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When signing a new player, the dollar amount on the contract is key. I recently wrote a piece on Vancouver’s potential cap space issues. They have a lot of average players on big-money ‘no-trade’ contracts. Often, teams will shell out big bucks to get their man. However, this does not always guarantee success. For every Connor McDavid, there is an overpaid Loui Eriksson. NHL contracts are always closely scrutinized, here are some of the worst offenders. 1. Rick DiPietro In 2006, the New York Islanders were so confident in the ability of their starting goalie. DiPietro became the first-ever goalie to be drafted first overallRead More →

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While fans lie in wait for the NHL Awards, today the Hart Trophy nominees were revealed. The trio of players nominated might not have caused a major shock. However, each of these players deserves to be considered the leagues elite. Which player deserves to win? Winning the Hart trophy will put a player among greats like Gretzky and Orr. Leon Draisaitl | Nathan MacKinnon (@Mackinnon9) | @artemiypanarin Your 2020 Hart Trophy finalists. #NHLAwards More from @NHLdotcom ➡️ https://t.co/QWVvSBW4jE pic.twitter.com/7rsJhIAfbY — NHL (@NHL) July 21, 2020 Today the 4th Line Podcast will debate which of the three players is the most worthy winner. Firstly, Joe Martini,Read More →

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All through this week Canucks fans have been sweating furiously while the Brock Boeser trade rumours swirled. Word on the grapevine according to Matt Sekeres of TSN 1040 in Vancouver was that the Canucks were having cap issues. To free up some room, a potential Boeser trade was apparently on the cards. Jim Benning has dismissed these rumours claiming he has ‘no intention’ of trading one of his stars. He even went further to suggest ‘someone made that up’. Benning on Boeser: "It's hard to find guys that can shoot the puck and score like he can. You can find other pieces as you rebuildRead More →

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On February 12, 2020, the Vancouver Canucks honor two of their true greats. Henrik and Daniel Sedin were the ultimate unit in the NHL. Identical twin brothers who had an almost telepathic understanding of the other ones play. Describe recently as ‘a cheat code’ they excited Canucks fans for 18 wonderful seasons. As a self-confessed Canucks fan, I cannot express in words what the Sedins mean to this franchise. Embed from Getty Images Having their numbers raised to the rafters is the most fitting tribute imaginable. However, getting them to Vancouver in the first place was a job in itself and for this, we takeRead More →

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During their 8-2 home win over LA, the Vancouver Canucks announced Bo Horvat as the Captain. Henrik Sedin and Orland Kurtenbach were present during a special pre-game ceremony to hand the reigns over. Few Canucks fans could argue that this was a smart choice. Since the retirement of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, fans have been waiting for a replacement leader. We tend to forget that Vancouver went all out to get this talent at the 2013 draft, the faith has been rewarded. The Childhood of a Leader The 24-year-old London, Ontario Centre was drafted 9th overall in 2013. Horvat had been a sensational talent forRead More →

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Although Brock Boeser‘s drawn-out contract negotiation was a troubling sign, this is now sorted and there is hope in Vancouver this season. The Canucks for once have made a splash in the free-agent market. The attack has been strengthened on the wings and the blue line for once has sufficient depth. Last season Elias Pettersson‘s Calder winning efforts were a bright spot in another average year. This season Travis Green hopes put to B.C.’s finest back on the map again and not just play for draft picks. Notable Players In:  J.T. Miller (C/RW), Micheal Ferland (LW), Tyler Myers (D), Jordie Benn (D) Embed from GettyRead More →

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Hockey in Atlanta sadly never truly caught on. The city’s first foray into the NHL began in 1972 with the establishment of the Atlanta Flames. Despite making the playoff in six of their eight seasons; there was little hockey fanfare in Georgia. By 1979-80 the Flames averaged less than 10,000 fans a game at the Omni Coliseum. This would result in their relocation to the more hockey-hungry Calgary. In 1999, a second attempt would be made with very mixed success. Atlanta Thrashers Due to a four-team expansion; Atlanta was awarded another NHL franchise on June 25, 1997. As a result, the name ‘Thrashers’ (the official state birdRead More →

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The new talent hasn’t disappointed so far in 2018-19. The Calder Trophy is normally a good indicator of a young player’s future. So far, there have been several standout candidates. These players are the new lifeblood for their respective franchises and could well spell great things for their future. Drafting these young guns is never straightforward, but these gambles are paying off. Here are three potential Calder Trophy candidates, along with a few honourable mentions: Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks) Embed from Getty Images Until a nasty hit by Mike Matheson caused him to be sidelined with a concussion, this 19-year-old Swede was flying. In his firstRead More →

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Picture the scene if you will: it’s the year 2000 and my family has embarked on a Christmas vacation to the Big Apple. Being from the UK, our winters are normally damp and full of rain. Coming to the sub-zero temperatures of a New York December meant pounding the sidewalks was a real task. New York seemed like a metropolis compared to life in buttoned-down Winchester. Standing under the bright neon advertisements in Time Square, I felt like the luckiest kid in the world. Keen to make the most of our trip, whilst sheltering from the cold in Macy’s, my Dad suggested the possibility of headingRead More →

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Leading 3-2 midway through the third period Friday night, the Bruins looked set to tie up this series. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay rallied to win 4-3 in OT. Against the deafening boo’s at TD, they now face a 3-1 series deficit. While this series has been close, Bruce Cassidy and his merry men will need to put on their comeback hats. Boston has some sheer class on the ice, but they also went all in at the trade deadline. February 20 to 26 was a productive time, but has it all paid off? Trade Deadline Recap Rick Nash was the big name on everyone’s lips. TheRead More →