Obiter Dicta Issue 4 - October 13, 2015 | Page 14

SPORTS 14  Obiter Dicta The Long Hot Summer kareem webster › staff writer “Here it is, the groove, slightly trans…formed. Just a bit of a break from the norm…” N osta l gic, isn’t i t? Next May will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the timeless single that still gets airplay on the radio. Of course, I’m referring to “Summertime,” the g-funk-inspired melody from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Next summer may be a break from the norm. The free agency class of 2016 has the potential to be one of the hottest periods in recent NHL h i s t o r y. There are superstars, stars, good players, and guys that can give teams on the brink of contention the right piece to flourish among pending unrestricted and restricted free agents. Keep in mind that these players can sign an extension with their respective teams before 2016 (Brent Seabrook signed an eightyear extension with Chicago in September). With two playoff appearances in the last eleven seasons, Leafs fans are yearning for a break from the norm (of futility). Two general managers and coaches later (yes, I’m counting Horachek), the Buds are looking to start from scratch. Brendan Shanahan and newly hired Lou Lamo &