Going Camping

NHL camps officially opened yesterday after the players ratification of the new CBA over the weekend, so FINALLY, it's back to business as usual. In many cities the teams wisely decided to open up camp to the fans to come watch for free. In fact in some Canadian cities, Winnipeg and Ottawa, there may have been more fans at practice then there are at games in some US markets *Cough"Phoenix*Cough. This is certainly a prudent move on the part of these teams, but just one step they need to take in order to win back many fans.

In Toronto and Vancouver the big news is still who is at camp and where they may be soon as the Roberto Luongo saga has dragged on like a bad winter cold. The will he won't he has become reminiscent of the Ross and Rachel saga on Friends and while there is no doubt the Leafs need and upgrade in net, should they really mortgage the farm for him? And what would happen to Cory Schneider's psyche if he is constantly having to look over his shoulder this season? I think in a shortened season Vancouver may be wise to keep them both, share the workload, make a serious run for the Stanley Cup and trade him in the off season as I doubt his value will drop significantly, especially if he should help them win.

Elsewhere injuries to players like Ryan Kessller, Jerome Iginla and Jared Cowan have them perhaps missing time to start the year. And restricted free agents PK Subban, Ryan O'Reiley and Jamie Benn still haven't signed new deals yet. The Rangers locked up RFA Michael Del Zotto the other day two a two year contract and I think the clubs will likely lock up these young cornerstones before too long.

In Montreal Scott Gomez was told to stay at home as he will be bought out by the club after the season and injured players cannot be bought out so rather than risk this they've essentially sent him on a 7 million dollar holiday. While I'm sure his pride will likely take a blow this is a shrewd move on behalf of the organization for them though I feel bad for Gomez..or at least as bad as you can for a guy make millions to do nothing. It is likely Wade Redden will be in the same boat but he is currently in Hartford so the Rangers will have to make that decision soon.

As the schedule kicks in Saturday teams with a lot of new faces like Dallas or Tampa Bay will have to make the most of this week to get acclimatized and try to very quickly generate some chemistry as teams with continuity or a group who have already been playing together, like the Oilers young guns in OKC, I think will have an advantage to start the season.

Let me know where you're camping out.