With the free agent frenzy largely over, the direction of many teams has been decided.
Some teams are clearly rebuilding, others are making a run at the postseason and a select group are re-arming themselves for a chance at the Stanley Cup.
But there are several teams, probably a few too many in a 30 team league, that are in various states of disarray.
Much like any family, the NHL has some dysfunctional members, but which is the craziest, most mind-bogglingly backwards team in the NHL?
Tampa Bay Lightning
Coming off a last place finish, the Lightning are clearly in rebuild mode, but perhaps the new ownership group is taking it a little too far, skipping some important steps along the way.
Now-departed coach John Tortorella and GM Jay Feaster were rumoured to be on their way out the door weeks before the actual deed was done, hardly a decent way to run a franchise.
Leaving people twisting in the wind is just not classy (see Toronto Maple Leafs and John Ferguson Jr.), and going over their heads to marginalize them and push them out is even worse.
Add to that a roster that now boasts an astounding 19 forwards on NHL contracts, a weakened defence due to the loss of Dan Boyle, who was traded to San Jose, and questions between the pipes and it is easy to see how things in Tampa might be a little loopy.
Toronto Maple Leafs
There might actually be surprise at what is going on in Hogtown if it weren't for the fact that chaos and dysfunction is pretty much the norm.
While it looks like the Leafs might be taking a run at the John Tavares Sweepstakes, there is still confusion in Toronto.
Will Mats Sundin come back or won't he? This has been a consistant question for a few years now. As loyal as Sundin has been, the uncertainty of this situation has not been good for the franchise.
Cliff Fletcher remains as GM despite being initially installed as a temporary replacement. The Canadian media won't let Brian Burke go to the bathroom without trying to decipher what it means for his chances of taking over the Leafs job.
The Ron Wilson situation is bizarre as well. Even though Fletcher justified Paul Maurice's dismissal as cleaning the deck for a new GM to hire "his guy," Wilson was hired anyways, even though the GM position has yet to be filled. Again there are rumours of Brian Burke involvement, but nonetheless it reeks of confusion and a inconsistent message.
Buyouts are also a sign of mass confusion as the likes of Tucker and Raycroft were shown the door, and word is that pressure is being exerted to force more Leafs out the door, including Brian McCabe.
Getting the contracts off the books seems like a smart move until you consider some strange signings such as $3.5 million for Jeff Finger.
Finally there is the most recent blunder, the invalidated contract handed out to Swedish defenceman Jonas Frogren. The NHL shot down the deal and it remains to be seen whether or not it can be resolved in order to get the Swede under contract.
New York Islanders
Just when it looked like the Isles might be straightening things out...BAM! They fire their coach without warning.
It appears as though the Isles owner Charles Wang has some trouble getting along with his employees because this is the second time (allegedly) someone has been spontaneously fired for "philosophical differences".
Previously, Neil Smith was fired for similar reasons after having only been with the team for a little over a month and without having overseen a single NHL game.
When Smith was replaced by Garth Snow many thought Wang was nuts putting in a GM without a single day of NHL managerial experience.
Now there is talk that Alexei Yashin, who was bought out from his absurdly long and rich contract a couple of years ago, might be brought back.
The Islanders, it seems, do not learn from their mistakes.
Honourable Mentions
Ottawa Senators: Are they rebuilding or reloading? Will Melnyk have another conniption at the inability of Brian Murray to sign Gary Roberts? Are the purse strings being held too tight or is Murray just too gun-shy to make a deal?
Edmonton Oilers: They have a new owner, but the problems of the Oilers are still rooted in their previous ownership group and it's inability to give the team the resources it needed to ice a competitive team. This led to Kevin Lowe losing his mind, throwing out offer sheets like a madman and trying his darnedest to get people to like Edmonton.
Los Angeles Kings: Honestly I don't really know what is going on down there but I know that team has been dead in the water for a decade now.
Vancouver Canucks: They go from offensive powerhouse to defensive snooze-fest in a span of two years. New ownership hires a GM with no experience who has so far failed to address any of the team's problems. Not good in a town with a short attention span like Vancouver.
The common thread most dysfunctional team is meddling owners.
Whenever an owner thinks that owning the team gives them some sort of advanced hockey knowledge it rarely ends well for the products on the ice.
What sports owners need to realize is that because you are essentially a fan with lots of money it doesn't make you an expert.
Bill Gates could buy Starbucks tomorrow but I doubt he'd be down on the line teaching the baristas to pull a better espresso.
So what do you think? Which is the looniest, most ass-backwards team in the NHL?
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2 months ago
i don't think LA is in disarray anymore. they are on their way back up to the top, but it will still be a few more years
2 months ago
With the exception of Vancouver, your honourable mentions are way off. Actually, I'm not sure Tampa Bay will be all that "backwards" either. Sens and Oilers will be competitive, playoff teams this year and the Kings are in rebuild mode - if they get a goalie, they could be competitive.
I might have mentioned Nashville, St. Louis, Minnesota, Calgary and Colorado instead.
2 months ago
As a Sens fan I am comfortable with suggesting things might be in disorder.
The Oilers potential turn-around is still just that...potential. They still have issues attracted free agents.
LA I admittedly don't know much about, as I suggested in the article, but they have been so far off the radar for so long I assume something must be amiss.
from 2 months ago
I guess after last season in Ottawa, it's hard to call the situation anything else but disorderly. However, now that the cancer has been removed (Emery), I think they'll return to their dominant form and be far better come playoff time.
I agree, as well, about the P word in reference to Edmonton, but I really like their lineup (guess I'm ever the optimist). As for their issues attracting free agents, I suppose that's true, although I think Lowe has more than made up for that by being creative (signing an RFA in Penner and making some major trades). In my view, it doesn't matter how you land the fish. If it takes dynamite or an oar to snag em, so be it - as long as they end up in the boat.
2 months ago
The Kings are off the radar. I understand they're trying to build with youth in LA but jeez how bout adding just one veteran to teach these kids something. They have 20 guys on their roster who haven't been with the franchise for more than three years. Alex Frolov is their longest tenured player and he's only 26. They are so far under the cap floor its just ridiculous for a team that plays in that big a market. This isn't the Islanders playing out in the middle of nowhere Uniondale in a terrible arena. Let's spend some money guys! Become relevant again!
from 2 months ago
Good points...how long has it been since they were in the playoffs anyway? It seems like they haven't been relevant since Gretzky played there and I don't think he's coming back anytime soon.
2 months ago
It'll be interesting to see if the Bolts' mish-mash, thrown together offense and swiss cheese defense can come together by October. Not to mention how the goaltender situation plays out...
2 months ago
In my personal opinion I find Tampa Bay and NY Islanders as a huge joke. It's almost as if the Isles have the goaltending and lack everything else, when the Bolts have 19 forwards under contract yet nobody that will keep the puck out of their net for 82 games.
When Tampa takes on NYI this year I expect to see 1-0 games...all decided in the 14th round of the shootout.
2 months ago
I wouldn't label the Oilers as dysfunctional at all.....quite a lot of teams have that inability to attract free agents for reasons beyond their control......and we did get Sheldon Sourray, the best offensive dman out there, in the end and he's a high-ticket free agent. Of all the Canadian teams, Edmonton has improved the most by far....
2 months ago
It is true that it's hard to label the Kings as in disarray since they are rebuilding; what is also true is that they've been rebuilding for a decade. Some promising talent is on the way though, so we'll see- but the statement about being under the cap is ridiculously accurate, about $30 mil under. The Kings' owner is much too concerned with making sure that David Beckham has adequate accommodations while in L.A.
2 months ago
Edmonton in disarray? Did anyone not see a group of sub 22's leading an NHL franchise almost into the playoffs? Now throw one of the best power forwards into the mix (Eric Cole) a healthy canon (Sheldon Surray) and Gilbert Brule, who could turn out to be something worth watching or could turn out to be that pansy who never met a barbell... Either way, Edmonton is going to be top quality this year.
Toronto is still wondering how in the world Brad Boyes is scoring around 40 goals and they never saw the potential of there first round selection... after one year.
And Los Angeles is going to be very good the second Drew Doughty steps on the ice.
from 2 months ago
Eric Cole is no longer the same as he was a few years ago, I wouldn't classify him as "one of the best power forwards". He's a good player but bu no means elite.
Souray is simply showing how overrated he was in Montreal, a big shot and pretty much nothing else. Jason Spezza misses playing him 8 times a year, pylons are fun to play with.
Edmonton still has a great young core, but they also still have issues attracting free agents.
I think the new arena and new ownership group will definitely help, which is why I only gave them an honourable mention...they are on their way back up.
about 1 month ago
Im not to sure if you are watching the same NHL. Eric Cole is dynamic, just wait untill he is scoring 70 points a year for Edmonton playing in that unreal system.
Souray was dangled once and he was edmontons best d man when he was playing for the first couple of games. This was the same guy that led the league in ginos for defence, they are paying him 5 million and if he can play 20 minutes and score 20 goals and lead the PP then is that not what they need?
And any team that sucks has problems, people will play there once they prove they are a viable option for a player who wants to win. Marian Hossa will be there after this year in Detroit.
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