During this year’s playoffs, I had the opportunity to talk a little hockey with the popular Satellite Hot Stove panelist for Hockey Night in Canada, Scott Morrison. 

Do you ever wonder where the panelists on HNIC get their information to pass along to us fans?  Over his long career, Morrison has cultivated sources throughout the relatively small hockey community.  Simply by talking to as many hockey people a day as possible, he learns about the goings-on.  Everyone from coaches, scouts and even players will share information with someone they know to be trustworthy, fair and honest, like Morrison.
As for next year and what’s on tap for some of the teams, Morrison gave this insight.

Nashville Predators

“Nashville has seen a tremendous job done by David Poille and Barry Trotz when you think of the assets they had to give up for non-hockey related reasons over the past year.  But they still battled their way back into the playoffs and played tough against Detroit.  That was a significant accomplishment on their part, so you have to acknowledge a job very well done.  They gained some momentum in their market.”

Dallas Stars

“They made a really nice move at the trade deadline picking up Brad Richards.  He had a great first night and kind of struggled after that.  We were told by the Dallas people that is was an adjustment for him and it wasn’t until the playoffs that Dave Tippett told him it was his time to shine and got him a little more settled down.  Playing those five periods of overtime in those final two games was probably a turning point and put them behind the eight ball going against Detroit.  I thought Brendan Morrow really established himself as a great leader and played wonderfully despite being wounded.  Turco has gotten a lot of monkeys off his back the past couple of years – the team as a whole has done that - so they are poised to make the next steps, all things being equal.”

Washington Capitals

“It’s tough for Kolzig to be there all the way through and then all of a sudden not be the “go to” guy when things get good.  He’ll move on as a free agent.  They clearly weren’t happy with the level of consistency in goal during the season which prompted them to make the deal for Huet, who got the job done for them.  What a great story they were this season.  Ovechkin is terrific to watch as are the other great young players they’ve assembled there.  They drafted well and have a great young nucleus to build around.  It’s a nice story to see a guy like Bruce Boudreau after so many years in the minors get his opportunity and make the most of it.”

When all is said and done, Morrison thinks the NHL is in pretty good shape as the 2007-08 season makes way for next year. The steps have been taken to resolve once and for all the issue of goal tender equipment, the TV numbers are improving, and the rule changes after the lockout year have improved the product on the ice.

“The next potential crisis, if you will, and it’s hard to say how it’s going to play out, is at the end of next season in the summer.  The players will have to decide whether or not they want to continue with the CBA or they can potentially reopen it after six years.  That will be an interesting dynamic to see how that shakes out.”

With the likes of Steven Stamkos and John Tavares coming into the league over the next two seasons, there is no shortage of good young talent.
“The league is in good hands when you think of Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin.  And not just at that level.  There’s that next tier of great talent.  The NHL is very well-positioned going forward.” 

So are the fans of Hockey Night in Canada.  Even with a new theme song, they will still have the thoughtful, funny, and candid insights of Scott Morrison.

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