The Buchwald Report

The thing that surprises most people the first time they meet Darren Pang is the fact that he wears a giant codpiece. It's not hockey related, like a goalie cup or anything like that. No, it's just a big black codpiece, worn outside his suit that is reminiscent of that guy in Cameo. You know, the "Word Up" guy. I don't think anyone knows why Panger wears a codpiece - he just does. After you know him for a while, you just forget it's there. He doesn't bring it up. You don't bring it up. It's just understood - and what the hell, it makes the little guy happy.

The only reason I mention it is because the BevMo I go to is in the same mini-mall as Codpiece City, which is apparently the largest codpiece retailer in North America. BevMo was having a "Boonesfarm for a Buck" sale, and I happened to run into Panger in the parking lot as we were both leaving. We stopped and chatted for a while. He didn't inquire about what was in my bag. Nor did I inquire about what was in his. But we did talk about hockey. And he clued me in on a few happenings that are in the works...

New Jersey wants Satan. "Nothing would make us happier than seeing the name Satan on the back of a Devils jersey. It just seems like a perfect fit." said an unnamed source.

• Buchwald Rating = A8
  

Blues looking at Martin St. Louis. "Nothing would make us happier than seeing the name St. Louis on the back of a Blues jersey. It just seems like a perfect fit." said an unnamed source.

• Buchwald Rating = N2
  

Dallas interested in Roenick. "Nothing would make us happier than seeing JR in Dallas. It just seems like a perfect fit." said an unnamed source.

• Buchwald Rating = Z9
  

Torchetti discussing scouting job with Calgary. "Nothing would make us happier than seeing Torch become a Flame. It just seems like a perfect fit." said an unnamed source.

• Buchwald Rating = E7