It's BACK! The 2005-2006 NHL Season

[DaddyTorgo]

didn't look to see before i posted this: Brian Leetch to the Bruins...1 year, 4 million

[Draft Dodger]

didn't look to see before i posted this: Brian Leetch to the Bruins...1 year, 4 million

I think that was like 8 pages ago.
:D

[Draft Dodger]

oh yeah, and fuck Brian Leetch

[DaddyTorgo]

uh oh...what'd Leetch do to you DD?

[Draft Dodger]

uh oh...what'd Leetch do to you DD?

:p

not telling

[Draft Dodger]

oh, and fuck Daddy Torgo

[sterlingice]

oh, and fuck Draft Dodger... wait, that's me http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gifhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

oh, and fuck Daddy Torgo
unless you're a girl that's not really my cup of tea. I'm desperate, but not THAT desperate.

[Dr. Sak]

we agree again...fuck the flyers

At least you wont have JR ending your season...again.
:)

Man I love joking with Maple Leaf fans!


GO FLYERS!!

[Draft Dodger]

The Flyers have a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup with Peter Forsberg than with Jeremy Roenick

gotta love JR

[Draft Dodger]

Man I love joking with Maple Leaf fans!


GO FLYERS!!

...because 29 seasons is WAY better than 37 seasons.

signed, 4 seasons

[Maple Leafs]

Dallas News reporting that Modano has resigned after all.

[Draft Dodger]

Dallas News reporting that Modano has resigned after all.

so is that Eklund douchebag

[Draft Dodger]

and TSN

[RPI-Fan]

It's getting old...

[Dr. Sak]

...because 29 seasons is WAY better than 37 seasons.

signed, 4 seasons

No because the Flyers ended their playoff run the past two seasons.

[Draft Dodger]

so, Modano's contract brings up some questions...

he gets 4.25 for the first 3 years and 2.25 for the last 2. Do any of the other sports allow a contract with built-in pay cuts like this? I mean, it makes sense to me to frontload a contract as much as possible so as to not to get into trouble down the road, but I can't see this happening to much.

are contracts guaranteed?

[Simms]

Avs signed Patrice Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon.

(Pretty sure this hasn't been mentioned yet.)

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132350

[Maple Leafs]

so, Modano's contract brings up some questions...

he gets 4.25 for the first 3 years and 2.25 for the last 2. Do any of the other sports allow a contract with built-in pay cuts like this? I mean, it makes sense to me to frontload a contract as much as possible so as to not to get into trouble down the road, but I can't see this happening to much.

are contracts guaranteed?Contracts are guaranteed, although the 2/3rds buy-out is always an option. The total of the contract is averaged for purposes of the cap.

I don't know what happens cap-wise if he retires during the deal.

[Draft Dodger]

oh, it just keeps getting better and better!

[Draft Dodger]

Contracts are guaranteed, although the 2/3rds buy-out is always an option. The total of the contract is averaged for purposes of the cap.

I don't know what happens cap-wise if he retires during the deal.

I thought the buyout is ONLY for this season

[henry296]

I believe their are buyouts in future season, but there are cap consequences which were waived for this season only.

[Draft Dodger]

(from TSN)
Will Clubs have an opportunity to make off-season adjustments to their rosters to come into compliance with the new CBA rules?

Yes. Clubs will have a one-time opportunity, during a six-day period, to exercise buy-outs of existing player contracts

[Draft Dodger]

sportsnet is saying that Zhamnov is close to joining the Bs

[JeffR]

Avs signed Patrice Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon.

It's like a group home for guys who got booed out of their previous cities.

[Draft Dodger]

ok, so quite the banner day here.

lose Forsberg to Philly and replace him with Patrice "Pylon" Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon. All you Red Wing fans must be just beside yourselves with joy. Any other retreads available?

I'm not a big Brisebois fan (obviously), but they did need another blueliner to move the puck a bit (Foote is as underrated for his offensive skills as he is overrated for his defense). Not too stoked about paying him 3 M next year, but maybe Lacroix can find a sucker by then.

I love Turgeon. Always been a fan, mostly because he was so good in Sega. I don't have huge hopes that he's going to rebound much at this point, but hopefully he was cheap. I would have liked him WAY more as a 3rd line center behind Sakic and Forsberg. Sigh.

[Draft Dodger]

It's like a group home for guys who got booed out of their previous cities.

bring on Cujo.

(seriously)

[klayman]

You'll still be able to buy out contracts, DD. Just that after that 6 day grace it will count against the cap in some fashion. I don't think the 2/3rds will apply as well, you'd have to negotiate with the player, or pay him off 100% and release him.

[Draft Dodger]

You'll still be able to buy out contracts, DD. Just that after that 6 day grace it will count against the cap in some fashion. I don't think the 2/3rds will apply as well, you'd have to negotiate with the player, or pay him off 100% and release him.

not saying you guys are wrong, but I sure don't see that mentioned anywhere

[Draft Dodger]

one more thing on Turgeon - he played pretty well for Quenneville in St Louis...maybe a reunion will be good for him.

/who am I kidding?

[JeffR]

not saying you guys are wrong, but I sure don't see that mentioned anywhere

The NHL's CBA FAQ calls this year's buy-out period a "one-time opportunity."

[Draft Dodger]

The NHL's CBA FAQ calls this year's buy-out period a "one-time opportunity."

that's what I'm sayin'

[TazFTW]

Dallas News reporting that Modano has resigned after all.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gifhttp://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gifhttp://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gif

[Honolulu_Blue]

ok, so quite the banner day here.

lose Forsberg to Philly and replace him with Patrice "Pylon" Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon. All you Red Wing fans must be just beside yourselves with joy. Any other retreads available?

I'm not a big Brisebois fan (obviously), but they did need another blueliner to move the puck a bit (Foote is as underrated for his offensive skills as he is overrated for his defense). Not too stoked about paying him 3 M next year, but maybe Lacroix can find a sucker by then.

I love Turgeon. Always been a fan, mostly because he was so good in Sega. I don't have huge hopes that he's going to rebound much at this point, but hopefully he was cheap. I would have liked him WAY more as a 3rd line center behind Sakic and Forsberg. Sigh.
Yeah, swaping Turgeon and Brisebois for Foote and Forsberg is a great deal... bizzarro world!!

<INPUT onclick=\"doEmoticon(this.form.body,eList,42);return false;\" type=image alt=:rolln src="http://www.thematiskas.com/emoticons/rolling.gif">

[Honolulu_Blue]

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gifhttp://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gifhttp://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/images/smiles/banana.gif
I am glad to see that the dancing banana has multiplied. Modano's wishy-washy ways were worth it just for that.

[klayman]

The NHL's CBA FAQ calls this year's buy-out period a "one-time opportunity."
I'm sure that is for the 2/3 value and non-cap implications though. I seriously doubt the NHL or the NHLPA would want to dissolve contract buyouts.

Anyway, I emailed the NHL about it. I'll let you know when I get an answer.

[Maple Leafs]

I'm almost certain that buy-outs are allowed at 2/3rds. This was the case under the old CBA. The "one-time" provision was for buyouts that didn't count against the cap -- future buyouts count against the cap in full.

[Maple Leafs]

Dola.

Not the best source, but a quick google turns up:
http://proicehockey.about.com/od/thenewnhl/a/salary_cap_expl.htm

From July 23-29, 2005, a contract buyout does not count against next season's salary cap. This is a one-time provision designed to help teams get under the salary cap in the first year of the new agreement. All future buyouts will count against the cap.

[klayman]

See. ML knows so much about hockey...except for that cheering for the Leafs thing :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm almost certain that buy-outs are allowed at 2/3rds. This was the case under the old CBA. The "one-time" provision was for buyouts that didn't count against the cap -- future buyouts count against the cap in full.
Yes. This was my understanding as well.

[Draft Dodger]

Eklund is saying that Zhamnov to Boston is done and Niedermeyer to Anaheim.

[Karim]

Calgarians and Edmontonians are going ape shit with all the signings. Some media commentators in both cities have gone crazy and separately declared yesterday/today as "the greatest day in the history of the franchise" as a result of landing Pronger and signing Iginla. Tickets are off-the-hook. 28 Flames games are already sold out. Edmonton has had a similar boost.

Is this free agent frenzy generating any type of similar excitement south of the border?

[Draft Dodger]

Is this free agent frenzy generating any type of similar excitement south of the border?

not even remotely.

[chrisj]

Modano signs with the Stars afterall:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/shownews.jsp?content=h0803107A

[Honolulu_Blue]

Is this free agent frenzy generating any type of similar excitement south of the border?
Back in 2001 it did...

There is no excitement in DC, but that's not surprising. No one hear cares about hockey and the Caps haven't done a damn thing.

In Detroit things are a bit mixed. I check out some Wings boards (far too many people there annoy me to bother posting) and I'm on a Wings e-mail list that's been around for years.

Most people are just anxious because the Wings haven't made a splash. They wont. And the fans are just now coming to grips with it. After rumors of the Wings in the hunt for guys like Palfy, Khabibuhlin, the Thronton rumor, and all of that, I think the reality of the cap and how little the Wings have left to spend is settling in. The Wings simply don't have the cap space to do much of anything major if they plan on re-signing Datsyuk and Zetterberg. It will be second and third teir guys. That's all they can afford really. I think the AVs are in a similar boat with Hejduk and Tanguay.

There are some realists out there who see it for what it is. The cap is good for the sport, but, like all caps, it does hurt the "top" franchises (eg, those teams which had the $$$ to invest in almost any players they wanted) and helps the lower tier franchises. It's all about parity and in the long-run it will be good for the sport. Also, this isn't so much about "big" versus "small" as it is about which teams signed long term deals beyond the 03-04 season and which teams didn't. It was known for a while that the NHL salary structre would be an X factor after the CBA expired. Some teams took that advice to heart and made sure they had as few contracts beyond '04 as possible. Others (eg, Wings and Leafs) didn't.

The Wings didn't have to sign Draper to such an extension. They didn't need to sign Lidstrom to his long term deal. They didn't have to trade for Lang and his big, fat long-term contract. But they did. And they did so knowingly. So when the free agency doors were flung open they were caught behind the 8-ball. For example, even after all of Edmonton's moves, the Wings still have a higher payroll. I am sure when the dust all settles Detroit will still have one of the higher payrolls in the league. Instead of it being almost three times bigger than the smallest, it will be around 1.5 times or so.

But for most if you add the cap and the new schedule (the Wings see Columbus and Nashville 8 times, but not Toronto, Montreal, or Boston) and Wings fans are screaming bloody murder. They are cursing Bettman and the "new" NHL for just being there to cater to "new" fans, without caring one little bit about the franchises that have carried the league for the last 10 years or so. While there are nuggets of truth in there to be sure, there are so many things wrong with that assessment that it's not worth going into. How are Edmonton and Calgary fans "new" fans, for example? Same with Philly. Those aren't new fans and a new fangled team.

I think if the Wings were actually signing players and not losing them, people would be going nuts. As it is, there is a lot of bitching and moaning about the "new" NHL and all.

Personally, I'm loving it. It's a fascinating dispersal of talent. It's been fun to watch the deals and signings. It will be really interesting to see where this goes in the future... In two to three years time, I can see a lot of fans bitching and moaning about how their squad has a 38/39 year old defensemen who is eating up $4.5 million a year.

[TazFTW]

Seen on several sites that Niedermeyer has made his decision and it will be announced tomorrow (Thursday). Most of those sites have him going to Anaheim.

[Pyser]

Seen on several sites that Niedermeyer has made his decision and it will be announced tomorrow (Thursday). Most of those sites have him going to Anaheim.

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!! first forsberg, now losing nieds....not good for the devs. maybe we can keep rafalski then, and just save up for someone next year.

lou knows what hes doing, i guess, but damn, this one really hurts. more than holik and mogilny combined. by a mile.

[bob]

How did the NFL and NBA make the jump from no cap to a cap. I really don't remember those situations, so I'm wondering what happened then...

Any one know?

[Ksyrup]

Is this free agent frenzy generating any type of similar excitement south of the border?
There is as much frenzy over free agency as there was outrage over the lockout and cancellation of the season.

On a personal level, I'm getting excited about watching hockey again, but not to the level of you guys. Since I'm a relative newcomer to the game, I really don't know the intricacies of the game, especially as it relates to where players fit on what teams. It enough for me to enjoy the game that I know the rules and can follow the game with some knowledge of what is happening. But I couldn't tell a left winger from a right winger from a center, or differentiate between offensive and defensive defensemen (in terms of who, in real life, plays those positions or has those qualities), to save my life.

I bet I'm the prototypical hockey fan in the south. No amount of game-watching and studying could ever get me to the level you guys are on (which is the exact opposite of how I feel about baseball; since I grew up with it, I just know it.). I'll continue to enjoy the game on a superficial level, and the NHL can feel good that I'm paying for the center ice package. It's like a marriage of convenience - I need my weekly winter sports fix (football just doesn't sustain me during the week, sorry), and hockey is the much better alternative to basketball.

[HomerJSimpson]

and hockey is the much better alternative to basketball.


Understatement of the year. Shoot, curling is much better alternative than basketball. But, I digress...

[Draft Dodger]

so, what's the deal with NHL TV rights?

did I read that they haven't gotten any broadcast rights negotiated yet (including DirecTV)? I would be really annoyed if all this finally got resolved and then I couldn't have my Center Ice Package.

[Ksyrup]

I just assumed the Center Ice package would be there, but the nationally televised games were in jeopardy. I guess I didn't realize they had to renegotiate the Center ice deals, too. That WOULD suck, and would lose them any fans, like me, that they picked up over the past 5 years or so.

[Draft Dodger]

I just assumed the Center Ice package would be there, but the nationally televised games were in jeopardy. I guess I didn't realize they had to renegotiate the Center ice deals, too. That WOULD suck, and would lose them any fans, like me, that they picked up over the past 5 years or so.

I'm not sure that I'm right on that - I just thought I read something that the satellite package hadn't been negotiated yet.

[bob]

Wings signed Mathieu Schneider, 2 years, $6.6 million.

Wings have $11.5 million to spend on about 11 players, including restricted free agents Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall, plus a starting goalie.

They are talking to Chelios, but he'd be on the third unit. Also have been talking to Osgood's agent.

I wish they didn't lose Mathieu Dandenault.

[Maple Leafs]

Sportsnet says Neidermayer to the Ducks.

[TazFTW]

Martin Lapointe is a Blackhawk, 3 yrs $7.2 mil.

[NoSkillz]

Reports out of Buffalo saying the Sabres have finally gotten into the act, signing veteran Teppo Numminen for one year.

[TazFTW]

As for the TV deal, ESPN (ESPN2 actually) has shown interest again. SpikeTV, USA Network, and OLN have also shown interest, with OLN making the biggest charge because Comcast wants to rebadge it as a national sports network.

[RPI-Fan]

So what are the teams that have done basically jack shiznit so far?

-Detroit
-Buffalo
-Nashville
-Carolina
-Washington
-Devils
-Ottawa
-St. Louis

Would suck to have been a fan of any of those teams (for this week), IMO.

~rpi-fan

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think the 'Hawks over paid on LaPointe at $2.4 million a season. I love Marty. Always have. He had some great moments as a Wing, none better than that beauty of a slapshot in the '97 Western Conference finals that blew apart Roy's catching glove and ended up in the net. Now that I am thinking about it, I would have to say that '97 Western Conference Finals series is perhaps my favorite play-off Wings playoff series of all time. So many great games (though Game 5 was very bad). I have all these games on tape somewhere. Perhaps I will re-watch them at some point.

[General Mike]

So what are the teams that have done basically jack shiznit so far?

-Devils

Would suck to have been a fan of any of those teams (for this week), IMO.

~rpi-fan

It does. :mad: :mad:

[NoSkillz]

So what are the teams that have done basically jack shiznit so far?

-Detroit
-Buffalo
-Nashville
-Carolina
-Washington
-Devils
-Ottawa
-St. Louis

Would suck to have been a fan of any of those teams (for this week), IMO.

~rpi-fan

:( Yes it does... :(

It's especially frustrating when teams in similar sized markets (ie: Edmonton, Calgary, Columbus) are just signing guys at will. Buffalo is in decent shape at forward but still need a puck moving defenseman in the worst way. I'm not holding my breath on picking up a guy like Hamrlik or Rafalski but I'm hopeful the club can get someone to man the point on the powerplay. Hell, I'll even take Spacek!

[Draft Dodger]

Reports out of Buffalo saying the Sabres have finally gotten into the act, signing veteran Teppo Numminen for one year.

not sure I'd call that "getting into the act" :p

[RPI-Fan]

Seeing the way some teams with mild cap trouble has acted, has made me grateful for what the Islanders did.

Basically, the changes we're making are:

-Zhitnik, Sopel, Satan, York

for:

-Aucoin and Peca

I can definitely live with that -- we get a good deal younger, and basically get 4 players of roughly equivalent ability for the price of two.

[riz]

:( Yes it does... :(

It's especially frustrating when teams in similar sized markets (ie: Edmonton, Calgary, Columbus) are just signing guys at will. Buffalo is in decent shape at forward but still need a puck moving defenseman in the worst way. I'm not holding my breath on picking up a guy like Hamrlik or Rafalski but I'm hopeful the club can get someone to man the point on the powerplay. Hell, I'll even take Spacek!

News from Finland say Spacek has already signed with Chicago. So scratch that. Maybe you'll have Numminen as that puck moving defenseman. Why not give Jyrki Lumme a call as well, he just came out of retirement to play in Finland :D

[Simms]

So what are the teams that have done basically jack shiznit so far?

-Detroit
-Buffalo
-Nashville
-Carolina
-Washington
-Devils
-Ottawa
-St. Louis

Would suck to have been a fan of any of those teams (for this week), IMO.

~rpi-fan
*waves*

Forgot somebody. :)

Honestly though, while it is somewhat disheartening to see all these players go elsewhere, it's not like I'm cleaning my glock and hoping for a clear line of sight to JFJ's office like Damian Cox, Steve Simmons et al (ie, Toronto media) seem to assume we all are. The Leafs are what they are for this year...given who we still had under contract and the amount of space it left us with, I think only the truly deluded ever had any real belief that Neidermayer, Forsberg, etc. (any *one* of them, let alone all) would actually end up here.

O'Neill was a nice pickup. Allison, and if you want to assume, Lindros (not a sure thing, I don't think) would do nicely. I heard Rafalski mentioned in the same breath as the Leafs this morning, but I'm not getting my hopes up. Whatever...all in all, I'm content to let the other guys fall all over themselves this week, as I think many of them are going to be in a world of hurt in two years, if not sooner. I can even live with the Leafs not making the playoffs this year (but I think they will). One, I'm just happy to have hockey back, and two, I think the Leafs will be in outstanding position cap-wise next off-season, when people more fully understand the implications of the new CBA (note: *more* fully, not "fully" :) ).

[Ksyrup]

I think there are two schools of thought here - one, sign the best players to make a splash, look to fill in the gaps with scrubs; and two, sit back, let the other teams sign guys to overpriced deals, get an idea of what the true market should be, maybe even take a step or three back in 2005-06, and be much more prepared than the other teams to take advantage of the knowledge gained this year during next year's free agent period.

[Simms]

Why not give Jyrki Lumme a call as well, he just came out of retirement to play in Finland :D
*shudder*

[Karim]

I'm surprised at the York for Peca deal. I always thought York was a key cog in the Oilers offence who could play on either left wing or centre. He's deadly on the PP and has speed to burn. I know he's the guy I would always watch when we were playing the Oilers. I'm probably undervaluing Peca but I never saw him as a #1 centre which is what he's going to be in Edmonton judging by his salary.

And how about this beauty in the Niedermayer deal:
The Ducks will also announce they have re-signed Rob for 4 years at 2 million per and industry sources suggest this may have been part of the deal.

Brutal. What is it with Burke and brothers? We had Rob in Calgary at $2.1 and it was the biggest waste. He's a 3rd/4th liner worth no more than $1 million.

[General Mike]

If the Devils don't resign Rafalski, someone dies.

[NoSkillz]

not sure I'd call that "getting into the act" :p

Oh so true... :(

Numminen is essentially taking over James Patrick's role with the club and I don't see him being any more than a #4 defenseman this year.

News from Finland say Spacek has already signed with Chicago. So scratch that. Maybe you'll have Numminen as that puck moving defenseman. Why not give Jyrki Lumme a call as well, he just came out of retirement to play in Finland :D

No making fun! I won't be surprised if Regier resigns Patrick, who at 40 years of age skates slower than my grandmother. Team him with Numminen and we have the Geritol connection! :p

[Wolfpack]

Carolina did sign Stillman out of Tampa (to show how much of a splash that made, I had to go look it up again just now). But with the self-imposed cap of $28 mil (because they want to feed the vicious cycle of losing money, therefore they have to take revenue sharing, but they can't spend to win, otherwise they won't take part in revenue sharing, therefore the team keeps losing, thus the team doesn't sell tickets, and so forth), Carolina fans (there are a few of them) are all but resigned at this point that there will be no effort made to spark any interest whatsoever in the team.

[Maple Leafs]

Ferguson can't win. If he had signed any of these big-ticket guys, and/or Roberts/Niewendyk, I bet Cox had a column all ready to go about how the Leafs were still stuck in the big-spending ways.

Right now he's being painted as timid and gun-shy. But in the same breadth, he's criticized for a bold move like Leetch. Other than Brian Cashman there may not be a guy in sports who's in more of a can't-win spot.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So what are the teams that have done basically jack shiznit so far?

-Detroit
-Buffalo
-Nashville
-Carolina
-Washington
-Devils
-Ottawa
-St. Louis

Would suck to have been a fan of any of those teams (for this week), IMO.

~rpi-fan
Well, many Wings fans are bemoaning this week. They are pissed at the "dismantling of great teams in this new age of enforced parity" and how the new CBA is all geared to help the "lower tier" teams at the expense of the "upper tier" teams.

Yes, certain teams are forced to dismantle because of the cap. But are these really "great" teams? Was the Detroit team that lost in the first and seconds of the playoffs in 2003 and 2004, respectively, a "great" team? Or the Colorado team that suffered the exact same fate in 2003 and 2004 a "great" team? Or the Toronto team the, again, suffered the EXACT same fate in 2003 and 2004 a "great" team? Or were these teams just a collection of over-paid stars, some (many?) of which were past their primes? In fact, I have argued (perhaps here, perhaps somewhere else), that I firmly believe the only "big budget" team that actually won the Cup thanks to July/August free agent moves was the 2002 Detroit Red Wings. Other than that, most of the "let's buy a Cup" experiments failed (The Turgeon/Guerin era in Dallas, Weight/Tkachuk in St. Louis, The RANGERS, all those guys in Philly, Toronto, etc.). And, in the Wings' defense (I will always defend the Wings), they didn't over-pay any of their free agents and the core of the team was built via the draft and legitimate trades.

As for the "lower tier" vs. "upper tier" argument. This has a little more truth in it. If, by, "upper tier" you mean teams with big budgets, this list, over the last few years, would probably include: Detroit, Philly, the Rangers, Dallas, Colorado, St. Louis, and Toronto. Then, I guess, you would have some "middle tier" teams with mid-ranged budgets and then the "lower tier" teams with the smaller budgets.

So far, in the "new" NHL, certain upper tier teams have struggled. Toronto lost Nieuwendyk and Roberts and, besides the O'Neill trade (which I really like, especially at his salary), haven't done much (though apparently Jason "China Doll" Allison is on his way). St. Louis was forced to dump it's best player in Pronger. Detroit bought out three guys and lost a some to free agency. They have yet to bring in anyone of note. Colorado has suffered the most, at this time, losing corner-stone franchise guys in Foote and Forsberg.

On the other hand, Dallas, while not bringing in any new "big name" guys, has retained Zubov and Modano and really haven't lost any players of note. The Rangers have brought in a few players. Philly, however, has been perhaps THE most active team thus far, bringing in Hatcher, Rathje, and Forsberg. Yes, they did buy out Amonte and LeClair, but neither player is what he once was.

So, to date, some upper tier teams have suffered and others really haven't. The difference, of course, being what teams did prior to the lockout. Certain teams, like Detroit, Colorado, St. Louis, and Toronto, signed their players to big, long-term deals (eg, Lidstrom or Draper) or traded for players who had big, long-term deals (eg, Lang). These teams did this with full knowledge that a lockout was likely and the financial nature of the league was due to change drastically. They didn't know what the cap would be (or if there would even be a cap), but they new it was going to be a "brave, new world." They decided to take a risk, make a run at the Cup at the time, and hope things turned out for the best. Others, like Philly, played it a bit differently and had some cap room to play with.

As for the mid and lower tier teams, most of these teams either had smaller payrolls to begin with or took the cautious approach because of the great unknown that was the post-CBA world. So, of course, when things kicked off on Monday they had plenty of room to work with. So teams like Calgary, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and Columbus were the teams that actually had the cap space to go out and sign big name guys to pretty good deals. Bully for them.

It seems when most people talk about how the CBA is geared towards "lower tier" teams they always couch it in terms of the NHL trying to generate fan interest in non-traditional hockey markets (Nashville, Atlanta, Carolina, Florida, etc.) at the expense of the big, established markets (Toronto, Detroit, etc.). This is true to some extent. The cap creates parity, which, in turn, handicaps big market teams and helps smaller market teams. That's how caps work. But, what is being missed, is that two of the most active "lower tier" teams are teams that have been around a long time and have an amazing fan base. Of course, I'm refering to Calgary and Edmonton. They have been two of the most active teams thus far and I think it's great to see. It must have been incredibly painful to be an Oiler fan the last 10 years or so. To see so much talent (Guerin, Weight, CuJo, etc.) flourish in Edmonton only to be forced to be traded away because the Oil couldn't afford it. Is Chicago considered a "lower tier" team? Yes, they have struggled of late, but they are an Original Six franchise. If the team plays well, the fans exist.

Thanks to Illitch the Wings are now an upper tier team. But let's not forget the "dark years." There was about 20+ years there, from the 60's to the mid-80's (the "Dead Things" era) where the Wings (despite their loft history as one of the Original Six) were ANYTHING but an upper tier team. They were a freaking joke.

I think the salary cap is a good thing in sports. It has made the NFL the most popular sport right now because each year fans of every team can get excited about their potential, free agent acquisitions, etc, etc. Then look at a capless sport, for example, Premiereship soccer in England. For this first few years after the big satelite-TV money started flowing in, English soccer was basically a two horse race: Man U vs. Arsenal, with the rest of the teams scrambling for shots at Europe. Then, two years back, it became a three team race: Man U, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Why? Because that Russian billionaire bought Chelsea and went out and bought the best players he could.

Success in sports shouldn't be based on who has the biggest wallet. Success should be the result of hard work, talent, skill, etc., both on the ice/field and off it. Teams should be rewarded for having great scouting, drafting, and player development. While luck certainly plays a part, those things do take skill and talent. Look at the Patroits, for example. They appear to have a great scouting staff, they draft well, they execute well, and they have good players. They have earned their success because of talented folks off the field and on it. Not because Bob Kraft has more money than the next guy.

There are going to be growing pains with this. Teams will struggle to figure out what system works best. In the begining, as we are seeing, teams with good, cheap young talent (mostly those teams that have had higher draft picks, but Philly has Cater and Richardson) and who played the payroll game conservatively are thriving at the moment, while teams with older, more expensive talent, who may have took some pre-lockout risks are having a tough go at it.

Man is this a long and rambling post. I don't even know if its coherent or makes sense. I shouldn't drink so much coffee.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm surprised at the York for Peca deal. I always thought York was a key cog in the Oilers offence who could play on either left wing or centre. He's deadly on the PP and has speed to burn. I know he's the guy I would always watch when we were playing the Oilers. I'm probably undervaluing Peca but I never saw him as a #1 centre which is what he's going to be in Edmonton judging by his salary.

And how about this beauty in the Niedermayer deal:
The Ducks will also announce they have re-signed Rob for 4 years at 2 million per and industry sources suggest this may have been part of the deal.

Brutal. What is it with Burke and brothers? We had Rob in Calgary at $2.1 and it was the biggest waste. He's a 3rd/4th liner worth no more than $1 million.
The knock on York has been that the combination of the way he plays the game, high energy, great speed, etc., and his wee size makes him break down/wear down by the season's end.

I agree though, Peca does look to be the Oilers' #1 center (not too many other options out there) and he may struggle to fill that role.

I find it odd too. Rob Niedermayer is making $2.1. Marty Lapointe $2.4. And Jeff O'Neill only $1.5. Granted Jeff struggled in '03-04, but this guy has scored 40+ goals in a season and 30+ goals twice. He's really been the bargain of the "new" NHL thus far.

[bbor]

JFJ is waiting for Vinny to be a F.A next season:D

[Maple Leafs]

JFJ is waiting for Vinny to be a F.A next season:D
Good plan... target the guy who desperately wants to play for the Habs.

[Draft Dodger]

Seeing the way some teams with mild cap trouble has acted, has made me grateful for what the Islanders did.

Basically, the changes we're making are:

-Zhitnik, Sopel, Satan, York

for:

-Aucoin and Peca

I can definitely live with that -- we get a good deal younger, and basically get 4 players of roughly equivalent ability for the price of two.

I still think Mike Milbury is a complete tard, but yeah, I really like the moves the Isle made

[Draft Dodger]

And how about this beauty in the Niedermayer deal:
[i]The Ducks will also announce they have re-signed Rob for 4 years at 2 million per and industry sources suggest this may have been part of the deal.


Jesus. I saw that quickly and assumed it was $2M total ($500,000 per year). and I thought that amount was just about right. :D

[TazFTW]

I keep hearing the Rangers signed Ville Nieminen and someone saying it is on Sportsnet but I don't see anything on Sportsnet.


I hate Ville Nieminen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I keep hearing the Rangers signed Ville Nieminen and someone saying it is on Sportsnet but I don't see anything on Sportsnet.


I hate Ville Nieminen.
Yes. I too hate Ville Nieminen. He is dirty.

[sachmo71]

so is that Eklund douchebag

awesome

[riz]

I keep hearing the Rangers signed Ville Nieminen and someone saying it is on Sportsnet but I don't see anything on Sportsnet.


I hate Ville Nieminen.

He is a good grinder and has a good attitude. He may not be a goal scorer but he gets a few of them as well and will be a pain to play against.

[Draft Dodger]

Yes. I too hate Ville Nieminen. He is dirty.

reminiscent of Darcy Tucker. a total sleazeball you hate...but secretly kind of wish he was on your team.

[sachmo71]

Dallas seems to be concentrating on signing most of it's numerous RFA's...and some ain't gonna come cheap.
Restricted Free Agents: Jason Arnott, Dan Ellis, John Erskine, Dan Jancevski, Niko Kapanen, Junior Lessard, Antti Miettinen, Brenden Morrow, Steve Ott, Mike Smith.

Must have Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott.
Likely will resign Niko Kapanen, Erskine and Jancevski.
If building for the future, they can't let Ellis, Smith, Lessard or Miettinen go.
I *believe* they have plans for Arnott, but I can't be sure. After all of this, and with Morrow due for a big raise, they don't have much wiggle room.


Unrestricted Free Agents: Rob DiMaio, Don Sweeney, Patrick Traverse, Ron Tugnutt, Scott Young, Valeri Bure, Lubomir Sekeras, Shayne Corson, David Oliver, Blake Sloan.


Out of this group, I would like to see Bure and/or Young back, but wouldn't expect to see that. I just don't think there is muc money to go around.

[Simms]

Roenick to LA is official.

Unconfirmed report just coming in has Rafalski, Dan McGillis, and Vladimir Malakhov to New Jersey (or back to NJ in Rafalski's case).

[Honolulu_Blue]

reminiscent of Darcy Tucker. a total sleazeball you hate...but secretly kind of wish he was on your team.
I've always liked Darcy Tucker. I agree he is a sleazeball, but I've always liked him. Then again, if he had played for the Forces Of Darkness(tm), I imagine I would be whistling a different tune.

[Simms]

Also....

Andre Roy to the Pens (no Domi then, I presume?)

Daymond Langkow to the Flames

[Pyser]

Roenick to LA is official.

Unconfirmed report just coming in has Rafalski, Dan McGillis, and Vladimir Malakhov to New Jersey (or back to NJ in Rafalski's case).

thats good to know. malakhov would be a return trip, too. who is mcgillis? know the name, cant place him.

so:

stevens, white, rafalski, martin, malakhov, mcgillis.

phi is gonna whoop our ass this year.

[Simms]

McGillis was in Philly last year. Big guy, solid.

[Swaggs]

What type of player is Roy?

[Draft Dodger]

McGillis was in Philly last year. Big guy, solid.

Boston, actually. Philadelphia was 3 teams ago.

[Draft Dodger]

Roenick to LA is official.

Unconfirmed report just coming in has Rafalski, Dan McGillis, and Vladimir Malakhov to New Jersey (or back to NJ in Rafalski's case).

Roenick and a third for "future considerations".
I would imagine this would be somewhat substantial?

nice moves by the Devils.

[henry296]

What type of player is Roy?

Think Steve McKenna... 4th line, big tough guy.

[bbor]

What type of player is Roy?

Goon.....also known as a Crosby babysitter:)

[Draft Dodger]

Goon.....also known as a Crosby babysitter:)

I assumed Crosby's dad would just not let him suit up for any games where there might be some rough stuff.

[Simms]

Boston, actually. Philadelphia was 3 teams ago.
Seriously? Yeesh.

I've always pictured him as a Flyer for some reason. :)

[bbor]

Roenick and a third for "future considerations".
I would imagine this would be somewhat substantial?

nice moves by the Devils.

Prolly just a 3rd or 4th rounder,depending on what kinda season he has.

[bbor]

I still would like to see Ziggy in a Leaf uniform.

[Maple Leafs]

What type of player is Roy?
Basically a goon who isn't much of a fighter. He'll drop the gloves 30 times a year for you but won't win many. He's not Matt Barnaby bad, but let's jut say he's definitely not Geroges Laraque good either.

Not much of a player, but does have a big slapshot (that he can't control). Could be be counted on to play stupid in his early years and was basically run out of Ottawa even though they were desperate for toughness, but may have matured since then.

[bbor]

Seriously? Yeesh.

I've always pictured him as a Flyer for some reason. :)

Big slow and ugly.....that's why he looks like a Flyer:)

[Draft Dodger]

Prolly just a 3rd or 4th rounder,depending on what kinda season he has.

so, the Kings get him for free?

[bbor]

so, the Kings get him for free?

I would imagine so...or pretty close to free...i am sure there is cash involved.....perhaps Philly moves up in the draft and gets the better of the 2 3rd round picks?

Basically....futures is never much at all.

[TazFTW]

Hurricanes sign Oleg Tverdosky to a 3 year deal worth $7.5

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132424

[TazFTW]

He is a good grinder and has a good attitude. He may not be a goal scorer but he gets a few of them as well and will be a pain to play against.
but but but I hate Ville Nieminen!

[TazFTW]

I'm reading a lot of Zetterberg and the Leafs with either the Leafs trading for him or putting him on an offer sheet.


The Rangers are interested in Tie Domi and Ziggy Palffy.

[Simms]

Zhamnov signs with Boston.

[TazFTW]

Roenick to LA is official.
Kinda wondered how would Roenick get along with Hatcher. I would guess he would still be pissed that Hatcher broke his jaw in '99.

[Draft Dodger]

The Rangers are interested in Tie Domi and Ziggy Palffy.

for different reasons, I presume

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm reading a lot of Zetterberg and the Leafs with either the Leafs trading for him or putting him on an offer sheet.


The Rangers are interested in Tie Domi and Ziggy Palffy.
I hear it spun as a possible three-way deal involving Boston and Joe Thornton. With Thornton coming to Detroit. No idea where these are coming from.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I would imagine so...or pretty close to free...i am sure there is cash involved.....perhaps Philly moves up in the draft and gets the better of the 2 3rd round picks?

Basically....futures is never much at all.
Free? Well, you get his big salary and loud, annoying ways. That doesn't sound free to me. :) Then again, I've always liked JR despite his loud, annoying ways.

[TazFTW]

Jason Allison is taking a physical...





in Buffalo.

[TazFTW]

for different reasons, I presume
Obviously. Palffy's the type of enforcer the Rangers covet.




Anywho, if the Rangers have signed Nieminen and eventually sign Domi. I think they should try to bring back Barnaby.

A Nieminen/Barnaby/Domi line would be the greatest thing invented. Cocky and Funny.

[RPI-Fan]

thats good to know. malakhov would be a return trip, too. who is mcgillis? know the name, cant place him.

so:

stevens, white, rafalski, martin, malakhov, mcgillis.

phi is gonna whoop our ass this year.

Umm, do you know what you're talking about? That's a Top 10 defense, and you didn't even mention Hale!!! No true #1 guy, but damn lot of solid #3's in there.

[bbor]

ML just signed with the Kerry Fraser fan club :D

[Karim]

Dan McGillis - $8.4 million/2 years
Vladimir Malakhov - $7.2 million/2 years

I think Lou was a bit desperate after losing Niedermayer... Malakhov more than Hatcher or Rathje? McGillis more than Foote? Can you see McGillis getting $5.6 million pre-rollback?

[Draft Dodger]

wait a minute...

Dan McGillis gets 4.2 Million? Malakhov 3.6?
are you fucking kidding me?

[Karim]

wait a minute...

Dan McGillis gets 4.2 Million? Malakhov 3.6?
are you fucking kidding me?
Take a look...
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/nhl/free_agent_tracker.html

[RPI-Fan]

Dan McGillis - $8.4 million/2 years
Vladimir Malakhov - $7.2 million/2 years

I think Lou was a bit desperate after losing Niedermayer... Malakhov more than Hatcher or Rathje? McGillis more than Foote? Can you see McGillis getting $5.6 million pre-rollback?

McGillis, I at least understand how it could have happened -- there were a LOT of teams interested in him, so the bidding could have just gotten out of hand.

But Malakhov????

[TazFTW]

Chelios signs a 1 yr deal with Wings.

[Honolulu_Blue]

McGillis, I at least understand how it could have happened -- there were a LOT of teams interested in him, so the bidding could have just gotten out of hand.

But Malakhov????Wow. Dan McGillis isn't that good. That's way over paying. Same with Malakhov. I am surprised to see Lamoriello give out such generous sums.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Chelios signs a 1 yr deal with Wings.
Wings also signed Johan Franzen a forward out of Sweden they drafted a couple years back.

[TazFTW]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132439

Rangers sign Ville Nieminen and Jason Ward. First time I've seen Nieminen on one of the big sites and the first time I've heard Ward was being signed.

[Pyser]

Umm, do you know what you're talking about? That's a Top 10 defense, and you didn't even mention Hale!!! No true #1 guy, but damn lot of solid #3's in there.

the devs D has potential, but overall, i think Philly will steamroll us. Stevens head is still a questionmark. White is a goon, 4th D at best. Martin and Hale are still quite young and have a ways to go. I like Rafalski, but he's not all that big. And neither are any of our fowards, really. Plus, Elias' health is still a question mark.

I love the Devs, but I'm worried.

[riz]

Dan McGillis - $8.4 million/2 years
Vladimir Malakhov - $7.2 million/2 years


After seeing these figures, I'll just have to say this:

Someone has lost his mind and it isn't Glen Sather. Malik is a bargain at 2.5M compared to the above. Especially Malakhov.... :eek:

[Wolfpack]

What type of player is Roy?


Goon.....also known as a Crosby babysitter:)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005JNQG.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[sachmo71]

Therien didn't exactly light the world on fire in his time with Dallas.

[TazFTW]

Alex Tanguay and Kurt Sauer have signed their qualifying offers.

[JeffR]

After seeing these figures, I'll just have to say this:

Someone has lost his mind and it isn't Glen Sather. Malik is a bargain at 2.5M compared to the above. Especially Malakhov.... :eek:

I'd say "those numbers must be wrong", but they've been right every time I've said that so far. Lamoriello has really made a mess for himself. If you figure Rafalski got at least 3, that only leaves 12 million to sign Gomez, Elias, Friesen, White, Martin, Kozlov, Langenbrunner, Hale, Gionta, Brown, and a backup for Brodeur. Some of those guys are going to have to go.

Edit: it turns out Rafalski got 4.2 per. There could be some confusion between his deal and the one McGillis got. If they both got 4.2, ouch.

[ISiddiqui]

Knowing Lou, he has to have some sort of plan. I'm hoping those numbers aren't right for the D-men, but with Niedermeyer gone he probably did have to overpay a bit.

[RPI-Fan]

How do RFA's work? I see people talking about having to sign all their RFA's -- at this point aren't they supposed to be UFA's? Can someone walk me through this as I'm confused by the RFA's!

~rpi-fan

[RPI-Fan]

Knowing Lou, he has to have some sort of plan. I'm hoping those numbers aren't right for the D-men, but with Niedermeyer gone he probably did have to overpay a bit.

It's looking more and more like Milbury plain old kicked Lou's butt this offseason (draft and free agency) for the first time in a long time.

[TazFTW]

How do RFA's work? I see people talking about having to sign all their RFA's -- at this point aren't they supposed to be UFA's? Can someone walk me through this as I'm confused by the RFA's!

~rpi-fan
RFA's are restricted free agents. Teams had to give them a qualifying offer for the team to retain their rights. If they did not make a qualifying offer, the player would become a unrestricted free agent.

Players earning $660,000 or less will be entitled to qualifying offers (QO) at 110% of their prior year's salary; players earning more than $660,000 and up to $1 million will be entitled to QOs at 105% of prior year's salary; players earning more than $1 million will be entitled to QO at 100% of their prior year's salary.

[TazFTW]

Edit: it turns out Rafalski got 4.2 per. There could be some confusion between his deal and the one McGillis got. If they both got 4.2, ouch.
TSN had McGillis counting $1.1 million against the cap but now they've taken it down along with the numbers for Rafalski and Malakhov

[Joe Canadian]

Who are the expected UFA's next season?

[henry296]

How do RFA's work? I see people talking about having to sign all their RFA's -- at this point aren't they supposed to be UFA's? Can someone walk me through this as I'm confused by the RFA's!

~rpi-fan

The comments on signing the RFAs is to sign them to long term contracts. I am not sure what happens if the player hasn't signed the qualifying offer yet. I would think until that happens they don't count against the cap.

[RPI-Fan]

Ah -- so pretty much all RFA's were qualified, and they'll only change teams if they can't reach long-term deals and teams don't want them for one season (and decide to trade them).

There won't be an exodus of RFA's hitting the market, since they've all arleady been qualified?

Thanks!
~rpi-fan

[henry296]

Ah -- so pretty much all RFA's were qualified, and they'll only change teams if they can't reach long-term deals and teams don't want them for one season (and decide to trade them).

There won't be an exodus of RFA's hitting the market, since they've all arleady been qualified?

Thanks!
~rpi-fan

The other option is that another team can make them an offer but the losing team will receive draft pick compensation if they don't match the offer sheet.

[Draft Dodger]

Who are the expected UFA's next season?

saw a list the other day, but can't find it, but probably a better crop than this year.

a couple I know off the top of my head: Thornton, Samsonov, Lidstrom (I think), Hejduk

[sterlingice]

{Massive Snip}

Man is this a long and rambling post. I don't even know if its coherent or makes sense. I shouldn't drink so much coffee. Great post and what I've been screaming to happen in baseball for year. Unfortunately, for them, it's quite a bit further off, I fear.

That said, when you try to make this argument in baseball, all the Yankee, Boston, etc fans get all up in arms about how unfair and communist (?!? is that even an insult any more- nothing like making fun of a country where bread lines were "popular"- it's like beating up the handicap kid) the system would be.

SI

[JeffR]

Ah -- so pretty much all RFA's were qualified, and they'll only change teams if they can't reach long-term deals and teams don't want them for one season (and decide to trade them).

There won't be an exodus of RFA's hitting the market, since they've all arleady been qualified?

That remains to be seen. The new CBA actually lowered the compensation (given in draft picks) teams have to give up for signing another team's RFA. Combined with the lower (well, theoretically) salaries because of the cap, that may make it plausible for teams to go after restricted players that are mid-level talents and are stuck with low qualifying offers.

There's been some talk, for example, that teams could really put pressure on the Flyers, even after the Roenick move, by offering deals to RFA's like Simon Gagne, Kim Johnsson and Robert Esche. Bob Clarke may not have the cap room to sign all of them if they can get deals in the $2-3 million range elsewhere. Esche, for one, has a qualifying number barely above the minimum salary; if another team offered him anything up to $2 million, all they'd have to give the Flyers is a second-round pick (assuming the Flyers don't match the offer, which they have the right to do.) Not a bad deal for a team that needs a goalie.

The RFA market is going to be interesting to watch in the next few weeks, once this feeding frenzy on the UFA's is done.

[ISiddiqui]

TSN had McGillis counting $1.1 million against the cap but now they've taken it down along with the numbers for Rafalski and Malakhov
Perhaps they've gotten it all wrong then.

[sterlingice]

Wow. The season hasn't even started yet and this thread is already up to ~15th on the posts count for GD.

SI

[sterlingice]

Free? Well, you get his big salary and loud, annoying ways. That doesn't sound free to me. :) Then again, I've always liked JR despite his loud, annoying ways.
Never have to go far for a sound bite for LA reporters. Considering how lazy the LA reporters can be, I guess that's a good thing.

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wow. The season hasn't even started yet and this thread is already up to ~15th on the posts count for GD.

SI
Heh! We are a small, but radbid following here! :D But during these last four days the NHL has been a mad house! A maaaaaaaad house!

[Swaggs]

Did Domi sign with the Pens?

[bbor]

Did Domi sign with the Pens?

I hope so....i like Tie......but i think he is over.

[Karim]

Oh, oh...

Mojo 640 in Toronto is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made a substancial offer to Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg.

[JeffR]

Oh, oh...

Mojo 640 in Toronto is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made a substancial offer to Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg.

Offer to Zetterberg as an RFA, or offer to the Wings for Zetterberg?

[SoxWin]

saw a list the other day, but can't find it, but probably a better crop than this year.

a couple I know off the top of my head: Thornton, Samsonov, Lidstrom (I think), Hejduk

Jovo, Ohlund, tho both have expressed an interest in long term deals.

Edit. Lecavalier.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20050731_nhl_free_agency_050731/?hub=Canada

Adding to the intrigue is that GMs have one eye on this year's crop and another on the 2006 free-agent list. Liberalized free agency kicks in next summer when players with eight years of NHL experience or anyone 29 and younger can qualify for unrestricted free agency if they're out of a contract.

The likes of Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, Jose Theodore, Ed Jovanovski, Wade Redden, Zdeno Chara, Sergei Samsonov, Jarome Iginla, Marty Turco, Ryan Smyth, Patrick Elias, Evgeni Nabokov, Chris Pronger and Patrick Marleau could all be available to the highest bidder next summer if they don't sign long-term deals in the interim -- a younger and more talented group than this year's list.

You can scratch Iginla and Pronger off that list

[Karim]

Offer to Zetterberg as an RFA, or offer to the Wings for Zetterberg?
An offer sheet...

[Joe Canadian]

Oh, oh...

Mojo 640 in Toronto is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made a substancial offer to Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg.

So are we going to get rid of more draft picks because of this???? I really hope this is a "sign & trade" type thing, instead of straight up offering another teams RFA a contract.

[SoxWin]

An offer sheet...

So no one learned from the Federov fiasco?

[JeffR]

The Wings can't afford to lose him, even for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (what they'd get if he signed for $4 million a year). I think they'd match and dump Robert Lang's $3.8 million somewhere. But Ken Holland can't be happy right now.

[Maple Leafs]

Hm...

Well, if true, it's an interesting move at least. I'm not convinced that Zetterberg is the sort of franchise young player the Leafs need, so the cost may be too high in terms of cap room and picks*.

Still, it's at least possible that one of the new realities of the CBA is that targetting other teams' RFAs is now viable. If the Leafs are the first team to figure this out, great. But it sounds more like a hail mary from a beaten squad to me.

*Note that, if the Leafs do get him, I reserve the right to suddenly delude myself into thinking he's the next Gretzky.

[Simms]

Please tell me $4 million is just a number you threw out there and not what people actually think he's worth.

("people" meaning NHL cognoscenti, not necessarily you specifically :) )

[JeffR]

Yeah, just using that to illustrate that they could go that high and the draft pick compensation still wouldn't be that bad.

[Joe Canadian]

Has the compensation changed with the new CBA? Either way, could someone point me in the direction of how the compensation breaksdown?

[Draft Dodger]

my wife left a printout on my desk from some Flyers page where they were going crazy over foppa.

was thinking of getting her a King's Roenick jersey for Christmas, but now she's getting nothing.

[Draft Dodger]

Has the compensation changed with the new CBA? Either way, could someone point me in the direction of how the compensation breaksdown?


fuck the new CBA.
:p

[Joe Canadian]

Someone on Eck's board just said the Leafs might be after Datsyuk as well... he said it's on HTR now. Does anyone know what HTR stands for?

[Joe Canadian]

Found it:

RFA Compensation
Offer Compensation
$667,433 or below None
$667,433-$917,720 Third-round choice
$917,720-$1,084,579 Second-round choice
$1,084,579-$1,334,867 First-round choice
$1,334,867-$1,668,582 First-and third-round choices
$1,668,582-$2,002,298 First-and second-round choices
$2,002,298-$2,336,015 Two first-round choices
$2,336,015-$2,836,589 Two first-round and one second-round choice
$2,836,589 Three first-round choices
Each additional $1,668,582 One additional first-rounder up to a maximum of five

Looks to me as if the Leafs would be screwed if they signed him...

[jbmagic]

you guys think the LA Kings made a good trade to get Jeremy Roenick?

what there chance to get Zigmund Palffy to sign with them?

[JeffR]

Found it:

No, that's the old compensation. It's changed. Trying to find a link...

[MikeVic]

you guys think the LA Kings made a good trade to get Jeremy Roenick?

what there chance to get Zigmund Palffy to sign with them?

I think it was a good risk. Seems like they gave up very little, and I still think Roenick is a valuable player.

[Joe Canadian]

Here's the new one:

Up to $660,000 - No compensation
$660,000 to $1 million - One 3rd round draft pick
$1 to $2 million - One second round pick
$2 to $3 million - One 1st and one 3rd round pick
$3 to $4 million - One 1st, one 2nd and one 3rd round pick
$4 to $5 million - Two 1sts, one 2nd and one 3rd round pick
Over $5 million - Four 1st round picks

----

Do the picks have to come from the next draft?

[JeffR]

Right, that's it. Big difference.

Yeah, as far as I know, it has to be the next one. Not sure what happens if a team has traded that pick already.

[Simms]

Culled from TSN, here is the list of *restricted* FAs that have yet to sign:

Nash, Heatley, Kovalchuck, Thornton, Samsonov, Hejduk (I don't think he's signed yet), Datsyuk, Luongo, Hossa, Spezza, Havlat, Lecavalier, St. Louis.

Now, obviously, there's is almost zero chance that Nash, Heatley, Kovalchuck, or Lecavalier go anywhere. But Boston, Colorado, Florida, Detroit, and Ottawa are all sitting on pretty hefty payrolls already and/or have committed quite a bit of money long-term to UFAs this week. I wonder if some teams are intentionally sitting back and waiting until the dust clears this week so that they can make RFA offers they know the current teams can't match, be it this year or beyond.

edit: This list is obviously not comprehensive...just the biggest names

[Joe Canadian]

you guys think the LA Kings made a good trade to get Jeremy Roenick?

I love it that JR is in LA... not for hockey reasons.

[Simms]

Someone on Eck's board just said the Leafs might be after Datsyuk as well... he said it's on HTR now. Does anyone know what HTR stands for?
http://www.hockeytraderumors.com/

[Draft Dodger]

you guys think the LA Kings made a good trade to get Jeremy Roenick?

what there chance to get Zigmund Palffy to sign with them?

I think I'm in the minority, but I personally think Roenick is a perfect fit for the team (and vise versa). The guy sure can come off like a dumbass, but he's a great leader for all the good young players the Kings have. It gives Demitra someone else to do all the heavy lifting (on and off the ice). And, it gives the Kings a marketable star. Meanwhile, JR is going to love being THE guy in LA.

and the Kings still have a decent amount of room under the cap to add someone like Palffy (although I assume there's some competition for him)

[JeffR]

I think I'm in the minority, but I personally think Roenick is a perfect fit for the team (and vise versa). The guy sure can come off like a dumbass, but he's a great leader for all the good young players the Kings have. It gives Demitra someone else to do all the heavy lifting (on and off the ice). And, it gives the Kings a marketable star. Meanwhile, JR is going to love being THE guy in LA.

and the Kings still have a decent amount of room under the cap to add someone like Palffy (although I assume there's some competition for him)

Agreed with all of that. Roenick's a great fit there, and they've got a nice mix of veterans and good young guys. If the goaltending holds up, they're a playoff team.

[Draft Dodger]

Same with Lindros, who I have long believed should be wearing a Toronto uniform (and have said so many times on radio), but who still has other teams pursuing him. For Eric to have a healthy season in his home town – devoid of concussion – would be a terrific, heart-warming story.


WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT? :confused:
Eric Lindros a heart-warming story?

guh

[Draft Dodger]

and in a completely unrelated tangent, any teams rolling out new unis this year?

[Honolulu_Blue]

An offer sheet...

Hrmmm....

[sterlingice]

and in a completely unrelated tangent, any teams rolling out new unis this year?
Well, you know the Blackhawks. They change like every other year ;)

SI

[Ryan S]

WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT? :confused: The post was not written by eklund, it was a "column" by a Toronto based radio guy.

[riz]

Right, that's it. Big difference.

Yeah, as far as I know, it has to be the next one. Not sure what happens if a team has traded that pick already.

I think the picks need to be the actual own picks of the team. So the compensation picks need to be originally from the team that made the offer sheet signing, not picks they have acquired from other teams. Atleast this is how it was in the old CBA IMO.

[Draft Dodger]

The post was not written by eklund, it was a "column" by a Toronto based radio guy.

oops.

well, then, what the fuck is wrong with THAT idiot?

[Karim]

and in a completely unrelated tangent, any teams rolling out new unis this year?
I believe RBK has acquired the licenses for the entire NHL and new uniforms are being prepared for every team. The Flames President talked about it yesterday. They're going over the design right now. Logos won't change but the jerseys are supposed to be "sleeker" or whatever.

I've also heard that Buffalo might be going back to the Blue & Gold. I'm not sure if I've posted the following link or not (been bouncing between too many hockey forums...)
http://www.celsiusdesign.net/sabres/index.html

[Johnny93g]

oops.

well, then, what the fuck is wrong with THAT idiot?

Howard Berger, he's with the FAN590, the Leafs reporter...usually very negative....when he's on the radio, ill listen, but i hate how negative he is

[Maple Leafs]

Yeah, Berger hates everything the Leafs do. If he think Lindros is heart-warming, he must have inside information that he's signing elsewhere and is just setting up for tomorrow's hatchet job.

[Maple Leafs]

Did Domi sign with the Pens?
Domi has resigned with the Leafs tonight.

[Johnny93g]

Domi has resigned with the Leafs tonight.

2 years/ 2.5 total i think

[Maple Leafs]

Yeah.

Probably a slight overpay, but not a bad deal. Two years is about right.

It will be fun to watch the same writers who hacked up Ferguson for his lack of loyalty to Roberts/Niewendyk turn around and hack him again for overpaying Domi.

[Johnny93g]

Yeah.

Probably a slight overpay, but not a bad deal. Two years is about right.

It will be fun to watch the same writers who hacked up Ferguson for his lack of loyalty to Roberts/Niewendyk turn around and hack him again for overpaying Domi.

you were right about your earlier comments...whatever JFJ does, he wont win with the media here....it gets annoying after a while

[Draft Dodger]

I believe RBK has acquired the licenses for the entire NHL and new uniforms are being prepared for every team. The Flames President talked about it yesterday. They're going over the design right now. Logos won't change but the jerseys are supposed to be "sleeker" or whatever.

I've also heard that Buffalo might be going back to the Blue & Gold. I'm not sure if I've posted the following link or not (been bouncing between too many hockey forums...)
http://www.celsiusdesign.net/sabres/index.html

I remember talk about them tapering the jerseys, and maybe using some "slicker" materials, which sounded rather gay to me, but oh well, let's see.

those Buffalo concepts look cool (except for that putrid Nashvillesque gold for the alternates). Personally, I like both the old blue and gold jerseys AND the new black and red style. I have one of the current ones, and the old blue ones is on my wish list.

[RPI-Fan]

To clear up the Devils mess, it's McGillis for $1.1mil (a steal), Rafalski $4.2mil, and Malakhov $3.6mil (a total ripoff).

According to TSN, at least.

~rpi-fan

[Pyser]

the devs also still have matvichuk, which i forgot. so...with hale and martin, assuming stevens comes back, there is certainly strength in numbers at least.

[Draft Dodger]

To clear up the Devils mess, it's McGillis for $1.1mil (a steal), Rafalski $4.2mil, and Malakhov $3.6mil (a total ripoff).


well, that makes a little more sense at least.

[sachmo71]

the devs also still have matvichuk, which i forgot. so...with hale and martin, assuming stevens comes back, there is certainly strength in numbers at least.


Better hope Matty finds his game again. He was in a slump there for a while.

[Pyser]

espn says mcgillis is making 2.2 per year, for a 2 year deal. so, 2/4.4 overall.

[TurnerONU22]

Columbus filled another need today, picking up G Martin Prusek, who was the backup in Ottawa, for a 1 yr, $625,000 deal. Finally, a respectable backup goalie that can give Denis some games off. On top of that, two great defencemen gives me a lot of hope for this team in the upcoming season. I think MacLean filled all the needs without breaking the bank, and being able to fit in Nash long term into the cap.

I'm hopin this is the year that the team breaks out and finally makes the playoffs.

[HomerJSimpson]

WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT? :confused:
Eric Lindros a heart-warming story?

guh


I was at the game where his lung collapsed a couple years ago (it was in Nashville). I don't know why I posted that.

[Draft Dodger]

I was at the game where his lung collapsed a couple years ago (it was in Nashville). I don't know why I posted that.

coincidentally, I was at the game in Boston when he got the concussion that essentially knocked him out of Philadelphia. That was heart-warming to say the least!

[bbor]

Yeah.

Probably a slight overpay, but not a bad deal. Two years is about right.

It will be fun to watch the same writers who hacked up Ferguson for his lack of loyalty to Roberts/Niewendyk turn around and hack him again for overpaying Domi.


Can you say Cox and Simmons?

[Joe Canadian]

Glad to see Domi re-signed...

Now Eklund is saying the Leafs are shopping Belfour... something tells me if there are any takers, I doubt there will be many, they ain't going to get squat in return.

[Maple Leafs]

Now Eklund is saying the Leafs are shopping Belfour... something tells me if there are any takers, I doubt there will be many, they ain't going to get squat in return.That doesn't make any sense. Who would want a goalie with a big contract who probably has one year left, even if he can still play at an all-star level? It would have to be a team with a "win now" mentality but without a top goalie, and there aren't many of those. In fact, the only one I can think of is Tampa Bay if Khabi leaves.

[Simms]

I will preface this by saying that, as a Leaf fan, I have absolutely zero expectation that this will happen. That said, where there's smoke, there's often fire, and while the "rumour" as reported is so one-sided as to favour the Leafs that there is almost certainly no chance it has any basis in reality, there is a lot of chatter apparently about some kind of a 3-way deal involving Toronto, Boston, and Chicago. (A moderator at HFBoards confirmed it was reported on ESPN radio in Chicago but was ultimately shouted down by others, so I don't know if it was or not.)

The gist of the rumour had Thornton in Toronto (shocking, I know), Belfour in Chicago, Daze in Boston, and a bunch of other stuff from Toronto thrown in (couple of firsts, Stajan and/or Steen, etc.). Last I heard, the Hawks were still trying desperately to land Khabibulin, so one would assume that if they get him, all bets are off (if they aren't already).

At any rate, that might be where some of the Belfour rumours are coming from.

/not buying any of it. *shurg*

[Blade]

Report: Oilers show interest in Kariya

TSN.ca Staff

8/5/2005 9:46:24 AM

The Edmonton Oilers may not be finished trolling the free agent market.

The Edmonton Journal reports that the Oilers have had preliminary talks with free agent forward Paul Kariya. The newspaper reports Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe has spoken recently with Kariya's agent Don Baizley.

The Journal reports the Oilers are believed to be offering Kariya a one year deal worth between $2.5-million and $3-million.

San Jose and Los Angeles are also said to be interested in Kariya, who took a chance in 2004 by signing a one year deal with Colorado for just over $1-million - some $8-million less than the previous season. The Chicago Blackhawks have also reportedly put an offer on the table.

However, with their payroll sitting at just over $22-million and having already added Chris Pronger and Michael Peca to their roster this week, the Oilers could find themselves in a position of having to deal away a player in order to fit Kariya into their plans.

Lowe added the would consider adding free agent Mark Messier but only if he has some money left after filling out the rest of his roster.


http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132491

While I like Kariya, I am not sure how well he fits in right now, since we really need a top line center, not a winger...

[Johnny93g]

I will preface this by saying that, as a Leaf fan, I have absolutely zero expectation that this will happen. That said, where there's smoke, there's often fire, and while the "rumour" as reported is so one-sided as to favour the Leafs that there is almost certainly no chance it has any basis in reality, there is a lot of chatter apparently about some kind of a 3-way deal involving Toronto, Boston, and Chicago. (A moderator at HFBoards confirmed it was reported on ESPN radio in Chicago but was ultimately shouted down by others, so I don't know if it was or not.)

The gist of the rumour had Thornton in Toronto (shocking, I know), Belfour in Chicago, Daze in Boston, and a bunch of other stuff from Toronto thrown in (couple of firsts, Stajan and/or Steen, etc.). Last I heard, the Hawks were still trying desperately to land Khabibulin, so one would assume that if they get him, all bets are off (if they aren't already).

At any rate, that might be where some of the Belfour rumours are coming from.

/not buying any of it. *shurg*

I dont buy that either...if it happend...greatest robbery ever...

I think 640 reported the Leafs are rumoured to be sending Belfour and Belak to Detroit for Zetterberg, and then signing cujo for 2-2.5 mil.....that seems more plausible...except i dont know if the Wings have cap room for that

[Karim]

nm

[Maple Leafs]

I think 640 reported the Leafs are rumoured to be sending Belfour and Belak to Detroit for Zetterberg, and then signing cujo for 2-2.5 mil.....that seems more plausible...except i dont know if the Wings have cap room for thatWhy would the Wings want to give up a very good 25-year-old for a 40-year-old goalie, when they could resign a 38-year-old goalie for less money and keep Zetterberg? Belak is an under-rated tough guy, but not a player who would influence a trade one way or another.

There's no smoke or fire here.

[Draft Dodger]

no one wants Belfour, guys.

well, no one wants to give up anything to get him, that is.

[bbor]

Name 5 goalies better than Belfour.

[sachmo71]

Name 5 goalies better than Belfour.

There were only two in 03-04 in wins:

Martin Brodeur NJD 75 38 26 11
Marty Turco DAL 73 37 21 13


In GAA:

Miikka Kiprusoff CGY 38 65 1.69
Dwayne Roloson MIN 48 89 1.88
Marty Turco DAL 73 144 1.98
Martin Brodeur NJD 75 154 2.03
Robert Esche PHI 40 79 2.04


In save percentage:

Dwayne Roloson MIN 48 89 1323 .933
Miikka Kiprusoff CGY 38 65 966 .933
Roberto Luongo FLA 72 172 2475 .931
Vesa Toskala SAN 28 53 760 .930
Andrew Raycroft BOS 57 117 1586 .926

[Honolulu_Blue]

Name 5 goalies better than Belfour.
Well, it depends, Belfour now or in his hey day? We'll assume now, since that's what the Wings would be getting.

In no real particular order:
1. Broduer
2. Kiprusoff
3. Khabibhulin
4. Turco
5. Luongo

You could, possibly, even add Hasek (no idea what he'll look like) and Nabokov (less sure on this).

No way this deal happens (I hope). Belfour's salary is too high (they are expecting to sign Zetterberg for less than $4 million). While the Wings certainly are lacking toughness (no McCarty and Hatcher), I am not sure the answer is Wade Belak.

[Simms]

Brodeur, Luongo, Khabibulin, Theodore aren't even arguable, IMO.

I'd probably put Hasek and Kipprusoff ahead of him, too...but they're more debatable.

[Simms]

While the Wings certainly are lacking toughness (no McCarty and Hatcher), I am not sure the answer is Wade Belak.
There is not a question in the world to which the correct answer is, or ever should be, "Wade Belak".

[bbor]

Brodeur, Luongo, Khabibulin, Theodore aren't even arguable, IMO.

I'd probably put Hasek and Kipprusoff ahead of him, too...but they're more debatable.

Theodore has had 1 good season....i think he is arguable.

[Simms]

Theodore has had 1 good season....i think he is arguable.
Yeah, thinking more since I posted that, I'd agree.

[TazFTW]

Blackhawks put up a Bulin Wall. 4 years $ 27 million

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132519&hubName=nhl

[Honolulu_Blue]

Blackhawks put up a Bulin Wall. 4 years $ 27 million

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132519&hubName=nhl
Good to see the Blackhawks finally back into the action! The stupid Belfour and Roenick deals crippled that once proud franchise for too long...

[Draft Dodger]

Name 5 goalies better than Belfour.

name 5 that are older (which is more where I'm coming from)

[Johnny93g]

Well, it depends, Belfour now or in his hey day? We'll assume now, since that's what the Wings would be getting.

In no real particular order:
1. Broduer
2. Kiprusoff
3. Khabibhulin
4. Turco
5. Luongo

You could, possibly, even add Hasek (no idea what he'll look like) and Nabokov (less sure on this).

No way this deal happens (I hope). Belfour's salary is too high (they are expecting to sign Zetterberg for less than $4 million). While the Wings certainly are lacking toughness (no McCarty and Hatcher), I am not sure the answer is Wade Belak.

I would argue Hasek and Kiprusoff

Kipper has been a starter for half a season....A amazing season, but lets let him prove himself....hell Potvin was considered top 5 after his 1st 2 season...Jim Carrey won a vezina trophey!!!!.....and Hasek, im sorry, you have to be able to play to be considered good

[sterlingice]

name 5 that are older (which is more where I'm coming from)
Yeah- that was what scared me about those rumors.

I wonder what will become of Thibault. Whoever gets him will have a real bargain on their hands.

SI

[bbor]

name 5 that are older (which is more where I'm coming from)

Glenn Hall
Terry Sawchuk
Johnnie Bowers
Ken Dryden
Dom Hasik

:D

[Maple Leafs]

TSN says Brad May has signed with the Avs.

Um... what? The guy who put the bounty on Steve Moore gets signed in Colorado? The devil himself has now joined the other side?

Draft Dodger... help me understand...

This would be like the Leafs signed Bryan Marchem... um, never mind.

[sachmo71]

It's the "new" NHL. All sins are forgiven.

[HomerJSimpson]

It's the "new" NHL. All sins are forgiven.


Actually, most of these players have taken so many blows to the head they don't remember past the begining of the lockout.

[General Mike]

Kariya talking to Edmonton?

I saw that on ESPNEWS.

[Johnny93g]

Kariya talking to Edmonton?

I saw that on ESPNEWS.

They talk about hockey on espn?

[Draft Dodger]

TSN says Brad May has signed with the Avs.

Um... what? The guy who put the bounty on Steve Moore gets signed in Colorado? The devil himself has now joined the other side?

Draft Dodger... help me understand...

This would be like the Leafs signed Bryan Marchem... um, never mind.

wow. I am completely speechless.
maybe he can get a locker next to Aebischer (the guy May completely mugged in that infamous game)? although, at least it's better than Barnaby. and Worrell. and Marchment...

(I think I need to find a new team)

[Draft Dodger]

really, all that's left is to sign Jeff Hackett and Eric Lindros and maybe throw in a trade for Chris Chelios and Darcy Tucker and my offseason from hell will be complete

[Honolulu_Blue]

(I think I need to find a new team)
Done.

http://www.923thefort.com/images/shannon/Red%20Wings.jpg

[Draft Dodger]

Done.



my wife asked me the other day if it was alright for her to start rooting for the wings... :rolleyes:

[Johnny93g]

my wife asked me the other day if it was alright for her to start rooting for the wings... :rolleyes:

and you said no, right

[Honolulu_Blue]

my wife asked me the other day if it was alright for her to start rooting for the wings... :rolleyes:
You have married a very wise woman, DD. Take her hand and join us... Take your first step into a larger world...

[Draft Dodger]

and you said no, right

she's been semi-liking the Wings for a while now. If the Avs and and B's aren't on TV, it's generally the Wings that she watches (initially, she just watched because she thought it was cool the way the announcers called the arena "The Joe"). She also has a thing for older guys, so that also is an attraction for her. :D

[Maple Leafs]

she's been semi-liking the Wings for a while now. If the Avs and and B's aren't on TV, it's generally the Wings that she watches (initially, she just watched because she thought it was cool the way the announcers called the arena "The Joe"). She also has a thing for older guys, so that also is an attraction for her. :DWait, she has two favorite teams and she "semi-likes" another?

Are you allowed to "semi-like" other women?

[TazFTW]

Kariya to Nashville. $4.5 million per for 2 years.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132540&hubName=nhl

[Honolulu_Blue]

Kariya to Nashville. $4.5 over 2 years.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132540&hubName=nhl
Kariya in a Predators sweater? That just doesn't seem right for some reason. Not sure why...

[Wolfpack]

You have married a very wise woman, DD. Take her hand and join us... Take your first step into a larger world...

I read this and the first thing that came to my mind was, "Join me! We can rule the galaxy together as father and son!"

(I'm not a Wing-hater, BTW, just something that popped into my mind. :) )

[Ryan S]

Leafs sign Jason Allison (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132542&hubName=nhl)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I read this and the first thing that came to my mind was, "Join me! We can rule the galaxy together as father and son!"

(I'm not a Wing-hater, BTW, just something that popped into my mind. :) )
Heh! Me too! That's why I had to kick in that Obi Wan line (Take your first step into a larger world...) in there to make sure it was clear it's all Good Jedi on our side. The cool, ass-kicking good Jedi, like Obi Wan, Yoda, and Luke, not the idiot-I-got-shot-in-the-back-without-my-Jedi-powers-doing-dick-for-me Jedi.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Leafs sign Jason Allison (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132542&hubName=nhl)
Assuming he can stay healthy and will be able to over come any psychological effects of being hurt that long and missing so much time, he'll be a hell of a player.

[Draft Dodger]

Wait, she has two favorite teams and she "semi-likes" another?

Are you allowed to "semi-like" other women?

actually, I am. AND my wife likes hockey.
so there.
:cool:

[TazFTW]

Leafs sign Jason Allison (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132542&hubName=nhl)
Yay, maybe Leaf fans can finally shutup about inactivity. Was reading that Code thread at hockeynations and it seemed like every non-Code post was a question asking about a) Allison and the Leafs b) Lindros and the Leafs c) Thorton being traded to the Leafs d) Zetterberg and the Leafs.

[Draft Dodger]

Assuming he can stay healthy and will be able to over come any psychological effects of being hurt that long and missing so much time, he'll be a hell of a player.

I didn't realize he's only 30. I thought he was quite a bit older, for some reason.

[HomerJSimpson]

Kariya to Nashville. $4.5 over 2 years.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132540&hubName=nhl


That's very nice for the Predators fans (both of them). I've been to several games in Nashville, and it has to be one of the best venues (right in the heart of music row, with the Ryman auditorium across the street and the Country Music HOF right behind it).

[Maple Leafs]

Leafs sign Jason Allison (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132542&hubName=nhl)Solid #3 center, with #2 potential. I'll take it.

[RPI-Fan]

Solid #3 center, with #2 potential. I'll take it.

I think you're not giving him quite enough credit. If he's unhealthy, he'll be a bum and a hinderance -- that's a given. But this is a guy who, two years ago, was hands down one of the Top 6 or 7 centers in the game. He DEFINITELY has #1 potential.

[Maple Leafs]

I think you're not giving him quite enough credit. If he's unhealthy, he'll be a bum and a hinderance -- that's a given. But this is a guy who, two years ago, was hands down one of the Top 6 or 7 centers in the game. He DEFINITELY has #1 potential.Well, chances are Sundin as the #1 center spot locked up regardless. I'll grant that Allison would be #1-calibre if he's back to where he was four years ago, I just think the odds of that are so slim that it's unrealistic to expect that much from him.

[bbor]

Eh......Where's Palfy?

[RPI-Fan]

Well, chances are Sundin as the #1 center spot locked up regardless. I'll grant that Allison would be #1-calibre if he's back to where he was four years ago, I just think the odds of that are so slim that it's unrealistic to expect that much from him.

Fair enough -- definitely agree. I think you're right in saying Sundin probably will be the #1 (though I think he is as likely as anyone to be a HUGE disappointment after the lockout year), but Allison has the talent to push him. He plays really a very similar style game, and at worst, if he's healthy, will be one of the better #3 centers in the league.

[sachmo71]

Kariya a Predator...interesting.

[Joe Canadian]

I like the Allison pick-up, only because it's a one year deal. JFJ would have been a moron to song anything longer, which was what I was hearing earlier in the week... I'm glad they stuck to the single year.

Now if they sign Lindros, the Leafs will go from the "Elderly" team, to the "Cripple" team... I can hear the Toronto media now.

[sterlingice]

I read this and the first thing that came to my mind was, "Join me! We can rule the galaxy together as father and son!"

(I'm not a Wing-hater, BTW, just something that popped into my mind. :) )
That's because they really are evil. He's just masquerading as good. I believe I found a nice little thing on google image search that sums up my feeling nicely:

http://www.redwingssuck.com/img/rwsuk.jpg

SI

[Joe Canadian]

May to the Avs... WTF? Did they sign him so they can gang beat him in the dressing room during training camp. I would have really liked to see Moore's face when he heard about this, considering May's part of the "conspiracy" to hurt him.

Kariya to the Preds... Wow, this came out of left field. We heard Vancouver, Edmonton, San Jose, Toronto, etc. But I never thought he'd sign in Nashville. I can only assume he wants to get back to the basics and focus on hockey for awhile without the media spotlight... Call me crazy but I really don't see him in Nashville longer than two years.

[TazFTW]

Noticed the Stars signed Johan Hedberg to be the backup keeper. Farewell Ron Tugnutt.


In a chat with that Code guy and he's now saying the Oilers have thrown themselves into the Joe Thorton mix. Says they'll offer Thorton $6 mil per. If that actually happens this isn't the New NHL, it is the bizarro NHL.