It's BACK! The 2005-2006 NHL Season

[JeffR]

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.

Can't see it happening. Thornton's not unrestricted, so they'd have to send something back to Boston, and that'd probably have to include Ryan Smyth, the heart of their team. Very doubtful.

[TazFTW]

Can't see it happening. Thornton's not unrestricted, so they'd have to send something back to Boston, and that'd probably have to include Ryan Smyth, the heart of their team. Very doubtful.
That's who they're offering.

[Maple Leafs]

Now if they sign Lindros, the Leafs will go from the "Elderly" team, to the "Cripple" team... I can hear the Toronto media now.
That's the general consensus, but realistically it's not like guys like Niewendyk, Mogilny and Nolan were exactly Steve Larmer.

[Joe Canadian]

That's the general consensus, but realistically it's not like guys like Niewendyk, Mogilny and Nolan were exactly Steve Larmer.

What's up with Mogilny anyways... I'm assuming he's played his last games in the NHL.

[Honolulu_Blue]

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
SI,

I'm sorry, would you mind re-posting the above quoted message? I was unable to read it because I was temporarily blinded by these...

http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg

[JeffR]

What's up with Mogilny anyways... I'm assuming he's played his last games in the NHL.

His hip is still bad, but he apparently wants to play, and has said he'd be willing to sign cheaply. But it's not clear when he'll be ready to go.

Interesting that he and Bure, two-thirds of the last big Soviet line, are physical writeoffs or close to it by their middle 30's. Gotta wonder if there's something that's made them particularly injury-prone, and what it means for Fedorov staying healthy.

[Karim]

Interesting that he and Bure, two-thirds of the last big Soviet line, are physical writeoffs or close to it by their middle 30's. Gotta wonder if there's something that's made them particularly injury-prone, and what it means for Fedorov staying healthy.
Fedorov was wearing protection?

I got nothing.

[bronconick]

SI,

I'm sorry, would you mind re-posting the above quoted message? I was unable to read it because I was temporarily blinded by these...

http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg http://www.intergoldltd.com/Images/Red_Wings.jpg
I've gotta say, it's odd that a Red Wing fan would paraphrase a famous Patrick Roy quote. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've gotta say, it's odd that a Red Wing fan would paraphrase a famous Patrick Roy quote. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

I hate Roy more than any sports figure ever. Ever. But still, I love that quote. It was genius, pure genius. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut. ;)

[sterlingice]

I've gotta say, it's odd that a Red Wing fan would paraphrase a famous Patrick Roy quote. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif
I had nowhere to go, personally, but that was a perfect zing back at H_B :D

SI

[klayman]

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)
You can always cheer for the Flyers. At least you have some familiarity with one of their players! :)

[Maple Leafs]

What's up with Mogilny anyways... I'm assuming he's played his last games in the NHL.There was some rumor of him going to Anaheim to re-unite with Federov. But I wouldn't be shocked if he retires.

[ISiddiqui]

Kariya to the Preds made me smile. The SouthEast isn't being ignored by the big talent. This gives hope that the Thrashers sign Heatley and Kovelchuk. I know these teams were in the contraction talks, but good for hockey if the stars make people come out and watch them.

[ISiddiqui]

Ugh... just read on ESPN.com that the Devils offered more money to Niedermayer and Holik than the teems that signed them (Anaheim and Atlanta respectively), but both spurned Jersey :(.

Crap.

[Karim]

Kariya to the Preds made me smile. Likewise. I heart the new CBA.

[sterlingice]

I'm just now catching up with news stories I saved from earlier this week after coming back from my honeymoon and I stumbled across some of the ESPN stories from pre-free agency crazy period about the lockout and now I'm a little worried. Sure, I wasn't all that fond of the idea of the Hawks going after Khabibulin while they had a top 10 goalie in Thibault already manning the net but now I'm even more worried. I had forgotten about all the goalie changes they had made to the CBA. There were really no other major goalie moves so every other team gets to sit back, watch their keeper and how they do with the new goalie rules and then decide the "new" rankings of them kindof like how some teams probably should have done before giving huge contracts to defensemen (tho I still think Gonchar is a genius signing because he's perfect for the new rules and was good under the old ones). So, if it turns out that under the new netminder rules, Khabibulin can't play nearly as well, they're on the hook for some serious cash for longer than anyone else has a goalie under contract while everyone else gets to sit back and reevaluate who is best under for the most important position on the ice.

SI

[Draft Dodger]

finally some good news for the Avs - Hejduk signs a 5 year deal

[Maple Leafs]

Wow... Sportsnet says Palffy signs with the Pens.

[TazFTW]

Columbus signs Rick Nash to a 5 year, $27 million deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132652

[RPI-Fan]

Wow... Sportsnet says Palffy signs with the Pens.

Wow, what a fucking team.

Powerplay of:

Palffy - Lemieux - Malkin/Morozov/Malone
Crosby - Gonchar

No depth on that team, but top three lines will be absolutely phenomenal!!!

~rpi-fan

[TazFTW]

They're going to score the most goals but they're also going to give up the most goals.

[Maple Leafs]

No depth on that team, but top three lines will be absolutely phenomenal!!!People who play the NHL video game with line changes off will love the Penguins.

[RPI-Fan]

I was thinking about the Penguins forward lines:

Recchi - Lemieux - Palffy
Crosby - Morozov - Malkin
Eastwood - Kraft - Malone

Absolutely phenomenal group, there.

[henry296]

I was thinking about the Penguins forward lines:

Recchi - Lemieux - Palffy
Crosby - Morozov - Malkin
Eastwood - Kraft - Malone

Absolutely phenomenal group, there.

Another possibility is to replace Eastwood with Konstantin Koltsov who is a speed burning winger who played well 2 years ago. He played on the Belarus World Cup team.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I was thinking about the Penguins forward lines:

Recchi - Lemieux - Palffy
Crosby - Morozov - Malkin
Eastwood - Kraft - Malone

Absolutely phenomenal group, there.

Phenomenal group until Lemieux and Palffy get hurt and Morozov goes in the crapper...

[General Mike]

I was thinking about the Penguins forward lines:

Recchi - Lemieux - Palffy
Crosby - Morozov - Malkin
Eastwood - Kraft - Malone

Absolutely phenomenal group, there.

I'd flip Palffy and Malkin.

[henry296]

I'd flip Palffy and Malkin.

Except Malkin is a natural center and Palffy a left wing. You might see Pallfy actually on the 2nd line with Lemiuex-Crosby-Recchi as the top line and the Pallfy-Malkin-Morozov.

[RPI-Fan]

Except Malkin is a natural center and Palffy a left wing. You might see Pallfy actually on the 2nd line with Lemiuex-Crosby-Recchi as the top line and the Pallfy-Malkin-Morozov.

Just have to wonder if they'd waste Crosby's speed, playing with Recchi.

[Karim]

Columbus signs Rick Nash to a 5 year, $27 million deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132652 Good signing by CBS. It may be overpaying now, but it will pay dividends in the future. Just look at Boston for how not to deal with a star player. Nash would have been eligible to leave at age 25 so it makes sense for CBS not to nickel and dime him until that age.

I'm thinking Atlanta is going to have a hard time with both Kovalchuk and Heatley now...

[henry296]

Just have to wonder if they'd waste Crosby's speed, playing with Recchi.

I always thought on Palffy as a left wing, but in reading the article in the Pittsburgh papers the listed him as a right wing. If he plays right wing then I would put him on the first line with Lemiuex at left wing and Crosby in the middle. Then have recchi, malone and malkin on the 2nd line or Kraft at center if Malkin doesn't sign.

The Penguins I think realize they do have a small window to win again with Lemiuex and they are going for it and then hope they can continue to be successful with the Crosby and Malkin as the offensive leaders.

Another Penguin rumor is that they do want a veteran goalie and the leading possibility is Sean Burke.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good signing by CBS. It may be overpaying now, but it will pay dividends in the future. Just look at Boston for how not to deal with a star player. Nash would have been eligible to leave at age 25 so it makes sense for CBS not to nickel and dime him until that age.

I'm thinking Atlanta is going to have a hard time with both Kovalchuk and Heatley now...
Over paying? I think $5.4 million a year is about right. He's a young player, already scored 40 goals, was lights-out during the World Championships. He could easily be considered one of the best young players in the game. I think it's a good deal all around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Another Penguin rumor is that they do want a veteran goalie and the leading possibility is Sean Burke.
Also heard CuJo's named mentioned on this front.

[Karim]

Over paying? I think $5.4 million a year is about right. I think it's a good deal but you could argue that it's overpaying for a 21 year old with only two years experience in the NHL. He's already cracked 40 goals but can he do it again? I suspect he will but I hate seeing guys get paid on the basis of one good season with the expectation that that level of production will continue only to see them never reach the same heights again. Nash is also attrocious defensively but I'm sure that CBS didn't care as long as they had someone to market. Show me you've improved your game in all areas, can still lead the team offensively and then you'll get your pay day.

I don't consider what anyone did at the World Championships or in Europe as relevant. Rucinsky, for example, will go into the IIHF Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players to have ever played.

[Draft Dodger]

Avs continue to show their ironic side by signing Andrew Brunette. Brunette, if I remember right, is the guy who knocked the Avs out of the playoffs in 2002, making him the last guy to score on Patrick Roy. Pretty soon, they are going to sign some ex Red Wings.

I do like Brunette, even though his so-so skating may not be a great fit for this team.

[TazFTW]

As to a TV deal, I read something in th NY Times that Comcast has decided not to make OLN a national sports network and will not be pursuing a TV deal with the NHL.

ESPN is interested in televising a few games and wants some sort of revenue sharing deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think it's a good deal but you could argue that it's overpaying for a 21 year old with only two years experience in the NHL. He's already cracked 40 goals but can he do it again? I suspect he will but I hate seeing guys get paid on the basis of one good season with the expectation that that level of production will continue only to see them never reach the same heights again. Nash is also attrocious defensively but I'm sure that CBS didn't care as long as they had someone to market. Show me you've improved your game in all areas, can still lead the team offensively and then you'll get your pay day.

I don't consider what anyone did at the World Championships or in Europe as relevant. Rucinsky, for example, will go into the IIHF Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players to have ever played.
I wouldn't be so quick to consider what goes on at the World Championships irrelevant. Kris Draper, for example, played for Canada on the 2003 World Championship team. He played some lights out hockey on a line with Doane and Maltby. He was a team leader, was checking the other team's top line, and was contributing some very timely goals. What happens next? Draper has the season of his career in 2003-2004, scored 20+ goals and was the Wings best player in the playoffs. I think, and Draper admitted it himself, that the confidence he he gained in playing so well for team Canada was a huge boost to his play back in the NHL. It can make a difference for some guys.

I happened to run into Rick Nash in the airport in Vienna following the World Championships. He really didn't seem all that big or imposing at all. I wouldn't have even noticed him, but for the Blue Jackets' gear he was carrying around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Avs continue to show their ironic side by signing Andrew Brunette. Brunette, if I remember right, is the guy who knocked the Avs out of the playoffs in 2002, making him the last guy to score on Patrick Roy. Pretty soon, they are going to sign some ex Red Wings.

I do like Brunette, even though his so-so skating may not be a great fit for this team.
We tried that whole Avs-to-Wings thing a while back with Uwe Krupp. It didn't work out so well. At all. I am sure it would be just as bad going the other way. Wouldn't recommend it.

[Karim]

Things not so rosy in Carolina...
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/hurricanes/story/2699655p-9136779c.html

[Maple Leafs]

Things not so rosy in Carolina...
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/hurricanes/story/2699655p-9136779c.html
I love that photo/caption. Very passive aggressive.

[TazFTW]

I love that photo/caption. Very passive aggressive.
Indeed. A great photo and caption.

[TazFTW]

So is Gretzky the new Coyotes coach

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132749&hubName=nhl

or is he not?

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050807_163911_5096


Eklund has Lindros to the Leafs as dead, which could mean Lindros and LeClair to the Rangers. Meh, if they're both a 1 yr deal at a good price then I won't complain.

[Draft Dodger]

Eklund has Lindros to the Leafs as dead, which could mean Lindros and LeClair to the Rangers. Meh, if they're both a 1 yr deal at a good price then I won't complain.

as long as they don't go to Colorado, I wont complain either.

[TurnerONU22]

I think it's a good deal but you could argue that it's overpaying for a 21 year old with only two years experience in the NHL. He's already cracked 40 goals but can he do it again? I suspect he will but I hate seeing guys get paid on the basis of one good season with the expectation that that level of production will continue only to see them never reach the same heights again. Nash is also attrocious defensively but I'm sure that CBS didn't care as long as they had someone to market. Show me you've improved your game in all areas, can still lead the team offensively and then you'll get your pay day.

I don't consider what anyone did at the World Championships or in Europe as relevant. Rucinsky, for example, will go into the IIHF Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players to have ever played.

I'll have to admit that I was really lukewarm on the deal at first, but I'm really coming around on it now. On HFBoards, they think MacLean just broke the CBA. Doug must have done something to their families, I don't know.

This will be an escalating deal, so he's only gonna be making a little over 3 million at the beginning of the deal and 7 at the end. I think 3.5 million is a great price for him right now. And instead of doing a 3 year deal cheaper now, we won't deal with going to arbitration and having to degrade Nash. He IS the Blue Jackets to people here in Columbus, the last thing that we would need is a holdout or seeing Doug nickel and dime him now, and watch him leave later. Also, by the end of this deal, I think he'll be worth a lot more than his 5 million dollar cap hit will be. Doug is sacrificing that extra cap space now, so that down the road, he'll have a little more to work with when the team is prime to go after the Stanley Cup.

Also, I really think he is starting to improve his game on all cylinders. He's gotten a lot better on the defensive end, and by the end of the 03-04 season, he was making some fine defensive plays, such as chasing a guy all the way down the ice, throwing the stick down in front and stopping a 2 on 1 about 10 feet from the net.

I'm just more excited about this team than I've ever been and I'm ready for 9/18, which is our first preseason game against the Sabres. I'm pumped for some live hockey!

[Karim]

I just found out that there are only single season tickets left at the 'Dome. The President expects to sell out (16,500) season tickets. They've reserved another couple thousand or so for game packs and game day sales.

So much for 'sending a message' after the lockout... ;)

[jbmagic]

i wish Palffy would of re-sign with the Kings.

Damn the Kings need one more scorer to be set.

[TazFTW]

Wings bring in Chris Osgood for 1 year, $900000.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132824

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wings bring in Chris Osgood for 1 year, $900000.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132824
Oh, but he's back
He's the man behind the mask
And he's out of control
He's back
The man behind the mask
And he crawled out of his hole

[sachmo71]

i wish Palffy would of re-sign with the Kings.

Damn the Kings need one more scorer to be set.


Meh, I like him in Pittsburgh better. Have to see him less often.

[Honolulu_Blue]

In all honesty, given what was out there in the way of goaltenders and the reasonable price ($900K) and the length of the deal (1 year), I am fine with this signing. Osgood played well in Detroit. And, like I have said many times, he wasn't the reason the Wings lost in the playoffs in '99 and '00. Yes he let in an occassionaly untimely goal, but the Wings' offense dried up something fierce in those series. So, once again, the Wings goaltending situation is adequate, not great, but adequate.

Well, at least they now have some more cash to throw around elsewhere.

[TazFTW]

Flyers reup Simon Gagne to a 1 year, $2 million deal. It is $25000 higher than what he was qualified.

Yep, his agent got him a $25000 raise.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Flyers reup Simon Gagne to a 1 year, $2 million deal. It is $25000 higher than what he was qualified.

Yep, his agent got him a $25000 raise.
Seems awfully cheap for Gagne...

[TazFTW]

Report: NHL on verge of U.S. cable deal

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040603/nhl_41415.jpg

Canadian Press



8/9/2005 2:50:27 AM

PHILADELPHIA (CP) - The NHL is on the verge of signing off with a new U.S. cable TV partner, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Comcast has formally submitted a two-year bid in excess of $100 million US to televise NHL games beginning this fall, sources directly involved in the discussions told the Inquirer in Tuesday's edition.

The deal calls for Comcast to televise two games a week nationally. The cable giant plans to put the games on its on its Outdoor Life Network, which is also available in Canada.

Comcast submitted its bid over the weekend, according to the Inquirer. The NHL could act on it by this weekend. The company is a major owner of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Comcast spokesperson Tim Fitzpatrick declined Monday to comment on the network's interest in the NHL. The NHL also declined when reached by the Inquirer.


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><!--drop width--><TBODY><TR height=8><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- Begin Ad --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> if(!sops){if(p.sops){var sops=p.sops;}else{var sops="";}} if(dUnitBox==true){boxAd=true;} if(boxAd){if((!dUnitSky)||(dUnitBox)){place300x250();}} </SCRIPT><!--- End Ad ---></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

If the NHL approves the deal, the contract will be forwarded to ESPN. In April, ESPN opted not to renew its $70-million option to televise the NHL for 2005-06 and 2006-07, but ESPN retains the right to match the new offer, a source told the Inquirer. ESPN has carried NHL games in the United States since 1985.

The NHL also has a national broadcast deal with NBC but needed a new cable partner after ESPN withdrew in April.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132876

[Honolulu_Blue]

Report: NHL on verge of U.S. cable deal

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040603/nhl_41415.jpg

Canadian Press



8/9/2005 2:50:27 AM

PHILADELPHIA (CP) - The NHL is on the verge of signing off with a new U.S. cable TV partner, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Comcast has formally submitted a two-year bid in excess of $100 million US to televise NHL games beginning this fall, sources directly involved in the discussions told the Inquirer in Tuesday's edition.

The deal calls for Comcast to televise two games a week nationally. The cable giant plans to put the games on its on its Outdoor Life Network, which is also available in Canada.

Comcast submitted its bid over the weekend, according to the Inquirer. The NHL could act on it by this weekend. The company is a major owner of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Comcast spokesperson Tim Fitzpatrick declined Monday to comment on the network's interest in the NHL. The NHL also declined when reached by the Inquirer.


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><!--drop width--><TBODY><TR height=8><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- Begin Ad --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> if(!sops){if(p.sops){var sops=p.sops;}else{var sops="";}} if(dUnitBox==true){boxAd=true;} if(boxAd){if((!dUnitSky)||(dUnitBox)){place300x250();}} </SCRIPT><!--- End Ad ---></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

If the NHL approves the deal, the contract will be forwarded to ESPN. In April, ESPN opted not to renew its $70-million option to televise the NHL for 2005-06 and 2006-07, but ESPN retains the right to match the new offer, a source told the Inquirer. ESPN has carried NHL games in the United States since 1985.

The NHL also has a national broadcast deal with NBC but needed a new cable partner after ESPN withdrew in April.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132876
This could work out very badly for me. I don't know if this Outdoor Life Network is available on Direct TV? Anyone?

[TazFTW]

Their website lists it at channel 608, available on all their packages (Total Choice, Total Choice Plus, Total Choice Premier).

[Honolulu_Blue]

Their website lists it at channel 608, available on all their packages (Total Choice, Total Choice Plus, Total Choice Premier).
Thanks. Channel 608? Sweet Jaysis! That's high. No wonder I have never seen nor heard of it. I will have to see what it's all about tonight. That said, assuming there is a NHL Center Ice Package this year, I will be getting that.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Andrew Cassels just signed with the Capitals. Nice, their first move this year (other than signing Ovechkin) is signing a 36 year old center. The Caps are going to suck this year. Just be abysmal. They have something like 8 guys signed. And now Brendan Witt wants to be traded... Hmmm, I think Witt would fit in well in Detroit. They desperately need some toughness, especially along the blue line. Though Witt seems to be hurt. A lot.

The only advantage to the Caps being so bad is that there will likely be a plethora of tickets available here. Means ole H_B should be able to catch quite a few live hockey games this year.

[Draft Dodger]

Thanks. Channel 608? Sweet Jaysis! That's high. No wonder I have never seen nor heard of it. I will have to see what it's all about tonight. That said, assuming there is a NHL Center Ice Package this year, I will be getting that.

yep, we do get it. the only time I've ever watched OLN is the Tour de France.
But, really, as long as Center Ice is available (still not official yet, I think), I don't care what channel they show the rest on.

I really hope Center Ice comes back. Otherwise, I wasted taking October 5th off from work.

[Karim]

The only advantage to the Caps being so bad is that there will likely be a plethora of tickets available here. Means ole H_B should be able to catch quite a few live hockey games this year.
You can give us progress reports on what's shaping up to be a terrific calder race. All based in the east: Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin (maybe), Carter, Richards, Lehtonen, Lundqvist.

[sterlingice]

Neat. I get OLN on our little cable provider here because I remember a friend of mine talking about watching the Tour de France every day and I checked it out and found it to be quite boring as a spectator sport, but that's another story for another day.

SI

[TazFTW]

Penguins sign Sean Burke to a 2 yr $3 million deal.

Kim Johnsson accepts his $2.2 million offer from the Flyers.

[RPI-Fan]

Interesting on the cable deal... I can dig it, as we get OLN on Timewarner (was worried about Comcast doing a Comcast-only hockey channel!).

[TazFTW]

I wonder if ESPN will match the offer given that they earlier declined a $70 million option to keep the NHL. I know they've gotten better ratings with things like bowling but I read on Eklund that they did miss the ratings they would get for playoff hockey. The Flyers look to be almost done. According to TSN, they have 20 players worth $33 million and 4 of those are undisclosed deals. Esche has yet to agree to his QO.

[Draft Dodger]

bad news about ESPN losing hockey? no more Gary Thorne.
the good news? no more Barry Melrose.

I can live with that trade.

[TazFTW]

Penguins sign Sean Burke to a 2 yr $3 million deal.

Uh, scratch that.

Burke signs with Tampa Bay.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=132952

[Draft Dodger]

Avs send Philip Sauve to the Flames for a 7th rounder. hopefully, this means they have a solid backup in place.

Sauve has a lot of skill (was a 2nd round pick) and had been highly touted for a while, but struggled pretty badly with the Avs.

EDIT: unless they think Peter Budaj is ready to play in the NHL, but I don't really know much about him.

[Ksyrup]

bad news about ESPN losing hockey? no more Gary Thorne.
the good news? no more Barry Melrose.

I can live with that trade.
Might this not end up like the NBA did, or when football left NBC, where most of the broadcasters ended up switching or getting part-time gigs with the new channels? I know Gary Thorne does a bunch of stuff outside of ESPN, and I'm figuring that even if Melrose doesn't end up on OLN, wouldn't ESPN still have its NHL2Night show?

DirecTV's Sports Package, which is mostly channels in the 600s, is excellent. I used to think it was expendable, but now I kinda enjoy the college sports coverage and my daughter likes watching soccer. I haven't watched much OLN, though.

[Draft Dodger]

also just found out that the Avs aren't affiliated with the AHL Hershey Bears anymore, but now are with the Lowell Loch Monsters. Which is cool, because I go to a lot of Manchester Monarchs games, so I'll see more of the Avs prospects...but I'm confused about who to root for. It's hard enough with one rival of the Monarchs being the baby Bruins (wife is a Bruins fan), now the other big Monarch's rival is Colorado's affiliate.

[Simms]

Leafs sign ex-Blues D-man Alexander Khavanov.

Um....w00t?

[Karim]

Avs send Philip Sauve to the Flames for a 7th rounder.
Turek is probably going to stay in the Czech Republic and Kiprusoff's negotiations are not going well thanks to Chicago's $6.75 million signing of Khabibulin. Many Flames fans are not high on Sauve since they remember the Flames lighting him up for 7 and Edmonton getting 6 past him. Still, he's young, cheap and a Marcoux disciple.

[sterlingice]

Kiprusoff might get that kind of cash if he could do that for more than half a season.

SI

[ISiddiqui]

Interesting on the cable deal, but I REALLY hope ESPN matches the offer. Hockey would be a perfect game on HDTV, and AFAIK, OLN doesn't broadcast in HD.

[TazFTW]

There are now reports that the NHL has agreed to the Comcast offer. It justs needs approval from the Board of Governors, which they say is a formality. Once approved by the BoG, the NHL will forward the deal to ESPN and see if they match it.

Kuklas posted details from a recent signing, its interesting for those that want to see how an NHL contract breaks down.


Breaking Down A Contract
I thought this would be a good example of how a contract looks for a very recent signing.
The contract is for Alexander Steen (http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/player_bio.asp?player_id=3061&hubname=TOR) who was signed today by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Season-- Compensation-- Base Salary-- Signing Bonus-- Minor League Salary
2005-06-- $720,180-------- $450,000------- $270,180-------- $70,300
2006-07-- $770,180-------- $500,000------- $270,180-------- $70,300
2007-08-- $870,180-------- $600,000------- $270,180-------- $70,300


Most Recently Signed Contract Details
Signing Bonus
Player will be paid a signing bonus of $810,540 payable as follows:
$135,090 payable upon execution of contract
$135,090 payable April 15, 2006
$135,090 payable October 15, 2006
$135,090 payable April 15, 2007
$135,090 payable October 15, 2007
$135,090 payable April 15, 2008

Player shall receive a one time payment of $180,420 after playing in 82 NHL Regular Season games during the 2005/06 Season.

Player shall receive $32,605 after playing in 20, 40, 60 and 80 NHL Regular Season games during the 2006/07 Season.

Player shall receive $15,210 after playing in 20 and 40 NHL Regular Season games during the 2007/08 Season.

Parental Travel
Club shall pay the reasonable and pre-approved travel expenses (round trip economy airfare, accommodations, game tickets) for Player’s parents to see one (1) game in the Player’s first NHL season. ($5,000 U.S. limit to this item).

Individual “B” Bonuses
If achieved, player is eligible for individual bonuses paid by the league

[TazFTW]

Marian Hossa is asking the Sens for Iginla type money. The Sens had reportedly offered him 3 years, $11.5 million.

[Simms]

Pens make another mini-splash....Thibeault from the Hawks for a 4th rounder.

[henry296]

Pens make another mini-splash....Thibeault from the Hawks for a 4th rounder.

That seems to be a very good deal in terms of only giving up a 4th rounder. Does anyone know what his contract status is? I know the Pens were offering 1.5 MM per year for 2 years to Burke.

[TazFTW]

He's a RFA.

[sterlingice]

He's a RFA.
His QO was in the low 2's. Man, another awesome move by the Pens. They have just had an amazing offseason. The Pens?!?!

SI

[RPI-Fan]

I'm just curious... what exactly is it that people have against Barry Melrose? I think he's great!

[sterlingice]

Mullet envy? ;)

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm just curious... what exactly is it that people have against Barry Melrose? I think he's great!No idea. I've always liked Melrose. I have never been bothered by him. He was the coach of the Adirondak Red Wings when they won the Calder Cup. I liked his run in LA as well.

In fact, I am known as the "Barry Melrose of Strat-o-Matic Hockey" for the fact that during my first season in the league I took the LA Kings all the way to the finals and lost to Montreal. Since then, my success has been limited... I have no mullet though.

[DaddyTorgo]

didn't see anything on here talking about this...B's have reportedly offered 32.5 to Jumbo Joe for 5 years.

hxxp://bruins.bostonherald.com/bruins/view.bg?articleid=97386

[TazFTW]

I'm just curious... what exactly is it that people have against Barry Melrose? I think he's great!
I like Melrose also. Thorne and Buccigross I really like. How can you hate Buccigross' take on the Leafs.

http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nhl/sml/trans/tor.gif Toronto Maple Leafs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=tor)
The Leafs are obviously a bit bloated and aging. If Jason Allison (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1031) is healthy, the Leafs should have enough to make the playoffs. But this team needs to make a decision, and my decision would be to blow it up. Strip thyself of salary, get a high draft pick and go after unrestricted free agents in the next summer or two. This team is like Journey or some other band that continues to tour with the name and keeps plugging in new people when others in the band die, go bald or become David Lee Roth. They need a whole new identity.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Interesting on the cable deal, particularly from the standpoint of being a media buyer.
Both Comcast Cable & OLN are somewhat notorious for pricing many of their programs far out of the realm of reality (basically asking for the same spot rate that programs with 5x to 20x the viewers can generate).

If this deal goes through, unless the NHL is almost literally giving it to them for free, I suspect the outcome is a revenue loss for Comcast, because the NHL isn't nearly strong enough in the majority of the country to justify over-paying for the commercial time.

[sachmo71]

didn't see anything on here talking about this...B's have reportedly offered 32.5 to Jumbo Joe for 5 years.

hxxp://bruins.bostonherald.com/bruins/view.bg?articleid=97386


Who? Thorton?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Who? Thorton?
Yes.

[Draft Dodger]

it's not so much that I hate Melrose.

I just don't see his analysis as having very much substance. Not that that makes him unique, especially at ESPN, but I would like to have someone who's willing to stick his neck out just a LITTLE more than Melrose. For example, Don Cherry is a putz...but at least he voices his opinion, and is able to convey his hockey understanding, even if he makes you cringe from time to time. To Melrose, everyone seems to be a "good hockey player" - if they are doing good, it's because they are good, if they are struggling, well, they'll come around. Gee, thanks.

Buccigross is terrific as long as he's not trying too hard to be cool, and Thorne shines through ESPN's otherwise poor TV production. I like Bill Clement also, although he too tends to toe the middle road too much.

I guess I am spoiled by watching Hockey Night in Canada. Everything about the production is top notch, from the Best.Theme Song. EVER to the stellar Ron MacLean. But the number one thing you get is HONEST criticism, not the watered-down ratings-friendly crap you get on ESPN.

[Draft Dodger]

didn't see anything on here talking about this...B's have reportedly offered 32.5 to Jumbo Joe for 5 years.

hxxp://bruins.bostonherald.com/bruins/view.bg?articleid=97386

it would surprise me if he took it. I really do think he wants out of Boston.

[TazFTW]

Interesting on the cable deal, but I REALLY hope ESPN matches the offer. Hockey would be a perfect game on HDTV, and AFAIK, OLN doesn't broadcast in HD.
Saw this on Kuklas,


Coming This Fall- OLN HD


I paid a visit to the OLN (http://www.olntv.com/article/view/956/?tf=footerArticles.tpl) website today and saw this:
With OLN HD, our action-packed, edge -of-your-seat programming is even more impressive. Enjoy shows like The Lance Chronicles, Fly Fishing America and Gravity Files. Experience crystal clear images paired with first-rate content. High definition was made for the outdoor world that OLN delivers. Coming this fall.Many of us are hoping for every NHL game in HDTV, but that isn’t going to happen. But it is nice to see OLN will have a HD channel just in case the NHL chooses them as their cable broadcast partner.
I noticed the website is a bit confusing though. I am not sure if the HD channel will only be VOD and not a live feed. Times should soon tell us I imagine.
Also, Comcast has part ownership of curent HD channels INHD (http://www.inhd.com/indexFlash.jsp) & INHD2, so that may be another option for HD broadcasts.
I wonder if Mark Cuban’s HDNET (http://www.hd.net/) stations will still be able to show NHL hockey in the fall?

[DaddyTorgo]

it would surprise me if he took it. I really do think he wants out of Boston.
really DD?? I'm not sure about that. Glen Murray has gone on the record as saying the reports of Joe wanting out of town are 110% false. But I guess you never know until it happens. We'll see. I think if he doesn't take this contract (obviously) he'll be on his way out of town.

[Draft Dodger]

and speaking of Turek, he is retiring from the NHL and going back to Czechicantspellitka

Turek to me is like the Czech version of Chris Osgood - a really good goalie that unfairly gets a bad rap.

[henry296]

His QO was in the low 2's. Man, another awesome move by the Pens. They have just had an amazing offseason. The Pens?!?!

SI

Report in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette is they signed him for 2 years, terms not disclosed.

[TazFTW]

11 players filed for arbitration.

Marian Hossa of Ottawa, Brenden Morrow of Dallas, Shawn Horcoff of Edmonton, Paul Mara of Phoenix, Mattias Ohlund of Vancouver, Dick Tarnstrom and Josef Melichar of Pittsburgh.
The New York Islanders featured the highest number of players, with Trent Hunter, Justin Papineau, Mike York and Brent Sopel
Flyers sign Robert Esche to a 2 year deal.
Canucks sign the Sedins to 1 yeal deals and Dan Cloutier accepts his QO of $2.34 million.
Ottawa signs Martin Havlat to a 1 yr $2.6 mil deal and Mike Fisher to a 3 year deal worth $4.5 mil.
Lindros seems to be on his way to the Leafs.
Bruins had Sergei Samsonov and P.J. Axelsson sign their QOs.

An update on the TV deal from Kuklas


More on NHL Cable Deal
Tim Panaccio, the writer from the Philadelphia Inquirer who broke the Comcast Deal, was just on The Fan 590 in Toronto. He believes ESPN will negotiate with the NHL to carry some games this year. Tim said this will be good for the league and TV viewers, competition will keep everyone on their toes.
For the people with satellite, he said the NHL has told Comcast the NHL games they broadcast, must be made available to all dish users.

[RPI-Fan]

C-bus signed Jan Hrdina... I really like that deal, and I LOVE that team (and I feel like I can root for them since I always semi-did the last season or two).

~rpi-fan

[ISiddiqui]

Saw this on Kuklas,
Well there is hope then...

[RPI-Fan]

Isles snapped up Brad Lukowich from the Lightning... another great, great signing. Isles have had an absolutely fantastic offseason!

~rpi-fan

[sachmo71]

Saw that the Lightning signed Rob Dimaio. He's a good 3rd-4th line winger who can chip in a timely goal here and there.

[Johnny93g]

sportsnet reports:

Lindros signs one-year, $1.55 million deal ...with the LEAFS

WOOHOO

[TazFTW]

Thorton signed?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133155&hubName=nhl

Dangit, there was a '?' after that 3 year deal. Thorton signs for 3 years, $20 million.

[Simms]

As somebody on HFBoards pointed out:

Nieuwendyk/Roberts - combined salary with Florida: $5 million
Allison/Lindros/O'neill - combined salary with Toronto: $4.55 million

Even with the inherent risk accompanying Allison and Lindros, that's a pretty damn good tradeoff, no matter how you cut it.

[Draft Dodger]

As somebody on HFBoards pointed out:

Nieuwendyk/Roberts - combined salary with Florida: $5 million
Allison/Lindros/O'neill - combined salary with Toronto: $4.55 million

Even with the inherent risk accompanying Allison and Lindros, that's a pretty damn good tradeoff, no matter how you cut it.

an excellent point, and a great set of deals for the Leafs. They really benefited from having 3 guys who really wanted to play in Toronto.

[Honolulu_Blue]

an excellent point, and a great set of deals for the Leafs. They really benefited from having 3 guys who really wanted to play in Toronto.
I agree. I like the team Toronto has put together. It seems like a classic Toronto team. There will be some high drama, especially after Allison and Lindros collide during practice...

[Simms]

Semi-related point of note....Jason Allison has never had a concussion.

He missed most of the last two years with "concussion-like symptoms", but they were due to whiplash. NOT a concussion.

Just seems to be a popular misconception. :)

[Joe Canadian]

Thoughts on the last couple of days:

~ The deal with Comcast\OLN seems like a good one, and now it seems like they may get some games on ESPN as well. So now they have two cable deals in the US, I think they did pretty well for themselves.

~ Thorton signs deal with the Bruins. Good for the Bruins, although I'm really going to find in interesting to see if he stays in Beantown for the whole deal or what happens after the three years. I'm disapointed because I had hoped he'd sign as a FA with the Leafs next season... but that was a bit of wishfull thinking on my part.

~ Lindros to the Leafs. Finally. I'm glad this happened just so that the talking heads and Leaf fans would F*** off with all the speculation, and saying how it's destiny that he plays in Toronto. But I'm also pissed... I don't like Lindros, I think he's a baby... and I don't like the injury problems he's had, even if it's only for $1.55 Million. If he plays well, great... still doesn't change the fact I don't want him on my team, and I don't want him back after his contract runs out.

----

On another note... the Leafs are around the $30-31 Million mark as it stand now with 17 players under contract. They still have the follwoign RFA's to potentially sign: Nik Antropov, Pierre Hedin, Nathan Perrott, Karel Pilar, Clarke Wilm.

So they'll probably be about $4-6 Million short of the cap... there is talk Carter might sign another less money, hometown deal. I like him as a player, and I'd like him on the Leafs... but we need a LW not a RW. Can he play the left side?

[Joe Canadian]

an excellent point, and a great set of deals for the Leafs. They really benefited from having 3 guys who really wanted to play in Toronto.

Two of them being big injury question marks as well...

[Johnny93g]

I dont think you can call Allison or Lindros a risk at all....1.5 +1.55 is nothing for these 2.......The rewards are far more then the risks....and i dont believe there isnt a team in the NHL that wouldnt take those 2 for just over 3 mil. It bugs me that Lindros and Allison can be considered risks, while Roberts and Niewy, older, just as likely to get hurt, and more expensive arent....

on a side note....ive been looking at Lindros career, and damn, he has been great!!!!...his only down season came 2 years ago with the Rangers when he had 50 points in 80 games.....If he can at least repeat his worst season as a professional, its a steal

[Draft Dodger]

I dont think you can call Allison or Lindros a risk at all....1.5 +1.55 is nothing for these 2.......The rewards are far more then the risks....and i dont believe there isnt a team in the NHL that wouldnt take those 2 for just over 3 mil. It bugs me that Lindros and Allison can be considered risks, while Roberts and Niewy, older, just as likely to get hurt, and more expensive arent....

on a side note....ive been looking at Lindros career, and damn, he has been great!!!!...his only down season came 2 years ago with the Rangers when he had 50 points in 80 games.....If he can at least repeat his worst season as a professional, its a steal

as much as I hate Lindros, I have to yet again agree with Johnny here. Locker room stuff aside, he's going to be a great addition.

[Johnny93g]

Draft Dodger I have to yet again agree with Johnny here.

Dude...whats going on with this....
;)

[Draft Dodger]

Dude...whats going on with this....
;)

I don't know, but I am SO not putting on my Leaf's jersey and getting turning on my webcam, so stop asking! ;)

[Maple Leafs]

I don't know, but I am SO not putting on my Leaf's jersey and getting turning on my webcam, so stop asking! ;)
(Please?)

[Honolulu_Blue]

If the Wings had signed Lindros and Allison to similar deals I would be going nuts. I would have loved it. I've always liked Lindros for some reason. Probably it was just to be contrary to everyone around me at first, but it stuck.

[TazFTW]

Eklund says that ESPN will not match Comcast's offer.

[Joe Canadian]

I loved this line Lindros said during the press conference:

"I've been working on skating with my head up."

w00t!!!! :D

[Karim]

The Flames have sold out season tickets.

Dallas is currently at 23% in renewals. Normally they're around 85%.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/hockey/12366538.htm

Dallas was always full so this is shocking to me. If Dallas is having problems, I can only imagine how other US teams are doing.

[JeffR]

The Flames have sold out season tickets.

Oh, no, I won't be able to spend the equivalent of four or five lower-bowl junior tickets on a nosebleed seat.

The Dallas thing is worrying, though. Aside from empty seats in the early games, I think we'll get our first solid indication of what's happened to revenues when they hit the first escrow recalculation point a couple of months in. If things have gone to hell and the league's estimate was way off, they'll have to start holding back a bigger chunk of the players' salaries. We probably won't get an official announcement, but the complaining from Jagr and Yashin shouldn't be hard to miss.

[Karim]

Oh, no, I won't be able to spend the equivalent of four or five lower-bowl junior tickets on a nosebleed seat. Well, the Hitmen just don't compare IMO. I've got my name on a list for a game pack so I'm hoping I can squeeze somewhere into the second deck.

[Karim]

Calgary signs:

Kiprusoff - $10 million/3 years
Warrener - $9.4 million/4 years
Hamrlik - $7 million/2 years

Wow... :D

[RPI-Fan]

A touch disappointing to lose Hamrlik, but to be totally honest, I think I take the following trade straight-up:

-Aucoin and Hamrlik

for:

-Zhitnik, Sopel, and Lukowich

[Karim]

The city's newspaper and sports station have reported the Hamrlik signing but nothing official from elsewhere, nor have the Flames released a statement. But it would be the first PP QB we've had since MacInnis so everyone's hoping it's true.

[ISiddiqui]

And the Devils have still done jack :(.

[Karim]

At today's press conference, Sutter made it quite clear that the Flames want to win the Cup NOW. It makes sense: Iginla, Kiprusoff, Regehr, Langkow... all in their prime. Most of the key pieces are on 3 year contracts. 2008 is going to be nasty in terms of UFAs so they might as well go for it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Calgary signs:

Kiprusoff - $10 million/3 years
Warrener - $9.4 million/4 years
Hamrlik - $7 million/2 years

Wow... :D
Well, the Wings just signed Kent McDonell. Yes. THAT Kent McDonell.

ok, I got nothing...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eklund says that ESPN will not match Comcast's offer.
This will make me sad. I get the OLN channel or whatever the hell it is, but it's crap. No one will watch it. The league will continue to get mocked. Oh well, screw 'em.

[Karim]

And the Devils have still done jack :(.
Gomez has re-signed a one year deal for $2.2 million.

[Pyser]

Gomez has re-signed a one year deal for $2.2 million.

according to the ny post:

Langenbrunner, at $1.655 million, Gionta at $627,000 and Kozlov at $1.748 million, are believed to have signed the qualifying offers tendered by the Devils to retain their rights as restricted free agents.

Those three signings lift the Devils' payroll to $30 million before the anticipated addition of their unsigned restricteds: Patrik Elias ($4.2 million qualifier), Scott Gomez ($2.2 million), Jeff Friesen ($2.3 million), Paul Martin (650G), David Hale (650G) and Colin White ($1.8 million), with unrestricted Scott Stevens another consideration.

Should all sign their qualifiers, the Devils' payroll would top $41 million, well above the season-opener NHL salary cap.

The Devils announced the signings of their second- and third-round draft picks from 2002. They inked 6-4 forward Barry Tallackson from the University of Minnesota, who played four games for Albany last season, and 6-3 winger Jason Ryznar from the University of Michigan.

They also signed free agents David Clarkson, a forward from Kitchener of the Ontario junior league, and goalie Frank Doyle.

[Cards4ever]

Unless Barry learns to go to the net, he will not be a NHL type player. Not used by me, but, many Gopher fans refer to him as Mary Tallackson.

[bronconick]

and 6-3 winger Jason Ryznar from the University of Michigan.

Sweet. He's a cousin of one of my good friends. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Karim]

Shanahan gets it. I've been more impressed with his off-ice endeavours than I ever was with what he did on the ice. He has a future with the league if he wants one.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/14/sports/hockey/14nhl.html

[Honolulu_Blue]

Shanahan gets it. I've been more impressed with his off-ice endeavours than I ever was with what he did on the ice. He has a future with the league if he wants one.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/14/sports/hockey/14nhl.html
He certainly does get it. Shanahan is awesome. Though don't discredit what he does on the ice. The trade that brought him to Detroit at the start of the '96-97 season was probably the key acquisition that put the Wings over the top.

[Karim]

I remember when Shanahan apologized to the nation when he missed the fifth penalty shot against Hasek in the Nagano Olympics. That impressed the heck out of me.

[Karim]

dola,

A couple articles:

Milbury changes up the team to remove the 'Yashin-bashers' and help out Alexei. It is now Yashin's team and there are no more excuses:
http://www.nynewsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spyashin0814,0,7081713.story?coll=ny-islanders-bigpix

After unsuccessful contract negotiations, Iron Mike decides to take the face of the franchise, Luongo, to arbitration. Roberto is hurt and no doubt gone in three years:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/hockey/panthers/sfl-russo14aug14,0,3305969.column?page=1

[sterlingice]

Good interview with Shanahan.

Stupid question: when does the season start, anyways?

SI

[Draft Dodger]

He certainly does get it. Shanahan is awesome. Though don't discredit what he does on the ice. The trade that brought him to Detroit at the start of the '96-97 season was probably the key acquisition that put the Wings over the top.

so, does Mike Keenan get his name on the Cup for that? :confused:

[Draft Dodger]

Good interview with Shanahan.

Stupid question: when does the season start, anyways?

SI

October 5, every team in action that night (possibly my favorite of all the new changes)

[Draft Dodger]

dola,

A couple articles:

Milbury changes up the team to remove the 'Yashin-bashers' and help out Alexei. It is now Yashin's team and there are no more excuses:
http://www.nynewsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spyashin0814,0,7081713.story?coll=ny-islanders-bigpix

After unsuccessful contract negotiations, Iron Mike decides to take the face of the franchise, Luongo, to arbitration. Roberto is hurt and no doubt gone in three years:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/hockey/panthers/sfl-russo14aug14,0,3305969.column?page=1

nice - you managed to get one post with articles on the 2 worst GMs in hockey!
:D

as for Keenan, certainly none of his antics should be even remotely surprising to anyone. He's been playing this asinine head games from the beginning. But, since the Rangers won that one year, he continues to get opportunities to just completely dismantle franchises at will to stroke his ego.

Milbury is just inept. They did make some decent moves this year...but Alexei Yashin is the 2nd highest paid player in the league. That just isn't right. He's a nice player to have on any team, but are they really going to build around a guy who, in 3 years with your team, has yet to crack the 75 point barrier (or register a positive +/- for that matter)?
And hey, speaking of Luongo...hey Mike, looks like DiPietro is ready to be an impact goalie in the NHL. Must be about time to trade him away and draft another goalie!!!

[RPI-Fan]

To call the Isles moves "decent" is unfair... we've had one of the two or three best offseasons in the league, I think.

[Draft Dodger]

To call the Isles moves "decent" is unfair... we've had one of the two or three best offseasons in the league, I think.

oh come on now. I'm not knocking the moves they made, but let's be honest. Two teams in your own division had stronger offseasons (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). And neither of those teams are building around Alexei Yashin. :p

[RPI-Fan]

oh come on now. I'm not knocking the moves they made, but let's be honest. Two teams in your own division had stronger offseasons (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). And neither of those teams are building around Alexei Yashin. :p

The Flyers have potentially bigger upside on their offseason, but it could also go horribly wrong. The Isles added quality depth up front and on the blueline. The Pens were one of the teams that I'd put ahead of the Isles in terms of offseason success -- aside from that, there aren't many teams who did as well as Milbury.

[sachmo71]

The Flyers have potentially bigger upside on their offseason, but it could also go horribly wrong. The Isles added quality depth up front and on the blueline. The Pens were one of the teams that I'd put ahead of the Isles in terms of offseason success -- aside from that, there aren't many teams who did as well as Milbury.


I agree totally. The Flyers could have gone the wrong way.

[Travis]

The Flyers have potentially bigger upside on their offseason, but it could also go horribly wrong. The Isles added quality depth up front and on the blueline. The Pens were one of the teams that I'd put ahead of the Isles in terms of offseason success -- aside from that, there aren't many teams who did as well as Milbury.
As much as it pains me to say it, the Flames have had a pretty good offseason, as too have the Oilers (some homerism there, but I think we're one more quality forward away from being a very, very strong team). Another that could be thrown into the mix because of their moves just prior to the lockout could be Phoenix. They've been pretty quiet since the CBA was signed, mostly because they had really addressed a lot of issues already.

[Fidatelo]

The following 6 teams have all done far better than the Islanders:

Philly
Pittsburgh
Boston
Calgary
Chicago
Edmonton

There are other teams that I feel have done comparably well to the Islanders. Milbury hasn't stunk up the joint (surprisingly), but he hasn't hit a home run either.

[RPI-Fan]

The following 6 teams have all done far better than the Islanders:

Philly
Pittsburgh
Boston
Calgary
Chicago
Edmonton

There are other teams that I feel have done comparably well to the Islanders. Milbury hasn't stunk up the joint (surprisingly), but he hasn't hit a home run either.

Agree to disagree, I guess. We murdered Edmonton in a head-to-head trade, Boston's moves I don't like at all, I have a friend who is a diehard Philly fan who HATES the team's moves. Chicago did alright, but didn't add a lot of spark.

'Burgh I'd rate stronger than us, and Calgary equal.

[Pyser]

Agree to disagree, I guess. We murdered Edmonton in a head-to-head trade, Boston's moves I don't like at all, I have a friend who is a diehard Philly fan who HATES the team's moves. Chicago did alright, but didn't add a lot of spark.

'Burgh I'd rate stronger than us, and Calgary equal.

yeah, i guess i could understand adding the best player in the world as a negative :rolleyes:

im a die hard devils fan, and the flyers terrify me this year. the best move on their part with forsberg? even if he gets horribly injured, its only a 2 year deal, if i recall correctly. he is totally worth the risk of costing a couple mil next year, even if he doesnt play.

[Honolulu_Blue]

yeah, i guess i could understand adding the best player in the world as a negative :rolleyes:

im a die hard devils fan, and the flyers terrify me this year. the best move on their part with forsberg? even if he gets horribly injured, its only a 2 year deal, if i recall correctly. he is totally worth the risk of costing a couple mil next year, even if he doesnt play.
I am not sure how anyone could view the Forsberg signing as a negative, unless they are convinced he's too injured to be effective or just too fragile to be worth the coin. I guess an argument could be made there.

The other moves are more questionable. They threw a lot of money at Hatcher and Rathje. This could put the Flyers in a pinch in a few years when they are shelling $4.5 million a year to a 38 year old Derian Hatcher.

As far as this year goes, the Flyers have to be one of the favorites to win the Cup, especially in the east.

[Travis]

Agree to disagree, I guess. We murdered Edmonton in a head-to-head trade, Boston's moves I don't like at all, I have a friend who is a diehard Philly fan who HATES the team's moves. Chicago did alright, but didn't add a lot of spark.

'Burgh I'd rate stronger than us, and Calgary equal.

Okay, call me naive, but what trade the Isles murdered the Oilers in? I know you can't be referring to Mike York...

[Simms]

Here's the thing with the Flyers...generally, I like what they've done. And I think they'll be one of the better teams in the East this year -- almost certainly better than Toronto, even assuming all injury risks hold up on both sides. Forsberg is tremendous, and Rathje's nice. Hatcher I don't quite get, but I can at least understand the potential upside.

BUT...they also lost Amonte, Roenick, and LeClair who, while admittedly far from their former selves, were *big* parts of that team, at the very least emotionally. For all the hype about what the Flyers added, I'm not sure I'm convinced that it's *that* much better than what they lost. And Robert Esche is still their #1 goalie, and I'm not sure anybody's ready to catapault him into the "elite" category just yet.

[Johnny93g]

1st off...John Leclair has signed with Pittsburgh.....nice signing, hopefully 20 goal potential out of him....

2nd.....the winners this offseason are the small market teams who had very low payrolls coming into the offseason.....if we all though about it before, it wouldnt be so surprising to us now....

3rd...The Isles addditions....Satan and Zhitnik were good on a bad team for years, I dont see how they make the Isles any better.....Mike York for Mike Peca is a downgrade imo.....and Brent Sopel and Brad Lukowich are depth players, and as long as their cheap, are good additions.....overall, nothing special, 7-10th place is my prediction....certainly not a big winner this offseason

[Draft Dodger]

LeClair, btw, signs with those freaking Penguins. I would assume this one didn't break the bank, and the Penguins, for all their moves, still seem to have a lot of cap room.

[Johnny93g]

LeClair, btw, signs with those freaking Penguins. I would assume this one didn't break the bank, and the Penguins, for all their moves, still seem to have a lot of cap room.

Pittsburgh has about 20 mil to spend with 11 restriced fa's left, and a handful of ufa's left from their orginization

[Draft Dodger]

Pittsburgh has about 20 mil to spend with 11 restriced fa's left, and a handful of ufa's left from their orginization

and I don't see to many RFAs on the list who are going to break the bank. Tarnstram is the most notable, I think. Lemieux is unsigned, but I imagine he'll be back :D

although their cap number doesn't include Crosby, Fleury or Malkin, but still it looks like they are in solid shape for all the signings they've made

[sterlingice]

Free-spending Penguins add LeClair to roster (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2134819&name=FPT-2134819-081517&srvc=sz)

So I go to ESPN, see this title, and think I'm in bizarro world. Free-spending Penguins?!!?

SI

[henry296]

Free-spending Penguins add LeClair to roster (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2134819&name=FPT-2134819-081517&srvc=sz)

So I go to ESPN, see this title, and think I'm in bizarro world. Free-spending Penguins?!!?

SI

It's just like the Howard Baldwin era of the early 90s when the Penguins had one of the highest payrolls in the league.

[bbor]

Start the damn games :D

[RPI-Fan]

I am not sure how anyone could view the Forsberg signing as a negative, unless they are convinced he's too injured to be effective or just too fragile to be worth the coin. I guess an argument could be made there.

The other moves are more questionable. They threw a lot of money at Hatcher and Rathje. This could put the Flyers in a pinch in a few years when they are shelling $4.5 million a year to a 38 year old Derian Hatcher.

As far as this year goes, the Flyers have to be one of the favorites to win the Cup, especially in the east.

My friend is totally considered about Forsberg's health, and would have just assumed keep a solid Roenick around. He, and I, hate the defensive moves, as they took a good, young, mobile defense and turned it into an aging group that feeds their family on obstruction.

As for the Edmonton-Isles trade, I'll take York and his $2mil salary over Peca, by a mile. Peca's defensive play was not all that good last season, and he is very brittle. Good chance he goes down in the first couple months of the season.

Satan is a good player who underachieved because he was on a bad team, Zhitnik could come into his own in the new open-ice NHL, Sopel is a good puck-rusher, and Lukowich is a borderline All-Star!

I think the Isles went from 12th-14th place, to 4th-6th, and made some of the biggest strides in the league.

[bronconick]

Doug Wilson out in San Jose wakes up from his nap long enough to re-sign Marleau to a 3 year deal, Sturm and Stuart to 2 year deals, and Parker to a one year deal.

[Fidatelo]

and Lukowich is a borderline All-Star!
Umm... ok. You might be just a bit excited.

[RPI-Fan]

Umm... ok. You might be just a bit excited.

Was he, or was he not, the 7th best +/- last year?

And how many rings does he have?

[Draft Dodger]

Was he, or was he not, the 7th best +/- last year?

And how many rings does he have?

wow. just wow.

[klayman]

As for the Edmonton-Isles trade, I'll take York and his $2mil salary over Peca, by a mile. Peca's defensive play was not all that good last season, and he is very brittle. Good chance he goes down in the first couple months of the season.


You can say the same thing about Mike York, who has played the last couple of years with a long list of injuries as well.

[Travis]

Peca for York was a winger for a center deal in essense. Both players carry the injury bug with them. Both have had a year or two with some decent numbers, but the simple fact was, we didn't have room for York on the wing and he never performed well enough as a center for us to have faith in him. Peca will have a lot of help in the defensive zone, the hope is that he can score 20 with a bit more offensive freedom. His size is a plus to York, and we have more than enough team speed to make up the difference. The only minus is the contract difference which we can more than easily eat, so again I ask, how is this a bad deal in any way for the Oilers? I'm not saying it's a steal for Edmonton the way Oiler/Islander trades normally are, but in this instance I'd say each side got what it was looking for.

[bbor]

I'd take Peca over York in a New york minute...no pun intended :)

[Johnny93g]

As for the Edmonton-Isles trade, I'll take York and his $2mil salary over Peca, by a mile. Peca's defensive play was not all that good last season, and he is very brittle. Good chance he goes down in the first couple months of the season.

You can say the injury thing about anyone in the league, Peca is a better hockey player then York.


Satan is a good player who underachieved because he was on a bad team, Zhitnik could come into his own in the new open-ice NHL.

Satan will still be a good player, who will underachieve with a bad team. Zhitnik is a little old to start coming into his own now. Good hockey player, wont make any team better or worse though

Lukowich is a borderline All-Star!

Now you sound like a Leaf fan talking about Alex Khavanov, get real


I think the Isles went from 12th-14th place, to 4th-6th, and made some of the biggest strides in the league.

Anything is possible, but alot has to go perfect for the Isle's and alot has to go wrong for 5-8 other teams for that to happen

[Pyser]

If the Kings are out of the playoff picture come March, and the Flyers need a center because of an injury, don't be surprised to see Jeremy Roenick come back as part of the deal's "future considerations." By March, Roenick's salary would be down to about $1.8 million.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

[NoSkillz]

You can say the injury thing about anyone in the league, Peca is a better hockey player then York.



Satan will still be a good player, who will underachieve with a bad team. Zhitnik is a little old to start coming into his own now. Good hockey player, wont make any team better or worse though



Now you sound like a Leaf fan talking about Alex Khavanov, get real




Anything is possible, but alot has to go perfect for the Isle's and alot has to go wrong for 5-8 other teams for that to happen

^^^ What he said.

I can talk a bit about the former Sabres. I'll let the 'bad team' thing slide...I'd prefer to call the 2003-04 Sabres 'mediocre' (they DID have a winning record and finished 10th in NHL scoring) and were fighting with your Islanders for the final playoff position until game 81 of the 82 game season. Does this mean that the Islanders are also a bad team? ;)

Satan wasn't needed in Buffalo anymore due to the emergence of their prized prospect Thomas Vanek (42 goals in Rochester in his first professional season last year). Satan is supremely talented but is moody, lacks any type of work ethic and is terribly inconsistent. He can go for stretches looking like a superstar then turn into the invisible man for 5 games. Either way, he's a lock for 30 goals but you're kidding yourself if you think he'll be a difference maker...he was famous in Buffalo for scoring the fifth and sixth goals in 6-1 blowouts rather than coming up big in close games.

Zhitnik is a huge loss for Buffalo and will be a welcome addition to your team. However, as much as I like his tenacity, his ability to eat minutes in any situation, his skating and puck handling ability, he is a downgrade to both Adrian Aucoin and Roman Hamrlik, two guys your club have already lost. Zhitnik is 33 years old now and isn't going to get better offensively. His point shot is hard but inaccurate (he would get heckled in Buffalo for constantly missing the net) and he still makes some bad decisions with the puck. That all being said, he's a fine choice as a #2 defenseman and he'll play well for the Islanders. He's just not as good as Aucoin or Hamrlik though.

Oh yeah, Lukowich. I can't let RPI-Fan's 'All-Star' comment slide. Lukowich was only the fourth-best defenseman on his own team (behind Boyle, Kubina and Sydor...hell, Cory Sarich is better than Lukowich too) so how you can even consider him an all-star candidate is beyond me.

If you're basing this solely on plus/minus, I guess you must think that Marek Malik (19 points, tying Lukowich and a +35, tops in the NHL) should have been the Norris Trophy winner instead of Scotty Niedermayer... :)

[RPI-Fan]

Saying Lukowich was 4th best on the Lightning is a little off... all four of those guys are interchangable -- they play basically the same style (hard-nosed defense first hockey) and were all very effective.

[Draft Dodger]

Satan wasn't needed in Buffalo anymore due to the emergence of their prized prospect Thomas Vanek (42 goals in Rochester in his first professional season last year). Satan is supremely talented but is moody, lacks any type of work ethic and is terribly inconsistent. He can go for stretches looking like a superstar then turn into the invisible man for 5 games. Either way, he's a lock for 30 goals but you're kidding yourself if you think he'll be a difference maker...he was famous in Buffalo for scoring the fifth and sixth goals in 6-1 blowouts rather than coming up big in close games.

sounds like he's going to fit in PERFECTLY with Alexei Yashin.
:D

[Draft Dodger]

Saying Lukowich was 4th best on the Lightning is a little off... all four of those guys are interchangable -- they play basically the same style (hard-nosed defense first hockey) and were all very effective.

I hate to pile on here...Daryl "Turtle" Sydor and "hard-nosed defense first hockey" have absolutely NO business being in the same sentence together, unless you are trying to make sachmo giggle like a school girl. Ditto for Dan Boyle.

[Johnny93g]

not much islander love here...but who can blame us, their the friggin islanders....cheering for Yashin is a no-no for hockey fans

[Draft Dodger]

the 'Ning lock up Vinny Lecavalier for 4 years by giving him a LOT of money (6.8M per).
Red Wings sign "Defense"man Andy Delmore, notable for once scoring more goals (18) than assists (16).
927-year old Glen Wesley signs with Carolina

not a lot of big name UFAs left - Joseph, Anson Carter, Don Audette, Adam Deadmarsh, Mark Messier, Mike Dunham, Felix Potvin and Mogilny being the names that jumped out at me.

[Fidatelo]

Teemu is still kickin' around.

[Draft Dodger]

TSN is reporting that Cujo is close to a deal with the Coyotes

[Draft Dodger]

oh, and Mogilny to the Devils, according to Sportsnet.

guess all I had to do was ask...

[Johnny93g]

great signing by NJ, if he plays, ALMO is a true proffesional, who plays hard, and is fun to watch.....

[RPI-Fan]

I hate to pile on here...Daryl "Turtle" Sydor and "hard-nosed defense first hockey" have absolutely NO business being in the same sentence together, unless you are trying to make sachmo giggle like a school girl. Ditto for Dan Boyle.

Aren't you the guy who ALREADY had the "Sorry, I'm blinded by my Stanley Cup rings" line thrown at you?

[Draft Dodger]

Aren't you the guy who ALREADY had the "Sorry, I'm blinded by my Stanley Cup rings" line thrown at you?

um, no, sorry. wasn't me.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/PHOTOFILE/AACF017.jpg

or me

http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nhl/colavs/Sakic96Cup_185x250.jpg

[Honolulu_Blue]

Aren't you the guy who ALREADY had the "Sorry, I'm blinded by my Stanley Cup rings" line thrown at you?
That was SI. He's a Hawks fan. It fits.

[sterlingice]

That was SI. He's a Hawks fan. It fits. Why must you pick on me. It's like going after the (admittedly good looking ;)) handicap kid :(

SI

[Draft Dodger]

Why must you pick on me :(


already answered


That was SI. He's a Hawks fan. It fits.

[Draft Dodger]

and Anson Carter signs with the Canucks - a good fit for him, I think. he's a guy I'd really like to see turn the corner, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Why must you pick on me. It's like going after the (admittedly good looking ;)) handicap kid :(

SI
You're "big money" now! Khabibulin! Aucoin! Lapointes! I don't know how the rest of the old Norris division will be able to keep up with a big market team like the Hawks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You know, I'll just never get tired of reading articles like this...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=133688

Yzerman a lock to compete in Turin

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040116/yzerman_82009.jpg
Canadian Press



8/16/2005 4:45:24 PM

VANCOUVER (CP) - There will be some big names that won't make Team Canada's roster for the Turin Olympic, victims of an abundance of talent this country has on its hands these days.

But barring an injury, Steve Yzerman is a lock to compete in his third Olympics.

''There's no bubble for Stevie Y,'' said Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky. ''If he's not playing great, and his knee is bothering him, he'd be the first guy to tell me.''

Such was the case at the World Cup of Hockey last summer when Yzerman, named to the team, called Gretzky and said he just couldn't go. But a year of rest, thanks to the NHL lockout, has the 40-year-old Detroit Red Wing back for one more season.

With captain Mario Lemieux deciding not to come to the Olympic camp this week because of his busy schedule with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Yzerman's presence takes on an even greater role.


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><!--drop width--><TBODY><TR height=8><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- Begin Ad --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> if(!sops){if(p.sops){var sops=p.sops;}else{var sops="";}} if(dUnitBox==true){boxAd=true;} if(boxAd){if((!dUnitSky)||(dUnitBox)){place300x250();}} </SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=javascript1.1 src="http://ad.ca.doubleclick.net/adj/tsn/nhl;abr=!webtv;mode=;loc=lower;adpg=nhl;sports;ops=;pos=;kw=;nc=;sz=300x250;tile=1;ord=08030903487389351?"></SCRIPT>http://adcounter.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/AdletCounter?ad1=TSNpg_nhl_300x250
http://www.tsn.ca/images/ads/WTT_300x250_Promo.gif (http://ad.ca.doubleclick.net/click;h=v5|32d7|0|0|%2a|n;19145528;0-0;0;7171796;4307-300|250;11521446|11539342|1;;~sscs=%3fhttp://landingstrip.dell.com/landingstrip/ls.asp?CID=4279&LID=228180&DGC=BA&DGStor=DHS&DURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edell%2Eca%2Fnameit) <!--- End Ad ---></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
''In our game, every now and then we get very lucky that we get a really true superstar, great team leader, and great person - and he's that guy,'' added Gretzky, somewhat of an expert on the subject.

''He's such a classy individual and such a great example for all of us who are around him,'' added star winger Jarome Iginla, who scored the decisive goal for Canada in Salt Lake City. ''The way he treats everybody, how dedicated he is and for everything he's accomplished. To be so down to earth and such a great example for all of us to watch, the way he carries himself. It rubs off on us.''

In 2002, Yzerman was only the third player in the history of the game to win Olympic and NHL titles in the same year.

Yzerman, whose current crew cut makes him look 10 years younger, acknowledges that doing another double would be sweet. But he wants to make the Olympic team on merit.

''Here we are in the middle of August. My play over the course of the first half of the season will determine if I'm on the Olympic team or not. I don't have any false expectations that I'm on the team, I have to play well.

''But 2002 was certainly a very special year, it was the highlight of my career, it made everything worthwhile that year.''

That's because he essentially played on one leg that season. He appeared in only 52 regular-season games because of a serious knee injury but played every single playoff game - leading the team with 23 points in 23 games - and did not miss an Olympic shift in Salt Lake City despite being barely able to walk.

''I remember walking by the dressing room before the gold medal game and the trainer said to me: `If it was a Game 7 in the playoffs, I probably wouldn't let him play he has such a bad knee,''' recalls Gretzky. ''But he plays with a lot of heart, plays with a lot of unselfishness, and he's well-respected by the players not only in our dressing room but by players in the tournament. He's a special individual and we're thrilled that he's Canadian.

''I hope that things go well for him over the next six months and he's injury-free and that he's part of this team again. He takes so much pressure off the rest of our players. He's tremendous leader.''

Yzerman shrugs off the Salt Lake memories.

''I had surgery about two weeks before the Games,'' he said. ''I played two games right before the Olympics and felt really good. I talked to Wayne before the Olympics and said: `I feel really good.' Then I got into the tournament and after the second game against the Germans, my knee really swelled up, and started to get gradually worse.

''At that point, I just thought I couldn't bail out. I just did what I could do and got through it.''

He was marvellous on a line with Mario Lemieux and Paul Kariya, playing left wing and taking care of the defensive side of the game.

Yzerman, born in Cranbrook, B.C., but raised in Ottawa, waited until the summer of 2002 to get knee realignment surgery. It was such a serious procedure that he missed the first 66 games of the 2002-03 season.

The NHL lockout may be the only reason Yzerman is even here this week. The longest-tenured captain in the NHL wasn't going to retire during a labour dispute. The 21-year veteran will retire playing the game.

''If I would have played last year, I may not have been here, I don't know,'' he said.

Notes: Team Canada's 37 hopefuls were off the ice Tuesday, instead golfing with the 44 national junior team prospects whose camp ended Monday night. The NHL stars were also scheduled to have dinner with the juniors before chartering a flight to Kelowna, where the on-ice work resumes Wednesday through Friday.

[bbor]

Mogilny for 2 years/7mil.??

Lamarello is on crack.

[Booj]

I hear in the Montreal media that Selanne is closer to coming to Montreal now that Koivu resigned, and that if he does sign here, the Ryder-Theodore for Luongo trade is looking ever more likely.

I'll say it right now... if Luongo comes to Montreal, Montreal will take down Philly in the playoffs.

Montreal is quietly making some solid moves... the Dandenault and Kovalev signings didn't get much buzz because Forsberg was signed hours later... but when you take a playoff team (albeit from 2 years ago), add Kovalev for an entire season and replace Brisebois with Dandenault, they are looking very solid in a much more open Northeast division.

I also like the signing of Jonathan Aitken... he's big (6'4, 230) and a former 1st round pick who will add depth on the blueline.

Also of note, this year is the 1st year that I can remember that Montreal has had 3 players in Canada's World Junior camp... Kyle Chipchura (1st round '04), Carey Price (1st round '05) and Guillaume Latendresse (2nd round '05).

I can't wait for the season to start... 3-to-21 game ticket packages go on sale September 3rd!

[bbor]

Panthers are gonna trade Luongo?????

WTF?

Keenan at it again?

Horrible trade for the Panthers if it goes through.

[bronconick]

I'm astonished how Keenan keeps getting GM positions.

[Fidatelo]

That trade will never happen.

[bbor]

That trade will never happen.

I tend to agree with this statement.

[bob]

Jason Williams has accepted his qualifying offer with the Red Wings, securing a one-year deal worth $450,000.

They need to deal with Zetterbery, Datsyuk, and Kronwall - I'll feel better when that is taken care of.

[Draft Dodger]

'tis official - ESPN said thanks but no thanks. OLN is the new home for the NHL.
in other news, happened to notice that you can order the Center Ice package on DirecTV now (even if it IS for the '04-'05 season). that's cool, because a week ago, you couldn't do it.

read an article on the Avs website (they signed Curt Leschyshen today...about 8 years too late, but still nice). anyway, the Avs are apparantly selling tickets at about the same rate that they did the offseason after the last Cup. Where is the outrage over having a year of hockey stolen?

[Cards4ever]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=2134796

The NHL is clearly a better game than the NFL, which is slow and plodding, with very little action. It is a once-a-week culture based on large consumptions of food, alcohol and gambling.

The NHL and its owners have to step up and increase the league's advertising budget. Every year, I write here that the NHL should create a 30-second commercial to run during the Super Bowl, showcasing the ideals of the game and how it compares to the NFL in terms of hitting and, gulp, scoring! An NHL network, or even better, a hockey network is a must in the U.S. to further educate U.S. hockey fans. Not enough hard-core NHL fans know Phil Kessel (he will be a freshman at Minnesota and will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in next June's NHL draft).

What would help? A hockey network, showing Minnesota high school hockey, the Beanpot in Boston and a nightly Hockey Tonight show that serves as a television companion for the hockey fan.

[Pyser]

so, any guesses as to what the devils will do to get under the cap?

oliwa jumps to mind, im pretty sure he's making over a mil, which is crazy for a goon. other than that, im drawing a blank. sean brown? rasmussen? i really wonder where these savings will come from. we were dangerously close to the cap before, and mogilny just got offered a lot more than i thought hed cost. plus, scottie stevens is out there.

wonder what lou's got up his sleeve.

in other news, teams who sat out this year hoping to land a huge player next year are really shit out of luck, huh?

[Booj]

Panthers are gonna trade Luongo?????

WTF?

Keenan at it again?

Horrible trade for the Panthers if it goes through.


It's been rumoured ever since the Panthers decided to push Luongo into arbitration... he was very unhappy with it, and it would see Theodore and Ryder going to Florida. Surprisingly, these rumours have been coming out of Florida, and not Montreal--which they usually do.

Keenan was pushing for Ryder to be added.

It makes sense since all three players involved in are still unsigned.

[HomerJSimpson]

I don't remember this being brought up, but as a part of the Comcast deal (that is now final) is this little tid-bit:

The deal with Comcast goes beyond just television rights. Comcast will bring the NHL Network to cable systems in the United States, and provide on-demand game broadcasts and computer streaming of live games.


NHL Network, baby!

[Draft Dodger]

wow, I missed the streaming thing. if that's like the MLB TV thing, I am going to be a happy, happy guy

[Maple Leafs]

Wait, the NHL Network isn't available in the US already?

[Cards4ever]

Wait, the NHL Network isn't available in the US already?


No, it isn't.

[ice4277]

I never even knew there was an NHL Network.

[Draft Dodger]

Wait, the NHL Network isn't available in the US already?

:D

[Chubby]

so does anyone think any RFA's will end up getting poached?

if Buffalo poaches a stud RFA it will be more than worth it to have had them sitting on their hands in regards to UFA's. Throw a ton of money at Ilya or St Louis and I'd be a happy man. Hell, even just the ATTEMPT to steal them would be worthwhile IMO.

[Draft Dodger]

so does anyone think any RFA's will end up getting poached?

if Buffalo poaches a stud RFA it will be more than worth it to have had them sitting on their hands in regards to UFA's. Throw a ton of money at Ilya or St Louis and I'd be a happy man. Hell, even just the ATTEMPT to steal them would be worthwhile IMO.

doesn't seem like that's going to happen. the number of RFAs left is dwindling. Definitely a few big names out there (Kovulchuk and Zetterberg, for example) but I think if something was going to happen, it would have already gone down.

[Travis]

doesn't seem like that's going to happen. the number of RFAs left is dwindling. Definitely a few big names out there (Kovulchuk and Zetterberg, for example) but I think if something was going to happen, it would have already gone down.
See, I'm guessing if you're going to see a RFA getting extra attention, it'll be now. Most of the big name UFA's are gone, the trickle of interest in the remaining one's seems to be fairly set. Now GM's are going to look at teams that are already starting to approach the cap and throw some offers out to there RFA's. Whether it's just to force the RFA's team to match and use up extra cap space or to pull a guy out for more than he might be worth because you need one or two players to fill out your roster (ala Edmonton), the next few weeks I think is when you're going to see these offers start to fly.

Personally I'm hoping that this is when Lowe pulls the one or two moves that I figure he's been waiting to pull, whether it be a trade with a team that is looking to free up a little more money to sign their RFA's, or just straight out trying to pluck a RFA.

[Draft Dodger]

I just don't see it happening. it's not like you saw a lot of RFA movement before, and the draft is going to be even more important now to provide these teams with depth (similar to the NFL). Yes, you might see some savvy GMs pluck a couple of decent players from a team in cap trouble, but to get an RFA you'll probably need to overpay the guy (to get him to sign and to keep the other team from matching) and you'll need to give away some valuable picks - the two specific things you DON'T want to do in a salary cap environment.

[Karim]

I can't say the NHL Network is anything that impressed me. But I suppose we get superior hockey coverage with TSN/Sportsnet/CBC that the NHL Network is going to have a tough time. Case in point: their brutal 2nd round draft coverage this year.

It may actually do better in the US. That said, Center Ice is definitely the way to go for hockey fans.

[HomerJSimpson]

I can't say the NHL Network is anything that impressed me. But I suppose we get superior hockey coverage with TSN/Sportsnet/CBC that the NHL Network is going to have a tough time. Case in point: their brutal 2nd round draft coverage this year.

It may actually do better in the US. That said, Center Ice is definitely the way to go for hockey fans.


The NHL network being discussed is not the one that is (apparently) on in Canada, but one that will be started by Comcast. I imagine it will be modeled on the NFL betwork.

[Karim]

The NHL network being discussed is not the one that is (apparently) on in Canada, but one that will be started by Comcast. I imagine it will be modeled on the NFL betwork.
Good!

[Karim]

dola,

This one is for HB.

Team Canada is having an orientation camp in Kelowna. There was an intersquad scrimmage. Brewer coughs up the puck from behind the net and who's blocking the shot.... 40 year old Steve Yzerman.

[Travis]

It's nice to see Yzerman back on the ice and relatively able to do what he was able to a few years ago. The fire is definitely alive in him right now, I really hope he's able to make it through this season without any injuries or setbacks.

[Maple Leafs]

I can't say the NHL Network is anything that impressed me. I'm just shocked to hear that it isn't on in the US. They devote so much time to the Rangers (every second day, they're replaying Game Seven of the '94 finals, and every Top Ten is guaranteed to focus on New York). I just assumed it was smart marketing to pander to the US fan base.

[Honolulu_Blue]

dola,

This one is for HB.

Team Canada is having an orientation camp in Kelowna. There was an intersquad scrimmage. Brewer coughs up the puck from behind the net and who's blocking the shot.... 40 year old Steve Yzerman.
Thanks, Karim! Stuff like this warms the cockles of my heart... :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

The AJC says the Thrashers are awaiting a decision from Peter Bondra, who is trying to decide between staying in Washington or coming to Atlanta.

[Draft Dodger]

The AJC says the Thrashers are awaiting a decision from Peter Bondra, who is trying to decide between staying in Washington or coming to Atlanta.

doesn't sound like a hard decision to me.

[Karim]

A summary of how teams did this off-season by one of the best writers in the business:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050820/NHLGOOD20/TPSports/Hockey/

[Karim]

An interesting article indicating Buffalo can't recruit free agents because of negative comments from former players:
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050821/1047009.asp

[Johnny93g]

on eklunds page......Howard Berger gives his predictions on the upcoming season.....I think everyone who knows how Mr. Berger likes to report on the leafs will be surprised at how high up in the standings he has the Leafs :p

"Howard Berger
Fan 590 Toronto


As yours truly wraps up a wonderful five-week summer hiatus here in Los Angeles, and returns to Toronto to prepare for training camp, I’ve been asked by several e-mailers to go way out on a limb and predict how the coming season will unfold, from beginning to end. It’s a perilous undertaking, let me tell you, and it won’t be possible to keep the masses content. “Leaf Fan”, for example, (and there is no comparable creature anywhere on earth) will lunge for the Prozac, wondering how in the Lord’s name the losses of wingers Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Alexander Mogilny and Owen Nolan, and defenseman Brian Leetch, could remove the Beloveds from 100-point territory. Blasphemous is a suggestion that Toronto will not accumulate 90 points, and a prediction of less than 80 (like this one) is worthy of the electric chair.

Prepare the voltage, I say! Permit me one last conversation with my children, and lavish me with a voluminous Chinese spread (“Sea-Hi” or “Lichee Garden” in Toronto…or “Yang Chow” in Los Angeles will do). Then, put me face-to-face with… “Leaf Fan”.

The crystal ball (dusty as it may be) says here that Toronto, Colorado, St. Louis and San Jose will experience the biggest point decreases from the 2003-04 season, and that Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Chicago will rise majestically. The Penguins, in fact, will go from a 58-point season to deep into the Conference semifinals. As a testament to the new salary-cap universe, two of the four teams standing in the Conference finals will hail from north of the border. And, Vancouver will become the first Canuck… oops, Canadian squad to cop the Holy Grail since Montreal, in 1993.

Here, then, is the whole shootin’ match, from top to bottom. If business takes you to Fiji for the winter; if your home is not equipped to receive the Outdoor Life Network; should the CBC strike give you arena P.A. announcers all season, or if your Internet service craps out as frequently as mine does… have no fear. Simply print out a copy of the following summation, and attend to other matters. Your 2005-06 NHL season is safely in my hands.

Predictions include: Points For This Season/Points From 2003-04.



EASTERN CONFERENCE WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Philadelphia 108/101 1. Vancouver 112/101

2. Tampa Bay 104/106 2. Detroit 104/109

3. Ottawa 102/102 3. Anaheim 94/76

4. New Jersey 100/100 4. Calgary 102/94

5. Pittsburgh 96/58 5. Edmonton 98/89

6. Boston 94/104 6. Nashville 90/91

7. N.Y. Islanders 92/91 7. Chicago 88/59

8. Montreal 88/93 8. San Jose 84/104

9. Florida 82/75 9. Dallas 82/97

10. Toronto 76/103 10. Los Angeles 80/81

11. Atlanta 74/78 11. Columbus 74/62

12. Carolina 72/76 12. Colorado 72/100

13. N.Y. Rangers 68/69 13. Minnesota 70/83

14. Washington 62/59 14. Phoenix 66/68

15. Buffalo 60/85 15. St. Louis 64/91



PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Montreal (Flyers in 5) VANCOUVER vs. San Jose (Canucks in 5)

TAMPA BAY vs. N.Y. Islanders (Lightning in 7) DETROIT vs. Chicago (Red Wings in 7)

OTTAWA vs. Boston (Senators in 5) ANAHEIM vs. Nashville (Mighty Ducks in 6)

NEW JERSEY vs. Pittsburgh (Penguins in 6) CALGARY vs. Edmonton (Flames in 7)



PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Pittsburgh (Flyers in 6) VANCOUVER vs. Calgary (Canucks in 6)

TAMPA BAY vs. Ottawa (Senators in 7) DETROIT vs. Anaheim (Red Wings in 7)



PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE FINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Ottawa (Flyers in 6) VANCOUVER vs. Detroit (Canucks in 7)



STANLEY CUP FINAL—

VANCOUVER vs. Philadelphia (Canucks in 7)"

[Travis]

Flames in 7 over the Oilers? This guy is on crack ;)

[Draft Dodger]

The crystal ball (dusty as it may be) says here that Toronto, Colorado, St. Louis and San Jose will experience the biggest point decreases from the 2003-04 season, and that Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Chicago will rise majestically. The Penguins, in fact, will go from a 58-point season to deep into the Conference semifinals. As a testament to the new salary-cap universe, two of the four teams standing in the Conference finals will hail from north of the border. And, Vancouver will become the first Canuck… oops, Canadian squad to cop the Holy Grail since Montreal, in 1993.


I don't really agree with much of this. I actually think Toronto improved this offseason. and yes (fanboy alert) the Avs lost Forsberg and Foote...but they've proven in the past they can win without Forsberg. They are no longer a lock for first in their division...but they shouldn't nosedive (plus, their most significant move hasn't been seen on the ice yet...upgrading from Granato to Quenneville). They will really miss Derek Morris, though. and San Jose just lost Mike Rathje. St Louis? yes, they are a mess.

most improved? well, Pittsburgh, yes, although a lot will depend on guys like Leclair rebounding to form, the youngsters developing quickly, and, most of all, whether the defense can keep the scoring down enough. Chicago? yeah, they added Khabibulin and Aucoin...but it's not like these guys are joining a team that is close to contending. They are going to need a lot more depth. ditto to Anaheim.

I think, purely from a points perspective, you will see the biggest drops from New Jersey, Carolina, St Louis, Detroit and Dallas (granted, I think the Devils and Wings are still playoff teams, just not 100+ point teams).

Biggest improvements to Columbus, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Phoenix, and Atlanta.

[bronconick]

Sorry, Howard. I stopped reading as soon as you said that Dan Cloutier was going to lead a team to a Stanley Cup.

The 2005 Canucks are *not* the 1997-98 Red Wings, which is about the level of talent you need to overcome having an average Osgood-like goalie.

[Karim]

Pointless Predictions:

Eastern Conference

Ottawa
Tampa Bay
Philadelphia
New Jersey
Boston
Atlanta
Pittsburgh
Florida
------------
Montreal
Toronto
NY Islanders
Buffalo
NY Rangers
Carolina
Washington

Western Conference

Vancouver
Detroit
San Jose
Calgary
Edmonton
Colorado
Nashville
Anaheim
-------
Chicago
Dallas
Columbus
Minnesota
St. Louis
Los Angeles
Phoenix

[Fidatelo]

Sorry, Howard. I stopped reading as soon as you said that Dan Cloutier was going to lead a team to a Stanley Cup.

The 2005 Canucks are *not* the 1997-98 Red Wings, which is about the level of talent you need to overcome having an average Osgood-like goalie.
This statement is 100% true.

[Draft Dodger]

This statement is 100% true.

more like 210%

(PS Hi Rich)

[Honolulu_Blue]

more like 210%

(PS Hi Rich)
Poor Chris Osgood. :(

[Karim]

The Ducks have signed Selanne...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=134249&hubName=nhl

[Draft Dodger]

Poor Chris Osgood. :(

I would take Chris Osgood any day over Dan Cloutier

[Johnny93g]

I would take Chris Osgood any day over Dan Cloutier
Id pass on both, and go with Ken Wregget :D

[klayman]

Mike Palmateer

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Blackhawks sign defenseman Todd Simpson to a 1 year, $600,000 deal. Not a bad signing. They then trade Steve McCarthy to Vancouver for a 3rd round pick.

McCarthy is a defenseman, former first rounder. Supposed to be a good skating, offensive guy. I watched him in a prospect tournament a few years back and was not impressed. He hasn't done much to prove me wrong, but you never know, he's still young.

[Draft Dodger]

The Ducks have signed Selanne...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=134249&hubName=nhl

Teemu Selanne...or, as we Avs fans call him..."The Finnish Flash in the Pan"

[SoxWin]

more like 210%

(PS Hi Rich)

[murder]


But seriously, for the price, who would you get that's better?

[sterlingice]

The Blackhawks sign defenseman Todd Simpson to a 1 year, $600,000 deal. Not a bad signing. They then trade Steve McCarthy to Vancouver for a 3rd round pick.

McCarthy is a defenseman, former first rounder. Supposed to be a good skating, offensive guy. I watched him in a prospect tournament a few years back and was not impressed. He hasn't done much to prove me wrong, but you never know, he's still young. McCarthy just never panned out. At some point you just have to cut bait and run, I guess.

SI

[Draft Dodger]

[murder]


But seriously, for the price, who would you get that's better?

:)

Osgood and Joseph would certainly jump to mind.

[SoxWin]

Doubtful either comes to Vancouver for the price they went to Detroit or Phoenix imo. Osgood was going home so to speak and my guess is Cujo went to Phoenix in part because of the allure of playing for Gretzky.

Besides, who doesn't love to see little Danny go nuts and kick the shit out of someone occasionally?

[Draft Dodger]

Doubtful either comes to Vancouver for the price they went to Detroit or Phoenix imo. Osgood was going home so to speak and my guess is Cujo went to Phoenix in part because of the allure of playing for Gretzky.

Besides, who doesn't love to see little Danny go nuts and kick the shit out of someone occasionally?

ok, ok, agreed on all counts. also, it's fun to see the following:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/JesGolbez/cloutier.jpg

[SoxWin]

ok, ok, agreed on all counts. also, it's fun to see the following:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/JesGolbez/cloutier.jpg

I recall a similar pic of Roys epic meltdown vs Detroit a few years back....

:D

Also, why would Bondra be choosing whether to stay in Washington? The last time he laced them up in the NHL he played for Ottawa didn't he?

[SoxWin]

Dola, sss and all, Cloutier did well against the Flames in '04 before twisting his ankle

RK PLAYER TEAM GP W L T SA GA GAA SV SV% SO G A PIM TOI
1 DAN CLOUTIER VAN 3 1 1 0 64 5 2.17 59 .922 0 0 0 2 137:38

[Karim]

Selanne for $1 million is a great deal for Anaheim.

[Draft Dodger]

Selanne for $1 million is a great deal for Anaheim.

I was saying the same thing about Kariya last year...

[bbor]

I thought 3 mil was a good deal for Robert Riechel:D

[Johnny93g]

I thought 3 mil was a good deal for Robert Riechel:D

any more leaf bashing?

in all fairness, with the money the leafs had, they could have paid bobby 10 million, and still easily afford it, so it didnt really hurt the team at all...and he wasnt as bad as the meida and fans made it out.......fits into the Larry Murphy category

[Karim]

Maybe Devils' fans can confirm this:

Re-signings:
Patrik Elias $4,100,000
Jeff Friesen $2,280,000
Colin White $1,710,000
Paul Martin $502,000

That seems to put the Devils at $44 million. What's the status of Elias? If he can't play, does his salary count against the cap?

Malakhov's $3.5 million looks really bad now if they have to dump guys to get under.

[bronconick]

Maybe Devils' fans can confirm this:

Re-signings:
Patrik Elias $4,100,000
Jeff Friesen $2,280,000
Colin White $1,710,000
Paul Martin $502,000

That seems to put the Devils at $44 million. What's the status of Elias? If he can't play, does his salary count against the cap?

Malakhov's $3.5 million looks really bad now if they have to dump guys to get under.
If Elias is placed on injured reserve, his salary doesn't count during that time. If he misses half the season and plays half, his salary becomes 2.05 million.

[Pyser]

If Elias is placed on injured reserve, his salary doesn't count during that time. If he misses half the season and plays half, his salary becomes 2.05 million.

is that really true?

if so, philly just had the best free agent signing possibly in any sport ever. damn i hate that forsberg signing.

[Maple Leafs]

Hossa + Phillips for Dany Heatley?

[Draft Dodger]

is that really true?

if so, philly just had the best free agent signing possibly in any sport ever. damn i hate that forsberg signing.

well, if Forsberg misses half the season, it's not like there'll be another $5 M player of his caliber to step in on a temporary basis...

[Pyser]

id pay forsberg 2.5m a year for him to play half the year. definitely worth the risk, especially if he doesnt hurt the cap once he gets hurt.

[Draft Dodger]

id pay forsberg 2.5m a year for him to play half the year. definitely worth the risk, especially if he doesnt hurt the cap once he gets hurt.

actually, it's not really true.
his salary will count full against the cap no matter what. if he is hurt long term (24 days/ 10 games) they can replace him with a player who's salary can be as much as Forsberg, even if this puts them over the cap.

and then, once Forsberg comes back, they have to immediately get back under the cap. so yeah, it's not really going to be very useful to any team to have him injured.

[Johnny93g]

With or withou Forsberg, the Flyers will do the same thing they do every year.....play well in the regular season, win a round or 2, then lose in the playoffs....ofcourse, theres 22 teams in the NHL that wish they could do that

[Karim]

Heatley needs to be re-signed as well. It may be a savings but not by too much...

[Karim]

Hossa + Phillips for Dany Heatley? I've heard Hossa for Heatley straight up... but details are sketchy at the moment. But that makes sense if they're clearing room to sign Redden or Chara.

Why didn't they dump Smolinksi?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thrashers' trade Dany Heatley
He asked to be traded so that he could have a fresh start

By JOHN MANASSO
Published on: 08/23/05

The Thrashers are in the process of finalizing a trade that would send star right wing Dany Heatley to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for right wing Marian Hossa, 26, and a defenseman whose identity is still be haggled out, either Greg de Vries or Chris Phillips, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

It appears that Heatley, 24, the former NHL rookie of the year, who received three years probation in February for pleading guilty to misdemanor vehicular homicide in the death of teammate Dan Snyder, had asked to be traded so that he could have a fresh start somewhere new.

[Karim]

Who would of thought we'd see star-for-star deals like this? Much better than dumping overpaid star for three unproven kids and a bag of pucks.

[Draft Dodger]

that really seems like a GREAT trade for both of those teams.