Lost in translation

 

By now you’ve probably read that K-Lowe has 22 trade offers sitting in his inbox as we head into the draft. Good thing we aren’t paying by the trade like on E-Trade, huh Nation? HUH? HUH?

Anyhoo, we thought we’d also go through a few of Lowe’s quotes in the media from last night and translate them from “GM-Speak” into “English” so we can all understand where the big man’s head is at going into the draft:

Lowe said: “We were happy with Joni and we’re happy to have him back. If (a deal) is going to benefit our hockey club, I’m willing to listen, but if I was a betting man I’d say Joni is going to be back with us this year.”

Translation: “Hey Joni, if you don’t sign for a reasonable amount of money, you’re gone. In fact, I’m looking to move you. As GM, I would take the bet that Joni is going to be back on Rexall ice this year, but he could be wearing a different jersey.”

Lowe said: “I’m not going to completely sell the farm for next year, I’m not going to be too bold in moving players out till the season gets going.”

Translation: “If you think you can float through the off-season, Raffi, and think you’re getting away with that ‘season’ you were having before you got injured, you’re wrong. Prepare to be traded, son. If not now, then soon.”

Lowe said: “I’m not sitting here thinking we’re a favourite for the Stanley Cup next year, we still have to get into the playoffs, but I’m not quite as (eager to make a trade) as I was last year. We’re feeling good where we are.”

Translation: “We are a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, but I don’t want to jinx it by telling you the media and lower the betting odds for a Cup win. Instead I have just returned from Vegas where I have placed a $500,000 wager on the Oilers to bring home the Cup.”

We think that gambling in pro sports, especially if you’re in pro sports, is not a good idea. However, we think that it should be perfectly legal for players/coaches/management to bet on themselves. Obviously any player worth his salt should believe in himself and his team, so why not allow them to bet?

How awesome would it be to hear some player in the playoffs who is facing elimination say, “I can assure you that we are going to win tonight. Not only do I stake my personal reputation as a player on it, but I have placed a $100,000 bet on us tonight to make it extra sweet when I score the winning goal in OT.”

That’s gangster.