Thank you to everyone who has supported us at the blogspot address. Illegal Curve has moved to to a new address. Please update your bookmarks and rss feeds accordingly.
Our new address is http://www.illegalcurve.com/
We have a redesigned our site to better serve all of our readers.
Thank you again for your support and we hope to see all of you at our new location.
Hi everyone,
We are currently having some server issues with our new site that we hope to have ironed out within the next hour or so. Once we fix this problem, the new site will be up and runnning.
Sorry for the delay.
We appreciate your patience,
Richard
Update: Our new site is now up and running.
Just wanted to let everyone know that the reason for the lack of posts is because we are working feverishly to have the new site ready for Monday morning.
Thanks,
Richard
From John Vogl of the Buffalo News:
Cunneyworth, who has coached the Sabres’ AHL team in Rochester for the past eight seasons, was hired as an assistant coach by the Atlanta Thrashers. Cunneyworth joins the staff of new Thrashers head man John Anderson.
“I’m very happy for him,” Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said Friday. “It’s well-deserved, and he’ll do a terrific job.”
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Pierre-Marc Bouchard and the Wild avoided a Monday arbitration hearing when
Bouchard agreed to a five-year, $20.4 million contract minutes before midnight
tonight. Thank goodness my hangout of choice is right across the street from my home. Although, I think I did re-break my foot hobbling back to write a frantic story.
The $20.4 million is $600,000 smaller than Nick Schultz’s six-year package, which was the largest sum of money in one contract. Of course, next up is Marian Gaborik, and if the Wild can get him inked, that $21 million with be shattered.
From TSN:
The Nashville Predators signed center Rich Peverley to a two-year contract and goaltender Pekka Rinne to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.
The New York Islanders have added to their defence corp by signing defenceman Bruno Gervais to a three-year, US$2.2225-million contract on Friday.
The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of centreman Yanick Lehoux to a one-year contract.
From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:
Sergei Brylin, the classy three-time Stanley Cup champion, returned to New Jersey today to pick up his personal effects before heading to Russia to sign a three-year contract with St. Petersburg of the Continental League.
"I haven't technically signed," Brylin told me, "but we've agreed to terms. I've heard good things about the team. Igor Larionov will be involved with the team. Maybe it's a change I needed. Being here for so long, I wouldn't say it puts you to sleep, but I got used to things. This will shake things up."
A Russian source is reporting that former Atlanta Thrasher Alexei Zhitnik has signed with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL.
On Friday, leaders of HK "Dinamo" (Moscow) signed a "trial" contract with the famous defender Alexei Zhitnikom, speaking for many years in NHL.
From TSN:
The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of forward Marek Svatos to a two-year contract, thereby avoiding arbitration.
"Marek Svatos has been a key ingredient to our success the last few years," said
Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere in a statement. "He's scored many big goals for this club and we expect him to be a strong force for us again this season."
From William Houston of the Globe & Mail:
TSN may be looking at Ray Ferraro, formerly of NBC and Sportsnet, as well as former NHL coach Marc Crawford and retired defenceman Larry Murphy as potential hockey analysts.
From Dave Staples of the Cult of Hockey:
Charlie Huddy told Dan Tencer of 630 CHED that the Oilers plan to go with Smid
paired up with Denis Grebeshkov to start, also Lubomir Visnovsky and Tom
Gilbert, as well as Steve Staios and Sheldon Souray.
From Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
That's why it was so refreshing to see Therrien get a big new contract last week. A year ago, after he had led the Penguins to a 47-point improvement and their first playoff spot in six years, general manager Ray Shero gave him just a one-year extension. This time, after the team made it to the Cup final, Shero tore up the one year remaining on Therrien's contract and gave him three years at around $1 million per season.
Now, finally, the odds are on Therrien's side. He's still not a lock to get through the next two seasons; there will be extraordinary pressure on him and the team considering the expectations the run to the Cup final generated. But at least he has a shot because of the commitment from management.
From Greg Logan of Newsday:
The big ticket on the carousel of coaching candidates that Garth Snow is running this summer belongs to former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella, who is scheduled to meet with the Islanders' general manager on Sunday.
Because he stands to collect $1.3 million for the remaining year of his Lightning contract, Tortorella can well afford to be choosy about his next job. That salary is slightly more than twice as much as former Isles coach Ted Nolan was believed to be making, but that's what a 2004 Stanley Cup victory will get you. The Lightning's obligation to Tortorella would be offset by whatever salary he makes in a new job this season.
From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
The Blue Jackets have signed veteran NHL center Mike York to a one-year contract, The Dispatch has learned.
It's a two-way contract that will pay York $750,000 with the Blue Jackets and $100,000 with the minor-league Syracuse Crunch.
The Regina Pats have replaced the departed Curtis Hunt with former player Dale Derkatch.
As the Pats' head coach, Derkatch hopes to employ a formula similar to the one that worked so well in Wilcox.
"I want to be the highest-scoring team, I want to be the lowest goals-against, and we want to be third or fourth in the league in penalty minutes,'' Derkatch, 43, said during a media conference at the Brandt Centre.
"Now, people are thinking I'm crazy, saying, 'Why do you want to be third or fourth in the league (in penalty minutes)?' Because I want guys to play hard and I don't want them to be scared when they play hard that if they take a penalty, I'm going to be upset with them. I'm not upset with them. They're going to take penalties for playing hard.''
Winger Erik Cole, recently acquired from Carolina, arrived in Edmonton yesterday with his wife, and is saying the right things.It's a brief trip, but a busy one as Erik Cole hits Edmonton for the first time since becoming a member of the Oilers. He has been here before, of course, as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final; he most vividly remembers the atmosphere around Game 6, a game that he says "wasn't all that memorable" for the Canes (4-0 win for the Oilers). First and foremost Cole and his wife are here to buy a house. The Cole's will be making the move together with their 2 young children sometime in late August. They're looking to find a house fast because they need to get back to New York for their son's 4th birthday party this weekend.
Chatting with Cole this morning at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert, where he made a stop to sign autographs for the young participants in the Oilers Hockey School, it didn't take long to realize that he and his family are truly eager to start their new life in Edmonton. "There's a big buzz and everyone that I've talked to within the organization is really excited about the upcoming season," Cole said. "The way they finished last year, it's an exciting time to be an Oiler. My wife and I are really excited to be here."
Hopefully Cole puts up a few points and finds some chemistry in the Top 9. Having another offensive option certainly won't hurt the Oilers.
We at Illegal Curve are excited to announce the unveiling of our new look website on Monday morning. As part of the process for unveiling the new site, www.illegalcurve.com will be down from Thursday evening through Monday morning. However, during that time, readers can still access all of our daily postings at www.illegalcurve.blogspot.com.
Once the site debuts early on Monday, the blogspot URL will be obsolete and we will strictly be using www.illegalcurve.com.
Thanks to all of our readers for supporting us on blogspot; without you, we'd be nothing. Additionally, I'd like to thank all of you who emailed us with your suggestions for the new look site.
Sincerely,
Richard Pollock
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
Glen Murray, placed on unconditional waivers yesterday, was not claimed by any team prior to today's 12 p.m. deadline.
From Dan Wood of the Orange County Register:
It’s probably not at the top of the NHL’s to-do list, but the league hasn’t shelved the tampering charge filed by Ducks General Manager Brian Burke (right) against Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an E-mail this morning that the league has received a formal request to investigate but has not concluded its probe.
“It is being processed internally,” Daly wrote. “No further update at this time.”
From TSN:
NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly weighed in on the side of NHL expansion into Canada and increased revenue sharing on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver on Thursday.
"We're very supportive of the Canadian franchises, not only because of the history and tradition, but also because of the results," Kelly explained on the TEAM 1040.
"I mean the Canadian fans are like no others," he continued. "They're passionate, they come out and support it, they buy the merchandise, and they're knowledgeable about the sport. And it seems to us a no-brainer that if you're going to expand or you're going to relocate, that you first and foremost have to consider some of the major hubs here in Canada. You know, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Quebec City, perhaps Halifax if they had an arena that could sustain an NHL team. But I think there are locations in Canada that would strongly support the NHL game."
From all the contributors at Illegal Curve, we'd like to wish our own Ezra Ginsburg a Happy 26th Birthday!!! Have a great day big guy!!!
From The Boys at Illegal Curve.
In case you have been dying to see how the Stars' Ice-Girls are going to look next year, click here.
From Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province:
- The Issue: If Mats Sundin opts to retire or play elsewhere.
- The Question: What is Plan B?
- The Quote: "We have secondary layers of planning that we went through before July 1 and we're comfortable that those secondary layers of planning will be sufficient one way or the other. We'll see where it (pursuit of Sundin) goes. We're going to look at every possibility. Part of our secondary planning is that a couple of guys are ready to play or close to being ready to play on this team and making a contribution."
From Hugh Adami of the Ottawa Citizen:
Martin Gerber can probably breathe a little easier with Alex Auld and not Ray Emery waiting in the wings to be the Ottawa Senators' No. 1 goalie.
Auld, signed to a two-year, $2-million U.S. contract on July 1, didn't hide his desire yesterday to become the starting goalie for the Senators, but he made it pretty clear he'll accept the backup role, too. So fans shouldn't expect him to throw any temper tantrums or show up late for practice if Gerber can hold onto to the No. 1 job.
From Lowetide:
At 36 years old, Marius Czerkawski has decided to retire. The former Oiler (who is also connected to two teams Edmonton has often dealt with over the years, NYI and Boston) had been playing in Switzerland the last couple of seasons.
From Luke Decock of the News Observer:
Is a team from the Swedish Elite League negotiating to buy Niclas Wallin's
contract from the Hurricanes?
A reader passed along this tidbit from a Swedish newspaper that would indicate Lulea of the SEL is trying to do just that, translated here via google:
It has long been silent about the combination klassvärvningar and Lulea Hockey. Jättetalangen Kristofer Berglund (Björklöven) is the only catch in the category so far. A credible source tells PT-sport club is trying to negotiate loss Stanley Cup-winner Niclas Wallin from the Carolina Hurricanes-the contract.
Wallin was almost ready for Luleå for a couple years ago, but then
succeeded his Carolina win the Stanley Cup whereupon Haradspojken offered a
drömkontrakt. Now, Wallin played by two of those three years and Luleå is said
to work hard and quietly to buy off him. In this case, the new government's
first major chapter.
From Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
The defenseman, who is still on an entry-level contract, is participating in this week's prospect camp at the Skate Zone in Voorhees simply because general manager Paul Holmgren could bring him in.
"It's certainly not a punishment that he's here," Holmgren said. "We view him as one of our top young players. Right now, more than anything, we're relying on his leadership with some of these other young players who are just getting started."
From Steve Zipay of Newsday:
"I'm excited about the guys we got," he said. "Redden's an All-Star, a great player, he'll really be good. I know Naslund from watching him when I was growing up [in Thunder Bay, Ontario]. He's got experience, he's been on the power play." Asked about the critics who believe Naslund, at 35, is no longer the force he once was, Staal said, "Maybe a change of scenery will be good for him."
Staal also was pleased with the return of defenseman Michal Rozsival. "I got pretty comfortable playing with him last year," Staal said, noting that he had no preference for a pairing with either Redden or Rozsival. "It's not up to me, but I want to play as much as I can, so I can probably get the minutes with either of those guys."
From John Vogl of the Buffalo News:
In other news, veteran forward Mathieu Darche reportedly has agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Sabres.
The 31-year-old played 73 games for Tampa Bay last season, scoring seven times and adding 15 assists. Darche has spent most of his career in the minor leagues, recording 352 points in 440 games. The Sabres need to add players to fill out their roster in Portland, but Darche is hopeful of playing in Buffalo.
“I figured that’s where I’ll have a good chance,” Darche told the Syracuse Post-Standard. “Lindy Ruff is a lot like [former Tampa Bay coach] John Tortorella. You get what you deserve. I decided the fit was good in Buffalo, and I liked the talk I had with Darcy Regier.”
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
"It was really, really difficult," said general manager Peter Chiarelli. "Muzz is a very good person. He meant a lot to the room. It's something where you have to make hard decisions in this new system. Being put on waivers, it means that if you get taken by somebody else, we're prepared to accept that, and that's not a very good thing to hear, especially for someone who's served the time he has with us. It was a hard decision.
"It's not written in stone that he'll be bought out, but it is a step toward that. It's unfortunate but it's part of the game."
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Lynn flew to Toronto tonight to get situated, and right now, I’m getting the feeling there’s a large gap between what the Wild is seeking from the arbitrator and what Bouchard’s camp is seeking. Usually, both sides have a good idea what number an arbitrator will decide upon, so they can avoid arbitration and come to an agreement (like last year when the Wild and Bouchard agreed on a one-year, $2.6 million deal before arb or like last week when Stephane Veilleux and the Wild agreed to a one-year, $862,500 contract, including a 125K signing bonus).
In this case, the gap appears to be large enough that the Wild and Bouchard may not come to a compromise. So, there’s a shot it’ll get there.
From Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun:
Buzz is the Vancouver Canucks are interested in acquiring Antoine Vermette, the fleet-footed Senators forward who awaits a scheduled, July 31 arbitration hearing. Original speculation had Ottawa hoping to land rugged defenceman Kevin Bieksa in return, but the Canucks laughed off talk of a one-for-one deal. Most recently, the word coming from out west has Vermette heading to Vancouver for former Senators blueliner Sami Salo.
From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:
The Sharks made it official today, naming Trent Yawney, Todd Richards and Jay Woodcroft as assistant coaches for the coming season.
Those names have all been circulating here and elsewhere, but the one real bit of real news in the series of announcements being made today is that Corey Schwab has been hired as the team’s goalie development coach. Assistant General Manager Wayne Thomas will continue to work with Sharks goalies at the NHL level, with Schwab — most recently a scout and assistant goalie coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning — working with prospects at Worcester and elsewhere.
From the Orange County Register:
The Ducks announced Wednesday morning that Coach Randy Carlyle has been given a two-year contract extension, which keeps him behind the bench through the 2010-2011 season.
Carlyle had one season left on his contract. He is entering his fourth season as Ducks coach in which he is 138-74-34, a franchise record for victories and winning percentage (63 percent).
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
The Bruins have placed Glen Murray on unconditional waivers, the first step of the buyout process.
If Murray goes unclaimed and the Bruins complete the buyout, they will trim $2,766,667 from their 2008-09 cap hit, bringing their current number down to $55,469,999. They will carry Murray's remaining money of $1,383,333 on their 2009-10 payroll.
From Steve Zipay of Newsday:
Martin Rucinsky, the Czech winger who played 136 games with the Rangers in three separate stints, has decided to return to play for Prague in the Extraliga, his new team reported.
Rucinsky, 37, was injured much of last season when he played for the Blues, scoring five goals and 11 assists.
From Adrian Dater of the Denver Post:
Maybe I’m being too sentimental here. Maybe Yeller doesn’t have much left in the tank. Maybe the league’s 30 GMs know something I don’t. He is 34 now, and had only three goals in 74 games - a career low.
But Yelle’s teams have a funny way of always being winners, and nobody disputes his PK credentials. The fact is, the Avs have been distinctly unimpressive of addressing this woeful area so far this offseason. They seem hellbent on adding every Hanson Brother-type player they can find, but not interested in finding a guy who can, you know, win a faceoff or get the puck and clear it when one of the Hansons are in the box. And the Avs, with their off-season signings so far, figure to be in the box plenty this coming year.
From Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch:
Some critics, however, say the Jackets overpaid for a defenseman with 14 career goals and 49 assists in seven seasons spanning 296 games. The Hockey News labeled it the fourth-worst signing of the summer.
"I'll be the first to admit I got a very good contract for myself," Commodore said. "I know (NBC and TSN analyst) Pierre McGuire ran his mouth up there, which is no shocker. I don't set the market. If you take what I've done in the last three years and take my comparables ... I don't think by any stretch of the imagination it was an unfair contract."
From Luke Decock of the News & Observer:
Glen Wesley spent all but a few months of his 20 NHL seasons with two franchises, the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes.
When they meet on Feb. 17 at the RBC Center, the recently retired defenseman will be honored and his No. 2 jersey retired, the Hurricanes announced Tuesday.
"It makes it pretty special, starting my career out there," Wesley said Tuesday. "Finding that out today, it was pretty exciting to hear that."
From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:
Larry Robinson, who spent last season next to head coach Brent Sutter, won't be behind the Devils' bench again this season. He'll serve as a special assignment coach between the organization's prospects in Lowell, Mass., and the Devils.
Tommy Albelin, as assistant coach who served as the club's eye in the sky in the press box, will join John MacLean behind the bench.
Phoenix Coyotes draft pick Viktor Tikhonov is the latest in a long line of players, coaches and other personnel to get their own blog at the Hockey News.
My agent told me there was a chance I would be drafted in the first round, so I went into Friday hoping for the best and Phoenix took me 28th overall. A lot went through my head when I heard my name called: happiness, adrenaline – so many things.I eagerly await my turn at blogging for the Hockey News about my season with the UND Law Hockey Team.
After you put the jersey on and go up on stage, it’s just the beginning. There’s an interview with your new team (for me it was with Darren Pang), then you pose for 20-30 pictures and get your own media scrum.
Once that was finished, I headed off to the Phoenix Coyotes’ team suite. The room was packed. All the scouts, GM Don Maloney, fellow first-rounder Mikkel Boedker; everyone was in there.
When the first round was finished, I stuck around a bit longer and went back on stage to take pictures with family and friends. I even have a shot of me pointing to my name on the big board. It was pretty cool.
On the heels of the draft, I flew back to my home in California for about half a day before jetting to Phoenix for the team’s prospect camp.
Former Blue Jackets defenseman Duvie Westcott, bought out this summer by Columbus, has signed with Dinamo Riga in the KHL.
Westcott was bought out of the final two years of his contract by the Blue Jackets this summer, meaning he'll earn $600,000 plus from the Jackets over the next four years. He tried to get a one-way contract in the NHL, but found no takers.
Don't know how much he's making in Latvia, but he's probably well compensated. He's also surrounded with friends.
Former Blue Jackets forward Mark Hartigan, who won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in June, is off to Latvia, too. Westcott and Hartigan are best buddies from their St. Cloud State days. In fact, their summer homes are right next door in Minnesota.
Other players you may recognize on the team: Marcel Hossa, Ronald Petrovicky, Filip Novak.
From Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger:
Fedor Fedorov might not possess some of his older brother's Hall of Fame-caliber skills, but he has Sergei's unmistakable confidence.
Signed as a free agent by the Devils after playing the past two seasons in his native Russia, Fedorov is taking part in this week's developmental camp for prospects at the Prudential Center.
The catch is, unlike most of the players involved, Fedorov, 27, is extremely confident he'll earn a spot with the Devils in training camp.
"That's the only reason I'm here," Fedorov said Tuesday. "No other reason. There is no (other) point in me being here."
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette writes that the CBC, in an effort to re-brand its flagship franchise, is still working out the details of who will appear on the show.Milbury's addition raises the question of what the future holds for another HNIC regular with Boston connections - P. J. Stock. There won't be much room on the Hotstove with ring master Ron MacLean, Milbury and Scott Morrison taking up three of the four spots. HNIC likes to throw in Eric Duhatschek, Pierre LeBrun or Al Strachan in the fourth spot, and that leaves little or no room for Stock.
I like the addition of Milbury, especially to the Satellite Hot Stove.
As per the Grand Forks Herald, the Edmonton Oilers signed the defenseman to a 2-way deal. He is expected to split time between Springfield and Stockton.
Bina, an all-Western Collegiate Hockey Association defenseman at UND, recently signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Edmonton Oilers organization, which also holds the rights to Geoff Paukovich.
Bina’s contract is with Springfield (Mass.) Falcons of the American Hockey League and the Stockton (Calif.) Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League.
Good signing by the Oilers. Despite some other higher profile names getting all the press for the Sioux, its quite often Bina who runs the power-play and makes things happen. He is small, but his skills with the puck are undeniable.
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL)club will open its 2008 training camp presented by Wells Fargo at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, N.D. on Saturday, Sept. 20.
“The Wild has had a great relationship with the hockey fans of the greater Grand Forks area for many years and has enjoyed great success in NHL preseason games there,” said Tom Lynn, Assistant General Manager/Hockey Operations. “Ralph Engelstad Arena is one of the finest hockey facilities in the world, and outside of our home in the Twin Cities, we could not imagine a better venue for starting our training camp in 2008.”
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
An NHL source confirmed Sportsnet's report that Dennis Wideman has signed a new deal with the Bruins, avoiding the arbitration hearing scheduled for Aug. 1.
Wideman has signed a four-year extension, although the source couldn't confirm the amount of the defenseman's contract. GM Peter Chiarelli said there is no update on Wideman's contract.
From the Toronto Sun:
Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour soon will take their place among the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time greats.
The popular former Leafs captains will have banners raised at the Air Canada Centre in separate pre-game ceremonies this season to honour their achievements with the NHL club. Clark's No. 17 banner will go up on Nov. 22 before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks while Gilmour's No. 93 will be raised Jan. 31 when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit.
The Leafs only have two retired jersey numbers -- Ace Bailey's No. 6 and Bill Barilko's No. 5.
Clark and Gilmour's will be added to 12 others whose numbers are "honoured" with banners, but still available for current players to wear. The others are Syl Apps, Ted Kennedy, Turk Broda, Johnny Bower, Tim Horton, George Armstrong, Charlie Conacher, Frank Mahovlich, Darryl Sittler, Hap Day, Red Kelly and Borje Salming.
From Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun:
The Canucks, who have 4,000 people representing 8,000 seats on their season-ticket wait list, are increasing season-ticket rates by an average of about 7.5 per cent this season. "Our costs are rising," de Bonis said.
"We are forecasting player salaries to go up 15 per cent from where they were last year. Our price increase is about half the increase in the player salaries, so it's about seven and a half percent. We went out the year before with a 12-per-cent increase. We are trying to be sensitive to not having these prices go up and up and up while recognizing we want the resources to put the best team we can on the ice."
From Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun:
The Flames, he said, didn't exert any pressure.
"They were great with it. They helped me a lot. It's good to have people around like that," he said. "They just let me take the time I needed and be ready for the next year."
How ready he'll be remains to be seen.
A season away is going to have an impact, but he said he doesn't feel too rusty.
"Ever since I've been on skates again, it felt fine. No games, nothing competitive. Probably lost a little bit of development, but I wouldn't say too much," said Ryder, who skates a few times over the winter. "Getting back on the ice, it's good. I'm looking forward to a good camp and getting it going."
From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:
I had a chance the other day to talk with Curtis Brown and he sounded as if he’s ready for the next phase of his hockey career to continue in Switzerland.
That may be because Brown talked with Joe Thornton — who played there during the 2004-05 lockout — before signing a two-year contract with the Kloten Flyers.
“That was key,” Brown said. “I talked to Joe and he said it was unbelievable.”
From Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun:
All this puts Canuck GM Mike Gillis in a tough spot. How long does he give Sundin to make up his mind? At some point Gillis may have to turn to Plan B, which would likely involve trading away one of his defencemen -- maybe Kevin Bieksa -- for some offence from a team that is up against the salary cap. If he hasn't already, Gillis needs to tell Sundin and his agent J.P. Barry that the Canucks' very generous offer of $20 million over two years has a deadline. Give him until the end of the month. If Sundin still hasn't decided by then, the Canucks need to turn the page and move on.
From Rich Hammond of the L.A. Daily News:
Clune, 21, was selected by Dallas in the third round (71st overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 38 games with the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season and recorded eight points (3-5=8) while finishing second on the club with 137 penalty minutes. Clune, a 6-0, 195-pound native of Toronto, also skated in 19 games with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads this past season and registered 10 points (1-9=10) and 41 penalty minutes.
Clune finished third on his team in goals (32), assists (46) and points (78) and led his club in penalty minutes (151) while skating with the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Barrie Colts during the 2006-07 season. He also led the Colts in postseason scoring with seven points (3-4=7) and eight penalty minutes in eight playoff games that year. In addition, Clune appeared in one game with the Iowa Stars that same season, recording two penalty minutes.
From Todd Davis of the Dallas Morning News:
The Stars traded left wing Richard Clune to the Los Angeles Kings for right wing Lauri Tukonen, a 2004 first-round draft pick and yet another Fin.
Clune, a third-round pick in 2005, didn't make it to the big club in Dallas, bouncing between Iowa and Idaho last season.Update from Mike Heika: This move seems to have Dave Taylor's fingerprints on it. The Stars' director of player personnel was with the Kings when they drafted Tukonen, and would obviously have the most information on the Finnish winger.
From Jerome Stockfisch of the Tampa Tribune:
"Like anything in life, there's two sides to the story," he told fans after one inquired about the circumstances. "I'm certainly not going to debate that Dan Boyle won a Stanley Cup here. He's a great hockey player, the best puck-moving defenseman in the league.
"To make our team better, to make it better tomorrow, to make it better in the future, to make it better now, we felt this was a move we had to do. We got four great assets back for him and Brad Lukowich. It makes us a better hockey club."
From Ed Moran of the Philadelphia Daily News:
But Stevens stood behind his team and his staff, and yesterday, Stevens was honored by The Hockey News, which named him coach of the year for leading the Flyers from the bottom of the league to the Eastern Conference finals in one season.
"[Stevens] is the coach that we deemed did the best job in the regular season and postseason," Hockey News editor Jason Kay said yesterday. "John did a great job in leading a great turnaround, but also the style that he employs, such a calm demeanor behind the bench, is an example of his leadership.
From Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
The Flyers did just that yesterday by signing the 24-year-old Lupul to a four-year extension, worth $17 million through the 2012-13 season.
Lupul will make $2.3 million this coming season. The extension has no effect on this year's cap, which the Flyers have nearly reached.
"The Flyers have put a big commitment in me and a lot of other young guys who have been locked up for years to come," Lupul said in a statement. "The way that we can kind of all continue to play and develop these relationships on and off the ice, it is pretty exciting."
From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
Scott Niedermayer is getting his money back ... all of it ... every single cent of the $490,909.08 he was improperly fined by the NHL for missing Anaheim's training camp last season, The Post has learned.
As originally reported by The Post on April 20, the former Devil had been fined under Article 15.3 (f) of the collective-bargaining agreement even though he had been granted permission by GM Brian Burke to take an unpaid leave of absence in the wake of Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup victory, the fourth championship of the defenseman's career.
From John Niyo of the Detroit News:
Former Red Wings defenseman Brad McCrimmon likely will be back on the bench at Joe Louis Arena next season. General manager Ken Holland confirmed he's in negotiations with McCrimmon to fill the vacant assistant coaching position on Mike Babcock's staff.
From William Houston of the Globe & Mail:
Signing analyst Mike Milbury to a multiyear contract rates as Hockey Night in Canada's most important acquisition in years.
The deal — two years plus an option — was announced yesterday after Milbury failed to reach a contract extension with TSN.
In just one NHL season with TSN (and also NBC), Milbury has developed into a top studio analyst, largely by mixing humour with hard-hitting commentary.
"I think it's a huge acquisition," Scott Moore, the head of CBC Sports, said. "If he's not the best, he's one of the top two or three [studio analysts] in the business."
From the Newark Star-Ledger:
Russian center Fedor Fedorov was signed by the New Jersey Devils on Monday after he spent the last two seasons playing in Europe.
Fedorov, 27, had 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 games last season with Dynamo in Russia. His previous stint in the NHL came during the 2005-06 season when he played three games with the Rangers.
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
The Penguins re-signed forward Jeff Taffe to a one-year contract, general manager Ray Shero announced today.
Taffe, 27, played 45 games for the Penguins during the 2007-08 season, scoring 12 points (five goals, seven assists) along with eight penalty minutes. He registered had a four-game point streak from February 23rd to February 28th, scoring five points (two goals, three assists).
From Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune:
The Blackhawks re-signed goaltender Corey Crawford to a one-year contract Monday.Crawford, 23, appeared in five games with the Hawks last season and had a 1-2 record with a 2.14 goals-against average and .929 save percentage. The victory was a 3-0 shutout of the then-defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks on March 5.
From the Detroit News:
Goaltender Jimmy Howard has signed a three-year contract with the Red Wings. Howard will earn $600,000 next season, according to the NHL players' union.
From the Globe & Mail:
If the National Hockey League had played its cards right, one of its most troubled franchises would soon have a new home in a stable hockey market, with stable ownership and a stable future. Instead, having outsmarted itself in blocking the move of a U.S.-based team to Canada, the league has an unholy mess.
Little more than a year ago, Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie was set to buy the foundering Nashville Predators and move them to Hamilton. It was a marriage made in heaven. Mr. Balsillie, the co-CEO of Research In Motion, is a dynamic and deep-pocketed owner of a kind the NHL needs more of. And a team in Hamilton would have thrived; more than 12,000 fans quickly put down deposits for season tickets in expectation of the Predators' arrival.
From Do Thrashers Have Talons?:
So what do we have here? A player still in the peak section of his career. A guy who has demonstrated above averaging scoring ability, but is not really an elite 1st line scoring threat. A guy who probably will see more even strength ice time here in Atlanta and if he stays healthy could put up new career highs in points.
Overall I give this signing a thumbs up. Every player comes with upside and downside risks. In the case of Williams there appears to be more upside potential than risk of collapse. On the other hand, Williams is not an elite/impact sort of guy, he's more of a 2nd line NHL forward on a playoff team and you can't expect him to push the Thrashers into playoff contention by himself. If expectations are kept in check, he will likely end the season in the "pleasant surprise" category for many fans.
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
While Gordon doesn't have any NHL coaching experience, he is considered an up-and-comer because of his success in Providence. Gordon runs high-tempo practices, uses video extensively, and is well-respected by current and former players.
In 2007-08, Providence won both matches against Bridgeport, New York's AHL affiliate. Islanders GM Garth Snow has said he wants a coach who will emphasize player development.
From Steve Zipay of Newsday:
Greg Moore, the 24-year-old right wing who scored 26 goals and added 40 assists for Hartford last season and was a restricted free agent, has signed with the Rangers. Moore, who was selected as an AHL All-Star, appeared in six games with the Rangers last season.
The Hockey News publishes a weekly list of top prospects. This week's entry can be found here.
1. Louis Leblanc, C – Lac St. Louis Lions (QMAAA): Leblanc is a sought-after commodity these days. The only non-major junior player invited to Canada’s Under-18 camp for the Ivan Hlinka tourney, Leblanc has also chosen Harvard over Val d’Or for the final step in his amateur career. In the meantime, the USHL and Omaha could be the next destination for the high-scoring pivot. Leblanc was the Quebec Midget AAA leading scorer and MVP this season, while passing Daniel Briere’s mark with 85 goals over two years. Draft eligible in 2009.
2. Patrick Wiercioch, D – Denver Pioneers (WCHA): Yup, Wiercioch is no longer headed to the Wisconsin Badgers. With a backlog of bodacious blueliners in Madison and David Carle’s situation in Denver, the Pios managed to pluck the highly touted defenseman from their conference rival.
Wiercioch, a second-round selection of the Senators in June, comes from the sturdy Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where, despite injuries, he was pleased with his environment.
“I was surrounded by one of the best teams in junior hockey,” he said. “We had 19 Division I scholarship players on the roster.”
The B.C. native was also happy to be selected by a Canadian franchise, especially one he sees himself playing for in the future.
“I think Ottawa is a good fit,” he said. “I’m an offensive defenseman, much like the first pick (Erik Karlsson).”
While Wiercioch had planned to spend the next few years in Wisconsin, the timeline likely doesn’t change for Denver, where he expects to grow his game at the proper pace and go pro when the time is right.
“Making the NHL is the No. 1 goal,” he noted. “If I feel I’m ready to make the jump, then I’ll be confident in that decision.”
In the meantime, Wiercioch brings a good deal of buzz and even more playmaking ability to the Mile High City. Drafted 42nd overall by Ottawa in 2008.
3. Stepan Novotny, RW – Kelowna Rockets (WHL): The fact Denver landed Wiercioch took the sting out of losing Novotny to the Dub. The Czech national started off his North American career as a star with prep school Shattuck-St. Mary’s before hopping over to the USHL to play tougher competition with the Indiana Ice. Those enemies will get meaner and nastier in the Western League, so Novotny will have a chance to really show what he’s made of. Draft eligible in 2009.
4. Steven Anthony, C – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): The prized rookie didn’t blow the hinges off the door as a 16-year-old, but the Sea Dogs were a deep squad and he was only 16. With some attrition in the Saint John ranks, look for Anthony to get back to the offensively dominant player he was with Sidney Crosby’s old squad, the Dartmouth Subways. Draft eligible in 2009.
5. Jared Cowan, D – Spokane Chiefs (WHL): The upcoming season was supposed to be the Memorial Cup run for the Chiefs, but wouldn’t you know it, those darned kids caught fire too soon. The run for a repeat is now on and Cowan, all 6-foot-5 and 207 pounds of him, will be there for the defense. Draft eligible in 2009.
6. Patrik Berglund, C – Vasteras IK (Swe): The early buzz coming out of St. Louis is that the 6-foot-4 Berglund is coming to town and he plans on staying a while. With 45 points in 36 games this year, the young Swede brings a scoring dimension the Blues could use. Drafted 25th overall by St. Louis in 2006.
7. Josef Pontasch, LW – Detroit Belle Tire (MAHA): USA Hockey’s Select 17 festival wrapped up on the weekend and the leading scorer was Pontasch, who tied Beau Bennett of the L.A. Jr. Kings with 11 points, but scored five goals to Bennett’s four. Nonetheless, they’re two names to watch out for. Draft eligible in 2009.
8. Michael Frolik, C – Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): With a sagging offense and a pivot spot available, look for Frolik to make a serious challenge for a roster spot in Florida this fall. The Czech center was dynamite alongside Jakub Voracek at the world juniors, but missed significant time with injury as well. Drafted 10th overall by Florida in 2006.
9. Riku Helenius, G – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL): At 6-foot-3, 203 pounds, Helenius covers a lot of net, which he’ll do once again for Seattle next season. The Finn’s first North American campaign was a success, if not one overshadowed by fellow Dub net stars Chet Pickard and Dustin Tokarski. Drafted 15th overall by Tampa Bay in 2006.
10. Brian Salcido, D – Portland Pirates (AHL): Technically, Salcido isn’t a Pirate anymore; when the season begins, he’ll either be with the new AHL affiliate Iowa Chops or the Anaheim Ducks. It goes without saying the offensively savvy defenseman would prefer to be a Duck. Drafted 141st overall by Anaheim in 2005.
Hockey News write Jason Kay has some questions about the Flames' upcoming season. Some of the questions that were raised include:
Kay does raise some pertinent questions, though I am inclined to take a wait and see attitude with all these predictions.
• Their defense: is it overrated?
• Jarome Iginla: He’s unquestionably one of the pre-eminent players in the NHL, but can he carry a forward group that appears to lack depth?
• Miikka Kiprusoff: which one will show up? And if it’s the very good one, at what point in the season will that happen?
• Mike Keenan: has the game passed him by? Will he have the players’ ears in Year 2 of his tenure?
• With so many improving and strong teams in the West, can Calgary hold off the challengers?
Naples News sportswriter Angela Busch kept a diary of her quest to learn to play hockey. Check it out here.
MAY 8
There’s no time to rest, though, because today is another day of academy. I felt pretty good about my skating at Wednesday’s private lesson, but with the more experienced women at academy, I get a reality check. Forget about transitions or handling the puck consistently,
I still can’t keep up with backward skating.
Still, I’m able to make it through the hour despite my soreness. Maybe it’s just that this is a new sport, but I’m never ready to quit skating when the hour ends. I’m starting to see what all these Canadians love about their national sport.
From the Toronto Sun:
Mats Sundin expects to announce within the next two weeks where he will play next year. And the Maple Leafs remain an option - should he return to the NHL.
"I will make a decision in the end of July or beginning of August," Sundin told Stockholm's Aftonbladet newspaper yesterday.
"If I am going to play it's for the full season and I want to be there from the beginning of August."
Sundin went on to suggest that he'll either play for the Leafs or Vancouver Canucks in 2008-09. "The Maple leafs are not out of the picture if I decide to play," he said.
From Garth Woolsey of the Toronto Star:
The Canucks have held enough salary space to cover their offer – a $5 million signing bonus and $5 million salary in the first year, followed by another $5 million signing bonus on July 1, 2009, then the final $5 million for the second year.
They most recently signed free agent forward Pavol Demitra to a two-year deal worth $8 million, pushing Vancouver's commitments for 2008-09 to $47.19 million (the cap is $57.3 million).
"We've been patient (with Sundin) but we're attempting to be as progressive as we can on every front," Gillis said last week. "We communicated to Mats we were going to try to sign players who complement him. We're continuing that line of communication. (Signing Demitra) should add to our team generally and hopefully it's a positive step in that direction."
From Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune:
"When you're a player, you just want to be put in the best position to win, and it looks like Mr. [Dale] Tallon and Mr. [Rocky] Wirtz have done that so far," veteran forward Patrick Sharp said. "They've made some great moves this off-season, and ... this is the most excited everybody seems to be about [the team] in a long time."
The Blackhawks Convention drew a sellout crowd of about 8,000 to the Chicago Hilton for three days of autographs, seminars and a chance for fans to connect with players, coaches and members of the front office.
From Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald:
They're the potential, unfulfilled. They're the prospects, unpolished.
They're the future, right now.
Welcome to the Calgary Flames' annual professional development camp, which starts this afternoon at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
The National Hockey League club is rustling up 30 of its unfinished gems and whipping them through a week's worth of on-ice buffing.
From the Calgary Herald:
“Andre is a player with a Stanley Cup championship, who provides us with a dimension that is still important in the league,” said Sutter in a press release. “It was our goal to replace that aspect on our team and we felt it was better to do it now than to trade for it as we go into camp.”
From Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch:
"It's only going to get worse in the minds of (NHL) general managers," one NHL agent said. "They are going to be more reluctant to take (Russian players) early because they're not sure if they will be able to come over."
Weary of seeing their best players flock to the NHL with little compensation, a new breed of deep-pocketed Russian owners is fighting back. Those owners are attempting to keep elite, homegrown talent within the startup Continental Hockey League (KHL) or secure transfer fees similar to international soccer.
KHL president Alexander Medvedev, a billionaire who made his fortune in natural gas, disputes Filatov's right to leave his club, CSKA Moscow, and join the Blue Jackets without paying a $1.5 million buyout. Never mind that it appears as though Filatov no longer is under contract to CSKA Moscow. It seems Medvedev is intent to raise a fuss over every high-profile selection, and the Russian federation is encouraging other European leagues to stand their ground, as well.
From Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Downie, the Flyers' 2005 first-round pick, said he's focusing exclusively on his skating during this summer. He is working on losing weight to go along with a lot of power skating drills.
Making the team out of camp in the fall isn't a given. Right wing is all of a sudden a crowded position, with Mike Knuble, Joffrey Lupul, rookie Claude Giroux and free-agent acquisition Arron Asham all in the mix, along with Downie.
"Nothing's guaranteed," Downie said. "That makes everyone work that much harder. There will be a lot of competition in camp."
From Greg Logan of Newsday:
Former Toronto coach Paul Maurice has the pole position in the interview process to determine the successor to Ted Nolan as coach of the Islanders. According to an NHL source, Maurice is expected to meet with general manager Garth Snow Monday.
The list of confirmed Islanders coaching candidates now numbers seven. Besides Maurice, the list includes former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella and his assistant, Mike Sullivan, both of whom have received permission from the Lightning to interview. Snow still is waiting for approval to interview former Atlanta coach Bob Hartley and current Providence Bruins coach Scott Gordon in Boston's organization.
From John Niyo of the Detroit News:
The Wings have locked up one of their remaining free agents, agreeing to terms on a three-year contract with defenseman Jonathan Ericsson . The two-way deal is worth about $2.7 million if Ericsson remains in the NHL but pays him less -- and doesn't count against the Wings' salary cap -- if he's playing for Grand Rapids in the American Hockey League.
From Greg Logan of Newsday:
Multiple team sources from the locker room to the front office blamed Nolan for ignoring advice from his handpicked assistants regarding the defensive system the Islanders used and the power-play setup. Miroslav Satan, who scored 17 of his 35 goals in 2005-06 playing down low on the power play, rarely was used that way by Nolan and his production declined to 27 goals, then to 16 last season.
A person close to one top player accused Nolan of "mismanaging his assets." The person added, "Various people on the team caught Ted Nolan in outright falsehoods."
From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
ALL right. Here are the questions. Some of them, at least.
A limited no-trade clause on top of $39M over six years to get Wade Redden to sign, a full no move on top of $8M over two years to get Markus Naslund to commit, and doesn't it seem as if the Rangers are back to where they were before the lockout, bribing overpriced free agents to come to New York?
If the Rangers didn't want to bring back Sean Avery, if he was such a destructive influence, why in the world did Glen Sather offer him a four-year contract for $12M?
What if Avery had come to the conclusion that $3M a year in New York was worth more to him than the $3.875M per for which he ultimately signed in Dallas?
From Rich Hammond of the L.A. Daily News:
There was a report that the Kings might sign defenseman Danny Markov out of Russia. A Kings source said the team talked to Markov but that Markov declined to take a physical in advance and Markov declined. So it seems that unless Markov has a change of heart, he won't be coming to the Kings.
From the Calgary Herald:
You can order those Andre Roy jerseys (his No. 36 should be available) and start the countdown until he starts his first scrap with Derek Boogaard or Scott Parker because the former Tampa Bay heavyweight is a Flame. Roy gets a one-year deal and will make $550,000 in 2008-09.
From TSN:
A Swedish newspaper nearly started an international incident on Sunday as they reported that Mats Sundin has agreed to play for the Vancouver Canucks, a claim that Sundin's Swedish representative denies.
Sundin's Swedish based representative Claes Elefalk claims the story in the Daily News is completely false, claiming that reporter Dusan Umicevic contacted him seeking a quote. Despite Elefalk telling the reporter that his information was incorrect, Umicevic published the story anyway.
From Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe:
No surprise, hockey also played a key role in determining Shawn's shift assignment that summer. So did fighting, then and now perhaps his No. 1 playing strength. The mill is a 24/7 operation, with many workers assigned three 12-hour shifts, followed by two days off, followed by three more 12-hour shifts. The young Thornton was eager to earn $21 an hour that summer, but not so eager to be left at the whim of the scheduler maker, who could choose between day and overnight shifts. Thornton much preferred a "straight days," Monday-Friday schedule, and was eager to sign on when his father presented him with that possibility. Only one hitch: He would have to fight for it.
"Not fight another guy at the mill," explained Thornton. "It was another player - Jeff Ware."
From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
Q: How much compensation do you believe the Blue Jackets owe CSKA Moscow for Filatov's rights?
A: I am not in position to discuss compensation or any financial issues connected with this case. The only thing I can say is that to develop such a player costs a lot (of money). I guess it is the same case in most countries.
Q: You have stated that Filatov's contract was terminated with CSKA Moscow. If so, why do the Blue Jackets owe compensation?
A: I have to update you on this situation. Filatov's contract was signed with the CSKA club under the rules of the previous league. Last spring, all the contracts were reissued with KHL form. Once again, I have to tell you that I am not going into details on the question of financial compensation.
From George Richards of the Miami Herald:
"Ask my wife. I'm so excited about this job, I'm writing down line combinations in the middle of the night.''
The excitement is understandable. DeBoer, 40, has spent a lifetime working toward a job in the NHL.
He has spent the past seven seasons coaching the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. He led the Rangers to the pinnacle of Canadian junior hockey -- winning the Memorial Cup -- in 2003. Reluctant to bounce his young family from team to team and city to city, he turned down offers to be an NHL assistant coach and waited for a head coaching opportunity.
From Sam Carchidi of the philly.com:
Right winger Joffrey Lupul is close to signing a four-year contract extension with the Flyers.
Lupul, who had the second 20-goal season of his career last season, denied an Edmonton radio report that he had agreed to a four-year extension, but he acknowledged that the sides were near a deal.
"We're still talking, but it's not finished yet," he said yesterday. "Hopefully, it'll get done early next week."
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
The Wild re-signed left wing Stephane Veilleux on Saturday night to a one-year deal worth $737,500.
From Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
And now these people are rubbing their hands in glee with anticipation of Feb. 8, when they can show the world the depth of the Pittsburgh knucklehead population. That's when the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings make their only appearance at Mellon Arena in the 2008-09 regular season. The knuckleheads aren't excited about a chance for the Penguins to get some measure of revenge for their loss in the Cup final. No, what they can't wait for is the chance to rain down boos on Marian Hossa.
Hossa's crime?
He chose to play in Detroit instead of Pittsburgh.
No question, Hossa's decision on where he would play his hockey in 2008-09 was a strange one. He left tens of millions of dollars on the table in Pittsburgh and other places to play in Detroit for one year at $7.4 million.
For that, the knuckleheads want him enshrined in the Benedict Arnold Traitor's Hall of Infamy.
From the Arizona Republic:
Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced Friday that the Coyotes have signed center Garth Murray to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Murray, 25, began last season with the Montreal Canadiens and appeared in one game before being claimed off waivers by the Florida Panthers.
From Jessica Hopp of the Tennessean:
Predators forward Alexander Radulov participated in his new Russian team's training camp Friday even though his contract was suspended by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Continental Hockey League President Alexander Medvedev said the international federation can't keep Radulov off the ice during domestic competition or camp.
The suspension applies to his new team Salavat Yulaev Ufa's games in the inaugural Champions Hockey League, a tournament to determine Europe's top club team that starts in October. It also would apply to the World Championships and the Olympics.
From the Toronto Sun:
In January, Predators general manager David Poile said the hope was for his star winger to return for the '08-09 season. But Sullivan concedes that his back hasn't been responding as well to treatment as team officials would like.
"They haven't put a timeline on my return yet," he said. "But I am still planning a return. My goal is to get back on the ice as soon as possible."
From Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune:
Winger Martin Havlat traveled from the Czech Republic to attend the convention and said rehabilitation on his surgically repaired right shoulder is going well.
"It has been four months, and I still have two months before camp starts," said Havlat, who was limited to 35 games last season after twice injuring the shoulder and undergoing surgery for a second time. "I should be 100 percent. We took it slower than the other two surgeries. This time I didn't have to push it.
"It's going to be important to stay healthy the whole year. I'm doing everything I can to be that way. I'm doing the rehab the right way, and hopefully everything's going to be all right next year. I'm pretty confident right now, but I guess we'll see when the games start."
From Bob Stauffer of the Edmonton Sun:
This past week Marian Hossa's agent Ritch Winter made an interesting comment regarding a factor in the decision-making process for Hossa when he was in free agency.
Winter inferred that when it came to evaluating the Edmonton Oilers, a concern that the Hossa camp had was goaltending.
I do not share those same concerns.
In fact it is my belief that Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe should strike quickly and sign Mathieu Garon to a long-term deal.
Garon was one of the top free-agent buys in the 2007 off-season.
From Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun:
Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers figures four years in the minors is enough.
The Edmonton Oilers goaltender is ready to make the jump to the NHL.
"My intention is to make the Oilers this year," Drouin-Deslauriers said yesterday after the Oilers announced they had reached an agreement with him on a two-year contract extension.
From Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News:
Because Pominville will only be an RFA next summer, the Sabres hold a lot more cards with him than Miller or any potential UFA. Still, they want to get him locked up longterm and would be wise to do that before he gets in the 100-point range.
Derek Roy got a six-year, $24 million deal prior to last season. I would certainly say Pominville may be worthy of being a $4 million player as well, perhaps more. How about four years, $18 million? Or maybe, for old times sake, kick the can again for five years-$25 million? (Relax, just kidding. Couldn't resist).
From Greg Logan of Newsday:
Restricted free-agent center Frans Nielsen reached agreement with the Islanders Friday night on a four-year contract worth $2.1 million. It has a one-way provision in each year of the deal, virtually assuring Nielsen will be on the NHL roster.
The $525,000 average salary might turn out to be quite a bargain for a 24-year-old player for whom the Islanders have high hopes. In 16 games with the Islanders last season, Nielsen had only two goals and one assist, but he received fourth-line time, averaging 8:42 per game.
From Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times:
Darren Rumble will coach AHL Norfolk next season, and promised to try to pay back Admirals fans who watched their team for the first time in 19 years, miss the playoffs. Why is this a nice story? Because Rumble was an assistant to coach Steve Stirling last season and was basically fired when his option was not picked up after Stirling was re-assigned.
From Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News:
The contract extension was critical on many fronts. For once, it didn’t take the Sabres an hour to make minute rice. The deal was done 18 days after they were eligible to begin negotiations.
There were no lowball offers, no botching of tentative agreements, no animosity, no jerking around a star player, no distractions. It was a grand departure from business practices that led to Chris Drury and Daniel Briere bolting, Brian Campbell getting traded and the franchise landing on its ear. By golly, maybe they’ve finally learned their lesson.
Miller wanted to remain here. The Sabres showed they were committed to keeping him. Everybody’s satisfied.
From Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune:
Former Lightning coach John Tortorella could be in line to take over the vacant head coaching position with the New York Islanders.
The Islanders have contacted Tampa Bay seeking permission to speak to Tortorella, the Tribune has learned. The Lightning have granted the Islanders their request to talk to Tortorella.
From David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News:
Even before returning to San Jose, McLellan had been laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.
He and Doug Wilson, for example, have been assembling a staff of assistant coaches that is expected to be announced early next week. One name almost sure to be on the list is Trent Yawney, one-time coach of the Chicago Blackhawks and a former teammate of the Sharks' G.M.
McLellan also has been in touch with many of his players.
From Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Despite Therrien's 94-51-19 record in his two full seasons with the Penguins, there has long been speculation that Shero would at some point bring in his own coach.
"When the manager doesn't hire the coach, it's easy to say that," Shero said. "But going into our third year together, the results have been there."
From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
It's unclear how much sway a suspension from international tournaments would hold with Filatov, an 18-year-old forward, but those close to him say it would not prevent him from playing in North America this season. If he doesn't make the Jackets' roster out of training camp, Filatov is expected to be sent to their minor-league affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., or to a junior-league team.
From the Globe & Mail:
The Chicago Blackhawks announced Friday that centre Jonathan Toews will serve as the team's captain for the 2008-09 season, making him the third-youngest captain in NHL history.
Only Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Vincent Lecavalier, both while still 19, became captains at a younger age than the 20-year-old Toews.
"Jonathan deserves this honour," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "He is a tremendous individual and a wonderful leader on and off the ice. He has experience in captaining teams from his world junior appearances and guys follow his lead in our locker room."
From Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated:
But before we get to that point, there are more than 1,200 games to be played. Although it won't be for lack of trying, we can't watch 'em all. So here's a look at some of the dates we've circled on our calendar after giving the schedule the once-over:
Oct 4: Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa in Stockholm; New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay in Prague
Last season's opening series between the Ducks and Kings in London wasn't as jolly good as the league had hoped, but forcing hockey on the English was a classic square peg/round hole situation. The Swedes and Czechs should be much more welcoming hosts, even if Jaromir Jagr's decision to bolt to Russia takes some of the lustre off the Prague game. Of course, fans will still have the thrill of watching Filip Kuba and Petr Prucha and, likely, the NHL debut of top pick Steve Stamkos.
From Seth Rorabaugh of Empty Netters:
The Penguins signed a three-year extension with head coach Michel Therrien. The deal will keep him behind the Penguin's bench until the 2010-11 season.
EN Says: We love this signing. Therrien inherited a mess from Ed Olczyk during the 2005-06 season and the franchise has done nothing but improve since that point. Granted, Therrien has had a roster of talent to deal with that could rival some international teams, but several coaches have failed when put in similar circumstances.
From Jeff Klein of the NY Times:
Hall of Famer Igor Larionov has agreed to become the director of hockey operations for SKA St. Petersburg, the KHL club owned by league president and Gazprom export CEO Alexander Medvedev and coached by U.S. citizen Barry Smith, the Russian daily Sovietskiy Sport is reporting.
According to the report, Larionov will sign a two-year deal with SKA upon his arrival at the St. Petersburg airport on Sunday afternoon, at which point he will meet with reporters. Soon after, according to the report, he will join the team at its training camp in Finland.
From TSN:
The Buffalo Sabres re-signed goaltender Ryan Miller to a five-year, $31.25 million contract extension on Friday.
Entering the final year of his current contract this season, Miller will now remain the club's franchise netminder through the 2013-2014 season.
From the KHL Press Service:
“We do not accept the idea of suspending the contracts because this has not been agreed on by KHL and NHL. The mentioned players should not be made ‘scapegoats’ due to the fact that the Memorandum of Agreement has not been signed between the KHL and the NHL. In the absence of a signed Memorandum of Agreement between the KHL and the NHL, it is important to remember that the player is under contract with the individual clubs and the KHL can only enforce any such agreements with the NHL, once the Memorandum has been signed by all parties,” said KHL President Alexander Medvedev.
KHL management calls on NHL to sign the Memorandum of agreement and to put it into force from July, 10 2008, which will legally prevent similar cases between the NHL and the KHL in the future.
From Luke Decock of the News & Observer:
When the Hurricanes take on the Red Wings in the second home game of the season, there's a good chance only one team will be in red.
The Canes hope to unveil their new, NHL-approved alternate jerseys — expected to be black with the team's secondary, waving-flag logo on the chest — at the Caniac Carnival in September and could wear them on the ice as early as Oct. 13 against Detroit.
From Seth Rorabaugh of Empty Netters:
In this release by the Penguins which brags about how they had a renewal rate of 99 percent from their season ticket holders for next season, there's one little item that's somewhat buried.
"The club also plans to select four games for special "Student Rush" promotions. For those games, college and high school students will be able to purchase discounted tickets for $20. A total of 400 tickets will be available for each of the four games."
From Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail:
That "portability" became Del Biaggio's No. 1 marketing plank in trying to attract fresh money.
Unfortunately, the local Nashville ownership and the local politicians who were subsidizing the franchise didn't know a thing about that quiet arrangement.
And just a little bit of due diligence on Boots might have revealed that he was broke, that he may have been securing loans on false premises, that he was a very, very bad risk — before he wound up in bankruptcy protection, being sued from all angles, and under investigation by the FBI.
In any other walk of life, in any other business, bad judgment on that scale would get a chief executive fired.
From Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette:
Pacioretty, who acknowledged Berenson wasn't pleased with his decision, praised the coach.
"I talked to him before and he talked to me about the pros and cons about either decision," the 19-year-old said.
"A couple of days later, I ended up signing, making the decision to leave. I really took into consideration what he had to tell me. He's a great coach. He's probably the best coach I ever played for."
From Greg Logan of Newsday:
It was just one of six goals in yesterday's scrimmage at the Islanders' rookie camp, but it looked like a blueprint for the future. No.1 draft pick Josh Bailey penetrated the right circle and dished perfectly to budding rookie star Kyle Okposo in the slot, where he flicked it left to defenseman Andy MacDonald, who buried the shot.
You never know, but the decision to put Bailey, the ninth overall pick in June, on the same line with Okposo, the seventh overall pick from the 2006 draft, could be the start of a beautiful relationship.
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Veilleux, a restricted free agent representing himself in negotiations, cleared waivers and remained Wild property with an arbitration hearing scheduled for Monday. Assistant GM Tom Lynn flew to Toronto on Thursday afternoon to get situated for the hearing, but teams and players often figure out a way to avoid what can be an acrimonious process.
The Wild hopes that clearing waivers displays to Veilleux that his contract demands are unreasonable.
But Veilleux maintained Thursday that he knows his "value," although he won't divulge what he's seeking.
TSN is reporting that the IIHF has suspended former (?) Predators forward Alexander Radulov as it investigates some transfers from the NHL to the KHL.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has suspended Alexander Radulov while they investigate the details of his transfer to the newly formed Russian KHL.
As well, the transfer of five other players - Nikita Filatov, Thomas Mojzis, Jason Krog, Fedor Fedorov and Viktor Tikhonov - is also being investigated by the governing body
.
Good for the IIHF. The Russians have long complained about the NHL stealing players under contract, then turn around and do the same thing. It will be best for both sides to get a good working agreement in place.
From Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Two tickets for the price of one to select weekday games in certain areas.
From John Dellapina of the New York Daily News:
The Garden filed its response Thursday night to that June 18 counterclaim in which the league asked the U.S. District Court for Southern New York to not only dismiss the Garden's original lawsuit from last September but also permit the commencement of in-house disciplinary action that could result in the Rangers franchise being stripped from MSG's ownership.
In its response, the Garden argued again that specific league policies were illegal - even if ratified by a vote of clubs - and that the NHL rule prohibiting a member club from suing it (under penalty of franchise forfeiture) also was illegal.
From Lisa Dillman of the L.A. Times:
Lombardi called Murray's new assignment the "toughest job in the NHL."
"He might as well have said: 'Well, Terry, we're not in Philadelphia anymore.' Even if Bobby Clarke of the Flyers did send Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall a text message, saying: "Flyers West."
From Luke Decock of the News Observer:
Today's weird news: A telephone survey of 500 North Carolinians found that only 10 percent would pick a Hurricanes game if given the chance to get tickets to a variety of sporting events.
Perhaps more surprising, only 82 percent of those surveyed even knew that North Carolina has an NHL team in the survey by Public Policy Polling.
From Damian Cristodero Lightning Strikes:
Here's the team announcement:
The Lightning have hired former NHL goaltender Mike Vernon as special assistant to the vice president of hockey operations today, owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie announced. Vernon ’s duties will be to assist in hockey-related matters and to provide guidance to the team’s goaltenders.
From Jonathan at Copper & Blue:
TSN is reporting that Marty Reasoner has signed a contract with the Atlanta Thrashers. Reasoner has long been a favourite of mine, a player who entered the league as a high-scoring blue-collar prospect, and had to adapt his game to play a checking role. He's suffered various injuries over his career, and lost a step that he really couldn't afford to lose, but he's still been able to carve out a career as a 3rd/4th line forward, a face-off and PK ace, and a character guy in the dressing room.
From Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Wild left wing Stephane Veilleux has cleared waivers, according to two sources, despite only a $15,000 pickup fee.
From the Montreal Gazette:
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced today the signing of forward Max Pacioretty to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Max Pacioretty is a young player with a lot of skills who has the potential to play in the NHL. We are very happy to have him under contract for years to come. We feel he is ready to make the jump to professional hockey, and we will make sure to provide him with all the resources which will benefit his long-term development as a player,’’ said Bob Gainey.
From Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe:
GM Peter Chiarelli, on the other side of the continent on a fishing trip this week, is handling negotiations with Dennis Wideman. So the Bruins aren't expecting any agreement to take place -- if they can settle before arbitration -- until Chiarelli returns on Sunday.
From Dan Rosen of nhl.com:
The first pucks in the 91st NHL regular season will drop in two European countries that have supplied the League with a number of premier players over the last two decades.
Sweden and the Czech Republic have opened their doors to the NHL for many years now by developing greats like Nicklas Lidstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, Henrik Lundqvist, Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek.
From Brad Schrade of the Tennessean:
A potential investor in the Nashville Predators says troubled financier William J. "Boots" Del Biaggio III told him the NHL allowed Del Biaggio to bypass some of the league's strict financial background checks for prospective owners.Doug Bergeron, a California-based Canadian investor and entrepreneur and president of DGB Investments, was among those to whom Del Biaggio tried to market a share of the Predators.
Bergeron said Del Biaggio told him in December that National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman's office had given special permission for Del Biaggio to buy a share of the team without being subjected to all the scrutiny the league usually gives to prospective owners. Del Biaggio told him the commissioner's office did not require him to show audited financial statements before it approved him.
From Mary Ormsby of the Toronto Star:
The Toronto Maple Leafs – one of the NHL's costliest ticket vendors – will host a free pre-season game Sept. 22 against the Buffalo Sabres for 20,000 people lucky enough to get ducats from the hockey club and sponsor Coca-Cola.
Yes, free Leaf hockey. At a cost of close to $2 million to stage. Famously tight-fisted owner Harold Ballard should be whirling in his grave right about now.
