July… it means baseball, football, Canada Day and NHL Free Agent mayhem. I love it. The mayhem part mostly.

 

The Todd Marchant thing came down the way we all thought it would eventually… he hooked up with Columbus… long-term deal… SIX years, 19 million bucks, the sixth year guaranteed if the BJ’s make the playoffs once or if there’s a lockout. Smart move Toddy. There will be a lock out and you’ve looked after yourself… forget your Union buddies… it’s now every man for himself.

 

The Avalanche made it quite clear they’re going for broke this upcoming season. After the heartbreak last playoffs and with a possible end to the NHL (as we know it) on the horizon, they’ve made it quite clear… all their eggs are now in ONE basket. With the one-year deal by Kariya and the multi-year Selanne deal, they’re going to pull out all the stops for the FINAL EVER run for the Stanley Cup (as we know it). Who knows what lies beyond the CBA mayhem??? Will the NHL even survive the pending lockout?? The Avs aren’t waiting. Next year is IT.

 

Detroit finally got their D-Man. Michigan native Derian Hatcher is back home to play with his favourite childhood team, the Red Wings, taking a pay cut to do it too. A five-year deal worth 60 Million Bucks U.S.-- certainly less than the perennial all-star was asking for in Dallas. But hey, another guy making sure he gets his share before the piggy bank starts to crack-up next summer.

 

Fans have to wonder what’s in store next summer. BUT this summer has been wonderful the way it’s played out so far. More and more owners are finally starting to clue in and it’s about time isn’t it??

 

I’m done.