[Sylvanfan]

The Canadian teams are icing the worst on ice teams ever. If these teams were in American markets they would be dead at the gate. I think that 25-27 year old unrestricted free agency and the salary cap has resulted in the Canadian teams being run terribly. It's going to be a lousy year for the CBC unless the Canadiens can go on a run. Will be as bad or worse next year too. The Canucks decline just started, Toronto looks to be going that way too, Winnipeg has committed to eternal mediocrity. The Flames and Oilers are both bad teams, one lacks talent, one lacks common sense. Ottawa is hot and cold, but ultimately I think their upside is a wild card playoff team. Montreal is okay, but still a second tier contender.

Personally I see the Western Canadian teams sucking hind teet for a long time. Colorado, Chicago, and the California teams are going to dominate for a long time, and young free agency benefits them to keep themselves at the top.