[Tournament] NHL 2009-10 season discussion

Well everybody, the book is closed on another hockey season. I have no reason to complain/worry about the Penguins for another decade. The draft is done (the Islanders won't go higher than third in the division, it's like AL East in the Atlantic), and free agency began today.

I have to say, I like what the Chicago Blackhawks are doing. Today they added Marian Hossa (who I no longer have no ill will towards after what I said last year) and Tomas Kopecky. Add that to another year of maturity for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and another year of being together for a blueline that won't be touched much by free agency, and I really think the Blackhawks will be in the mix for the Cup again next year.

The team that worries me most right now is Boston. That heralded offensive depth and firepower they had last year will be tested this year, as they've got a lot of young RFAs to worry about, including Phil Kessel and David Krejci. It'll be interesting to watch them in the next few weeks and months to see where they plan to go.

The Sedin twins both re-signed with Vancouver, which is great for that franchise.

As for Pittsburgh...they can't do much. They're just trying to fill a couple gaps (Hal Gill has left for Montreal, Bill Guerin re-signed) and hope they can pay to keep Rob Scuderi.

Jam it back in, in the dark.