Posts Tagged Jason Blake

Top 5 Bubble teams and who they could have available … Things easier for Nieuwendyk … Targeting Tuomo … Armstrong, Liles back

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance ranks trade deadline bubble teams who will have a crucial next 10 days. 1. Tampa Bay – Dominic Moore and Ryan Malone could come up in talks. 2. Montreal – Travis Moen, Hal Gill, Chris Campoli and Andrei Kostitsyn are trade possibilities 3. Dallas – Brenden Morrow and Sheldon Souray could come up.  4. Phoenix – Shane Doan, Daymond Langkow, Adrian Aucoin and Ray Whitney will be free agents  5. Anaheim – Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake and Teemu Selanne could find themselves on the move if the Ducks will be sellers.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Since Tom Gaglardi bought the Stars, GM Joe Nieuwendyk is finding things a little easier:

    “What I’m finding now is I can get in on more conversations and at least test the waters more, and we’re doing that,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re asking and we’re listening, and we’re trying to make sure of every opportunity that’s out there. Then, it’s up to us to make smart decisions.”

  • Barry Davis via twitter: Colby Armstrong confirms he’ll play tonight. John-Michael Liles won’t say he’s 100% playing but he should be back. James Reimer will start in net.

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Afternoon notes involving: Parise, Moore, Visnovsky, Blake, Suter, Ruutu, Morrow, O’Reilly, Theodore, lines and starting goalies

  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Zach Parise said there have been no contract negotiations, but he still wants to stay in New Jersey.
  • Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Dominic Moore would be a nice addition to many playoff bound teams. If the Ducks can’t get back in the playoff race, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky could become available. Winger Jason Blake could also becomes available.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Suter knows the Predators will pay market value, though the sides haven’t talked serious numbers. Suter hasn’t signed as he’s waiting for them to show him that they’ll compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and in the future. It seems unlikely that David Poile would trade Suter. Tuomo Ruutu would be a good fit with the Predators. Poile may be looking for a long-term addition as well.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Responding to James Murphy’s question on where will the Blues trade goalie Ben Bishop: The Lightning, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Devils, Hurricanes and Anaheim … teams that need goaltending or who have piece the Blues would want.
  • Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers coach Dineen says that Jose Theodore is still his starter but is not happy with his last 2 games.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Anisimov-Mitchell.
  • Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla; Comeau-Jokinen-Cammalleri; Bouma-Jones-Stempniak; Kostopoulos-Stajan-Jackman.
  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: Jaromir Jagr will be in the lineup tonight. Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight against the Jets.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Martin Biron and the New York Rangers.

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Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes

  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:

    “Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”

  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
  • Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
  • Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
  • Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
  • John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.

    “We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:

    “The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”

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Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
  • David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.

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Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks

  • Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
  • Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
  • Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.

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Ehrhoff out weeks … Bozak could be out … Blake could return next week … Duchene out a month … Reimer to start

  • ESPN: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was injured in a fight last night in the first period. He didn’t return, and according to coach Lindy Ruff, Ehrhoff will “miss some time … probably weeks.”
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak crashed into the boards during practice yesterday and was not able to finish. His status for tonight won’t be known until today. Matthew Lombardi is close, and could possible take Bozak’s spot.

    “We have to figure that out. We don’t have room right now unless we find out (Bozak) is hurt bad enough that he could go on IR, which is seven days,” Wilson said. “But if he is only to possibly miss one game if at all, I don’t know what we would do in that situation.”

  • Brian McNally via twitter: The Capitals have put Mike Green on the IR retroactive to Nov. 11. The Caps are now able to add Cody Eakin. Green be able to come off the IR at any time.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake is ahead of schedule on his recovery from a torn tendon in his wrist. He was scheduled for a mid-to-late January return, but he could be in the lineup next Wednesday or Friday.
  • Jack Anderson via twitter: Capitals GM Goerge McPhee on Evgeni Kuznetsov: “He should be here next year. He’s ready to play up here and he needs to play in a better league.”

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Injury notes on Weber, Byfugien, Peverley, Koivu, Blake, Russell and Higgins

  • Gary Lawless via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was scratched last night due to a lower body injury. He’s had a knee issue for awhile.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks center Saku Koivu practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision on Thursday. Winger Jason Blake practiced with the team as well. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Niklas Hagman-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan-Nick Bonino-Teemu Selanne, Matt Beleskey-Andrew Cogliano-Andrew Gordon, Jean-Francois Jacques-Rod Pelley-George Parros, Kyle Palmieri-Saku Koivu-Jason Blake.

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Chiarelli working the phones … Larsson and Landeskog staying … Scouting the Oils-Caps … Stajan may be a scratch again

  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins are struggling and GM Peter Chiarelli may not have much of a choice but to make some changes to his roster. They are currently last in the Eastern Conference. In an email Chiarelli said that he’s “diligently” calling other teams to see what’s available. He is likely looking for scoring help. Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron were given the opportunity to replace Michael Ryder and Mark Recchi, but neither one has a point. David Krejci, Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton have struggled. They may have trouble finding a team that is eager to help out the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Dupont mentions Kyle Turris, but notes that he’d need at least 2 weeks of training before he’d be in game shape.
  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello confirmed that 2011 1st round pick Adam Larsson will remain with the team. Since Larsson has played 2 years in the Swedish Elite League, he is eligible to be sent to the AHL at any point during the season.
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Gabriel Landeskog will remain with the Avalanche, and will carry a $3.575 million cap hit. His cap hit is important as they needed it to stay about the salary floor. He has 4 goals in 9 games, and is playing on the 3rd line with Ryan O’Reilly and Daniel Winnik.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks forward Jason Blake is recovering from tendon damage to his left wrist, and hopes to begin the rehab process soon. “You like to think you’re a fast healer if you put the time in off the ice as much as you can to rehabilitate your hand and try to get your strength back,” Blake said. “Hopefully you can come back sooner. That’s my goal. “Obviously I’d like to be playing the first week of January. If that’s feasible, I don’t know.”
  • Randy Sportak of the Calagary Sun: Flames forward Matt Stajan might be back in the lineup tonight after being a healthy scratch against the Avs. He was practicing between Tim Jackman and Tom Kostopoulos. Stajan is in the 2nd year of a 4 year, $14 million deal. Flames coach Brent Sutter may go with 11 forwards and 7 defenseman again, which may mean that Stajan sits again.

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Sunday notes on Flames, Leafs, Canucks, Blake, Doughty, Connolly, Mueller, Hemsky and McDonald

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 league sources are saying that the Flames GM Jay Feaster is desperately trying to move contracts off their books. The Flames may be shopping Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and David Moss, but it may be tough finding someone wanting those contract. Stajan has 3 years left on his 4 year, $14 million deal. Ollie Jokinen, Hagman and Moss could be deadline rentals. Despite having the 5th highest payroll, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat. A league executive, “There’s actually a lot of teams talking for this time of year. I don’t think you’re going to see anything shake down until the end of the month.” Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is checking out interest in Carl Gunnarson and Tyler Bozak. The Leafs would like to make room for defenseman Keith Aulie and they don’t plan on sending Jake Gardiner to the minors. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been working the phones looking to move a defenseman, possibly Keith Ballard, and not goalie. One league executive hasn’t heard Kyle Turris’ name mentioned in trade talks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake could be out 3 months after suffering a lacerated tendon just above his wrist. He will have surgery on Monday.
  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will be out 7 to 10 days with an upper-body injury. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it didn’t involve Doughty’s head.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning will have to decide soon if they want to burn a contract year with 2010 1st round pick Brentt Connolly. Connolly has played in 5 games so far, they play their 10th game on Oct. 27th.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson would like to see the NHL entry draft switch the drafting age from 18 to 19, “For the most part, 18- and 19-year-old players are not close to being ready for the NHL. If the draft goes back a year, it slows down the process at every level. Right now, everyone is on a treadmill to get there.” Only 6% of 18 year olds play in the NHL the year they are draft.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller is listed as day-to-day and is skating, but the Avs have contected a concussion expert who has dealt with Mueller in the past.

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Morning notes involving Stastny, Semin, Blake, Oilers arena, Hurricanes, Redden, DiPietro, Crawford and Auld

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: (from his ‘mailbag’) Custance doesn’t think the Avalanche are interested in moving Paul Stastny. Burke is looking to use his defensive depth as part of a deal to get an impact player. If Colorado were to do any sort of big deal, salary would play a part as they are close to the salary floor. Custance thinks there are 7 elite goalies, Ryan Miller, Ilya Bryzgalov, Carey Price, Henrik Lundqvist, Tim Thomas, Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo. Any contract extension for Alexander Semin from the Capitlas won’t come until after the season. Custance doesn’t think the Capitals will trade him during the season as you need high-end players to win the Cup.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jason Blake suffered a severe forearm laceration last night. He was wheeled out on a stretcher to a hospital.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter on Oilers arena issues: “Katz Group has withdrawn the request for a non-compete from Northlands, who will continue to operate the current building as they see fit.” … “The City of Edmonton will assume all land options for the arena site and make the purchases pending paperwork and their current prices.” … “The City of Edmonton is still actively pursuing a written commitment from the Province of Alberta for funding to cover the $100M money gap.” … “The City of Edmonton will spend $20M over 10 years with the Oilers to promote Edmonton. Think logos, rink boards, commercials etc.” … “There will be another meeting at the end of the month, hopefully with a $ commitment from the Province by then. Will discuss Plan B if not.”
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos has added Michael Kahn as an investor and should be adding more shortly. So far he’s sold $22 million in equity to 9 people from North Carolina. In the next 6 months he’s looking to sell another $20 million to North Carolina people.
  • Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN talk Rick DiPietro: Burnside thinks DiPietro’s deal could go down as one of the worst hockey decisions ever made. He also wonders how the Islanders would have made out if they had kept Roberto Luongo and not drafted DiPietro 1st overall.  LeBruns wonders if there will be a “one-time buyout provision for teams to get rid of one bad contract” in the new CBA. Al Montoya has started all 3 games for the Islanders, and if they want to showcase Evgeni Nabokov for a trade, they’ll have to get him in some games. LeBrun thinks they will move Nabokov before the trade deadline regardless of DiPietro’s health. If the Islanders are in a playoff hunt, Burnside thinks they may not use Nabokov as straight trade bait.
  • James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Alex Auld will be in net for the Senators tonight against Capitals. Bobby Butler re-aggravated a groin injury and won’t travel to Washington.

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A quiet Leafs summer … Hulsizer candidate to by Blues … Possible retirees this year and next

  • George Popalis of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have been quiet this summer with regards to the free agent market, not doing anything since Tim Connolly, and it’s probably a good thing. Over paying for someone and talking away a roster spot for a someone in their young core may not be the best for the team. Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo, Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker are all in their early 20′s and deserve a good look at camp.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is one of the candidates attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. It’s expected that Hulsizer will submit a bid to buy the Blues. The deadline to submit a bid is today. Current minority owner Tom Stillman is also expected to make a bid.
  • Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: Spector lists some players who could retire this year or next: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Cory Stillman, Marty Turco, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Mike Grier. Possible candidates for retiring next summer: Martin Brodeur, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sheldon Souray, Jason Blake, Saku Koivu, Sean Avery, Jaroslav Spacek, Filip Kuba, Willie Mitchell, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Steve Sullivan.

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Toews back tonight? Oshie in first full practice … Antropov activated … Prospal has setback … Blake injures shoulder

  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Though at first expected to miss 2 weeks, Jonathan Toews could be back tonight, less than a week after injuring his shoulder.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers activated Nik Antropov from the IR after missing 5 games with a lower body injury. Tim Stapleton was assigned to the AHL. Jim Slater suffered a concussion on Friday. Zach Bogosian returned after missing Friday’s game with a knee injury.
  • Andy Strictland of True Hockey: T.J. Oshie took part in his first full practice yesterday, but was wearing a no-contact jersey. The Blues are giving themselves a cushion by saying the  All-Star break as timetable for a possible return. Andy McDonald has shown some progress but isn’t skating yet.
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Rangers forward Vinny Prospal suffered a setback. When Tortorella was asked if he’ll play this year, “We’ll see how it plays out.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks winger Jason Blake suffered a knee injury on a Jordan Hendry a hit, though it may not be serious. Carlyle later corrected his postgame scrum mistake by saying Blake’s injury was his shoulder, but still not expected to be serious.

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