After going through naughty and nice lists, Brophy hands out Christmas gifts to the hockey world.
HO! HO! HO!
Have you all been good little boys and girls this year?
I know I have, so I expect lots of good stuff under the tree Christmas day. As for the rest of the hockey world, well, some have been good and some have been, uh, not so good. With that in mind, here are a few gift suggestions:
To the Atlanta Thrashers: A new home; someplace where people actually like hockey and will acknowledge the great improvement in the team.
To Sidney Crosby: Universal recognition as the best hockey player in the world. Oh, and a couple of worthy linemates, too.
To Alexander Ovechkin: A DVD of his most exhilarating goals scored prior to this season. Maybe it will inspire him to get back to being The Gr8 One.
To Brian Burke: Peace in his life and a new plan for his team.
To the Toronto Maple Leafs' scouts: A GPS that takes them to the best pick in the second round of the 2011 Entry Draft.
To Sheldon Souray: A ticket back to the NHL where he belongs.
To David Perron: A symptom-free day that puts him on the road to recovery.
To the San Jose Sharks: A leader.
To Lou Lamoriello: The lost blueprint for Devils success.
To Mike Modano: A healthy return and one more great playoff!
To Martin St-Louis: Recognition for his Hall of Fame career.
To Jarome Iginla: A get-out-of-jail-free card.
To P.K. Subban: Fans (and media) who understand his skill, uniqueness and passion for the game.
To Wade Redden: See Sheldon Souray.
To Donald Fehr: The secret formula for getting the members of his association to care about the business side of the game. Otherwise he's screwed.
To Carey Price: A spot in the NHL All-Star Game. He has earned it.
To Roberto Luongo: The game to match his reputation for being a great goalie.
To Nicklas Lidstrom: One more Norris Trophy.
To Mario Lemieux: A magical, memorable performance in the alumni game at this season's Outdoor Classic.
To Alex Kovalev: Passion for the game.
To the Chicago Blackhawks: A hangover recipe.
To John Tavares: A fresh start with a real NHL team.
To Marc Crawford: A refund for the fine he didn't deserve.
To Peter DeBoer: More NHL players to coach.
To Greg Sherman: A profile to match the great job he has done as Colorado Avalanche GM.
To David Branch: Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as one of the most progressive builders the game has ever seen.
To Sean Avery: The will to show his skill which can thrill.
To Pavel Datsyuk: A Hart Trophy which confirms his ascent to one of the most complete two-way players in the game -- ever!
To Scott Gomez: His lost offensive output.
To Zack Parise: A home, in New Jersey or elsewhere, where he can be happy, expressive and appreciated.
To Ian Laperriere: Good health and happiness in his retirement to go with the acknowledgement of his warrior status as an NHL player.
To Jordan Staal: A return to health and an opportunity to play a more key role on offence.
To Mike Danton: Good grades.
To Vinny Lecavalier: A return to the glory days.
To Don Van Massenhoven: A well-deserved trip to the Stanley Cup final.
To Gary Bettman: A fruitful and peaceful labour negotiation in his 'legacy' CBA deal -- one that is good for the owners and the players … and the fans.
To Glen Sather: One more decent playoff run to erase the miserable year after year after year showing since his induction into the hall of fame.
To Cory Clouston: More attentive students.
To Steve Mason: His rookie form.
To Ilya Kovalchuk: A road map to New Jersey. He hasn't been spotted since being dealt from Atlanta.
To Chris Pronger: A healthy end to the 2010-11 season.
To Jason Spezza: A better second half to what has been an otherwise dismal season.
To all readers of sportsnet.ca: A Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
