Avalanche Clinches Deal With Ryan Smyth, Mullet-Lovers Everywhere

Gritty winger Ryan Smyth, he of the flowing mane and illustrious nickname “Captain Canada” (complete with Canadian Tuxedo?), will sign a 5-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche at an average of $6 million a year. The high-scoring former Oiler/Islander will fit in well with the Avalanche offensive system and should provide a much-needed presence deep in the slot, receiving dead-on passes from either Paul Stastny or Joe Sakic as a member of either the top or second line. Or both. Or maybe Smyth will just levitate above the ice like Hockey Jesus and toss pucks into opposing goals using only his mind. Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response among Avalanche fans, you’d think he could do that.

Smyth reportedly received competitive offers from 10 teams, including the Islanders, who acquired him last season from the Oilers at the trade deadline. The Avalanche apparently made the most appealing pitch, however. The Islanders now have nothing to show for their initial deal, which cost them two future prospects and a high draft pick. They also lost Jason Blake (40 goals) and a couple of other decent players which means their playoff days are likely done for a while.

There is no doubt that Ryan Smyth will have a positive impact on the Avs this coming season. If he doesn’t, he can join Jose Theodore on the bench, where overpaid underachievers get to hang out during Avalanche games. Theodore, whose deadline for being bought out passed yesterday, will be resuming his role as the highest-paid backup goaltender in the NHL this coming season.

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The New York Islanders Finally Embrace Blogs, 21st Century

Does New York Islanders management read Avalanche blogs? Last week, in a comment on DLS-favorite JibbleScribbits, I wrote that NHL teams should build "blog boxes", separate from the traditional press box, to provide a space for bloggers to post in-game updates to their sites. Well, just seven days later, the Islanders have announced their plans to do just such a thing.

Now, I don't want to take all the credit, but it's hard to argue that my single comment on a relatively small Colorado Avalanche blog didn't have some kind of profound effect on the executives of a major professional sports franchise in the largest US city. Obviously, the power I wield through Dear Lord Stanley is far greater than I ever imagined.

With great power comes great responsibility, it is said, so with that in mind, I offer another suggestion for NHL teams to embrace in the coming seasons: Hot Chicks Rooms. Instead of wasting time with luxury boxes and corporate shilling, try adding a few HCRs around the stadium and watch the fans literally pour through the doors:

Remember, when Pittsburgh finishes their new arena in 2010, and they include several Hot Chicks Rooms throughout the site, you heard it here first.

(Thanks to On The Forecheck for the heads-up about the Isles.)

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