So Greg Wyshynski at ESPN (former Puck Daddy himself ... RIP) has weighed on on "the Dougie Hamilton market" today, and I'm getting the same BS vibes from him that I got from Elliott Friedman earlier this week. Here's his "possibilities" list with my thoughts in brackets
Chicago <I actually think this is a likely suitor although it's a stretch to call it an easy sell. I think they'll make an offer.>
Columbus <umm ... a stretch at BEST, seeing how anybody you've ever heard of on that roster wants out or has already left>
Florida <pure fiction, as almost everyone in that market is reporting that the Panthers budget is on a tight leash>
Edmonton <maybe ... I guess. The draw would be putting up pinball numbers on the PP with McDavid and Draisaitl, but ... it's still Edmonton. Plus, that front office is filled with the kind of cavemen who think Dougie is a cancer.>
LA Kings <Doughty is going nowhere and they don't make enough pucks for the two of them. Can you see LA moving Doughty off of their top PP unit? Me neither. They should, of course ... but the Kings are convinced that he's still good. Can you see Dougie signing anywhere that's going to park him on PP2? Me neither.>
New Jersey <rebuilding, but aspiring. I feel like they'll make an offer.>
Philly <I've seen at least three national writers report that Philly isn't in the Dougie Market>
Seattle <the franchise of dreams, clearly>
Toronto <I see the desire, but not the details. It would take a LOT of heavy lifting to fit that new contract under the Cap.>
Winnipeg <OK, now you're just signaling that you're including anyone with the Cap space on this list>
Carolina <hey, at least Wiz didn't leave us off the list entirely>
Bottom line ... this list is horsecrap wishcasting from a writer who thinks it's fun to do this sort of thing. I like Greg, but sometimes he gets on my nerves. This is such a time.