2006 NHL Offseason Thread

[Draft Dodger]

The Sabres have scheduled a press conference for 4pm today to discuss the new jersey design for the coming year.

I'm scared...really scared. {crosses fingers}Please have swords in the design!!!{/crosses fingers}

sort of good news, I guess.
They are still changing their jerseys (not yet "officially" unveiled, but sounds like it is indeed the nasty-ass buffaslug).

but they are using their original jerseys as a 3rd jersey for 15 games.

[NoSkillz]

sort of good news, I guess.
They are still changing their jerseys (not yet "officially" unveiled, but sounds like it is indeed the nasty-ass buffaslug).

but they are using their original jerseys as a 3rd jersey for 15 games.

Well, I'm willing to give them time on this, even though the managing director said the DTC (Donald Trump Combover :) ) logo is indeed the one they're going with on the radio today.

He says that the leaked logo wasn't 'complete' and missing some wordmarks. He also said that swords WOULD be part of the finished product.

Buffalo fans can breathe a sigh of relief! :D

[TurnerONU22]

Guys, I was serious here. :(

Pushor will be the 9th defenseman, so his official title (and has been for the past 2 years) is Crunch veteran. He'll be helping out down there, and the only reason he saw time in a CBJ uniform last year was because of terrible injuries to the blueline. Surprisingly, he didn't look half bad, but I hope to never see him up here again.

[Pyser]

the van ryn signing made me think of this...the defensive pairings the devils could have that were given away in deals/fa...meanwhile, we had klee and aleblein back there last year:

niedermeyer - commodore
van ryn - souray
willie mitchell - jason smith

[Maple Leafs]

willie mitchell - jason smith
Whoa there chummy. Leaf fans are the only ones allowed to play "sweet jesus, our defence would be so much better if we hadn't dealt away Jason Smith" card.

[Simms]

Hasek to the Wings (http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/weblog/hasek_a_wing/), according to Kukla.

[MikeVic]

Hasek to the Wings (http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/weblog/hasek_a_wing/), according to Kukla.

It's on ESPN.com too...

[Draft Dodger]

Hasek to the Wings (http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/weblog/hasek_a_wing/), according to Kukla.

so much for the cancer being in remission...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hasek to the Wings (http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/weblog/hasek_a_wing/), according to Kukla.

Hrmm....

I have to think on this. He won a Cup here, which is hard to overlook, but he has betrayed me too many times in the past. He's also old and has a wonky groin...

I need to see a salary before drawing any sort of significant conclusion.

[Draft Dodger]

it's still going to get a pretty big HAHA from me, even if he's playing just for free Icy Hot

[Draft Dodger]

btw, pretty nice locker room shift for the Wings - Yzerman and Shanahan for Hasek. Aces.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have thought more on this. (These views are subject to change)

The Hasek Situation.

Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.

That said, while healthy last year he played pretty well in Ottawa. He had solid numbers and was a quality starter.

Also, what were our other options? Giguere and his wonky hip and large contract? Nabokov and his massive deal and wildly inconsistent performance? Toskala a young, good goalie who would've likely cost an arm and a leg to get via trade? Biron, a young, good goalie with zero playoff experience and some unknown trade value? I really thought Biron was the only viable option (Toskala's price always seemed too rich for the Wings' blood).

With Hasek, the situation is clear. He's the starter. Osgood is the capable back-up. Ozzie is a vet who is comfortable in the back-up role and played pretty well for the Wings in the same role last year.

If Hasek's groin gives, we still have Osgood and we can then see how Liv or Howard are doing in the minors. If they're doing well, we call one of them up. If not, the Hasek deal will likely give the Wings enough cap space to go out and trade for a starting goalie. I forget the exact rule, but if a player is on IR long enough, then some (or all) of his salary is no longer counted against the cap. Ottawa could have done the same last year and didn't. That's what sunk 'em.

Assuming Hasek's deal is comparable to the deal Belfour signed with Florida, all in all, it's not that bad of a move. It makes some sense. Hasek totally out played Belfour (when both were healthy) last year. Just look at the numbers.

Of all the 40+ year old goalies out there with injury problems, I'd say we've got the best one! That's gotta count for something...

[Honolulu_Blue]

btw, pretty nice locker room shift for the Wings - Yzerman and Shanahan for Hasek. Aces.

You're not wrong. Well, at least our starting goalie is spending the summer as Paris Hilton's new boy toy. :D

[MikeVic]

Umm... I haven't been paying attention much... but where's Manny Legace?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Umm... I haven't been paying attention much... but where's Manny Legace?

Still a man without a home. Apparently he's talking to St. Louis and New York (Islanders). There's no way he'd be the starter in New York, so maybe St. Louis is the better bet. They have Curtis Sanford, who played well, but Legace is more apt to challenge him for the #1 than he is DiPietro.

[Maple Leafs]

What's the deal with Legace? He seemed fine last year. He has one iffy playoff series and suddenly he's kryptonite?

[MikeVic]

What's the deal with Legace? He seemed fine last year. He has one iffy playoff series and suddenly he's kryptonite?

Lol, that's why I asked. It just hit me: "Wait, why is Detroit looking for a goalie??" I always liked Legace, so I don't understand how Hasek/Osgood is a better situation than Legace/anyone.

[Draft Dodger]

You're not wrong. Well, at least our starting goalie is spending the summer as Paris Hilton's new boy toy. :D

but at least pretty boy seems to understand the season isn't supposed to end in February

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lol, that's why I asked. It just hit me: "Wait, why is Detroit looking for a goalie??" I always liked Legace, so I don't understand how Hasek/Osgood is a better situation than Legace/anyone.

The team lost faith in Legace and, more improtantly, Legace lost faith in Legace. He was interviewed on Detroit Sports Radio about a month ago. He did not come off well. He sounded kind of pathetic and broken. It was really uncomfortable to listen to. I hope he rebounds. He also made a number of comments during the Edmonton series and afterwards that you just really don't want to hear coming from your starting goalie.

Legace wasn't solely to blame for the Wings' early playoff exit, but he certainly didn't make any game saving type saves. Not once. He was very average in the series. He had that knock on him going on and did nothing to disprove it.

So now, he's been saddled with a reputation as not being able to handle the pressures of playoff hockey. That's a tough reputation to shake and even more difficult to get a starting job (or starter's money) with that rep.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Hasek Situation.Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.


See 05-06 Atlanta Thrashers for how that whole wonky, brittle groin thing works out.

I might very well be proven wrong once the season begins but at this point I think there's about a zero percent chance I would have even paid min sal to sign Hasek.

Then again, nobody from Detroit called me to ask my opinion.

[Honolulu_Blue]

See 05-06 Atlanta Thrashers for how that whole wonky, brittle groin thing works out.

I might very well be proven wrong once the season begins but at this point I think there's about a zero percent chance I would have even paid min sal to sign Hasek.

Then again, nobody from Detroit called me to ask my opinion.

Seeing all the particulars of the Hasek deal, I'm more convinced than before that this was a decent move. In particular:

"Hasek will get a low base salary of $750,000 next season and, more importantly, his entire $1 million bonus clause is based on playoff performance, which, if attained, can count against the following season's salary cap."

So, for this season, the Wings are on the hook for only $750k of salary. They have a decent amount of cap room left and should still have some after they re-sign Franzen and sign one of Carter, Sykora, or Rucinsky. Therefore, if Hasek's groin gives they will be able to go out and trade for a goalie. The biggest risk, of course, is if Hasek's groin goes out post-trade deadline. Yeah, the Wings will be in a tough spot but they have a solid 1(b) in Osgood and you have to hope that either Liv or Howard will, over the course of the season, develop into a 1(b) or 1(a) goalie.

Given the other options available, I'll take the gamble on Hasek.

[NoSkillz]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=173003&hubname=

The Sabres continue to spend money, signing Max Afinogenov to a 3 year, $10 Million deal.

Darcy Regier is doing an absolutely phenomenal job keeping this team together and I'm very impressed that they seem flexible with their budget.

They still have to sign Ryan Miller (who will get big dollars) and Dmitri Kalinin and I won't be surprised to see Dumont and Biron packaged together in a deal but the core of this team is set after they officially accept the Briere arbitration ruling this weekend.

After years of shady ownership and lackluster upper management, this team truly gets it now and it's refreshing as hell for fans like myself. :)

[DeToxRox]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=173003&hubname=

The Sabres continue to spend money, signing Max Afinogenov to a 3 year, $10 Million deal.

Darcy Regier is doing an absolutely phenomenal job keeping this team together and I'm very impressed that they seem flexible with their budget.

They still have to sign Ryan Miller (who will get big dollars) and Dmitri Kalinin and I won't be surprised to see Dumont and Biron packaged together in a deal but the core of this team is set after they officially accept the Briere arbitration ruling this weekend.

After years of shady ownership and lackluster upper management, this team truly gets it now and it's refreshing as hell for fans like myself. :)


I'm really happy. Buffalo is a team I grew to watch quite a bit on NHL Open Ice because of how they played. They have the team that fits perfectly with the system, and an excellent goalie who gives them a shot every night. I really am excited to see more of them this upcoming year. They have the core in tact (assuming Miller signs long term) to be one of the upper echelon teams for years to come.

[bbor]

I have thought more on this. (These views are subject to change)

The Hasek Situation.

Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.

That said, while healthy last year he played pretty well in Ottawa. He had solid numbers and was a quality starter.

Also, what were our other options? Giguere and his wonky hip and large contract? Nabokov and his massive deal and wildly inconsistent performance? Toskala a young, good goalie who would've likely cost an arm and a leg to get via trade? Biron, a young, good goalie with zero playoff experience and some unknown trade value? I really thought Biron was the only viable option (Toskala's price always seemed too rich for the Wings' blood).

With Hasek, the situation is clear. He's the starter. Osgood is the capable back-up. Ozzie is a vet who is comfortable in the back-up role and played pretty well for the Wings in the same role last year.

If Hasek's groin gives, we still have Osgood and we can then see how Liv or Howard are doing in the minors. If they're doing well, we call one of them up. If not, the Hasek deal will likely give the Wings enough cap space to go out and trade for a starting goalie. I forget the exact rule, but if a player is on IR long enough, then some (or all) of his salary is no longer counted against the cap. Ottawa could have done the same last year and didn't. That's what sunk 'em.

Assuming Hasek's deal is comparable to the deal Belfour signed with Florida, all in all, it's not that bad of a move. It makes some sense. Hasek totally out played Belfour (when both were healthy) last year. Just look at the numbers.

Of all the 40+ year old goalies out there with injury problems, I'd say we've got the best one! That's gotta count for something...

This is Hb turning chicken shit into chicken salad:D

[Suburban Rhythm]

Two items, just reading over at the HF boards--

JP Dumont awarded $2.9M in arbitration.

And, Tretiak declines to sign the IIHF transfer agreement. Which, would mean no Malkin (unless he bolts on his own), which could mean-

"With the 1st pick in the 2007 NHL draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins are please to select Angelo Esposito..."

[Maple Leafs]

This one is pretty random, but...

Last night some friends and I were talking about old goalies, and I mentioned an old (mid-90's) second string NHL goalie who had crazy sideburns and red hair. I think he played for a western Canadian team. I thought it was Troy Gamble, but I could be wrong. Nobody else could figure out who I meant.

Anyone have any idea who I was thinking of?

[Pumpy Tudors]

This one is pretty random, but...

Last night some friends and I were talking about old goalies, and I mentioned an old (mid-90's) second string NHL goalie who had crazy sideburns and red hair. I think he played for a western Canadian team. I thought it was Troy Gamble, but I could be wrong. Nobody else could figure out who I meant.

Anyone have any idea who I was thinking of?
I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him. :D

That was my thought as well.

[Maple Leafs]

I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it wasn't him. This guy has crazy mutton chops. It's possible he wasn't actually a redhead, but definitely had the burns.

Kay Whitmore?

[MikeVic]

Pokey Reddick.

Sorry, I love that name. Had to say it.

[MikeVic]

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/gallery/000052/0204.jpg

[Fidatelo]

Remember Pokey and the Bandit? What a glorious time!

[Chubby]

Considering Dumont was a throwin when we got him, I'll be more than pleased to see him + Biron for something decent.

[Maple Leafs]

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/gallery/000052/0204.jpg
Pumpy?

[MikeVic]

Pumpy?

Pumpy Reddick! Or Pokey Tudors!

[Suburban Rhythm]

I thought this would already be in here--

Sabres walk away from Dumont's award.

I would imagine the Pens would at least look at him, our top 6 depth is still awful.

And--Legace to the Blues

[NoSkillz]

I thought this would already be in here--

Sabres walk away from Dumont's award.

I would imagine the Pens would at least look at him, our top 6 depth is still awful.

And--Legace to the Blues

Someone had to go on Buffalo and Dumont is the right choice. If Pittsburgh makes a play and he gets slotted in with Crosby, expect 35-40 goals if he can stay healthy.

He's not a very good defensive player but he is a pretty good hitter, well respected in the dressing room and has pretty good hands. He'll be missed in Buffalo but ultimately he can be replaced by a guy like Jason Pominville.

The Legace signing takes away another team that Buffalo can deal Biron to. Hopefully Regier can swing a deal with Los Angeles and get LaBarbera and a mid-round pick in return.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Someone had to go on Buffalo and Dumont is the right choice. If Pittsburgh makes a play and he gets slotted in with Crosby, expect 35-40 goals if he can stay healthy.

He's not a very good defensive player but he is a pretty good hitter, well respected in the dressing room and has pretty good hands. He'll be missed in Buffalo but ultimately he can be replaced by a guy like Jason Pominville.


We at least picked up a few guys, in Ekman and Moore, solid in their own zone, and lesser extent, Ruutu, who makes the effort.

Without Malkin, the 2nd line (assuming Ekman on the first with Crosby) would be some combonation of Recchi, Malone, and God knows who...possibly Erik Christensen or Michel Oullett.

Dumont on the top line with Crosby, who is decent defensively, and Armstrong, who makes an effort, but isn't a great skater, would be OK. As long as they don't overpay.

[Karim]

Alexei Kovalev is a Warrior...
http://www.warriorhockey.com/AK27_Ad.html

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings signed UFA forward Greg Johnson.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=174194&hubname=nhl

He played for the Wings at the beginning of his career. He was traded to Pittsburgh for Tomas Sandstrom back in '97.

He's likely to be a 4th/3rd line guy. Not a bad signing.

The Wings are still trying to sign RFA Johan Franzen and, presumably, would like to find a top six winger out there to score some goals, though the options have dwindled.

[Cards4ever]

Kessel to sign with the Bruins tomorrow, good luck to Phil in the NHL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Malkin gave his 2 week notice to his Russian team. I still can't get over how funny that sounds.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Kessel to sign with the Bruins tomorrow, good luck to Phil in the NHL.

Nothing against Kessel, as I sort of like him due to my EHM experiences with him, he has an amazingly punchable looking face.

[DeToxRox]

Nothing against Kessel, as I sort of like him due to my EHM experiences with him, he has an amazingly punchable looking face.

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

Hook a brother up, DeTox (via PM of coruse). You can even refer to your source "Pumpy Tooters" to keep him/her anonymous.

[sachmo71]

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.


People said the same thing about Modano. No one punches Modano. Even if you want to. Really, really badly.

[Cards4ever]

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.


I've heard things both ways about Kessel, isn't that the way it goes with most high profile guys? At the end of the day, if the guy isn't doing anything illegal, as long as he helps your favorite team win, what does it matter?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks (http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=d90be651-329f-4187-aaa4-73fa5980ff75)

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

[RPI-Fan]

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks (http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=d90be651-329f-4187-aaa4-73fa5980ff75)

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Good trade... was hoping the Isles would get him.

[Chief Rum]

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks (http://www.atlantathrashers.com/View.aspx?CID01=d90be651-329f-4187-aaa4-73fa5980ff75)

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Sorry to see Vish go. He's one hell of a hitter. We had the cap room, but the budget was a bit lower. Honestly, I would have rather left Travis Green out there unsigned and keep Vish. We have kids who could have replaced the retired Hedstrom's fourth line role.

[Chief Rum]

People said the same thing about Modano. No one punches Modano. Even if you want to. Really, really badly.

Heh heh...funny you should say that, because I have a friend who used to manage a bar in Dallas that Modano and other Stars would frequent--and he said each time he came in, Modano was a total prick.

So if the rumors are true, Kessel has two things in common with Modano. :)

My friend also hosted Michael Irvin's party train a few times and went out partying in his "posse" a time or two. He said that guy was always smiling and having a good time, no matter what anyone says.

[Draft Dodger]

5 days and no posts? incorrigeable. is that a word?

Bruins are getting rid of the yellow third jerseys. I've never been a big fan of them, and, by some luck, even though I rarely go to B's games, they always seem to be wearing those fucking things. Ray Bourque's last game as a Bruin was in one of them. Not the worst 3rd jersey *cast withering glare at Nashville* but still not one that's going to be missed.

Instead, they'll wear a 60's throwback jersey against original 6 teams. First Buffalo announces a throwback as an alt and now Boston. I like this trend very much. I'll take a throwback over a mooterus almost any day.

[Karim]

Well, The Hockey News' Annual Fantasy Pool and preview magazine has predicted the Flames to win the Cup over Buffalo.

Is this a good thing? :rolleyes:

[sterlingice]

5 days and no posts? incorrigeable. is that a word?

Bruins are getting rid of the yellow third jerseys. I've never been a big fan of them, and, by some luck, even though I rarely go to B's games, they always seem to be wearing those fucking things. Ray Bourque's last game as a Bruin was in one of them. Not the worst 3rd jersey *cast withering glare at Nashville* but still not one that's going to be missed.

Instead, they'll wear a 60's throwback jersey against original 6 teams. First Buffalo announces a throwback as an alt and now Boston. I like this trend very much. I'll take a throwback over a mooterus almost any day.

I'd love to see the Hawks go this route, too

SI

[klayman]

That's a great idea for all the teams, except the Canucks.

[sterlingice]

That's a great idea for all the teams, except the Canucks.
Yeah, they need the downward skate (I loved that jersey) ;)

SI

[bbor]

Bergeron 25 mil?

Harry where have you gone?:D

[Suburban Rhythm]

I just got my 06-07 THN "Yearbook", if anyone is interested on any of the tidbits on their team.

It includes team grades (only Carolina and Anaheim receiving A's / Nashville an A-), top 50 players (Kiprusoff #1), top 10 prospects per team, and all that good stuff.

[Draft Dodger]

Bergeron 25 mil?

Harry where have you gone?:D

makes Tanguay's money look a little less crazy. Bergeron is good...but he's how many years away from UFA? Seems like a lot of money. Bruins have $17 M tied up in 3 players for the next 3 years. Along with Murray and Zhamnov, they have 5 $4M+ players.

not the Bruins of old

[Suburban Rhythm]

makes Tanguay's money look a little less crazy. Bergeron is good...but he's how many years away from UFA? Seems like a lot of money. Bruins have $17 M tied up in 3 players for the next 3 years. Along with Murray and Zhamnov, they have 5 $4M+ players.

not the Bruins of old

Not sure on Zhamnov's deal, since it's an injury situation, how that would work. If he retires, isn't the cap hit erased?

But, they also got other players on cap friendly deals, like Brad Boyes.

If I am thinking straight...Bergeron will be locked up through his first year of free agency. He has 2 years in, plus the lockout year. Those 3, plus the 5 years on this deal, he's under contract through age 26, but would have been eligible for FA at 25, under the new CBA.

I think it's an OK deal. It's a little of an overpayment right now, but might seem like a great deal in 2 years. The Oilers locked up Hemsky for like $24M over 6, so it's on par with that deal.

[Maple Leafs]

Rules question: When a player throws his stick in the defensive zone, it's a penalty shot.. Is the play blown dead immediately, or does it continue like a regular delayed penalty until the defensive team controls the puck?

The NHL.com rulebook isn't clear.

Interested in people's recollection of how this usually called, but would especially like a link if you can find one. Google was no help to me.

[MikeVic]

Rules question: When a player throws his stick in the defensive zone, it's a penalty shot.. Is the play blown dead immediately, or does it continue like a regular delayed penalty until the defensive team controls the puck?

The NHL.com rulebook isn't clear.

Interested in people's recollection of how this usually called, but would especially like a link if you can find one. Google was no help to me.

What would Kerry Fraser call?

[Maple Leafs]

What would Kerry Fraser call?
Trick question. We need more information, such as who is the player and is it his home rink?

Thanks for ruining my whole day, by the way.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I just got my 06-07 THN "Yearbook", if anyone is interested on any of the tidbits on their team.

I'd be curious to know who they listed as Atlanta's top 10 prospects.

[MikeVic]

Trick question. We need more information, such as who is the player and is it his home rink?

Thanks for ruining my whole day, by the way.

;) Spiced it up you mean.

As for your question, I can't remember at all, but it seems to make the most sense to me if you let the play continue...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Rules question: When a player throws his stick in the defensive zone, it's a penalty shot.. Is the play blown dead immediately, or does it continue like a regular delayed penalty until the defensive team controls the puck?

The NHL.com rulebook isn't clear.

Interested in people's recollection of how this usually called, but would especially like a link if you can find one. Google was no help to me.

If I recall correctly, I think the play continues like a regular delayed penalty. I know this happened in the playoffs, but I am not sure if I am confusing what happened when they actually made the call or what happened (no whistle) when the refs blew a call in the Edmonton/Wings series...

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'd be curious to know who they listed as Atlanta's top 10 prospects.

They do not include the current pick in the rankings, so not sure where they'd place Little, but--

1) Ondrej Pavalec, G, Cape Breton - NHL Ready: 08-09
2) Boris Valabik, D, Kitchener - NHL Ready: 07-08
3) Alex Bourret, RW, Shawinigan - NHL Ready: 07-08
4) Jim Sharrow, D, Chicago (Wovles) - NHL Ready: 08-09
5) Nathan Oystrick, D, Chicago - NHL Ready: 07-08
6) Scott Lehman, D, St. Michael's - NHL Ready: 08-09
7) Tomas Pospisil, RW, Sarnia - NHL Ready: 08-09
8) Karl Stewart, RW, Chicago - NHL Ready: 07-08
9) Jordan Lavallee, LW, Quebec - NHL Ready: 08-09
10) Andrei Zubarev, D, Kazan - NHL Ready: 09-10

Obviously, printed prior to Stewart to Anaheim trade.

[bbor]

I would say the play continues until the offending team touches the puck.Just like any other delayed penalty.

[Draft Dodger]

now that I think about it, wouldn't a penalty shot be the same? they don't whistle them down right away, right?

[Maple Leafs]

That's what I figure as well. It wouldn't make sense to whistle the play immediately. Imagine a team having a 3-on-0, and the goalie just fires his stick out for an automatic stoppage.

But I can't find a source anywhere. Needless to say, this argument came up today and I want some evidence.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings just re-signed Johan Franzen to a 3 year deal. I figured this would happen. He wanted 2, the Wings wanted 4. Holland is typically pretty reasonable when it comes to contracts. Franzen was a good 4th line guy and played well in the playoffs. He was the last RFA the Wings needed to lock up.

Now, there's just that question of a first/second line winger. Will it be Dancin' Anson Carter? Or J.P. Dumont? I know there are some other guys out there like Jason Allison, Viktor Kozlov, Yanic Perrault, and Oleg Kvasha, but I don't see the Wings having too much interest in any of them and none of them really fit the need. The again, I'm not so sure Carter or Dumont do either, but at this point the Wings will take what they can get.

[ice4277]

The Wings just re-signed Johan Franzen to a 3 year deal. I figured this would happen. He wanted 2, the Wings wanted 4. Holland is typically pretty reasonable when it comes to contracts. Franzen was a good 4th line guy and played well in the playoffs. He was the last RFA the Wings needed to lock up.

Now, there's just that question of a first/second line winger. Will it be Dancin' Anson Carter? Or J.P. Dumont? I know there are some other guys out there like Jason Allison, Viktor Kozlov, Yanic Perrault, and Oleg Kvasha, but I don't see the Wings having too much interest in any of them and none of them really fit the need. The again, I'm not so sure Carter or Dumont do either, but at this point the Wings will take what they can get.

I remember reading something the other day indicating Holland wasn't very keen on Dumont, but I have no idea how true that is.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dumont to Nashville!

Tanabe and Isbister to Carolina!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Tanabe and Isbister to Carolina!

2 Minute Penalty: Excessive use of exclamation points to describe minor transactions.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I remember reading something the other day indicating Holland wasn't very keen on Dumont, but I have no idea how true that is.

Apparently you read correctly. I wasn't very keen on him either, so I don't mind seeing him not sign here. It still leaves the Wings with a bit of a void up front. Holland has mentioned that he may just rely on guys like Samuelsson, Williams, and Holmstrom to pick up the slack. I don't know if either of those guys have the ability to score many more goals than they did last year. They all seemed pretty close to their goal-scoring ceiling last year. I hope I'm wrong on that.

[Suburban Rhythm]

2 Minute Penalty: Excessive use of exclamation points to describe minor transactions.

You know...I accept that penalty.

I got carried away. The Dumont transaction I felt deserved an exclamation, and I carried that over to the Carolina signings.

[Draft Dodger]

Yzerman's 19 to be retired at the Joe on January 2

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=175805&hubname=

[sachmo71]

Keenan steps down as GM of the Panthers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176329&hubname=nhl

[Suburban Rhythm]

Malkin in Pittsburgh today, set to sign a deal. News conference schedule for later today.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06248/719175-100.stm

[Honolulu_Blue]

Malkin in Pittsburgh today, set to sign a deal. News conference schedule for later today.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06248/719175-100.stm

An exclamation mark would've been appropriate here. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

So the Avs sign Svatos to a 1 year deal. I guess it makes sense. The Avs needed to get Svatos signed and it gives both the team and the player a year to see where they stand.

Ovechkin has told the Capitols that he's not ready for the "C" after hearing Glen Hanlon was about to make him captain. Impressive stuff from the youngster. I reall like Ovechkin. A great talent who seems to be an excellent team guy. I hope Washington can build some success around him.

[Draft Dodger]

So the Avs sign Svatos to a 1 year deal. I guess it makes sense. The Avs needed to get Svatos signed and it gives both the team and the player a year to see where they stand.

Ovechkin has told the Capitols that he's not ready for the "C" after hearing Glen Hanlon was about to make him captain. Impressive stuff from the youngster. I reall like Ovechkin. A great talent who seems to be an excellent team guy. I hope Washington can build some success around him.

I think with Svatos is more a matter of just trying to reach a compromise than anything else. I don't think the two sides were on the same page during negotiations this summer. It's being reported that the deal is for $1.05 million. Giguere said "Along with Alex Ovechkin, Dion Phaneuf and Sidney Crosby, Svatos was a part of the outstanding and exciting new brand of NHL players that made their debut last year." Now, I like Svatos, and I think he can have a nice career if he can find a way to be in front of the net without getting killed, but he does not belong in the same sentence as those 3 guys.

Ovechkin? why can't he play for a team that I would have an interest in watching? Because he has very quickly become my favorite non-Av with both his on-ice play, and his off-ice demeanor. I mean who the hell do they name as captain? Brian Pothier? Zednick? Zubrus? yikes.

[Draft Dodger]

any subscribers / regular readers of The Hockey News? I used to have a subscription and have been thinking of re-upping. feedback?

[Draft Dodger]

throla, how did I miss Keenan stepping down in Florida? I guess he figured his work was done after getting rid of yet another franchise goalie?

[Suburban Rhythm]

any subscribers / regular readers of The Hockey News? I used to have a subscription and have been thinking of re-upping. feedback?


Subscriber for about 4-5 years now. The articles aren't great, but good enough. I look forward to the team capsules and junior reports. Some of the features are really good, like the draft and season previews. Others not so much. If it makes a difference to you, you'll get the preview yearbook and draft preview issues in your subscription.

It is a pretty hefty price, about $55 for a US subscription. Weekly during the season, bi-weekly just prior and after the season , and monthly through the summer. I think it works out to like 42 issues or something.

So, for me, while the price is a little high, it's my one thing I splurge on for myself.

[Ksyrup]

Keenan steps down as GM of the Panthers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176329&hubname=nhl

This team is a fucking mess.

[Draft Dodger]

Subscriber for about 4-5 years now. The articles aren't great, but good enough. I look forward to the team capsules and junior reports. Some of the features are really good, like the draft and season previews. Others not so much. If it makes a difference to you, you'll get the preview yearbook and draft preview issues in your subscription.

It is a pretty hefty price, about $55 for a US subscription. Weekly during the season, bi-weekly just prior and after the season , and monthly through the summer. I think it works out to like 42 issues or something.

So, for me, while the price is a little high, it's my one thing I splurge on for myself.

thanks for the feedback - one concern of mine was how "fresh" the info was. when I subscribed before, it seemed that by the time I got the thing in the mail, all the articles were weeks old. granted, this was a good 10+ years ago, so I'm guessing things have improved since then (I think part of the issue was the slow-boat-to-china method of mailing them). my "accountant" already gave me the go-ahead, so I guess my mind is already made up. :)

[Draft Dodger]

This team is a fucking mess.

and, as usual, worse off than before Keenan rode into town

[RPI-Fan]

I think with Svatos is more a matter of just trying to reach a compromise than anything else. I don't think the two sides were on the same page during negotiations this summer. It's being reported that the deal is for $1.05 million. Giguere said "Along with Alex Ovechkin, Dion Phaneuf and Sidney Crosby, Svatos was a part of the outstanding and exciting new brand of NHL players that made their debut last year." Now, I like Svatos, and I think he can have a nice career if he can find a way to be in front of the net without getting killed, but he does not belong in the same sentence as those 3 guys.

Ovechkin? why can't he play for a team that I would have an interest in watching? Because he has very quickly become my favorite non-Av with both his on-ice play, and his off-ice demeanor. I mean who the hell do they name as captain? Brian Pothier? Zednick? Zubrus? yikes.


Definitely Pothier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dr. Sak]

Forsberg hit the ice and participated in informal workouts with the Flyers. There is a good chance he'll play opening night.

[Draft Dodger]

Forsberg hit the ice and participated in informal workouts with the Flyers. There is a good chance he'll play opening night.

...without unsigned Simon Gagne

[Dr. Sak]

...without unsigned Simon Gagne

He'll sign. He only wants a 3 year deal worth $5 mil a year where the Flyers are offering $5 mil per for 4 or 5 years. Gagne said if he signes for more than 3 he wants more money per. They'll get it worked out I'm not too worried. Primeau is also expected to make a decision soon on his status for this year.

[Karim]

thanks for the feedback - one concern of mine was how "fresh" the info was. when I subscribed before, it seemed that by the time I got the thing in the mail, all the articles were weeks old.

That was the reason I stopped subscribing. By the time it reached me, I had already heard/read everything and the rest of the articles/features weren't worth the price.

[Draft Dodger]

He'll sign. He only wants a 3 year deal worth $5 mil a year where the Flyers are offering $5 mil per for 4 or 5 years. Gagne said if he signes for more than 3 he wants more money per. They'll get it worked out I'm not too worried. Primeau is also expected to make a decision soon on his status for this year.

not saying you're wrong, but TSN indicated that they are in agreement on length (3 years), but not in salary (Gagne wants 5+, Flyers are offering less). I do think he'll sign at some point, though.

[Dr. Sak]

I got my news from the Philly Inquirer which means TSN is probably right.

[Draft Dodger]

great line from a THN article I just read online:

The only way out of two more years of Jose Theodore at $5 million per is if Isiah Thomas is permitted to make trades with GMs from other leagues.

[Dr. Sak]

Philly Inquirer just reported that Simon Gagne agreed to a 5 year deal with the Flyers...details to follow.

[Dr. Sak]

5 years for 5.25 mil per

[bronconick]

Islanders sign Rick DiPietro to a 15 year, $67.5 million contract.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

:D:D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Islanders sign Rick DiPietro to a 15 year, $67.5 million contract.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

:D:D


:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Draft Dodger]

mother fucking what???

[sachmo71]

mother fucking what???

$4.5 mil, FOREVER. Yeah, he's not going to hold out at some point in the future. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

mother fucking what???

You have to admit having this Wang guy as an owner in the league does keep things interesting. He's like a less vocal 10x's more insane Daniel Snyder or Mark Cuban.

I love it!

[bbor]

Islanders sign Rick DiPietro to a 15 year, $67.5 million contract.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

:D:D


I think someone forgot to tell Garth that NHL contracts are guarenteed.:D

[Draft Dodger]

Isles apparantly have also signed Viktor Kozlov

[Maple Leafs]

Who's handing out the contracts in Long Island? Some former goalie without any GM experience?

Oh.

[MikeVic]

WTF??? That's insane!

[Ksyrup]

From hockeybuzz.com:


NHL MAY NOT APPROVE DIPIETRO DEAL
Today @ 9:47 AM ET | Comments (11)

Word coming down on several fronts right now..First the deal is 65M over 15 years, and secondly I am being told by several sources that the NHL is looking hard at this deal and may not approve it.

Rumor is that last year the Isles and DiPietro almost signed a 15 year deal and the NHL shot it down before it became reality and Wang decided against it ...Could get interesting today...I am told that it is "highly possible that the NHL lawyers, who are looking over this now, may find a loophole and nix it."

It is also possible that the deal does get approved, since the previous one did not and Wang has made the needed corrections to this one.

Stay tuned

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.nhl.com/news/2006/09/281882.html
"Clubs are free to make their own decisions within the confines laid out in the collective bargaining agreement and other applicable league rules," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "Some decisions turn out well, others not so well.

"Time will tell whether this will be a good decision or a bad one for the Islanders."

[Ksyrup]

So the natural progression from here is for DiPietro to star in a series of commercials for Molson as the hockey version of Grandmama, right?

[Joe Canadian]

So I guess the decided against the getting the sumo wrestler as a goalie, thats too bad.

[NoSkillz]

So I guess the decided against the getting the sumo wrestler as a goalie, thats too bad.

I was really looking forward to hearing the public address announcer on that...

"In goal for the Islanders, #31...YOKOZUNA!!!!!!!!!"

:D

[Pumpy Tudors]

So the natural progression from here is for DiPietro to star in a series of commercials for Molson as the hockey version of Grandmama, right?
By the time his contract is up, he'll be almost old enough to be a Grandmama.

[MikeVic]

Why are they so intent on signing him to such a long contract?

[Draft Dodger]

By the time his contract is up, he'll be almost old enough to be a Grandmama.

he'll be two years older than Garth Snow is now.

[Travis]

Oilers have reportedly come to terms on a 3 year, 7 million dollar deal with Joffrey Lupul ensuring that he'll be to camp on time.

As plain and ordinary as our defense is looking right now, our forwards depth is unreal right now.

Proposed line combos heading into camp:

Smyth - Horcoff - Hemsky
Mikhnov - Sykora - Lupul
Torres - Stoll - Pisani
Moreau - Reasoner - Winchester

That group of 12 still leaves us with Robbie Schremp, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Jean-Francois Jacques and Andrew Cogliano as players who have a shot at cracking the starting lineup (and a few others like Kyle Brodziak and Reddox that could compete for the extra two forward spots). Realistically the Oilers are hoping that Mikhnov and/or Schremp can step into a second line role, but even if neither can, you can bump up Stoll or Torres, then add one of Pouliot/Jacques to the fourth line while elevating Moreau or Reasoner. If both appear ready to roll, then they'll almost have to deal somebody to make roster room prior to the season.

There's always the rumor mill going that the Oilers are doing what they can to potentially lure Leetch here, but this abundance of young talented forwards still has me believing that we'll see a trade for a top pairing defenseman by New Years. If we can bring in a well rounded top pair guy to not only anchor the defense this year, but to help with the development of guys like Bergeron, Greene and Smid, well, could make the memories of Pronger and Spacek fade awfully quickly.

[Draft Dodger]

so, remember when NHL owners didn't have money?

http://inthecheapseats.com/?p=24

[TurnerONU22]

Blue Jackets add Anson Carter

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177386&hubname



I like this, as Zherdev's agent is asking for 3 years, 8.5 million dollars, which is crazy for a player who has accomplished as little as he has. MacLean has taken his offer of 3 years, 6.9 million off of the table and will still negotiate.

In other news, DM said on the radio that Dan Fritsche's agent turned down his last contract offer, and DM has informed Fritsche's people that he will NOT be attending training camp.

It's one crazy day in Columbus.

[Dr. Sak]

Keith Primeau to announce his retirement tomorrow.

[sterlingice]

Who's handing out the contracts in Long Island? Some former goalie without any GM experience?

Oh.

:D

SI

[sachmo71]

so, remember when NHL owners didn't have money?

http://inthecheapseats.com/?p=24

The market will have to self-correct at some point though. The cap isn't going anywhere, and teams will soon find themselves unable to sign any of the superstars that bring the fans in.

I hope. :)

[Maple Leafs]

Did anybody see that move Robbie Schrempf pulled in a charity shootout?

Jesus.

[Draft Dodger]

wife bought our tickets today for Avs at Bruins (10th row, close to the Avs bench). This will be my first Avs game. pretty stoked. surely Sakic will be traded days before.

[MikeVic]

Did anybody see that move Robbie Schrempf pulled in a charity shootout?

Jesus.

Is this the guy (I didn't hear his name) that did the Tiger Woods-esque thing with a golf ball and club right after? He bounced the ball on the head of the club and hit it 250 yards straight out? That's what I understood from watching SportsCentre this morning...

[Maple Leafs]

Same guy, although I think golf clip was from a different event and they just added it to show that he's kind of a showoff.

[Joe Canadian]

With Frantisek Kaberle out for a good while due to injury, the Canes are apparently looking for a defencemen. And it sound like Jack Johnson is what they are waiving in front of other teams, since he's decided once again to stay in college.

[Fidatelo]

Same guy, although I think golf clip was from a different event and they just added it to show that he's kind of a showoff.

Anyone find any online clips of this stuff? I can't find any.

[Maple Leafs]

They have it on tsn.ca in the audio/video section. However, you need to register to view the clip.

[Travis]

Same guy, although I think golf clip was from a different event and they just added it to show that he's kind of a showoff.

Haven't seen the clip, but I'm just wondering how duplicating Tiger's golf trick is showing off? Does he get a bit verbal about it during/afterwards?

Just curious as the knock on him when he got drafted was his attitude, and while he is more polished in interviews now and around the team, it's probably still the 1a concern with him. That said, he's not close to being the type of jackhole that Kovalchuk is, at least so far anyway.

We're hopeful that he'll earn a spot on the team this year and really click with the likes of Hemsky/Lupul/Sykora/etc. and be an addition without distraction.

[Joe Canadian]

Canucks match Kesler offer sheet: http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177497&hubname=

NHL increases stick curves by a 1/4 of an inch: http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177493&hubname=

[NoSkillz]

Pretty hilarious stuff in Buffalo. The webmaster puts up a 'Countdown to the new jersey' ticker on the home page complete with a blurred out version of the jersey.

Of course, some fans with time on their hands were able to unblur the image and voila! We can see the jersey!

http://sabresfans.com/articles.asp?id=1764&ref=24

I'm still not a fan of the logo and having the number on the front seems a bit weird (although the NHL may be going to that league-wide next year)...but I'll be damned.

I don't hate the jersey.

I'd still like to see swords featured more prominently (there will be a sword through the letter 'B' on the shoulder) but what can you do.

I REALLY dig the colours though.

[Draft Dodger]

ditto. I think the logo is fucking ridiculous, but the colors and those stripes are pretty cool. I like the number on the shoulders too.

[Joe Canadian]

Not a fan of the logo or colours, but thats probably because when I heard they were going back to the old uniforms I wal all hyped for the blue one's as their main jersey.

[Karim]

The pros hit the ice today! First pre-season game Sunday! :D

[Joe Canadian]

The pros hit the ice today! First pre-season game Sunday! :D

Has anyone been able to find network schedules for the preseason? Last season TSN & Sportsnet East had a number of games on in September...

[Karim]

I've read Leafs games are on LeafsTV or whatever their channel is called. None of the western teams have pre-season games televised.

[Maple Leafs]

Same guy, although I think golf clip was from a different event and they just added it to show that he's kind of a showoff.
Here's a direct link to the video clip:
http://media.tsn.ca/nhl/hotdog_hi.wmv#

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pittsburgh Post Gazette reporting Malkin will [B]NOT[B] require surgery for his dislocated shoulder and should be back on the ice in 4-6 weeks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yzerman has just been named as a vice president for the Wings.

Not surprising. It's good to have him in the front office and still associated with the team.

[Draft Dodger]

methinks the person who named the clip had a low opinion of him

[Draft Dodger]

Here's a direct link to the video clip:
http://media.tsn.ca/nhl/hotdog_hi.wmv#

that was pretty sweet. and his second one (that actually went in) I think was even sweeter.

[Maple Leafs]

The Tie Domi divorce story has been front page news the past few days. As far as sports scandals go it's not bad -- you've got the scorned wife, the other woman (a famous Canadian politician who's also been linked to Bill Clinton), even Tia Carrera and Brad Pitt.

Apparently they've now settled... just when it was getting good.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Where do Tia and Brad fit into all of this?

[Joe Canadian]

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky and the rights to defenceman Jack Johnson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenceman Tim Gleason and centre Eric Belanger.

[Draft Dodger]

Carolina got freaking robbed. that is simply stunning.

also, Steve Konowalchuk retired.

[Joe Canadian]

Carolina got freaking robbed. that is simply stunning.

Yup... the only logical explanation I can think of is that Johnson may have told Carolina that he would never sign with them. But then again, if that's the case we probably would have heard something...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Carolina got freaking robbed. that is simply stunning.

also, Steve Konowalchuk retired.

That's sad. I also liked Konowalchuk. I expect Greg Johnson to retire shortly as well.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky and the rights to defenceman Jack Johnson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenceman Tim Gleason and centre Eric Belanger.

Remember a little while back, at draft time, speculation was the Pens would send the #2 pick, or use the pick for Jordan Staal and reunite the Staal bros in Carolina? And people thought the Pens were not offering ENOUGH?

Good God did Carolina get robbed. It won't really have any effect on this season, as Johnson mostly likely returned to school, and Tverdovsky rotted in the press box. But they basically gave away what they netted with the #3 pick just a few years ago.

[Joe Canadian]

Remember a little while back, at draft time, speculation was the Pens would send the #2 pick, or use the pick for Jordan Staal and reunite the Staal bros in Carolina? And people thought the Pens were not offering ENOUGH?

Good God did Carolina get robbed. It won't really have any effect on this season, as Johnson mostly likely returned to school, and Tverdovsky rotted in the press box. But they basically gave away what they netted with the #3 pick just a few years ago.

What's funny is when TSN first reported this, their front page said... Canes acquite Gleason. They've since changed it to say... Kings acquire Jack Johnson. :)

[Wolfpack]

I don't know what to make of this move at all. My initial reaction was "WTF?" After seeing all your comments, I'm pretty well convinced this was a bad move. I do think that part of the problem is that Jack Johnson didn't want to play for Carolina. Time will tell if this is true, depending on how quickly the Kings are able to sign him. It rankled people in the organization a lot when he turned down the chance to join the team for the stretch drive to the playoffs last year, thus the constant speculation about the deal to Pittsburgh for Jordan Staal.

However, many Carolina fans don't mind the loss of Tverdovsky, who wasn't close to living up to his rather high contract number. I've got no clue what we got in return and whether it justified giving up on Johnson, though. Naturally, the Canes website is spinning this as a good move to get immediate defensive help and add forward depth. Given that we lost Stillman and Kaberle for a sizeable portion of the early going in the season, depth is a concern, but if Johnson is the stud defender everyone believes him to be, is the short-term gain worth a long-term sacrifice? Wesley is most likely in his last year in the league and Hedican isn't that far behind him. The only thing I can think of is they think they can make it without Johnson because they may have some good prospects in the system.

Still, on the face of it, this sounds like a negative for Carolina.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Jack Johnson has amazing potential. He was the 3rd overall pick and has been a beast along the blueline for UofM. He can skate, hit, pass, shoot, and by physical. Sounds ideal. I certainly wouldn't want to part with such a prospect, especially since Staal is so young, as is Ward.

That said, I am sure Carolina is still in "win now" mode. They lost Ward to free agency, Kaberle is hurt. Tverdosky is just sitting there, useles, eating up valuable cap space. Capwise this trade basically gives you two regular, full-time players for the price of one guy sitting in the press-box. For a "win now" team, that's not a bad scenario.

Johnson's refusal to play last year and sign this year would irk me as well. You would have to question his dedication to the team and his own career. Still, I don't think that would be enough to convince me to trade him unless there is more to it than that.

[Draft Dodger]

true, HB, but can you believe that Gleason and Belanger was the best they could do? I wonder how significant dumping Oleg's contract was in the deal

[Honolulu_Blue]

true, HB, but can you believe that Gleason and Belanger was the best they could do? I wonder how significant dumping Oleg's contract was in the deal

I would imagine they could have done better than those two, yes. I also think that dumping Oleg's contract was very significant to that deal. I am sure that while shopping Johnson's rights around Oleg's contract was probably always "the kicker". $2.5 million a year is a tough pill for many teams to swallow.

[Pyser]

center ice question for you all:

did they raise the price this year? it looks like with $20 off, it's still $149. thats a freakin lot.

anyone know any codes or coupons or anything by chance?

[Wolfpack]

So far as I can gather from one Carolina message board: Rutherford was on the radio not too long after the deal was announced and said that the organization has been interested in picking up Gleason for a while now and that scouts said he was a "must-have" for the team (whatever that means).

(Here comes the spin) Rutherford also said that Johnson was three years away from contributing and that he was being held back by playing in the college game. Again, this is message board stuff being relayed about what was apparently said on the radio. Do I buy that if true? No, not really. Johnson was playing well for Michigan and Michigan's going into this year as preseason #1. Unless he's that other-worldly, being one of the best players on the best team in college hockey shouldn't retard his development.

Some other speculation seems to center around Johnson's father being the source of the trouble (no good source on this, again just message board talk), probably contributing to the feeling that he was never coming.

Rutherford had the Midas touch last year when it came to personnel decisions, so I'm inclined to think something must have happened that precipitated this deal. If it's as one-sided as people on here claim, then Johnson must have become utter deadweight and they were never going to get him to come in. It's also wildly out-of-the-blue considering the season starts next Wednesday. It's very discombobulating to say the least because Lavs is now going to have to find a way to fit Gleason and Belanger into things.

[DeToxRox]

Johnson loves Michigan. He wants to stay there and play. He's having the time of his life and knows the NHL will always be there. This is nothing knew. He told everyone before the draft he was going to college and wanted to play there four years. Why Carolina is shocked by this makes no sense to me.

[DeToxRox]

Dola - Rutherford is pissed at JJ for not signing during the playoff run last year. He kept calling Johnson and they said no thanks and apparently that rubbed Rutherford the wrong way. Why, I have no idea. The kid is honoring his commitments. I find respect in that.

[Pumpy Tudors]

center ice question for you all:

did they raise the price this year? it looks like with $20 off, it's still $149. thats a freakin lot.

anyone know any codes or coupons or anything by chance?
I haven't heard about any codes out there, but I'd be interested, too. I'm going to just watch the free preview for the first week of the season and then do the installment plan with Comcast (pay over 3 or 4 months).

I can't believe the season's now less than a week away. I'm so excited!

[Pyser]

well, it cost the devils a first, but malakhov is gone to san jose for Korolyuk and Fahey.

3.6 saved...hopefully thats enough (assuming mogilnys contract is written off as long term injury exemption).

[Suburban Rhythm]

well, it cost the devils a first, but malakhov is gone to san jose for Korolyuk and Fahey.

3.6 saved...hopefully thats enough (assuming mogilnys contract is written off as long term injury exemption).


Have Gionta, etc (not sure who else is still pending, Paul Martin?) signed yet?
That should work out though, as Korky will probably stay in Russia (again) and Fahey might be like a #8 and spend time in the A.

I read the 1st was conditional-- any idea based on what? Malakhov NOT ever playing? Or Korky coming over from Russia?

[Draft Dodger]

Malakhov NOT ever playing? Or Korky coming over from Russia?

conditional on Malkhov finding a nice ski resort in northern california...

[Pumpy Tudors]

Have Gionta, etc (not sure who else is still pending, Paul Martin?) signed yet?
Gionta and Martin are not signed yet. Obviously, Gionta is a priority, but they have to do something about Mogilny's contract first. Martin has been practicing with the team even though he doesn't have a contract. He took a puck to the face over the weekend, but it's apparently just a cut, and he should be able to play this week if he signs a contract.

conditional on Malkhov finding a nice ski resort in northern california...
:D

[Ksyrup]

center ice question for you all:

did they raise the price this year? it looks like with $20 off, it's still $149. thats a freakin lot.

anyone know any codes or coupons or anything by chance?

I don't recall what the price was before (was it $149 minus the $20 existing subscription discount?), but I've already been billed for the first month at $37.25, which is $149. And the website says that's "$20 off the regular price," so I assume they jacked it up $20. So we got as good a discount as when we get $.50 off a product this week that was being sold at $.50 less last week. Thanks, DTV!

[sachmo71]

REJOICE!!! This is a trade that makes my pants happy!


Canadiens trade Mike Ribeiro to Stars for defenceman Janne Niinimaa
20:54:23 EDT Sep 30, 2006
Canadian Press: BILL BEACON
MONTREAL (CP) - The Montreal Canadiens boosted their blue-line corps, but they had to give up a promising hometown forward to do it.

The Canadiens traded centre Mike Ribeiro to the Dallas Stars for Janne Niinimaa on Saturday. Montreal will also receive a fifth-round draft pick in 2007 while the Stars get a sixth-round pick in 2008.

Ribeiro, a career Canadien, said he was shocked by the move.

"I'm disappointed and sad at the same time," the Montreal native said. "I didn't expect this now.

"There were rumours last year that I'd be traded, but I didn't think about it this year. I just concentrated on getting ready for the season. I guess Montreal wanted defence and Dallas wanted a centre. It's a great city for me. No winter. No snow. So I'll be happy."

Tomas Plekanec was in Ribeiro's spot on a line with Alex Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov in a pre-season game Saturday night against Ottawa.

Montreal is short of defencemen with injuries to Francis Bouillon and Jean-Philippe Cote. They learned Friday that Bouillon's knee injury would keep him out longer than expected and he may not return until the end of November.

General manager Bob Gainey said a minor shoulder injury suffered this week by defenceman Sheldon Souray made it clear that the team lacked experienced depth at that position.

The Canadiens claimed veteran Patrick Traverse on waivers from San Jose on Thursday, then made the move for Niinimaa, a 10-year NHL veteran who has played for Philadelphia, Edmonton, the New York Islanders and Dallas.

"When another injury happened, we found we just didn't have the depth among our prospects on defence as we have at centre," Gainey said.

He said he was not concerned that Niinimaa was often a healthy scratch by the Stars after they acquired him last January from the Islanders.

"I know he had an ankle injury, but he had it fixed this summer," said Gainey.

Niinimaa will earn US$2.508 million on the final year of his contract this season. Ribeiro is on a one-year deal worth $1.9 million.

The six-foot-one, 220-pound Niinimaa, 31, has 54 goals and 262 assists in 700 career games. His best season was 2000-01 with Edmonton, when he scored 12 goals and had34 assists in 82 games. He had a total of three goals and 13 assists in 63 games last season.

The Stars are deep on defence after acquiring Darryl Sydor and Jaroslav Modry in the off-season, while Montreal has several centres both with the NHL club and in the minors.

Ribeiro, a slick play-making centre who had a strong training camp, has played 276 career games for Montreal, collecting 50 goals and 103 assists.

"Dallas has great players, a great team, and they'll be playing for the Stanley Cup," he said. "I always dreamed of winning a Stanley Cup here (in Montreal), the 25th, but I guess it won't happen."

[Honolulu_Blue]

I hate mike Riberio, but Niinimaa has become useless. An incredible defensive liability of the highest order.

A friend of mine works for the Stars. Apparently Lindros remains a whiny bitch.

[Draft Dodger]

I hate mike Riberio, but Niinimaa has become useless. An incredible defensive liability of the highest order.

A friend of mine works for the Stars. Apparently Lindros remains a whiny bitch.

*gasp*
Lindros still a bitch? can't believe it.

and yeah, Stars made out like a bandit here.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Detroit News is reporting that Brad Norton has made the team as the 13th forward. Hussey and Kolanos are being sent to Grand Rapids assuming they clear waivers.

I'm happy with this. After it was clear who the options were for the last spot up front, it was Norton I wanted. Sure he will likely not suit up many nights and even when in uniform he'll likely not see too many minutes, but it's nice to know that the Wings have at least someone, if need be, who can drop the gloves and take care of business. The Wings desparately lack size and toughness and, while Norton isn't really going to change that dramatically, at this point any little bit will help. I'd much rather have him than a Hussey, Kolanos, Langfeld, or Devereaux each of which seemed sort of like interchangeable 4th line parts. At least Norton has a role, limited as it is.

I've been impressed with Hulder. He's wee, so very, very wee, but he's pretty slick out there and has a decent enough shot. He's like Datsyuk Lite or something. I'm much happier with guys like Hulder and Kopecky getting ice time than the likes of Jamie Rivers or Mark Mowers.

Puck drops in two days...

[DeToxRox]

The Detroit News is reporting that Brad Norton has made the team as the 13th forward. Hussey and Kolanos are being sent to Grand Rapids assuming they clear waivers.

I'm happy with this. After it was clear who the options were for the last spot up front, it was Norton I wanted. Sure he will likely not suit up many nights and even when in uniform he'll likely not see too many minutes, but it's nice to know that the Wings have at least someone, if need be, who can drop the gloves and take care of business. The Wings desparately lack size and toughness and, while Norton isn't really going to change that dramatically, at this point any little bit will help. I'd much rather have him than a Hussey, Kolanos, Langfeld, or Devereaux each of which seemed sort of like interchangeable 4th line parts. At least Norton has a role, limited as it is.

I've been impressed with Hulder. He's wee, so very, very wee, but he's pretty slick out there and has a decent enough shot. He's like Datsyuk Lite or something. I'm much happier with guys like Hulder and Kopecky getting ice time than the likes of Jamie Rivers or Mark Mowers.

Puck drops in two days...

I still wouldn't get too used to Hudler. He's on the shortest possible leash. Babcock still hates the way he plays defense. If he falters at all, he'll be out of here, talented or not.

[DeToxRox]

Dola: Can the Wings please get rid of Robert Lang? I know we lack offense but I'd take Flipulla over him because Z can move back to C where he is 100x better. It'd make our team all around better.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola: Can the Wings please get rid of Robert Lang? I know we lack offense but I'd take Flipulla over him because Z can move back to C where he is 100x better. It'd make our team all around better.

I have no love for Lang either, but Babcock seems to love the guy. He praises him every chance he gets.

John Navarre was to Lloyd Carr as Robert Lang is to Mike Babcock.

[DeToxRox]

I have no love for Lang either, but Babcock seems to love the guy. He praises him every chance he gets.

John Navarre was to Lloyd Carr as Robert Lang is to Mike Babcock.

Yeah, it's crazy. Especially when he is all over Hudler, yet Hudler is a smaller, wing version of Lang.

[Suburban Rhythm]

John Navarre was to Lloyd Carr as Robert Lang is to Mike Babcock.

OK...my new baby REALLY needs to start sleeping.
I started reading that as a "Bucci-ism", reference to some band...
And read it as Dave Navarro rather than John Navarre...and started to wonder what the hell Navarro had to do with Carr or Michigan football at all!

I need sleep! :p

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola-

Jordan Staal has made the Pens out of camp.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06275/726823-100.stm

The way the article reads, he'll center one of the bottom lines. Most likely the 3rd, Dom Moore on the 4th line.

[NoSkillz]

Dola-

Jordan Staal has made the Pens out of camp.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06275/726823-100.stm

The way the article reads, he'll center one of the bottom lines. Most likely the 3rd, Dom Moore on the 4th line.

:( The kid just isn't ready for the NHL...

I saw him play in Buffalo the other night and he looked pretty lost out there during 5-on-5 play. I hope this doesn't slow his development...the kid has a lot of potential.

Either way, I don't expect him to last longer than nine games, which is the maximum allowed before he can be sent back to junior hockey. He would best be served by going back to the OHL and tearing up the league there rather than getting 8-10 minutes of icetime on the third line in the NHL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

:( The kid just isn't ready for the NHL...

I saw him play in Buffalo the other night and he looked pretty lost out there during 5-on-5 play. I hope this doesn't slow his development...the kid has a lot of potential.

Either way, I don't expect him to last longer than nine games, which is the maximum allowed before he can be sent back to junior hockey. He would best be served by going back to the OHL and tearing up the league there rather than getting 8-10 minutes of icetime on the third line in the NHL.

I have to believe that is the case...The Pens play 9 games in October. By November 1st, Malkin should be back, possibly sooner. Malone shifts back to wing, Malkin to center the 2nd line, Dom Moore on the third, and Max Talbot recalled to play on the 4th line.

Also, Kris Letang signed his entry level deal. He was their 2nd round pick behind Crosby in 2005. He is a smaller D (5'11", 190) built for the "new NHL"--he can skate, skate, skate. He seems to actually have a better shot of sticking all year than Staal.

[Pyser]

and mogilnys contract is essentially off our books.

bye bye cap crunch!

[Draft Dodger]

and mogilnys contract is essentially off our books.

bye bye cap crunch!

and hello firestorm about cap loopholes