John Scott and all, I could barely stomach watching half the All-Star game’s 3-on-3 tournament. I mean, if that’s your thing, power to yeah.

Kudos to the NHL for finally dragging their head out of the sand on the Scott issue, though. It was cool to halfheartedly follow the weekend’s festivities and see that the whole situation was being embraced. What a rough month for the poor fella…

Also, this…

Reflexively, it seems a little bizarre that a franchise clinging to its playoff lives is interested in a winger on the wrong side of 30, heading to unrestricted free agency. All the more so given where this franchise is at in its retooling. Acquiring a player of Ladd’s calibre would surely cost a kings ransom.

Then again, if this franchise is serious about competing for the playoffs all the way through this quasi-rebuild, a player like Ladd can go a long way towards helping their chances. The more prudent route would be trying to acquire Ladd through free agency in the summer, but if the Canucks have keyed in on the Maple Ridge native, it might make sense that they jump the line for exclusive negotiating rights. 

Yesterday I wrote an article touching on Pirri’s availability and why he might make sense as a buy-low acquisition for the Canucks. I touched more on the fit than the cost, though.

The Panthers are rumoured to be in the market for a “gritty” forward. Not sure how much stock I put in that, but assuming it’s true, perhaps a lightly used Alexandre Burrows is of interest to the Panthers down the stretch. All the more so if the Canucks were willing to eat salary to make it happen.

The easy answer is a resounding yes. The Capitals are gearing up for a long playoff run and look as good a team as any to compete for the cup this season. They also have a need on the back-end.

A lot of this will hinge on Brooks Orpik and whether or not he’s returning to the Capitals lineup. It’s likely to their benefit that Orpik stays on LTIR going into the playoffs, but who knows. If Orpik returns sooner than later, that could create all sorts of salary cap complications.

I’ve got my eyes on Madison Bowey if this does go down, though…

In the early hours of Saturday morning, I put out an article detailing how you – yes, you – could win a $50.00 gift card to Violent Gentlemen. It’s super easy and a tonne of fun! If you missed this update, here’s the link!