10 Things I'd Like to See Happen Next Season in the NHL

As the NHL season has come to a close, I have had way too much time on my hands to think about the things I would like to see happen next season.

Here are my Top 10...

10. Lanny Gare suit up for the Buffalo Sabres.

Yeah I know I have mentioned this before, but really...I mean c'mon, can someone tell me why Buffalo didn't sign this guy?

He had a Hobie Baker type campaign his last season in New Hampshire and led the Cats to the Frozen Four before tearing his shoulder with 22 goals and 29 assists in 40 games.

He has succeeded at every level, so why not let him at least play in a pre-season game or two? I mean are the Sabres really that good?

9. Pat Quinn land another NHL coaching gig.

He coached the under-18 Canadian squad to a championship, but all of a sudden he got stupid?

Lets face the facts, he was let go by a horrible GM in John Ferguson Jr. because he couldn't coach a terrible Leafs team, and they have been worse since he left...so what gives?

Mike Keenan keeps getting second opportunities, why can't jolly ol' Pat?

8. Four on four overtime and then a shootout.

In no other sport does the rule change from the regular season to the playoffs to decide the outcome of a game.

The league cries they need more scoring to attract fans, but soccer seems do fine worldwide even though the average game ends up 1-0.

If the league wants more entertainment and scoring, call more penalty shots and reduce the goalie gear.

Jaques Plante seemed to do okay with nothing more than a couple pillows strapped to his legs so why can't Roberto Luongo?

7. Buffalo bring back the old jerseys.

Sorry to pick on you again Buffalo but am I the only one who realizes your old jerseys are unique and look way better than the minor league ones you guys have come out with the last 10 years...if you need some fashion advice maybe you should sign Avery?

6. Get the ball rolling on another Canadian franchise.

The Canadian dollar is good, the six teams here make up a huge amount of revenue so give us back the Winnipeg Jets, and or the Quebec Nordiques.

While you're at it put a team in Hamilton too!

It has been 20 years, the US isn't going to ever give you a good TV deal, so wake up and smell the maple syrup and bacon for pete's sake...sorry needed to vent a little there.

5. Calgary get over the 2004 run and start to progress with the new NHL.

Okay so the Flames pick up Mike Cammalleri, than get rid of Alex Tanguay for peanuts.

The fact is they have $23 million invested in their six defense-men, but why do they need that when they have a pretty good goalie in Mikka Kiprusoff?

The team keeps getting rid of these good offensive players and replacing them without building the blocks.

You need more than one line Calgary, Tanguay didn't put up great numbers because he wasn't playing with decent players all year, and if you are going to bring in vet's like Amonte and Nolan you may as well give Theoren Fleury another shot at least it would be a good PR move.

4. Jaromir Jagr finish his career in Pittsburgh.

Everyone keeps giving me heck for saying Jaromir is done as a Ranger, but sorry I heard from a reliable source.

I am a huge Jagr fan, and met him in Vegas a few years back, he was a great guy.

The fact is he has all the talent in the world at his disposal and is alot of work for the coaching staff, but wow wouldn't he look good with Crosby or Malkin, and with Hossa gone there is the possibility they could afford him.

Come on Mario Jr. do the right thing and finish off your great career where it started.

3. A Canadian team win the Stanley Cup.

I don't care who anymore, but I am sick of Detroit winning and if it's not them it some non-hockey market like Anaheim, Carolina and Tampa Bay.

I mean if you asked 90 percent of the people in those cities what a forecheck was they would probably think it was the stimulating that goes on before sex.

It will be the first decade ever to pass without a Canadian team winning it if one doesn't hoist the Cup next season, isn't Montreal due?

2. The four-referee system.

The bad: way too many calls and no flow, and now there is almost another full line on the ice which makes the rink even smaller to maneuver in.

The good: You now have a better chance of hitting one with yer cup of beer after they made a horrible call.

Honestly Chris Simon is playing in Russia next season, Tie Domi is long since retired and Sean Avery has an internship at Vogue or something...the four-ref system isn't necessary.

1. Chicago Blackhawks get good again.

It is not good for hockey when one of it's original six has struggled for so long.

It looks like things are looking up in the windy city with Kane, Toews and company.

If the team can avoid injuries to their star players they could definitely make the playoffs next season, maybe bringing back the organ would help?