The NHL thread

[Youngblood]

They're doing great right now, but they had stretches like this last year too. I'm actually rather optimistic about this season if Luongo can get with within 2 months, but look at the team's history. It is one of the most dismal franchises in the history of the league. They went 16 years without icing a winning team. That breeds a lot of pessimism amongst fans.

Remember, this is a team that had a trade for Gretzky in place and managed to fuck it up.

Really? From Edmonton?

So the story goes, but who knows how factual it was. I'm not sure if he was with Edmonton at the time either. I shouldn't have overstated it, I'll go edit it.

Not questioning, just not sure how Edmonton management could have gotten away with that without death sentences on their heads from fans...I mean, from everything I've read on Gretzky, and I read a lot...His wife was one of the big forgiving bargaining chips in the deal to LA.

Anyway...I suck as a hockey fan (no loyalty whatsoever and rarely watch), but am fascinated by greatness in sports, the Jordans, Woods, etc.

[CFH]

My bad, it was actually after his contract had expired with the Blues that the 'Nucks were in negotiations to sign him.

The story goes that they apparently had a deal pretty much lined up and ready, but Quinn did some crazy shit like calling Gretzky at 3am and bugging him about it etc.

SPORTS PEOPLE: HOCKEY;Canucks End Negotiations With Gretzky - New York Times

Names: Canucks making a pitch to sign Gretzky | Article from The Boston Globe | HighBeam Research