Commentary: Pass The Slurpee
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A coupla three or more thoughts entering the weekend …
#1 – Winnipeg’s had better weeks. The top sports headline across the country today is the fact goalie Connor Hellebuyck has publicly requested a trade from the Jets after having his private request months ago apparently ignored by GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. After winning Olympic gold last February with the USA, I’ll concede that Hellebuyck is currently the best goaltender on the planet. And now, just like Brady Tkachuk did to the Ottawa Senators, the Jets hands are tied and will in no way get back an equal exchange in return. Shades of Dale Hawerchuk and Teemu Selanne. Those situations came down to economics whereby in this case, Hellebuyck simply doesn’t think he’ll win there. Either way, we’re not sure if Hellebuyck will ever be revered in that town the way those other two were/are. Especially given the way this situation is playing out.
TSN’s Martin Biron is reporting Detroit, San Jose and Buffalo are interested suitors. I have it on good authority that Vegas has discussed Hellebuyck’s name internally as well.
As for Winnipeg, at least the Bombers upset the Montreal Alouettes 44-28 in the CFL Friday night. Pass the Slurpee.
#2 – The coaches and GMs always say the decisions make themselves in training camp and preseason. That’s clearly the case for the Las Vegas Raiders and #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The rookie quarterback struggled in Thursday’s preseason finale – an 18-12 loss to the 49ers – throwing for just 57 yards, one interception and was sacked twice. Meanwhile big brother Kirk Cousins led the Raiders on back-to-back scoring drives to open the game and looked fresh. So, despite the controversy, expect Cousins to start Week 1 against Miami although head coach Klint Kubiak still refuses to make a decision. Or at least announce it, if he has.
#3 – It’s a home game weekend for the Riders. Mosaic Stadium will be nearly sold-out as the Toronto Argonauts come to town. Get our Picks For PumpJacks at RodPedersen.com and join PumpJacks Cathedral for the pre- and postgame parties. It should be a great game, and a great time.
So be sure to enjoy it.
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary.
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Good for him. I am surprised the Russians are not doing the same thing. With that Winnipeg is a great hockey market with incredible fans. He’s not leaving because it’s a septic tank like the rest of the Canadian markets. He simply wants to win and understands nobody is going there to help get them over the edge. Keith Tkachuk, Dale Hawerchuk, and Teemu Selanne. Nothing compares to what that city and these markets in Canada did to Bobby Hull. People can forget that if not for him going to Winnipeg. Never mind Wayne Gretzky in LA. There would be… Read more »