As a University of Michigan alumnus I am curious as to your opinion on if Al Montoya will turn pro this summer. I personally know Al (as well as the rest of the UM hockey team) and word is that he will not, at least this year. When speaking with Al in the past he says he'll stay four years but that was before he was drafted by the Rangers. I have not talked to him since the draft, any word on what he is doing yet? Do you think the potential lock-out will have any bearing on his decision?

I'm not sure how to answer as I have never met Al and have no insight as to his personality. I can't gauge his reaction to visiting NYC and I'm not privy to what was said to him by Ranger management.

Reports I've read stated he's considering it and that his Mom wants him to finish school.

With the goaltending position a huge question mark it's not an outrageous thought that he could play with the big club and if that's the case he'd sign. A more likely scenario has him in Hartford for a season before playing in the NHL.

If that's the case, the lockout would not be a factor. He'd get his AHL season in and be ready for the following year. Of course, Dan Blackburn is under contract as is Jason LaBarbara. If Al signs this season there will be a trade of one of those two. Dan's injury may or may not play a factor but must be considered.

One has to assume that he'll leave before the four years....so he'll have to decide when.

Ask Al to contact me, I'd love to do an interview. Being a keeper myself, I can't wait to see him play for the Rangers. He'll have a unique opportunity to bring the sport to a large Latino community which will benefit all involved IMO. While Latinos have all been exposed to or played baseball, few can say the same about hockey. It would be great to have Al succeed in NY and become a hero not just to us Ranger fans but to a whole new group of fans.

----}- Bird

Bird, unlike you I will takes sides here. Gary Bettman has gotten a free pass from the media while he cries about how player salaries have gotten out of control.

Old Zippy has repeatedly pointed the finger of blame at the players and says they need "cost certainty" (AKA a cap) to save the NHL.

Truth is what Zippy should be doing is talking to his owners who are not only willing to pay crazy salaries to players but are the ones who make the contract owners. Who forced Tom Hicks to offer Guerin what he did? Same goes for the Bruins and their contract for Lapointe and the Kings for their contract to Conroy.

If someone is willing to offer me a ton of money to come work for them then why would anyone expect me to say "no the money is too much"?

I just wanted to say that on days when I see the headline as "Exodus, Movement of Jah People" I'm happy that I write for Hockeybird. Thanks!

You pipe down Leedsy or I'll start telling Susanna Hoff stories again.

----}-