The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Offseason Thread

[Dr. Sak]

Last week, the Flyers acquired minor league defenseman Janne Niskala from the Nashville Predators in exchange for minor league forward Triston Grant and a 2009 seventh round pick. Today, the Flyers traded Niskala to Tampa Bay for a 2009 sixth-round pick.

Niskala wanted a one way contract or he was heading to Russia. The Flyers weren't willing to do that.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It looks like the Wings have re-signed Andreas Lilja to a 2 year deal at just over $1M a season.

And there was much rejoicing.

*yaaaaay*

[DeToxRox]

HB - I keep hearing Tucker to Detroit. Toronto is playing some of the salary, and I feel like he'd come cheap. Personally, I like it. I like a good agitator who lives and dies to win. He is a prick, but he is all for his teammates and gives us another presence with scoring touch for the third or fourth line.

What do you think?

[Honolulu_Blue]

HB - I keep hearing Tucker to Detroit. Toronto is playing some of the salary, and I feel like he'd come cheap. Personally, I like it. I like a good agitator who lives and dies to win. He is a prick, but he is all for his teammates and gives us another presence with scoring touch for the third or fourth line.

What do you think?


As with all free agents, the question is: At what price? That said, I've always liked Darcy Tucker. For a while there - a few years back now - I do believe I declared him my "favorite non-Red Wing" player in the NHL. That time has long since past, but I think he could be a good fit. He's got some offsenive upside and some abrasiveness. I could see him filling the Dallas Drake role in a way, but better.

I'd approve this move.

I'd love to see either Sundin or Rolston as well. Sadly, I think Stuart's gone.

[DeToxRox]

As with all free agents, the question is: At what price? That said, I've always liked Darcy Tucker. For a while there - a few years back now - I do believe I declared him my "favorite non-Red Wing" player in the NHL. That time has long since past, but I think he could be a good fit. He's got some offsenive upside and some abrasiveness. I could see him filling the Dallas Drake role in a way, but better.

I'd approve this move.

I'd love to see either Sundin or Rolston as well. Sadly, I think Stuart's gone.

Holland said money wise Stuart's camp and the Wings are not far apart, but the market will probably raise the stakes too much. I am not banking on Stu returning.

I can see a run at Orpik, as well as Sundin.

But the dark horse is Naslund. I wouldn't be shocked if he signed and signed soon.

[Simms]

- Wings sign Stuart, 4 years, $3.75 per
- Oilers trade Raffi Torres to Columbus for Gilbert Brule
- Oilers trade Joni Pitkanen (RFA) to Carolina for Erik Cole

And the Caps resigned Mike Green earlier this morning for 4 years, $5.25 per.

[Simms]

AM640 in Toronto reporting the Leafs will sign Cujo for 1 year, $700k.

[Dr. Sak]

Pittsburgh Penguins sign forward Pascal Dupuis to a three-year deal which will average $1.4-million per year.

[DeToxRox]

Brad Stuart stays in Detroit for four years at 3.75 per. Big get and one I didn't think we would see based off reports the past few days.

[Travis]

I hope to be proven wrong, but I'm really unimpressed with Lowe's moves this offseason. A (likely) cheap injury concern replaced by a more expensive one, and moved two NHL level defenseman for an older one who (again likely) will make as much as the two that were shipped out will make combined.

So we've added salary and age, *maybe* picked up a second line level scorer, haven't cleared up any of the extra bodies up front, thinned out on defense, especially from a physical standpoint and likely used up our best trade bait in Pitkanen.

I'm assuming this means Horcoff will be back to continue "earning" his contract, but that Lowe will still try to unload Pisani and Roloson (or we might start the season with 3 goalies on the roster, hurray!). I guess Cole is the answer to improving our scoring this year, color me underwhelmed.

[Dr. Sak]

I've heard that the Pens are going after Sean Avery.

5yr 18 million offer on the table to Orpik. 7yrs - 52 million to Hossa.

[Simms]

I read something on Sportsnet this morning that suggested the Bruins were getting ready to table a 12-year, $100 million offer to Hossa.

If true, that's absurd.

[Dr. Sak]

Sportsnet.Ca is reporting The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Radim Vrbata

[Suburban Rhythm]

bsak just mentioned Vrbata to TB.

Other items I've read-

Bryce Salavador returns to NJ, 4 years $11.6M
Devils also resign - Pandolfo, Clarkson and pass on Brylin's option

Caps re-sign Mike Green, 4 years $21M ($5.25 per)

Ducks re-sign Corey Perry, 5 years $26.6M ($5.325 per)

Rene Bourque to Calgary, 2nd rd pick back to Chicago

[Dr. Sak]

Vrbata to Tampa -- 3 yrs./$9 million.

Word is that Atlanta has offered Brian Campbell 8 yrs./$60 million.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Vrbata to Tampa -- 3 yrs./$9 million.

Word is that Atlanta has offered Brian Campbell 8 yrs./$60 million.

Apparently, TB plans on winning a bunch of games 6-5, because they still have no D and suspect in goal.

[Dr. Sak]

Barry's mullet will play goal.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Also, reading the Pens pretty close to completing/announcing Malkin signing an extension, 5 years $8.5M per.

[Galaxy]

Yikes. Talk about insane contracts being given out/offered/rumored.

[Simms]

Apparently, TB plans on winning a bunch of games 6-5, because they still have no D and suspect in goal.
Sportsnet reporting that they made a phone call to Ollie Kolzig.

[Dr. Sak]

The Pens add an 8th year to Hossa's offer but don't offer any more money.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Also, Panthers sign Rusty Olesz to extension, $18.75 over 6 years.

On the surface, looks :eek: for a guy who barely breaks 30 points a season.
But, he could still become a 20-25 goal guy, he hits and he kills penalties. No reason he couldn't turn out to be a Ryan Malone type...and at 22, Olesz is still 2 years younger than Malone was as a rookie.

If anything, the length is the issue, but $3.1M isn't that terrible.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Sportsnet reporting that they made a phone call to Ollie Kolzig.

Oh, so they plan on winning 7-6 instead of 6-5?

[Suburban Rhythm]

More stuff-

Marek Zidlicky to Minnesota for Ryan Jones & 2nd round pick back to Nashville

Minnesota also sign Andrew Brunette

[Honolulu_Blue]

Brad Stuart stays in Detroit for four years at 3.75 per. Big get and one I didn't think we would see based off reports the past few days.

Very good to see. He really played well with Kronwall in the playoffs. Some great chemistry there. Barring injury, the Wings top two defensive pairings are set for at least another two years.

It sounds like both sides compromised. Holland was looking at something in the $3M range and Stuart could have probably made about $4-$4.5M, so $3.75M isn't too shabby at all.

The Pitkanen for Cole trade is interesting, considering Cole only has a year left on his deal. You would think the Oilers could have received a little more for him. That said, I really like Erik Cole.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Also, reading the Pens pretty close to completing/announcing Malkin signing an extension, 5 years $8.5M per.
Updated -- will mirror Crosby's deal 5 years, $8.7M a year

[Suburban Rhythm]

Denis Gauthier + 2010 2nd round pick to LA for some prospects. But I imagine Philly is happy just not to pay him to play for the Phantoms anymore.


AND

Kyle Wellwood signs QO from Vancouver

[Draft Dodger]

I thought they waived Gauthier?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I thought they waived Gauthier?

PING bsak

I believe he was waived, cleared, and sent to the minors, and played the entire season for the Phantoms at like $2M

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pens bring back Mark Eaton, 2 years $1M per

Fantastic deal. I don't know if this means they don't think Orpik returns, or they think they can somehow move Darryl Sydor and his $2.5M salary.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Trola

It is 1990 all over again

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/01/penguins_jagr/

The Pittsburgh Penguins have offered a contract to free agent forward and former team captain, Jaromir Jagr (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Jaromir_Jagr), Sportsnet has learned.

[Dr. Sak]

PING bsak

I believe he was waived, cleared, and sent to the minors, and played the entire season for the Phantoms at like $2M

He was waived but some how the Flyers found someone to take him. They were going to buy him out to give him a chance to maek someone else's club but LA must have bitten on a trade.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Per Sportsnet, Vancouver offering/to offer Sundin $10M for 1 year. They've got cap room, but...

:eek:

[Dr. Sak]

I hope the Pens sign Jagr so all those yinzers that booed him would have to root for him all over again.

[Draft Dodger]

I hope the Pens sign Jagr so all those yinzers that booed him would have to root for him all over again.

like Rob Blake and the idiot fans in LA

[Dr. Sak]

Hey DD what do you think of Jeff Finger? I heard the Flyers might be going after him.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I hope the Pens sign Jagr so all those yinzers that booed him would have to root for him all over again.

They'll regrow their Jagr style mullets too....oh wait a minute...;)

[Dr. Sak]

Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed)

[Draft Dodger]

Hey DD what do you think of Jeff Finger? I heard the Flyers might be going after him.

I like him a lot. The Avs apparently tried to re-sign him, but with the 6 guys they already have, he was worried about lack of playing time.

I think he's a nice tough defenseman. He doesn't have much offensive skill, but he's got a good shot and had some success in a limited role on the PP. One of the many criticisms we had about Joel Quenneville was that he didn't give Finger more PP time.

Not a top defenseman, but definitely a good guy to have in the mix.

[Draft Dodger]

Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed)

hmmm - and there's been a lot of Huet to Colorado rumors today...

[Draft Dodger]

Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed)

oh, and *fist pump* YES!!!!!

[Pyser]

man this is fun to watch

[Suburban Rhythm]

hmmm - and there's been a lot of Huet to Colorado rumors today...

oh, and *fist pump* YES!!!!!

Or.....Andrew Raycroft. Per TSN.

And you thought after losing Theodore, there couldn't be a step backwards?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed)

Seeing $9M over 2 years.

I am sorting of loving all this. Even with Pittsburgh not making a BIG move yet, they are getting better in the East by everyone else getting worse.

[Draft Dodger]

I can live with Raycroft. I guess it depends on the $$$

[Dr. Sak]

Seeing $9M over 2 years.

I am sorting of loving all this. Even with Pittsburgh not making a BIG move yet, they are getting better in the East by everyone else getting worse.

Pfft...I'll take the Flyers against the Pens without Hossa, Orpik, Malone, and Roberts. And with a healthy Colburn and Timmonen.

From Rob Rossi of a Pittsburgh Paper...

There is no word on right wing Marian Hossa, but the Penguins are moving forward with a plan of attack that does not include his return. Now for a line we never expected to report:
General manager Ray Shero has inquired about the interest right wing Jaromir Jagr -- BAM! -- might have in returning to Pittsburgh. Discussions have been described as “very preliminary.”
Jagr, 36, is currently the New York Rangers’ captain and wants to return to Manhattan, but he is open to the idea of continuing his NHL career elsewhere. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Penguins, for whom he is the second-leading all-time scorer.
For what it’s worth: Jagr is represented by Pat Brisson, who is Sidney Crosby’s agent. Brisson could not be reached for comment.

[Dr. Sak]

TSN is reporting the Detroit Red Wings have signed Ty Conklin

Adam Hall to Tampa 3 yrs./$1.8 million

[Suburban Rhythm]

I have to think Hossa makes his decision today, or the Pens move forward with Jagr (can't believe I am typing that) or Nasluand, Huselius, etc. They've got move on those guys before they are gone and there are NO options.

I can see them looking at some 3rd tier guys who are in their late 20's as 1 or 2 year fillers. Josef Vasicek types. And then either Hossa, or 2 of that next group (Huselius, Rolston, Satan, etc).

[Dr. Sak]

A. Konstinten re-signs with Habs

Fedoruk to Phoenix

[gstelmack]

The Pitkanen for Cole trade is interesting, considering Cole only has a year left on his deal. You would think the Oilers could have received a little more for him. That said, I really like Erik Cole.

We're going to miss Cole around here. A hard worker, which this team often seems to lack (playing with consistent effort has been their achilles heel since they moved here). What's funny is the reaction around here is "we only got one guy for him?" rather than your "Edmonton only got Cole for Pitkanen?".

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pfft...I'll take the Flyers against the Pens without Hossa, Orpik, Malone, and Roberts. And with a healthy Colburn and Timmonen.

From Rob Rossi of a Pittsburgh Paper...

No Oprik (yet) but add in Eaton. Hands done best player in our zone the Penguins have. When healthy.

TSN is reporting the Detroit Red Wings have signed Ty Conklin

Adam Hall to Tampa 3 yrs./$1.8 million

Jesus...Laraque and Ruutu are still out there Tampa, in case you've forgetten them!

I liked Hall, he played well on the 4th line, RH faceoff guy, played PK and scored some big goals in the playoffs. But he's a replaceable guy.

[DeToxRox]

Conklin is nice insurance. We needed a vet in the system. He will probably mentor Larsson in Grand Rapids.

[Dr. Sak]

Look at Tampa they have…



Malone, Roberts, Adam Hall, and Michelle Oulette



That’s 10% of the 2006 Pens team…

[Dr. Sak]

Oh well so much for Flyers getting Finger(ed).

Toronto signs UFA defenceman Jeff Finger to a 4 year deal worth $3.5-million a season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Look at Tampa they have…



Malone, Roberts, Adam Hall, and Michelle Oulette



That’s 10% of the 2006 Pens team…

Hall was in Nashville in 06, not here.

But maybe we can convince them to take back Sydor.

[Dr. Sak]

Ok sorry got my teams that were suppose to be in Kansas City by now mixed up! :)

[Draft Dodger]

Oh well so much for Flyers getting Finger(ed).

Toronto signs UFA defenceman Jeff Finger to a 4 year deal worth $3.5-million a season.

as much as I like Finger, that's too much

[Suburban Rhythm]

Oh well so much for Flyers getting Finger(ed).

Toronto signs UFA defenceman Jeff Finger to a 4 year deal worth $3.5-million a season.

$3.5M a year :confused: :eek: :confused: :eek:

Holy shit...it's going to cost the Pens $6M to keep Orpik now!

[Pyser]

that is a really, really curious goalie decision in washington. what more could huet have possibly done for them to stay?

[Draft Dodger]

that is a really, really curious goalie decision in washington. what more could huet have possibly done for them to stay?

I'm more curious to see where Huet is going to end up

[Draft Dodger]

er, nevermind. looks like Chicago

[Suburban Rhythm]

Cory Stillman to Panthers, 3 years/ $10.6M

And also read same as DD, looking like Huet to Chicago

[Maple Leafs]

as much as I like Finger, that's too much
To be honest, I have never heard of this guy.

Hard to understand this one.

[TazFTW]

"NY Rangers sign UFA forward Aaron Voros (undisclosed)"


Yay?

[Honolulu_Blue]

To be honest, I have never heard of this guy.

Hard to understand this one.

Should you be surprised?

The Leafs have been giving their fans the Finger for years!

[DeToxRox]

To be honest, I have never heard of this guy.

Hard to understand this one.

Really? Seems easy to understand.

Toronto's $ + FA = :mad:

[Suburban Rhythm]

er, nevermind. looks like Chicago

4 years $5.6 per year

So the Hawks are paying about $12.5M for their goalies this year--unless they can dump the Bulin Wall

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins sign Eric Godard from the Flames, which ensures Laraque is gone. And Godard will only dress as needed....like to knock out Riley Cote. ;)

[DeToxRox]

After seeing the staggering amount of money flying around right now, all I can say is God bless Kenny Holland.

[TazFTW]

Darcy Tucker to Col for 2 yrs $4.5 mil

[Draft Dodger]

I fucking hate Tucker

[Honolulu_Blue]

After seeing the staggering amount of money flying around right now, all I can say is God bless Kenny Holland.

Ament to that. For years too many Wings fans have stomped their feet, screamed and hollered about Holland not making the big free agent move. But if you take a moment and really look at the players signed and, more importantly, what they signed for, it all makes sense.

Stuart at $3.75. Conklin at $750,000. Those addresses two needs and were both right around the right price, if not a little below market value.

bsak, I expect to continue to receive constant Ty Conklin insider updates.

[Maple Leafs]

Darcy Tucker to Col for 2 yrs $4.5 mil
That's a good bargain.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Stuart at $3.75.

That is the big deal. I expect Orpik to get about the same.

Stuart, Orpik, and Jeff Finger. One of these things is not like the other.

[Pyser]

i thought it was a bit much, but when you add in what he makes from the buyout, he just made out like a bandit

[Dr. Sak]

Penguins sign Eric Godard from the Flames, which ensures Laraque is gone. And Godard will only dress as needed....like to knock out Riley Cote. ;)

Cote knows his role. He is a punching bag at $500,000. Laraque did call him the pound for pound toughest guy in the league.

[Suburban Rhythm]

First offer sheet of the year-

Vancouver signs David Backes to a 3 year $7.5M offer sheet. Compensation back to St Louis would be a 2nd round pick.

Do we have any Blues guys around here who can give us more detail?

My thoughts are Backes is a nice player, but not a $2.5M guy. I know Vancouver has cap space this year, but into the future, not so certain.

[Dr. Sak]

I heard on XM on the way home that Backes is a guy that USA expects to be on their Olympic team in 2010. I'd say the Blues will match.

[Draft Dodger]

nhlnumbers.com seems to be adding these contracts as quickly as they are getting reported

[Suburban Rhythm]

One more...Ottawa solves their goaltending issues....with Alex Auld, 2 years, $1M a year.

[Travis]

Lalime to Buffalo, 2 year deal for $2 million.

[Coder]

TSN reports that Sundin has been offerred 10 mil per year for 2 years by the Canucks!?!!!

Jeepers..

[Pyser]

rolston has gotten offers from 17 teams so far

[Arctic Blast]

We're going to miss Cole around here. A hard worker, which this team often seems to lack (playing with consistent effort has been their achilles heel since they moved here). What's funny is the reaction around here is "we only got one guy for him?" rather than your "Edmonton only got Cole for Pitkanen?".

Oiler fans have this history of massively over-rating their own players, so they expect to get ridiculous amounts for them when they're moved. I don't know why this is the case, but that's how it is. So, a lot of Edmontonians seemed to be expecting a team to break the bank in a deal for a defenseman who plays to his talent level half the time and has been pretty much hated in his own locker room both here and in Philly. And, let's keep in mind that Cole is SIGNED for another year...Pitkanen is still an RFA.

[Maple Leafs]

TSN reports that Sundin has been offerred 10 mil per year for 2 years by the Canucks!?!!!

I argued (http://downgoesbrown.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-leafs-should-offer-sundin.html) on my blog that the Leafs should offer Sundin a one-year deal at $10M if he would accept a limited NTC.

The Vancouver offer is interesting. Over the past few months we've heard that Sundin wants to stay in the east and that he wants to play for a winner. Neither of those is true of Vancouver. I guess we'll see if it was really all about money all along.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Brian Campbell to Chicago 8 years/ $56.8M

[Arctic Blast]

Sounds like it's pretty much official...Brian Campbell to Chicago...8 years, 56 million.

[Pyser]

thats a lot of money. but at least they are an exciting team

[Suburban Rhythm]

rolston has gotten offers from 17 teams so far

Per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Rolston turned down 3 years/$13.5 from TB earlier. I assume this was TB's take it or leave it offer to Rolston, before moving on to the other 18 forwards they signed.

Also says offers from Pittsburgh, Detroit, NJ and NYR.

At more than $4.5M a year, I don't want him in Pittsburgh.

[Pyser]

the devils could really use him, if only for the pp. but it wouldnt kill me if we dont land him. we never land anyone, anyway

[Travis]

Oiler fans have this history of massively over-rating their own players, so they expect to get ridiculous amounts for them when they're moved. I don't know why this is the case, but that's how it is. So, a lot of Edmontonians seemed to be expecting a team to break the bank in a deal for a defenseman who plays to his talent level half the time and has been pretty much hated in his own locker room both here and in Philly. And, let's keep in mind that Cole is SIGNED for another year...Pitkanen is still an RFA.

I know I weighed in on this earlier, and just wanted to clarify my thoughts on the matter. It's not so much getting Cole that I'm disappointed in, it's that they didn't package Pitkanen up to get a true first liner to pair up with Hemsky. I'd have much rather seen Lowe take a run at Jokinen with Pitkanen as part of that package (for a guy who has two years left on his contract and at a time when dealing Joni's rights would have likely been worth a bit more than today). Maybe Cole can step in here and light it up, but given his history, I can't imagine we can realistically expect a 30 goal season out of him and that's the sort of player Lowe should have been looking for at this juncture (imho). I'd have much rather seen them sign Stoll to a one year deal and see what he could have done this year than to add Visnovsky at $5.6 per for the next 4 seasons when Pitkanen could have been had for that or less and we'd have also been able to keep Greene.

For better or worse, they dealt Stoll at a low value point, failed (again, imho) to fully capitalize on their best trade chip in Pitkanen and are now faced with having to move some bad contracts with only prospects and draft picks to sweeten the pot in those instances. For a team having a hard time attracting UFA's you've got to really capitalize on trades and while I hope to be proven wrong, the only deal I'm a fan of right now is the Torres for Brule move.

[Coder]

I argued (http://downgoesbrown.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-leafs-should-offer-sundin.html) on my blog that the Leafs should offer Sundin a one-year deal at $10M if he would accept a limited NTC.

The Vancouver offer is interesting. Over the past few months we've heard that Sundin wants to stay in the east and that he wants to play for a winner. Neither of those is true of Vancouver. I guess we'll see if it was really all about money all along.

I don't think it's about the money for Sundin.. even if he signs that 10 mil contract.. (which, apparently, is 5+5 per year, and the second year seems to be optional). I don't really understand the saying that he wants to stay in the east.. i mean.. why?

Right now the hottest contender based on free agency and off-season alone would be Tampa, but they haven't expressed any interest and I don't think they have any room. I'm reading in a Swedish newspaper that the other teams showing an interest are Florida (no), Rangers (could be) and Detroit (best alternative if he's after a winner).

10 mil is a LOT for Sundin.. and I don't think he's worth it (and I have a great deal of respect for him). If I were Sundin, and Detroit offered me around 5 per year, I'd be all over that like a cop on a doughnut.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Mike Commodore to Columbus - 5 years/$18.75M ($3.75M per)

So he gets the same as Stuart...making Stuart's deal look that much better.

Pens are rumored to be offering Orpik $18M over 5, so please let it get done!

[Honolulu_Blue]

So the Blackhawks sign Brian Campbell to a $57M deal? That's 8 years at $7.1M.

They also sign Huet to that big deal.

Hmmm... Well, I guess Chicago feels like the time is now. They get Huet to shore up the goaltending (though I have no idea what they plan on doing with the Buhlin Wall and his massive contract). They get Campbell to shore up the D. They must figure that Towes and Kane will only be getting better and better. I think this is the new ownership, well the old ownership's son, trying to make a statement.

That's a lot of money for this guy, but anything that will bring a spark to the Central Division is ok by my book. Nashville, St. Louis, and Chicago are all pretty dull. That's 24 games, or almost 30% of the schedule, of more or less "bleh" games.

I don't know about all this for Chicago. That's a lot of money for Huet, a ton for Campbell, they still have Bhulin hanging around...

[Suburban Rhythm]

Ossi Vaananen comes back to the NHL, 1 year $1M to Philly

Also, earlier David Backes offersheet by Vancouver has already been matched by St. Louis.

[Suburban Rhythm]

So the Blackhawks sign Brian Campbell to a $57M deal? That's 8 years at $7.1M.

They also sign Huet to that big deal.

Hmmm... Well, I guess Chicago feels like the time is now. They get Huet to shore up the goaltending (though I have no idea what they plan on doing with the Buhlin Wall and his massive contract). They get Campbell to shore up the D. They must figure that Towes and Kane will only be getting better and better. I think this is the new ownership, well the old ownership's son, trying to make a statement.

That's a lot of money for this guy, but anything that will bring a spark to the Central Division is ok by my book. Nashville, St. Louis, and Chicago are all pretty dull. That's 24 games, or almost 30% of the schedule, of more or less "bleh" games.

I don't know about all this for Chicago. That's a lot of money for Huet, a ton for Campbell, they still have Bhulin hanging around...

I agree both those moves seem on the overpayment side. Bulin has 1 year left at $6.75, so as long as it works this season, they don't have that bad of a cap mess.

Reading Khabi to LA...which on one side makes little sense-- they just moved Visnovsky's salary, why take one back?

But, they just took Gauthier's from Philly, and similarly, Khabibulin's contract expires next season. For a team that may believe they are going nowhere next year, Gauthier and Khabibulin represent about $9M in expiring contracts that 1) get them to the cap floor this year and 2) give them lots to spend on 2009 free agents.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Per TSN, Rolston to NJ. 4 years / $20M

This is a sign...Rolston back to NJ, Jagr to Pittsburgh can't be far behind.

[Tekneek]

Don Waddell crashes and burns once again. He might end up having to offer inflated contracts just to hit the cap minimum.

[Pyser]

Dola

Per TSN, Rolston to NJ. 4 years / $20M

This is a sign...Rolston back to NJ, Jagr to Pittsburgh can't be far behind.

not a bad price for a guy who has over 90 goals in the last 3 years and will help the pp a lot. not a great price, either, though.

maybe a year too long, but hey, ill take it.

[RomaGoth]

Rumor has it that Edmonton is now interested in Hossa. :confused::eek::confused:

[samifan24]

One more...Ottawa solves their goaltending issues....with Alex Auld, 2 years, $1M a year.

He was pretty good for the Bruins last year. Too bad he stays in the division with Ottawa. This will probably come back to hurt Boston this year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

not a bad price for a guy who has over 90 goals in the last 3 years and will help the pp a lot. not a great price, either, though.

maybe a year too long, but hey, ill take it.

Right, again it's the length of the deal, not so much the salary. I don't think NJ is in any kind of cap danger, but he's 33 isn't he?

Rumor has it that Edmonton is now interested in Hossa. :confused::eek::confused:

Saw that earlier today. Hossa has said he'd bypass money for a chance to win...so I guess we'll find out how true that is. Although, he could push Edmonton easily into the playoffs, they'd have a deep group of forwards.

[Logan]

Right, again it's the length of the deal, not so much the salary. I don't think NJ is in any kind of cap danger, but he's 33 isn't he?

The problem is the Devils are cheap already. How much cheaper will they be when they have a 36 year old Roston on their cap for $5 mil?

[Pyser]

devils arent that cheap. before that signing we were about 10m under the cap

word is the devils are also bringing holik back, 1 yr, 2.5 mil

we are gonna win this 1995 cup, whether you guys like it or not

[Travis]

Rumor has it that Edmonton is now interested in Hossa. :confused::eek::confused:

Yep, supposedly at the $9 million per level (though I haven't heard any rumors as to what the deal length would be). If they were to ink him they'd have to shed around $3-$5 million and sign some cheap deals to round out the roster. I'd assume Roli and Pisani would be the attempted salary dumps, maybe Horcoff (3 combined make around $9-$10 million).

That's a 3 for 1 deal I'd be willing to make in a heart beat.

[Tekneek]

Devils are cheap when $10 million under the cap? I just read that Atlanta is $29 million under the cap and managed to sign zero players so far today.

[TazFTW]

Rangers re-sign Rozsival for 4 yrs, $20 million. They also signed Patrick Rissmiller to an undisclosed amount.

I guess they're not interested in Orpik now.

[Galaxy]

So the Blackhawks sign Brian Campbell to a $57M deal? That's 8 years at $7.1M.

They also sign Huet to that big deal.

Hmmm... Well, I guess Chicago feels like the time is now. They get Huet to shore up the goaltending (though I have no idea what they plan on doing with the Buhlin Wall and his massive contract). They get Campbell to shore up the D. They must figure that Towes and Kane will only be getting better and better. I think this is the new ownership, well the old ownership's son, trying to make a statement.

That's a lot of money for this guy, but anything that will bring a spark to the Central Division is ok by my book. Nashville, St. Louis, and Chicago are all pretty dull. That's 24 games, or almost 30% of the schedule, of more or less "bleh" games.

I don't know about all this for Chicago. That's a lot of money for Huet, a ton for Campbell, they still have Bhulin hanging around...

I'm glad the Sabres move Campbell with that kind of money. He's a solid player, but he's an offensive D who is a liability in the defensive end.

How is Lalime? Miller got way over-worked last year due to the crap play of backup T-bone. I can't stand that the Sabres don't spend to the salary cap (they have a self-impose budget since the cap came into play). I know it's business, but what good is a salary cap (when it's suppose to help small market clubs) when you don't use it?

[Maple Leafs]

I don't think it's about the money for Sundin..
If it's not about winning (which we already know), and it's not about money, and it's not about location.... what exactly is it about?

...even if he signs that 10 mil contract.. (which, apparently, is 5+5 per year, and the second year seems to be optional).
If by 5+5 you mean there are bonuses involved, the CBA doesn't allow for that this year. Well, it does, but the entire bonus counts against the cap whether its reached or not so there's not much point. Bob McKenzie did a piece on this on TSN yesterday.

[TazFTW]

"New York Rangers sign UFA defenceman Wade Redden to a six-year contract worth $39 million"

Um, wow.

[Honolulu_Blue]

"New York Rangers sign UFA defenceman Wade Redden to a six-year contract worth $39 million"

Um, wow.

Uh. Yeah. Right. Sure.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I love the Rangers signing Rozsival and Redden, if only because it takes them out of the Orpik race, and presumably Hossa (cap wise).

[Pyser]

between redden, rozsival, gomez, drury and lundqvist (sp?) the rangers are over $30m. but i suppose dropping jagr (for now) evens out the redden signing.

but redden doesnt scare me. i wish they signed him for more.

[sterlingice]

4 years $5.6 per year

So the Hawks are paying about $12.5M for their goalies this year--unless they can dump the Bulin Wall

I like the Huet signing. Not really excited but solid. Hopefully they can deal Nikolai but at least he just has one year left on the deal.

Campbell, I'm a bit more worried about. 8 years for a 29 year old? Really? This isn't the NFL where they can give you 4 or 5 years and then you can cut them and take a little cap hit.

It's not a perfect analogy, but it's the Rockies giving Todd Helton a 9 year contract when he was 27. He was worth it for the first few years but now that contract is getting heavy in Colorado and they've tried to deal him the last couple of years. He's still worth quite a bit, just not what they are paying him and by an ever growing margin.

SI

[Vince]

For that money, Campbell would have been bad -- but I can't be happy that he's not returning to San Jose. A first rounder, basically for nothing. Blech.

[Logan]

Wow, happy about Redden. Too much money for Rozy though.

edit: I'd feel a little happier about Redden if it was a year and about a million less. Speculation that Tyutin will be moved for a forward.

[TazFTW]

Islanders sign Mark Streit for 5 years, $20.5 million. I would have liked that signing as opposed to Redden's and Rozsival's deals.

[Tekneek]

Anyone know what the penalty is for being under the cap floor? Atlanta is approximately $12 million under the cap floor right now.

[Dr. Sak]

Don Waddell crashes and burns once again. He might end up having to offer inflated contracts just to hit the cap minimum.

Take Hatcher off of Philly's hand. We'll throw in Rathje for free too.

[DeToxRox]

Ryder to Boston, 3 years, 4 mil per.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Anyone know what the penalty is for being under the cap floor? Atlanta is approximately $12 million under the cap floor right now.

Have no fear. We'll overpay for a guy (or two) with nothing left in the tank.

[Wolfpack]

The Cole move wasn't totally unexpected. He's been speculated about for quite a while going back to last year and his contract/statistics made him the most tradable asset. Carolina, in spite of needs on defense, had been concentrating on offense much of the offseason (top pick at the draft was a forward, for example) so it stood to reason someone was being set up to leave. Turns out it was Cole.

Carolina fans seem to be of two minds on the deal. They loved Cole's speed and aggressiveness, but they also recognize the defense has been, to be polite, porous in the last couple of years and that Cole was in the last year of his current deal, so he was a marketable item for trade. If Carolina can get Pitkanen on board, they also continue the trend of getting much younger. Granted, that's pretty easy to do when Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican retire or leave the team, but the team is getting younger pretty quickly. Of the remainder, only Brind'Amour and Whitney are regular players who are over 35 (though there are a few who are 33 or 34).

Cole definitely was a fan favorite and up until he got injured, you certainly held your breath when he charged the net on a breakaway because he was just ferocious in attacking. He's not been the same since that neck injury back in '06, IMO. He's got flashes of what he was that year and back in '02 when he first blossomed in the playoffs, but he's not been as consistent. Still, he was fun to watch and will be missed.

His leaving takes $4 million off the books of which a fair amount will be used to try to sign Pitkanen. So, Carolina's sitting on around $42-44 million in contracts right now. While the cap's up around $56 million, Carolina is not expected to come near that number, probably topping out perhaps around $46-47 million.

It's a bit of a gamble to trade Cole for a RFA, though. As the local newspaper blogger pointed out, a division rival could really screw with things by laying down an offer sheet with a pile of money on it. I can only assume JR pulled this because he's already got the paperwork ready to go.

Also, welcome back Anton Babchuk. No hard feelings. Maybe. *scratches head over this move* The Canes also signed some of their minor leaguers who did a good job keeping the team afloat through all the injuries last year and the team got some static from the fans for sending them down right at the end of the season when Carolina went into that 1-3 slide that gave Washington the last playoff spot.

Carolina isn't done yet as they still need to get LaRose and Seidenberg signed up again and speculation is they'll also be signing up another defenseman from somewhere.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Take Hatcher off of Philly's hand. We'll throw in Rathje for free too.

Darryl Sydor has gone to the Cup Finals with 3 teams now...he might be good luck for Atlanta.

Ryder to Boston, 3 years, 4 mil per.

So the top 2 RW in Boston now are Ryder and Murray-- is there a more streaky pair in the NHL?

I love this deal, because, again, it removes someone from the running for a Penguin. Is it now down to Edmonton and Pittsburgh for Hossa?

[Arctic Blast]

I know I weighed in on this earlier, and just wanted to clarify my thoughts on the matter. It's not so much getting Cole that I'm disappointed in, it's that they didn't package Pitkanen up to get a true first liner to pair up with Hemsky. I'd have much rather seen Lowe take a run at Jokinen with Pitkanen as part of that package (for a guy who has two years left on his contract and at a time when dealing Joni's rights would have likely been worth a bit more than today). Maybe Cole can step in here and light it up, but given his history, I can't imagine we can realistically expect a 30 goal season out of him and that's the sort of player Lowe should have been looking for at this juncture (imho). I'd have much rather seen them sign Stoll to a one year deal and see what he could have done this year than to add Visnovsky at $5.6 per for the next 4 seasons when Pitkanen could have been had for that or less and we'd have also been able to keep Greene.

For better or worse, they dealt Stoll at a low value point, failed (again, imho) to fully capitalize on their best trade chip in Pitkanen and are now faced with having to move some bad contracts with only prospects and draft picks to sweeten the pot in those instances. For a team having a hard time attracting UFA's you've got to really capitalize on trades and while I hope to be proven wrong, the only deal I'm a fan of right now is the Torres for Brule move.

First off, who's to say they didn't take a run at Jokinen, who, I agree, would obviously have been a bigger get? However, I don't think Pitkanen has near the market value out there that you do. This is a guy who's basically been run out of two places in 2 years for a lack of work ethic, and his ex-teammates were hardly crying as he was punted out the door. On top of that, he's still an RFA that Carolina has to sign. That doesn't equal a whole heck of a lot of value out there. And, with Florida already having one RFA D-man in Bouwmeester, would they have really wanted to add a second one?

Yes, Pitkanen could have been had for less than Visnovksy...he's also less of a PLAYER than Visnovsky, who is top 3 for points from the blueline over the last 3 years. (I have more of a problem with the stupid money they gave Souray last year than what Visnovksy makes, simply because Visnovksy is more of a proven commodity).

I think they had to move Stoll, just like they had to move Torres. The fans had given up on both of them. I don't think things would have gotten any better. A couple seemingly weak games in a row, and they would have been ridden out of town on a rail. And, again, they got a player for an RFA, which is a pretty nice move.

I DO agree completely that they have to replace Greene's size on the backend, unless they're going to gamble than Souray is going to keep his shoulder held together for a year while throwing his size around.

[Pyser]

I love this deal, because, again, it removes someone from the running for a Penguin. Is it now down to Edmonton and Pittsburgh for Hossa?

never, ever, ever count the rangers out.

if im pitt, id rather have jagr, to be honest.

either way, the devils are screwed.

come on, oilers!!

[Coder]

If it's not about winning (which we already know), and it's not about money, and it's not about location.... what exactly is it about?


If by 5+5 you mean there are bonuses involved, the CBA doesn't allow for that this year. Well, it does, but the entire bonus counts against the cap whether its reached or not so there's not much point. Bob McKenzie did a piece on this on TSN yesterday.

There are bonuses involved, but like you said, they can't count that towards next year like they've done lately, so the 5+5 breakdown is a bit strange but I'm sure there's a reason. From what I read it's 5 signingbonus and 5 salary, and the next 5 is if he decides to play next year and will be paid July 1st next year in that case, and then he'll get a salary of 5 for the season..

As for the first part.. I have a feeling something is up between Sundin and the Maple Leafs front office.. something went sour around the trade deadline, something neither side is willing to talk about.

For Mats, maybe he wants to try something else for the first time since Quebec, and in that case his priorities are 1. Winner, 2. Location and 3. Money.. Apparently his girlfriend is from New York, so maybe that plays a part.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Revising an earlier posting.

Mark Eaton back to Pittsburgh 2 years/$4M.
It was originally reported by the PG as $2M TOTAL, not $2M per.

A little more than expected for a guy who has missed about 80+ games over the last two seasons. And high when you consider, if they are able to retain Orpik, gives them 8 NHL ready D on the roster and arguably 1, Alex Goligoski, in the minors. As long as it means Sydor is gone though, I am all for it.

[Logan]

never, ever, ever count the rangers out.

if im pitt, id rather have jagr, to be honest.

either way, the devils are screwed.

come on, oilers!!

The only way the Rangers will be able to get a deal done is if they can turn a couple guys like Tyutin and Sanguinetti into two top 6 forwards, which I don't think is possible unless more assets go than we can afford to lose. Just too many holes among the top 6 to spend so much on Hossa.

[Dr. Sak]

Revising an earlier posting.

Mark Eaton back to Pittsburgh 2 years/$4M.
It was originally reported by the PG as $2M TOTAL, not $2M per.


Along the same lines the Flyers signed RFA Randy Jones to a 2 year deal worth about $2.75 mil per. I don't think he is worth much more than $1.75 mil but after seeing what some of the others got (aka Jeff Finger) I can see why he demanded so much.

[Maple Leafs]

As for the first part.. I have a feeling something is up between Sundin and the Maple Leafs front office.. something went sour around the trade deadline, something neither side is willing to talk about.
Here's what went sour: the Leafs actually asked him to waive his no-trade. Apparently Mats thought the clause meant that the team couldn't even think about trading him, so when they actually asked him about it he got offended. I guess it hadn't occured to him that a team that was desperate to rebuild might actually want to trade a veteran at the deadline.

Sundin's had a reputation for years of being a "class" guy, mainly because he always does media interviews and never gets arrested. But there's no way around it, he's pulling a suck on this one, no different than any other lifetime underachiever who pouts about not feeling "respected" by the team that's built his mansion.

[Maple Leafs]

"New York Rangers sign UFA defenceman Wade Redden to a six-year contract worth $39 million"
And with a late push, the Rangers and Wade Redden edge out Jeff Finger for "worst contract of the day".

Does the money include a signing bonus for the giant fork that's been sticking out of Redden's back for two years?

[DeToxRox]

Redden to NY? At least Averys dealer isn't affected anymore.

[Dr. Sak]

Now I know why Maple Leafs hates Mats so much...When Mats was acquired, Toronto traded Wendel Clark as part of the deal to Quebec. Makes sense now.

[Dr. Sak]

The rumors keep getting funnier...from the Pittsburgh Sports Insider..

Sources indicate Penguins eye Jason Smyth as a short term replacement for Brooks Orpik but the Penguins can't move on Smith until they get a answer from Orpik.

I wonder how Sid would like to play on a team with someone who called him an out right diver to his face? HAHA.

I do like Jason Smith he brings a lot of leadership to a team, but I dont think he'd be the right fit in Pittsburgh.

[BishopMVP]

Hilarious article on ESPN regarding Day 1 signings - http://proxy.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3470156

Grades: NYR/Redden "There's always a danger when you lock in a player to a long-term deal, especially when his game has tailed off." B+
TOR/Finger "Title - You Signed Who? For What?" B-
NJ/Rolston A-
CHI/Campbell A+

What sort of a scale is this?

[Dr. Sak]

NHL Live on the NHL Network is reporting that Hossa has signed a 1 year deal with Detroit.

[johnnyshaka]

Jebus!!! How the hell does the Stanley Cup winning team get even better the following season?? WOW!!!

[Dr. Sak]

Hossa signs a 1 year deal for 7.5 mil with detroit...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hossa signs a 1 year deal for 7.5 mil with detroit...

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

Oh my...

[Dr. Sak]

Report from TSN

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242261&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[Travis]

Am I the only one quite shocked that he'd settle for a one year deal even if his main aim was to hook up with a Cup favorite? I'd have thought he'd want at least 3 years.

[DeToxRox]

amazing signing. One year? I love it. God bless you Kenny Holland.

[Dr. Sak]

I now declare the Red Wings the Patriots of the NHL.

HATE AWAY!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

This is the kind of move Holland was looking to make. A big name forward to a big, one year deal. With Franzen, Zetterberg, and Hulder all playing with very, very manageable contracts for one more year, the Wings had the cap space for a big time, one year deal.

Most thought it'd be Sundin, but I'll gladly take Hossa.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I now declare the Red Wings the Patriots of the NHL.

HATE AWAY!!!

WHAT?!?!

Don't you remember the good times?

Hey Wings fans, is there any room on the bandwagon for another fan for say about two weeks?

[Maple Leafs]

Wow.

Hats off to Detroit.

[MikeVic]

I now declare the Red Wings the Patriots of the NHL.

HATE AWAY!!!

They're gonna go 82-0 and then lose in the Stanley Cup Finals to the New York Rangers?

[Dr. Sak]

WHAT?!?!

Don't you remember the good times?

Okay Okay...I'll still root for them over the Pens. Just like I would root for the Pats over the Cowboys.

Better?

[RomaGoth]

Hossa signs a 1 year deal for 7.5 mil with detroit...

Wow what a move. Ken Holland once again shows why he is the best GM in the NHL, and possibly in all of sports. A one year deal works well for both sides, as Hossa can again test the waters next year or resign with the Wings, and Detroit can see how well he does without a long-term commitment if he is sub-par (which he probably will not be).

Nice move. I absolutely love being a Red Wing fan (since 1982 to be exact :))

[Honolulu_Blue]

Okay Okay...I'll still root for them over the Pens. Just like I would root for the Pats over the Cowboys.

Better?

It's a start.

Just remember, before you get all Anti-Wings, they saved you from a lot of pain and suffering this summer. Who knows what you could have been driven to, but for the Red Wings?

Getting fired, perhaps?


I know I am going to take grief. I've taken grief for the 29 years I've been a fan. But I can't stand stupidity. My boss today made a totally irrelevant, asinine comment about the Flyers to which I responded "I am going to walk away and pretend I never heard what you said. Because if I did hear it, I can never in good faith talk sports with you again."

Going to jail, maybe?

I am about to drop my fucking cubemate. I understand that I will take shit living where I do, and rooting for their rival. But the guy didn't watch a hockey game all year and probably doesn't know the difference between a puck and a hole in the ground yet he comes in to work telling me what a piece of shit team the Flyers are and how they stink. When I explained to him that the Flyers are without their top two defensemen he said "Losers don't make excuses."

He won't be laughing when I give him two black eyes and he cant watch the finals cause his eyes are swollen shut.

See, the Red Wings treated you well. They welcomed you with open arms in your time of need and carried you, just like Jesus and those footprints in the sand.

Do not forget.

[johnnyshaka]

Am I the only one quite shocked that he'd settle for a one year deal even if his main aim was to hook up with a Cup favorite? I'd have thought he'd want at least 3 years.

Exactly...perfect deal for Detroit but a stupid one for Hossa. Although, I think he's shown by signing this deal that he's in it to win...not to collect a paycheck because I'm sure he snubbed several teams offering more money.

I think I kind of admire him for this move.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The deal also shows some comitment on Hossa's part. He's taken a bit of risk here. How much higher is his stock going to be than it was yesterday morning?

He surely turned down a massive payday to play for the Wings. It's kind of an admirable move really...

Edit: See! Johnnyshaka totally agrees with me! Smart man.

[Dr. Sak]

The Wings also swept the Flyers in 1997...it still stings!

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings also swept the Flyers in 1997...it still stings!

Fair enough.

Here's are the new rankings:

BSAK16's 2008-2009 Rankings Of NHL Teams From Most Liked To Least:
1. Philadelphia
2. Detroit
3-29. Whatever
30. Pittsburgh

This is fair and wouldn't expect it to be any different.

[RomaGoth]

The Wings also swept the Flyers in 1997...it still stings!

In the Flyers defense they had Eric Lindros AND Bobby Clarke.....:eek:

[RomaGoth]

Dola

Looks like Hossa will get his 300th career goal with Detroit as well:

A first-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=ott) in 1997, Hossa has 299 career goals and 349 assists in 701 career games.

[Logan]

The deal also shows some comitment on Hossa's part. He's taken a bit of risk here. How much higher is his stock going to be than it was yesterday morning?

He surely turned down a massive payday to play for the Wings. It's kind of an admirable move really...

Edit: See! Johnnyshaka totally agrees with me! Smart man.

Put me in this camp. You always hear "when they say it's not about the money, it's always about the money" but Hossa just slammed that door shut. I'll be really rooting for him to be successful and injury-free so he cashes in next year, as you don't want to see someone do an admirable thing like this and have it come back to bite someone in the ass.

[Dr. Sak]

In the Flyers defense they had Eric Lindros AND Bobby Clarke.....:eek:

I still don't know which was more of a cancer.

[bob]

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, ownership forgets the NHL free agency period is going on, no doubt due to the frenzy surrounding the Atlanta Dream.

I could be wrong, but I think I read that the Thrashers are $12 million under the cap floor right now. Not sure what the f... they are doing.

My buddy is convinced ownership is trying to pull a Major League style wrecking of the franchise so they can move them.

[RomaGoth]

Malkin signs 5-year deal with Pittsburgh. Nice for Malkin, great move for Pittsburgh keeping their core youth together.

[RomaGoth]

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, ownership forgets the NHL free agency period is going on, no doubt due to the frenzy surrounding the Atlanta Dream.

I could be wrong, but I think I read that the Thrashers are $12 million under the cap floor right now. Not sure what the f... they are doing.

My buddy is convinced ownership is trying to pull a Major League style wrecking of the franchise so they can move them.

Whatever happened to Patrik Stefan.....?? :confused:

[TazFTW]

Stars sign Sean Avery for 4 years, $15.5 million. I didn't think teams would offer that much for him.

[RomaGoth]

Stars sign Sean Avery for 4 years, $15.5 million. I didn't think teams would offer that much for him.

Another bad contract waiting to happen.

[Logan]

He got a limited no-movement clause too. Too much money, too many years for a guy who can't stay healthy and has no interest in playing hockey.

[RomaGoth]

Sean Avery = Farmer Wants A Wife?

[Maple Leafs]

Sens sign Jarko Ruutu.

I didn't even know he was a UFA. Some team couldn't have signed Ruutu, Avery and Tucker to play on a line together?

[Arctic Blast]

Not a bad point, Leafs...and I was also unaware Ruuttu was even a FA!

One thought about Hossa...with that Russian Superleague throwing massive offers at Russian players, could it be possible that Marian is signing a short term deal now in hopes of getting one of those offers and returning home in a year or two?

[Dr. Sak]

Sens sign Jarko Ruutu.

I didn't even know he was a UFA. Some team couldn't have signed Ruutu, Avery and Tucker to play on a line together?

Ruutu wanted 3 years...the Pens only wanted to give him 2.

[Simms]

Atlanta finally signs somebody ... Ron Hainsey goes for 5 years, $22.5 mil.

[Maple Leafs]

I didn't even know he was a UFA. Some team couldn't have signed Ruutu, Avery and Tucker to play on a line together?
Jesus, it would have even been the RAT line!

How did we all miss this?

[Schmidty]

Just woke up, and all I can say is WOW, YESS!!!!

Ken Holland is the greatest GM in sports.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Atlanta finally signs somebody ... Ron Hainsey goes for 5 years, $22.5 mil.

That's a lot of money for Ron Hainsey, but I guess the Thrashers have to spend it on someone. I also don't think he's half bad. Not $4M good, but decent enough. Though $4 is probably a little more than twice his value.

[RomaGoth]

Jesus, it would have even been the RAT line!

How did we all miss this?

:+1:

[Honolulu_Blue]

Jesus, it would have even been the RAT line!

How did we all miss this?

That would have been awesome.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This assessment of the Lightning's moves and a shout out to "Bruce Salamander" made me laugh:

--------------------------

So let’s get this straight. The Lightning finished last overall this season, largely because they went most of the season with a defense corps and goaltending that would have had trouble competing at the AHL level.

Then they go out and address their needs by drafting Steven Stamkos first overall, trading for a soft-but-productive Vaclav Prospal and giving him a four-year deal, signing forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts, chasing Brian Rolston, and now signing Vrbata for three years.

All the while there are rumblings that, in order to meet their budget, they may have to trade Dan Boyle, one of the few defensemen they have who’s capable of playing at the NHL level.

Sure makes a guy wonder. Not to worry, however. Barry Melrose, who hasn’t coached an NHL game in almost 5,000 days and wasn’t a terribly strong technical coach in the first place, will whip this defense into shape.
Of course, what else were they to do when they missed out on getting Bryce Salvador? Clinging to the notion that you can never have too many fifth defensemen, the Devils managed to keep Salvador in the fold with a four-year deal worth $2.9 million per season.

It’s one of those deals that you look at and upon first blush, you say, “Whaaaaaa?!!!!”

Then you look at the deal a little more closely, contemplate what it all means and then you say, “Whaaaaaaa?!!!”

[Honolulu_Blue]

A good read on the Hossa signing:

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080702.wsptduha2/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

Hossa gambles on a different type of greed

ERIC DUHATSCHEK
Globe and Mail Update
July 2, 2008 at 3:48 PM EDT

A day after three dozen or so of his peers went chasing after the most dollars they could possibly grab, Marian Hossa left tens of millions on the table Tuesday to sign a modest one-year, $7.4 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

Hossa was being greedy all right — but not in the conventional sense of the term. At the age of 29 and 10 years into his NHL career, Hossa was greedy for a Stanley Cup — and figured his best chance to win one was to go to the defending champions. Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em — and Hossa had a front-row seat for the Red Wings' celebration. That happened on a steamy night in Pittsburgh in early June. Hossa was playing for the opposition, the Penguins, and they pushed the Red Wings to six games, before finally losing. Hossa actually had one last gasp chance to push the game into overtime, but just missed as time ran off the clock.

Hossa was duly impressed with what he saw — and the feeling on the Red Wings' side was mutual. Hossa finished the playoffs third in playoff scoring with 26 points in 20 games, one behind the co-leaders, Sidney Crosby and Henrik Zetterberg, and he was the most productive Penguins forward in the final.

Pittsburgh offered a reasonable chance of winning again — he gave that option some consideration. Other teams, notably the Edmonton Oilers, were prepared to offer significantly higher dollars and term, provided he was willing to sign on the dotted line for the long term.
But while Edmonton's future looks bright, the Red Wings looked like the best option to win in the present.

Hossa was the second player in as many days to come to terms with Detroit for less money that he could have gotten elsewhere. The Red Wings also re-signed defenceman Brad Stuart to a four-year, $15 million contract. Stuart's deal will average $3.75 million per season, or the same annual compensation as Mike Commodore received from the Columbus Blue Jackets on a five-year deal. Stuart or Commodore? It isn't even close in terms of their respective ability levels. One could make a case that Stuart, at this stage of his career, is a more productive all-around player than Wade Redden, who got $39 million over six years from the New York Rangers.

But that, in a nutshell, is the dilemma facing all the teams that want to unseat Detroit — good players gravitate towards winning organizations, especially when they're far-enough along their career paths that a million or more here or there isn't going to demonstrably affect their already healthy, head quality of life.

The risk for Hossa, who has been a remarkably durable player over the years, is that his good health continues. Hossa had major knee surgery in his final year of junior, but has been a picture of health ever since — missing just 22 games in eight years, 10 of them last year, split between the Penguins and the Atlanta Thrashers.

If Hossa blows out his knee again, then the decision to leave all that guaranteed money on the table may not seem like such a good idea. But for Hossa, the possible reward — a Stanley Cup — was worth it in the end.

It has been a decade since any NHL team won back-to-back championships. The last to do so was Detroit in 1997 and 1998. Accordingly, the Red Wings understand better than most the pitfalls that await a team the year after a Stanley Cup victory — the short summer, the need for motivation, the focus that every opponent has for the defending champions.

It is one reason why Holland, with no discernible holes in his team, wanted to make a couple of changes anyway — to ensure that the hunger is present again, when the team opens training camp in September. Some of that will come from youngsters, who didn't play much last season, but figure to have greater roles next year. Some will come from Hossa, who demonstrated how much he wanted to be part of their mix.

The Hossa camp understood Detroit's payroll complications. There were no salary-cap issues for the coming season. However, two years from now, or the 2009-10 season, both Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen, two mainstays of their Stanley Cup run, will be unrestricted free agents. The Red Wings goal is to get one and maybe both under contract for that year, as soon as possible.

It could mean Hossa's stay in the organization will be just one year. Or alternatively, if Hossa proves to be a good fit, they may juggle salary elsewhere in their payroll to accommodate a possible return.

"Success is about sacrifice — sacrificing ice time, sacrificing personal statistics, sacrificing some money," said Holland. "Success doesn't come easily. Marian, obviously, wants to come here because he thinks we give him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. He's showing incredible sacrifice — and it goes to his determination and character and how important winning is to him, and playing with other good players.

"When you see everything that happened in our league, with the term and the security and then you've got a premier power forward like Marian making this marriage happen by agreeing to a one-year contract."

Holland said it back in May — that players come to Detroit for the hockey; they don't have a lot else to sell.

For some — often for the good ones - the hockey turns out to be enough

[Arctic Blast]

Wow. Culmbus just sent Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. The thinking is that the Rangers are clearing room to re-up Jagr, but who's left on their blueline???

[TazFTW]

Sounds like the Rangers have gotten Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche from Columbus for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/07/zherdev_and_fritsche_traded_to.shtml

I'll miss Tyutin but Zherdev is a great pickup.

[Simms]

Orpik re-signs with the Pens per TSN ... 6 years, $22.5 million

[Honolulu_Blue]

A good move by the Penguins. Oprik is very good (even though he did fail to tie up Val Filppula on that 2nd goal in Game 6 of the Finals. ;))

So now Brooks Oprik is making as much money as Brad Stuart, Jeff Finger, and Mike Commodore, $3.75, all of whom are making LESS than the likes of Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit.

This whole situation is baffling to me. Though shaking it all out, Pittsburgh and Detroit got good deals.

[Logan]

The only way the Rangers will be able to get a deal done is if they can turn a couple guys like Tyutin and Sanguinetti into two top 6 forwards, which I don't think is possible unless more assets go than we can afford to lose. Just too many holes among the top 6 to spend so much on Hossa.

Well, we got a Top 6 guy for Tyutin. Can't complain. Backman would've been waived anyway.

[Logan]

Wow. Culmbus just sent Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. The thinking is that the Rangers are clearing room to re-up Jagr, but who's left on their blueline???

As I said above, Backman would've been waived, and we had five Top 4 d-men (Redden, Rozy, Staal, Tyutin, Girardi). The last pairing will either come internally or one of these guys we've picked up recently could be wheeled for another guy.

[TazFTW]

Wow. Culmbus just sent Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. The thinking is that the Rangers are clearing room to re-up Jagr, but who's left on their blueline???

Redden, Rozsival, Staal, and Girardi. I would guess they think Sanguinetti is ready to be called up. Not sure who else? Pock? They could always sign someone as the trade gave the Rangers more cap room.

[Logan]

Best guess is Sangs has a chance to make the club, but they don't want to put pressure on him this year so they're billing him as a year away.

[MikeVic]

Where's Tom Poti.

[RomaGoth]

The problem with the Rangers is that they show incredible instability. Every year they are trading/signing/releasing players at a ridiculous rate. Look at the Red Wings. They have many of the same players from their 2002 Stanley Cup team, and even a few from their 1997-1998 Stanley Cup teams (i.e. Osgood, Draper, Maltby, Lidstrom).

When will teams like the Rangers take a look at how managing/running an NHL franchise is supposed to be done?

[MikeVic]

Speaking of Tom Poti, what happened to Mike York? I'm looking at his stats and he seemed alright for awhile there, and then just fell off last year?

[Schmidty]

This whole start of free agency is making me want to pick up the last version of ESHM. I had the one before that (2005?), and liked it, but was wondering if the final version of 2007 was any better, and still worth buying.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This whole start of free agency is making me want to pick up the last version of ESHM. I had the one before that (2005?), and liked it, but was wondering if the final version of 2007 was any better, and still worth buying.

I started playing it when the playoffs started and have been having a blast.

One caveat: You need to download the editor and fix the salary cap (I bumped it from $44M to $50M) and then adjust every team's budget accordingly. It's really easy.

[Draft Dodger]

there's a quote going around from Fletcher saying that Joel Quenneville told him that he always used Finger against the top forwards (Thornton, Iginla, the Sedins).

I'm not sure who's blowing smoke here, but that's not at all true.

[Maple Leafs]

there's a quote going around from Fletcher saying that Joel Quenneville told him that he always used Finger against the top forwards (Thornton, Iginla, the Sedins).

I'm not sure who's blowing smoke here, but that's not at all true.
He also said that Quenneville said Finger was one of the five best defencemen in the conference.

I guess the other four must have been double-shifting for the Avs in the playoffs, since Finger was in the press box.

[RomaGoth]

there's a quote going around from Fletcher saying that Joel Quenneville told him that he always used Finger against the top forwards (Thornton, Iginla, the Sedins).

I'm not sure who's blowing smoke here, but that's not at all true.

I believe he meant that Quenneville always gave the finger to opposing forwards......

[Suburban Rhythm]

Finally getting to check in after a shitty day at work.

Thank God Orpik was kept. As much for the player as for the PR nightmare it would have been losing him and Hossa (more like Hoser, eh?) on the same day.

Hossa...just wow. I knew Detroit had said to be interested, but I don't think anyone expected Hossa to settle for a 1 year deal. The $ wasn't too different than Pittsburgh initial offer (reportedly $52M/7 years), but you can not blame him for feeling his best chance to win was in Detroit.

Orpik makes a deep blue line. While they probably will not need to dump a guy now, not paying Hossa, how do you handle being 8 deep with NHL D.

Oprik - Gonchar
Scuderi - Whitney
Letang - Gill

plus Eaton and Sydor

I think they'd love to dump Sydor for anything at this point and save the $2.5M

As far as filling out the forwards--

Jagr, Naslund and Huselius are the big 3 wings still available. As is Sundin, but doubtful he'd shift from center.

Then the 2nd tier has Satan & Demitra...and then the others, like Fedetenko.

Making the prediction now...Jagr signs 2 years, $10M. Around Thanksgiving is when the Lemieux resumes skating rumors surface, and after New Years, you see a 66 - 87 - 68 top line in Pittsburgh. Remember where you read it first.

One thing the Pens do need is a middleweight, after losing Ruutu. Not that he was a premier fighter, but I don't expect Godard to dress for more than 30 games. They lost Malone and Roberts, guys who could at least keep the opposition somewhat honest. At this point, the two guys on the team who are semi-willing to drop the gloves and will play a regular shift are Max Talbot and Tyler Kennedy, both of whom are uner 6' and under 200 lbs.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

site with sortable FA information out to 2012

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/

Cap Central link

[Suburban Rhythm]

Trola

Doug Weight to the Isles 1 year $1.75M

[Suburban Rhythm]

Quadrola ( is this a record or something!?)

Avs re-sign Wolski 2 years/ $5.6M

[RomaGoth]

Trola

Doug Weight to the Isles 1 year $1.75M

He still plays? :confused:

[Suburban Rhythm]

He still plays? :confused:

Not really...but wouldn't you take $1.75M if a former backup goalie turned GM offered it to you?

[Draft Dodger]

Trola

Doug Weight to the Isles 1 year $1.75M

it's been 30 minutes. has he been traded back to St Louis yet?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I heard an interview with Ken Holland on the ride home today.

Some interesting info. Holland had spoke with the Hossa camp yesterday about a possible deal. Then the Pittsburgh and Edmonton offers came in and Holland figured he was out since the Wings couldn't match that much money over that much time.

Apparently Winter, Hossa's agent, along with Hossa called Holland around 8:00 this morning and said they were interested in a deal. Hossa wanted to know about ice time and how he'd fit in with the team, so Holland had him call Babcock.

Hossa gets off the phone with Babcock and calls Winter and Holland and said the conversation went great. They started talking money again and Holland told Hossa that when Lidstrom signed his new deal last year (at $7.5M a year), Holland had promised him that he'd be the highest paid Wing.

Holland offered to call Lidstrom and get his "ok" about paying Hossa more. Hossa said "Don't bother. If you pay me $7.45 for one year, I'm a Wing."

And it was done.

[Draft Dodger]

there's a quote going around from Fletcher saying that Joel Quenneville told him that he always used Finger against the top forwards (Thornton, Iginla, the Sedins).

I'm not sure who's blowing smoke here, but that's not at all true.

turns out, I misread the quote. it was Ron Wilson, coach of the Sharks, who said that Finger was out there all the time against Thornton. And by all the time, he seemed to mean "about 20% of the time and a lot of that was Thornton coming on when Finger was already on the ice".

I forget, Sean, where is the Ron Wilson Overactive Imagination Tour headed this fall?

[Draft Dodger]

here I am wasting my time entertaining myself writing about the Fletcher and Wilson stuff, and someone else has already done it better (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16043).

[Galaxy]

Hopefully you guys can clear something up for me. Is the salary cap figures for each player determine by the average salary (per year) of a contract, or is each year's salary counted individually?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hopefully you guys can clear something up for me. Is the salary cap figures for each player determine by the average salary (per year) of a contract, or is each year's salary counted individually?

Average salary per year.

That is the advantage of front loading a deal-- appealing to the player to get the cash up front, but the team will have the same cap hit throughout.

A few deals structured this way. I believe Danny Briere received $10M this past season in Philly, although his cap hit is lik $6.8M or so.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Another one bites the dust

Kristian Huselius to Columbus, 4 years / $19M

[Chief Rum]

I heard an interview with Ken Holland on the ride home today.

Some interesting info. Holland had spoke with the Hossa camp yesterday about a possible deal. Then the Pittsburgh and Edmonton offers came in and Holland figured he was out since the Wings couldn't match that much money over that much time.

Apparently Winter, Hossa's agent, along with Hossa called Holland around 8:00 this morning and said they were interested in a deal. Hossa wanted to know about ice time and how he'd fit in with the team, so Holland had him call Babcock.

Hossa gets off the phone with Babcock and calls Winter and Holland and said the conversation went great. They started talking money again and Holland told Hossa that when Lidstrom signed his new deal last year (at $7.5M a year), Holland had promised him that he'd be the highest paid Wing.

Holland offered to call Lidstrom and get his "ok" about paying Hossa more. Hossa said "Don't bother. If you pay me $7.45 for one year, I'm a Wing."

And it was done.

Great story. I still hate your franchise with a passion.

Teemu, time to announce you're coming back.

[Buccaneer]

Great story. I still hate your franchise with a passion.

Teemu, time to announce you're coming back.

Chief,

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I swear, it goes up tomorrow. I won't do anything else until I get it up. :)

[Fidatelo]

Average salary per year.

That is the advantage of front loading a deal-- appealing to the player to get the cash up front, but the team will have the same cap hit throughout.

A few deals structured this way. I believe Danny Briere received $10M this past season in Philly, although his cap hit is lik $6.8M or so.

I think the other benefit is that you can then offload the player easier in the later years if he isn't playing up to the cap hit. Some cheap team like Atlanta will glady take a 6.8M cap while only paying 4M in actual cash.

[Chief Rum]

Chief,

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Dude! Hockey!

I am an empassioned fan. :)

Actually already working on it. I am going to post it all at once, so that's why you don't see it yet.

[Honolulu_Blue]

here I am wasting my time entertaining myself writing about the Fletcher and Wilson stuff, and someone else has already done it better (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16043).

Wow. That was very thorough and incredidly impressive.

I am entirely convinced now that Toronto actually signed the wrong guy.

I remember seeing an interview with Cliff Fletcher at the draft this year and he did seem kinda, well, old...

[DeToxRox]

Honestly, who could be worse then Toronto next year? It is a short list. Atlanta is probably their main competition I would assume. Not to be a shot ML but that team looks brutal.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Post Gazette reporting-

- Fleury deal nearly done: 6 years $33M ($5.5M per). Seems a little high to me

- Marcus Naslund getting long look with Hossa signing with the Wings

- Shero has said he'd consider multiple wingers now that Hossa is off the market. Originally it was assumed if they got Hossa, the other top 6 spots would be filled internally.

[Simms]

Wow. That was very thorough and incredidly impressive.

I am entirely convinced now that Toronto actually signed the wrong guy.

I remember seeing an interview with Cliff Fletcher at the draft this year and he did seem kinda, well, old...

Slightly different (and much less fatalistic) take here: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16047

Not sure yet exactly which side of the coin I fall on, but it's not like there's anything left to do except wait and see what happens.

Honestly, who could be worse then Toronto next year? It is a short list. Atlanta is probably their main competition I would assume. Not to be a shot ML but that team looks brutal.

Good. The more brutal the better. (And not to speak for ML, but I suspect he largely agrees.)

[Dr. Sak]

Post Gazette reporting-

- Fleury deal nearly done: 6 years $33M ($5.5M per). Seems a little high to me

You called me crazy a few months ago when i said MAF would go for $5 mil or more. His play in the playoffs got him that pay raise. Plus look at what Huet got...MAF is better than him. It's just playing the market. Just like Randy Jones getting $2.75 mil. Is he worth it? No, but the market is dictating that he is, so teams have to pony up.

I expect Staal to ask for around 4 or 5 mil too when his contract is up after this year. The Pens will have something like $28 million locked up in 4 players. All good players though.

[MikeVic]

Haha, I like that link about the Leafs signing the wrong guy. Makes a pretty convincing argument.

[Logan]

Word is Orpik took passed on a larger deal with the Rangers to re-up with Pitt.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola

Another one bites the dust

Kristian Huselius to Columbus, 4 years / $19M

That's a lot of money for a guy who was benched at times last year.

[TurnerONU22]

That's a lot of money for a guy who was benched at times last year.

If he can do this for us:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ps1GKOZwk_E"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ps1GKOZwk_E" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

then I'm okay with it. We had to replace Zherdev, so this move is fine with me. I think the Jackets, with the additions of Torres, Commodore, Tyutin, ect.... are becoming much tougher to play against.

[bbor]

I'm surprised the leafs ONLY paid 14 mil for Finger.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think the Jackets, with the additions of Torres, Commodore, Tyutin, ect.... are becoming much tougher to play against.

Don't forget Umberger as well. I agree, the Blue Jackets are trying to acquire an identity of being a mean, tough physical team that's hard to play against. I think that's a start, especially since Columbus really has been a team without an identity for a long, long time.

If they really do play that way, it should also go over pretty well with the savages out there in the cesspool that is Columbus. ;)

While I am not sure about Torres as a player, he is an incredible hitter. He's so thick and solid on his skates. He hurts people when he hits them or they hit him. That's certainly not the type of guy I'd like to see the Wings having to face 8 times a year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

You called me crazy a few months ago when i said MAF would go for $5 mil or more. His play in the playoffs got him that pay raise. Plus look at what Huet got...MAF is better than him. It's just playing the market. Just like Randy Jones getting $2.75 mil. Is he worth it? No, but the market is dictating that he is, so teams have to pony up.

I expect Staal to ask for around 4 or 5 mil too when his contract is up after this year. The Pens will have something like $28 million locked up in 4 players. All good players though.

Agree Fleury is the better player, but he was also restricted. I expected to see Huet (and the other UFAs) overpaid. But Fleury basically had a very good 2 month stretch. I expected similar to what Cam Ward got after his same stretch

Word is Orpik took passed on a larger deal with the Rangers to re-up with Pitt.

He said on one of the local shows last night, he got some offers much larger than the Pens offer. But also alluded to being "where this team was 4 years ago", meaning, the basement. So I wonder who else, other than NYR, were throwing money around.

[RomaGoth]

If they really do play that way, it should also go over pretty well with the savages out there in the cesspool that is Columbus. ;)

You, sir, are my hero. :lol:

[Dr. Sak]

Don't forget Umberger as well.

I am going to really miss RJ :(

Saying that...

TEAMS BSAK LIKES FROM BEST TO LEAST
1 Flyers
2 Blue Jackets
3 Wings
4-27 Who cares
28 Rangers
29 Devils
30 Pens

[Dr. Sak]

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to fill out their roster for the 2008-09 season.

Toronto announced Thursday that the club has acquired forward Mikhail Grabovski from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the rights to Greg Pateryn and a second-round draft pick in the 2010 draft.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242375&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main

[MikeVic]

Hmm. I thought the Leafs were building for the future? Haven't they traded away a couple of 2nds already?

[RomaGoth]

I am going to really miss RJ :(

Saying that...

TEAMS BSAK LIKES FROM BEST TO LEAST
1 Flyers
2 Blue Jackets
3 Wings
4-27 Who cares
28 Rangers
29 Devils
30 Pens

WTF??? How did Columbus move ahead of the Wings? You, sir, speak blasphemy.....:eek:

[Dr. Sak]

Columbus has RJ. One of my favorite players in the league...plus he grew up 5 minutes from my house.

[Dr. Sak]

The Penguins have signed Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko.

Both have signed 1 year deals. Satan will make 3.5 million per season.

The Penguins have officially signed Marc Andre Fleury to a 7yr - 35 million deal

[RomaGoth]

Columbus has RJ. One of my favorite players in the league...plus he grew up 5 minutes from my house.

Too bad he didn't go to the Wings then :(.

[Draft Dodger]

the Avs reportedly have signed Daniel Tjarnqvist. because, well, because they could.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am going to really miss RJ :(

Saying that...

TEAMS BSAK LIKES FROM BEST TO LEAST
1 Flyers
2 Blue Jackets
3 Wings
4-27 Who cares
28 Rangers
29 Devils
30 Pens

Deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

the Avs reportedly have signed Daniel Tjarnqvist. because, well, because they could.

You can never have enough Swedes. That's reason enough.

[Johnny93g]

Hmm. I thought the Leafs were building for the future? Haven't they traded away a couple of 2nds already?

Trading a 2010 2nd round pick for a 24 year old with skill seems to suggest it is a building block for the future.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just saw on TSN that the Dallas Stars signed former Maple Leafs 1st round pick Landon Wilson to a two-way contract.

The only interesting thing about that (to me) is that in my EHM career, I signed Landon Wilson (who was called Mike Gasparini (a much better name)) from the Swiss league to play for the Wings. He was a great 3rd line checker type. He scored about 10 goals, fought, killed penalties. Quite an asset to the team, Mike Gasparini/Landon Wilson was.

That's all I got on that.

[Travis]

Supposedly there is interest on both the part of Laraque and the Oilers for him to return to Edmonton. Given what was said when he left, I'd love know what's been said to him (if of course the rumor is true) to make Laraque consider playing under MacT again.

Dan Boyle has apparently been asked to waive his NTC, but no further details were given (taken from Spector's site).

And if it's true that the Oilers are on the short list for suitors for Jagr right now, makes me happy to see that Lowe is at least knocking on the door even if it's highly unlikely that he could get him to come here. Adding an offensive player like that for 1 or 2 years would be (imho) perfect given the other pieces the Oilers have in place right now (and where they'll be in their development in a year or two).

[Travis]

Dola, or Laraque will sign in Montreal for 3 years instead.

Ah well, figured it was too good to be true. Guess we're in for at least another year of Stortini aka Huggybear.

[Maple Leafs]

Now I know why Maple Leafs hates Mats so much...When Mats was acquired, Toronto traded Wendel Clark as part of the deal to Quebec. Makes sense now.
I am going to waterboard you.

[Logan]

Naslund to the Rangers, 1 year for $4.5 mil.

Also signed D Kalinin.

[MikeVic]

Trading a 2010 2nd round pick for a 24 year old with skill seems to suggest it is a building block for the future.

I didn't look into the player, sorry for the mistake.

[TazFTW]

Naslund to the Rangers, 1 year for $4.5 mil.

Also signed D Kalinin.

TSN has Naslund as 2 years, $8 million.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242396&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

I didn't think the Rangers would be in the running for Naslund.


In other news the Sharks signed Rob Blake for 1 year at $5 million.

[Draft Dodger]

wow - Rob Blake to the Sharks. 1 year, $5 million.

[Dr. Sak]

I wonder if the Rangers told Jagr that the window has closed.

[Logan]

Sather said the team is moving on.

[bronconick]

wow - Rob Blake to the Sharks. 1 year, $5 million.

If they can move McLaren off the books in some sort of salary dump (1 year left at 2.5 million), this is a decent move. Blake's slowed down in his old age, but he's nowhere near as bad as McLaren, whose only useful skill, hipchecking, is negated by the fact that he's slightly faster then a pylon. One year of Blake right now is prefereble to me then 7 years of Campbell at his rate or 6 years of Redden at his.

Who knows, maybe Blake can teach a couple things to the kiddies on the backline. Supposedly, the Sharks are still in the running to try to acquire Dan Boyle from Tampa Bay, but I assume such a move would involved Ehrhoff (currently a RFA) or Carle (starting a 4 year-13.75 million deal that looks better every July 1 that comes by) and a prospect or two.

[MrBug708]

wow - Rob Blake to the Sharks. 1 year, $5 million.

What the hell? Kings have a payroll of 27 million dollars right now. What are they going to do with the 13 million dollars they need to spend to reach the minimum cap level?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Jagr to........Russia

Avangard to be exact. And this is just beautiful-

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07042008/sports/rangers/jagr_gone_118481.htm


"I want to thank Glen and Tom and the Rangers. I want to thank all the people who supported me. Being in New York was special.
"And I also want to say to the people like Mike Milbury who made their living by criticizing me all the time, that they can kiss my [butt]."

[Suburban Rhythm]

What the hell? Kings have a payroll of 27 million dollars right now. What are they going to do with the 13 million dollars they need to spend to reach the minimum cap level?

Not sure how accurate these are. Two sources-

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/compare.php?season=0809

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/

I knew Chicago was currently over the cap, but Philly?

Anyway, the Kings and Thrashers are still well below the floor. Columbus and Vancouver too. But Vancouver would easily be safe if they sign Sundin.

I am sure we can expect a few deals to ATL and LA similar to the deal made a few seasons ago with NJ and SJ, where NJ had to package a 1st round pick with Vlad Malakhov to dump to SJ, who had cap space to spare.

Would LA take Khabibulin for a one year?

If they are feeling extra generous, the Pens would love for Darryl Sydor to mentor the Kings young D. :)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich to SJ

Matt Carle, 1st and 4th round picks in 2009, and unnamed prospect to TB

Carle couldn't crack SJ's D at times, but will be top 4 in Tampa. Seems like a step back overall, this season, for Tampa. So why sign the 400 forwards?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola

Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich to SJ

Matt Carle, 1st and 4th round picks in 2009, and unnamed prospect to TB

Carle couldn't crack SJ's D at times, but will be top 4 in Tampa. Seems like a step back overall, this season, for Tampa. So why sign the 400 forwards?

Well, at this point, pretty much anybody could be a top 4 defensemen in Tampa. Who in the hell is left?

Assuming this trade goes down as listed, according to NHLnumbers.com, here's Tampa's blueline:

Carle
Paul Ranger
Alexandre Picard
Filip Kuba
Shane O'Brien
Mike Lundin (I have no idea who this is)
Matt Smaby
Doug Janik (see, Lundin, Mike, above)

[bbor]

ML any info on the Swede D-man the Leafs signed today?