Least Desirable Free Agent Destinations

Puck Daddy has compiled a list of the least desirable free-agent destinations. One of the surprises on the list is Los Angeles, but blogger Greg Wyshynski doesn't expect them to stay there long.

10. Los Angeles Kings: They make this list due to the fact that the Kings had no significant free-agent signings this off-season (yet), despite having roughly eleventy-seventy gajillion dollars in cap space. That said, they were attractive enough last year to lure Tom Preissing, Brad Stuart, Michal Handzus, Ladislav Nagy and Kyle Calder to Hollywood. A reversal of fortune in the standings, and the maturation of some of their young stars, will get the Kings off this list faster than a puck through Cloutier's five-hole.

It seems to me that most of the teams found on this list can make themselves desirable by building through the draft and trades and becoming a winner. After all, Detroit isn't the most scenic city in the US and it doesn't have any trouble landing big names. The fact is, most players want to win, and they will go where they have the best chance of doing so.

Separated Oil

Need a laugh this morning? Check out this clever blog featuring past and present Oilers and their lookalikes, or Doppelgangers if you prefer.

http://separatedoil.blogspot.com/

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Canada names its roster for the 2008 Women's World Championships.
2. Jay Onrait examines Trade Centre '08 a week hence.
3. The recent trading of his rights has refocused Angelo Esposito's attentions.
4. Bryce Salvador, along with Hilary Clinton, is excited to be a Devil.
5. 6 must watch games for this week.
6. Brent Sutter, showing an astute command of the obvious, says that the Devils rely too much on Martin Brodeur.
7. The first entry from Zach Bogosian's blog.
8. Chris Simon just wants to be respected. And he will swing his stick at anyone who doesn't respect him.
9. In a bid to right the listing ship, the Leafs have taken to censoring radio ads.
10. More details emerge from Adam Foote's flight from Columbus.
11. The Prospects hot-list from the Hockey News.
12. The WHL and OHL are considering making neck protection mandatory.
13. In an effort to be more TSN-like, Sportsnet has jumped on the Leafs in the playoffs bandwagon.
14. A Q and A with Tom Poti.
15. Adam Proteau answers your questions.
16. Want more questions answered? Jim Kelley does his best on this 10 query quiz.
17. The Puck Stops Here offers its thought on John Tortorella's coaching style.
18. David Staples with a very interesting post on the first play for pay hockey league.
19. Puck That Hit wonders what the heck happened to Kiprusoff.
20. A little more hockey history for you, this time featuring Noel Picard.
21. A list of potential free agents for this upcoming summer.
22. Bob McKenzie gives his two cents on the Adam Foote saga.
23. Pierre Lebrun updates the race for the Calder Trophy.
24. John Buccigross live blogs the Ducks-Sens game.
25. Dennis Bernstein offers his thoughts on the post-trade deadline landscape.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Team Canada goalie Steve Mason has been traded from London to Kitchener.
2. The NHL may have caught Rick DiPietro with illegal pads. I am sure there is a joke in here somewhere, but I don't have the time to think it through today.
3. Cal Nichols has resigned his position with EIG so that he can legally support Darryl Katz's bid to buy the Edmonton Oilers.
4. Pierre Lebrun feels that Canada's fascination with the World Juniors is misplaced. He lost me after he said he was named after Pierre Trudeau. Maybe this Pierre should also take a long walk in the snow.
5. Mark Bell has been sidelined with a head injury after a fight with Ryan Malone. Cue up the DUI checkstops, Bell will have some time off.
6. Who's Hot and Who's Not in the CHL.
7. The Globe and Mail annoints Jarome Iginla 1st half MVP.
8. Canada has been awarded the 2010 World Juniors after Switzerland pulls out. Tournament interuptus? Thats what she said? So many good ones to use here...
9. PS, Canada wins again, plays for Gold tomorrow.
10. Check out this video featuring James Wisniewski.
11. Check out the first paragraph of Taking Note, for what is likely the quote of the day.
12. Check out this new website. Lots of interesting content and links.
13. Fanhouse has the 1st Half Rookie Review.
14. A profile on current Omaha Lancer, Nico Sacchetti. What kind of a nickname is Sac? Was Scrotum already taken?
15. Atlanta and Carolina will swap broadcasters for the 2nd period of tonight's game. Should make for an interesting listen.
16. A look around the NHL with faceoff.com.
17. The canoe.ca blog answers the question about what team was the first to pull their goalie. This started a trend, as guys have been pulling their goalies ever since.
18. The latest installment in the Hockey News feature on the Roseau Rams.
19. The Score with a mid-season review and second half forecast.
20. The Hockey News blog with the 10 Ten moments from the Winter Classic.
21. The Hockey News profiles hot prospects from the World Junior tournament.
22. A look at U. Mass-Boston, playing in NCAA Div. III.
23. Simon Gamache would like to return to Switzerland.
24. Spector takes a look at some potential deals as the trade deadline approaches.
25. A look at the Lightning's prospects from Hockey's Future.