Based on my traffic patterns, I know that a lot of you read this blog at work. I'm working on the next post in the "how to build a contender in 30 days or less!" series, so if you're bored at work here are some things I've been reading lately.

Free agency is right around the corner and EVERYBODY has to think about the cap (or at least money implications).

Die By the Blades asks,can the Sabres afford to keep young Drew Stafford as he expects a big raise in his 2nd contract.

Kevin Allen notes that while the Blackhawks would like to retain the services of Martin Havlat, Kane and Toews will expect big increases in the summer of 2010--could Havlat reach the UFA because of that factor?

Since I've been writing the "building a contender series" I feel remiss that I failed to catch James Mirtle's"How the Penguins were built" post until now.

If you are interested in what stats can tell us about winning hockey strategies, MC79 has yet more evidence that they key aspect of faceoffs is NOT faceoff win percentage (most overrated stat in hockey IMO) but faceoff LOCATION. Ergo: A center who moves the puck down the ice but struggles on faceoffs is probably more valuable than a bad zone shift center who is good at faceoffs.

Some NHL team is going to take an enormous gamble on a Minnesota high school player named Budish in the 1st round on Friday. In Lowe We Trust points out that High School players have a lousy track record. Having done some draft pick analysis myself, I can confirm that HS players have an extremely high "failure rate" compared to players selected from other leagues. Let's cross our fingers the Thrashers don't go that route on Friday.

On the Thrashers front:

Ben Wright has a Father's Day look at father-son Thrashers who are up for this year's draft. Another one (non-Thrasher) would be Tim Erixon son of long time NY Ranger Jan Erixon. Af the U-18 I had no idea who his father was and asked Tim "Is this your first time in the USA?" and he said "well, I was born here." Needless, to say I felt pretty stupid.

Blueland Outside has a Rick Dudley track record report.

1. Chicago Thrash clarified that he is NOT a Colby Armstrong hater...whew! We can be friends again :)

Iceman has a run down of players taken #4 overall in recent drafts. There are some shocking of busts.

Bill Tiller suggests that Rick Dudley didn't leave uber-talented Chicago Blackhawks so he could come to Atlanta and get coffee for Don Waddell. I predict that Waddell will be named Team President and Dudley Team GM within one calender year from today.

Ben Wright has a nice look at Father-Son Thrashers who are up for this year's draft. Another one (non-Thrasher) would be Tim Erixon son of long time NY Ranger Jan Erixon. Af the U-18 I had no idea who his father was and asked Tim "Is this your first time