Tampering charges still under review

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.”

Read the entire post here.

I can't foresee there being any discipline being handed down by the NHL for this tampering charge.

Niedermayer gets his money back

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.

Read the entire article here.

Considering the team gave Niedermayer permission to take his time, he should never have been docked the money in the first place.

What are the Ducks going to do?

From Dan Wood of the Orange County Register:

Ducks general manager Brian Burke finds himself in exactly that situation today. After last week’s free-agent signings of center Brendan Morrison and defenseman Steve Montador, the Ducks are more than $2 million above the NHL’s $56.7 million salary cap for next season.

That is not a problem, for now, because the NHL allows teams to be as much as 10 percent above the salary cap during the off-season, but they must be at or below the maximum figure by the time the regular season begins. And most teams, including the Ducks, want to be significantly lower so as to enable flexibility for adding players during the season. Chief Executive Michael Schulman has targeted $50 million as the team’s budget for player payroll, though the Ducks could meet that goal and still have a higher salary-cap figure because of the way some contracts are structured.

Read the entire post here.

The Ducks are in a bind here. It seems obvious that their most logical move would be to trade Mathieu Schneider, and I believe that will happen sooner rather than later. But even if that does occur, and then Selanne wants to return, the Ducks would probably end up significantly over their ideal $50 million starting point for next season. I guess this is why they pay Brian Burke the big bucks.

Burke thinks Oilers were tampering

From Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times:

In the radio interview, Lowe said, "What I really want to say about [Burke's] bickering about parity and the salary cap is if you're unhappy about them, then trade [Perry] our way. We'll be glad to have him."

Burke has asked the NHL to look into whether Lowe's comments about Perry constitute tampering and wants the league to investigate his successful pursuit of Niedermayer in August 2005.

"If they conclude there's no tampering, you'll not hear another word from us," Burke said today.

Any action taken against the Oilers isn't likely. Bill Daly, the league's No. 2 official, said there is no current investigation into Burke's charge of "tampering" or the circumstances surrounding the Niedermayer signing.

Read the entire article here.

I think it is pretty safe to say that Kevin Lowe wasn't tampering in this instance. I'm sure the league will diffuse the situation and ask both sides to, once and for all, stop their back-and-forth.

Burke responds to Lowe's comments...kind of

From Dan Wood of the Orange County Register:

More importantly, we believe our fan base is as supportive and as rabid and as loyal as any fan base in pro sports, not just in the National Hockey League. We’ve played to 77 (consecutive home) sellouts, which I believe is the third-best streak in the NHL. All of our suites are sold. Club seats are at record levels. No one can question the commitment and support and loyalty of the Anaheim Ducks fan base. We believe they’re the best fans in professional sports.

Read the entire story here.

Obviously the NHL's directive has limited the entertainment value of Burke's comments.

It comes as no surprise that Burke has defended his market to the press. One of his strengths as a GM has been his ability to increase his team's prominence in its particular market.

Bettman Tells Lowe and Burke to Cease Their Comments

TSN is reporting that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke with Kevin Lowe and Brian Burke via conference call and ordered them to cease their bickering.

A few days after Edmonton Oilers' Kevin Lowe fired back at rival GM Brian Burke, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman tried to pour water on the feud of the two rival team executives.

Following comments by Burke over the past year and comments Lowe made recently to an Edmonton radio station, Bettman ordered the two to cease and desist in a conference call Monday.

Illegal Curve is of the opinion that, while these outbursts were entertaining, it is time for both parties to move on.

Kevin Lowe vs. Brian Burke

Kevin Lowe really doesn't like Brian Burke

From Copper & Blue:

Kevin Lowe just had a big-time interview on the Team 1260, and if you want a clue as to how explosive it was, take a look at how the HFBoards folks have responded. 13 pages so far, and the interview was only an hour ago.

I missed the original interview, but below are some fun quotes from the 10 minutes that they replayed. On Burke:

"He’s a moron, first of all."

"He loves the limelight... he’s in a pathetic hockey market where they can’t get on any page of the newspaper, let alone the front page of sports."

"This guy is an absolute media junkie."

"I hate the fact that my name is linked to his because he’s an underachieving wannabe."

"He’s won a Stanley cup, I’ve won six, you wanna count rings."

Read the rest of Lowe's quotes from Copper & Blue here.

Looks like Kevin Lowe finally had enough of Burke going after him. This is the off-ice version of Domi/Probert; highly, highly entertaining.

Brian Burke blames Kevin Lowe

From Eric Stephens of the L.A. Times:

Burke said it was a reflection of the offer sheets that were handed out last summer by Edmonton General Manager Kevin Lowe, with whom Burke had a bitter feud after the Oilers threw a five-year, $21.25-million deal at Dustin Penner that the Ducks didn't match.

"They're all being re-signed at inflated prices," Burke said. "Everything I said a year ago has come true. Every single word.

"Most [general] managers don't like starting fights with any other managers. . . .

Thanks to the Edmonton Oilers, the second contract [for players] has disappeared."You go right now from entry-level to what used to be the third contract, thanks to two offer sheets from Kevin Lowe."

Read the entire article here.

Burke is correct when he says that the second contract has disappeared. Whether that can be directly attributed to Kevin Lowe is another story.

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition

Here are the morning papers from the Pacific Division:

• Friday was a boring night for the Stars and those who write about the team, writes Mike Heika.
• After last night's draft, the Kings have quite the quartet of talented young defensemen for the future. To be able to take Colin Tuebert with the 13th pick in the first-round, the Kings had to trade Michael Cammalleri.
• It was a very quiet Day 1 of the draft for the Sharks last night, writes David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News.
• Brian Burke made a terrific trade, netting two first round picks for his 12th overall selection. Here is more information about Jake Gardiner, the Ducks first first-round pick.
• The Coyotes are ecstatic about acquiring Olli Jokinen, writes Jim Gintontio.

Don't read too much into the Al Coates hire

From Dan Wood of the Orange Country Register:

Monday's move by Al Coates to leave the Ducks' front office and become director of player personnel for the Toronto Maple Leafs has nothing to do with the future of Ducks general manager Brian Burke, despite any suggestions to the contrary by Canadian media outlets.

The contract of Coates, a former interim general manager of the Ducks who has served as senior advisor to Burke the past three seasons, was set to expire June 30. Toronto interim general manager Cliff Fletcher received permission from Burke to speak to Coates "a week or 10 days ago," Coates said.

Read more from Wood here.

Whether this move has anything to do with Burke moving to Toronto is anyone's guess. If it is, no one is going to come out and admit just that. However, even if it isn't, that won't stop the Burke rumors from continuing on.

Is Burke Next?

From Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail:

Does anyone honestly think a coach as good as Wilson would sign a contract with the Maple Leafs – even a four-year deal that would make him among the best-paid coaches in the NHL – if he did not have an inkling of who will eventually occupy the Leafs' GM chair? Especially if that someone just happens to be Burke, his old Providence College teammate and great friend?

Wilson was unemployed for, what, three days after the San Jose Sharks dumped him? And there are at least four other vacancies around the league.

It's well known that Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher is beloved by most in the NHL, but why on earth would Wilson not at least look into the other openings before casting his lot with a team that has no permanent GM in sight?

Perhaps we'll find out today at the news conference announcing Wilson's signing. He did say Sunday that Fletcher is in the midst of hiring “a team” of executives.

However, there is still no reason to think that that team will not be headed by Burke one day, whether it is when his contract as GM of the Anaheim Ducks expires a year from now, or perhaps in mid-July if Ducks owner Henry Samueli gives up his fight to keep Burke once the team is through the entry draft and free-agency period.

Read the entire article here.

I have to agree with Shoalts on this one. The hiring has to be part of a greater plan; a greater plan that involves Brian Burke. If not, then this doesn't make too much sense.

Rumors about Burke won't stop

From Dan Wood of the Orange County Register:

Still, noise is unrelenting from Toronto, where the latest in a seemingly endless string of circumstantial evidence linking Burke with the Maple Leafs was word Tuesday that Toronto has offered its coaching position to Ron Wilson, late of the San Jose Sharks. The original coach of the Ducks, Wilson and Burke have been friends since their playing days together at Providence College more than three decades ago. Burke, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Ducks, announced April 23 that he was in line with the wishes of Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli that he fulfill the deal.

Still, Burke has not agreed to a contract extension offered by the Ducks, and there are family considerations that could motivate him to move East at some point. Canadian newspapers and electronic media outlets have kept the story alive with nearly daily reports and speculation.

Here is the entire article.

Even with all the talk about Burke moving to Toronto, if it happens, it looks like it will happen after the 2008/09 season. That is because his owners in Anaheim want him to finish the remaining year on his contract. So, can we please limit the Burke to Toronto talk--at least until the Leafs have lost 13 of their first 20 games next season.

The Leafs still want Burke

From Mark Zwolinkski: "The long-standing belief is that Burke is the Leafs' target for president and GM, but they will go through proper channels to land him, even if it takes a year, or a month. Until then, Fletcher remains in control, and will guide the club through the draft, trades, buyouts, free agency and the hiring of a new coach if need be."

Here is the full article courtesy of the Toronto Star.

Apparently the Leafs are looking to form a super management team that could have many different people working together as the Leafs' GM/President. Their main focus appears to be Burke, but the organization has interviewed Dave Nonis and also have reported interest in Doug Armstrong. In my opinion, the Leafs should leave the staff hiring to the new GM, instead of naming his support staff beforehand.

Ducks want both of their minor league affiliates to eventually be based out of California

From the Orange County Register: "Henry Samueli is emphatic that his long-term goal is to have both our farm teams in California," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said."

Here is the full article by Dan Wood.

My take: This is a great idea. Hockey is growing in California, and the state is starting to develop a fair number of hockey players that are playing high-level junior or NCAA hockey. Raising awareness and excitement about the game in the state would be an extremely smart move.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Ed Chynoweth, former WHL president, has passed away. Bob McKenzie has a mini-obit here.
2. NBC and the NHL have extended their agreement through next season.
3. Adam Proteau calls out the officials from last night's Caps-Flyers game.
4. Scott Burnside with a postmortem on the Capitals.
5. Interesting piece on Brian Burke, as found in the National Post.
6. A comprehensive look around the NHL by Stan Fischler.
7. Five for Fighting (wasn't that a band?) updates the injury situation in Dallas.
8. Doug McLean wants to coach the Panthers...again.
9. The Red Deer Advocate calls for more nudity and less arson should the Canadiens win again. Jean Beliveau is upset with the rioting.
10. Another article on playoff beards.
11. The LA Kings have signed Oscar Moller to an entry level deal.
12. The Hot List.
13. HV71 wins the Swedish Elite League championship.
14. Willa Ford blogs on the Stars' first round victory.
15. The IHL lives to play another season.
16. Elliotte Friedman discusses the Mike Gillis hire.
17. The Slapshot blog looks back at some memorable Montreal-Philly matchups.
18. The USA wins the bronze medal at the World Under-18's.
19. The Leafs' GM wish list.
20. Canada hangs a dirty one on the Russians; win Gold Medal.
21. Sean Avery will intern at Vogue this summer, while the NHL looks to cash in on its new rule.
22. Scott Burnside breaks down the Wings-Avs series.
23. Bruce Boudreau has been given a new contract by the Washington Capitals.
24. Allan Muir has questions about the Sharks.
25. Interesting article about the demise of the NHL.

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the post-season:

• Sabres netminder Ryan Miller has joined the NHL competition committee.
• A lot of the Hurricanes are going to be participating in the World Hockey Championships in Quebec City and Halifax.
• The Islanders have signed prospect Tomas Marcinko the team's fourth round draft pick in 2006.
• Here is some news on the Lightning's pending sale. (Writer's note: Wake me up when this saga is over. No one wants to hear about this anymore.)
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star thinks Brian Burke will be the next GM of the Maple Leafs. Apparently the Leafs are offering Burke a whopping $23 million over 5 years!!!

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Bob McKenzie offers a postmortem on the Senators.
2. An off-season game plan for the Thrashers.
3. An update on the CHL playoffs.
4. Pierre Lebrun examines Marian Hossa's playoff record.
5. Will AO rediscover his scoring touch?
6. Edward Fraser wonders who will start in goal for the Red Wings in Game 5?
7. For those of you who haven't seen this, check out a weird little Flames fan.
8. Flyers Fans are noted for their originality.
9. NHL.com profiles 5 youngsters making an impact in the playoffs.
10. Another look at Brian Burke's career options.
11. The NHL has rejected an 84 game schedule.
12. Inside the Kings evaluates the talent in Los Angeles.
13. Jim Kelley's thoughts on rebuilding the Senators.
14. Ryan Miller is blogging over at Maxim.com.
15. Memorial Cup History, 1926.
16. If you could only pick one of the four...
17. Ray Emery gives his insight into the Senators' terrible year.
18. Another installment on the Roseau Rams.
19. Quebec's Anglos are not happy with CBC's coverage of the Habs, so are watching on RDS instead.
20. Chris Osgood will get the start for Detroit in Game 5.
21. The Hawks have signed Dan Bertram and Mike Brennan.
22. A little more hockey history.This time the 1938 Cup Winners, the Chicago Blackhawks.
23. A wide ranging post from the Slapshot blog.
24. Globe on Hockey casts its vote for Trevor Linden as the Canucks' new GM.
25. Adam Proteau examines some NHL'ers with something to prove.

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs:

• Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if Thrashers ownership could learn a thing or two from the Canucks.
• The Hurricanes have signed both Stefan Chaput and Nick Dodge to entry-level contracts.
• Jacques Martin has decided to stay on as the Panthers' GM, writes Steve Gorten. Martin's first order of business will be to hire a head coach to replace himself.
• Radim Vrbata wants to remain a Coyote and is hoping to sign a contract extension with the club.
• In Tampa, Vincent Lecavalier's surgery was deemed a success.
• Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star tries to help Brian Burke with some decision-making. (Writer's note: Burke is a stand-up guy, he is not going to go to Vancouver and take the job his best friend just lost.)
• Francesco Aquilini held one of the more awkward press conferences on Tuesday, writes Jason Botchford. Dave Nonis needed to be more assertive during his tenure as GM, opines Tony Gallagher. Meanwhile, Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province wonders what's next for the Canucks?

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers: Non-Playoff Teams (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers from the teams that did not qualify for the playoffs this season:

• The Hurricanes fans want Peter Laviolette behind the Hurricanes bench next season.
• Rick Nash had throat surgery yesterday, so he is expected to miss the early part of the World Championships, writes Aaron Portzline.
• The Oilers signed defenseman Dennis Grebeshkov to a 1 year, $1.5 million contract on Monday. "If he has a good year again next year, we can probably extend it from there. But it came from his end as far as the one year," said Oilers vice-president of hockey operations Kevin Prendergast.
• The Islanders are continuing to work hard at improving their attendance, writes Katie Strang.
• The Coyotes have signed Hobey Baker Award winner Kevin Porter to his first pro contract.
• Vincent Lecavalier is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery today and it is expected to sideline him for 12-15 weeks.
• Dave Nonis was surprisingly fired yesterday after a meeting with the club's owner, writes Ben Kuzma. "I couldn't feel more sorry for [Nonis]," said Ducks GM and Nonis' mentor, Brian Burke. Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province says that Nonis paid a price for encouraging boring hockey. The Province wastes no time listing eight potential replacements for the Canucks GM post.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Email any thoughts, ideas or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com