Episode 0082: Worst Summer Contracts, Theodore Still Unsigned, Etem Is Back, Youth Hockey in Arizona, Rangers Playoffs, Cassidy on Chara and More!

Hello again!  Can you sense it?  The NHL season is fast approaching and soon we will have our beloved sport back for our enjoyment.  In the meantime, we at the Two Man Forecheck will keep you informed of the goings on around the league.

We start off with a frank discussion of the worst NHL contracts handed out this summer, a question posited by Mike on Facebook.  We had some interesting responses, the most intriguing being Brady Tkachuk signing with Ottawa.  Mike believes it may just be Dylan Larkin’s contract while Chris feels it is another Red Wings deal, the one with Mike Green, that may be worse.  Either way, both teams are going to experience trouble this upcoming season and these signings are not going to be the most helpful.

On a sad note, Bill Foley, the owner of the Golden Knights, has lost his son at the age of 31.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Foley family.

Vegas also has not signed Shea Theodore as of yet.  With the new season on the horizon, is this going to be an ongoing issue like Athanasiou last season, or will Vegas get the job done.  Mike feels like the Knights will not sign him and need to deal him, with Chris believing that a deal will get done.  Where do you feel this will end?

Emerson Etem, the 2010 first round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks, is back in the NHL.  He has received a PTO (professional try out) from the L.A. Kings.  The expectations were high when he was drafted, but what can we expect from the 26-year-old at this point in his career?  Top line is probably a reach, but could he still be a 3^rdline player?

Arizona may not be the cream of the crop in the NHL stats wise, but when it comes to the youth hockey in the state, they are without equal.  The development of youth hockey in the state of Arizona has been a boon to the masses.  A story by Craig Morgan lists the impressive stats regarding the growth of youth hockey in the area.  This may not mean a cup in their immediate future, but the Coyotes are doing what they can to help young players work towards their dreams of playing in the NHL.

Speaking of dreams, the New York Rangers appear to be heading into a difficult season, but Nicholas Zararis has written an article that explains the lone scenario in which they could make the playoffs.  We believe this is a stretch at best, but we invite you to tell us why we may be wrong.

We touch on the Vegas odds for total points for the NHL teams this upcoming season, and there are a few predictions that leave us scratching our heads.

Bruce Cassidy believes that Zdeno Chara can play for the next 4 or 5 years.  Wonderful sentiment, but does he want to play?  Can he play at the same level he has played at his whole career?  The Forecheckers discuss.

Finally, we introduce the next Twitter poll question…which Western Conference team will drop 5 points this upcoming season.

And here it is, the latest edition of the Forecheck.  Give us a listen and let us know what you think!  Enjoy the show!