the Eichel's deal. The club has 147 points from Kucherov, Eichel and Eichel, an impossible minors drop without giving.  Now the team has points to give, so it can be done.  However, you might add in another 56 more for Tarasenko if the Blues can't hold off the Kings, meaning now 203 points for just 4 players, or over 50 points per player.  Putting it another way, GM Shawn would need 4 players in the top 30 in NHL scoring to replace these 4.  Of which, only Pastrnak is in the Minors once.  That being said, the Destroyers will move points within the league, altering, yes you guest it (no pun intended), the landscape of the current NHLP standings.  The standings as we know it, won't be, as they will be.  That will be, mainly, thanks to the difference of one simple deal made just 30 days ago.

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Sabres Panik in Waiver Deal

In a win-win trade, GM Joel's Buffalo Sabres flexed their NHLP skill set (again), giving the South Division team one of the very best teams in the entire NHLP.  "This isn't anything new from Joel" said Muddy Capone, "He builds consistent winners annually and is one of the leagues top GM's, even without a Cup to show for it."  Buffalo used some of their 40 points at hand to acquire the Waiver from Memphis (Jr), sending 16 points and Suter, Cogliano for Spurgeon and Sharp.  For the Machine it was a great deal, moving into a playoff spot with the 16 points and holding onto all the teams top assets.  The Machine swapped out wild players Spurgeon for Suter and added another playoff player Cogliano for Sharp.  Cogliano is the NHL's leading consecutive games played player, already 5th all-time.  If he plays the next two seasons after this year, roughly 200 more games he will be the all-time leader with about 1000 consecutive games, and has NEVER missed a game in his career.  As for Joel, he essentially moved 16 points, which he is still up 25 and Matthews, Suter, Cogliano and Vatrano for Spurgeon, Panik, Panik and Schmaltz.  Buffalo got rid of their high-scoring non playoff guy Matthews, swapped out Minny players, dropped their two lowest scorers and added in three Blackhawks.  Panik is having a career year.  He had 47 points in his first 181 NHL games.  He has 36 this year and could top the 47 by years end.  USA born Schmaltz has 17 or of 19 points since February 1st and just scores like every single game right now.  The Sabres have a team to fear.  Three Hawks, Two wild and two Rangers.  This is a win-win deal, but let it be known, Buffalo has a legitimate shot at an NHLP Championship.

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Done - "My Ass"

GM Ryan did not take kindly when asked if he thought Green Bay was done and if they were moving their Waiver on Tuesday.  "Done.  Done my ass" said Ryan.  The Knights immediately made one move to gain four points, adding their third King's player, Toffoli.  St Louis (Tyson) added Hagelin, giving the four points within the West and now in fourth, 13 up on Calgary (Jr) and 17 on Green Bay.  Ryan was the only GM to continuously say he believed in the Kings chances this season and now is being rewarded for his patients.  The GM said all assets are available for the coming Waiver as the team battles to get back in.  "I don't see why someone won't want my Kings" the GM said, "We all know what Doughty can do in the first round of the NHLP playoffs if the Kings are there."  There is no doubt the Kings have all the momentum and St Louis, really hard to even think, could now be the odd team out of the NHL playoffs in the West, although the Blues do have one game at hand and are a mere point out of 8th.

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 Memphis Open for Business

With the Waiver GM Jr said Memphis is not "Married to the Waiver" and is willing to move Players, the Waiver or both.  The Machine are in a great position with the Waiver and only 10 points out of 4th.  The team can sit and wait for the Division leaders to drop into a sprint, or act first, trading assets for non playoff players and using the Waiver or trading it and using the Minors at the meeting.  There is an unlimited number of options and the GM is well aware of them all.  With only three Waivers left the Waiver should be in high demand if traded.

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Flyer GM "Happy So far"

Nearing 50 Transactions on the season GM Scott admitted there was work to do but that he was "Happy so far" with how things were shaping up in Philadelphia.  The Flyer made a 5 for 5 after three trades, including Jagr and Palat for draft picks.  Added were Backlund (45), Backlund (45), Eaves (37), McDonagh (34) and Neal (33) for 194 up while down were Vrbata (47), Vrbata (47), Duchene (36, Duchene (36) and Lindholm (31) for 197 do the Minors.  The Flyer completed the trading spree by adding Werenski and Doughty for Backlund and McDonagh.  "I added points to be used later, first round scoring, distance and top minute defensemen we think will help us get through round one" the GM said, "You need a bit of everything and not to much of anything."  The GM said he left himself outs if either Backlund or Doughty miss out and stated it is likely one will.  "Calgary and the Kings play three more head to head" the GM added, "So knowing that, if either split both don't make it".  Scott hopes St Louis ends as the odd team out, currently in 9th a point back of the Kings with two games at hand.

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Back Up Plan

Buster Cherry, long time Team Reporter of the Hartford Whalers (Andrew) said there was a back up plan all along, "It was called PANIC" said Cherry.  Of course it was less then two weeks ago, GM Andrew, acting on a tip he received picked up Vrbata, Vrbata and Duchene, all players he was told would be traded at the NHL Trading Deadline, and weren't.  "It isn't the first time I have been wrong" said GM Scott, "Don't put all the blame on me, I honestly thought Vrbata would be traded, why keep him?"  The Whalers were put in a bad spot, Waiverless and with the 47 point Vrbata twice, along with Duchene 36 and no low numbers.  "You have to keep an out, we broke our own rule" said Andrew.  Knowing the Minors would be picked another 20 players clean by the NHLP Trading Deadline, Andrew gave 21 points to Philadelphia (Scott) for Werenski, Werenski, Gagner and Doughty, all players the Flyer were dumping to the Minors anyways.  "It helps" said GM Scott, "We had our Waiver pick already made, but with 21 more points we can add a few additional top-notch players."  All-in-all the Whale did well, having what amounts to 4 playoff players after adding McDonagh in a future deal to see Doughty remain a Flyer.  "Why would you not think the Kings can't catch St Louis" asked Scott, "A single point behind and one team added a top goalie and players while the other subtracked their best offensive d-man."  GM Andrew said beggars can't be choosers and 12 points back with 7 playoff players isn't a bad trade off.  "The other option was to what, just give up on the team" said Andrew who said he now has a team to work with at the NHLP Deadline.  Scott said he needs 194 points for his pick from the minors, but has 195 plus what Palat gets tonight and will use what he can to find a home for Jagr.  "There is another Duchene out there somewhere" laughed Scott, "Help me, help you.  Help me, help you."

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 Love Story Amidst Twisted Yearbook Changes

When the Team Reporters of the Boston Bruins (Ryan) and Cleveland Fury (Tyson) announced a trade last evening it was as a first in NHLP history.  The newly married Tess Steckle, one of nine females working in the NHLP, has been nuts and bolts behind Bruins reporting for over a decade.  This past summer Steckle got married to one of several new team reporters in the NHLP this season, that being Richard Smoker, or "Big Dick" as he is known around Dallas.  Big Dick came in, after a restructuring in Dallas, left Rusty Steele the odd man out.  It was after this that Steckle and Smoker got married to become the first husband-wife NHLP Team reporters joining the Father-Son and two brothers combinations who already report in the league.  When it comes to New Englanders Tess Steckle was just to famous to change her name, so she went with the hyphen version, now going by Tess Steckle-Smoker.  But that isn't or wasn't the "First in NHLP" history part.  It was Big Dicks Best Man at his wedding, Cleveland's new Team Reporter who made the news.  Jack Potts called it a career leaving the NHLP to hire their first landed immigrant.  Iraqi born Rahmit Inmah Ahsol made it in just in time apparently.  Ahsol reported his first deal of the Fury getting Lucic and a second round pick from Boston who ended with Steen.  Of course the changes didn't end there in the NHLP.  "We haven't seen this kind of media shakeup" said Muddy Capone, "Since the Whitehouse blocked CNN."  In total 6 new Team Reporters are working NHLP teams as well as a new position created within the NHLP Head Office.  Capone announced the new position taking over in the Marketing Department.  "With what is happening in Miami and Indianapolis, we felt we didn't want to be making our own mistakes at our understaffed office" Capone stated.  Taking over the new position is Stu Piddassoe, who could have easily landed a job on a half dozen NHLP clubs, but was snatched up for the NHLP before someone could lay claim to his remarkable talents.  Piddassoe joins Reginal Cherry, Bonnie Anne Clyde and Capone as the foursome atop the league.  It is the season when the NHLP team reporters come out of hibernation, leading up to the biggest NHLP day of the year on the 18th.  Everything makes the site, so if you have something to share, we'd love to hear from your Team Reporter.

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"There Still Wrecking"

You knew it was a crash filled day at Daytona when in lap 142 only 5 cars in the field of 40 had not been involved in an accident.  It was that crash, claiming 16 cars, that landed GM Scott's rookie driver #19 Daniel Suarez out of the race.  The crash took so long to unfold the announcer's now famous line "There still crashing" summed up the entire day.  Although Muddy Capone's car #75 of Brendan Gaughan was not accident free on the day and did a remarkable 360 degree turn at 150 miles per hour and just kept driving, in the end Scott's car won easily with the worst damage of the two.  No car suffered more damage than the #48 when the field got "4-wide".  In slow motion the car suffered hits as follows:  Back-Front-Back-Front-Front-Side-Front-Back-Back-Wall-Side-Front.  That was an amazing 12 different impacts with other cars in one crash as seen in all the crashes of the day here.  The day had no rollovers or serious injuries, unlike the famous final turn in 2001 when in all the excitement of the amazing finish Earnhardt's car stopped instantly at 200 miles-per-hour strait into the wall.  The two who bet on anything recently stopped some long time favorite bets.  "Capone would give me 50 to 1 odds that they would announce that wrong winner of the Miss Universe or at the Oscar's" said GM Scott, "But I stopped those sucker bets last year and we now only focus on more realistic bets."  With the most recent wins by Scott over Capone in the "Ground Hog Day" annual bet and the Daytona Best Crash, the two now focus on the Trading Deadline, followed thereafter by the Beer Mile and the Camel Wrestling Championships, two long time favorite bets these two thrill seekers are involved in.  "The only thing more fun than watching two camels battle for a piece of ass" said Scott, "Is having a reason to actually cheer for one to get his hump kicked."

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Happy Daytona Day Everyone

The NHLP is rich with tradition.  During the season the NHLP GM's will bet on anything, well almost.  "Most guys draw the line at death, but not everyone" said Muddy Capone.  The Daytona 500 Best Crash pool has been around as long as Capone can recall and this year the tradition continues with a head to head bet like no other.  It is a dangerous race, claiming the lives of 40 on track deaths in the races history, including 23 race car drivers over the years.  The most famous was the 2001 crash that killed legend Dale Earnhardt.  It was GM Scott who once said, "If I am going to watch cars go in a circle for 500 laps, the very least they can do is throw in one good crash."  Of course crashes have been part of NHLP folklore since the NHLP Yearbook first published the famous quote, "Never give up, the leader may get hit with a motorbike."  Well, motorbikes are as dangerous as cars at Daytona claiming on track deaths of 12 on motorbikes.  Well, today, someone might actually crash.  It has happened before.  Today is Daytona Day.

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Starting Lineup


GM Scott - #19 - Daniel Suarez
Muddy Capone - #75 - Brendan Gaughan

Stay here for results and updates at the conclusion of the race.

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   Meeting Awaits

Chad, Jr, and Shawn have yet to respond and GM Vinnie would like to know if he needs to switch the one shift he works in the days provided.  We should be able to call a meeting any time, but would like to hear from two more guys first.

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Nords - No Doubt

GM Matt was quick to drop 10 points and Doughty, moving him to Philadelphia (Scott) who is in the mists of another shakeup.  The move leads the high-scoring injury-riddled Nords still up 14 and with Carter likely the next player leaving town on the Kings who are now with starting goalie Quick back for the stretch run.  For GM Scott it is another move which should change the strategy moving forward, "We likely have the points we needed and were looking for" said Scott, "Meaning the bottom 5 players may likely now be had for no points if a draft pick is involved."

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GM Andrew Serious About 7th CUP

In a game with so many GM's having a chance to win every single year, why does it always appear it is the same guy.  GM Andrew is the type of GM who you hardly ever notice, but at the end of the year his team is Ovechkin, Panarin, Kuznetsov, Miller, Suter...and it is right now.  The 6 time NHLP Champion made a huge splash, giving 27 points to St Louis (Tyson) for big names Panarin and Suter with Lindholm the third in the deal.  The Blues added themselves, a nice playoff mix of Draisaitl, Zuccarello and Dubinsky.  The teams swapped a number of picks, the Kings received a first rounder #3 for #33 in the mix with two seconds and a sixth.  "We had the deal quicker then everything else" said GM Tyson, "The formalities may have cost us more than we hoped, but we will cross those bridges when we get to them."  For Andrew, the Kings will try and be his 3rd Cup in 5 years, joining Hartford ('15) and Chicago ('13), his most recent wins.  "This team is deadly" said Muddy Capone, "His skill set as a GM is uncomparable to others in the game, it just isn't fair."  For Los Angeles they will make further changes to the bottom of the roster, but a top 4 or 5 looks engravable.  The Capitals are NHL President choice favorites and Ovechkin and Kuznetsov appear headed for a long run.  Panarin plays with Kane, always scores and Chicago looks like they may battle Minny, Suter, in the Division Finals.  Miller could easily take the entire Division if the Rangers end up with the Habs, Sens, Leafs, Bruins, Panthers or who else.  Distance.  Skill.  Scoring.  "You may look at the NHLP standings and see you have 30 points to give" said Muddy Capone, "That is nice.  The winner already gave them.  He acted while you watched.  It is the same story, just a different year with a different team.  GM Andrew out matches his opponents and doesn't just build playoff teams.  He builds Championship teams.  There are 11 other GM's that have to ask themselves how in the world can they truly expect to compete with this?"  For those with plans they have about 4 weeks to see them through.
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 Meeting Almost Set

A few more GM's must still get their dates in, although they may not matter.  One date is the over whelming favorite, but we will wait longer before we announce the date, unless all GM's can get in their dates as soon as possible.

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Boston "High Hopes"

GM Ryan said it is just too soon to determine if he will use the Waiver, but most likely he will if a few big moves occur by noon on the first.  Ryan is in a tough spot, for waiting as long as possible is logical, meaning other GM's interested in the Waiver may not have time to acquire it late and make a move.  It is the one time, holding onto the Waiver as long as possible makes sense, hoping for some big moves before the Waiver must be used.  Boston is accepting offers in advance including for players and the Waiver if the deal is just too irresistible for Ryan to pass on.

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Blues Deal Panarin?

There is a report, unconfirmed as of yet, but the St Louis Blues (Tyson) has pulled off a huge multi-player deal.  "We call this a blockbuster for sure" said Muddy Capone.  Pararin is on the move, we believe this much.  The deal will break here first.  Stay tune.

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Collapse Imminent?

If you are a Montreal Canadiens fan it has had to cross your mind by now; "Are we going to blow it again?"  If the Canadiens lose to Toronto on Saturday night, they will have essentially put themselves in 9th place.  Toronto would have a game at hand and Florida and the Islanders could be even after even games at hand.  Montreal has 13 players in Player Tracking but suddenly will be in a fight for their playoff lives the rest of the way if they don't right this ship.  This would surely be their worst collapse ever.  Last time starting 10-0 could be blamed on losing Price, back then one of the best goalies in the world, now, maybe top 10.  He is your goalie, healthy.  You already fired the coach.  What a disaster.  There is so much pressure to do something at the Trading Deadline now, they are even hurting themselves more in the long run by renting someone for a first round pick that is gone in 20 games.  Everything is wrong right now for a team that is still in first in their Division, but feels like they are out and looking in.  If you don't think every single game is massive, you really have no idea what is shaping up for the NHLP Trading Deadline and final few weeks of the NHL season afterward.

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Lone Flyer Moved For Dozen

GM Matt traded the only Philadelphia Flyers player in Player Tracking and 12 points to Montreal (Marcel) for Gaudreau.  Indianapolis moves down to around 4th but GM Matt is sure the Flames are a playoff team.  "I can see them ahead of Los Angeles" said Matt, "And we have their leading scorer."  For the Habs they are still 9 points out of a playoff spot and in shambles, but Marcel has been known to work the Minors at the meeting and we fully expect Montreal to climb further before deadline day.

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 72 Waivers Later - It Happens Again

GM Vinnie used his Waiver in Atlantic City to do a little house cleaning, dropping Drouin and adding Jones.  The one for one Waiver apparently is a very rare thing.  The last time it was used was GM Tyson dropped Pearson for Karlson in St Louis, the Waiver after GM Matt in Quebec who dropped McDonagh for Palmeri in what was back to back one for one Waiver picks some 72 Waivers prior to the Gamblers pick.  The NHLP is now idle for a week, with Boston (Ryan) have the pick the night before and may wait until noon, half-way through the deadline to likely drop their two Kings.

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Burns and Kessel on Block?

"Are you fucking insane" said GM Charlie.  "We had to have a title for this article that would wake some GM's up" said Muddy Capone, "No one is use to Sunday Waivers."  That is right, we have Waivers on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, a very rare occurrence in the NHLP to have them back to back, let alone Sunday.  Although Charlie likely won't move two of the most valued players in the NHLP, he is open to moving someone else he claims.  Most likely the Waiver can be had for the right price, but there is always something better in the Minors if Charlie decides Phoenix is best off to use the Waiver.  Don't fall asleep this weekend, we expect a great Hockey Day in Canada, Family Weekend.

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 Fourth Place Teams Win More Cups

GM Andrew was in rare form Friday, in preparation for his Saturday Waiver in Hartford.  "There are teams in first with 30, 40 or 50 or more points to deal" said the GM, "There comes a point when something has to be better than the seven you have right now."  GM Andrew is right, there is always something better.  Having those points often means a GM just didn't do enough to build a team to win it all.  No one ever remembers who finished first each year, a useless thought, just as points are useless other than to make the NHLP playoffs.  Those teams will surely be moving their points.  What we will see are some huge point moves because GM's simply have too many points and it will be hard to move them for value, so you move them for whatever you can get.  Once one Division changes another, now that other Division doesn't have those same amount of points to give and they can only make worse teams.  Do fourth place teams win more Cups?  "We think that is fact" said Muddy Capone, "Someday will will have to take a look, but I think Andrew is correct."  With Hartford now in fourth place their mindset will likely change and maybe some stars that were available may be hung onto.  Things are getting tense as the NHLP nears the end of the Waivers, the NHL Trading Deadline, our own NHLP Trading Deadline in 5 weeks and most teams near their final 20 games to play.  That right, teams have already played game 60.  Things are getting tense.

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Hartford Gains 12 for Radulov Deal

In a two for two, GM Andrew started to change the complection of the Hartford Whalers, adding 12 points, Seguin and Klingberg for Radulov and Johnson.  GM Marcel was happy to add in the high scoring Radulov and now just needs to worry about Johnson and Little at the NHLP Winter Meeting in 5/6 weeks.  The Panthers were scoring a ton and could easily afford the 12 points and Hartford needed every one of them, now in 4th, five points clear of last place in the Division.  In other NHLP news the Miami Surf (Charlie) added Bjugstad for the injured MacArthur.

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 Hartford Itching to Deal

GM Andrew has made it very clear, changes are coming in Hartford.  Everyone is in play and most will go, one way or the other by Saturday's Waiver.  Five players on the roster could be attractive pieces.  Sheary could create a bidding war, Crosby's linemate who will be back next month.  A GM who can hold him just might add the final piece to a championship puzzle.  If you love the Flyers, and who doesn't, there is Voracek and Simmonds.  Now, loving them and thinking they are a playoff team, different things totally.  But who doesn't love the Flyers!  Kreider is a sure bet, and if the Rangers met the Canadiens, or more likely the Winner of that Division, most likely the Leafs or Sens with Montreal's fall, the Rangers could run the playoffs.  If you believe the Habs will shine under Julien, Andrew has Radulov.  There seems many pieces, all what you prefer.  Many will go, so don't miss out.  The NHLP Trading Deadline is 5 weeks away.

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14 Days - From 40 Points Back to 30 Point Week

It was just 14 days ago the turn around started for the San Fran Titan.  The team cleaned house, trading Burns, who is now only 2 points off the NHL's scoring title and then cleaned house.  At the time the team dropped to a season low of 40 points back of 4th.  With a point gain in the Waiver, accompanied by the points in the Burns deal the deal was determined to battle back in as the NHLP article recounts the story two weeks ago.  Now the Titan are 11 up on 5th and only 14 out of second after the first 30 point week of the NHLP season.  Other than GM Chad in Colorado who hit 30 in January 2015, this is only the second 30 point week since March 2013.  The big guns on the week were Pominville who had 8, Arvidsson and Arvidsson 7 each while Leddy had 4, Hertl 3, Turris 1 and Orlov 0.  "We call him 0l0ts (Pronounced Zero-Lots)" the GM Stated about Orlov.  San Fran has proven if you don't give up, maybe just maybe the motorbike will miss you.

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(NHLP Article January 27th, 2017)

Little Pieces

The Titan, thanks to some "Absolutely horrible fucking moves by the GM" the Titan owner stated this week, found themselves out of a playoff spot by 40 points after the Chicago (Andrew) Waiver two days ago.  "But I believe in the son-of-a-bitch" added the teams owner, "The fucker won us two Cups already."  GM Scott loved the vote of confidence, "What you going to do, sit and cry about it" the GM said, "Fuck that shit, test yourself and see if you can make something out of nothing.  So we are.  We have.  We will."  The GM said he will go hard after the next available Waiver and trade every asset he has for 7 more players.  "I've been challenged, why not respond" said Scott who's goal with this Waiver was to move in more attractive pieces for his next bout of trade-mania.  "Our goal is to be the most attractive team outside a playoff spot" Scott said, "When out (of a playoff spot) you want to be a place other GM's look for their shopping experiences.  The Minors are great with a Waiver, but if you don't have one, least you know our doors are open 7 days a week, including holidays."  After trading Burns and this Waiver, the Titan are now only 8 points out of the final playoff spot.  There is a lot more to come added the GM, "You're not crossing into Disneyland, that isn't our motto we live by.  You are Crossing into Fear.  That is our motto and always has been.  Crossing into Fear mother fucker.  Not, not Disneyland." 

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Two Tens = 25 For Halifax

Ten point nights on Tuesday and Saturday helped Halifax (Shawn) end the NHLP week with 25 points.  The Destroyers who are now just 5 points out of first place in the NHLP East Division got 6 points each from Eichel, Eichel and Johansson while Tarasenko (3), Kucherov (2), and Stepan and Nash one each rounded out the Big Team Week.  GM Shawn had an unofficially high week, getting 28 more points in New Orleans, but adding players who had a high scoring week with the Waiver.  In total Shawn had a 75 point week, adding 22 more in Seattle.  The NHLP record in a week by a GM was GM Chad who had a 30-30-23, so even with the Waiver Shawn's 28-25-22 is solid.  Halifax also had a 25 point week in November, the first NHLP team this season to hit the mark this year and now the only team to reach the mark twice this season (San Fran 30, Scott, Cleveland 29, Tyson and Dallas 25, Jr).  Even with a short month in February, as of the 13th now, Shawn has two teams on pace to reach the 80 point mark for the month. 

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Leafs Take Points With Waiver

With top players both on fringe teams, a swap of Giroux for Pastrnak wasn't a huge move for the defending NHLP Champions in Toronto.  GM Chad focused on a 6 point gain, with the Leafs only 6 points up on 5th in the North Division.  The team does have some great players and solid assets.  Parise and Coyle are a great team to build around with Minnesota looking like Cup threats.  Grabner has quietly moved to within 4 goals if Sidney Crosby for the league lead, a remarkable feat for a player who NEVER has seen a power play minute this season.  You have to drop all the way to Hartman who is 93rd in goals scored in the league before you find the next NHL player without a power play points on the season.  Chad also has Shattenkirk and Gallagher who could also both be playoff players, Shattenkirk with St Louis or the team who acquires him in a few weeks.  The official Waiver dropped Giroux, Eberle, Kane and Dubinsky for Pastrnak, Grabner, Pearson and Gallagher.  It was surprising that Chad was unable to find homes for sure playoff players Eberle and Dubinsky prior to the drop.

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Historical Night In Seattle


Back in the first NHLP season 27 years ago GM Brett guided the Seattle Storm Franchise to a 330 point 4th place finish before losing 31-27 in the first round of the playoffs to the first NHLP Champions, Vancouver, GM Raymond.  Seattle, who in those early days were the Thunderbirds, then changed to GM Edward's team for his four years before taking a sabbatical until GM Shawn revived the Franchise.  On Thursday the team had their best ever night in those 27 years, becoming the 34th NHLP team to record a 12+ point night.  It was the 4th time GM Shawn achieved the feat in his 12 seasons, a rate only surpassed by the anomaly of GM Tyson who's 5 times in 8 years smashes all other records.  The top five GM's for years in the league (Scott, Marcel, Jr, Andrew and Chad) have 110 GM years of experience and only 14, 12+ point nights between them, about one every 8 GM years.  The Storm's 12 points came thanks to Pacioretty's 4 while Pearson and Perry added three each.  With Little not playing and a zero point night from Kane, Shawn had a chance to get to his all-time high of 14 but just couldn't squeeze out more than a point each from Kesler and Eller.  Of note is GM Shawn just had a 10 point night in Halifax two days ago.  GM Shawn also became the only GM to hit the feat with 4 different NHLP teams, previously doing it with Halifax, Detroit and New Orleans.  GM Tyson was the lone GM prior to Shawn to have a 12+ point night the past three season's, doing it twice, both in Hamilton.  Although the Storm now have almost 50 points to build a playoff team, the GM never making an NHLP Final or a team never appearing in one, still isn't on anyone's radar as a team that can compete this season according to the CTR.  The teams leading point producer is Little while Kane and Pearson will likely have to move.  If the team builds around Pacioretty, Perry and Kesler, they will have 50 points to improve four players who only have 104 points between them.  It is unlikely those 50 points can be used to bring in a Elite star, so building around mediocre players will likely be the teams lone option.  So we might not be seeing the Storm compete for a Championship this season, but this was surely the teams best single night to remember in 27 years. 

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New Orleans Trades Dubinsky Four Times in Night

In a bizarre set of Transactions, GM Shawn traded to get Dubinsky twice, then traded him twice prior to making the Wolverines Waiver.  New Orleans was able to gain 29 points in the first three moves, which included 18 from Indianapolis (Matt) in a deal for Hedman and Dubinsky for Galchenyuk and Eller.  Dubinsky was added in a second deal with Matt, this time with four more points from Cincinnati for Gallagher.  The Wolverines then traded Dubinsky to GM Chad in Toronto for 7 more points and again to Los Angeles (Andrew) for a pick.  When it was all said and done New Orleans had gained 27.  Although Shawn took a full penalty hit of 5 points dropping Fabbri and dropped three more in the Waiver, the players added help give the Wolverines an 8 point gain on the night.  Added were Stastny, Grabner, Barkov and Pominville for the team that now has the most points league wide over 5th, at 47 points and still with Kane and Keith.  "You would think New Orleans could really be the leagues bullies towards the NHLP Trading Deadline" said Muddy Capone, "But the team is built such a way, monster deals will be hard to find."  If the team is not moving Kane and Keith, their next highest two players have 69 points.  Adding a huge name, say Pavalski who is sitting on a non playoff team in the NHLP, his number and the teams lowest player have 65.  New Orleans has all the points in the world to move, but finding the right moves is going to be the biggest challenge if the team wants to be a bully and steal a huge name to go with Kane.

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Gallagher - Pick Up Sunday Could Move

GM Shawn said Weber, Gallagher, Trocheck and Eller are in play and could move tonight.  New Orleans hasn't totally decided they will use the Waiver, but "Are leading that way" said Shawn just hours before the puck dropped on the first games tonight.  Gallagher is a Minus one point in a drop, but a team could pick him up and keep him or use him Sunday as an injury pick, up to 18 points.  Weber is a solid player player and Trocheck has been hot.  The Wolverines are hoping they can get a couple deals done tonight.

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Joel Super Bowl Champ - AGAIN

For the second year in a row GM Joel scored first and had a bit 4th quarter to win the NHLP Super Bowl Pool.  With 39 points, Joel was able to get past the 31 of GM Marcel.  The overtime could have been very interesting, as shown by the final score of the NFL game, if the team with first possession scores a touchdown, the game is over.  However, it really isn't a 7 point touchdown, as it is only 6 points.  Joel's fourth quarter started with a New England field Goal, followed by a Patriots TD with a two-point convert, both scoring him 16 points each and the decisive win.  "We realized something tonight" said Muddy Capone, "Next year only one person will have each score."  With 12 GM's, that part was always a sticker.  But next year, two GM's will have a 7 at the same time but one will be a Run - 7, and the other a Pass - 7.  This will mean every score in the game will no longer be shared and each score will only be owned by one of the 12 participants.  Joel has the Super Bowl pool locked down.  But can this be the year he wins an NHLP Championship?  The NHLP is now officially in the home stretch.

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Edmonton Grab Their Man Huberdeau

GM Scott is one of the most aggressive GM's in the game.  He might also be the hardest working.  The GM saw something he had to have and went out and dropped an NHLP first overall pick to get it, trading something that is never traded, if ever.  In return the GM is convinced he has the makings of a team he wants to go to the playoffs with.  Adding heavyweights van Riemsdyk, Hoffman, Huberdeau and Huberdeau, with high scorers Wennberg, Marner and Marner, the Oil will be scoring a few points down the stretch in the next 7 weeks before the NHLP gets together one last time for the season.  "I traded a high pick, moved down 26 spots in the first round, but hard work got that back" said the GM.  Well, let us see.  The Oil moved down 26 spots in the first round.  They added 31 spots in the first round, 20 in the 2nd, 21 in the 3rd, 11 in the 4th, 22 in the 7th as well as now having an option on a future Waiver and getting a Waiver to add the players the GM wanted most.  "Every guy is an asset, if you try hard enough" said the GM who clearly can't be blamed for not trying.  The GM said he feels Florida, now with Huberdeau and Barkov, will be the third seed, ahead of Toronto and Boston, to play Ottawa in the NHL first round.  "We can win that Division with Huberdeau in the semi-finals, I believe that" Scott said, "It is like they were two points out and just traded draft picks to Colorado for Duchene and Landeskog.  Only better players and they saved those draft picks."  Huberdeau's low number will come in handy if needed and this is clearly the NHLP's highest scoring team, just waiting for some huge nights in the coming weeks.

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Las Vegas Scores First Overall Pick

The attraction of grabbing any player in the entire NHLP with the very first overall pick in two seasons was too much for GM Vinnie to pass on in Las Vegas.  The Strip acquired the #1 overall in a Waiver swap with Edmonton (Scott) for the Waiver, their 26th overall as well as their 4th overall the season after that, where they will now draft 35th.  "It is a sacrifice" said GM Scott, "But although that is a powerful pick, we landed a powerful 4th in return, the Waiver and an option on the Vegas Waiver next year" said the GM who sent out 19 additional offers last night and woke up to 7 being accepted.  The Oil now have their morning full as they try and make sense of what combinations of offers to maximize the future for the players, some 15 points they are dropping to the Minors.  

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Marleau Big In Cleveland

Here is a guy nobody wanted early in the NHLP season and now, suddenly the hottest guy in the league.  Marleau added two more points Saturday, tying Cleveland (Tyson) with the top point getting night on the season with 11.  This is a team that recently had a 29 point week.  They are on fire and lighting up the NHLP's North Division.  While Hossa and Anisimov added two points each also, it was the big guy Crosby leading the way, as he always does, with 3 on the night.  Singles in the 11 went to Rust and Seabrook.  No NHLP has had 12 this season, although Toronto (Chad) did have the only other 11 point night.  If a team can get 12, this might be the team.  Not a playoff team NHLP GM's are looking forward to playing.  Another point would have been Tyson's 6th all-time dozen point night and put him alone in the all-time lead in that category.

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 Entertain Pavelski?

"I might end up trading Pavelski Saturday" said GM Vinnie in an email, "I am open to entertain offers, not sure what I will do with the Waiver."  The Las Vegas Strip are now 14 out of a playoff spot, but sitting with possibly the most desirable asset on a non playoff team.  Vinnie just isn't giving Pavelski away, already turning down 20 points in a deal that would have landed Gagner, Werenski and Werenski for Pavelski, Landeskog and Jenner.  "The fact GM Vinnie just turned his nose up at three top Blue Jackets tell us he knows what he has in Pavelski" said Muddy Capone, who thought this deal was a done deal a week ago only for it to fall apart.  The general consensus is the two GM's are still talking, but it is clear Vinnie might pull the trigger on this or another deal this weekend, with the Waiver being in play.  If you have something, GM Vinnie is all ears.

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Temptation Resisted

With the temptation to score a huge point gain resisted, GM Chad went more conservative, adding Hoffman, Krejci, Krejci and Subban.  The Penguins may not get much out of Krejci over the next three weeks as a light schedule for Boston is followed by a week off, their bye week.  For Chad he feels the Bruins were a better pick over his many other options.  Chad dropped Backlund, Schenn, Pearson and Backes in his 115 for 115.  Pittsburgh is now 14 points out of a playoff spot with as many questions marks as before the Waiver.

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Marchand Leads Quebec

The Quebec Nordiques (Matt) had a 20 point month from Marchand in route to a 82 point month.  Burakovsky and Carter had 13, Doughty 11, Turris 10, Stone 8 and Dumba 7.  The Big Team Month has left Quebec in first in the East, but still only 17 up on fourth.  The Bruins are a question mark for a playoff spot, well in in points but games at hand by other teams will make for an interesting next three weeks to see where they are on February 19th, after their bye week.  If they are in, GM Matt would love to hang onto Marchand's scoring who has been one of the best players in the NHL this season.

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Kuznetsov - What a Steal

The Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) acquired Kusnetsov in a straight up deal for Scheifele on January 2nd.  Kusnetzov would go onto a 20 point month, helping the Kings reach 82.  Other big players in the teams Big Team Month were Ovechkin 18, Draisaitl 14, Miller 10, Faulk 6 and Vatrano 5.  The Kings are 19 points up on the 5th place Oilers (Scott) who were one of three big scoring teams in January, also reaching 80 points.

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Balanced Scoring Leads Oil Attack

The Edmonton Oil (Scott) had an 80 point month without a player scoring 20.  Marner and Marner had 15 each, Trochek 13, Wennberg 10, while Eichel, Eichel and Boedker all had 9 point months to round out the month.  Even with the Big Team Month, Edmonton is only tied for 4th place in the Pacific Division which had 4 teams reach at least 70 points on the month.

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Huge Scoring Month - Three 80+ Months

For the first time in 5 years an NHLP has had an 80 point month, without the use of a Waiver during the month.  The last time this tough feat was done was back in February of 2012 when Dallas (Jr) hit 81, just two months after that same high scoring team had 102 points in a month, the NHLP record.  "It is tough to hit 80 points" said Capone, "Four straight weeks of 20 is tough to do."  To show just how tough it is.  Cleveland (Tyson) had a 29 point week and only finished the month with 73.  The NHLP does usually see the higher weeks and months in the NHLP's second half, as NHLP teams get better and the NHL schedule is more condensed.  To show just how high of scoring month we just had, three teams scored 80 or more this month, led by Quebec (Matt) and Los Angeles (Andrew) who tied at 82, while Edmonton (Scott) added 80.

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Penguins Grab Waiver

GM Chad figured it was time to start making some moves this season, paying a package of a future Waiver and three draft picks in the second, third and fourth rounds of next years draft.  In the move Pittsburgh will surely clear house, sitting with a low scoring team of mostly fringe players and 14 back of 4th place.  For GM Ryan, selling the Waiver in Boston made sense as the Bruins are close to a playoff spot, just three points, and a much strong playoff team where he can trade in at any time.  The Bruins now have the February 28th Waiver, the night of the NHL Trading Deadline.

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Who Wants It

On one of the most busy nights of the NHL season, GM Ryan admits he will likely move the Waiver.  "If I get another later Waiver, and maybe a few picks I will likely take that offer" said the GM who finds his team in last place in the North, with a few injuries, but close enough to trade into a spot at any moment.  "Worst case is we take the best deal we are offered, the best package" said Ryan if a Waiver can't be obtained in the transaction.

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59 Currently Out

A quick look at the NHL Standings and Player Tracking, sees 59 current players in the NHLP, sitting outside a playoff spot.  The Los Angeles Kings who are just a single point behind Calgary and with three games at hand, having the most players off a team currently out, at 14.  "The Kings have a lot of players in the NHLP" stated Muddy Capone who pointed out Edmonton has 6, Anaheim 13, Chicago 11, and San Jose 11, teams looking much more safe in the standings.  In the Eastern Conference Toronto is out with 10 players, a point behind both Boston (7) with 5 games at hand or Philadelphia (6) with three games at hand.  Although NHLP teams are only required to have 6 playoff players before penalty point deductions start, some GM's never settle for 6 while others will be happy to carry six just to get in.  Although all GM's play by the same rules, as a league we have never seen this rule really come into play and most seasons are not surprising.  We have seen teams leaving the NHLP Trading Deadline saying "Oh, I need the Bruins in or I am out", but we have never seen a team in by say six points, felt in by everyone, and suddenly lose their last 8 games of the season and "Shockingly" not make it in. 

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Boston Movement Continues

The Colorado Avalanche (Chad) gave 11 points and Marchand to Hamilton (Tyson) for Zuccarello.  This is a fairly big move for Hamilton, adding the points needed to go from last in the East to now 3rd place.  With Connolly's low number GM Tyson said he wasn't worried about where Boston is currently in the Standings, as he feels they will make it in.  It will be interesting to see on February 19th, where Boston is positioned in the NHL standings.  At that time, Boston will be ending their bye week and all teams will have caught up to them in games played, with Toronto gaining 5 games on Boston over the first 19 days in February.  By then Boston owners will have a clearly picture, with just 23 games left for each team at that time, who is sitting where in the NHL standings.  With the games at hand, teams behind still have to gain the points in the standings to take advantage of those games, or they are meaningless.  For Chad, he said he is still looking to move more points, still up 17th on 4th.

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Blockbuster Deal Delayed

It is very interesting what can cause a delay in a blockbuster deal.  The NHL Yearbook has learned of such a deal, but with the players away at the NHL All-Star game it has been difficult to track these guys down.  "We are talking some of the biggest names in the NHLP" said Muddy Capone who has been made aware of the blockbuster deal, which will alter the landscape (his new favorite phrase) of two Divisions.  "This will alter the landscape of two Divisions" said Capone.  The Yearbook is obligated to not release information if GM's specially ask, even when aware of the deal.  Stay tune, a busy weekend, even without hockey. 

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 Avs Mile High

GM Chad had his second double-digit night of the NHLP season, hitting 10 points in Colorado.  Pastrnak added 2 before the team traded him today, along with Marchand and Granlund.  Niederreiter, having a great season for Chad added three and the tenth point was by the teams third Wild player, Spurgeon.  The Avalanche are scoring at will and are 26 points clear of relegation.  Colorado has 77 points this month, to lead the NHLP.  Of the 5 NHLP teams to have over 70 this month, four of them are also from the Pacific.  This very Division was inspired by the CTR who early in the season called it "Borderline Pathetic."  The GM's have woken the league up, firing a Warning shot that it is true, the NHLP Champion this season might come from the Pacific afterall.

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Little Pieces

The Titan, thanks to some "Absolutely horrible fucking moves by the GM" the Titan owner stated this week, found themselves out of a playoff spot by 40 points after the Chicago (Andrew) Waiver two days ago.  "But I believe in the son-of-a-bitch" added the teams owner, "The fucker won us two Cups already."  GM Scott loved the vote of confidence, "What you going to do, sit and cry about it" the GM said, "Fuck that shit, test yourself and see if you can make something out of nothing.  So we are.  We have.  We will."  The GM said he will go hard after the next available Waiver and trade every asset he has for 7 more players.  "I've been challenged, why not respond" said Scott who's goal with this Waiver was to move in more attractive pieces for his next bout of trade-mania.  "Our goal is to be the most attractive team outside a playoff spot" Scott said, "When out (of a playoff spot) you want to be a place other GM's look for their shopping experiences.  The Minors are great with a Waiver, but if you don't have one, least you know our doors are open 7 days a week, including holidays."  After trading Burns and this Waiver, the Titan are now only 8 points out of the final playoff spot.  There is a lot more to come added the GM, "You're not crossing into Disneyland, that isn't our motto we live by.  You are Crossing into Fear.  That is our motto and always has been.  Crossing into Fear mother fucker.  Not, not Disneyland." 

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Portland Gets Best Offer From San Fran

GM Vinnie decided to trade the Waiver in Portland, adding the 8th pick overall for the 18th, a nice pick that could mean the end of the Winter Hawks season.  The team also added 16th spots in the 5th, but now are 43 out and without a Waiver.  "It isn't impossible for this team to be dead" said Muddy Capone, "Not with Oshie and Burakovsky and teams sitting with 50 points to give later."  If the Winter Hawks had used the Waiver, maybe they could have added some little pieces that could have all been tradable parts, a little here and there and one big team to make a push.  "The worst thing is when a GM gives up his team" added Capone, "Another less team to trade with when it gets to crunch time."  Well.  There is still hope he can get 30 points in a blockbuster, but time is running short and the moving of the Waiver certainly won't help.

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  Trying Times in Portland - Waiver Available

GM Vinnie didn't mix his words.  "Things are bad" the GM admitted.  Vinnie said the Waiver is available for the best offer he gets.  The Winter Hawks GM said that if someone "Offered a huge deal for Oshie, maybe everything can change, outside of that we will have to build for the future with this one."  Oshie and Burakovsky, two of the hottest and most sought after assets in the NHLP are sitting on a team 41 points out of 4th and falling.  Without a blockbuster style, deserving of these two players that have both scoring and distance with Washington unbeatable at the moment, they might end up getting burned this late in the season.  "Getting 20 points for them when this team is 40 to 60 points out with a week left in the season, won't fly" said Muddy Capone.  Everyone seems to agree this is the opportunity to change this team.  Tonight.  Going to the Minors, all out, could gain the team 20 points and keep the two Capital players, essentially they would be right back in, no matter how they gained 20 tonight and kept those guys.  Or they get a fair package for them and get within 20, then a Waiver gain, later Waiver or possibly no Waiver at all if the price was right, could give the team hope.  For a GM to go all out tonight for those two and the Waiver, they can revamp everything they currently have.  Right now, saying the Waiver is "just" available, doesn't sound like Vinnie is going to try to get the team in.  In prior years it might have taken 5 or more Transactions and cost 50.  Now it will take that same number of moves, and cost nothing.  What is there to lose?  Reality could be the Waiver could score a handsome number of picks and Portland then dies, but giving Vinnie a better start to next season, or a future season.  Seems a sad way to go, especially for an MMA fan who'd in everything else in life would not stop fighting until death.  We just need that same battle in the NHLP and watch out.  Well, it is available.

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Burns Off Market - Options Were Limited

GM Scott said he didn't want to trade Burns and felt sick about it, but Chicago (Andrew) "Wasn't coming down, they were moving up" said Scott who felt there were few options left.  San Fran had put themselves in a bad spot and the GM admitted his options were a handful at best.  "To trade a 50 point player and gain 20 points, almost impossible to do in this landscape" said the GM.  Scott said to trade Crosby in Cleveland and gain 20, GM Tyson would have to include his two lowest guys which means he'd have to get 120 points for three players, about 40 points each.  "That is 18, 19 and 20th in overall scoring" Scott explained, it is hard to do.  GM Chad had made a decent offer with Bruins, but the games at hand and no Waiver didn't work.  In the end it was Seattle (Shawn), Vancouver (Joel) and Phoenix (Charlie).  A player of Burns talent, once gone from the market, usually never resurfaces.  He may have been the top player available, but it is possible Makin or McDavid are in play later, depending on their owners.  Scott gave Burns, Hertl and Guentzel for Stastny, Steen and Spezza.  "We are still so far back, just consider us another Minors" said Scott, "If you are giving a point, you can have JVR, Hayes, anyone really.   Just send in the deal."  San Fran will be very active the GM said to get back into the fray in the South, still 17 points back.  "It is going to be a busy second half, but I think we can do it" the GM said.
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Coyotes Building Champion - Add Burns

GM Charlie said the deal was a "no brainer", adding Burns, an Elite NHL star defencemen who is only 5 points behind McDavid for the scoring title.  "I am excited to have him with Kessel and we are still up 30 points" said Charlie who now has the highest scoring team in the West Division.  With Hertl set to play as soon as San Jose next game and Guentzel playing with Malkin, everything made sense for the GM who still has Eberle, Carlson and Kunitz as well.  Charlie is having a great season in Phoenix, from a solid draft to making use of the 50 points he had to build a team with.  The team gave up Spezza, Steen and Stastny, not players Charlie said he was keeping long term anyhow. The CTR had the team behind Vancouver (Joel) but adding Burns or a top San Jose team will help change that, at least making these two much closer in power.  Charlie admitted there is work to do, "But when you have a powerhouse, like we do here now, we are just a couple pieces from having a team that can win it all" said Charlie, "That is an exciting thought."

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 Blackhawks Drop Four After Deal

GM Andrew had made two deals before the Waiver, adding Schwartz and sending him to Alaska (Marcel) for Hall who was dumped to the Minors.  Along with Hall were Schenn, Krejci and Hudler, 100 points for Tavares, Niskanen, Brassard and Buchnevish.  Andrew stayed in the recent NHLP theme dropping flyers and Bruins, teams GM's seem to have given up on.  "Things are so close and so exciting, ever night" said Andrew, "I am sure the revolving door on another team will start soon as well."  How crazy are the NHL standings.  Today, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Buffalo, Carolina and the New York Islanders are all tied with 49 points, last in the Eastern Conference.  Those six teams are one point behind Florida and three behind Philadelphia, all just being 4 points out of a playoff spot.  "How are any of those teams, sellers at the NHL Trading Deadline, if all 9 are within 4 points of each other" wonders Muddy Capone. 

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  CTR Ranks Top Teams
Winning Rhymes With Orange

There is a new team atop the CTR and only one word rhymes with their team slogan so they say; Winning.  The Philadelphia Flyer (Scott) are the only team ranked with over 2000 CTR Power Ranking Points, but there are a number of top teams very close behind.  This CTR is with 60% of the NHL season gone.  Where do your teams rank?  Check out this (unedited) version here.

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Chicago Starts The House Cleaning Early

Parise was the first shipped out today and GM Andrew says he would like to move out everyone by 8 PM tonight, maybe except Thornton.  Adding a huge score of points, the Blackhawks moved out the first line Minny player to Toronto (Chad) for Schwartz, adding 9 for the Waiver.  Homes should easily be found for Hartnell and Plekanec while high scorers Schenn and Krejci can alter a teams scoring down the stretch and still be playoff players.  If you want in, Andrew says he would like to get the deals done by 8 PM. 

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Cleveland One Shy of 30
Season's Biggest Week

GM Tyson had a 29 point week in the NHLP in Cleveland, about as good of week as the league ever sees anymore.  This same week in 2015 was the last week a GM hit 30, GM Chad in Colorado.  The Fury were led by non other then the best player in the world, Sid, who had 8 points with line mate Rust 7, Steen 6, Hossa 5 and finally Seabrook 2 and Marleau 1.  Anisimov did not score in the week that saw crazy NHL scores all week long.  From Monday here is a taste of some finals this week:  8-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3, 6-5, 7-3, 7-1, 7-3, and 7-6.  Wow.  We usually seen higher scoring in the NHLP this time of year with more games on the NHL schedule and after the meetings and with each passing Waiver.  But this week was just a massive week for scoring, and we still didn't get a 30 point week.  Yes, Vancouver (Joel) did have 33, but 11 came from Waiver pickups which never count for official Big Nights.
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Pittsburgh Stars Hit 25

They may be the Dallas Stars (Jr) on paper, but this team revolves around the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL players.  With Malkin (8), Schultz (7) and Hornqvist (4) these Stars hit 25 points for the week, still losing ground to Cleveland (Tyson) in-front who reached 29.  Faska had 3 while singles went to Andrighetto, Dumba and Foligno of the Jackets.  GM's Jr and Tyson have 2 each of the NHLP's last 5 Big Team Weeks, while GM Shawn has the 5th over the past two seasons.  In this high scoring week one quarter of all teams, 9 in total, had weeks North of 20 or more.

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Lighting The Flame

It is his team to carry.  Toews had a four point night Sunday, with support from Rust (3), Jones (2) and Hornqvist (1).  Calgary just added Rust and Jones from the Minors, little hidden gems who accounted for half the teams scoring.  "Credit to the advanced scouting of GM Jr" said Muddy Capone, "Crosby's line mate and Columbus top defencemen, having no business in the minors and scooped up by the veteran GM."  After the 10 point night, Calgary is a mere 13 points out and burning bright.  The team now has more assets who are playing and teams in front had better be conscious of who is sitting in 5th.  A team the CTR recognized as being "Just to strong to not be in the mix" for a playoff spot.  Well, here is some of that strength with more to come if Toews is now heating up.

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Hawks - Schenn & Krejci Could Move

GM Andrew is looking to find a new home for some big scorers ahead of his Tuesday Waiver.  Schenn and Krecji are the names thrown out there with the Gm saying he will find it hard, but not impossible to move Jumbo Joe Thornton.  Chicago is in a dog fight, literally, with Vin Dog for the final playoff spot in the South Division.  The team has huge assets Parise and Plekanec at very attractive and tradable low numbers.  Chicago can easily take on points and use those non playoff points acquired in a drop with the low numbered Hudler.

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Canucks Add Smoking Hot Russian

While GM's Jr and Shawn didn't feel comfortable dropping 6 points to the Minors with an injury pick for Buchnevich, GM Joel was thrilled to add him in Vancouver's Waiver.  "I just couldn't get him twice" said Joel who also added Zucker and Bozak.  Buchnevich only went 75th overall in the NHL Entry Draft, but has scored 14 points in his first 14 NHL games.  "You knew he was sensational by looking at his KHL numbers" said Muddy Capone, "Any 20 year old who already has 87 points the the KHL, you know will dominate everywhere else as well."  The now 21 year old scored those 87 points for hometown Cherepovets in just 158 games, a young man playing against men.  His 13 points in 14 WJC was enough to grab the attention of many GM's who look ahead for the next wave of young stars.  For Joel dropping Pastrnak, Leddy and Shore, the team has now reloaded in a big way and with 40 points to work with.  The Canucks have been a solid NHLP Franchise under GM Joel who seemingly does outstanding work each year building winners.  The West Division is loaded with talent and it will not be easy making the playoffs and winning the first round without an outstanding team.  Something clearly GM Joel has in Vancouver. 

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Season's Biggest Night - Reigning Champs Hit 11

GM Chad admitted it took a while for him to get going after winning the NHLP Championship last season, his third Cup as a GM.  "You think everything will come easy, but it takes work" said Chad recently.  Thanks in part to Eberle's four point night, the Leafs struck for 11, an NHLP high on the season.  This was Chad's biggest night in over a year and tying Toronto's biggest night ever, their last Big Night being December 12, 2010.  Back in 2010 it was also Shattenkirk helping out that night as the Leafs hit 10 points.  Tonight Shattenkirk added two along with Kane and Schwartz while Coyle made the 11th point.  No NHLP team has had 11 this season and only GM Tyson has reach 12 the past two and a half seasons.  The Leafs franchise, in the NHLP for 27 years has never had a 12 point night while Chad himself has had 2 in his 19 NHLP seasons.

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Scoreboard Watching Has Begun

"I don't think ever has the games this early in the season ever meant so much" said Muddy Capone.  It is true that every NHL team plays at least 33 more games while a few have 38 left.  Is that a lot?  There are 10 teams in the Eastern Conference within 6 points and playing for two playoff spots while 6 teams in the Western Conference are within 4 points and playing for two playoff spots.  It is insane how big every game is every day.  Were some of these expected to have a shot?  It might be fair to say Vancouver, NY Islanders, Buffalo and New Jersey really weren't suddenly expected to be playing playoff hockey right now.  But they are.  For instance the Islanders can win Sunday and be two points behind Philadelphia and have 3 games at hand, being only two out of a playoff spot.  Boston is playing game 50 versus Pittsburgh and a loss Sunday means 7 of the 8 teams out of the playoffs could win their games at hand and pass Boston for a playoff spot.  If Vancouver beats Chicago Sunday, they outright hold down the 8th playoff spot in the West, moving Calgary out.  These games are big.  You can't throw them away and ever get them back.  With the cut-throat NHLP rules, playoff spots can in fact be lost on the final day of the season, for any GM risking carrying players of any of these teams.  It makes it tense.  It also gives any GM a shot, banking on any team they think can turn it around, adding maybe their high scoring player, like a Tavares or Hedman.  The scoreboard watching may have already been going on, but rest assured these are huge NHL games every single night of the schedule from here on out.

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Halifax Trades 24 Points
Tampa Players Start Their Decent

A huge move hi-lighted a busy Saturday afternoon in the NHLP, seeing one huge deal amongst the 4 separate Transactions made.  The Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) moved off their Tampa Bay player Hedman, making an attractive points package if nothing else, and along with Voracek and 24 points shipped them out for Johansson and Nash.  "The feeling was it was time to move on From Tampa Bay" said GM Shawn who is still up 19 points on 5th place in the East.  For Indianapolis (Matt) adding the points moved the team from 4th to 2nd place in the Pacific, now 24 points to work with unloading these players if it comes to it.  "Both Tampa Bay and Philadelphia are within four points of a playoff spot" said GM Matt, "That is a good week.  If either make it I will this deal by a long shot."  There are now 8 NHL teams, all them that are out in the Eastern Conference within 5 points of the last playoff team, with even the New York Islanders right there, and maybe the inside track for a spot if they win Sunday versus Philadelphia.  Halifax was not the only NHLP team unloading the Bolts Saturday as Seattle (Shawn) dropped Stamkos to the NHLP Minors for Little.  GM Jr made two injury picks in Calgary, dropping Markov twice for Rust and Jones, but off top rated NHL teams.

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Injury Picks Can Be Made

Five current NHLP players can be picked up any day.  Of course Stamkos is still on that list with 20 points and if Tampa Bay never returns to a playoff team, GM Shawn can decide to cut his losses for a 20 point player any day.  GM's Ryan and Tyson can grab a 20 for Toffoli any day and GM Jr can drop Markov and Markov for 21.  On a day that Huberdeau was now announced out for the season along with Barkov, injuries in the second half of the season are huge for GM's in the middle of races.  Players going out for three months at this stage are gone for the remainder of the season at least.

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Miami Responds

GM Charlie said GM Scott is forgetting "We had plans to use the Waiver.  At 9:30 PM we told them we were going to dump 83 points and he said that was no good for them" said the GM.  "The fucker.  I did the fucker a favor because I felt sorry for that bag of shit that he had.  Scott in fact told me this morning, there must be something we can still do.  I was getting Shattenkirk, JVR, Brown and maybe MacArthur from the Minors and the only thing that stopped me was I was still getting those guys plus a pick.  I didn't string him along at all.  Bullshit."  Charlie insists he did Scott a favor and if anything the GM still owes him one.  This is not the first time these GM's have been at odds and it won't be the last.  Things got much nastier this morning after the Yearbook broke the story.  Scott said he will sell every player he has to ensure San Fran meets Miami this season.  "I was going to sell them to do that before the Waiver" said Scott, "But if need be I will do it now.  Everyone will go.  He feels sorry for me.  I just hope we somehow meet in the playoffs.  That will be my goal matchup this season now for sure."  With the Trading Deadline being hosted at GM Charlie's GM Scott may find himself out in the garage.  "There is no heat out there" said Charlie, "After I take his money at cards, there will be a few hay straws on the floor in the garage for him to wipe away his tears on."  Can't wait for to see how this all goes down.

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Titan GM Lambasts Miami GM

The San Fran Titan GM Scott let GM Charlie know they were non to pleased with the negotiations between the two teams.  "We pride ourselves in having the courtesy to trade the Waiver with time enough to let the other GM have at least a small opportunity to make counter moves" said GM Scott, "Being fucking strung along for 20 hours over a 4th or 2nd round pick, a point or two, and every time you give in it increases in the next round of negotiations, then given the Waiver in the final half hour with no hope to do anything, that is bullshit" said Scott.  "The next fucking time I move a Waiver with a deadline, a courtesy line for my fellow GM's of say 7 PM for everyone, rest assured for Charlie it will be 11 AM the next day.  That will be stated up fucking front."  Scott went on to say he was happy to get the Waiver and from the desperation position they were in, it was also critical.  He stated that he understands a GM can in fact do whatever he wants with his Waiver.  "That is all true" Scott agreed, "But as a league, move the Waiver with enough time so a GM can make additional moves.  Leaving it to the end, because you can't in your head make a fucking decision, is not right.  Give a deadline.  Set a time.  Everyone knows the time and the GM's in, will respect that time.  So that guys who are paying a steep price to get these Waivers has a little time to do something.  Totally different when the GM says they are set and ready to pick.  But when you say give me to 9 PM to make a decision, and I know I have counter deals I want to make, then you make it 11:30 AM, that isn't right.  It is bullshit.  It isn't being ungrateful, not at all.  Even for my competition, it is what is right and just."

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San Fran - "Little Choice But To Salvage Season"

GM Scott said he was extremely happy leaving the Winter Meeting having Huberdeau twice, what he called potential game changing first round scoring from his 6th and 7th roster players.  All that changed when instead of a February 9th return, as was reported, now Huberdeau was out until March.  "We were dead" said the GM who admits you can't sit and whine about your mistakes.  "We put ourselves in great spots and we put ourselves in bad spots" said Scott.  "This was a bad spot and we had to aggressively change back to a good spot.  I am the type to admit failure but I am not the type to let failure stop me from failing again.  The Titan organization will rise again.  You only have to make a good transaction once.  As many bad ones as you make, a good one can be one transaction away."  The Titan said that now their season likely rests on Guentzel and Guentzel, a player the GM loves.  He will either stay this time, playing top 6 in Pittsburgh and alter San Fran's season from here on out, or he will go back to two points a game in the AHL and leave the Titan as a team that will not make the NHLP playoffs this season.  "I just have to hope, starting tonight he lights things up" Scott said, "He can't do worse then Huberdeau the next 25 games, that is for certain."

Titan Drop
Tavares 32
Krejci 28
Bergeron 18
Andrighetto 5
Huberdeau 0
Huberdeau 0 = 83

Adds
van Riemsdyk 35
Shattenkirk 28
Hertl 9
Guentzel 5
Guentzel 5
MacArthur 0 = 82 

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Huge Deal For Miami - Waiver Moves

GM Charlie ended with a solid high scoring team after adding four players and a solid second round pick in a trade with San Fran (Scott) which included the Waiver.  "I just asked Charlie who he wanted to get rid of and who he wanted in the Minors" said GM Scott, "And lets see if we can make that happen."  Miami got rid of all four players they wanted, Tavares, Krejci, Bergeron and Andrighetto and even added 25 spots in the second round.  The Surf had a target of Shattenkirk, who they later acquired after GM Scott made his Waiver pick.  All in all Gm Charlie has an outstanding team, his highest scoring team and now 7 playoff players.  "It was a very long negotiation but in the end, I have a great team" said GM Charlie about the apparent over-night negotiation with a lot of back and forth between the GMs. 

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Just 17 Waivers Left

GM Vinnie has a Waiver left with each team as the NHLP officially crosses over into our second half of the season.  GM Charlie has the Waiver tonight in Miami and indications were he was using it, however there has been no official word since.  The Surf can use this opportunity to move out Tavares, but his scoring may also be held as his point total is somewhat low for a non playoff player of his caliber.  This is the time of season things really start to heat up.  Most GM's started building their teams now with the Winter Meeting out of the way.  You can feel the excitement and the anticipation as each point means more down the stretch.  We fully expect some massive deals, but Divisions are extremely close as of today.  It should be an exciting second half to the NHLP's 27th season. 

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Officepools and Player Tracking

Everyone please count your players in Player Tracking.  You should be there 7 times per team or 21 times in total.  If not please let us know as mistakes are no fun.

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Mirror, Mirror

GM Joel made a 6 player swap to the Minors, adding Hayes, Miller, Zucker, Suter, Manta and Huberdeau.  "My first thought was that team looks familiar" said Muddy Capone, realizing that four of those players play in San Fran (Scott).  Only after updating did Capone realize that a fine was in place, as Mantha not only plays in San Fran, but also Indianapolis (Matt).  "This is the very reason we have these fines, the extra work" added Capone, none to pleased with knowing he will have to be changing the draft page again.  It isn't a surprise Joel would build his team around the model San Fran uses said a representative of the team.  "He (Joel) is one of our 3 followers on our Twitter @FearTheTitan".  The league will update the correct Waiver when we receive it.  (Update:  Replace Mantha with Cogliano)

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San Fran Adds Huberdeau, Again

In one of the more bizarre years for a player, Huberdeau has been added again in an Injury Pick, this time back to San Fran (Scott) a team that just dropped him in an Injury Pick, after just picking him up.  Down to the Minors is Guentzel, who GM Scott said is never going to get called up playing on the "Most healthy team in history of the game."  The Penguins have not suffered a man game lost this season due to injury the GM told the NHLP Yearbook, a statistic we were not able to verify at time of printing.  "Hey, CNN don't verify anything either, so don't worry about it" Scott told Muddy Capone.  Huberdeau and Huberdeau, we can't tell them apart, started the season as two Injury Drops.  They were then added in two Waivers, both by GM Scott who then dropped them both in Injury Picks prior to this, now picking him up again in an Injury Pick.  The Titan GM did state, "He only has to miss 11 more games and we can drop him again."

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Tear Down That Team

GM Joel acquired Toronto's Waiver from GM Chad in a deal for two Elite players and a later Waiver for the Leafs.  Toronto was able to move the injured Barkov and get a high scoring Giroux with the Feb 9th Waiver.  For Joel's Sabres it begins what he calls a "Tear down" of the team.  He started quickly in a second deal acquiring the seemingly in demand Matthews and Cammalleri, sending his other top Flyers player Voracek along with Jokinen to the Whalers.  For GM Andrew it was the second trade of Matthews in a week from Hartford, clearly falling out of favor with the NHL's Leafs, a surprise to many.  "I just believe they are too weak on defence" said the GM.  Ironically enough he is taking on a Flyers player from a team not particularly known for any defence at all.  For Joel there is work to do.  Barkov will be only a minus two (-2) in a drop and could even be tradable as he is due back at the start of February.  The Sabres are second place in the South Division and have 25 points to work with, so could move massive points in the right deal.  The team has a number of fringe players that could easily be playoff players including Matthews, Barkov, Jagr and Byfuglien.  With the house clearing also going on in Colorado, Soderberg could be someone on the move later if a GM is willing to go that route.  One thing is for certain, the NHLP Minors is about to get a whole lot thinner after the next two Waivers prior to the meeting.

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 Nov 12th Error Never Caught

While doing some administration work in preparation for the upcoming NHLP Winter Meeting, GM Jr caught that there was an extra player in Player Tracking.  "That is a scary thought, one less, one too many" said Muddy Capone.  Upon analysis Jr was able to determine Hoffman, who was dropped Nov 12th in the very first Wavier of the year was never removed from Player Tracking.  He appeared as unavailable since, even though he is having an outstanding season.  "Likely the only person who could have caught this error, would have been Tyson saying, hey, I don't have him anymore" Capone stated.  It is so important things are done accurately, but moving forward we know more mistakes will occur.  The goal is that if you see something that doesn't look right, let us know.  Oh sure you might end up the "St Louis" joke of the season, but more fun that way then to have a Hoffman not available in your Waiver pickup.

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"The Turning Point"

GM Chad said his Waiver on Thursday could "Be the turning point" for some GM's season, a last chance at an uncontested stab at the Minors.  The usual suspects know this and no doubt GM's Scott, Andrew, Shawn and Matt are all over this Waiver.  We saw what Philadelphia just did.  Even if you are in last place, out of it, why not go for it like Philly did then trade back in player by player?  All it costs is time!  The next two Waivers, including Memphis' on Saturday could fetch a high demand, but who knows.  Sometimes they go for very little, but if your offer isn't in, you will never know if it was the best one or not.

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Toronto Entertaining Offers

GM Chad has said he is entertaining offers on all players and or the Waiver.  Toronto was the official winner of the Matthews sweepstakes on Saturday, but passed on 13 points and Scheifele and Matthews for Coyle and Eberle, a price the GM felt too steep for his star players.  Coyle and Eberle are both wanted NHLP players and if the price is right this time around, the GM said he will move anyone.  "I am not giving guys away" said the GM, "But am in a tough Division and scoring is required to keep pace."  Toronto who won the NHLP Championship last season is hoping to be the first team since the 1993 and 1994 St Louis Blues (Norman) to win back to back titles.  The GM has made a league low of 2 Transactions on the season, tied with both GM's Jr and Vinnie, collectively 17 less than GM Scott who has made 23 on the season.  With Fabbri, Shattenkirk and Schwartz, a Blues run to the Stanley Cup Finals could be all that is standing in Chad's way, although rumors are he has been shopping his Blues players in recent days.

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Minors Frozen

The NHLP Minors are frozen ahead of the 10 AM Saturday meeting as of games completed Sunday night.  All transactions to the Minors will be using numbers as of today so GM's have time to plan ahead.  All GM's should go in and grab their own frozen numbers today off their teams to they can be prepared to work the Minors at the meeting.  There are two more Waivers prior to the meeting that will play havoc on the Minors.

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For GM - "Dream Waiver"

"This team reminds me so much of the 2006 Flyer" said GM Scott, "Trading Eric Staal and 56 points to solidify a Championship team."  Scott says that season no one saw Carolina being as good as they were, the NHL's best team and going on and winning the Cup.  "I don't think Columbus and Minnesota get the consideration they deserve as possible threats" the Flyer GM stated, "But I know where the best goaltending in the NHL play, and it isn't Montreal."  The Flyer who had this exact Waiver planned from the moment they went hard after it, cleaned house.  In doing so landed a Waiver and picks, making as much or likely more then they gave up.  The team now has a CTR of 2509, arguably the highest rated team the GM says he has ever had.  "That is a snapshot, I get it" said Scott, "If the Wild and Jackets fall, stumble, crash and burn from here on out, I will have made a horrible miscalculation.  However, I fully expect, with how we will score out, we will be the biggest buyers at the Trading Deadline.  Just maybe the Flyer can find another 56 point deal.  Those are fun."  For now it looks like the Flyer are for real.  Many teams are sitting in wait, not GM Scott's teams.  He said, "Sit back now and watch what Edmonton does next." 

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Flyer Waiver Numbers

Scheifele 36
Ehlers 35
Marchand 32
Trocheck 22
Tatar 18
Gallagher 18
Ekblad 11 = 172

for

E. Staal 33
Coyle 31
Gagner 28
Werenski 25
Werenski 25
Zibanejad 15
Zibanejad 15 = 172

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Matthews to Montreal

GM Marcel stepped to the plate, ironically being allowed to play in the Matthews sweepstakes.  GM Marcel had originally traded the Waiver to Philadelphia (Scott) from Florida.  The Flyer then acquired Matthews and made him available and because league rules state that if a GM has the Waivers four days prior to using it, he can drop players from any teams, including Marcel's other two teams.  "It was all very ironic how it unfolded" said the Flyer GM who in fact took his case to the Board of Governors to have them confirm the Flyer could talk to both Montreal and Alaska.  "We knew we could, but wanted to ensure the league was on board with the way we read the rule book prior to approaching Marcel which is what we did and they all agreed we were a go" said Scott.  It is very seldom we see a Waiver move the week of and most GM's have the Waiver a month before they use it after getting one in a trade, or at least a couple weeks if you move back.  Otherwise Waivers are usually traded the day of, which eliminates a GM from dealing with two teams in the league if he is going to drop players coming in those trades.  When GM Scott approached Marcel about being able to drop his injured Gallagher, after he got injured after the Waiver changed hands, other doors open and Matthews is now in Montreal.  Montreal paid their March 2nd Waiver, the second one after the NHL Trading Deadline, Marchand and Tatar for Matthews and Klingberg.  GM Scott said he had as many as 6 offers for Matthews, but that the points were not a factor.  "We wanted to get some picks back, after trading our next seasons Waiver for this Waiver" the GM stated.  Now the Flyer will hope to trade the March 2nd Waiver for a Waiver next season, depending on who gets traded in the NHL.  Before that the Flyer still have 4 more points and an entire roster they are moving, so the GM said the Flyer are still stock piling picks yet tonight.
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Matthews Leaves Flyer

The Philadelphia Flyer have announced that Matthews will in fact be traded today, after a flip flop past few days.  "Too many GM's stepped up their game" said GM Scott, "I have made the three GM's aware of the situation and the order I value their offers.  As they decline I will run down the list."  The Flyer have today's Waiver.  A deal is expected any time now and will be updated shortly.

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Subban For Jacket

Indianapolis (Matt) used their injury pick up for Subban today to add Dubinsky.  GM Matt who paid picks to add Subban, knew he was dropping Klingberg and thought this was the better option, not having to compete with GM's who are going hard after Columbus players.  Matt now has both Dubinsky's, crossing another Blue Jacket off the list of players available to be picked up. 

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Subban Dealt For Picks

GM Matt saw the light in Indianapolis, dealing Klingberg to Philadelphia (Scott) for Subban and 4 late round picks.  "I was dropping him at the meeting, now we can get a strong player we will not have to battle for" said Matt.  Subban is an injury pick Friday before 6 PM, up to 17 points.  The Icemen and Flyer came to an understanding that the Icemen could select anyone from the minors, but either Zibanajad.  Matt said he was not the target, so the deal got done.  The Flyer GM did not hold back when he saw the package offered by Indy.  "I know when I see I can't or won't do better" said the GM who gained three smaller 6th and 7th round picks and a sold 4th of 21 spots.  The Flyer are still looking at trading anyone on the roster hoping to grab some further picks in return. 

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Kreider First To Go

GM Scott said Kreider was the only player on the roster that would likely not be sent down and he becomes the first player shipped out in a complete overhaul of the Flyer.  Philadelphia moved Kreider to Hartford (Andrew) for Matthews and 19 spots in the third round of the next Draft.  "At this point we will be taking the strongest picks we can get" said GM Scott, "We will know it when we see it and react immediately for any GM stepping up."  The Flyer GM stated everyone on the roster may be had, and now the GM can move up to 5 points, depending on points between now and Saturday.  So players such as Matthews, Scheifele and Ehlers may be sold for less points, as long as the best pick Philly can get for each player comes back in return.

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 Flyer "Going for Cup"

GM Scott said he overpaid for the Waiver on Saturday but that this will "Set the Flyer up for a serious run at another Cup" said the GM.  Philadelphia paid next season Waiver, plus a first, third and fourth round pick in addition to trading Rakell and Little for Duchene and Ekblad.  GM Marcel said he was happy with what he received and the additional scoring in a very tough North Division.  The Panthers now have the highest scoring North Division team.  "We should gain 20 points in this deal" said Marcel who is hoping Florida can do what is needed at the two meetings this season, banking the additional Waiver for next season.  The Flyer said Subban is available Friday for an Injury pick if another GM likes what is in the Minors under 17 points.  Scott also said Scheifele, Ehlers and Klingberg are all available, all destine for the Minors Saturday.  "We put ourselves in an awesome position and now all that hard work will pay off with a potential Cup winning team" said Scott about what the new team will look like on Sunday.  "This is what we work all year for, and now the payoff" Scott added.

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Kuznetsov to Los Angeles in 14 Point Deal

GM Chad pulled the trigger on another huge deal in the NHLP to start the New Year.  "I just felt we needed the scoring" said Chad who acquired Scheifele and 14 points in a deal with Los Angeles (Andrew).  "We paid a lot of points, maybe two much" said Andrew, "But I love how Washington is distributing their minutes and not going all out in the season" the six-time NHLP Champion said, "This could be their year to go further in the NHL playoffs."  This is a huge deal.  The NHLP has been active the last couple days.  Many GM's are moving huge pieces ahead of the Winter Meeting in two weeks.  It is anticipated another big deal could come as GM Marcel said he has had multiple offers for his Waiver.  Keep them coming boys, this is fun.

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 Nordiques Believing in Kings
 
GM Matt made an aggressive move, adding Carter with Doughty in Quebec in a six player deal with Seattle (Shawn).  The Nords gave Perry, Kesler and Filppula for Carter, Simmonds and Neal in the second huge deal of New Years day.  "These deals rocked the league" said Muddy Capone, "Huge, massive deals to kick off the new year."  While Perry and Kelser are more in playoff-wise, all other players in this deal could go either way as far as either playoff players or not.  "I am excited to add two Ducks, high scoring elite players" said the Storm GM in an email to the head office, "We think Seattle is building a team that can compete for it all" said Shawn who earlier this season added Stamkos to the Storm and now has Perry and Stamkos on the same team.  We are two weeks from the Winter Meeting, a day we usually see these types of moves.  What a great way to kick off the New Year.

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Tarasenko to Halifax in Blockbuster

In the biggest NHLP deal of the season, Halifax (Shawn) and Cincinnati (Matt) pulled off an incredible 6 player swap to kick off the new year, one of two deals on the day.  Halifax added Tarasenko, Schwartz and Stepan, three huge names, moving to the Rage Atkinson, Wennberg and Monahan, two of the leagues most desired players.  The deal also has a condition that will see Halifax move up 8 spots in the first round plus receive three straight Cincinnati Waivers is the St Louis Blues somehow failed to make the NHL playoffs this season.  "The BOG will have to look into the deal" said Muddy Capone, "As the 2020/21 Draft does not exist yet and a Waiver for a draft not on the board has never been traded, even in a condition."  For Halifax, adding one of the leagues best players in Tarsenko was a huge move for Shawn, having the balls to pull the trigger, trading Atkinson and Wennberg off the hottest team in the NHL.  "I am extremely excited" said GM Matt, "I just added two more Blue Jackets and their best two players."  Without a doubt it is the biggest deal of the season, one that will be hard to top with all the future deals the league sees this season. 

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HUGE Deals Rock New Years Day

The NHLP Yearbook has learned of two huge, separate deals.  Both deals include monster NHLP names.  "I don't think I have ever saw this big of deal made on New Years Day" said Muddy Capone.  The NHLP is short staffed today, so breaking the deals and updating the site will have to wait, but they are huge.  In one deal Tarasenko has be traded and in another Perry.  Stay tune for the updates later this evening.

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The Most Powerful NHLP Team - Cleveland Fury

Sitting in the NHLP's most deadly Division, the Cleveland Fury have the top NHLP team according to the CTR at the 45% of the season mark.  Of course Crosby is the anchor but Cleveland is a powerhouse all-around.  The North Division has 6 solid teams yet only 4 can make the playoffs.  No other Division will be as crushing on a couple GM's with solid teams.  Ironically as wake this morning to see the North's standings, separating first to fifth - just 3 points!  Nothing will come easy and GM's must work really hard or their best chance might be 5th or 6th place in the Division come April.  How is your team doing?  Check out the CTR.  With the Winter Meeting ahead there is time to improve right around the corner.

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Columbus vs. Minnesota

That game is Saturday night, New Years Eve.  The Blue Jackets have won 14 straight and the Wild 12.  Something has to give while the other team will still try to set the all-time record in history of the NHL.  Both teams are solid, led with the best goaltending in the NHL, powerful scoring lines and solid defense.  What a way to bring in 2017 with the Detroit and Toronto outdoor game the following day.     

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Sharp Finds New Home

Sharp has had a rough year, barely able to stay healthy and when he has been healthy, unable to score.  GM Andrew had had enough and decided he would replace Sharp with Callahan, who was just dropped the day before by GM Ryan.  We repeat.  Callahan has had a rough year, barely able to stay healthy and when he has been healthy, unable to score.  GM Andrew has won 6 Cups. 

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Injury Picks Everywhere

The NY Islanders (Ryan) added Callahan to the minors, picking up Lindholm while two GM's can pick today for Sharp.  GM's Andrew and Vinnie can pick up to 5 point players for Sharp while GM Scott can pick tomorrow for Huberdeau.  On Friday both GM's Jr and Tyson can make pick ups while 4 other GM's have current picks that they have elected not to pick up for.  If you have a player you want added to the Calendar please advise us and we will add that player.

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December Christmas Freeze Updates on Side Dishes

I Ain't Fraid of no Ghost
(But Clowns scare me)
GM Scott takes over 55 while GM's Joel and Chad take 55 & under

UPDATE: Gostisbehere was having such a porr season that he was a healthy scratch a few times.  Philly has scored, but he is only 7th on their team scoring which has three players over 29 points.  He is on pace for 37 points, 18 shy of the target for JR Scott, so Joel and Chad should be one up easy here.
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Book of Matthew
Turning to page 45 & Over were GM's Marcel, Chad, Charlie and Andrew while GM Scott stopped reading long ago.

UPDATE: There is nothing short of an injury that can save Scott here, betting 4 GM's Matthews was not ready for the big show and would fall south of 45.  He has 26 in 33 games, 0.79 PPG and leads Toronto in shots with 121, showing just how good he is going to be someday.  If he stays at current pace he will break 60 points. 
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Century Club
GM's Jr, Shawn, Ryan and Charlie all are in belief a triple digit scorer exists while GM Joel takes them all on and says Wayne's the Max.

UPDATE: Cosby is on pace to hit 98 points while McDavid would be second at 91.  Suffice to say getting 100 points is so hard nowadays and the under seems a better bet.  Crosby missed games early, likely killing his chances of reached trips.  Joel in the first three bets looks to win them all, up +6 to here.

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Stamped Out?
How the mighty have fallen, in GM Andrew's eyes.  Setting the bar at a low 59 & under while Charlie, Scott & Joel got 60+.

UPDATE: This one is called official, a win for GM Andrew and a loss for Charlie, Scott and Joel.  Stamkos shot from the gate with 20 points but is now at best a playoff hopeful.  He is on schedule to be ready mid March with yesterdays update, so GM Shawn might actually be the biggest Stamkos winner on the season.

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All GM's Predict Cup Winner
Charlie - Chicago
Marcel - Montreal
Shawn, Andrew - Tampa Bay
Jr, Tyson - Pittsburgh
Vinnie, Ryan - San Jose
Joel, Chad & Matt - Washington
Scott - THE PREDS!!!

UPDATE: Columbus would have drawn a laugh and a "Thanks for donating."  Tampa and Nashville still haven't giving signs they will make the dance let alone win Dancing with the Stars.  Outside maybe Washington, Chicago, Montreal, Pittsburgh and San Jose have shown they have the potential to win this bet.
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Win-in-peg
GM Scott says the Jets are flying into the playoffs while GM's Joel, Chad, Jr, Tyson, Ryan and Andrew says even the new expansion team in Vegas has a better shot this season.  OUCH!

UPDATE: Right now this is Scott's lone chance to salvage something, even putting him near even with this one win.  The Jets seem to have the team to make the playoffs, but certainly don't appear they have the team to make the playoffs.  It is close enough to go either way, but so far these Jets are looking like they may spend the playoffs in the southern hemisphere. 
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Calder Kid?
Shawn gives it to Mathews while GM Scott clearly has everyone else

UPDATE: Now this is a battle and maybe more than a two player battle at that.  Matthews and Laine seem the seem the 1-2 but when even games are played, neither of them will be leading the rookie scoring, as that belongs to Wennberg.  The battle will rage and Matthews, being the Leaf he is will be hard to beat because of his market, but will he truly be the most deserving is the debate undecided. 
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Get Out the Calculators
(Top Total Points Wins)

Andrew - Kane 34, Crosby 38 & McDavid 42 = 114
Marcel - Crosby 38, Benn 29 & McDavid 42 = 109
Chad - Kane 34, Kuznetsov 17 & McDavid 42 = 93
Joel - Crosby 38, Tarasenko 38 & McDavid 42 = 118
Jr - Crosby 38, Kane 34 & Benn 29 = 101
Scott - Stamkos 20, Benn 29 & Tarasenko 38 = 87

UPDATE: Joel is out front with only Malkin standing in the way of the perfect top three in the league.  He is no where near a winner as without injuries this is a battle amongst a few players that is going to come right down to it.
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Red Light District
Win 3 Times or Win 2 Times
GM's Andrew & Joel say no chance of someone having 50 or more goals.  Scott, Shawn and Jr all say the lamp lights for someone 50 or more times.

UPDATE: Crosby is on pace for 55 goals while others are falling around 45, so it seems a one chance opportunity, but an opportunity nonetheless

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 Jagr Slapped by Blues

GM Tyson waited all year for Jagr to pass Messier to be second all-time in NHL scoring, then dropped him the first second he had a chance.  "It was kind of a cut-throat move" said Muddy Capone, "But the Blues are seriously going for it this season."  Tyson added Rakell, Bonino and Lindholm in what will be the last Waiver of the Holidays, but not the last Transaction as several GM's are chopping at the bit to unload injured players over the next week.  The Blues are building around Panarin and the GM decided to keep Palat, hoping Tampa Bay will rebound in the seasons second half.  There are now three Waivers before the Winter Meeting and 18 Waivers after.  NHLP teams are using the Waiver well to improve.  "We have seen outstanding Waivers lately" said Capone who said the early Waivers aren't having the impact the last five have had."  Clearly NHLP GM's are now starting to load up on the top teams and the Minors should start to deplete steadily as we round the corner into 2017.

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Jagr, Krug, Karlsson or Palat

GM Tyson said the Waiver is available but he wants to move one of those players along with the Waiver.  "I think something can get done with one or a combination of those guys with the Waiver" said Tyson about the Blues Thursday Waiver. 

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Transaction 697 - Updated

The pick San Fran acquired during this trade was on the condition Hertl did not play by December 16th and he has not.  San Fran will keep the pick and the draft pages updated accordingly.

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Shooting Stars

GM Jr just may have savaged the Dallas Stars season with an aggressive and solid Waiver pick.  "It is never easy to give up on players that you were so excited about a short time ago" said the two-time winning Stars GM, "Although if this league has taught me anything, it's that things very seldom go according to plan."  For Jr the plan was Boedker would have another season like last, while the GM still had issues with the performances of Vataten, Nugent-Hopkins, Yandle and Parenteau, all players now in the Minors.  What the GM didn't have a problem with was the gems now in Dallas.  "Foligno is a first line player on the NHL's hottest team" and we have to agree he has no business being in the Minors.  A gem of sorts, GM Jr added Schultz twice from Pittsburgh who is having his way, 14 points in his last 10 games, including 5 multi-point games.  "Like who scores like that" said Muddy Capone.  Bjugstad and Bjugstad were a nice addition as Florida is now only two out of the top three in their Division.  With the added scoring, there seems like a great chance the Stars will get back into the thick of things in one of the leagues toughest Divisions, the North. 

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Great Division - Tough Spot

GM Jr says Boedker may be his biggest disappointment, a slow start from a player who had 0.64 PPG last year and is now on a solid Sharks team.  Boedker isn't the biggest issue with the team and that is simply put no fault of Jr's.  With 115 points Dallas would sit quite pretty in many other NHLP Divisions.  However the North Division is a different breed that isn't likely to change.  The Divisions 5th place team, reigning Champions Toronto (Chad) have 138 points while three other teams sit with 145, eight points shy of the Division leaders Boston (Ryan).  So the issue for Jr is being 30 points out of 4th is ok, but being 23 back of 5th and steadily falling isn't.  It is possible, but unlikely that some team in front drops big in a trade.  If they did, the pressure of the top 5 teams would be off.  However, if one team drops they might be in a tough spot to catch up if others don't play along.  For the Stars, Boedker is a great opportunity for another GM, a player who should catch on.  But at 6 points, moving just Boedker won't be enough.  Jr may have to move out Nugent-Hopkins, Vatanen or one of the big boys at some point, Malkin or Hornqvist.  Suddenly with Boedker's low number, Malkin's big number could be easier to move.  The last thing Jr will want to do is move a Malkin, but reality is this is going to be a very difficult Division to gain holding Malkin.  So it seems the Waiver will be used.  Will it be a point gain just weeks before the Winter Meeting or a player grab, players who can be moved for points?  It is being used, we just don't know how Jr is going to approach a 30 point deficit from 4th.

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NHLP Winter Meeting Set - Saturday, January 14th

With 11 GM's confirmed, only GM Tyson could kill the perfect attendance.  "It is always best to have everyone" said Muddy Capone, "Hopefully that is the case a month from today."  Every year a few huge deals occur during this meeting that often have huge results in who wins the NHLP Championship.  The NHLP is the best league in the world and the GM's seem more committed then ever to attend the meetings which makes it even better.  "We only have three meetings a year and everyone is 10 years in, so hopefully moving forward this is a new trend we can keep going" Capone added.  

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Halifax Destroys With Waiver

GM Shawn made one hell of a pick.  No one knows today who is going to win it all come June.  But you can look at the standings now and use that as a guide to see at this moment who is good.  Basically that is all the CTR ever does.  The Columbus Blue Jackets are crazy good right now.  Shawn added his first two, and what a two he added.  Atkinson and Wennberg have had amazing seasons so far.  Shawn also added Monahan who has absolutely turned things around as has Calgary.  One of the better zeros, Hudler rounded out the Waiver which saw Zajac, D. Sedin, Cammalleri and Larkin now available for GM's to rush after with their up coming Waivers.  Of all the Waivers so far this might rank as one of the best.  If Columbus tanks, maybe not so much, but you can't predict the future.  But basing this pick on today's standings, wow, the Destroyers just got a whole lot better.  That is a scary thought.

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Halifax Starts Point Loadup

GM Shawn will likely be using the Waiver after trading Dubinsky and gaining to points for Larkin from Cincinnati (Matt).  If the Destroyers did make a move, logic says Zajac, D. Sedin and Larkin could be gone.  Cammalleri is also in this mix, depending on what the GM does.  It is unlikely in first place Voracek, Kucherov or Hedmen move, however, Tampa Bay is now 7 points out of the final Wild Card.  Either Tampa Bay is going to get into the top three in their Division and Montreal is up 11 points on them, or they likely are going to struggle to be a playoff team for gaining 7 on the Wild Card is going to be tough as we near the halfway point.  So it is very possible Kucherov or Hedman are in play as well.

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14th Perfect

The first 7 GM's to have stated their schedules have all stated the January 14th dates is good, the only perfect date so far.  We have not heard from Chad, Jr, Marcel, Matt and Tyson.  GM Chad is the host and has been in touch with the league about hosting with more details to follow as they are known.

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Oil Healthy Two Weeks After 0

Finally the Edmonton Oil have 7 healthy players.  GM Scott dropped Huberdeau and added Caggiula.  "It was not the plan" said Scott, "We thought Huberdeau would be a playoff player, but it isn't looking that way today."  The GM said he was torn as to make the move and if so, who to pick.  "We go from a non-playoff player to a player who is playing with the leagues leading scorer.  If he gets hot right now, this could turn into a great move." 

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Another Voskresensk Up

GM Jr choose to add two veteran NHLP players, staying on course for a GM who seldom adds rookies.  The Calgary Flames added the second and final Markov and Flynn who has already played in 241 games although just 28 years old.  Flynn once scored 17 points in just 63 games in 2014/15 splitting time between Buffalo and his current team Montreal.  Markov is having an awesome season for Montreal, 20 points in 28 games for the Russian born in Voskresensk, likely the best hockey producing city in the history of the world for its size.  Who else is from the city of under 100,000?  Currently NHL's Markov, Lokitionov and Namestnikov, which is amazing for three currently players all playing from a city so relatively small.  There is more.  Former NHL'ers and Soviet Nations include Vyacheslav Kozlov, Valeri Kamensky, Andrei Lomakin, Aleksandr Smirnov, Vladimir Golikov, Aleksandr Golikov, Alexander Ragulin, German Titov, Igor Ulanov, Sergei Berezin, Dmitri Kvartalnov, Roman Oksuitu and Valeri Zelepukin.  "Simply put I don't think a city in the world has produced that many players, let alone a city under 100K' said Muddy Capone.  No wonder the Calgary Flames employ full time scouting staff in Voskresensk.  For GM Jr he can only hope this is finally the year they get to parade the NHLP Championship Cup, maybe even twice. 

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Chart Fills Up for December
League Interpretation About Christmas Freeze

Current NHLP Injury pick ups Stamkos (Seattle, Shawn) and Hertl (Atlantic City, Vinnie) can be made daily before 6 PM.  There are 11 more picks that may occur during the month if you don't count the 25th pick by Santa.  Rudolph who took a high-hoof, was said to be light-out by The North Pole Press reporter who witnessed the Reindeer game, and is on the injury report as "Nose issues".  "It is hard to say if the North Pole would drop their leader" said Muddy Capone, "But the Reindeer Association would likely fight the drop during the NPHL's Christmas Freeze."  The league has been trampled by injuries this season and makes no distinguish between the naughty and nice GM's, as both GM's Andrew and Scott have had serious injuries.  "You can't put any further distance between the ever-so-cut-throat 6-time winner and the always caring, help-me-help-you, charming and somewhat handsome 5-time winner" said Bonnie Anne Clyde, the NHLP's secretary who knows both GM's from their Head Office dealings over the years.  In-fact GM Scott is so well liked he still receives an annual Christmas card signed by the 1992 Cup Champion roster.  Although it sucks to be on the move during the holidays and the NHLP rule book calls for a Waiver freeze from the 23rd to the 31st, GM Ryan can in fact drop Callahan from the Islanders roster on the 24th.  As for Rudolph, it is a wait and see story but all indications are he needs to be in the air on the 24th or he could be heading to the South Pole on Christmas Day.

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Memphis 7, 10 x Better

After a slow start to the season the Memphis Machine are finally firing on all cylinders and racing toward the top of the Atlantic Division standings.  Plekanec had a four point night while Letang had three more for the Machine who are the second team this week to reach 10 points (Buffalo, Joel).  One of the better NHLP picks Radulov who was recently described as "a man playing amongst boys" added two more while Saad, on the unbeatable Ohio team added the double to digit.  Memphis who has never had a 12 point night now has GM Jr's last two Big Team Nights and only two since 2011/12, the past 5 seasons.  With this team and two more Waivers in Memphis this season, there is reason to believe the leagues lone Tennessee based team will be heard from again and again before all is said and crowned this season.

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Mr. October.  Mr. March.  Mr. May

Reggie.  Jr.  Jonathan.  It is safe to say GM Jr's game has evolved over the years in the NHLP.  At one time Jr would lead the league annually in Transactions.  Now the GM is more second half, early March where he piles the trades up one after another before the Trading Deadline.  Here we are 30 games into the NHL season and he has one transaction  (Update:  When we went to find out what that one Transaction was, we realized we made a mistake, and Jr has not made a transaction of any kind this season).  So Jr is forced into participation by having a Waiver, the sure way to get a GM to participate three times a year.  A close look at Jr's teams will show he is loaded with top playoff players, guys you likely wouldn't want to be trading just because of boredom.  For the Flames, having two-time Cup winner Toews, an easy choice for Mr. May, he would be untouchable.  Markov and Weber.  Ya, not Weber and Markov.  Each have 18 points, a very nice 6th round selection for Calgary.  Hornqvist is coming off a huge playoffs with the defending Champions.  Zibanejad was leading the Rangers when he went down.  All these guys make a solid winning team.  Parise has been slower, but not so much his team who has done well.  Iginla.  After Jagr the closest player to men's hockey in the NHL.  So is Jr willing to part with a top 5 player on this Roster and what would that take?  Some GM's take a couple points if dropping a player, but Jr has dropped players, leaving points on the table, if he feels he isn't getting the worth of the player.  However, the player can now be picked from the Minors for free by the next GM.  So we expect a deal.  With Iginla, it is unlikely Jr just moves the Waiver without at least Iginla gone and that means a larger number likely moves to make the numbers work.  Is someone big moving?  Well a deal for a top player is there, just not sure if it will be made today, or in March. 

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Galchenyuk On Murders Row

Kane, Galchenyuk, Hedman, Keith, Schenn, Wilson and Ekblad.  This is New Orleans.  "There comes a point when you have to tap out" said Muddy Capone, "GM Shawn just keeps adding."  In a deal with Indianapolis (Matt) the Wolverines added Galchenyuk, who they can easily carry while he is injured, for Johansson.  New Orleans is up 40 points on 5th with this lineup.  "It reminds us of Florida" said Capone referring to the last NHLP team that was so well built, so strong, that GM Marcel could not give his points away to better the team in the later part of the season.  We don't anticipate Kane, Galchenyuk, Hedman or Keith going anywhere, so what is Shawn going to do to better this team with his lowest three scorers and what is going to be 50 to 80 points over 5th.  GM Shawn is on his game.  He just added Stamkos.  When players are out 6 weeks plus, border line teams are happy to move out a star.  When up so may points a smart GM jumps.  When Galchenyuk returns, he could easily get 20 in the right trade, making these kinds of deals too easy for any GM to make.  The problem often is, GM's don't have the foresight or even the balls to make them.  While some GM's are looking forward to Christmas presents under the tree, guys like Shawn are Christmas shopping for this seasons best gifts.

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GM Charlie Goes Off

It was the kind of rant that if it was captured on tape could get most GM's fired, or at least a great moment on an HBO special.  Holding nothing back GM Charlie slammed the bottom feeding GM's of the league among many other topics much to long to fill an NHLP Yearbook article.  The Rangers GM dropped three after trying to make a move that would not be there.  "I offered 10 points and the Waiver" the GM complained, "Clearly the Waiver market has dried up."  Slamming GM's for poor Waivers and over-paying Charlie said he just missed the second Waiver cycle.  "They go back up in price again later once guys realize they made fucking stupid Waivers the first time around" the GM said.  The GM who is in the top half of all the Divisional standings said some teams are down right bad, while the GM's just sit there at the all-you-can-eat buffet.  "Silence is all I heard" Charlie stated, "Well, munching, smacking and chomping as well."  "I don't even break even hosting a meeting anymore" he added, "With the power eaters we have running teams in this league."  Although Charlie was not naming names, it was obvious he had a few GM's in mind.  It is one thing to go off when you are bad, but Charlie is backing it up this year.  Adding two Blues and a Flyer to an already dynamite team you get a real feeling GM Charlie is all in this season.  Perron, Gostisbehere and Fabbri were up for Zetterberg, Niederrreiter and Stralman.  With Getzlaf, Silfverberg and Keith, this is a great team.  "I can't wait until the playoffs this season" said the GM who has more wins as a coach then any other GM in the league, "Bring the bottom feeders on this year.  Some really bad teams."  Good to see Chuck engaged and enraged.  Makes for some great articles for the NHLP Yearbook.  Go Rangers!

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Frequent Flyers

GM Joel just loves his two top scorers in Buffalo.  Voracek added four and Giroux three on Thursday as the Sabres got 10 points for Joel's South Division team.  Joel is one of three current NHLP GM's who has yet to have a 12 point night in their careers, a total of 30 NHLP years of experience between the three (Matt, Vinnie).  "This might be the team to get that done" said Muddy Capone about a team with two players at 28 points each and two others nearing 20.  Byfuglien, Jagr and Soderberg scored one each in the ten while Perron and Jokinen were scoreless in what could have easily been two more points.  The Flyers have now won 7 in a row.  The knock on them has never been they can't score, as their 96 goals is second to only the Rangers and getting close to doubling what the Sabres NHL entry have on the season.  It is their league high 92 goals against that is haunting the team.  That is at LEAST 10 goals higher then any NHL team out of the playoffs.  Almost half the NHL teams have allowed under 70.  The NHLP is a points league, so Joel isn't complaining about production, but there will be those GM's who think if Philly doesn't fix the back end things will catch up to them as the season goes.  Maybe, but imagine if they do get their back end straightened out?  How valuable are Voracek and Giroux then?  The Sabres would not be a team any GM would like to match up against early in the playoffs.

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 Rangers Just Strong

There is always, always a way to get better.  If you think otherwise you are clearly stuck on your own players and oblivious to reality.  Now, when you have a Waiver and a team like the NY Rangers (Charlie) have, sure there are ways to get better, but the question is, is it worth using the Waiver to get better or moving it, to get better in other ways.  If you load up on draft picks, you are stronger, having better picks later when it is more desirable to go after a Waiver.  We have the Winter Meeting and Trading Deadline to get better, for free, just by attending.  Charlie drafted a GREAT team.  By getting better tonight he could take a player that won't be around at a free meeting which could put this team over the top.  But is it worth using it or moving it?  If you look at this roster, with the current NHL standings there isn't anything wrong with this team.  However, you can never get stuck on 7 players you have out of 1000 in the league, that your seven are the best combination for what it needs to win our Cup.  Guys want the Waiver.  Guys would love Charlie's Players.  Charlie can get better by using it.  Charlie can get stronger in other ways by moving it. Tough choices.  What will Charlie do?  Right now, he says he is open to anything.

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Iceveins

The Indianapolis Icemen will be tested for GM Matt.  With the news Elite star Galchenyuk, the teams leading scorer now out 6 to 8 weeks, GM Matt is hoping Nash's MRI does not reveal a major injury outside of a week or two.  For Galchenyuk, being out to early February now is getting closer to the mid-March NHLP Trading Deadline.  "GM's sometimes miss how fast the season goes by" said Muddy Capone, "We have teams playing their 30th game and in three weeks are halfway done their seasons schedule."  Even without their Elite player the Icemen should have enough scoring to stay in the thick of the Pacific Division playoff race but will now almost surely be the 5th team unless further injuries happen to the teams behind.

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Storming the Castle

GM Shawn admitted he never thought his Waiver would go like it did.  "We changed things when we were offered Stamkos" said the Seattle GM, "I listened and I reacted, no hesitation and Stamkos is a Storm."  GM Scott (Edmonton) said the negotiations took three hours from when it was presented to when it was official.  "I tried very hard with GM Ryan" said Scott, "But him and I were not on the same page.  GM Shawn felt differently about what I was offering and although it was no simple yes, in the end it was a yes."  Seattle dropped van Riemsdyk, both Sedins, the injured Staal and Koivu, adding Simmonds, Neal, Kane, Cagguila and the only player GM Scott said he would except in a deal for Stamkos, Wennberg.  Edmonton, who could drop Stamkos for a 20 point player at any time, could not get Wennberg, for he had 21 when Stamkos was available for a drop.  Although Boston ((Ryan) was offered the same deal and passed, GM Shawn decided he would carry Stamkos, included in the deal a second round pick of 16 spots, for Wennberg who he altered his pick to get.  "Stamkos can easily get two or three rounds" said Shawn, "And I have been to enough Trading Deadlines to know, if he is back by then, he will be the entire talk of the meeting if we decide he is on the block."   

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Stamkos Traded

The NHLP Yearbook has officially learned the Edmonton Oil (Scott) has traded Stamkos.  "I can say it is officially a deal" said GM Scott.  The trade call to the league has not been made, but in principal the deal is done.  "It is an understanding and if all falls into line, Stamkos will be moved by morning."  Stamkos has been a heartbreak for Edmonton, most recently blood clots and then a knee issue.  Prior to this a broken leg for GM Joel.  Stamkos only has value if an NHLP team can carry his lost production until March or even the playoffs if he is on schedule to return in the 4 to 5 month period.  If he is 6 months, the NHLP team carrying him will have to be really strong for Stamkos would miss the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs.  For Scott keeping Stamkos was an option but the GM felt he would only have to eventually trade him.  "With this deal, this star NHL player we are receiving, I already told the GM with Stamkos, if he has to trade him after this deal we will be in a position to trade back for him with major points" said the Oil GM.
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Strip Stormed

The Seattle Storm (Shawn) have acquired the Waiver from Las Vegas (Vinnie).  The teams traded Waivers, as well as Seattle shipped Ryan for J. Staal and 13 spots in the 3rd, 5th and 7th in the 2019 draft.  Seattle, just one of three first place teams the Shawn has will likely be dropping the Sedin twins, Staal and van Riemsdyk if he can't move the high scoring trio. 
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Strips Waiver - Winter Meeting Dates

With four injuries can you actually use the Waiver when in 5th place?  Although we have not heard from Vin Dog, we must assume the Waiver will be moved unless the GM is willing to make multiply moves.  The healthy guys are Pavelski, Wheeler and Little, unlikely drops, meaning the four bandaids under 10 points, Ellis, Staal, Landeskog and Ryan, all penalties if dropped, are the decisions.  On another note, the NHLP Yearbook has heard from a few GM's, but needs all GM's schedules.  As per the Trade Deadline discussion, the dates have been posted in the site since.  The first dates are about a month out, so GM's need to get dates in so a meeting day can be called.  The trading Deadline Dates are posted in the second chart below the Winter Meeting, so all important dates this season are known.  The January meeting is hosted by GM Chad, although he has not confirmed he will be the host.  Finally, and we do mean finally.  GM Charlie, this years Trading Deadline host goes and jumps the gun on Vinnie.  Here, while Vinnie is trying to get something done, Charlie announces he is open to offers with the Rangers Thursday Waiver.  Some good names could be had...

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Beasts All East

The NHLP's annual phenomenon that "points follow points" is usually a result of a Divisions good draft, followed by teams fearing being left behind selling assets to catch up.  At this point, it is set, the runaway Division.  The NHLP's top four teams are all in the East Division.  Halifax (Shawn) has 130 points while Hartford (Andrew), Carolina (Joel) and Quebec (Matt) round out the leagues top point producers.  In one of the more exciting NHLP playoff matchups last season the East Division Finals had the Destroyers scoring 4 game 7 points to upset the Nordiques, in a matchup that looks like it may be occurring again this season.  With Hamilton (Tyson) only 6 out of fourth, it appears the NHLP has a top scoring Division this season.  "It is all about the base" said Muddy Capone, "The base in this case being 5th place."  With such a high scoring team in 5th, it is very unlikely someone in front will fall far behind 5th, for they likely cannot catch up.  Even though if a team does, all other teams then turn from keepers of points to sellers of points, making all the Division stronger.  But who makes the move first when everyone is paralyzed?  It is a crazy phenomenon that has existed since the NHLP's first season.  Divisions of slow scoring 5th place teams cause ease amongst the GM's, and the top teams will move points to move down, thus making stronger teams.  With a high scoring 5th place team they can't afford to move out top scorers or they won't be in the pack much longer, forcing themselves to sell assets to stay close, something winning NHLP teams usually never do.  High scoring Divisions often see high scoring non playoff guys keep, making a team in 5th or 6th usually having to carry some junk to try and get in.  All in all, not good to be in this Division if you want to win the NHLP Championship.  How the East unfolds will be fun to watch as the teams are loaded with scorers and potentially paralyzed GMs.  

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Bruins Preds Go Duck Hunting

GM Ryan dropped two Nashville players and added two Anaheim players in a three for three Waiver.  Gone are the injured Neal, Ribeiro and H. Sedin for Kesler, Silfverberg and Gaborik.  Boston is having a great season and still has yet another Waiver in January.  First place in the North with the highest scoring team Ryan will have plenty of options moving forward.  What might be most surprising is that there were no takers for the Predators who many had as NHL Cup favorites this season.

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Open to Anything

It is hard to find a fault with this Boston team of GM Ryan's.  First place in the North Division and 22 up on 5th and pulling away by the week.  The team still has two Waivers and did well moving back with the first one which could still turn into the 4th overall pick for #17.  Neal is a Minus 6 if dropped, something Ryan can afford if he wants to move Sedin and use the Waiver.  He could also try something big, trading points and the Waiver for a huge star player.  Never too early.  Ryan said he is open to anything, even just moving the Waiver for what he believes is the right price. 


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Straight Jackets

GM Joel said this was strictly about adding another Blue Jackets player, "I am feeling very Blue" said the happy GM.  Why would he not be happy?  He now has the top two scorers, Foligno and Saad of the hottest team in the NHL.  Joel said he does not see Columbus as a hot team, but rather a top team in the league.  With a league-low 22 games played, the Jackets are just three points shy of the NY Rangers, with three games at hand for the NHL's Metropolitan Division lead.  The team is full of solid young players, a very balanced team and a +20, only second to that of +28 by those same Rangers.  Carolina traded Drouin to GM Andrew and then Carlson to Phoenix (Charlie) prior to making a huge four player drop.  Marner, O'Reilly, Teravainen and Ekman-Larsson turned into Draisaitl, Shattenkirk, Gaborik and the Blue Jackets Saad.  The Hurricanes now have three players with 20 or more and two more at 19.  The pick of Draisaitl was like rubbing salt in the wounds of GM Chad who's mathematical blunder last weekend cost Colorado the player.  Clearly although the GM's are close, Chad could take a math course from GM Joel even though Chad will just go "Blah, blah, blah" and count to three.  Well, maybe after this move Carolina could be on the same path as Columbus, to the top of the league and the start of what could be a number count for GM Joel who is long over due and 'feeling very Blue' about it. 

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How Many Will Marner Get?

Depends who you ask.  What Leaf fan you talk too.  Although it is Matthews, Matthews, Matthews, and rightly so.  Many say Marner is even better.  For GM Joel it is hard for him to make a move tonight in Carolina, even though he is trying, as he drafted so well he has all high scoring players.  How high, how good?  Well half the team has over 15 points, almost putting them all on the top 50 of the first NHL stats page.  This is all on the same team.  Over half the team is averaging over 0.75 PPG, an amount hardly no NHLP team ever finishes the season with.  What makes this bad is this is the NHLP's East Division.  These teams score.  So Joel wants to move Marner.  He is hard to move as the Leafs are borderline, but he is at 0.83 PPG, a number usually associated with Elite players.  What a smart GM can do is make a two for two, taking Carlson or Drouin and a Marner, banking the points until the Winter Meeting or their Waiver.   Carolina wants to add some points or at least make a move, but after drafting this well, only a creative mind, or a mathematical genius, can make something happen tonight.  (Update - Ekman Larrson in for Drouin)

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"All in All"

GM Scott said it takes a hard work ethic to win in the NHLP and "all in all it was a good Waiver" said the San Fran GM.  The Titan gave up 9 first round spots for the Waiver, but were able to gain 16 in the third, 12 in the fourth and 15 in the fifth through maneuvers the team was able to pull off.  The official Waiver looks like this:

Dropped
Gostisbehere 11
Palmieri 9
Monahan 9
Monahan 9
Hertl 9 (missed 5 games, Contract 11, Minus 4, Worth 5 in dump)
Donskoi 7 = 50

Added
Hayes 19
Miller 19
Guentzel 4
Guentzel 4
Mantha 4
Huberdeau 0 = 50

"We built a Rangers and Pittsburgh team to compliment Burns" said GM Scott, "Mantha was one of the best QMJHL players of his time and lit up the AHL, so he should outscore Sharp who we gave for him and Huberdeau is only a 20 game wait and a potential 5 points if we see something we like before his return."  The GM traded Trocheck and Sharp for H. Sedin and Donskoi and flipped Sedin for Gostisbehere and draft picks.  Added more picks in another move for Vanek and Smith to Green Bay for Palmieri and the injured Hertl.  The 5 time winning NHLP GM said it is never about what you give away prior to making the Waiver pick, but what you end up with after.  "A player as good as Trocheck should never be sent down, but if his number is more important to bettering his team, we would have dumped Burns" the GM Said, "Who cares the part you change because ultimately it is the sum of all parts remaining to determine if what you did was total madness or total genius, with sometimes a very fine line separating the two."  The GM said he does not care how other GM's, GM their teams.  He cares about his time-tested approach that has made him successful.  "We will continue to do what we do, as it doesn't work every year, clearly, but we have proven our approach has made us winners and if we don't win this season, it was a complete failure, but we will go just as hard next season for winning it all is the only reason to play this game."  
 

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In and Out
No sooner then San Fran traded Horvat last week for Sharp, GM Scott has shipped Sharp out.  "I am only down 15-2 in that deal, so might as well cut my losses and move on" said the GM, "No but seriously, we make a lot of bad deals."  Sharp and Trocheck were traded to Chicago (Andrew) for four points with the Titan adding future Minor players H. Sedin and Donskoi.  The Titan GM said the deal wasn't part of the plan, but will allow the Titan now to add Mantha, who Scott said will outscore Sharp, even if he doesn't have the playoff potential value.  The lone player expected not to be moved may be gone by morning now as well the GM said.  "I love Burns, he dominated the playoffs last season, but it is sometimes best to start with 7 new guys then keep some fuck around, but he will be hard to trade being our elite player" said the GM who thinks he may now have the combination that can propel the Titan to their third team Championship.

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"More Than I Expected" - Florida Ships Waiver for #2 Overall

GM Marcel said it was "more than he expected" and was happy to get the #2 overall pick in the draft, as well as a second 1st round pick, moving up a total of 9 first round spots, and a Waiver for Tonight's Waiver.  San Fran GM Scott said the Titan are a proud organization and it is never about the future.  "We have to win this year, at all costs" said Scott, "That has to be your attitude every year."  The GM said Monahan twice was a major disappointment for a player who had over 60 last season.  The GM also said Draft picks are meant to build winning teams, either when used on Draft day or prior.  "I started with #2, traded it for #8, likely trade 8 for #15 then 15 for #30, but if we make a solid pick at #30, we likely can have a top 10 player in the league or if we make a solid Waiver pick, we can build what could be a Championship team" the GM said.  The Titan said a Waiver is ready to announce, so players may be had.  "Burns and Sharp are staying out of the Minors today, likely no one else for numbers sake" says Scott, "Trocheck, Smith and Vanek, who is an UFA, should be able to find a new home."


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    Panthers To Move Waiver

GM Marcel said the Florida Panthers are officially looking to take the best offer for the Tuesday Waiver.  "Preferably the best offer includes a Waiver" said the GM who is ears open.  We have already seen some remarkable Waiver moves, pole-vaulting teams up the NHL strength rankings.  "How things officially shake out are coming up" announced Muddy Capone, "With a plan for a CTR shortly for GM's to gauge where they sit."  The NHL season is basically now one-third over with teams reaching the 25 game mark and GM Marcel will be the final GM to make a move this season with the moving of this Waiver.  The Panthers are in good shape if Dallas is a playoff team with 22 point man Seguin, something most GM's anticipated but as the season continues to be eaten up many GM's are still waiting to see who is truly solid.  Marcel has both E. Staal and Koivu from Minnesota who has been very solid, by far allowing the leagues least goals total.  All Waivers sold so far this season have received fairly outstanding offers and with the Minors fully stocked to say the least, Tuesday should fetch Marcel his asking price and a few picks more.

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Destroyers Destroying - Season's Biggest Week

The first NHLP team to 100 points this week, also had the NHLP's best week of the season.  The Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) had 25 points more than the Edmonton Oil (Scott) this week, for the first team to hit 25 in a week, something only two teams did all last season.  "We just don't see the 30 point weeks anymore" said Muddy Capone, "So we recognize the teams who hit 25 as a Big Team Week."  The 30 point week is so hard, GM Andrew's Hartford team had 29 this week, thanks to 11 he picked up in the Waiver, after knowing those players scored that night and still failed to reach 30.  For the Destroyers Cammalleri had 8, Zajac 5, Hedman and Kucherov 4 each and 2 points each from Dubinsky and Voracek.  The week could have been much better had D. Sedin not had a zero.  Ironically in 2008/09 when Halifax had the biggest week in NHLP history, hitting 37, D. Sedin had 8 points that week.  As great of season as Halifax is having they are only 17 up on fifth place in the East Division.  The Division features three of the four 100+ teams in the league and the fifth place team would be no worse than second place in all but one other division and be in first place in two divisions.  Halifax can still hit 80 for the Month, the mark needed to have a Big Team Month with 5 points over the next two days.

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0

There is no recording keeping on the worst week in history of the NHLP, but at best case scenario Edmonton (Scott) tied the record.  "It is almost an impossible feat" said Muddy Capone, "I can never remember a zero point week, ever."  We don't think it has happened.  Well, until now.  With three players not having played a game this season and top gun Stamkos out, GM Scott had plenty of man-games to get a point, but Laine, Laine and Trochek went the week without one.  "I love records" said GM Scott, "But this is one I am not happy about tying.  I hope I tied it.  Hate to think in 27 seasons no team ever had a zero point week."  What does come to mind for Capone is a team of GM Lee's, a five player team who had three players all serving 10 game suspensions at one time (truly it happened) and with only two players playing for three weeks, it would have been interesting to see how they scored. So who were Lee's three players?  It was 1992 and Jagr was one, and I think a second Penguin at the exact same time.  We did research but could not find the answers, but the NHLP Yearbooks would have the historical account of the events in print, which we will have to break out one of these days and see what went down.  We do know in 1992 Edmonton won their first NHLP Championship, beating GM Lee's Ottawa team 7-5, thanks to Lemieux scoring 32 playoff points including 7 in the finals.  We also know Edmonton is in for a long season and scoring zero in a week proves just how dire things are.  With Stamkos an injury pick in a week and Eichel set to return, just maybe the 0il (that is a 0 not an O) can at least get a few in the month of December.

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  "Fucking Unbelievable"

GM Chad was furious after taking a third round penalty for incorrect numbers, but he did not blame anyone but himself.  "Fucking unbelievable" stated Chad, "I could have sworn he got a point on the Waiver night to put him to 16, but obviously we were wrong."  The NHLP Yearbook again went back to double check incase a change was made, pulling for Chad to be right, but Draisatl had 16 going into the Waiver night game, which he did not point in.  The Avalanche are the first to be served with a draft-spot penalty, moving up the 15 teams behind them one spot each.  Least Chad, who picked Pastrnak as his new replace, can take solace that one team moved up was his Toronto team.  Certainly this will not be the last time we see the draft fines.  Annually we see teams either late with their Waiver, picking players in Player Tracking twice as well as the most common, mathematical errors usually occurring because of Waiver night points.  GM's who post a wrong Minors deal on the board at the meetings or call a time out now also have smaller, later round draft fines under the new NHLP rules for this season.  "Now we have to go and change 15 teams drafts on two pages" Capone said, "That truly is fucking unbelievable."

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Too Much Turkey?  Colorado FINED
Rule 6 (f) - 15 Spots in 3rd Round

GM Chad's Colorado team were handed a stiff penalty by the NHLP but Muddy Capone thinks it isn't stiff enough.  "Do you know the work we have to do to move 15 teams up one position in the Draft" Muddy Capone said, "Are you fucking kidding me."  Well, Chad could not get his Waiver right.  If it is late, or wrong, it is 15 spots in the third round of the next Draft.  For Colorado, they go from 79th to 94th, and all teams slide one spot up.  It is a costly blunder for getting a number wrong, but as Capone said, a deserving penalty.  "We have to take the time to check Player Tracking to ensure you can pick up the guys you are picking up" explained Capone about the process, "Then we have to ensure none of those guys missed their last game and should be penalized, then we have to ensure your numbers are correct for guys you are dropping and picking up.  So if you make a mistake and waste our time, the least we can do is thank you with a penalty."  The pressure is clearly one Chad now.  The fine doubles to 30 picks if he fucks it again, which has happened, just never with the new picks penalty in place.  The issue was Draisaitl was said to have 15 points, but on double check and checking the Bible site, nhl.com, he has 16 making Chad's pick illegal.  Making matters worse is this is Chad's first Transaction of the year.  Talk about Cup hangover.  We knew the fucking guy would be in heavy on the Turkey.  In other news, Perreault was dropped by Indianapolis (Matt) for Mantha.  We better take a closer look to make sure Mantha doesn't have over 5 points...

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Avalanche Moving or Using?

It is hard to tell.  GM Chad has not made his plans known which usually means a GM might use the Waiver.  The team can't score, so scoring, any scoring would help.  Who could go down?  The teams leader, both physically and on the points board is Domi, who unlike his Dad, this Domi can actually score.  Domi has 13 followed by Hoffman and Brassard with 20 between them.  We don't see anyone else being dropped, but trade bait galore.  Slow starting great potential in Kuznetsov, that just a year ago may have been the leagues most valuable player.  Would Chad move out a top asset?  Well, look how Andrew played it and look at his team now.  If you get hungry enough, and trust us, Chad's often hungry, any GM can make a great Waiver and moves prior.  Our only problem is, Chad's mind today may still be on turkey legs and not Black Friday dealing. 

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25 Point Turnaround

Hartford (Andrew) went into the night 17 points out of fifth.  Now the best scoring team in the East Division, three points out of first and 8 up on 5th.  "That is how any GM can turn his season around, any night" said Muddy Capone.  For Andrew it was getting a Waiver and shopping hard before Black Friday.  He traded Stastny and Spezza and made a four for four drop, all told gained 25 points. The team kept Radulov and Johnson, added Matthews twice, Lucic, Cammalleri and Sheary.  The Whalers are only three points out of first overall in the NHLP, after the GM feared the season was slipping away from him.  "It is crazy what can be done" said Andrew, then added, "Always advance, never retreat."  Appears the team not only has a new lease on their season, but a new slogan as well.

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Coyotes Grab Stastny

GM Charlie got involved, leaving only GM's Chad and Marcel yet to make a Transaction this season.  Charlie's Phoenix team traded Skinner to Hartford (Andrew) for Stastny.  Earlier in the night Hartford traded Ryan to Seattle (Shawn) for Couturier.  Andrew isn't done shopping.  He has still been trying to move a few players.  Officepools is updated.

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Cincinnati Gets 6th Overall for Waiver in Package

GM Matt is really excited about the 2019/20 NHLP Draft.  He will Draft 5th and 6th overall.  "I could not pass it up" said GM Matt, "No one was going to move me closer to first overall."  Hartford (Andrew) also paid a 3rd rounder for the Waiver.  "I have to salvage this team" said Andrew of his Whalers, "One of, maybe both Spezza and Stastny will have to be moved."  Hartford has fallen 17 out of 4th and the GM wasn't going to sit around and watch the Minors picked clean.  "It is a huge price, but you can never let a season go by without trying to win another cup" Andrew stated.  He would know, he has 6 of them.  So Faulk, Giordano and Ryan may be gone, meaning a higher number must be dealt to go down.  Radulov would be a huge prize as he is destroying it in Montreal.  Johnson will likely score more without Stamkos.  Stastny and Spezza are solid go to guys.  Don't sleep through this one, great players can be had for points tonight. 
 
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Trade - Waiver Moved?

There is a report that is not confirmed that says GM Andrew has acquired the Waiver.  If the report is true we believe it will be in Hartford, a team that is struggling and fallen to 5th place in the East.  This would mean Ryan, Giordano and Faulk would be the numbers used in a Waiver.  Stay tune for more details.

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Five Teams Vying for Waiver

Another Waiver, another hot demand.  Rumor has it the Seattle Storm (Shawn) who lost Couturier for 4 to 6 weeks, but can move him tonight penalty free are the leading front-runners for the Waiver.  "It will be contested" said Cincinnati GM Matt who said as many as 5 teams have shown interest.  "I am looking for the very best offer" Matt said, "Waivers this time of year are valuable and we just happen to be in a position to move it."  Although not etched in stone it is believed a Waiver and high picks are the going rate.  Seattle could do a lot of damage with the Waiver with a roster filled of scoring non-playoff players including the Sedin Twins who have 29 points between them.  To no ones surprise the San Fran Titan have said they are in it to win it tonight.  "Monahan and Monahan have embarrassed the good name of the organization and I am not one to sit and wait for Christmas" the Titan GM stated, adding "Our offers are always competitive."

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Vegas Golden Knights

Give them credit, they nailed it out of the park.  Many don't know, but apparently the team could just not be the Knights.  With the trademarks for hockey teams called the Knights, as well as about 40 other restricted names they could not take with their wares.  So explaining everything made sense.  Dropping Las in the name.  Locals who actually live there say they are from Vegas, not Las Vegas.  Although Nevada is the Silver State, for its mining of silver, most of it is now just a by-product for their mining of Gold.  They produce more gold then all other States combined and 6% of the worlds gold.  The owner is a military man so the Knights were the perfect personal touch for his team.  Like he says, "Always advance, never retreat."  If he builds his team of these kinds of players, Vegas Golden Knights will be a fun team to watch.  Fooled us, but we love it.

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Worst Kept Secret Revealed Today

The Las Vegas?  The 31st NHL team reveals their official name today.  Unfortunately for the NHLP our pick wasn't in the final top 10.  What is wrong with the Las Vegas Strip?  Anyhow, who cares.  The Las Vegas Desert Knights are set to announce officially a team name tonight at 5 PM.  Sorry.  Maybe we should have not put the teams name the previous line.  "It is exciting" said Muddy Capone, "The NHLP has lived through a number of NHL expansions and we feel 31 is in fact a prelude to 32, with Quebec and Seattle the talk of the next team."  Since the NHLP has started we have seen the San Jose Sharks enter in 1991 followed by Ottawa and Tampa Bay the year later.  In 1993 the Rats (Florida Panthers) and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.  Nashville came along in 1998.  Then just 19 years after the Atlanta Flames became the Calgary Flames, in 1999 they added a team back in Atlanta, the Thrashers, who in 2011 became the Winnipeg Jets (if you watch BASEketball this all makes sense).  In 2000 Columbus was added along with Minnesota, who 7 years prior had just left for Dallas who then dropped the North in Stars.  Now a new era, 2016 a first professional sports team for the city of Las Vegas, the Desert Dogs.  Wait, the Black Knights.  Shit, the Desert Knights.  It takes a while, but we will get use to it.
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Another Hertl to Jump

When you are already last place in the 36 team NHLP, the last thing you need is your leading scorer to go out long term.  Hello Green Bay Knights.  For GM Ryan, coming off the Knights best ever season, we all expected an awesome draft and a huge season.  So far, so much disappointment.  "It was my worst draft ever" said Ryan, "Now these injuries."  The Knights, who just lost their leading point getting player, Hertl, are 17 points out and only one of two teams with a points per game south of .50.  Making matters possibly worse, is using a Waiver to better the team is possible, but they can't wait for theirs to come, as it is the second last one of the season.  Least it is after the NHL Trading Deadline which could be attractive to some GM.  On paper the team looks to have some assets with Doughty, Bergeron, Hagelin, Bonino and Palmieri, that is 6 of 7, with only Jois out right now.  But at the rate they are scoring, how far back can you comfortably get before it becomes too challenging?  In a 7 for 7 drop, factoring in a point or two for each asset and an all out point grab, a team can easily move up north of 20 points in a night.  Sure that is kamikaze, but done prior to a meeting where a team can reset, why not salvage the season if another option does not exist?  Although Atlantic city (Vinnie) is having a much better season, Hertl was his second round pick.  GM Vinnie turned a few heads with the pick, but where Hertl is Green Bay's leading scorer his is the 6th man on the depth charts for the Gamblers.  Either Vinnie hit a Blackjack or Ryan really was in the dark on Draft day.  Either way, this one Herts.

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Up & Down

No sooner had GM Ryan called up Kunitz from the Minors, he goes down with an injury.  Pittsburgh placed Kunitz on Injury Reserve, less then 24 hours after the NY Islanders team of Ryan's picked him up.  The news also affects GM Charlie's high-flying Coyotes who won't be slowed by any injury as the entire team has between 10 and 16 points except the one player who has missed time, Spezza.  In other NHLP news GM Joel received news he hoped would not come, but might turn out well in the long term.  Strome is going back to play the season in the OHL, meaning the one point player will at least now become a five in a months time for the 4th place Canucks.     

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Wednesday, Friday Waiver Week

For the first and only time this season, with the exception of Sunday February 19th, Waivers this week fall on other days but Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  With the US Thanksgiving Thursday the NHL alters their scheduling to not compete with Turkey and the NFL.  "I was wondering when their Thanksgiving was" said GM Ryan earlier this week about the traditional holiday that sets the NHL standings as far as playoff teams.  Usually the teams in the playoffs on Thanksgiving with the exception of maybe two or three are the teams that are in at seasons end, without massive changes.  On Wednesday we have GM Matt willing to sell off his Cincinnati Waiver, and why not?  On the teams roster only Larkin is a non playoff player at the moment.  Friday's Waiver will be much different for the defending NHLP Champion GM.  Chad's Colorado team isn't only bad, they are borderline the worst team in the entire league.  The Aves only have one double digit scorer and when you think of the name Domi, points aren't the first thing to come to mind.  Five players on the Roster have 7 points each including disappointments Kuznetsov, Carlson, and Brassard, the teams first three picks.  Chad will want to see Hoffman in the lineup for Ottawa on Thursday night, as with such low numbers from everyone he can ill afford a penalty deduction in his Waiver as well.  The good news for Colorado may be they are only 6 points out of 5th, the key position in the Standings that most teams settle around come seasons end.  The Aves are only 16 out of fourth, behind Edmonton (Scott) who only has three players with at least two of the four missing another 30+ games.  So while GM's may need to get to talking to GM Matt if you need a Waiver, it is likely tryptophan will make for a sleepy Friday for all others but Colorado as he figures out how to right their snowboard before they succumb to their own Avalanche. 

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 Breaking Bad

There has been quite the rash of bad injuries in the past week, and GM Jr is now a victim of another 6 to 8 week long injury to a star player.  Calgary's team leader, Zibanejad of the NHL's league leading NY Rangers team had a nasty spill and broke his Tibia.  "Legs aren't suppose to bend like that" said Muddy Capone, "The reverse angle is just plain scary to watch."  The Flames are solid.  Toews was the number one pick, but the 5th top scorer on the team.  Weber, Markov and Hornqvist are off to great starts while Parise and Iginla round out the solid seven.  Being 13 points clear of 5th and outscoring the teams behind in the West Division, Calgary should be ok.  With the Rangers hot play, all their players will be hard to get this season if they show no signs of letting up.  Zibanejad is a huge part of the team centering Vesey and Zuccarello and would have made a great Waiver pick still in the Minors one time.  He will get picked, likely while hurt as his number won't be changing for a while.  For now though, just another teams star player down with a long term injury.

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NHL's Hottest Team

Well yes, the Chicago Blackhawks are also 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, but we have come to expect it from them.  They have been one of the best teams in the NHL the last five years.  However, this other team.  They haven't been good.  Not this good.  The Columbus Blue Jackets are firing on all one cannon.  They just won back to back against Washington and are an amazing +17 goals difference.  Only allowing 37 goals in 16 games, less then any other team but Minnesota, and scoring.  They lit the Habs up for 10 goals and just scored 8 more on St Louis.  Like who is doing that?  The teams point leaders are Foligno 16, Wenneberg 15, Atkinson 14, Werenski 13 and three others who have 10+ points.  Outstanding offence. The team is full of young talent.  Some are already saying the class of 2015 NHL Entry Draft might be the best ever, topping 2003.  McDavid, Eichel, Strome, Marner, Hanifin, Zacha, Provorov were the talent in front of Werenski, who dropped in the draft.  Columbus isn't the only good young NHL team, there are a ton of them.  Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, all loaded with young talent.  But lets not forget Columbus.  Right now they are playing like a team, great defense and great offence.  Can they maintain it or will their coach see they self destruct?  All I know is right now you don't want to play them with your backup in net.

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Islanders Add Four, Johansson and Kunitz

GM Ryan wished he could have gotten more done, but he is happy with his four newest players.  Added were Johansson, Kunitz, Krug and Callahan, likely four sure playoff players.  The Islanders were only able to trade Sharp, so had to drop Simmonds big number along with Horvat and low-lights Purcell and Muzzin.  The Islanders on paper look solid, with Benn, Johansson, Oshie, Kunitz, Marleau, Krug and Callahan, a roster off top NHL teams.  The question will be can they score enough.  The team is still far back at 15 points out of fourth.  After a slow start it is very likely the next 20 games bring more points then the first 20 and if things go south, Benn can be one of the bigger deals later in the season if he is needed for New York to compete in the East.
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Long Faces On Island - Room Breaks Up

After what was the biggest point trade of the NHLP season, Benn sat with Oshie, Sharp and Marleau and said his goodbyes.  "I wanted to win this these guys" said Benn who has not won yet an NHLP Championship.  For GM Ryan, starting slow he knew this day would come with the Waiver.  Sharp and Marleau, both two of 44 active NHL players who are NHLP Cup winners were brought in to help Benn win, but now everything is gone and for them all.  With Marleau's great low value, and his dominance in last years playoffs winning the NHLP Championship with the Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad), Marleau knew he would be somewhere else in mere hours.  "I hate moving these guys, you never get them back" said Ryan who started the clearance by adding Horvat, 9 valuable points for Sharp who is now back with GM Scott's Titan.  "We love having him" said Scott, "Sharpie is the type of guy you get on a Waiver night, cause the long-term pluses outweigh the long-term disadvantages of the entire situation."  Marleau appears next.  With just five points on the NHL's cup appearing Sharks, he, like Sharp's low number, usually turns into a Waiver night steal.  Simmonds could move for a few while Oshie is expected to be a huge demand later this season, so will be hard to pry away yet today.  During the Waiver we see players traded that GM's don't want to part with, but have little choice.  "It is the position we are in" said Ryan, "So let's get the next goodbyes out of the way".
 
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Oshie, Marleau and Sharp in Play

GM Ryan said the Islanders may have had their worst draft ever, forcing his hand tonight to make a trade he never thought he would have to make.  "Everyone is in play tonight" said Ryan.  Benn?  "I have to listen to all offers" the Gm said, confirming if a monstrous deal could be had, Benn could even move.  More likely will be great value players Sharp, Marleau and Oshie for the Caps lovers.  "You can pay under 10 points now to get a player that will never be touched for that few later" added the Islanders GM.

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Green Bay - "That Rule Sucks"

Just less than 12 hours after GM Scott told GM Andrew that a league rule was screwing his Waiver, GM Ryan asked for a clarification of a league rule, then stated when it was clarified, "That rule sucks."  For Scott having back to back Waivers, on different teams (although that doesn't matter, different or the same) Philadelphia would have picked Ehlers, Point and Little with their Waiver, instead of what they did, had they been allowed to pick up Point.  "He was clearly the best option for us, but we knew he was not an option at all" said the GM, knowing that he dropped Point with the last Waiver, meaning until another GM picks, he could not pick up Point.  For Ryan, he wanted to drop the injured Sharp who has 1 point, and pick a player with 5 points, as per the injury rule, but then with the Waiver on the same team, pick Sharp back up Saturday.  "it isn't something that happens often" Ryan said but doesn't see fully why it could not be.  The logic with the rule prevents many things, like what Ryan wanted to do from happening.  It also prevents a GM dropping a player on one team and if he had back to back Waivers, as GM Scott just had, picking that player back up.  Point wasn't intentionally dropped from Edmonton, to be later picked up in Philadelphia, but he was the best player GM Scott wanted as it turned out.  This rule prevented Edmonton from dropping Stamkos and adding him in Philadelphia.  The rule also, and it has happened, in the case where a GM has back to back Waivers on the same team, prevents him from dropping all 7 players on his team with the first Waiver knowing he can gain as many as possible that night, and pick back up the stars he wanted to keep the next Waiver.  "These rules make sense" Ryan admitted, "But the rule today still sucks for us" added Ryan who likely will use the Waiver to make a move.  Green Bay did drop Hemsky today, adding Bonino.

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Philly Drops

Okposo 10
Nielsen 8
Pouliot 4 = 22

Adds
Kreider 11
Rakell 8
Little 1 = 20
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Flyer Go Big For Waiver

"They are Waiver hogs" said GM Andrew but GM Scott sees it differently, "I pay the going rate, what I would want to be paid for an early Waiver".  In a seemingly win-win, GM Shawn was able to unload the Waiver with his lowest point getting player for Bjorkstrom, who is a potential 5 point player on Monday.  The Wolverines also got 18 picks in the 1st round in two years, making their picks 8-14-16 that season, while also adding a Waiver and 11 more spots in the 3rd.  Philly is hoping to trade the hot Ehlers tonight.  "I can give up two points if it means helping a good friend out" said the GM who is hoping for draft picks in return.  Okposo, Nielsen and Pouliot can also be had for two less then their number.

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Stammer Haunts Edmonton Again

GM Scott lost Stamkos after the NHLP Trading Deadline last season.  The Oil picked him again, and he is now gone likely to the playoffs at the earliest and maybe all the playoffs if he hits the tail end of the six months.  "What can we do" said GM Scott, "He will either become our 7th player, if we can carry him, or a huge trade for us, if he looks like he will play the playoffs and we are out."  This may be the biggest injury of the NHLP season.  Stamkos has also hurt GM Joel, when he broke his leg.  Season after season the former NHL #1 has killed NHLP GM's. 
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Let The Bids Pour In

GM Shawn did confirm he was selling the Waiver.  "After seeing what GM Matt received, we are hoping we can do as good with our sale" said Shawn to the NHLP Yearbook.  Shawn said the Minors are loaded, but his Wolverines only have minor work to do, so they might as well hope to score with a sale or the Waiver and to their dirty laundry at a later time.  Rumors are the Waiver will be contested as several GM's battle to ravish the Minors well it is stocked full of talent.  What team you like?  There is a player for you.  Let the bidding begin.

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Tick, Tack, Toe

Hall, Stamkos and Gaudreau.  Tick, Tack, toe.  1-2-3.  All long term.  All bad news if you are an NHLP owner.  "It really sucks" said GM Scott who just 15 games ago lost Stamkos to Blood clots.  GM Marcel's Montreal team could not afford Johnny Hockey out long term and now Hall, with Alaska (Marcel) and the NY Rangers (Charlie) is out 3 to 4 weeks.  It is the life of a GM.  Early this season before we started, GM's lost Huberdeau and Eichel, top two picks on teams.  "You have to take a deep breath and realize all is not lost" said Marcel trying to add a positive spin.  The difference for some is a low numbered valuable player to trade later, while others it is about making a move sooner than later.  "If you lose a playoff guy, he has value" said Capone, "A non playoff guy, well, it might be time to act."  GM Scott was told Stammer had a lateral meniscus tear "Umm, how many weeks?"  Well it is 'more like months'.  The GM was then heard saying, "Well March could be a good month." 

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 "February Should Be Good"

GM Scott admitted there is no way he will have a full healthy team until February but says he just hopes "Stammer is back before Huberdeau."  With Stamkos out three months, Huberdeau out until at least some point in January, and both Eichel's likely weeks to a month away, the roster is looking more like "The occupancy of the 4th floor at Royal Alexandra." said the GM.  Paying a hefty price for the Waiver with intentions of picking all long-term injured players and Stamkos going out after the Waiver was acquired changed nothing the GM said.  "Gatorade has got to pull his ads" the GM said, "It is getting embarrassing.  Might be the first ever guy Roberts drops."  For Scott he did not hesitate to drops 5 players, adding a variety of injuries including a surgically repaired Achilles tendon, a high-ankle sprain and a syndesmotic sprain to the anterior inferior tibio-fibular ligament.  "When the doc tells me that I just ask him, how many weeks" said the GM who admits he hates when the response is 'more like months'.  The GM said Laine caught his eye on his favorite team this year, Winnipeg and he had to go get him before he was gone.  "Ryan played us well" said the GM referring to a bidding war for the Waiver with GM Andrew, "Andrew not only knew he was driving up my price, he knew he had nothing to lose as I would never let him outbid me."  The GM said Ryan would come back and say Andrew bettered his offer and go back to Andrew and say Scott bettered his offer, while the two GM's would text back and forth, what you doing, seriously, come on, quit fucking me, let me have it, for fuck sakes and finally Andrew said, "I hope Stammer goes down"  Prick.  Well, Andrew can be like that.  "No I meant Ryan" said Scott.  Who knows how the Oil season will now go, but GM Scott said he is looking forward to February.  "Yes, February should be fun but I am even more excited about going harder after Thursday's Waiver" laughed Scott, "But seriously, there is a lot of good shit down there, even healthy stuff."     

Nylander 12
Okposo 9
Point 5
Duclair 3
Ward 3 = 32

For

Laine 16
Laine 16
Eichel 0
Eichel 0
Huberdeau 0 = 32

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The Elephant in the Room

With the New Orleans Wolverines set to make a Waiver pick on Thursday, you just can't help but notice how well GM Shawn is doing this season.  The only GM with three teams with 70+ points.  Three first place teams.  "You can't look at how well he is doing without asking yourself, how did this guy draft so well this season" asked Muddy Capone, "That is when it gets awkward."  It is the story that won't go away.  As hard as the Yearbook has tried to let the story fade, it keeps coming up.  There is a report that an unnamed GM asked to draft for GM Matt next season.  We can't verify this story, but it would be a first.  The story goes this GM told Matt, all he has to do is supply the list and his draft would be taken care of.  When Matt was asked if this was true he hesitated before saying, "Ya, everyone wants my list, I think I'll just sell it instead."  So the question is, who is the better drafter?  Is it Matt or Shawn?  Shawn denies using Matt's list for 'anything more than his picks'.  Well, Matt's picks we assume he means?  This story won't die.  Another story not going away is how Shawn is dominating this season.  New Orleans is an amazing team with Kane, Keith, Hedman and Johansson.  Will he move the Waiver and build towards 2019/20 as GM Ryan is doing, or does he try and get better this year, building to win a Cup now.  It is early.  The Minors are loaded.  But with only 19 points seemingly worth dropping, what can Shawn do to make this drop, this Waiver worth using.  After seeing what GM Ryan just received, an over top amount that would have been higher apparently if he keep playing the GM's involved.  One thing we are certain of, this time for certain, GM Shawn won't be receiving a list from Matt with pointers on how to play out the New Orleans Waiver Thursday.  

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 Boston Builds For Future In Wicked Deal

The Edmonton Oil (Scott) have tonight's Waiver but don't think for one second it wasn't dearly paid for.  The Bruins (Ryan) traded Ward and the Waiver and added top d-man Gostisbehere, a Waiver December 3rd, 18 spots in the second, 22 spots in the third and maybe next years #4 overall for #17.  "We always put ourselves in good positions" said GM Scott, "We had a great draft overall and now we reap those rewards."  If Edmonton reaps the rewards well enough tonight and goes onto the NHLP finals, they will also give up next years 4th overall pick.  "I had fun tonight" said GM Ryan, "GM's went back and fourth, very hard for the Waiver and we did well for the Bruins."  For Scott the Oil always seem to be giving, be it draft picks or points.  "I wanted something very badly" the GM Said, "This pick was made 5 days ago, we just had to wait for tonight to go after it.  I have a very high score team, although half of it will be injured for at least another month.  In the mean time we have all the fire power we need.  If I make the finals and this deal has anything to do with it, I will be happy to hand Ryan the 4th overall pick.  It is what you have to do to win.  We go hard.  If you want to beat us, we at least force you to go harder."
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Moving Day

GM Ryan has said he wants a Waiver and picks in return for the Waiver tonight in Boston, which easily appears the going rate.  As of last night the GM said he had two offers, but expected his inbox to be over-flowing by early this morning.  "There are so many good guys in the Minors" said Ryan, "Look at what Cleveland did, they will be tough all year."  Who will get this in-demand Waiver and what will ultimately be the final payment to help set the Bruins up in the draft for years to come? 

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 Can't Beat'em - Join'em

The Cleveland Fury (Tyson) did not hesitate all week.  They made a number of moves, some good ones, and a quick Waiver, even though that meant dropping Miller of the high-scoring NY Rangers, who will be quick back up twice in the coming Waivers.  Tyson made, what we believe is his first, a five for five.  "This is an unusual move for GM Tyson" said Muddy Capone, "We love it, but we are use to the two for two's from him in the past."  The Fury added three Chicago players (the only NHL team to not lose in their last 10 games) in Cleveland, building a strong playoff team early with Crosby and Steen, the teams lone two to survive the dump.  Anisimov, Hossa and Seabrook were the Hawks and Marleau and Rust where also added, a Shark and Pen.  "This team is loaded with playoff players" said GM Andrew after seeing the Waiver, "With Crosby, this is a good team."  Even with Crosby starting the season with a concussion, the first overall drafted player has his team first overall in the NHLP, something you don't often see with the first-overall pick's team.  Then again, from Tyson, we are already seeing different things and we must admit, we like what we are seeing.

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     Two-Time Cup Winner Makes Awesome Move

While some GM's are 'asleep at the Waiver', there are guys out there looking to get better every single night.  While some GM's can't see the obvious, other GM's are capitalizing on a winning move.  These two came head to head tonight in a great move for two GM's.  After Shaw had a three point night for Montreal, GM Matt was now willing to move out Brouwer, of a lowly Calgary team for a player on the top team in the NHL.  It was a move likely not made had Shaw not had a three point night, but a move that many GM's who sleep through the season would have never cashed in on.  For Tyson it is a 7-6 point deal, if he doesn't have a Waiver tonight, but a 7-3 point deal, four more points to the Minors for Shaw who maybe wasn't worthy of a trip to the Minors, but his slow start made his number an obvious choice.  "This is the kind of move we come to expect from GM Matt" said Muddy Capone, "If you can't better yourself, in some way on a Waiver night, you truly aren't putting in enough work."  Every Waiver brings a slew of potential opportunities to get better.  Little moves along the way make better teams along the way.  For Matt, unloading Brouwer for Shaw might go over many GM's heads.  Cincinnati got stronger.  Cleveland did awesome.  By the end of the season lets see how much demand there is for Shaw.  Let's see how much for Brouwer.  Lets see how Cleveland does in this Waiver, with four more points for a stocked Minors.  All-around on top of their games, great moves by two GMs. 

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Nailed It.  NOT!

GM Andrew admitted Yakupov was a bust.  "I missed that one for sure" said Andrew who now has hope Boedker will be a better fit for his first place Kings.  Cleveland (Tyson) added two big points that will be used in  the Waiver.  Tyson is still trying hard to make a move.  "Miller and Steen aren't desperate to move, but I am open" said the GM who is push everyone he can out the door in anticipation of a big first Waiver.

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Sharp Saturday Pick

If you have an injured player, and there are lots, that you may want to pick up for we will add him to the calendar.  If we don't hear from you, he likely won't be there.  Sharp, for GM's Ryan on the lowly Island, and a not much better Portland (Vinnie) team can be five point players on Saturday.  He may play Sunday, so what will the GM's do?  For the Islanders getting 5 points ahead of a Waiver seven days later, is it worth it or not?  "Being a GM isn't easy" said Muddy Capone, "You have Sharp who is a deadly sniper on a top Dallas team.  You also have a 34 year old with a concussion and one point."  Decisions aren't easy.  That is why many GM's don't make one.  There is a correct play, even if only in hindsight, that sits with each move and each decision.  The better teams in the end this year were likely able to make a better decision when it called for a tough one to be made. 

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Quebec Adds Kelser With Perry

GM Matt is still first overall in the NHLP after giving three points in a deal to acquire Kesler for JT Miller.  For GM Matt it is no surprise he is in one the first real deal of the NHLP season, as he is the new trade king of the league.  This could be a real fun year for Matt, having points on his different teams and will be able to do whatever he wants most of the season as long as that continues.  For Quebec he had Miller and Nash, breaking that combo to make a Perry and Kesler, two of the Ducks top players.  The Kesler deal comes as little surprise as GM Tyson made it clear in Cleveland the auction was well under way for 5 of the teams 7 players, and now likely Miller as well.  Cleveland is now a point out of the North Division lead and is trying to move Laine, Miller, Hoffman, Shaw and Boedker, although the GM won't likely just take any points for Miller or Boedker, but they can surely be had.  The Fury do plan on using the Waiver on Saturday, the seasons first Waiver.

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Boston Willing to Move Waiver

An early Waiver can really change a teams season.  For GM Ryan's Boston Bruins he has a chance to really set up his future in Boston.  This early Waiver isn't needed, one of two the GM has.  By trading it, in a swap with potentially drafts picks, GM Ryan could really set up his future drafts.  The team is doing very well with Anisimov, Karlsson, and Lucic leading the way.  A team struggling early or a top point team can really make an aggressive move for this Waiver that is anticipated to have a heavy asking price.  What is it worth and what will Boston get?  We will know the price of the Waivers this season by Tuesday.

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 Gabby Gone in Payoff

GM Shawn has a five point player now in Seattle.  The GM intentionally drafted Gaborik, figuring he would have a five point player for his 7th round pick, likely a second thru fourth rounder.  The strategy has worked like a charm.  With Koivu, GM Shawn now has the highest 7th round player in the West Division.  Koivu is a top line player, seeing top line power play minutes on a top team with Minny's hot start.  Other 7th Rounder's in the West include:

Teravainen (Phoenix, Charlie) 3
Iginla (Calgary, Jr) 2
Krug (St Louis, Tyson) 2
Strome (Vancouver, Joel) 1
Hemsky (Green Bay, Ryan) 0

We may see the strategy become much more common next season.  Why risk a 7th rounder when you are guaranteed a sure thing, maybe even a player selected in the 2nd through 4th rounds that may have only went once.  If well planned out you can get the first pick by looking ahead at the NHL schedule.  It paid off for the GM who may have started a trend for future drafts.  We may see Martin St. Louis drafted back in the NHLP afterall. 

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Kickapoo Tribe Triumphant in Trump

"I thought Vinnie was born in the States" stated GM Tyson from Kickapoo, Kansas where he cast the only NHLP vote in the US election yesterday.  As the leagues only known duel-citizen Tyson refused to say who he voted for but the Kickapoo Tribe voted 72.2% in favor of Trump in Brown County, while Kickapoo in Leavenworth County voted 58.6% in Trumps favor, both for the new US President.  The Cleveland GM now must turn his attention to his Saturday Waiver, saying he plans on using it, but moving out a few players.  With Laine's four point election night, his 15 point total is a number Tyson wants to trade, and could be combined with Shaw or even Boedker.  The GM also mentioned Kesler and Hoffman as movable material in the Waiver, meaning they can be had for mere points.  Tyson's connections to Kickapoo run deep on the Tribe who owns not only the Golden Eagle Casino, but also a gymnasium, day care center, senior center and the Kickapoo Nation school for grades kindergarten through 12th grade.  Kickapoo comes from their word "Kiwigapawa" which roughly means "He moves from here to there."  As far as Vinnie, "We know" said Muddy Capone, "We also think he was born in Hawaii."  GM Vinnie has never produced his birth certificate and it seems a touchy subject.  He adamantly denies he was born in Hawaii but has been there more often than all other GM's put-together and seemingly knows absolutely everything about the State.  Just mention Hawaii while he is around and off he goes.  "Vinnie can tell you all kinds of stories about Hawaii" Capone said, "Just don't ask him if he was born there."  GM Tyson previously stated he would have the Balls Falls Hitmen if he moved Hamilton anywhere and Cleveland he says would find a relocated home as the Kickapoo Fury (A perfect name and quite eerie in the 1770s at Vincennes with Clark, Hamilton versus Kickapoo and Miami - the "full Fury" of the war - wow) .  We are dying to hear where he'd move his St Louis Blues, but that will have to wait for another day.  For now, the Waiver season is set to get underway and a big deal could kick off a Fury of post election festivities by this weekend.

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Oh Sheary

Sheary keeps getting better.  After playing half the season last year and only getting 10 points, Sheary added 10 more in half the games in the playoffs.  Now, once again, just 5 games into the season, Sherry is on pace for 10 points in half the time it took him in the playoffs.  With this kind of output, it comes as no surprise GM Joel added Sheary to the Canucks lineup for the Injured Eichel.  "There is no reason to think Pittsburgh guys won't be hard to come by" said Joel about the reigning NHL Champions, "I like what I see so far."  Vancouver is led by Forsberg and Neal, but Pastrnak has taken over the club lead with 10 points.  The five point gain from Sheary moved Joel's West Division team into 4th place only 14 behind the Division leading Coyotes (Charlie).  If Sheary stays a point a game this team will keep climbing the standings. 
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Twins

Every year at this time some NHLP team gets doubled up as a team nears 100 points.  While the NHLP leading team is Quebec (Matt) and only at 66 points, he has already doubled up the NHLP's last place team who has 33.  It clearly has not been the start GM Ryan was looking for in Green Bay, or the second last overall team in New York as well.  "You could tell GM Ryan was a busy man when he could not for the life of him figure out what Day Thanksgiving was this year" said Muddy Capone, "And it compounded from there."  As for Ryan, he was right there all last year.  A powerhouse in Green Bay last season, a team favored to win it all lost out in the NHLP Championship to the unstoppable Leafs (Chad).  The good news is the Knights are only 6 spots out of a playoff spot and 5 points for Hemsky can be had in ten days.  Hertl, considered taken early by many league GM's has been the teams only bright spot with 8 points, a nice find for a fourth rounder.  The Knights first Waiver isn't until the second last Waiver of the season, and one of 5 Waivers that comes after the NHL Trading Deadline on February 28th.  There is a lot of season to be played, Waivers, two meetings and an important injury pick for Green Bay.  Ryan has a lot of time to change this season around has some great potential up top on the roster to make a solid team.  Hey, there is even another bright spot, least the GM will have an easier time remembering kids birthdays.

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Anisimov Has Bruins Crushing

All the Leafs have usually fallen by now but the Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad), the NHLP Champions of last season are in a continuous fall.  Thanks to GM Ryan's steal of a deal in his 6th round pick Anisimov, Boston is now up 16 points on the colourful but dried-up Leafs.  For Anisimov he is leading the league and has 13 points his last 8 games, scoring in all 8 of them.  Coming into this seasons Draft, the Russian had a career high in 44 points, coming back in 2010-11, for the now 28 year old.  Playing between Kane and Panarin on the first unit power play and getting roughly 19 minutes of ice time a game, it seems Anisimov may be a late-blooming star that is helped by a great supporting case.  The Blackhawks appear solid again this year, nothing really new, but annually many GM's say they are going to take a fall.  The reason usually is they are getting a tad older but the biggest reason is they have so much paid to so few players, that their third and fourth lines are annual newbies.  This season Tyler Motte, Marcus Kruger, Nick Schmaltz, Vince Hinostroza, Dennis Rasmussen and Jordin Tootoo are the bottom two lines.  Some of those guys will become stars and unkeepable when salary negotiations start, as is the annual case in Chicago, like the falling of Leafs across Canada.  For the Bruins, GM Ryan just hopes his 6th Rounder continues to dominate as we round the corner into the snow season, which should bury these Leafs, forcing GM Chad to move some of his more colorful remaining players (and he has a lot of those).

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Huberdeau Stripped Off Roster

The first injury pickups of the year usually are a sign the movement in the NHLP is about to start.  The Las Vegas Strip (Vinnie) dropped Huberdeau with Ryan as a replacement, moving up 5 points but staying in 5th in the South Division.  Ryan who is off to a good start has 5 points in 9 games and is now in Player Tracking twice.  The L.A. Kings (Andrew) are anticipated to make another move by the 6 PM EST deadline for injury picks.  Under the latest collective bargaining agreement, injured players must be dropped by 6 PM on the day they become eligible, or the GM cannot make a move until the next day, but drops behind any new picks.  There usually is no advantage if a GM is dropping a player on waiting, as a single point can change what players may become replacements.  Of course in today's action, two GM's could pick, meaning the lower of the two in the official league pecking order picks first, in this case Vegas.  Player Tracking tracks each players number of games missed total before they become eligible to be replaced.  The Injury page includes the Calendar as well as point penalties for games missed when dropped in a Waiver, never going lower than zero for a player's total.  Only players requested to go on the Injury Calendar are added. 

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Green Bay  - More Shitty News

When you are already last overall in a 36 team league, you don't need news that one of your guys is now out 5 months.  GM Ryan's Knights have 21 points and are 10 points out of fourth in the West and now Hemsky out long term.  If there is any good to come of this is Hemsky has no points, meaning over the next 13 games he will essentially get 5 points when Ryan can pick up for him.  With the Waivers set to start there is an option of making a two for two, as Hemsky is a zero point drop for the dropping team in a Waiver, so no loss.  Things are starting to heat up with the first moves of injured players coming in two days followed by the Waivers just there after.

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Oilers Early Surprise?

It depends on who you ask on the answer you get.  Everyone admits Edmonton has been a major bust considering all the first overall picks, the high draft picks and the potential stars.  Hall and Yakupov get traded away.  Still suspect goaltending and defense.  Can they turn it around with McDavid and how long will it take was the question everyone asked.  Now with a solid coach, finally maybe the Oilers have turned a corner.  So now the question becomes, is the 7-1 team that is dominating with 29 goals, second to only Calgary and only allowed 17, behind only Montreal, Washington and New Jersey, is this what to expect all year?  Remember, Montreal was like undefeated through 10 last year and missed the playoffs when Price went down, so if McDavid goes down, is this a one-horse show?  Player tracking shows only McDavid and Eberle are gone off their roster.  If they continue to win at this rate, they will be hard to ignore in the Waivers which start in two weeks time.  They sure are fun to watch.  Are they real, that is the question 12 GM's will have to decide when the action and team building starts in a matter of weeks.

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What Could Have Been

GM Matt insists he isn't mad.  "It is my own fault for not being there" said the GM in an NHLP Yearbook Interview about his Draft that didn't go according to plan.  You would think with the Indianapolis Icemen having Matthews, who leads the entire NHL in points, and Williams, just a single point behind him on the Leafs scoring, that Matt would be content.  Well, he is, kind of.  Matt told the Yearbook he had those players rated so high on his list, they should have been picked twice each in the second through fourth rounds.  "Clearly Shawn didn't follow my list, I see that" said Matt, "But like I said, I am not upset."  While most NHLP teams hover around 30 points, if Shawn had just did what he was asked to do, the Icemen would easily have over 50.  "It could of really changed what we could do later" said Matt about the 20 extra points the team should have already.  Matt said he gets it though.  "A lot of guys go off TSN lists and things, buying a book, not paying close attention to who is good and who will be great" stated Matt, "Our drafting has came a long way.  I knew Matthews would be top 50 scorers this year."  Well, forget just top 50, what about tops.  Leafs fans now know he will win the scoring title, 1-2 with Williams.  "We can't help but be reminded of the 1996 Penguins, Lemieux at 158 and Jagr with 146, the top two same year highest scoring teammates in league history" said Muddy Capone.  "They are a ways away from those two and scoring is down overall, 1-2 overall, I don't think so" Matt laughed, "But just imagine if Shawn would have just followed my list."  Wow, just imagine!

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 Trots Bends Truth for National Story

It is the kind of attention teams and leagues live for.  A player losing part of his ear blocking a shot.  Run with it.  That is how  Trotz told it to the media, that when Winnik blocked the shot with his face he lost part of his ear.  Now, we know this isn't exactly the truth, but why go there to begin with?  When the NHLP put the Yearbook in charge of the media side of the league, hiring in 1989 Muddy Capone to oversee the Yearbook and now the NHLP2 website, this was exactly what the NHLP GM's had in mind back then.  "The GM's said one thing to me then" said Capone who has been a part of everything the league has ever done, "Just tell it like it is."  Drama sells.  Look at the National Enquirer or CNN.  Total bullshit crap sites that tell you want they want to tell you, with CNN more biased to their ownership while the Enquirer more total fabrications, but a more enjoyable read.  CNN, who did in fact report Trotz story, has always lacked their fact checking, quite often to break the news, breaking the cardinal rules of news reporting.  The Enquirer would have reported this with the angle that Winnik had plastic surgery through the night after the game and came within millimeters of dying instantly on the ice according to a source who was there at the time but doesn't want to be named for their close involvement with the situation might compromise them as the source.  "We are going to continue to hold ourselves to a higher standard" said Capone who feels the media has hit an all-time low.  Capone said the US Presidential Election has him cringing daily.  "Take the New York Times as an example" said Capone, "Here is a somewhat reputable newspaper, or at least was, and they actually publically support one of the candidates for Presidency.  How now is it possible to have subject able reporting when it is admittedly bias?  Just come out and say you are the Enquirer then."  The news, a true source of it, cannot be blinded emotional attachment.  The personal attacks must be deserving, not because ownership's invested interest has reporters on puppet strings over the keyboard.  These once proud news sites are "Just a shadowy nefarious shadow of the unscrupulous tyrants who are occult to the general readership who are befuddled by deceitfulness of respectability" said Capone, "Just cause you cannot see the shadow of a shadow, doesn't mean that isn't the real shadow, we are living under."

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Crosby Returns Before Christmas As NHLP Yearbook Predicted

As is often the case a good reporter often refuses to divulge their source, but their story is smack on.  The NHLP Yearbook went out on the limb so to speak in stating Crosby would return and play his first NHL game of the season before Christmas.  "We spend a lot of time with our contacts" said Muddy Capone who continues to shine brightly as the inside source of hockey.  Capone is so successful in breaking these stories that even the top dogs, like Bob McKenzie follow Capone on Twitter, one of only 596 people McKenzie follows.  "Bob's a good guy" said Capone, "We email."  Once again the Yearbook breaks a newsworthy story.  This time, great news for the Cleveland Fury as Crosby returns to play Florida on Tuesday night.

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Crosby - "I Feel Good"
Could Return by Christmas

The Cleveland Fury got an update, that Crosby feels good and was in a no contact jersey for the first time since his concussion.  This is great news.  It is expected Crosby will play his first game before Christmas.  Steen and Laine have kept the team afloat with 12 of the North's cellar dwellers 20 points on the season.  Only 7 points out of first the Fury have done much better than anticipated without the first overall pick in this seasons draft.  Cleveland has a Waiver coming up, the first of the season in less then three weeks.  GM Tyson said he already received one offer for Crosby but said "I think it is far to early to move him prior to the Waiver" the GM stated, "But if we had seven for one deals a few teams are close to having enough points for him".  Tyson said Green Bay, Colorado, Memphis or the New York Islands don't have enough points in a 7 for 1, as all those four teams don't have 15 points yet on the season.  The good news is he is taking some hits but still no return date in sight.

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Cubbies (1908) and Indians (1948)
Something's Got to Give

Unlike Major League Baseball, Chicago (Andrew) and Cleveland (Tyson) have recently won Championships.  When the Fury won in 2010 we knew something had to give then as well, being the last NHLP Finals with four teams never having won (Alaska, Atlanta and Boston).  For the Cubs, 108 years is a hell of a long time.  Other than the oldest person in Canada, at 111 (who just lives down the street btw), merely not a sole in Canada, or anywhere in the world was alive then to witness.  "Kind of like the Miami, Calgary, Boston and the Islanders of the NHLP" said Muddy Capone, "Twins be like, all I want for my 30th birthday is an Islanders Championship."  It has already been 27 years, the longest drought the NHLP can have.  Ironically the Cubs curse has often been called the "Curse of the Billy Goat" - of all fucking names.  Maybe Calgary has the Curse of the Billy Goat?  Just attend a Flames game and you see Goats outside the arena.  FACT!  Of course we don't buy that curse for the Cubs, as the Cubs had already had a 37 year old drought when it was made in 1945.  You can't put a curse on a team who hasn't won in 37 years.  By that point, they are already cursed.  However, and this is very interesting, even if the Cubs had won the '45 World Series, they would still have the longest drought, still, as Cleveland won in 1948.  So the Cubs drought is long.  So who has the longest droughts of all the professional leagues?

108 years - Chicago Cubs - MLB
70 Years - Arizona Cardinals - NFL (AKA - Chicago, St Louis and Phoenix - Cities they have moved the Franchise since their 1947 NFL Championship.)  Four teams have never made the Super Bowl - Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans while 9 teams have never won.
66 years - Sacramento Kings - NBA
49 years - Toronto Maple Leafs and St Louis Blues (unless you go with Ottawa's 89 years since their 1927 Cup)
26 Years - NHLP - First year Teams to have never won still in league are:  Pittsburgh, NY Islanders, Buffalo, Quebec, Boston, Calgary and Seattle (Miami joined year two in 1990-91, please accept our apologies)
20 Years - New England, NY Red Bulls and Dallas - MLS
17 Years - Current streak of GM Charlie
199 seasons - Since 1993 when Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays last won - so 199 collective seasons since Canada last won any Championship (Excluding Chad's Leafs last year and Scott's Oil 2011)

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Perron's Four One Shy of High

Now in his 10th NHLP season GM Joel is still waiting for his first 12 point night.  Thanks to Perron's four point Saturday night the GM's Buffalo team had the seasons first double digit scoring night, but was still one point shy of the GM's high mark of 11.  This was Joel's biggest night in Buffalo since March 17, 2009 when Malkin's 5 and Blakes 3 gave the team Joel's first 10 point night.  Since then Joel has hit 10 in Carolina and Vancouver, who did it three times and holds his 11 point night.  The GM Now has the leagues last two 10 point nights, hitting the last one of last season as well.  Voracek added 3 tonight while singles went to Giroux, Jagr and Soderberg while Jokinen and Byfuglien had off nights for different reasons.  The Sabres now have 29 points and sit in first in the Central Conference and 9 clear of 4th in the South Division on the strength of a great 22 point week with Byfuglien playing Sunday to try and make it 25 in the Heritage Classic.

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Don't Eat the Chicken

One of the better stories so far this season happened tonight in Nashville.  The team dressed only 14 regulars and easily beat the Penguins 5-1.  We will have to wait for the full story to come out but one report is the team all went out to dinner in East Nashville, a place recommended by Subban who said don't eat the chicken.  "I guess some guys heard eat the chicken."  Apparently Subban loves the fish there but no matter what happened, 5 guys got food poisoning.  Subban wasn't one of those with food poisoning and had a great game, scoring two points for GM Scott's Philadelphia team.  "I wish I'd of known he loved seafood because I would have sent him to the Urban Grub or even the Shipwreck" said Scott who loves Nashville.  "If I would have known Johansen was in the group I would have recommended Chicken Schits in Liberty Hill" said Scott about GM Chad's player, before adding, "just don't eat the Chicken Schit's Soup."   
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Officepools Regressed?

GM Andrew has raised some good points that have already be echoed by other GM's.  Viewing teams now opens a new page instead of just bringing the team up on the right as it did before and as it does in "Live Scoring".  When you go back, the Divisions are all reset to what a normal pool might like, points from high to low.  "Our league is more dynamic than normal leagues" said Andrew.  His frustration was already pointed out by others.  We are looking for more feedback we can pass along to Officepools and hopefully they can help us out.  The NHLP has been with Officepools since its earliest days and hopefully they can help us continue that tradition as we move closer to year 30. 
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Coyotes For Real

GM Charlie drafted 7 good players, they just may all be on one team.  Phoenix is off to a great start through 32 man games, 26 points.  Now second overall in the NHLP, but more importantly 10 points clear of fourth in the West Division, this team should just keep going.  One of the few teams in the league with all players having at least two points already, three players are getting better than a point a game.  The teams first two picks, Kessel and Spezza have been likely slower out of the gate then they will end up, meaning this team could even be further ahead.  Eberle, Steen and Skinner are scoring and Kunitz and Teravainen are nice 6th and 7th rounders.  Kessel and Kunitz is a great Pittsburgh duo and the NHL's Defending Champs are likely going to be wanted players all year long.  "This is the kind of team that can be made strong" said Muddy Capone, "It is going to be fun to see if Charlie has learned enough to make this one of the teams to beat or if he just sits on it until it hatches into averageness."  Charlie loves to wait and watch awhile others are acting and building.  We'll see how his strategy works with what, on paper, is one of the best teams in the early goings of our young season.

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Bad Gets Worse

Already with one of the worse starts in the NHLP, the New York Islanders (Ryan) just got more bad news.  With just 12 points on the season, about last overall in the league and with the only team with two zero point scorers (Muzzin, Purcell) for guys who have played games, now Sharp appears gone long term.  Sharp suffered what the coach said could be a long term concussion.  Not sure how you tell that quickly how long a concussion will keep you out, but just the fact it was said leads us to believe Sharp won't be back next week.  The Islanders are already 9 out of a playoff spot and we have only played two weeks.  For GM Ryan this team, even at 50 out will never be out of things.  Not with Benn, Oshie, Sharp and Marleau.  A Good GM could get that team in 50 out no problem.  But the idea in the NHLP is to win it all.  Keeping your best players is often one way to win.  Just getting in by the skin of your teeth with a bucket of crap isn't a great way to win it all.  If Sharp is long term, the Islanders will be forced at some point to break up what appears a great start to a winning team.  The further they are out, the more desperate they will have to be.  This injury, coupled with slow starts and arguably poor late round drafting has left the Islanders in a tough spot that can only get worse now before it gets better.

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Oh Canada

Be honest now.  Who would have guessed Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal and Ottawa would be 14-2-1 in their combined first 17 games of the season?  The Canucks have allowed just 6 goals in four games while the Habs just 7.  The Oilers have scored 20 while Montreal is a +9 after four games played.  The teams are 1-2-3 in the league with Ottawa just a point out of that Canucks-Oilers-Habs top three.  "Canada still has some bad teams" said Muddy Capone referring to the Leafs who are still two points clear of the basement in the league.  While everyone beats the Leafs, not so much so for the other Canadian teams anymore.  Are the Canucks a fad?  The team only has 10 goals, so if their defense slows they should fall quickly.  Edmonton has allowed 16, as has Ottawa.  Hard to allow 4 goals a game and keep winning.  Montreal seems that best of the group, by far.  Player Tracking already shows the Habs are down to slim pickings with 6 players completely gone and three only there one time.  If the Habs keep winning as they are, they will be in demand.  Never get to excited though, as they won their first 12 last year and missed the playoffs.  So if Price goes done, sell quick.  As for the Leafs.  Well, what did you expect for a management who has stated a goal heading into the season was Nolan Patrick.  Just cause you weren't at the BBQ doesn't mean it wasn't offered up on the menu!

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Rage Feeling Blue

When it comes to the best built St Louis Blues built teams in the NHLP, just hand that award to the Cincinnati Rage (Matt) already.  With Tarasenko, Schwartz and Pietrangelo you just can't get better.  The Rage heard some great news today, that their second round player Schwartz is now a "Full-time employee" and is expected to be a "Full-time employee" Thursday when the Blues play their next game.  Cincinnati's 18 points is only two out of first in the North Division thanks to impressive starts from Tarasenko (6) and Wheeler (5).  Now Schwartz who has been dominate as an NHL player with 85 points his last 108 games  (0.77 PPG) not only comes back, but joins Tarasenko on the Blues top line.  If GM Matt decides to keep his Blues built team this season, his total Transactions will be way down, but with a blues dominate playoff run, his chance to win his first NHLP Championship maybe way up.  One thing is for certain, right now the Rage love feeling Blue.

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Memphis 7

Fast starts.  Slow starts.  "It is all part of the game" stated GM Jr.  You never know how your team will start.  For some it can be a pleasant surprise.  For Las Vegas (Vinnie) without Huberdeau and now Little, the team has battled and sits with 16 points, 6 out of the top spot in the league.  Now three games into Huberdeau's injury replacement of 10 games missed, the Strip can pick up now in less then two weeks, a 5 point replacement.  Toronto (Chad) also sits with 16 points, despite not a game from his second round pick Schwartz who is rumored to be ahead of the game in his anticipated return.  The team also carries Evander Kane who has cracked ribs.  So far so good for the reigning Champs in the NHLP.  With the fast starts of course comes the slow ones.  With the good, the bad.  In 21 years as a GM there really isn't anything that GM Jr hasn't been through.  The bad for the Machine is through 21 games played the GM Jr drafted team has just 7 points.  With Letang hurt, Parise leads the team with two points while Radulov, Plekanec and Saad have one.  Henrique and Abdelkader have yet to score a single point in 6 man games.  The good news is that will all change and the team is only 5 points out of 4th place.  Jr is not a GM who sits and lets a team die, ever.  He reacts and gets aggressive.  The worst team in the league at any time, with the right Waiver move can damn near be the best.  It is sometimes just a perfect move away.  So injury pickups are two weeks away and the first Waiver three weeks.  GM's are now looking at what is going on, preparing to make the early moves if needed to dig out of the slow starts.  Those who sit back and do nothing often let the slow start take over their entire season.

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Player Tracking Updated

If something stuck out it was the fact that all teams are well represented, no team seemingly more then another.  If you notice something incorrect, let me know.

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Schedules Page Updated

GM's Chad and Charlie host the next two big NHLP meetings and the date are posted as per the new NHLP regulations.  "We have done well with attendance but it is our goal to be better still" stated Muddy Capone.  The NHLP members after much debate are trying a new meeting rule which incorporates allowing a GM to have his teams ran in his absence at the meetings, but there is a huge cost to pay. Below is the rule agreed upon by vote at this years NHLP Draft.

New Attendance Rule

Any NHLP GM missing meetings will now be fined according to the meeting missed as follows:

Draft - 25 added to entry.

Winter Meeting - 25 added to entry.  The GM is allowed to have another GM run his teams.  This includes using the minors.

Trading Deadline - 50 added to entry.  In addition if the GM wants another GM to run their teams, using the Minors, in their absence they are also hit with a penalty of losing their first Waiver the following season or 15 draft positions of their first team drafting in the first round of the next draft.  This is the GM's choice to which he surrenders.  If the GM decides to "let his teams go", not using the minors the Waiver or draft pick penalty does not apply.  Further notes:   The furthest a GM can drop in the first round is to 36th place.  If a GM drops, all other GM's would essentially move in front within those 15 positions.  If a Waiver is given 36 Waivers will still be factored in, but that GM's first Waiver will be skipped over on that date so the league maintains consistency in having a few Waivers after the NHL Trading Deadline.  For consistency purposes and updating the site, the GM must declare within a week of missing the Trading Deadline and using the Minors which, either Waiver or Draft they will surrender.  By Default a GM not declaring will surrender their first Waiver

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Side Dishes

I Ain't Fraid of no Ghost
(But Clowns scare me)

GM Scott takes over 55 while GM's Joel and Chad take 55 & under

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Book of Matthew

Turning to page 45 & Over were GM's Marcel, Chad, Charlie and Andrew while GM Scott stopped reading long ago.

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Century Club

GM's Jr, Shawn, Ryan and Charlie all are in belief a triple digit scorer exists while GM Joel takes them all on and says Wayne's the Max.

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Stamped Out?

How the mighty have fallen, in GM Andrew's eyes.  Setting the bar at a low 59 & under while Charlie, Scott & Joel got 60+.

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All GM's Predict Cup Winner

Charlie - Chicago
Marcel - Montreal
Shawn, Andrew - Tampa Bay
Jr, Tyson - Pittsburgh
Vinnie, Ryan - San Jose
Joel, Chad & Matt - Washington
Scott - THE PREDS!!!

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Win-in-peg

GM Scott says the Jets are flying into the playoffs while GM's Joel, Chad, Jr, Tyson, Ryan and Andrew says even the new expansion team in Vegas has a better shot this season.  OUCH!

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Calder Kid?

Shawn gives it to Mathews while GM Scott clearly has everyone else

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Get Out the Calculators
(Top Total Points Wins)

Andrew - Kane, Crosby & McDavid
Marcel - Crosby, Benn & McDavid
Chad - Kane, Kuznetsov & McDavid
Joel - Crosby, Tarasenko & McDavid
Jr - Crosby, Kane & Benn
Scott - Stamkos, Benn & Tarasenko

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Red Light District
Win 3 Times or Lose 3 Times

Correction - Joel pointed out it should be like as follows, which I did confirm is correct:

GM's Andrew & Joel say no chance of someone having 50 or more goals.  Scott, Shawn and Jr all say the lamp lights for someone 50 or more times.

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Quick:  "Who's Our Backup?"

How important is your number two guy in goal?  We saw it last year when Price went down, the Habitant went up in flames.  One of the best goalies in the world is Quick and without him the Kings have to use backup Zatkoff who was 4-7 last year with Pittsburgh.  Without a quick return likely, the next three months someone else is going to have to keep the Kings in contention.  Is that likely?  The early part of the NHLP season has seen a number of injuries directly affect the teams with big named players going down.  This isn't a direct hit, but when you have top Los Angeles players and you drafted them in hopes they are playoff guys, this is a major blow to what you may now have to do later in the season.  The Kings are not out of anything, they are only 0-2 with 80 games to play.  But when your team is known for their strong defense and you lose what could be argued the biggest piece of your teams nucleus, the writing could easily be on that wall that the Kings will struggle big time and fall to the bottom of the standings.  Time will tell soon enough how 'Quick' NHLP GM's start moving Kings players when the Waivers start.

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 I Shall Not Laugh At Other Peoples Misfortunes

GM Scott said he remembered when Mrs. Pollard made him write that out 25 times when the GM and two other classmates laughed when a girl back catcher in soft ball game took a foul tip to the chops.  Now karma has bitten the GM, who mocked GM Andrew's pain of losing a second round player Huberdeau.  "Ya, that was funny" said GM Scott, "This not so much."  Eichel, a third round pick in Edmonton, as well as a GM Joel same rounder in Vancouver is now lost for four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain.  "It won't be the last time this year a GM makes fun of another after an injury" said Muddy Capone, "Clearly more GM's need to adhere to Mrs Pollard.  Sound like an awesome teacher."  Could not agree more...

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Torts:  "I Don't Think We're Even Close"

1)  Can you believe they hired him?  2)  Can you believe they paid a draft pick to get him?  3)  Can you believe they hired him?  Honestly, who would want that kind of negativity around their young team all the time.  After Columbus blows a 2-0 lead and loses 6-3 to Boston all Tortorella does is explain how the team wasn't ready, lacked effort and was sloppy.  Well maybe you should have spent the last two weeks of September getting them ready instead of your priorities with the USA World Cup team.  Isn't it the coaches job to have the team ready and ensure the effort is there from puck drop?  The best thing he has always done is complain.  Just didn't expect it after the first game.  The Blue Jackets likely aren't "ready", but take it to the team, not the media where it appears you are more concerned with your own ass, then the teams.  Anyone want to set the over/under on his total games coached this season, not including the three and out with team USA. 

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Matt's Drafting Shines Early

"It took a few years" laughed GM Matt when asked about his drafting prowless, "I think I have gotten to be better at drafting every year."  Well we have only played two nights of hockey, but Matt is already at 25 points as a GM.  For comparisons sake GM's Ryan and Shawn have 6 and GM Scott 8.  All three put together don't have the 25 Matt has.  What a start.  "I told Shawn just follow my list" Matt said, "Too many guys second guess themselves and start jumping all over the place."  As if you would think the GM with Matthews could follow that up with something better on night two of the young season, but he did.  Marchand got 5 points last night and Tarasenko and Wheeler added three each in their first games.  Can the GM keep this pace going?  "Three first place teams are nice" added the GM, "But this is my year to make all those points count.  This year that is my goal."  Matt knows the NHLP truism that "Points are useless, unless in use" and for the GM who leads the league every year in Transactions, letting him have the most points can only mean one hell of an exciting season awaits us.

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Storm Brews For 2019

The NHLP has updated the Drafts Master page as well as added the 2019/20 Draft to the site.  The Seattle Storm (Shawn) have the first overall pick that season while Atlantic City (Vinnie) and Edmonton (Scott) have the next two first overall picks.  All GM's but GM Joel has at least a top five overall pick over the next three Drafts.  For Joel his highest pick is 9th overall, extremely unlucky draws.  While Colorado (Chad) makes their first pick, at worst 11th overall over the next three years the New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) pick 31-34-31 over the next three seasons.  Don't however feel to bad for GM Shawn as all his other 6 picks on his other teams are 14 and under, quite amazing.  GM's can use the Draft Master or the Draft page itself to access their future picks for trading.

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Cup Chase Starts Tomorrow

We are finally here.  Hockey tomorrow night.  For the NHLP GM's the start of the season kicks off a long attempt at glory that only one GM can win.  We have heard over the years, just how hard it is to win.  The winners, GM's winning the most are the first to say it as well.  GM Scott has always let the GM's know that if they all equally win a Cup each, someone isn't winning his next, or even first one, for 12 more years.  "I always wonder if I have won my last cup" says GM Andrew.  That is really hard to imagine when you are winning one about every three years, but it is that doubt, because for everyone who has won, one must always be your last.  "This is the least luck based pool that exists in the world" said Muddy Capone, "You must always have lady luck on your side, but how you build your playoff team, that is more skill, and often the most skilled built team does in fact eventually win."  The game is on.  Winning GM's are at the game all year, not just at the Draft then Trading Deadline.  Winners spend more time building winning teams on average then losers spend building a losing team.  That is fact.  Hard after every Waiver when needed, and looking at each team with the Waiver to find a way to better their current teams.  Using the injury rules accordingly and going after the right players from the Minors at the meeting.  Using the Waiver you do have, to get something better, than you do have.  "You always have to be making your team better" said Andrew who never lets a Waiver pass without likely talking to it's holder.  You will get offers and often guys turn them down over 2 or 3 points.  Think about that?  Very likely ever even point offer you are offered will end in one player in that deal beating the other by 10 or more.  So if you can figure out the more likely of those two, or who in the end is the most valuable, you can't be shy on pulling the trigger.  Some GM's feel they must be getting the worst of the deal if the other guy is offering it.  How backwards is that?  "No GM wins every deal, ever" said GM Jr.  As for Scott, he says many of his and other GM's deals are terrible deals, "But sometimes a deal works out.  When that occurs you have a good team.  So the more you make, the more chance of one working into a good team move.  That is when I win.  When I make the bad move, it just leads to having to make another move.  So I will gladly make ten moves in the hopes five work in my favor.  Bettering yourself half the time is better then not bettering yourself at all.  Those are the times I win my Cups."  So it is game on.  The season has finally arrive.  It is time to start the separation, the pretenders from the contenders.  Which one you going to be this season?

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Emergency Meeting Called

Right on Cue.  No sooner then Huberdeau goes down GM Andrew says his Los Angeles team is incorrect in Officepools.  "We tuned out after the text that said we didn't pick Huberdeau" said Muddy Capone.  GM Andrew said that although that text was sent, he said the mistake was not his injured player.  "I swear I don't know who Dmitrij Jaskin is" said the six-time winning GM.  Capone, over seeing the accuracy of the Draft said he finds Andrew's statement a little hard to believe.  "Jaskin had a career high last year and mostly every GM in the league ranked him top 150, and Andrew states he doesn't know who he is, hard to believe."  Andrew swears he drafted the just-traded Yakupov.  "Thank goodness he doesn't have Yaskin anymore" stated GM Scott, "This leaves the player I had next on my list still twice in the minors".  Jaskin is expected to play with Tarasenko while Schwartz is injured while Yakupov should be hopefully a healthy scratch most of the season under defensive-minded-genius Ken Hitchcock.  "Hitch won't want to play such a liability in his final year coaching" said Capone who is pretty much up on things.  Too bad GM Andrew isn't.  We'll make the change.

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Cleveland 1st Overall Another Concussion

GM Tyson has a history of having Crosby and Crosby having concussions.  "The first overall picks are running a string of bad luck" stated Muddy Capone.  For Tyson this isn't a huge blow, just yet.  Crosby has missed serious time in his career because of concussions.  It ended the careers on many players, big names like Marc Savard and Eric and Brett Lindros among many others.  After a half dozen of them, when do you decide your long term brain is worth more than short term gain.  So how severe and how much time, that is the question that when answered will determine how this affects the Fury this season.  The NHL season hasn't started and now a third NHLP team has lost a top two pick.  Of the six GM's who took any three picks in a race for most points between those three players, four of those GM's took Crosby in their top three.  GM's Chad (Kane, Kuznetsov and McDavid) and GM Scott (Stamkos, Benn and Tarasenko) did not take Crosby.  Clearly that bet is now closed.  The 2016/17 season is clearly well under way.

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Draft Updated

The Draft is updated as per the way we had it.  It will be linked to the history page for future reference.


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Waivers Updated

Here are the Dates you pick.

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GM Marcel Again Top-Notch Host

The 27th NHLP Draft was another great hosting job by GM Marcel.  "The league gets spoiled with the outstanding job these guys do time after time" said Muddy Capone.  For GM Marcel, hosting has became of huge part of his career as a GM.  "I enjoy it very much" said the GM, "Guys are always welcome, love having them."  The day featured the final 4 rounds of the 2016-17 Draft as well as the 2019/20 Draft.  The Waivers follow the draft order this season, meaning the Cleveland Fury (Tyson) have the top Waiver.  The NHLP seen a slew of side bets for the season as well as had the opportunity for a league wide debate about meeting attendance.  The league debate ended in many suggestions to create the new rule moving forward.  "It was a combination of what about four GM's through on the table" said Capone, "But every guy in the room had some say."  That rule will be posted here and in the updated rule book shortly.  Thanks again to a great day Marcel from all your NHLP GM'ing peers.

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 The Kings Strip Suffer Huge Blow

The season hasn't even started and a huge blow for the Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) and the Las Vegas Strip (Vinnie).  Both GM's lost Huberdeau for a amount of time that will likely turn him into a Injury pick.  With the projection being three to four months, Huberdeau could miss anywhere between 30 to 50 games.  Is it possible to keep him and stay in the race?  It is very doubtful there can be replacements who will be as valuable, but because this injury is so quick, the Minors will be loaded of players who only got drafted once.   Both GM's took him in the second round, meaning he must miss ten games.  The Panthers play their 10th game in Nov 1st, so on the 2nd both GM's can pick for him, a week before the first Waiver. 

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So What NHL Teams Suck?

Las Vegas Sports books pay a lot of attention this time of year the the quiet happenings in the NHLP.  "It is like the Thanksgiving Day playoff team cutoff" states Muddy Capone.  With the US Thanksgiving it is said the NHL standings rarely change and the teams in on that day usually make the playoffs.  There is an even more telling way to determine what NHL teams are bad this season, and it happens way before Thanksgiving.  The NHLP's top three rounds.  NHLP GM's notoriously pick mostly playoff players in the first three rounds of the draft, for the most part, and this leaves us with a couple teams no GM is buying into.  What teams are they this year?  No NHL players were drafted from Arizona, Carolina, Columbus, Detroit, New York Rangers, Toronto or Vancouver (way to ruin my article Shawn.  You to Andrew.  Couldn't fucking leave it alone.  I hope Vancouver misses the playoffs for you two.  Teach you.  You knew I was going to do this article and you leave it right to the end to pick a Cunuck.  Everyone in my family spells Cunuck like that).  That is one quarter of the NHL's players looking for work.  Many will find it, with the throwaway picks in the last four rounds where GM's rarely expect those players to be anything more than board bait and Waiver dumps.  What happens now?  Well, when the Leafs are in a playoff spot on the US Thanksgiving, suddenly the rush is on and the roster starts to fill the empty spaces in Player Tracking, affecting as it often does Las Vegas Sports Books odds thanks to our friend at the Flamingo Bugsy Siegel Jr III.  (Editors note:  Please remove Vancouver and add in the 'or' after New York)

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Martin St Louis Is Retired

For a guy who was a stud, playing his entire career after the NHLP had already started, Martin St Louis never did win an NHLP Championship.  Over his stellar career he had over a 100 points in a season one time and over 70, 70 points in a season...11 times.  "He was Elite as Elite come" said Muddy Capone.  His name surfaced after the NHLP Yearbook, monitoring the Draft moved the traded picks around, to align with the team who make the pick.  "This way when we write in the name, you can easily see your team."  Well, today, a panicked GM Charlie, always on the ball pointed out to the NHLP Yearbook that GM Tyson picked St Louis, a retired player.  "Here at the office we appreciate a heads up, even today we noticed a mistake we made" said Capone, "Always do want to hear from the guys when something looks out of place.  However, we sat here stunned.  We all looked at one another.  How do you respond when the guy is trying to help out?  A wise GM once said it is the responsibility of the strong to shepherd the weak.  So we just pointed out to GM Charlie that GM Tyson, the two-time Cup winner, did in fact not make a mistake and draft a retired player who didn't even play last season.  That, in fact, it says St Louis because that is the team, St Louis, the city."  As for St Louis the player and GM Charlie the GM, one was a legend in his time while the other, his legendary status just continues to grow.  

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Indianapolis Picks Out Of Order - No Fine

After the BOG took a quick vote, the Indianapolis Icemen will not be fined for picking out of order.  GM Matt made his pick but said, "I did in fact ask if Datsyuk was a real pick."  A BOG said it would have been unfair to fine Matt under the new rule, losing 6 spots in the third round.  Matt, thinking the Green Bay Knights actually picked a KHL player, made an official pick at 36 overall.  Matt checked with the league but the email back to Matt was slow arriving.  "Well it wasn't that it was slow as much as it was just never sent" said Muddy Capone, "We were laughing to hard to take the time to reply."  "I didn't want to hold things up like Chad and Ryan always do" said Matt.  So, officially we haven't fined anyone yet, but if there was a fine for stupidity there would be a lot of lost draft picks.

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Knights Select First Coyote

GM Ryan went off the grid when he selected Datsyuk.  "I think he will have a great year in Arizona" said GM Ryan.  "This is why he has never won a Cup" said Muddy Capone.  The Knights were the NHLP powerhouses last year when they had NHL players, ranked number one most of the season only to lose in the NHLP Championship.  This is officially the first ever KHL player to be drafted into the NHLP.  (Update:    "We just wanted to see the response we would get" said Muddy Capone.  Here was some of the replies:

"Is Datsyuk a real pick from the KHL" - GM Matt
"You're a Funny one.  Datsyuk" - GM Jr
"Not Datsyuk?  WTF" - GM Charlie
"Well I wanted Letang instead.  Back to the drawing board" - GM Ryan
"Is that legal?" - GM Andrew

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There's a Team in Hamilton Already!!!
Relocating to Balls Falls?

It took a 2012 Championship by GM Tyson in Hamilton before the NHLP's GM's finally took notice of the Hamilton Hitmen.  "They were a horrible team for a long time" said Muddy Capone, "But they have been around the NHLP for a long time as well."  Entering in the NHLP's second season in 1991, when the league expanded from 24 to 28 teams, the Hitmen's first three seasons where nothing but a disaster.  The team finished 6th - 85 points from first (out of 7), 6th - 80 points from first and then in 1993, when the league went to 33 teams, finished 8th in a 9 team Division, 153 out of first.  By the turn of the century the NHLP received applications to move a team to Hamilton, including one by GM Marcel who wanted to move Alaska there and most recently GM's Charlie, wanting to move Phoenix and GM Joel who thought if he could not move Carolina to Barrie Island, Hamilton was a great second choice.  To top this all off, GM Vinnie choose Hamilton as a team to GM, before he was denied because there was already a team in Hamilton, before settling on Portland instead.  "I have never understood it, outside of Miami, this team received the least amount of respect in the NHLP" stated Capone who has witnessed every NHLP season.  The Hitmen drafted Couture this season, hoping the Sharks can go back to the NHL Finals and the Hitmen can join the list of two time winning NHLP teams. Seeing as everyone wants to move to Hamilton, the NHLP Yearbook asked GM Tyson, where he would move the franchise if he could move it anywhere he wanted. The GM stated his first choice would be just down the road, to Ball's Falls, Ontario.  Situated between Hamilton and Niagara Falls in the lap of St. Catherarines.   Tyson said it is a quiet area, but does have a Blacksmith, tailor, weaver and butcher close by.  GM Andrew laughed, "I once met a girl from there."  Sure you did Andrew.  The Balls Falls Hitmen.  We like it just as the rest of the NHLP likes Hamilton.
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Moving On Up

Central scouting said they were speechless after seeing the move Barkov made, from 228 last year to 18th this year in the NHLP draft.  "Holy shit, we thought Kuznetsov jumped, his 143 spots is nothing to Barkov's" said a source from central scouting.  GM Andrew stated that he had Barkov even higher on his list while GM Scott weighing in, said Barkov was 74th in the FTIMU rating system.  It didn't matter to the NHLP defending champions who picked Barkov in Toronto to help repeat, something only done once in NHLP history.  So what is Barkov's issue, why so low?  Well, statistically he had 59 points in 66 games and is only 21.  "With numbers like that, maybe GM Chad got a steal" said Muddy Capone.  Of course Barkov only had 36 points in 71 games heading into last year's second year, so the fact he was even picked may be a surprise.  Although the debate can be made he went high, when you are the NHLP Champ, it is hardly something we can argue with him about.

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Goaltending Wins Cups

GM Shawn said if you have the best goaltender in the world, odds are you should be picking that teams best player.  The Seattle Storm picked Pacioretty, giving the GM a threesome of Kane, Kucherov and Pacioretty to start the season.  Montreal was the hottest tam last year and nose dived after Price was injured.  If Price can stay healthy, just how good are these Habs? 
   
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Bruins Take Scoring - Karlsson on Blueline

GM Ryan said he could not pass on a top ten scorer with the 24th overall pick.  "It is a long season, I'll worry about all his points when guys are desperate" laughed Ryan, "And guys are always desperate" he added.  Ryan is right, scoring is good.  Karlsson has simply became a beast  and who knows, maybe Ottawa can have a bounce back season, making this pick even more the steal.

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Nordiques Stole Deal

On February 5th last season, the Quebec Nordiques (Matt) had one of the best CTR rated teams, and a same day Waiver.  In a move with Chicago (Andrew) Matt  traded the Waiver and got two firsts, including this seasons 22nd spot for the 36th and next seasons 33rd for the 36th.  Matt also moved up 11 more spots with two 3rd rounder's in the deal.  "This is where it pays off" said Matt, "Getting this pick right sets up our season where we can trade that 33rd pick next season for something better".  Who will Matt get at 22 and Andrew at 36, we will never know.  Yesterday Andrew traded that 36th round pick, back to Matt for pick #19, that Andrew turned into Thornton.  Can't win them all.

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Playoff Drought Continues

If there is one thing we know already about the coming season, it is the Miami Surf will be bad.  For GM Charlie the Surf have not made the playoffs since 2013, missing each of the past three years.  The team may be the laughing stock of the NHLP.  "Who came up with the name Surf for a hockey team" said Muddy Capone, "It was downhill ever since."  Well, we love the name Surf, but it is the fact it is a southern city and the logo creators put the Abominable Snowman surfin the hockey stick.  Least they did in fact get the hockey stick right.  Can Miami finally have a great draft?  That is where their season can turn around, but knowing this team, don't wait around for high tide, it might be a while.

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A Starring Role

For the second straight season GM Jr has made Malkin a first round pick in Dallas.  The two time winning Stars (01-09) are set up perfectly for a third team Cup.  Eights years from '01 to '09 and eight more to '17.  "Maybe the Stars will align" said Jr about the lucky 8.  No NHLP team has won a third team Cup, something that is very much a race with St Louis, Las Vegas, Dallas, Edmonton, Chicago, San Fran and Hartford all having won two, in that order.  No doubt a third will be nice, but especially sweet for GM Jr who seems to win his cups just after his rival GM Chad.  "It gets tiring listening to him all the time" said Jr, "I have more cups then Jr, I have more Cups then Jr."  Well, he does.  But Jr can change all that in 2017 and have just as memorable cup wins at 01-09-17.  OK, maybe not as memorable, but still memorable.


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Alaska Can Attack With McDavid

GM Marcel selected McDavid 14th, after Calgary (Jr) grabbed two -time winner Toews and Halifax (Shawn) grabbed Kucherov.  GM Shawn said he is happy with Kane and Kucherov, the first GM to pick two players so far.  Marcel said he believes he has the Art Ross Trophy winner in McDavid.  "He will likely lead the league in points" said Marcel, "We are happy to have him in Alaska, a steal at 14th."  GM Jr said Toews was a nice fit in Calgary.  "I would have spent all year trying to acquire him" said Jr.  Now he can spend the year trying to trade him in a blockbuster, for no other reason then Jr never goes the season without trading his top player.  "So true" laughed Jr, "If I had Lemieux I was looking to trade him, and I did, and if I didn't have him, I wanted to acquire him, and I did."  Well, Jr is on the clock in Dallas, so he gets to acquire someone with the 15th overall selection.
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Once Proud Organization Takes Getzlaf

It is easy to forget the New York Rangers were once a feared NHLP team.  GM Lee won his only cup with the Rangers back in 1996 with a memorable team of Sakic, Bourque, Anderson, Konstantinov and the now famous Robert Svehla.  For Sakic this was his only Cup and for Anderson, also winners of the first ever NHLP Cup he still ranks second to only Yashin for years between Cups, at 6.  Yashin had 8 years between his first and last of his NHLP record three Cups.  We often forget that Lee spent 12 years at the helm.  Lee still had some of the most famous quotes in league history.  "He just knew so much about building a winner" said Muddy Capone, "He was just so far ahead of many GMs at the time, often putting them to shame in deals."  Lee loved to wheel and deal, once saying he would "Trade his own mother."  Coming into a new league in year two Lee quickly established himself as a winner.  Lee's home town would soon go on to win 7 straight Cups (Norm, Norm, Leo, Lee, Andrew, Leo and Andrew) between 1993 and 1999.  It was felt Lee had his hands all over 5 Cups, even though only credit for one himself.  "When Lee spoke, guys listened and followed his approach" said Capone.  GM Scott said he learned as much from Lee as he has GM's Andrew and Jr, both GM's who have been known to know how to win.  "It is easy to forget, but our first Cup in 1992 in Edmonton, we battled by GM Lee's Ottawa team" said Scott, "Another cup Lee could have easily won."  That finals Lemieux's 7 was enough to get by Stevens 5, in Lee's first near miss.  For the current Rangers GM Charlie the Rangers theme this year is "Make the Rangers Great Again".  "We have a lot of pride in New York and I would love to bring another championship back here" said GM Charlie who spent three years in the league with GM Lee and now is entering season 17, all without a Championship appearance let alone a Cup.  Will things ever be great again?  Charlie could start by making a good pick at 11th overall in the 2016-17 Draft.
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GM Makes 12

GM Joel has confirmed he will in fact be the the 2016-17 NHLP Draft making a full 12 GM's in attendance.  "If each GM makes a pick a day between now and then, we would have the first two rounds completed" stated Muddy Capone, "Leaving just the last five longer rounds and enough time to actually enjoy a comfortable break in the draft for some French cooking."

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Continuous High Picks

No NHLP team, even remotely close, has picked as high as the Edmonton Oil the past four years.  Last year the Oil picked first overall, this year 9th, next year 4th and first again in 2018/19.  That means in four years Edmonton's combined first rounds picks equal 15.  For comparisons the Colorado Avalanche (Chad) are second at 30 followed by the NY Islanders (Ryan) at 32 over those same years.  Edmonton is trying hard to become the first NHLP team with three Championships.  The GM was very disappointed with how last season ended but said things are already looking up.  "We have started well already" said GM Scott, "No matter who we get it was higher then 9th overall on our list."  This is the furthest from first overall the team will draft over the course of four years, and all within the top ten picks, so odds are the Oil will continue to be a threat for years to come in the NHLP.  (Update:  "The biggest question we had to answer, was is this team heading up or down the mountain" said GM Scott, "If Stamkos was good enough last year for first overall, surely he is still good enough for 9th.")

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Carolina Picking On Island
Note Delivered - Backstrom

GM Joel knows that because the NHLP is just a fantasy hockey pool he can't play any homes games there this season, so he said he would do the next best thing - DRAFT FROM BARRIE ISLAND.  Carolina who pushed hard to move the franchise from the Carolinas to Barrie Island and become the Barrie Island 1/2 Chance Stumbers has been denied for a fourth straight season.  "It is a move that could happen" said Muddy Capone, "Barrie Island meets almost all the qualifications, mainly they already have a team logo."  The team logo was a huge "Stumbling" block.  Now the leagues lone fear is that if Carolina is allowed to move, who next?  Will Phoenix want to move to Hamilton like Alaska tried doing.  The league has held strong, denying application after application, but this has not stopped GM Joel from making this years picks on the Island.  So who is the newest 1/2 Chance Stumbler/Hurricane?  (UPDATE:  GM Joel did not anticipate that he gets no cell phone reception from Barrie Island and there is no Internet service there either.  "It is just one of those things" said Muddy Capone about the situation, leaving the draft stalled.  Apparently they are trying to get a pigeon in the air.  "Anyone who watched season two of Narcos, knows this is one valid way of communication" said Capone who's family knows a few ways of communicating.  "Hey, if Joel was in Carolina, they could get hit by a Hurricane, so everywhere has their drawbacks" Capone said before adding, "That truly was a fast fucking pigeon".)
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'08 Was Wire-to-Wire

Next year will be the 10th anniversary to one of the better NHLP teams of all-time.  The Florida Panthers who pick 7th overall could do no wrong in 2008 for GM Marcel, his long Cup win heading into season 22.  "It was wire to wire" said Muddy Capone, "Six players who Marcel could not trade if he tried, even with 40 points to give."  The Panthers had so many points, but no deals made sense.  Malkin, Kovalev, Rafalski, Brad Richards, Getzlaf and Gionta had smoking years and Florida just cruised right through everyone.  Picking 7th overall GM Marcel hopes he can repeat that glorious season and bring pride back to Southern Florida.  Marcel has been back to the NHLP Champion three times since, but has never been able to win a second Cup.  Wire to wire starts at the Draft.

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00-7-16 - Kuznetsov It Is

Three Cups.  Can you believe that?  Wow.  GM Chad is now chasing GM's Andrew and Scott and this season can get one step closer with Cup #4.  Chad is trying to become the only other GM, beside GM Andrew, to win a Cup with a fourth different team.  Andrew did it in Hartford, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington.  When the NHLP dropped from four to three teams, shockingly GM Chad dropped Portland, a team he had won a Championship with.  Portland is now a GM Vinnie ran team, but Chad's Pittsburgh Penguins have yet to win an NHLP Championship.  Andrew won a Championship with the only NHLP Cup winning team that is no longer in the league, the Washington Capitals who were dropped by Andrew when a tough choice had to be made, but were not picked up by another GM.  007 and Sweet 16 make Chad's Cups the easiest to recall the years.  But 007, 16-17 would be very easy to recall and Chad hopes back to backs are the way, 2016-17 ends.

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Full of Rage - Tarasenko's The Key

In his 9th year as a GM, Matt has yet to make an NHLP Championship appearance.  The lone GM in the league with less years, GM Tyson, has already tasted victory twice.  Although Matt has a LONG (I am sorry, but a LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG FUCKING WAY, VERY LONG) before he is at the 17 years GM Charlie is without an appearance in the NHLP Championship, Matt feels he has improved every season.  "I have taken a little of every GM"{ said Matt about his style, "I am certainly not shy about making a deal, a trait I see in Cup winning GM's" said the GM who is near the top of Transactions on a yearly basis.  Matt is the first to admit he will no longer have to moonlight to pay for his NHLP Transactions, a clear winner of the offseason rule changes we now know all to well.  "I was on a self imposed Cap, but not anymore" said Matt who picks 5th overall in Cincinnati and has already made a move in Indianapolis.  If he doesn't win, it won't be for lack of Transactions this season.
  
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Benn There - Haven't Done That

GM Ryan had the CTR #1 last season in Green Bay who lost in the NHLP Finals to the unstoppable Leafs.  The Islanders, who pick 4th overall, lost in 2014 to another unstoppable team, GM Scott's San Fran Titan.  For Ryan this is a special year.  His 15th anniversary as a GM in the NHLP.  Although Cupless through the first 14 it isn't that Ryan hasn't been close time after time.  For years of service his 15 years ranks him 7th all-time and only behind the 17 of GM Charlie for years without a Cup win.  He has certainly went the distance too many times without a Cup and a special season could start with his 4th overall pick on the Island (or wherever they play their home games now).
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Kane's Cup?

GM Shawn has been all around the cup over the past three seasons.  Last season New Orleans lost in the NHLP Conference Finals to Toronto (Chad) who won it all.  This is routine now for Shawn who the year before lost in the Finals to Hartford (Andrew) and the year before that, the Conference Finals again to the Cup winners in San Fran (Scott).  "I have been on a roll in New Orleans the past three seasons, and have nothing to show for it" said Shawn.  Clearly two of those three Cups could be the Wolverines.  It would be hard pressed to find a more dominate team that past three seasons.  With the third overall pick, this might be Shawn's breakthrough season.  "I would have taken Kane first overall" said the GM, "So I have to be happy to make him a New Orleans Wolverine third overall."

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Ovie A King

"I will be happy if he gets 80 points" said GM Andrew after trying unsuccessfully to trade the pick for a Waiver.  Ovechkin gets about 400 shots a season and according to Andrew it is the Caps season.  "I had him ahead of Crosby" said the six time Cup winner.

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Blackhawks Move Up in Seasons First Deal

Chicago (Andrew) moved from 36th spot in the first round into #19, with the Icemen (Matt) moving up 20 in the second and 3 in the 5th.  "If is always important when you can draft in front of someone else" said GM Matt, "We moved back 17 in the first, but we will likely still get our 25th guy anyhow."  The GM said he is looking to be very active this year without having to pay for any deals.  "I think that may have changed the game for us" said Matt, "We might make a record number of moves this season."  When GM Shawn saw the move he stated, "What a horrible deal to start the season" said the GM who picks third overall, "He moved back 17 in the first for 20 in the second?"  Well Shawn, seeing as the second round is guys picked twice, it is 10 spots in the second round.

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Kings Trade To Announce?

The NHLP Yearbook has officially confirmed that a trade for the second overall pick in the draft is being worked out.  One rumor has the Cincinnati Rage (GM Matt) moving from the 5th to the 2nd overall spot, while still another rumor is the deal is in fact with GM Matt, but another team of his.  For Andrew this is nothing new, the GM made this type of move before, acquiring a Waiver pick in exchange for the high draft choice.  At 2nd overall this becomes more attractive as now with Crosby gone, the GM acquiring the pick knows he can have any other player available including Donskoi or even Kane.

 
Crosby 1st Overall Pick For Cleveland

If there was doubt yesterday, there is none today.  "We are happy to have him" said GM Tyson, "Will Pittsburgh regress, we don't know yet but they were dominate and I think he was our easy pick."  Crosby had 85 points in 80 games last season but added 19 more in the playoffs where Pittsburgh came from nowhere to win the Stanley Cup.  For Tyson this is a great start to the draft.  You can never go wrong with such a great Elite star.  Los Angeles, GM Andrew is now officially on the clock.

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Tough Questions In Lead Up to Draft

Draft day in the NHLP is always one of the most anticipated days of the NHLP season.  This year, the leagues 27th Draft, there is a lot of excitement, with most NHLP GM's ready to draft for over a month now.  "I think the World Cup got some juices flowing" stated Muddy Capone.  The Draft is the same format for the past several years, with First round Elite, then three rounds of drafting twice followed by the slow grinding rounds five through seven that bring out the rookie and high-risk picks.  The final three rounds are for players not yet drafted on the day.  For GM Tyson, Crosby winning a Cup and having a knockout WCH Tournament may have the easiest of the top ten picks, but things are all over the board.  GM Jr, the last to draft first at 12th overall is certain to get a great star as there are so many great picks everywhere and so many NHL teams with strong chances thanks to everyone at the same cap hit, maxed out.  The NHL season starts in 13 days, on October 12th.  Can't wait!

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NHLP World Cup of Hockey Champions
Team Congo - GM Marcel

There was no room for error, but GM Marcel, favored to win it all, did just that.  Kopitar scored the only meaningful point in the two game Final round, giving Marcel's Team Congo the only point they would need for an official winning Final of 4-3 over Team Zimbabwe of GM Haley's.  Each team had Crosby who had 3 points but cancelled out.  The Finals were closer then expected, with Haley just minutes away from forcing a third and deciding game, where she would have only potentially needed a point from her star Zuccarello.  In the end, both teams scored the same points, 26 each, but Marcel scored two extra points when it counted most, the playoffs.  Marcel's team was statistically the best, according to the CTR but in a short tournament many though the scoring might be wide open.  "GM Lee always stated the best players will be the best players" said Muddy Capone, "Obviously GM Marcel learned that lesson and applied it when building the Championship team."  Thanks to all teams.  It was a great tournament. 

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Congo Game One Lead 3-2

With the Canada win, GM Haley is now down two points if Europe does not come back to win the series.  Kopitar who open the game with a sure goal in the first minute, that wasn't, got a second period second assist for GM Marcel who seems in control.  The European team dominated the game early but just could not score.  Kopitar played five more minutes and had two shots to Zuccarello's none.  For the first time in the Tournament Haley finds herself behind.  Haley has a day to recoup and surely now will need Europe to force a game three for Zuccarello gaining two on Kopitar in a loss seems highly unlikely.

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Kopitar vs. Zuccarello

Team Congo's GM Marcel is still riding a high after clinching a birth in the NHLP World Cup Tournament Finals.  "It is huge to have Canada" said Marcel about his tie-breaking pick, "Europe has been good and Haley has been awesome."  GM Marcel had nothing but praise for his opponent who has outscored him by a single point this far.  Marcel even had some fun shots, saying "GM Jr should let Haley do his drafting" as well as making the comment, "All that time, Jr had the wrong co-GM."  Who knows, they may actually be fair statements.  With Zuccarello outscoring Kopitar and seemingly all Canada is talking about is wearing down Kopitar, it makes sense Zuccarello might be the favorite here.  The CTR has had an outstanding tournament, nailing the top four seeded teams and hitting the two Finalists after that.  After some serious number crunching, the CTR favors Team Congo 3-2 over a potential three game series.  "The Pick likely plays again" said Muddy Capone, "It doesn't matter how many goals Canada scores, other then the pick."  Europe has played a true team game, even knocking off the heavy favorite Sweden team.  It doesn't seem like a three game finals but then again Europe wasn't suppose to even win a game. 

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Seeded #2
Team Congo (CTR #1) - GM Marcel


Crosby
Kopitar

vs.

Seeded #1
Team Zimbabwe (CTR #4) - GM Haley


Crosby
Zuccarello
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GM Marcel Takes Home Ice With OT Point

GM Haley has had an awesome NHLP WCH Tournament, but now must win the hard way after GM Marcel stole the Finals pick with his OT point from Kopitar.  Haley's Team Zimbabwe finished the top seeded team and ousted GM Andrew's Team Scotland 5-4.  For Marcel it was a little more tense as he could have lost had Gaborik been in on the OT goal for GM Kelly, as long as Kopitar wasn't in on the goal.  Well, Gaborik wasn't, but by Kopitar being in on the final goal, this gave GM Marcel's Congo team a 6th point and the rights to pick the tie-breaker for the Finals.  Marcel has Kopitar who has been outscored by Haley's Zuccarello 4-3 over the first four games the team has played.  This is going to be an awesome finals with Haley having outscored Marcel by just one point so far in the entire tournament.

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NHLP World Cup of Hockey Standings - Finals (Updated to include Games completed - Final)
Team	GM	Points
Team Congo (CTR #1)	Marcel	4
Team Zimbabwe (CTR #4)	Haley	3

NHLP World Cup of Hockey Standings - Semifinals (Updated to include Games completed - Final)
Team	GM	Points
Team Zimbabwe (CTR #4)	Haley	5
Team Scotland (CTR #2)	Andrew	4
Team Congo (CTR #1)	Marcel	6
Team Kenya (CTR #3)	Kelly	4

NHLP World Cup of Hockey Standings - Preliminary Round (Updated to include Games completed - Official Preliminary Round Final Standings)
Team	GM	Points (1st - Tie breaker)
Team Zimbabwe (CTR #4)	Haley	18 (13)
Team Congo (CTR #1)	Marcel	16 (11)
Team Kenya (CTR #3)	Kelly	15 (10 - 5G)
Team Scotland (CTR #2)	Andrew	15 (10 - 1G)
Team Chad (CTR #7)	Chad	15 (8)
Team Singapore - 1/2 Chance Stumblers (CTR #10)	Joel	15 (8)
Team Mexico (CTR #6)	Matt	15 (7)
Team France -  SSM (CTR #8)	Jr	14 (6)
Team South Korea (CTR #9)	Matt	13 (8)
Team Cook Islands (CTR #11)	Charlie	13 (7)
Team Swaziland (CTR #5)	Ozzie	13 (7)
Team Sausage & Chocolate Cake Combo (CTR #13)	S&CC	13 (7)
Team Cuba (CTR #12)	Scott	9 (6)

Playoff Tiebreaker Picks:

Semi-Finals - 1^st Place picks either Semi-Finals and 2^nd picks other series as tie-breakers

Finals – Highest scoring Semi Finals team picks and if tied, high seeded team picks tie-breaker

Preliminary Round Tie-Breakers (If any ties for our top four seeds)

-          Most team Points of just four Semi-final players (shown in brackets above)

-          Most Goals of just Four Semi-Final Players

-          Most goals of all 8 players

-          Most players with at least 1 or more points of all 8

-          A fist fight

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Hold The Tee Times

Just when it seemed Crosby had all but salted away GM Andrew's Team Scotland, a huge Tavares point gave a little hope heading into the Semifinals last game Sunday.  For Haley it was a huge night from Sid who had three points.  For Haley to not make the Finals she will have to have Backstom and Zuccarello outscored by three points from Karlsson and Kopitar.  If Haley does hold onto her solid lead, she will only have one player who matters in the Finals, and that is the player through in tomorrows game.  Both GM's Marcel and Kelly have Crosby, but neither have Backstrom or Zuccarello.  Marcel has Sweden as his tie-breaker and Karlsson and Kopitar while Kelly has a great shot with Forsberg and Gaborik, two players playing well.

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Tie-Breakers In

GM Haley took Canada while GM Marcel chose Sweden for the two teams tie-breakers.  If either of these GM's tie their semifinal series they will advance to the finals if they get their picks right while GM's Andrew will advance with Russia and Kelly Europe in the events of a tie.  Good luck.  Should be a tense few games.

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Seeded #1
Team Zimbabwe (CTR #4) - GM Haley


Crosby
Ovechkin
Backstrom
Zuccarello

GM Haley has to decide on a tie-breaking pick of any of the four remaining teams to win their semifinal game and if no pick is entered, will receive Canada as the default pick.  Haley led the way with Team Zimbabwe with 18 preliminary round points including 10 from the players who will matter against GM Andrew's Team Scotland.  With the points reset to zero, Haley will have Crosby, Backstrom and Zuccarello to beat Andrew's different three of Tavares, Karlsson and Kopitar.  Both GM's have Ovechkin, as do all four playoff teams, meaning Russia players points will mean nothing from here on out.  Haley's three players have outscored Andrew's 10-7, but now it is down to just two games to advance to the Finals.  If the teams finished tied, Haley's tie-breaking pick will determine if she goes to the Finals or not.

vs.

Seeded #4
Team Scotland (CTR #2) - GM Andrew


Tavares
Ovechkin
Karlsson
Kopitar

GM Andrew was expected to be in the playoffs and is now a CTR predicted even points with GM Haley in the semifinals.  With Ovechkin canceled, this is a great three on three matchup.  The pick will likely play a big part as only 2 to 3 points will win this series.

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Seeded #2
Team Congo (CTR #1) - GM Marcel


Crosby
Ovechkin
Karlsson
Kopitar

The CTR had GM Marcel's Team Congo to finish in the top spot but Marcel fell two points shy to the unstoppable first round team from Zimbabwe (Haley).  With GM Marcel picking a winner of each series, he will officially have the one that GM Haley does not pick.  For Marcel he is a 2-1 favorite to beat out GM Kelly who had a great round with Team Kenya.  This series is down to just two players on two players with Marcel having Karlsson and Kopitar versus Kelly's Forsberg and Gaborik.  The Canada and Russian game will not mean anything to these GM's unless they meet GM Andrew in the Finals, with Crosby alive, as GM Andrew would have Tavares in the Finals, making Crosby an asset again for the winner of this matchup..

vs.

Seeded #3
Team Kenya (CTR #3) - GM Kelly


Crosby
Ovechkin
Forsberg
Gaborik

GM Kelly was outscored 4-3 in the preliminary round by GM Marcel's Karlsson and Kopitar in this two player on two player semifinals.  Forsberg and Gaborik will have to outright outscore Karlsson and Kopitar as goals no longer manner if the teams finish tied after the Sweden - Europe game.  If things are tied, GM Marcel will advance if he picked the correct winner in his tie-breaking pick.  Picks will be posted but the default picks are Canada then Sweden.  Team Zimbabwe (Haley) has earned the right to select one team of the four remaining to move on as her tie-breaker, while GM Marcel will then pick from the other game.

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 Favorite Rosters

Canada
J. Tavares (4)
S. Crosby (4)
S. Stamkos (3)
P. Bergeron
L. Couture

USA
P. Kane (7)
J. Pavelski (4)
Z. Parise
D. Stepan

Czech Republic
T. Plekanec (6)
J. Voracek (4)
M. Hanzal
P. Palat
R. Faksa

Europe
A. Kopitar (7)
M. Gaborik (2)
R. Josi
M. Zuccarello
L. Draisaitl 
F. Nielsen

Finland
A. Barkov (6)
 M. Koivu (2)
P. Laine (2)
M. Granlund
V. Filppula
J. Donskoi

North America
C. McDavid (5)
J. Gaudreau (4)
N. Mackinnon (2)
J. Eichel
D. Larkin

Russia
A. Ovechkin (5)
N. Kucherov (3)
V. Tarasenko (2)
E. Kuznetsov (2)
E. Malkin

Sweden
E. Karlsson (4)
F. Forsberg (3)
P. Hornqvist (2)
N. Backstrom (2)
L. Eriksson
H. Sedin

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Sweden Vs. Europe
Canada vs (North America or Russia)

The WCH playoff matchups are a little clearer than the NHLP's corresponding Tournament.  If Russia wins they play Canada and if not a full two points, Team North America gets that made for Canadian TV one game Semifinals.  As far as the NHLP WCH Tourney, the first tie-breaker (points from four advancing players) may take care of itself based on if it is Russia or North America advancing.  With 8 teams within a single point, we do expect ties, but they should be quickly resolved.  If two or more teams are tied after games today, the tie-breakers kick in.  Remember how tie-breaking rules work.  ONLY teams tied and making it through the first tie breaker make the second tie-breaker and not any teams who were already eliminated through the first tie-breaker.  "We fully do expect to be adding up some goals today" said Muddy Capone.  We would have done it already, but with 9 teams within two points, we thought we would let today's games play out and hope we have a top four.  Will someone have a three point game and steal the day?  It could happen, but right now, the CTR's top four have the top four teams moving forward to the playoffs.

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Team Chad Vaults to Second

There are currently five teams now tied with 12 points, but GM Chad has second place at the moment with 10 points from players moving on.  If Russia wins, Chad will lose three points in the first tie breaker, as Gaudreau has 4 and Tarasenko only one, but a game at hand.  We have not counted the goals scored below, so the four teams below Team Chad, officially the goals they have scored from the current playoff teams would be the tie-breaker.  A huge night of hockey is ahead as Canada and Europe play and so many GM's have a shot.  Three more teams have 11 points, meaning 8 teams have 11 or 12 points and of those three positions are available.  Canada and Europe play tonight in a game for 1st seed, but both teams are through.  The USA and Czech game tomorrow is for pride while all Russia will have to do is win over winless Finland and North America is out.  That will change the first tie-breaker depending on if your team has more points from your Russian player or your North American player. 

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Team Scotland Overtakes Final Spot

Well it is going to be one hell of a finish for the top four Spots.  GM Andrew moved into fourth with his second rated Team Scotland, moving GM Charlie's team out of a playoff spot.  Heading into the final game for each team in the World Cup of Hockey, the NHLP's Tourney has 7 teams with 8 or 9 points and three of them will move on.  GM Haley has had a great preliminary round and seems to have the only sure thing with Team Zimbabwe who appears to be headed to a 1st seed.  What is important to remember are the tie-breaking rules shown below the standings on this page.  The first breaker is most points of the four advancing players.  Officially the Czechs and USA are now out, so any points your team has off those teams won't count for the first or second tie-breaker.  The first tie-breaker points are shown in brackets, but the second, most goals from the advancing players is not shown.  Also point changes.  Team Chad (Chad) lost a point from Eriksson.  All points will be double checked, but they have not been yet.  So it is possible you have one more, or less.  "This is the type of tournament we hoped for" stated Muddy Capone, "It is close, tense and will only be more tense in the next two days as one goal can make all the difference."

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Last Minute Entry Right There

GM Jr stepped up to the plate as he always has done.  "Once we disqualified North Korea, suddenly we needed one more entry" said Muddy Capone about the NHLP Yearbook's decision to sanction Team North Korea out of the World Cup of Hockey NHLP Tourney.  "I spoke to GM Jr on the phone and said, what should we do" Capone said.  Jr stated, "Do you got a pen handy?"  Off the top of his head the team was penned within minutes.  "When the lady at McDonald's asks may I take your order, it is no time to start looking at your options on the board" GM Jr said to Capone, "You should already know what you want."  Team Sausage & Chocolate Cake Combo was born.  "Once we worked out the details, like who was paying and where any potential winnings would go" the rest was history.  GM Jr agreed to pay 99.5 % of the entry fee for the team, but under the agreement 100% of any team winnings would be GM Jr's.  "As organizers of the tournament, we were going to be out $0.20, but it was essentially a huge commitment on GM Jr's part" said Capone.  At seven team points, GM Jr's team of misfits was the worst rated CTR team at #13, but yet are tied for the final playoff spot.  Half the team are players that were only picked one time including Stepan, Hanzal, Nielsen and Granlund.  "How can't you love a team that everyone else laughs at" said Capone.  At the half-way mark of the preliminary round this independent team is exactly where GM Jr thought they would be.  "McDonald's has had the same menu since the company opened, basically, but yet people stand there looking at their options on the board" said GM Jr, "Apple or Blueberry, move along, Sausage & Chocolate Cake Combo just isn't an option."  Well, if this team continues to tease our taste buds, Sausage & Chocolate Cake Combo's may just be the thing that people at McDonald's look for on the menu but never find as an option on the board.  Or will they?

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Team Zimbabwe's Seven Leads Way

Five of GM Haley's players got a point in the game one's of the World Hockey Tournament, lead by Sid The Kid's three.  Team Zimbabwe is no surprise, a team predicted to move on to the Semifinals.  With the exception of Team Cook Islands (Charlie) who has the current tie-breaker over Team Scotland (Andrew) for the final playoff spot, the other three CTR ranked top four are all doing what the CTR predicted they will do.  Tomorrow is the halfway point of the tournament, so teams that are two points back already are facing a steep hill.  It is hard to gain points in this tournament so for some teams the game two's will determine if they even have a chance heading into each teams final games.  "As long as your player gets a point on the goal, you gain on some teams" said Muddy Capone, "This tournament is now officially tense."

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Team Cook Islands Start Strong

GM Charlie laughed when he seen the CTR.  "CTR #11, I will win it all" said Charlie.  Well his four point start does have him in the top four teams to start.  Crosby had a huge three point game for Charlie while Gaborik came up with a huge goal.  The shock of the day was Europe beating Team USA who will now be eliminated automatically if they lose to Canada or the Czechs.  "You just can't lose" said Muddy Capone, "Basically they almost stand no chance now with just another loss."  GM Marcel's Team Congo has the fourth and final seed with three points, winning the tie-breaker over Team Sausage & Chocolate Cake Combo on the strength of goals scored so far after half of game ones are complete.

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Team Congo vs. Team Scotland  - Eight Favorites

GM's Marcel and Andrew have picked all the most commonly picked players and their rosters have seven like players.  GM Marcel's CTR #1 rated Congo team picked Tavares while GM Andrew's CTR #2 rated Team Scotland choose Crosby.  "It is very fascinating" said Muddy Capone, "This was the third and fifth entries we received and all entries, with the exception of the Team Cuba leak, were kept confidential."  As far as the CTR both teams are expected to finish first and second, but will it happen?  "It is very interesting to see how guys pick" in a pool like this, "Picking the favorites seems like a good thing over an 82 game schedule but will it get the job done in this fiercely competitive three game sprint" Capone wondered.  So GM's will be cheering for their own players every game, but teams without the top rated players will be hoping those players also don't score.  Europe, Finland and Russia all had 6 different players picked while USA has just four players.  Kane and Kopitar were picked 7 times each while Russia and Sweden had at least four players each picked twice.  "We are likely going to play to the pick" said Capone, "It should actually be exciting."  Of the 13 teams who entered only the top four scoring teams advance to the Semi-Finals.  We do expect ties so the tie-breakers will impact the standings and who gets the crucial tie-breaking picks in the playoffs. 

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Team Zimbabwe - Lone Female Should Make Cut

GM Haley put together a team the CTR said should be good enough to make the top four teams and move onto the semi-finals.  Team Zimbabwe, a place Haley spent half of the year volunteering and coordinating should do quite well with a star studded lineup.  With Crosby, Kane, McDavid and Ovechkin, one of three entries to have chosen all four of those players (Congo, Marcel & Kenya, Kelly) Zimbabwe should score.  "All three of those teams are projected to make the top four teams" said Muddy Capone who oversees the Yearbook based CTR ranking.  The CTR is strong at projecting teams performances, "But we never get it all right" Capone added.  Team Scotland (Andrew) who also rounded out the top four strongest entries has three of the four NHL stars, but took Tavares over the Crosby selection on Team Canada.  Each NHLP WCH tourney has 24 man games starting Saturday with only 4 of the 13 team field advancing to play past the 24 man games.  Every point of every player will factor in this tournament.  Teams who went with the all star players are down to only 4 or 5 different players on their roster, magnifying how those players do.  Other tournament GM's didn't take all the stars, which time is going to tell if that was a mistake or not.  This style of tournament will likely come down to two teams with one different player each, or even the pick to decide the winner.  Best of luck everyone!

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Team Congo Moves to CTR #1

The CTR has rated the current list of teams and moving into the CTR #1 slot is GM Marcel's Team Congo.  "Clearly this team could in fact double the points of Team Cuba" said Muddy Capone after he took a closer look at all teams so far.  The GM Scott ran team in Cuba is expected to hit about 13 points while GM Marcel's Congo team is projected to get 23, a runaway current favorite.  "It is a short three games, a clear sprint and I don't think the CTR can predict how our team will come flying out the gate" said the GM of Cuba.  "I have the guys doing the Suicide Drill at the Ice House" said the GM, "And the only word they heard for ten straight hours was 'Again'."  Suffice to say Team Congo will also be more rested.  The real action starts 3:30 on Saturday when the USA plays Europe in what should be a blowout.  How quick is this sprint?  The Tournament starts Saturday and ends Thursday for half the teams.  The NHLP WCH Tourney has 15 teams that will be down to just 4 advancing past next Thursday.  "One big game from any player will be all that may be needed" said Muddy Capone about getting in the top 4 and advancing to the semi-finals.

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Team Singapore Did the Math

GM Joel will be playing Team Singapore's home games in the Barrie Island outdoor rink.  It is finally his opportunity to showcase the 1/2 Chance Stumblers potential as a future home of an NHLP franchise if the league does in fact expand.  The undisputed numbers man of the NHLP made Singapore an easy choice.  The country is known throughout the world as the smartest mathematicians on the planet.  In putting this team together GM Joel said he "Crunched all the numbers" and believes he can win it all.  Some young and some old players will represent Team Singapore in what now is a 15 country field.

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Team South Korea - "Watch Out North"

When GM Matt heard that North Korea had a team represented, he could not resist.  "I don't know who is in control of the North, but I want to knock them out" said GM Matt.  The North Korean team already leaked the roster of Cuba.  The NHLP Yearbook has said their will be sanctions against the North Korean GM.  As for the South team, GM Matt took some young talent.  "It is a younger man's game" said Matt, "Many GM's still draft by cap hit, but we have learned the younger NHL players are clearly the way to draft."  The CTR does have the South ranked higher than the North but the official and final rankings are not officially release at this time.

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Team Scotland "Saint Andrew"

GM Andrew may cringle just a little having "Scot" as part of his team name, but clearly the choice was an easy one.  The golf-loving GM is so great, the world's oldest course is named after him.  Team Scotland, home of St. Andrew's and the undisputed world's originator of the game of golf.  In NHLP terms GM Andrew could easily be called Saint Andrew for what he has accomplished in his 21 years in the NHLP.  Andrew has 6 NHLP Championships and has been to the NHLP's Championship 4 of the past 5 years.  Team Scotland is truly loaded.  Andrew didn't hold back.  "I hate losing anything" the GM said, "I am not one to cheer for another guy when I am out.  I will see you next year."  It is that cut-throat style that has made him a champion.  "It is not worth playing if you don't play to win" Andrew once said.  We would not be surprised to see Team Scotland on the final four scorecard.  If they aren't.  Well, we'll let him know who won at the Draft.

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Team Congo Loves the French

GM Marcel's heavy French speaking team will fit right into the worlds number one French speaking Country.  "I could not represent Team Congo without selecting an entire team of French speaking players."  Marcel's roster is currently CTR #3 rated, easily strong enough to take down one of the four spots and advance to the semi-finals.  "From what I heard this is going to be a very tough tournament" Marcel stated, "So I didn't want to just blindly choose a team as apparently Team Cuba has done."  Marcel now has seen the Team Cuba roster and thinks they won't be hard to beat, "But I have heard Team Chad is powerful."  Team Congo is only one of several African teams.  Congo sits just to the South of Chad (Chad) and North of GM Scott's Team Swaziland which doesn't appear in a Google World map until you get down to the final few "+'s". The Congo has more French speaking people than France, ranking first overall in the world with France second and Canada 3rd.  Ironically the Congo makes the list at 14th overall.  "I look forward to dominating them if we play in the playoffs" said Marcel about his fellow countryman GM Chad.  Things are heating up as the days count down to the unofficial NHLP seasons kickoff.

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Team Mexico Looking to Trade

Is it any surprise at all that GM Matt is hoping to make some trades before the start of his first NHLP World Cup of Hockey game this Saturday.  "I thought we could trade" said GM Matt who put together a team to represent Team Mexico.  For Matt Mexico was a great fit, ranking right after China as North America's top trading partners.  Matt laughed when he heard that, stating, "Wait, isn't Mexico in North America?"  Like most trades this young GM makes, he is in fact right about that as well.  Mexico is in fact in North America and is one of 23 countries including countries like Guatemala, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Jamaica, the Bahamas and on and on.  So Matt choose Team Mexico more specifically because they are Canada and the USA's top trading partner after China.  Matt leads the NHLP on a continuous basis when it comes to trading.  It was GM Lee who once said he would "Trade his own Mother".  Matt is the current leagues member of Lee, trading anyone and everyone at any time.  "Attachment isn't a weakness of mine" the GM said.  The bad news is there is no trading in the NHLP WCH Tourney.  The good news is Team Mexico's roster is so loaded with talent, no trading is required to see this team possibly go all the way.  Matt then asked, "Even if I slide a draft pick your way?"  Maybe we should open this up for discussion then, like a Free Trade Agreement of sorts.
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Team Chad Still CTR #1

GM Chad is excited about starting off the NHLP season on the right foot and put together what one NHLP Yearbook source said may be an unstoppable team.  After dominating the NHLP, winning his third Championship it is only fitting they have an entire country named after the GM.  The Millennium Cup Champion, and 00-7-16 winners finds it ironic that the Country of Chad was formed beginning in the 7th Millennium. Chad is hot this time of year with average temperatures over 33 Celsius, perfect weather for some ice hockey.  Team Chad has some of the very best NHL players, a team that may be as unstoppable as the GM's Leafs were just months ago.  "You are only as good as your last team" the GM recently said, "I want to continue to show a few GM's in this league that they may not be as good as they think they are.  No names."  Well it might be hard getting the name Chad out of our heads if they run through the NHLP World Cup of Hockey Tourney, again.

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Breaking News - Team Cuba Roster Made Public

The NHLP Yearbook has been leaked the roster of Team Cuba.  "It is a very young team" stated Muddy Capone of the team GM Scott picked to represent Team Cuba at the upcoming NHLP World Cup of Hockey Tourney.  All teams rosters must be in by Friday, but a leak from Team North Korea let Cuba's roster out.  "It is unfortunate it came to this" said GM Scott about the roster leak, "But it just makes us want to beat Team North Korea even worse now."  Cuba has a young roster with names such as Draisaitl, Larkin, Kuznetsov and Radek Faksa who plays for the Czech Republic.  GM Scott is well known for his ability to find the youngest NHLP gems says Faksa (pictured below - center in red) will be in the NHLP this season.  He shone for the Dallas Stars last season with 12 points in 45 games as a rookie.  "He is simply unbelievable" said Scott of the Stars 13th overall pick in 2012.  Faksa is currently 4th line on the Stars playing with Roussel and Eaves but GM Scott said the FTIMU, his teams advanced scouting has Faksa easily in the top 200 players.  The TSN Projected Top 300, a list many GM's draft by on Draft Day has Faksa at number 300, projected to get 27 points.  "That is a joke" said Scott, "I would take the over on that with every single NHLP GM who has the balls to go against me.  He is unbelievable.  Simple just unbelievable."  Cuba is the lowest CTR rated team in the tournament which starts Saturday.

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Team Cuba at the Ice House

GM Scott had his National team out at the Cuba Ice House where the team is gearing up for the NHLP World Cup of Hockey.  "It is a great place here" said GM Scott, "It isn't Edmonton, but you fill the first three rows and this becomes a magical place."  Team Cuba is currently ranked 7th in the CTR's rankings and the team is "Moving down quickly with each new entry" stated Muddy Capone.

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Swaziland Faithful Line up for Tickets

"It is heart-breaking" stated GM Scott.  "I am so loved here, such a following, basically a God" Scott said, "That the die-hards have to wait in the sweltering heat, over 12 hours for a handful of tickets to watch our games."  Of course Team Swaziland is playing all road games for they only have the Field Hockey Arena, so locals are buying tickets to see the game on TV.  The one bar that has a Satellite Dish only seats 14.  Over 30 people showed up for tickets.  "It is sad to see people not be able to attend watching the games" said the NHLP GM who put a team together for Swaziland.  The team is rated 6th by the CTR.  "All we have to do is crack the top 4 and anything can happen" the GM said of Team Swaziland's chances. 

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GM Chad Hoping to Dominate The World

GM Chad's entry to the NHLP World Cup of Hockey Tournament continues to show how dominating of GM he is.  "From what we have seen, Chad is more than even just a heavy favorite" said Muddy Capone.  Although teams have not been released to the public, Chad's entry has a little bit of everything.  This is a warm up for the NHLP Draft which will be held right after the tournament ends.  Capone said he would not be surprised to see Chad again the Champ.  "As if the guy needs even more fucking cash" Capone said.  Entries will be posted in the NHLP site on Friday, with the tourney starting on Saturday.  The top four scoring teams will make the playoffs.  Can you compete with Chad?  Send us an entry if you haven't already. 

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Fury Hopes on 2010 Repeat

Cleveland Fury (Tyson) are set to make the first overall pick of the 2016/17 season with hopes of eventually winning a second team Cup.  In 2010 Sharp, Hjalmarsson and Leino made for an easy Finals against just Giroux of the Alaska Attack (Marcel).  Those three plus M. Samuelsson, Letang and Ovechkin made for a great first year team for Tyson who has since won a second Cup in Hamilton.  What direction will GM Tyson go this season?  There is a lot of rumors Ovechkin will be back as the first overall pick while others say there is no way he won't pick Kane.  It is always interesting to see how things unfold.  The NHLP Draft Format has not changed in recent years with the first round players being Elite, only drafted and in the NHLP all season once, while rounds 2, 3 and 4 are drafted twice into the league immediately.  The last 3 rounds, notoriously the longest are players who are undrafted, being picked on Draft day once each and becoming the seasons Minors for the Waivers and meetings.  The entire NHLP sits in anticipation with Tyson giving no clues as to whom may be first overall with Cleveland's first pick.

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GM Matt - 3 in First 22

Years of great trading is finally paying off for GM Matt.  "I plan for the future with every move" said the GM who is entering year nine at the helm of Cincinnati, Quebec and Indianapolis, three Cupless NHLP teams.  Matt's moves have him picking three times in the first round, finished before three GM's draft their second player.  Matt may need a strong draft, with only two Waivers on the season after the Icemen gave theirs to Memphis (Jr) who along with GM Ryan in Boston have two on the season (from Los Angeles, Andrew).  You can never go wrong picking three Elite scoring players in the first 22 of them picked.  Matt should have a lot of scoring this season, or a lot of top scorers on top teams, depending on how things unfold.  "I feel I have gotten better every year and it is only a matter of time before I break through" said Matt.  Well, with his break away of early picks he has the best chance of scoring big in 2016/17.

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Waiver Dates Posted

The coming season sees only one Wednesday, Friday and Sunday Waiver without a Monday Waiver all season.  The rest fall on the busy hockey nights of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  The season starts on October 12th, meaning the first possible Waiver was November 12th, which it is.  The season ends on April 9th, meaning the last Waiver could be March 9th, which it is.  There were 41 total nights of 9 or more games.  The "Holiday Freeze" between December 23rd and December 31st, got rid of 4 hockey nights.  The first occurrence of a nine game night, November 26th became the last night to get axed from the list, getting us down to 36 Waivers.  The first Waivers will either be Tyson, Andrew and Shawn or Matt, Ryan and Jr, all depending on the annual Draft Day coin flip. 

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NHLP Draft October 8th

The members have voted and the 8th will see either 10 or 11 GM's in attendance.  GM Joel cannot make the Draft while GM's Charlie and Matt can help things out by agreeing to a time where they can both attend.  The Draft is so important and sets your entire season in motion.  "It is likely the most enjoyable meeting of the season" said Muddy Capone, "No one is bogged down in seriousness just yet and everyone is in great spirits for the coming season."  The Draft is just four days prior to the start of the NHL season which kicks off Wednesday October 12th.  GM Tyson has the first overall pick in the Draft.  The time is to be determined shortly.

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Let's Draft - GM Marcel to Host Draft

The NHLP's 27th Draft will take place at GM Marcel's.  GM Andrew who was the host negotiated a deal (details will be released at a later date) with Marcel to see the Draft most central to the NHLP's membership.  "We have had some great times here and I look forward to another great day to kick off another season" said GM Marcel who himself is kicking off his 22nd season as a GM.  As the NHLP closes in on year 30, the league has never seen such stability.  "Always the weakest link was our 12th GM" said Muddy Capone, "Breaking in new guys was always a league downfall for no GM knows this league in his first year."  Before the NHLP turns 30, all current GM's will be in the league for over a decade each, an amazing feat which has made the leagues competition better than ever.  The current season sees special anniversaries for GM Ryan, 15 years, and GM Joel 10.  For the first time ever over half the GM's will be in for 15 years or more.  GM Chad at 19 years will be the defending Champion, defending his third Cup.  The NHLP will post dates shortly, but all eyes likely should be on Saturday, October 9th, just three days prior to the NHL season starting.

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New Entry - More To Come

The NHLP has heard from all but GM's Joel, Marcel and Tyson about the new entry fee, meaning 9 GM's is enough to officially carry the new rules.  The NHLP is in serious works to cover hot tops of pre-setting meeting dates as well as the ever controversial meeting attendance topic.  "Things have really moved along nicely" stated Muddy Capone, "We feel we will see a league wide vote on something new in the coming month."  The NHLP BOG is all ears, but can never hear silence.  Be heard.

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Increasing Entry?  Creativeness Sought

The NHLP Board of Governors is back in the news, debating a question that keeps arising over the past few years.  GM Andrew continues to suggest increasing the entry fee, something and maybe the only thing to have never change since the NHLP started almost 30 years ago.  Andrew's idea was to eliminate the revenue generating methods used currently by the NHLP with just one entry fee.  Andrew feels more participation can be achieved this way, as he feels some GM's don't make transactions because of the cost.  "We have no data saying this will have any effect" said Muddy Capone, "The league has always had contracts and entry fee, nothing else."  Again, the entry fee is the same as in 1989-90.  The BOG isn't exactly on board, but willing to find a solution if one exists.  Of the 12 GM's last season, 8 spent over 200 while 3 under 150.  GM Scott suggests a hybrid of the two ideas.  "What if we find a number, say 150 and we all pay that amount" the GM explains, "However, your first 150 in Transactions are now FREE.  Those with over 150 in Transactions would pay the amount they end with."  If GM Andrew is correct, GM's will make more Transactions knowing they have their first 150 paid for regardless.  Do you have a better solution?  Let us know what you feel so we can hammer this out prior to the Draft.  

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Nasty Negotiations Ends With Compensation

It seemed there was no end in sight and an arbitrator would have to settle the dispute.  In one of the more nasty war of words the NHLP has witnessed since the recent 5 year feud between GM's Andrew and Chad, GM's Joel and Charlie finally settled on compensation for Transaction #654.  "This made the Lutsy-Scott confrontation seem like a hugging match" said Muddy Capone.  What started the madness was when Phoenix (Charlie) traded for Bergeron (who didn't make the playoffs) and Vlasic (who every GM except Charlie seemed to know he was injured - long term), to Buffalo (Joel) for Steen and Weber (two guys who had outstanding playoffs).  "This deal may have cost Charlie the Cup" stated one GM who asked not to be named.  Hours later Charlie now realized he got fucked in the ass and the GM's agreed to a compensation package of 20 spots in the 3rd round if Vlasic doesn't play by the end of the season.  Phoenix ended up with 3 spots in the first round and 10 more in the third.  "I should have gotten way more for his shady workings" said Charlie, toning it down from the previous month long negotiations on the matter.  Capone said it was one of the longest compensation negotiations the league has witnessed.  These two GM's will be at it for a long time to come and you can expect to hear about this for the next decade or more.  Were just glad it is finally over as far as the compensation but let the war of words continue.  Can't wait for the DRAFT!

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NHLP Champions 2016
Toronto Maple Leafs
GM Chad

Joe Thornton
Brett Burns
Patrick Marleau
Craig Smith
Rick Nash
Keith Yandle
Cam Fowler

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Divisions for 2016-17
First round winners stay with the 5th place team and are joined by the two first round losers and the 6th place team of other Division within Conference.
 
North Division
Cleveland (Tyson) - Stays in North
Toronto (Chad) - Stays in North
Florida (Marcel) - Moves to North
Dallas (Jr) - Moves to North
Boston (Ryan) - Stays in North
Cincinnati (Matt) - Moves to North

South Division
Chicago (Andrew) - Stays in South
New Orleans (Shawn) - Stays in South
San Fran (Scott) - Moves to South
Buffalo (Joel) - Moves to South
Miami (Charlie) - Stays in South
Las Vegas (Vinnie) - Moves to South

Atlantic Division
Memphis (Jr) - Moves to Atlantic
Pittsburgh (Chad) - Stays in Atlantic
NY Rangers (Charlie) - Moves to Atlantic
Montreal (Marcel) - Stays in Atlantic
Atlantic City (Vinnie) - Stays in Atlantic
Philadelphia (Scott) - Moves to Atlantic

East Division
NY Islanders (Ryan) - Moves to East
Hartford (Andrew) - Moves to East
Quebec (Matt) - Stays in East
Hamilton (Tyson) - Moves to East
Halifax (Shawn) - Stays in East
Carolina (Joel) - Stays in East

Pacific Division
Los Angeles (Andrew) - Moves to Pacific
Alaska (Marcel) - Stays in Pacific
Edmonton (Scott) - Moves to Pacific
Indianapolis (Matt) - Stays in Pacific
Colorado (Chad) - Stays in Pacific
Portland (Vinnie) - Moves to Pacific

West Division
Vancouver (Joel) - Moves to West
Green Bay (Ryan) - Stays in West
Calgary (Jr.) - Moves to West
St Louis (Tyson) - Stays in West
Seattle (Shawn) - Moves to West
Phoenix (Charlie) - Stays in West