J. Lu's ABHL Buzz

[johnlu]

John Lu has an ever growing list of contacts in the ABHL world. What started as a few key sources from players, to captains, to coaches, to GMs, to owners, to other media members, to executives and player agents. John Lu works tirelessly in an attempt to find the most up-to-the-second information from within the hockey world. He believes in reporting any significant discussions that he hears in regards to player movement no matter how minor or how realistic it is in his own opinion. If the information is coming from a strong source with a solid history of good information John Lu will post it because he believes that half the fun of the ABHL is discussing whether or not all of the armchair GMs out there should make the move.

[johnlu]

Rumors have it that this 2 way power forward is currently being shopped. This may not come to a surprise to some as this 5.1 mil forward has yet to perform to his highest potential. Drafted in the third round of the ABHL draft, William "willbad" Chan has the potential to be a game changer. With the resume of being a member of the Spartans ball hockey team and a former member of Papa John's ice hockey team, this gritty forward only has 5 goals & 1 assist in 4 games played which is not enough to keep Cash Only management happy. More is expected of this badboy if he doesn't want to be shipped out.

[johnlu]

Eric Dang, brother of Ken Dang, is rumored to be on the outs. Shockers have already made two moves between weeks 4 and 5. 5 new players will be sporting their new yellow uniforms this Saturday morning. GM Hon Yee is tinkering his roster to make a big push for the playoffs. It was clear that the original Shockers was not strong enough to secure a playoff spot in Season 1 of the ABHL. Eric is currently being paid 4 million dollars in which he has 0 goals and 3 assists in 6 games played. Shockers are 2 mil away from the cap. If they expect to win their remaining games and maintain their full roster when playoffs come around, another trade or two is imminent, and Eric may be that next player to go.

[johnlu]

Kevin Chan has evolved from a grinder to a sniper in the last 4 games with 6 goals 4 assists. Even with great statistics like this, GM Bernie Chu has made it clear that no one is safe if the right offer comes along. Kevin Chan's stock is currently high with a 4.2 mil cap hit and a knack for the net. There have been rumblings that he does not have what it takes to keep this up. If this is true, GM of Flying Tigers should trade Kevin while his stock is high!

[johnlu]

Drafted as the first player to ever become a Slammer Hammer Jammer Bammer (Other than the SHJB captain) and getting paid a salary of almost 6.5 mil. Steve has struggled this season on the score board with only 5 goals 6 assists in 8 games played. In the first 4 games of the season Steve amassed 8pts in 4 games. The next 4 games Steve was shutdown to only 3pts. More is expected from this dynamic 2-way forward as those numbers are showing he is a bust for for the spot that he was drafted. Some analysts think this could be due to Steve playing hurt throughout the first half of the season. One thing for certain is that SHJB's GM expects a lot from his players, especially from his number one pick. Even though there are family ties within SHJB, it makes you wonder if SHJB will actually trade Steve and acquire more help on the back end. There is 3 weeks until trade deadline and this overpaid forward will either have to put out, or be on the way out!

[johnlu]

Week 5 has finished, and Chain Gang are right against the cap meaning if they will need to make another splash in the trade market very soon and first one to go will be Felix Cheng. The speedy Felix Cheng has been drafted by Cash Only and then got traded to Chain Gang. If he gets traded again, it will be his third different team that he'll be playing on. It is believed that Felix Cheng will be shopped along with another Chain Gang member to bring down the team's salary. With a solid 2 wins in week 5 with team unity and confidence also at an all time high, something's gotta give. Felix Cheng has scored his first goal in the ABHL this week and has played very solid defensively by sticking to his defensive coverage. Felix, who's mainly used to shadow the other team's top snipers, is making a salary of 1.6mil. This means that the Chain Gang will need to trade more than their lowest paid player, maybe even a top 2 player on the team! Stayed tuned as a lot more hot rumours are on the way!

[johnlu]

After week 5, many of Cash Only's players were frustrated due to being short benched for both games. As as a predictable result of this, Cash Only ended up losing both games this week. All games are important especially in a tight race to make the cut off for playoffs. Cash Only ended up fielding a goalie and 5 forwards. They originally had six forwards lined up to play in week 5 but big forward Charles Lam had dropped out due to personal reasons. GM Ryan Ho tried to get a sub to replace him for the week but there was no luck. Already missing top point producer Jason Lee, and then missing Charles Lam, Cash Only was short benched and it really showed as they looked out of breath in the second half of the first game. Also as the team got tired, they ended up turtling in their own zone while their opponents would pummel open shots from the point. Some rumors were heard that Cash Only's GM may have not tried hard enough to find a sub as his purpose may have been to lose both games to free up cap space for a future return of their captain Ryan Ho. I believe this is not the case, but it does make one wonder. The two loses left Cash Only players unhappy and this was voiced to management. What we have learned is that Cash Only's GM is not afraid to pull the trigger. If a player is unhappy, that player could possibly be traded. Cash Only has many talented players and if push comes to shove, those players can reel in some good returns in any trades.

[johnlu]

The league's best bang for the buck player, Joseph "JayR" Florendo, has been rumored to be requesting a trade. JayR earns a salary of $2.4mil and has 19pts in 8 games played. Pro-rated over 10 games, that's 100k per point that Roosters are paying the talented forward. That's quite the bang for the buck! This budding star still does not get the respect he believes he deserves on a loaded Rooster team. In the second game of week 5 when Roosters faced Shockers, it was crunch time while Roosters had the lead, and momentum was shifted on the Shockers' side. Roosters assistant captain Winslow Tang calls out to Stanley Chan to get him on the floor to substitute for JayR. Now arguably if you compare the numbers between JayR and Stanley Chan, JayR has been producing at a better rate compared to Stan. And yet JayR has been asked to take a seat while he was only on the floor for a mere 15 seconds. JayR got 3 goals 1 assist that game while his teammate Stanley Chan got 1 assist. JayR is a player who can shine on any team, but analysts believe Roosters are holding back his development as a star by not playing him at key moments of the game. Roosters team tends to play their top 3 players in crunch time and let the other players sit. The 3 players that finished the game was Winslow Tang, Andrew Szeto and Stanley Chan. Some other teams in the league do not have this mentality as all players get equal amount of playing time. This could be why Joseph is unhappy with the situation on the Roosters and he may want out. Teams that are believed to show interest include Chain Gang, SHJB, Flying Tigers and Cash Only.

[johnlu]

One of Chain Gang's worst nightmares have become reality. Chain Gang's goalie is rumored to be wanting to be traded to Cash Only. Nick Yatco is not believed to have spoken to management and demanded a trade, yet he is tickling the fancy of getting traded the Cash Only. Why would the ABHL's top goaltender want to be traded from the first place team to the last place team you ask? On Tuesday afternoon an anonymous message was forwarded to TaSN. The message is believed to be intercepted by one of Yatco's many mistresses and it said the following: "told him me u and jayr climb out of co basement win this thing! Cinderella story fo sho!" In translation, it appears that Nick Yatco may be trying to round up his Friday night poker crew to all get traded to Cash Only and bring Cash Only into the playoffs. And while in the playoffs, to win the ABHL championship as the 4th seeded team. This would possibly be ABHL's biggest Cinderella story if it were to ever happen! If this plan were to pan out, this would make history! This story would be so surreal that Disney would have to come up with a movie about Cash Only's Cinderella story.

The second message read: "Lol ok u negotiate with him... tell him if CG is interested in moving a different direction in goal, I am MORE THAN WILLING to play with Cash Only in a package deal!" It appears as though Nick Yatco has made up his mind. No longer is the dedication strong with the Chain Gang, but instead this elite goaltender wants to prove himself and show that he himself can lift a franchise from the ground to the heavens! Nick Yatco is currently rated as the number 1 goalie in the ABHL with a GAA of 3.46. Some believe that Nick's numbers only look good because Chain Gang's defense is stellar while Nick Yatco fans around the world believe otherwise. Nick is thinking of bringing his skills south to Cash Only and proving to his fans and to all the ABHL viewers that he is legitimately the best goalie in the ABHL. It is believed that another contributing factor in Nick's decision is to have good friend, Joseph Florendo, also get traded to Cash Only. Drama is at an all time high for team Rooster and Chain Gang and a lot of big changes are coming. Players on each of the respective team are very antsy of what may soon happen in the trade market. Will we see chapter 1 of this Cinderella story? Or are these merely stories of my imagination. Time will tell my readers, time will tell.

[johnlu]

Source - Twitter: Kelly Pham of the Chain Gang has been talking to the GM of the Roosters today. A meeting was held between good buddy Joseph Florendo and GM David Nguyen. Some have said that this was just a regular get together between friends. A means of spending time with one another. Or some could see it as a meeting of the minds of whether GM David Nguyen should make a move for forward Kelly Pham? This may certainly please Rooster playmaker Joseph Florendo as Kelly and Joseph are best of friends on and off the ice. The Roosters may be trying to keep Joseph happy after what happened in week 5 of the ABHL. In week 5 Joseph showed his frustration and unhappiness when he was told to take a seat with a few minutes left in the tight game vs. the Shockers while the silent assassin was only on for 20 seconds. Much like his best friend, Kelly Pham has also shown that he can be a productive player. This underrated forward averages a point a game and can be dependable to play important minutes for any team.

[johnlu]

Trades talks have been heating up as we get closer and closer to the ABHL playoffs. A trade that was heard through the grapevines included two 2-way players. Andrew Szeto of the Roosters for William Chan of Cash Only. It is unknown which team proposed this trade, but when GM of Roosters was asked what he thought of the trade, he replied by saying that Andrew was much more of a complete player than William, and that there was no way he would downgrade his team by trading his top defenseman for an overrated player that's possibly past his prime. Andrew has been on a tear as of late. With 11 points in his last 4 games, this former player of the week has been a big reason for Rooster's success in the past few games. William Chan has been producing on his team as well with 10 goals and 2 assist in 8 games. William was asked about what he thought of the Rooster GM's comments on how he would choose Andrew over William any day of the week and that Andrew was the clear cut better player. Willbad replied saying: "Oh please, Dru has nothing on me." You make the call readers, who would YOU rather have on your team?

[johnlu]

Cam Chan has missed 6 of 10 ABHL games for the Tigers leaving them short a man every game. Do expect the Flying Tigers' GM to be shopping this uncommitted forward. To date Cam has still remained pointless in 4 straight games. Playoffs are coming up and Flying Tigers are clinging to the 4th and final spot. Any production from their role players would help in securing the 4th seed. Week 6 is expected to be one of the most important weeks in ABHL's season 1 with the top 3 teams battling each other and the bottom 3 teams battling for that final playoff spot.

[johnlu]

Rumors have it that Ryan Ho may be aiming for a return in week 6. After speaking to his personal trainer and the team doctor, they have both cleared Ho for physical contact and to be able to play in the ABHL once again. Week 6 is possibly the most important week of the 8 weeks of ABHL. Week 6 is where we'll see the top 3 teams battling it out for the number one seed, and then you'll see the bottom 3 teams battling it out for the number 4 seed. Cash only is currently tired for last place with Shockers. Shockers have made mid season trades and acquisitions to buff up their team to make their big playoff push while Cash Only remains with the same roster and also missing team leading scoring forward Jason Lee due to personal reasons. A return of the team captain will bring lots of confidence to the team but it will be up to Ho when he decides he's ready to return to action. The doctors and trainers say he's physically ready, but is he mentally ready? That will be a challenge that Ryan Ho will have to overcome on his own.

[johnlu]

Week 6 is possibly the most important week of this season. Some teams may be able to clinch playoffs, and some teams may be eliminated and no make the final four. What we know is after this week, certain teams may become sellers while others become buyers. All you ABHL players best be bringing your 'A' game on Saturday or you may see yourself being traded to a new team!

[johnlu]

Shockers are hoping for a miracle. They are 3 points out of 4th place. Shockers will make playoffs if the following scenario's happen:

1) If Flying Tigers and Cash Only go 1-3 in the next 4 games, Shockers must go 3-1 in next 4 games.
FT & CO ends season with 11pts, Shockers make playoffs with 12pts

2) If Flying Tigers and Cash Only go 2-2 in next 4 games, Shockers must go a perfect 4-0 in next 4 games.
FT & CO ends season with 13 pts, Shocker make playoffs with 14pts

Shockers have a very tough schedule ahead of them playing all the top 3 teams in all 4 of their remaining games. (SHJB x1, Chain Gang x2, Roosters x1). From this analysis, chances of Shockers making the playoffs is very slim but still possible. If either FT or CO win 3 of their remaining 4 games, Shockers are eliminated. This leads me to think that Shockers will be sellers very very soon. Though GM of Shockers is known to be a very stubborn GM, trades may not even happen at all. Shockers may be the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. If this is the case, I still do expect a fire sale. All players will be available to be moved to other teams and expect Shockers to rebuild for the next season. Shockers' big guns such as Ryan Tong and Thang Ly will definitely fetch the largest returns as these can compliment any team looking to make it deep into the playoffs.

[johnlu]

Drafted in the 3rd round, Gene Carandang of the Flying Tigers may be on the trading block after week 7. This Flying Tiger has one of the best hands in the league and is very strong defensively. What he has been lacking as of late is his offensive side. Gene has 11 goals 6 assists in 12 games. Though those numbers are quite good, more is expected from him as he is seen as possibly the number two offensive option behind captain Bernie Chu on the Flying Tigers. If Flying Tigers don't make the playoffs, they may be shopping Gene for a high pick before the trade deadline. Gene should be able to fetch a 2nd or 3rd round pick for season 2.

[johnlu]

As confirmed by Roosters GM, it is more than likely that no changes or trades are expected for the remainder of the season and that the current Rooster team will be the one that will suit up for the playoffs. Though Roosters GM has teased the idea that minimal tinkering could be done to the roster, expect no significant moves come the trade deadline date.

[johnlu]

There is confirmation that GM of SHJB plans to not make any other moves for the remainder of the season. SHJB has recently acquired the services of William Chan and Richard Lee and both 2 way forwards should compliment SHJB very very well. "I believe that with the team we have right now, we can go all the way and win it all. We have four more games for the new players to settle in and learn our system. But we'll all be ready come playoff time" says the GM of SHJB. After the trade, SHJB frees up 1.4 million in cap space which would allow them to win two more games in week 7 without being forced to make another trade. SHJB currently sits first place in the league and their success could be due to them staying with the core group of guys from start to finish.

[johnlu]

Ryan Tong of the Shockers has been the most recent name being tossed in potential trade talks. Ryan Tong has played 12 games with 22pts. What Ryan brings to the table is his physicality and heart. Ryan is one of the most hard working forwards in the game. He plays with an edge and that has gotten him to being one of the most sought after players on the market. Over the years he has developed his game and has emerged from a grinder to more of an all around 2 way player. With the heart of a champion, and with his great hockey sense and play making abilities, there is no surprise that all teams are interested in him. This is a player come playoff time you want on your team. It is rumored that Chain Gang, Cash Only and Flying Tigers have interest in this gritty forward.

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