AGRI Biz

Well, now that the Chicago Blackhawks have capped off the 2009-10 season on the ice with the Stanley Cup, there are a couple of off-ice events that must be addressed before July 1, when the free agency floodgates open. First, the NHL Awards will take place next week. Some of the great individual performances of this past year will be rewarded. Second, the NHL Entry Draft will also take place on ...

Any fan of NHL hockey would be more than willing to list off their favorite arenas to see a game.  In that list, whether a Chicago Blackhawks fan or not, the United Center usually tops it.  Naturally it takes a mere 10-15 minutes for any fan to fall in love with the atmosphere.  When entering the stadium there is already excitement in the air, and by ...

With the passing of this year’s NHL season, many are already missing hockey at its finest. In fact, this year more people are missing it than ever before. It was a record-setting year for the National Hockey League, not only did the business sales and events skyrocket, but the TV ratings also bloomed in a country where hockey usually takes a backseat to baseball and football. And maybe it still does, however, its ...

Mock Drafts, think of them what you'd like, but every NHL GM and their staff are constantly pouring over information to formulate their own outlook on the upcoming draft. Scenario after scenario is being applied and back up plans and potential trade offers are being considered. This is where the GM leans on his staff. This is where the thought process changes from potential to actual. Here's where we see ...

This was a follow-up question I asked Randy Hahn after talking about young players on the Sharks who we should look for contributions from in 2010-11. To see that question, read the companion piece on Shark-Infested Blogger.   MJ Kasprzak: You mentioned McGinn, and I was following the stats for blocked shots and things. I know, while I’m watching a game, I’m too emotionally invested in it—I don’t always ...

Richard Nixon resigned the day after my brother-in-law was born. It was an eventful week for my brother-in-law's parents. And the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup the day after my nephew was born, the day after I officially became an aunt. Yes, I watched the game from a hospital in downtown Chicago. It wasn't the most ideal setting, but at least I saw it. Plus, I got a great view ...

The NHL and its constant power shifts in terms of victories and championships in recent years seems to come from drafting great talent. Sure, some would say that free agents are the ones that bring the titles, but when it is examined, the draftees are the steak and potatoes, while the free agent signings are simply the dessert. Since the year 2000, the first overall selections have made immediate impacts in ...

The NHL draft begins on June 25th, and it is never too early to speculate who each team will select. The Edmonton Oilers will start off the draft and put an end to the question that has been asked all year, Taylor or Tyler. Unless the Bruins want to move up to the one spot, in fear the Oilers will take the guy Boston covets, but most likely scenario, Oilers ...

On September 28, 2008, Dave Molinari wrote the following in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette : "Don't get the wrong idea. History doesn't completely rule out the possibility of the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. It just comes awfully close." The 2009-2010 season started with commemorating the victory that many, including Molinari, called improbable, if not impossible. The raising of the Stanley Cup banner minutes before the first game of the season ...

Thanks in part to Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke, the Northeast Division will be one of the most interesting divisions to watch in the 2010 NHL Draft. As it turns out, the Maple Leafs, who were the division’s worst team and had the second worst record in the entire league, do not have a pick in the first round of this year’s draft… for now. After the first two picks ...