It's BACK! The 2005-2006 NHL Season

[Booj]

Well, the Flyers moved first today buying out LeClair and Amonte... no big surprise. It will be interesting to see which teams take flyers (no pun intended) on these guys and more importantly, for how much.

I see this as housecleaning for Carter and Richards moving in. I also wouldn't be surprised to see more movement in buy-outs by the Flyers before the deadline.

[TazFTW]

From what I've read, the Coyotes might be interested in bringing Amonte back.


Posted this in the now deleted thread, Bertuzzi to see his suspension extended 10-20 games.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=131115

[Booj]

As a Canadiens fan, I have a lot of excitement for this coming season (like I mentioned late in the deleted thread). The #5 pick is disappointing having come so close (and having several heart attacks through the lottery) but I am very excited-- if used properly.

If the Canadiens could pick up Johnson, Pouliot or Ryan, I would be ecstatic. To me, Gilbert Brule is what the Habs already have too much of-- undersized skilled forwards.

I'm also happy with the prospect of having the entire 03-04 team back (save Dackell, Garon, Juneau and Perreault). I hope Gainey could pull in a free agent to replace Kovalev as well... maybe even Kovalev himself who showed great chemistry with Koivu and Zednik in the playoffs. Kovalev also said he'd like to come back, and with no teams willing to spend the 6 million he would have been looking for under the new system, it seems like a good chance he'll be back.

Having said all that, Montreal seems - to me - to be the favorite in the Northeast division (until we see what Boston does with their loads of cap room).

[TazFTW]

NHL has a new transfer deal with the IIHF.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=131221


This new agreement, with the open window on all European prospects until Aug. 15, would, for example, allow a team like the Pittsburgh Penguins to sign No. 2 overall pick (2004) Evgeni Malkin (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=4686) even though Malkin is under contract to a Russian club team for this season.
Quoted the above because I remember in either the previous NHL thread (or was it the lottery thread) there was talk about Malkin staying in Russia.

[RPI-Fan]

If the Canadiens could pick up Johnson, Pouliot or Ryan, I would be ecstatic. To me, Gilbert Brule is what the Habs already have too much of-- undersized skilled forwards.

Johnson HAS to go to Anaheim, I think -- not really much doubt about it in my mind. I don't see Carolina picking up Ryan, as they have enough in the way of workhorse forwards with Staal and Cole -- instead, Brule might be a good fit here, to play with those two bigger guys. Minnesota is hard to guess -- I could see them going with more of a wildcard type pick at #4 -- maybe Kopitar? That would leave Pouliot and Ryan to Montreal.

Personally I'm not sold on Ryan or Pouliot -- if the Isles were #5 would much rather see them take Kopitar.

[RPI-Fan]

Why did the old thread get deleted?

[Ragone]

good quest.. no idea..

[Easy Mac]

Well, since I was the one that deleted it, I'd say something, but I'll let others put their spin on it before I really chime in.

But I will say PEOPLE LOST POSTS!!!!

edit: see the PING: Easy Mac thread for one person's displeasure. But I'll end my participation here unless it is otherwise warranted.

[RPI-Fan]

For HB:

This article indicates that 66% of buyouts count against the cap, which wasn't the way I understood it.

hxxp://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-flyers-leclair&prov=ap&type=lgns

Are you as confused as I am???

~rpi-fan

[RPI-Fan]

Well, the Flyers moved first today buying out LeClair and Amonte... no big surprise. It will be interesting to see which teams take flyers (no pun intended) on these guys and more importantly, for how much.

I see this as housecleaning for Carter and Richards moving in. I also wouldn't be surprised to see more movement in buy-outs by the Flyers before the deadline.

I think that Eklund guy has it dead on. LeClair to Boston, Amonte to St. Louis/Chicago. LeClair seems more definite than Amonte, though.

[Maple Leafs]

I'm under the impression that (for the next ten days only) buyouts count $0 against the cap.

[Easy Mac]

thats how they made it sound. still a decent deal for the teams, not quite 0 though. just so i understand as well, the players still get the money even if they sign with a new team, correct?

[Maple Leafs]

Right, although according to TSN they get paid over the balance of their contract, not one lump sum. So Yashin gets his money spread over six years.

[sovereignstar]

Well, since I was the one that deleted it, I'd say something, but I'll let others put their spin on it before I really chime in.

But I will say PEOPLE LOST POSTS!!!!

edit: see the PING: Easy Mac thread for one person's displeasure. But I'll end my participation here unless it is otherwise warranted.

Uh, I saw what your last post said. Something along the lines of "keep your fucking hands off MY thread or start your own." Get lost.

[Easy Mac]

Pretty much, I don't like some wanna be mod going behind my back changing the name of a thread I started. You want a different name, ask me, or at least say, hey i'd like to rename the thread. Whats they point of making a post if a mod is just going to come behind me and change it? And calling me a pussy and a faggot is a quick way to get me to delete a thread. But there's a new thread, so who cares, everyone wins (and at least JeeberD wasn't posting there, or we'd have real controversy).

[RPI-Fan]

I'm under the impression that (for the next ten days only) buyouts count $0 against the cap.

Cool -- do you have any response to that Yahoo! article?

I was initially thinking the same thing as you, but that article seems to indicate differently. I wonder why there is so much confusion.

[Easy Mac]

Cool -- do you have any response to that Yahoo! article?

I was initially thinking the same thing as you, but that article seems to indicate differently. I wonder why there is so much confusion.
This is from NHL.com, is this what you're talking about?

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

Yes. Clubs will have a one-time opportunity, during a six-day period, to exercise buy-outs of existing player contracts. Amounts paid to players pursuant to these compliance buy-outs will not be counted against a club's upper limit or the League-wide players' share. Clubs that choose to exercise compliance buy-outs must pay the buy-out amount over the remaining term of the contract.

[RPI-Fan]

This is from NHL.com, is this what you're talking about?

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

Yes. Clubs will have a one-time opportunity, during a six-day period, to exercise buy-outs of existing player contracts. Amounts paid to players pursuant to these compliance buy-outs will not be counted against a club's upper limit or the League-wide players' share. Clubs that choose to exercise compliance buy-outs must pay the buy-out amount over the remaining term of the contract.

Guess Yahoo! is just plain wrong, then. They indicated that LeClair and Amonte's contracts would count against the cap to some extent.

[Simms]

You want a different name, ask me, or at least say, hey i'd like to rename the thread.

There were at least a half dozen people over the span of 3-4 pages who asked for a change to the thread title. I take great pains to avoid *using*, let alone abusing the limited administrative powers I have here, but I have the trust of the moderators, and this seemed like a relevant, timely, and ultimately harmless place to use them. I apologize if that conclusion offended you.

[General Mike]

LeClair to Boston

Great, now I have to buy 2 Boston jerseys. :eek:

[ice4277]

There were at least a half dozen people over the span of 3-4 pages who asked for a change to the thread title. I take great pains to avoid *using*, let alone abusing the limited administrative powers I have here, but I have the trust of the moderators, and this seemed like a relevant, timely, and ultimately harmless place to use them. I apologize if that conclusion offended you.
Why do you have admin powers?

[sovereignstar]

Because he's a vBulletin hax0r.

[Simms]

Because he's a vBulletin hax0r.
What he said.

Ben and Ryan occasionally consult with me on software, hosting, and technical issues. I have access so I can get in and fix shit if nobody else is around.

[bbor]

Mark my words...Undersized NHL'ers will be the norm soon....3-5 years max.

[Booj]

Mark my words...Undersized NHL'ers will be the norm soon....3-5 years max.

In that case, the Canadiens really are the favorites :p

[Booj]

Johnson HAS to go to Anaheim, I think -- not really much doubt about it in my mind. I don't see Carolina picking up Ryan, as they have enough in the way of workhorse forwards with Staal and Cole -- instead, Brule might be a good fit here, to play with those two bigger guys. Minnesota is hard to guess -- I could see them going with more of a wildcard type pick at #4 -- maybe Kopitar? That would leave Pouliot and Ryan to Montreal.

Personally I'm not sold on Ryan or Pouliot -- if the Isles were #5 would much rather see them take Kopitar.

I agree Johnson won't fall to #5, if anything Minnesota will take him at 4 but I can't help but dream about a pairing of Johnson and Komisarek-- a duo that might very well lead the US defense for years to come.

I pretty much agree with everything you've said. I'm not sold on Pouliot or Ryan-- especially Ryan since I know very little about him and heard even less (even with all the hype with Crosby names like Johnson, Pouliot and Brule have been talked about, Ryan I pretty much first saw his name when I was looking at THN and TSN's top-10 prospects. I would love Kopitar as well. Pretty much, I'll trust Gainey and co's judgement... they are (part of) the group that took Iginla in the 20's with Dallas and all the diamonds in the rough in Ottawa. I just see this as a great opportunity to get a power forward they have been lacking... pretty much forever but in 10 years I do want something to show for the pick-- not a Matt Higgins or Terry Ryan or Eric Chouinard or Brent Bilodeau or David Wilkie or.... you get the point.

[sachmo71]

So the real NHL thread was deleted because someone changed the title? Sheesh.

[Draft Dodger]

Mark my words...Undersized NHL'ers will be the norm soon....3-5 years max.

so that officially ends our chances of making it, eh?

[Honolulu_Blue]

For HB:

This article indicates that 66% of buyouts count against the cap, which wasn't the way I understood it.

hxxp://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-flyers-leclair&prov=ap&type=lgns

Are you as confused as I am???

~rpi-fan

:confused: Yes. I am.

I think Yahoo is getting it wrong. The way I understand it is that teams who buy out a player's contract within this initial "one time only" period, which ends Friday, I think, are free from thay player's contract for good. No cap consequences.

In the future, however, the 2/3 buy out /will/ count against the cap. I think that's where Yahoo is getting confused.

Again, I think...

[bbor]

so that officially ends our chances of making it, eh?

LMAO :D :D :D

[Karim]

TSN is once again doing a superb job. Who gets their hockey information from Yahoo? ;)

Here's a list of all the teams, players under contract, salary committed after rollback, along with free agent and buyout tracking:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=7006

[Draft Dodger]

TSN is once again doing a superb job. Who gets their hockey information from Yahoo? ;)

Here's a list of all the teams, players under contract, salary committed after rollback, along with free agent and buyout tracking:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=7006

agreed - TSN is where it's at for hockey news

[TazFTW]

Here's another good article by TSN concerning each team's potential buyouts, top newcomers (players coming from juniors), needs, etc...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature.asp?fid=10414

[Draft Dodger]

should be a VERY interesting (and probably gut-wrenching) off season for the Avs. Not that any of you will care :)

[ice4277]

should be a VERY interesting (and probably gut-wrenching) off season for the Avs. Not that any of you will care :)
Actually, I care a great deal. I'm probably just a lot more happy about it than you are http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[klayman]

should be a VERY interesting (and probably gut-wrenching) off season for the Avs. Not that any of you will care :)
The last time I cared about the Avs they were called the Quebec Nordiques. And even then I didn't care that much. ;)

[Maple Leafs]

Does anyone know if teams are allowed to have contact with other teams free agents? What about UFAs?

Seems like an important detail, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. For example, if a team like the Leafs is trying to figure out whether or not to cut Belfour it could make a major difference if they were allowed to find out whether a guy like Cujo would be willing to take a paycut to come replace him.

[TazFTW]

Does anyone know if teams are allowed to have contact with other teams free agents? What about UFAs?
I do not think they can. The following

<TABLE class=headlinetext cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width=500 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD align=left>July 23 </TD><TD align=left>Compliance Buy-Out Period Begins
Period to Negotiate and Sign 2003 Draftees Begins
Period to Extend QOs Begins
Period to Negotiate with Own Club's RFAs/UFAs Begins </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

would indicate that teams can only talk to their own RFAs/UFAs. The rest can talk Aug. 1.

[Maple Leafs]

Makes sense.

So this non-sense about the Leafs secretly talking to Forgsberg is just a bunch of BS... good to hear.

[Joe Canadian]

Does anyone know if teams are allowed to have contact with other teams free agents? What about UFAs?

Seems like an important detail, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. For example, if a team like the Leafs is trying to figure out whether or not to cut Belfour it could make a major difference if they were allowed to find out whether a guy like Cujo would be willing to take a paycut to come replace him.

I really hope that, wether or not they can have contact with other UFA's, the Leafs to buy out Beflour's contract...

[TazFTW]

Makes sense.

So this non-sense about the Leafs secretly talking to Forgsberg is just a bunch of BS... good to hear.
Well, there are probably ways around that. It depends on what the NHL defines as contact.

[Draft Dodger]

Makes sense.

So this non-sense about the Leafs secretly talking to Forgsberg is just a bunch of BS... good to hear.

you don't want Forsberg?

[Maple Leafs]

you don't want Forsberg?No, but I'm not convinced it's in the Leafs' best interest to sign only one FA (assuming he wants the max), and if they did decide to that route they probably need a guy like Neidermayer more.

Now if he wants to take a discount to play with Sundin, that's a different story...

[Draft Dodger]

No, but I'm not convinced it's in the Leafs' best interest to sign only one FA (assuming he wants the max), and if they did decide to that route they probably need a guy like Neidermayer more.

Now if he wants to take a discount to play with Sundin, that's a different story...

I'm actually not convinced he even wants to play in the NHL anymore, but I gues that's an even more different story

[DeToxRox]

Yeah, I too question Forsbergs desire to play in the NHL, though he may benefit more then anyone with the new rules. He was ALWAYS mugged. Maybe this will ease his decesion.

[Galaxy]

I can't wait. Sabres all the way! Finally got a rich, good-guy, non-crock owner in Tommy, and a first in sports ticketing (I think) in ticket prices. A four-level pricing system for the level of opponents (the better and bigger rivals cost more, with bad teams being cheaper) across the board. Season Tickets are very affordable.

[Joe Canadian]

No, but I'm not convinced it's in the Leafs' best interest to sign only one FA (assuming he wants the max), and if they did decide to that route they probably need a guy like Neidermayer more.

If they can get Neidermayer, Kariya, and Khabby... I'll be a happy camper.

[klayman]

I can't wait. Sabres all the way! Finally got a rich, good-guy, non-crock owner in Tommy, and a first in sports ticketing (I think) in ticket prices. A four-level pricing system for the level of opponents (the better and bigger rivals cost more, with bad teams being cheaper) across the board. Season Tickets are very affordable.
Yeah, that's a sweet deal the Saber fans are getting. I hope it spreads through the rest of the NHL.

[ice4277]

Yeah, that's a sweet deal the Saber fans are getting. I hope it spreads through the rest of the NHL.
I think it may happen with teams that struggle to fill their arenas most nights. However, in cities like Detroit, Toronto, etc, where the seats are always filled, it wouldn't make much sense from a business perspective for owners to lower prices, at least not much more than a token amount.

[RPI-Fan]

If they can get Neidermayer, Kariya, and Khabby... I'll be a happy camper.

Haha, Leafs fans are hilarious. If you sign those guys, you'll have $10mil in cap space, to get 16 guys locked up.

[Booj]

Haha, Leafs fans are hilarious. If you sign those guys, you'll have $10mil in cap space, to get 16 guys locked up.

It make John Ferguson Jr's job easier though!

Media/Fans: How did you not get (insert player here)??!?!?!?!?

Ferguson: I didn't have the cap room.


On a side note, Canadiens.com has a poll of how they feel about getting the 5th overall pick... the options are

1) Ugh! So close yet so far!
2) Considering we're a playoff team, and we haven't picked #5 since 1984, I say we beat the odds.
3) At least we did better than Toronto!
4) All of the above.

Needless to say #3 and 4 are top right now :p

I don't have anything against Leaf fans though.... my dad, grandfather and girlfriend are all Leaf fans. Thank goodness I broke the mold! :D

[sachmo71]

I'll be sad if Modano leaves Dallas. He isn't as good as he was, but still...

[Blade]

I'll be sad if Modano leaves Dallas. He isn't as good as he was, but still...

Man, I would love to get Modano, though...just a great player to watch...

I don't see him leaving Dallas though...

[Karim]

So this non-sense about the Leafs secretly talking to Forgsberg is just a bunch of BS... good to hear.
You just contact his agent to guage interest. No harm, no foul.

[Maple Leafs]

You just contact his agent to guage interest. No harm, no foul.
I'm pretty sure that most pro sports tampering rules include talking to agents about a specific player.

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm pretty sure that most pro sports tampering rules include talking to agents about a specific player.


And we know teams never find ways around those rules.

[TazFTW]

Dallas buys out Pierre Turgeon, Phoenix buys out Brian Savage and apparently Colorado will not buy out Rob Blake or Joe Sakic. I would have figured they would buy out one of them as they both have contracts over $6 million ($6.4ish for Blake, $6.7ish for Sakic).


I'll be sad if Modano leaves Dallas. He isn't as good as he was, but still...
Yeah, I don't understand why would they favor keeping Zubov over Modano. I loved watching Modano play during the pre-trap days. Bryan Marchment sucks...

[sachmo71]

Dallas buys out Pierre Turgeon, Phoenix buys out Brian Savage and apparently Colorado will not buy out Rob Blake or Joe Sakic. I would have figured they would buy out one of them as they both have contracts over $6 million ($6.4ish for Blake, $6.7ish for Sakic).



Yeah, I don't understand why would they favor keeping Zubov over Modano. I loved watching Modano play during the pre-trap days. Bryan Marchment sucks...


Sakic and Blake still have contracts over 6 million (after the rollback?)

[TazFTW]

Yep, that is after the rollback. They were both making $8+ under the previous rules.

[sachmo71]

Yep, that is after the rollback. They were both making $8+ under the previous rules.


Right. Well, I can't aruge with keeping them. Great players, still. Who would they replace them with?

[TazFTW]

I don't know if you could replace them but you're taking a big chunk of the cap for those 2 players. The Avs have Forsberg and Foote as the prominent UFAs and Hejduk, Tanguay, and Aebischer are RFAs. Forsberg is gone. I believe Foote is also gone. I also think it will be hard to keep both Hejduk and Tanguay.


Saw this on Eklund's message board, Red Wings buy out Derian Hatcher, Ray Whitney, and Darren McCarty.

[Joe Canadian]

Haha, Leafs fans are hilarious. If you sign those guys, you'll have $10mil in cap space, to get 16 guys locked up.

I'm assuming one or all of them take a pay cut to play in TOronto... it ain't realistic but I'd still be a happy camper if it happened.

[Joe Canadian]

I don't see him leaving Dallas though...

If he leaves he wants to play with Hull on the Coyotes...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Saw this on Eklund's message board, Red Wings buy out Derian Hatcher, Ray Whitney, and Darren McCarty.
Yeah. That's been the rumor since the get go. The bigger question is Shanahan really. He has a player option so I am not exactly sure how it will work. I don't know if he's already exercised it or if he is still waiting to. If the latter, perhaps the Wings could convince him not to exercise the option and then sign him at a more reasonable rate.

[Draft Dodger]

If he leaves he wants to play lots of golf with Hull in Phoenix.

fixed

[Honolulu_Blue]

Well, it's official. TSN is reporting the Wings waived Hatcher, Whitney, and McCarty. Not surprising at all. They'll clear waivers and be bought out.

Hatcher played what? All of 6, 7 games with the Wings? Oh well...

Whitney never fit in anyway. What were the Wings thinking signing him to a $4 million deal?

Well, the only thing I can think of was that Kenny Holland was on his way back to Detroit from, I don't know, Florida. He stops in Columbus for the night and goes to a bar. He starts sinking some pints and meets Ray Whitney. So, he and Ray start talking hockey and more pints ensue. Then it's shots. Next thing you know it's 3:30 am and Ken and Ray and pissed out of their minds and Ray starts talking about his great stats last year, 20+ goals, 50+ assists. Kenny Holland starts thinking he's talking to a young Igor Larionov or Adam Oates or something with those stats and slurs out an "I love you, man! You're hired! You're hired!" They make a quick agreement on the back of a coaster at the local strip club, Holland staggers to his hotel, and passes out. He wakes up the next morning with a splitting headache, terribly hungover, he hear's a knock on the door, he opens it. There stands a beaming Ray Whitney holding up the signed coaster. Holland stands there stunned. He slowly starts to piece the events of last night together... But he looked and sounded so good last night and now I have to pay $4.5 million a year for this?!

It will be sad to see McCarty go. He has had a lot injury problems and certainly isn't worth $1.7 million in today's NHL. That said, he seemed like a great guy to have around the locker room and was a big part of the Wings era. he provided us with some of the greatest moments in recent Wings' history.

Off the top of my head, two great McCarty Moments:

1. Game winning goal in Game 4 of the 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs. This was the Cup clenching goal. A break-away goal. A real beauty. Totally faked Niniima out of his jock and made Hextall look silly. A gorgeous goal.

2. March 26, 1997: McCarty exacts revenge on Claude Lemieux for Lemieux's dirty hit on Kris Draper in the 1996 Western Conference finals. McCarty pounds Lemieux sparking off one hell of a brawl that also included Vernon taking it to Patrick Roy and some how Larionov and Forsberg getting tangled up. This event sparked a fight-filled game which ended with the Wings winning 6-5 in OT with, you guessed it, Darren McCarty scoring the OT game winner.

He was a clutch player for the Wings. A physical presence when needed. I will miss him in the line-up. He's been around since '93. I wish him well.

[Draft Dodger]

I don't know if you could replace them but you're taking a big chunk of the cap for those 2 players. The Avs have Forsberg and Foote as the prominent UFAs and Hejduk, Tanguay, and Aebischer are RFAs. Forsberg is gone. I believe Foote is also gone. I also think it will be hard to keep both Hejduk and Tanguay.


I have a hard time envisioning letting Sakic go. Blake, on the other hand, I can see leaving. I'd rather see Blake go and use that money to keep Hejduk and Tanguay.

I've never really been a big fan of Adam Foote, but I wonder if he might take less than market value to stay with the franchise he's spent his whole career with. Hard to say, really, just what the market for guys like Foote will be - it's not like the Rangers are still going to be throwing out $4-$5 million contracts out to guys like this, are they?

I'm not sure I see Aebischer getting a huge deal anywhere. I'd imagine lots of goalies will be changing zip codes this offseason - he may stay, he may go. If he does, there's probably someone floating around the Avs can pick up. I don't imagine they are ready to go with Sauve.

Sadly, I don't see any way that Forsberg will be back. I can't help thinking he and Naslund end up somewhere together.

[Draft Dodger]

so, if my math is right...

Hatcher signed a 5 year deal for $6.5 Million.
He played...er, rehabbed one season at that price.
Last year didn't happen.
New salary is 4.94 million, of which he has 3 years left.
2/3 buyout is 3.31 million * 3, or $9.9 Million.

so, basically, the Wings paid $16.4 million for the 15 regular season and 12 postseason games Hatcher played. For that $16.4 million, they got 0 goals, 5 assists, 23 penalty minutes and 30 shots on net. Hatcher was a +4.

Neat

[jbmagic]

how does the LA Kings look to you guys for this season?

they seem to have some good cap room to get some good players added with there young talented players.

[Honolulu_Blue]

so, if my math is right...

Hatcher signed a 5 year deal for $6.5 Million.
He played...er, rehabbed one season at that price.
Last year didn't happen.
New salary is 4.94 million, of which he has 3 years left.
2/3 buyout is 3.31 million * 3, or $9.9 Million.

so, basically, the Wings paid $16.4 million for the 15 regular season and 12 postseason games Hatcher played. For that $16.4 million, they got 0 goals, 5 assists, 23 penalty minutes and 30 shots on net. Hatcher was a +4.

Neat
Yes.

[sachmo71]

so, if my math is right...

Hatcher signed a 5 year deal for $6.5 Million.
He played...er, rehabbed one season at that price.
Last year didn't happen.
New salary is 4.94 million, of which he has 3 years left.
2/3 buyout is 3.31 million * 3, or $9.9 Million.

so, basically, the Wings paid $16.4 million for the 15 regular season and 12 postseason games Hatcher played. For that $16.4 million, they got 0 goals, 5 assists, 23 penalty minutes and 30 shots on net. Hatcher was a +4.

Neat


...snicker...

[Booj]

It's official, Habs decline the team option on Brisebois-- however there is a clause that says Montreal CAN re-sign him at a lower salary if Brisebois wants... as long as we don't overpay, I wouldn't mind seeing him back but not at 3.4 million.

[RPI-Fan]

how does the LA Kings look to you guys for this season?

they seem to have some good cap room to get some good players added with there young talented players.

The Kings do have a pretty strong situation -- the problem, as I see it, is they really lack the player to build around. Frolov looks good, but he's not there yet, and I have doubts he will ever be a night-in, night-out dominant player. Guys like Corvo and Gleasen are good young defensemen, but again they lack the big-time puckrusher to keep things together.

If they can sign a Pronger and Kovalev, plus get someone like Aebischeer, they'll have a pretty solid group of players. But without at least two bigtime additions, I don't see them doing much.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I heard that Khabibuhlin is going to return to Phoenix... They have the makings of a decent team.

[Draft Dodger]

The Kings do have a pretty strong situation -- the problem, as I see it, is they really lack the player to build around. Frolov looks good, but he's not there yet, and I have doubts he will ever be a night-in, night-out dominant player. Guys like Corvo and Gleasen are good young defensemen, but again they lack the big-time puckrusher to keep things together.

If they can sign a Pronger and Kovalev, plus get someone like Aebischeer, they'll have a pretty solid group of players. But without at least two bigtime additions, I don't see them doing much.

Well they seem to be one of the teams who will have money. They've got a boatload of talented young forwards like Mike Cammalleri and Dustin Brown. If they land a couple of ace players to go with them, they could be sitting really good.

[Draft Dodger]

Lacroix has said Blake and Sakic are staying. As mentioned above, a bit surprised about Blake, but I think Pierre Lacroix has already proven that he is smarter than me

EDIT: except for trading Derek Morris for Chris Gratton :rolleyes:

[Karim]

I'm pretty sure that most pro sports tampering rules include talking to agents about a specific player.
If he (Forsberg) was under contract then there would be a clear violation. Talking to the agents of potential signees, according to Bill Watters, is fairly routine.

[Booj]

I must say, I'm surprised Ottawa isn't doing anything in the way of buyouts. They have a little more than 20 million tied up in 10 players with guys like Havlat, Hossa and Spezza RFA's...

We'll see if they need to do something.

[klayman]

so, if my math is right...

Hatcher signed a 5 year deal for $6.5 Million.
He played...er, rehabbed one season at that price.
Last year didn't happen.
New salary is 4.94 million, of which he has 3 years left.
2/3 buyout is 3.31 million * 3, or $9.9 Million.

so, basically, the Wings paid $16.4 million for the 15 regular season and 12 postseason games Hatcher played. For that $16.4 million, they got 0 goals, 5 assists, 23 penalty minutes and 30 shots on net. Hatcher was a +4.

Neat
Don't forget, he also got caught flat footed in front of the net looking at the puck, while Martin Gelinas knocked the Wings out of the playoffs. It's all about karma :)

[bbor]

I have a feeling that coaches like Mike Keenan won't last long in the new NHL either.Why would a F.A getting similar offers from different teams go to a team with an a-hole for a coach?

Players coaches will be all the rage soon.

[Draft Dodger]

I have a feeling that coaches like Mike Keenan won't last long in the new NHL either.Why would a F.A getting similar offers from different teams go to a team with an a-hole for a coach?

Players coaches will be all the rage soon.

really, salary cap or no, Keenan should have been out of the NHL years ago

[Karim]

Does anyone feel that outside of a Top 5 pick, draft picks will be virtually useless with the way free agency is structured?

At least with the NCAA system, NFL picks are able to contribute right away. That's not the same with hockey. Almost all 18 and 19 year olds will be sent back to juniors, NCAA prospects will finish all four years of college, 20 year old will be sent to the AHL for a couple or three seasons and Euros will not be brought over unless they are ready to contribute.

I think you'll see the end of middle-of-the-road Euros coming over. Saturday's draft will be VERY interesting. How many Euros will be drafted? How many goalies and defencemen will be drafted in the first round (with the idea that those positions take longer to develop)?

[TazFTW]

I must say, I'm surprised Ottawa isn't doing anything in the way of buyouts. They have a little more than 20 million tied up in 10 players with guys like Havlat, Hossa and Spezza RFA's...

We'll see if they need to do something.
Same here and Muckler doesn't have much time to change his mind because buyouts are only good for the 6 days ( I read something about another buyout period for teams that had players with arbitration).

Luc Robitaille re-signs with the Kings for 1 year, no financial info released. Shame there's no financial info as I would like to see what a player like Robitaille would make with the new CBA.

[Booj]

Luc Robitaille re-signs with the Kings for 1 year, no financial info released. Shame there's no financial info as I would like to see what a player like Robitaille would make with the new CBA.

Personally, I think it is irrelevant for comparisons sake because he wants to retire a King and they want him to retire a King. I think money was definitely a secondary factor in this signing so it wouldn't be a good example. Robitaille has made his money, he just wants to play in LA now, and he probably took the best fit salary for the team at this time.

[henry296]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned with the salary cap is how will signing bonuses be handled? Do they count entirely in the year that the contract is signed as additional salary? Or are there very few contracts in the NHL with a signing bonus since the contracts are guaranteed?

[sachmo71]

Does anyone feel that outside of a Top 5 pick, draft picks will be virtually useless with the way free agency is structured?

At least with the NCAA system, NFL picks are able to contribute right away. That's not the same with hockey. Almost all 18 and 19 year olds will be sent back to juniors, NCAA prospects will finish all four years of college, 20 year old will be sent to the AHL for a couple or three seasons and Euros will not be brought over unless they are ready to contribute.

I think you'll see the end of middle-of-the-road Euros coming over. Saturday's draft will be VERY interesting. How many Euros will be drafted? How many goalies and defencemen will be drafted in the first round (with the idea that those positions take longer to develop)?


Actually, I was thinking that draft picks will have more value in the new NHL. My reasoning in this is that while it may take them longer to pay off, if you can find a productive young player in the later rounds, you will have him tied up at a rather low salary for a number of years where he could be productive. Perhaps we may see more young players holding out as the league takes shape, but it could be a while.

[TazFTW]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned with the salary cap is how will signing bonuses be handled? Do they count entirely in the year that the contract is signed as additional salary? Or are there very few contracts in the NHL with a signing bonus since the contracts are guaranteed?
Signing bonuses were prorated under the old CBA. Not sure if that has changed.

[TazFTW]

dola

The Blues GM says he will not buyout Weight or Tkachuk and will try to bring Pronger back.

That'll be interesting to see if they can keep Pronger.

[henry296]

Signing bonuses were prorated under the old CBA. Not sure if that has changed.

Under the old CBA it didn't matter if they were prorated because there was no limit each year.

So they were paid out evenly over the entire length of the contract? If a player got a $5 million bonus for a 5 year contract, he didn't receive all of that money at once? If it was paid evenly, was that different than salary other than perhaps tax consequences?

[Karim]

Actually, I was thinking that draft picks will have more value in the new NHL. My reasoning in this is that while it may take them longer to pay off, if you can find a productive young player in the later rounds, you will have him tied up at a rather low salary for a number of years where he could be productive. Perhaps we may see more young players holding out as the league takes shape, but it could be a while.
Could be. Don't forget about the Dec. 1st signing deadline. In a few years the min. salary will be $500k - not bad at all for any young player drafted late.

[Honolulu_Blue]

As JeffNights has mentioned a few times in the past, the general sense in Detroit is that Manny Legace isn't good enough to be our #1 guy on his own. So one of the rumors flying around Detroit, been around for a while now, is the return of Chris Osgood. There was some talk of Khabibuhlin, but it sounds like he'll end up in Phoenix. The return of Osgood. Yes. Well, I can't see that ending any other way than badly, even though I think he was a fine (adequate) goalie and wasn't to blame for the Wings playoff collapses between '99-'01.

[TazFTW]

Under the old CBA it didn't matter if they were prorated because there was no limit each year.

So they were paid out evenly over the entire length of the contract? If a player got a $5 million bonus for a 5 year contract, he didn't receive all of that money at once? If it was paid evenly, was that different than salary other than perhaps tax consequences?
No, they get the money upfront.

I mentioned prorated because that is how they calculate annual salaries and team payrolls under the old agreement. It does not matter that there was no cap before because teams still had to do the accounting.

[henry296]

No, they get the money upfront.

I mentioned prorated because that is how they calculate annual salaries and team payrolls under the old agreement. It does not matter that there was no cap before because teams still had to do the accounting.

Got it. I would guess it work the same way in the new CBA which is very much like the NFL. I wonder how those signing bonus will be counted if a player is traded.

[Draft Dodger]

dola

The Blues GM says he will not buyout Weight or Tkachuk and will try to bring Pronger back.

That'll be interesting to see if they can keep Pronger.

surprised so far about the number of players that aren't getting bought out.

[Honolulu_Blue]

surprised so far about the number of players that aren't getting bought out.
I am too, but reading the quotes from the Blues president (found here: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=131477&hubName=nhl) it actually makes some sense. If you think you can put a good team out on the ice without buying out players, you should. Paying these guys 2/3 of their contract is not chump change. It's real money that your spending for limited benefit. If you think you can survive with the existing contracts, I guess you should have a go at it.

Just looking at the list, for example, Columbus would appear to have a number of buyout candidates: Sanderson, Marchant, Cassels, and Richardson are slated to make over US $2 million this year. While it would seem those salaries would be high in today's NHL, I am not sure if the Blue Jackets will need to buy these guys out (they are at $19 million with 14 players signed, not including Nash). I guess different teams will take a different approach and it's early yet, but the next few days will continue to be interesting.

[henry296]

Also, I think some of the teams, might try to trade these high priced players instead of buying them out. There are some teams with cap room that would be willing to take these players at these salary levels for a year or 2.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Also, I think some of the teams, might try to trade these high priced players instead of buying them out. There are some teams with cap room that would be willing to take these players at these salary levels for a year or 2.
This is probably true. That's another thing I have been thinking about. Trading has always been one of the highlights of the NHL. Each year a large number of players move via trade, there have been huge trades in the past, and the trade deadline day has always been one of the biggest/most exciting days on the NHL calendar. Obviously the cap will change much of this.

Cap considerations will play a huge role in trades, which will make them more difficult to pull off. I think I read somewhere that the trade deadline will be moved up 20 (or 40?) days in the season. This will also have the obvious effect of limiting the number of trades because more teams will still "be in the hunt." While I will miss the madness and excitement of the trade deadline of old, I think these will be good things. In recent years many of the "big trades" in the NHL were less about hockey and more about $ (the haves and the have nots). It all sorta of started with the Jagr to Washington deal. You then had the Kovalev trade, the Lang deal, and many others. I will be glad to see these types of trades on the decline, if they will exist at all.

The only fear I have is that trades will become, in large part, NBA type deals where the basketball rationale for a deal often takes a back-seat to the concept of trading contracts. While this could happen to some extent, I don't think we'll have to worry too much about it. Given the size of NHL rosters, it is unlikely that a small number of tradeable players will ever constitute a large amount of cap space. Or so I hope that will prevent it, since I have never been very clear on just how the NBA cap system works.

[TazFTW]

Jagr considers playing in Russia.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2116505


As for the buyouts, I would also add that teams cannot sign players they've bought out for the '05-06 season. So maybe teams are hesistant to buyout a player thinking they would not be able to replace them (would the 2 or 3 players you can sign give you the benefits of the one you bought out).

[Draft Dodger]

The only fear I have is that trades will become, in large part, NBA type deals where the basketball rationale for a deal often takes a back-seat to the concept of trading contracts. While this could happen to some extent, I don't think we'll have to worry too much about it. Given the size of NHL rosters, it is unlikely that a small number of tradeable players will ever constitute a large amount of cap space. Or so I hope that will prevent it, since I have never been very clear on just how the NBA cap system works.

yeah, I don't care much about the NBA, but I would really hate to see where a team acquires a player JUST because he is overpaid and in his last contract year, meaning he'll be freeing up cap space. I don't want to see that in the NHL at all.

[TazFTW]

TSN has got a few interesting reports.

Stars are interested in Derian Hatcher.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=131481&hubName=nhl

Sabres are trying to trade Miroslav Satan

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=131480&hubName=nhl

Scott Niedermeyer's agent believes his client will become a FA and that he expects to get close to the max from some team.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=131483&hubName=nhl

And apparently Pavel Datsuk is trying to use playing in Russia to get the Red Wings to pony up.


Don't know why the Stars are interested in Hatcher, he looked really old and slow when he was in Detroit.

I also don't understand Buffalo's thinking. Satan is an RFA and you don't plan on giving him a qualifying offer, so you think a team will trade for him so that they can make a qualifying offer? Why wouldn't teams just wait 'til he becomes an UFA and then make their offer? They wouldn't have to give up anything then.

I don't see Niedermeyer getting close to the max. The Rangers are more interested in Rafalski.

[Draft Dodger]

And apparently Pavel Datsuk is trying to use playing in Russia to get the Red Wings to pony up.


Don't know why the Stars are interested in Hatcher, he looked really old and slow when he was in Detroit.

I also don't understand Buffalo's thinking. Satan is an RFA and you don't plan on giving him a qualifying offer, so you think a team will trade for him so that they can make a qualifying offer? Why wouldn't teams just wait 'til he becomes an UFA and then make their offer? They wouldn't have to give up anything then.

I don't see Niedermeyer getting close to the max. The Rangers are more interested in Rafalski.

exactly what I was thinking on all of these.

[Neuqua]

** Unknowledgable NHL Fan Alert **

Do the Blackhawks have ANYTHING to look forward to? At all? Ever?

[NoSkillz]

TSN has got a few interesting reports.

I also don't understand Buffalo's thinking. Satan is an RFA and you don't plan on giving him a qualifying offer, so you think a team will trade for him so that they can make a qualifying offer? Why wouldn't teams just wait 'til he becomes an UFA and then make their offer? They wouldn't have to give up anything then.

The article perhaps is a bit confusing here. Buffalo is mulling over the idea of qualifying him so they could turn around and trade him right away. He's an asset right now but one that really isn't interested in sticking around anymore.

I think the reason Buffalo is hesitating is because if they DO qualify him, he'll be making money that might be a bit higher than his true market value, thus turning off teams that might be interested in trading for him. Buffalo doesn't want to get stuck paying a guy whose heart isn't in to playing for the club.

The Sabres are stocked at right wing right now, with J.P. Dumont, Maxim Afinogenov, Ales Kotalik already on the roster and guys like Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek ready for the show as well. The sometimes lazy Satan, while a dynamic player, is expendable.

[TazFTW]

** Unknowledgable NHL Fan Alert **

Do the Blackhawks have ANYTHING to look forward to? At all? Ever?
No.


They do have some good young players and their current cap situation looks good (14 players at $19 million), so they can spend on some big name FAs if they want to. The question is, are they going to spend?


The article perhaps is a bit confusing here. Buffalo is mulling over the idea of qualifying him so they could turn around and trade him right away. He's an asset right now but one that really isn't interested in sticking around anymore.

I think the reason Buffalo is hesitating is because if they DO qualify him, he'll be making money that might be a bit higher than his true market value, thus turning off teams that might be interested in trading for him. Buffalo doesn't want to get stuck paying a guy whose heart isn't in to playing for the club.
Ah, okay. That makes more sense but like you mentioned the qualifiying offer would be above his value. According to the CBA FAQ, the QO would be 100% his previous year's salary which I believe was around $4 million. I don't think at $4 million, teams will be calling.

[Maple Leafs]

** Unknowledgable NHL Fan Alert **

Do the Blackhawks have ANYTHING to look forward to? At all? Ever?Winning a world championship before the Cubs do?

[Honolulu_Blue]

** Unknowledgable NHL Fan Alert **

Do the Blackhawks have ANYTHING to look forward to? At all? Ever?
Yes. Given the new schedule, they can look forward to getting beaten by the Red Wings on a more relevently consistent basis. :D

[Neuqua]

Winning a world championship before the Cubs do?

I wish I had a witty response but even though technically I do not know for sure, a hockey hotbed such as Toronto has surely produced the NHL equivalent to the New York Yankees in championships and sport domination so I digress.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I wish I had a witty response but even though technically I do not know for sure, a hockey hotbed such as Toronto has surely produced the NHL equivalent to the New York Yankees in championships and sport domination so I digress.
Come on. Didn't you know that, according to Larry "Christmas Tree" Tanenbaum, the Leafs are the #1 franchise in the NHL. Here's his quote:

"'We are the No. 1 franchise in the NHL,'' Tanenbaum said. ''As far as I'm concerned we will always continue to be the No. 1 franchise in the NHL. We acted when we had these discussions with our colleagues at the governors meetings."

[sovereignstar]

I wish I had a witty response but even though technically I do not know for sure, a hockey hotbed such as Toronto has surely produced the NHL equivalent to the New York Yankees in championships and sport domination so I digress.

You've got the Maple Leafs mixed up with the Canadiens. :)

[sachmo71]

Because Hatcher is popular with fans!

[Maple Leafs]

Come on. Didn't you know that, according to Larry "Christmas Tree" Tanenbaum, the Leafs are the #1 franchise in the NHL.We'll, you can't really argue that in terms of off-the-ice performance. They're at or near the top in revenue, and in terms of world-wide fan base and overall fan loyalty they blow most of the league away.

Now on-the-ice is a different topic (although in fairness, the Ballard years shouldn't count). But why would you expect a suit like Tanenbaum to be talking about the actual games? He probably doesn't watch them.

[Neuqua]

We'll, you can't really argue that in terms of off-the-ice performance. They're at or near the top in revenue, and in terms of world-wide fan base and overall fan loyalty they blow most of the league away.

Now on-the-ice is a different topic

Sounds like your Maple Leafs have a lot more in common with the Cubs than you may care to admit.

:)

[jbmagic]

KINGS RE-SIGN VETERAN LUC ROBITAILLE
The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the NHL’s highest-scoring left wing.

my favorite King Player.

[Maple Leafs]

Sounds like your Maple Leafs have a lot more in common with the Cubs than you may care to admit.
Bartman = Fraser

[sovereignstar]

KINGS RE-SIGN VETERAN LUC ROBITAILLE
The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the NHL’s highest-scoring left wing.

my favorite King Player.

About 15 hours late on that one. Someone needs to keep better track of this thread. :)

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showpost.php?p=846683&postcount=83

[bbor]

Niedermeyer is'nt worth max money????

I would beg to differ.

[RPI-Fan]

KINGS RE-SIGN VETERAN LUC ROBITAILLE
The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the NHL’s highest-scoring left wing.

my favorite King Player.

Also used to babysit my friend's roomate.

[Joe Canadian]

Niedermeyer is'nt worth max money????

I would beg to differ.

Even if he is, I don't think he's going to get close to it... the max is ~7 Million, right? I'm thinking he'll sign for $4-5 Million.

[ISiddiqui]

Depends on who he signs for. I hope the Devs retain him.

[sachmo71]

7.7 mil, I believe.

[TazFTW]

Okay, I take back my I don't think Niedermeyer is worth the max. The reason being is that it looks like Pronger will be leaving St. Louis and it looks like he will get the max (or close to it). If Pronger can get close to the max then I think Niedermeyer can get it. I guess I find it weird that the players being rumored as getting max deals are defensemen.


Boston has made offers to UFAs Gonchar and Lapointe and RFAs Thorton, Samsonov, and Axelsson.

Phoenix made offers to RFAs Derek Morris and Paul Mara.
Ottawa exercise their option to keep Dominick Hasek.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I finally took a look at that Eklund's rumor site. Not bad. Though it saddens me that the Wings are never mentioned in the rumors.

While Colorado will have a tough of things, this will be no cakewalk for the Wings either. Buying Whitney, Hatcher, and McCarty out gave them some wiggle room, they are still going to be hard pressed to fill out the roster:

Does Stevie Y come back? If so, for how much? Does Shanny exercise his option and stay with the club? How much will it cost to bring Zetterberg back into the fold? The Datysuk negotiations are going to be a bitch. He's already playing the "I can play in Russia" card. Even assuming they bring back all the above as well as Holmstrom (he's great at being Holmstrom: the guy who stands in front of the net, gets pounded, and scores on the occasional deflection, but not amazing on 5 on 5) and Jason Williams (fringe guy), they are still need to fill the roster with a first and second line winger.

The defense looks suspect at this moment as well. Lidstrom is great. Fischer has been progressing well. Kronwall is ready to step in. But after that? Dandenault, Bryan Helmer, and Jamie Rivers? A 43 year old Chris Chelios? Doesn't instill fear in the opposing side.

[Simms]

05-06 Schedule released: http://www.nhl.com/schedules/index.html

Brutal stretch for the Leafs in October.

<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 5 2005, Wed</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 8 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Canadiens</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 10 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 11 2005, Tue</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Flyers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 14 2005, Fri</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Thrashers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 15 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Canadiens</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 20 2005, Thu</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Hurricanes</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 22 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Flyers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 24 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Bruins</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 27 2005, Thu</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Bruins</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 29 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 31 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Panthers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Karim]

** Unknowledgable NHL Fan Alert **

Do the Blackhawks have ANYTHING to look forward to? At all? Ever?
Tuomo Ruutu
Mark Bell
Kyle Calder
Steve McCarthy
Brent Seabrooke
David Bolland
Cam Barker

Decent young players that could be helped out with a few FA aquisitions. They need a goalie though...

[Johnny93g]

05-06 Schedule released: http://www.nhl.com/schedules/index.html

Brutal stretch for the Leafs in October.

<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 5 2005, Wed</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 8 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Canadiens</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 10 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 11 2005, Tue</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Flyers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 14 2005, Fri</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Thrashers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 15 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Canadiens</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 20 2005, Thu</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Hurricanes</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 22 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Flyers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 24 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Bruins</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 27 2005, Thu</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">AWAY</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Bruins</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 29 2005, Sat</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Senators</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:00 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr><tr bgcolor="#ded8b6"><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Oct 31 2005, Mon</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">HOME</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">Panthers</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">
</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="left">7:30 PM ET</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH">-</td><td class="HEADLINEGRAPH" align="right"> </td></tr></tbody> </table>

10-0-2

[Karim]

Rumours are flying fast and furious among Flames fans. Sutter leaked yesterday that the budget could be pushed up to $34 million. And he's been more giddy than usual.
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=37a91fd2-d3ef-401e-8e63-4ee64680eef5

I know the new economics are supposed to help small-market teams compete but the thought of an 'A-list' free agent actually playing in Calgary is remarkable.

It's still a pipedream but at least we can dream... the last CBA didn't even allow us to do that!

[Booj]

The Canadiens also have a hard schedule to start the year... back to back games to start off the year (at Boston and at Rangers) and later in the month they play their first home game against Ottawa and have an away game in Atlanta the next night. Then they have 3 days off and go back home to play the Leafs...

Wierd..

[Draft Dodger]

speaking of schedules, I think the idea of having every team playing on opening night is a GREAT one and I hope this one becomes a yearly thing.

[TazFTW]

Sounds like the Rangers will give a qualifying offer to Kevin Weekes and he will be their starting netminder. One of the young guys (Labarbera, Lundquist, or Montoya) will be backing up. It also looks like Leetch will return.

The Toronto Star is saying that while the Leafs are interested in Scott Niedermayer, they may not be willing to offer him the max. The Star also says that the Leafs are interested in bringing in Jason Allison.

[Joe Canadian]

Somewhat off-topic... but I can't wait for the September update of EHM!!!!

[Booj]

The Flyers saved their behinds and got Carter and Richards signed. I'm too lazy to get a link, but its on TSN.ca right now.

[Booj]

Somewhat off-topic... but I can't wait for the September update of EHM!!!!

Seconded!

[Johnny93g]

In toronto, just about everyone with any skill is rumoured to be coming....

Gonchar, Allison, Jeff O'neil, have all said they would like to play here

Domi, Roberts, and Niewy would like to return

Niedermyer said Toronto is an option

Forsberg and Naslund apparantly want to play together, and Sundin is recruiting them, so the rumours are going crazy with that

Foote, apparantly also wants to come here....

Ofcourse, this all cant happen unless everyone takes a extreme pay cut, or the salary cap baloons to 60 mil for us alone.....but i can see a few, ecspecially Gonchar, Allison, and O'neal taking pay cuts to be a Leaf

[Johnny93g]

I forgot to mention the obvious one...Lindros, will likely take a pay cut to come here, if JFJ wants him

[Booj]

Lindros and Allison are helped by a clause in the CBA that for players with 400 games who have played less than (100?) games in the past 2 years can have bonus-filled contracts and count less towards the cap.

I'm not sure what the exact clause is so I may be wrong... but I heard Allison talking about it on OTR.

[Johnny93g]

Lindros and Allison are helped by a clause in the CBA that for players with 400 games who have played less than (100?) games in the past 2 years can have bonus-filled contracts and count less towards the cap.

I'm not sure what the exact clause is so I may be wrong... but I heard Allison talking about it on OTR.

I read the same thing talking about Forsberg.....that he can accept a low base salary, wich would count against the cap, and easily attainable bonus, that wont count, so ya, that would probably count for Allison and Lindros too

[henry296]

Would those bonus count against next year's cap like the NFL?

[Booj]

I truly find it sickening how much Leaf fans/Toronto media feel they will be ADDING talent this offseason.

Sure, the cap will mean players will get to choose where to go, but to think guys like Niedermayer would take pay cuts to play in Toronto is laughable. I don't think Niedermayer will go somewhere just for the money, but Toronto is in one of the worst positions under the cap as we speak and can't offer him more than 5 million, realistically if they want to bring most of their other guys back. The Toronto media and fans are in for a disappointment once the offseason ends. I just don't see how it will all fit... maybe I'm just naive though.

[Johnny93g]

Would those bonus count against next year's cap like the NFL?

I think if the bonus' cause the total salary to go over the 39 million figure....I guess its not a great incetive to do that

[Johnny93g]

Dola..

I truly find it sickening how much Leaf fans/Toronto media feel they will be ADDING talent this offseason.

Sure, the cap will mean players will get to choose where to go, but to think guys like Niedermayer would take pay cuts to play in Toronto is laughable. I don't think Niedermayer will go somewhere just for the money, but Toronto is in one of the worst positions under the cap as we speak and can't offer him more than 5 million, realistically if they want to bring most of their other guys back. The Toronto media and fans are in for a disappointment once the offseason ends. I just don't see how it will all fit... maybe I'm just naive though.

I dont think Niewdermyer would take a pay cut, i think he will want close to the max...not sure if he'll get that though......but from what ive seen, i would not be surprised in the least if Gonchar, O'neal, Allison, Lindros, Domi, Roberts, and Niewy take pay cuts, and if the reports are accurate about Forsberg, him too, though that one is hard to believe....

[Booj]

If Forsberg and Naslund pull a Kariya-Selanne and do it in Toronto, I will forever hold a grudge over any Swede I ever see.

That is all.

[Joe Canadian]

I forgot to mention the obvious one...Lindros, will likely take a pay cut to come here, if JFJ wants him

If they sign him I will blow up the ACC...

I truly find it sickening how much Leaf fans/Toronto media feel they will be ADDING talent this offseason.

Sure, the cap will mean players will get to choose where to go, but to think guys like Niedermayer would take pay cuts to play in Toronto is laughable. I don't think Niedermayer will go somewhere just for the money, but Toronto is in one of the worst positions under the cap as we speak and can't offer him more than 5 million, realistically if they want to bring most of their other guys back. The Toronto media and fans are in for a disappointment once the offseason ends. I just don't see how it will all fit... maybe I'm just naive though.

If they buy out Nolan, and Belfour... they are only at ~$23 Million. That's not exactly a terrible position.

[Booj]

Dola... Where do you guys see Pronger ending up? There are a few teams that have needs at defense, but most of them do not have the cap room. A team like NJ, who can't afford Niedermayer and Rafalski don't have the room to get Pronger... the Rangers will probably go after Rafalski...

I'd love to see him with the Canadiens who let Brisebois go and have a couple of spots open on D go after one of the big names... they have the room. I really doubt that they'll do anything, but I am very excited to see what Gainey can pull things from under his hat-- and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes after Hatcher who he had in Dallas.

I also, although I liked Kovalev when he was here, would love the Habs to make a run at Glen Murray. He is bigger, and I think better than Kovalev and more importantly he plays bigger. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Montreal try and bring Selanne to play with Koivu, who he has always loved playing with in international tournaments. The thing is, Montreal is absolutely stacked with Offensive prospects who would be hurt playing anywhere other than on the 1st 2 lines... guys like Higgins, Plekanec, Perezhogin, Kostitsyn have 1st 2 lines potential and I don't think they'd be with the Canadiens on a defensive role.

There have been rumors flying around here that Montreal is making a stab to move up and grab Anaheim's #2. I'm not so sure why they would do that... I am sure it's because they are high on Johnson, Pouliot and Ryan and are worried they will be going 2-3-4. I doubt they want to be "stuck" with Brule at #5. They need size, they always have and that's why I'd love to see Pronger. With Quintal gone, the Canadiens don't have anybody who had 100+ PIM in 2003-04 and I think that is the one spot they need to improve.

[Maple Leafs]

If they buy out Nolan, and Belfour... they are only at ~$23 Million. That's not exactly a terrible position.
Yeah, this idea that the Leafs are in so much trouble with the cap is a bit of a myth. They have a lot of money tied up in a handful of players, but the Nolan buyout helps that quite a bit. They have a few kids who will be in the lineup this year making less than a million, and unlike teams like Detroit or Colorado they have no RFA's who will need multi-million qualifying offers. If they cut Belfour they'd actually be in really good shape financially (although without a goalie, so...)

[Booj]

If they buy out Nolan, and Belfour... they are only at ~$23 Million. That's not exactly a terrible position.

I highly doubt they will buy out Belfour for one reason.... What happens if they don't get Khabibulin? There are at least 7 teams interested in Khabby and there is no viable options besides him.

The Leafs might think they are OK with Tellqvist but I highly doubt it.

[Joe Canadian]

The Leafs might think they are OK with Tellqvist but I highly doubt it.

I doubt they'll cut him too, and I agree Telly isn't a viable option... he isn't going to be a NHL starter of any quality. However, I think the smart thing to do is cut him, even if it means we take a hit in quality between the pipes in the case we don't get Khabby. I'd rather take advantage of the FA market this year then keep a goalie who'll likely retire or soon, and is an injury risk.

[Joe Canadian]

If Forsberg and Naslund pull a Kariya-Selanne and do it in Toronto, I will forever hold a grudge over any Swede I ever see.

That is all.

I'm a Leafs fan and I don't want that to happen either. I'd rather them build a team without these buddy, buddy signings...

[Maple Leafs]

However, I think the smart thing to do is cut him, even if it means we take a hit in quality between the pipes in the case we don't get Khabby. I'd rather take advantage of the FA market this year then keep a goalie who'll likely retire or soon, and is an injury risk.See, I'd rather they hold on to him for one more year, then free up all the money next year when the really good FA class comes.

[bbor]

Toronto will prolly sign nobody.

The Toronto media is just ridiculis....any name that is planning on declaring F.A they assume will come to Toronto.

Sometimes i hate the media here.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola... Where do you guys see Pronger ending up?
TSN is reporting that the Blues have made a qualifying offer to Pronger, which will pay him $7.22 million this season. With Tkachuk's and Weight's deals equally $13.33 million that means the Blues will have tied up 52% of their max cap capabilities on THREE players.

Wow. Just wow.

While there is still time left before the buy out deadline things, so far, are shaping up very differently than many had expected. If Pronger is worth $7.2 million and Lidstrom $7.8, I can't see Niedermayer settling for anything less than $7 million.

[Maple Leafs]

From Eklund:
From a source, "It is very possible that Pronger gets traded to Atlanta in the next 24 hours."

[Draft Dodger]

same old Bruins. they offered Thornton $5. he laughed.

[Draft Dodger]

From Eklund:
From a source, "It is very possible that Pronger gets traded to Atlanta in the next 24 hours."

who is this? Pelle Eklund?

[Karim]

As much as I like Thornton, some of these 'stars' will have to swallow their prides and egos if they think they'll all be making 20% or close to it.

[Karim]

who is this? Pelle Eklund?
hockeyrumors.blogspot.com

He's made a name for himself in this lockout...

[Draft Dodger]

hockeyrumors.blogspot.com

He's made a name for himself in this lockout...

sort of like DJ Hradek, but with information that is actually accurate?

[Booj]

Hmmm...

Just went to his site and he reports Selanne is considering a move to Montreal to be with Saku Koivu and that the Canadiens are also in the hunt with Kariya... are these 2 guys at it again??

I haven't even thought of Kariya coming here, but I can now salivate about a Kariya-Koivu-Selanne line... I just hope they both sign for market contracts (since Montreal CAN afford it under the cap) and not the 2-for-1 deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

As much as I like Thornton, some of these 'stars' will have to swallow their prides and egos if they think they'll all be making 20% or close to it.
While this is very true, there are some 20%ers out there and it could be argued that Thornton has made a case to be one of the few. He and Nash were considered two of Canada's best players in the World Championships this year. If Tkachuk is making that kind of money...

[sachmo71]

The Blues are gonna be AWESOME! I mean, with those three, they can throw anyone else in the world on the ice with them and they'll win!

Oh, wait...

[bbor]

Thorton should be a max guy....he IS that good.Most of the world does'nt know that because he plays in Boston....with...........???

[TazFTW]

I agree with John Buccigross' take on Joe Thorton

John,
I loved your column last year about wanting Joe Thornton to play with more passion. My question is, in the last year Thornton's established himself as one of Canada's best international players (World Cup and Worlds). Will that carry over to his next Bruins' season?
Thanks,
Mike Doucette

Judging by Thornton's play on Team Canada is irrelevant to the NHL. Team Canada is the best team in the world and it's EASY to play well on a team like that. Great linemates, no leadership responsibilities. Thornton just turned 26 (July 2) and it's time to grow into an NHL superstar. He has yet to show a will to be great. He is too big and his hands are too good not to be his team's best faceoff man. He shouldn't take stupid cheap shots with his stick that gets him penalized and suspended. But don't forget he had 101 points 2002-03, his plus-minus has improved four straight years and he's had five head coaches. The Bruins would be fools not to sign Big Joe.

And of course the Bruins have shown that they are fools.

The qualifying offer for Pronger and then Eklund saying there's going to be a trade, sounds like the Blues are doing what the Sabres wanted to do with Satan.

[Draft Dodger]

Buccigross is 100% correct.

[Draft Dodger]

and, honestly, I think Thornton has no desire to stay in Boston no matter what they offer him. The fact that their offer isn't very good just makes it easier for him on a PR level. He can't wait to get away from that organization

[TurnerONU22]

Maybe he can come to a smaller market and play with a certain LW that he played with in Switzerland and on Team Canada :)

Plus, he seems like the type of guy who would flourish not being in the spotlight, and we need a stud center and have plenty of cap room. Okay, i'm done dreaming for now, lol

[Maple Leafs]

sort of like DJ Hradek, but with information that is actually accurate?Exactly.

Um, except for the "accurate" part.

[TurnerONU22]

Exactly.

Um, except for the "accurate" part.

The sad thing about Eklund, is that I believe he started with little or no sources to any information. However, he used his blog to become more and more popular and gained the trust of more and more sources. Over on HFBoards, Bob McKenzie comes on and posts a decent amount, and he said that he knows for a fact that Eklund now has some good sources.

EDIT: Found the McKenzie post

"I have said it before, I will say it again...when it comes to Eklund, do not throw the baby out with the bath water. Which is to suggest he sometimes has very good information that no one else has. Which is to suggest he sometimes has totally bogus information that has not an ounce of truth to it. He puts up stuff unfiltered, whatever he hears, he posts. If he hears something, he puts it up, and there is clearly a lack of accountability and he's the first to tell you that...it's a rumour site, it's a blog.

But that doesn't mean he doesn't talk to some people in high places because I know for a fact he does. I also know for a fact that a lot of people in hockey, in all positions in the NHL, check him out every day. The challenge is figuring out what's totally bogus and what's legit. You guys are at a disadvantage because you can't do that directly. I can and I can tell you there has been information posted there that no one else had that was indeed factual. And you're kidding yourself if you don't think some NHL players don't burn up his e-mail line.

That doesn't make him an authoritative voice on the lockout, but it doesn't make him a fraud or a phony either. I personally wouldn't pay 10 bucks to get his "inside" stuff, but I wouldn't ignore everything he writes either. I'm not sure what his batting average is on right vs. wrong -- on volume, it's probably not Ted Williams-like -- but I know of some so-called "legitimate" news sources who are below the Mendosa line when it comes to accuracy on lockout coverage."

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just heard that Shanahan has decided to exercise his option and he will be with the Wings this year.

[TazFTW]

Goodenow steps down.

http://nhlpa.com/Content/Feature.asp?contentId=3479

[Chubby]

now if only Bettman would resign

[TazFTW]

The Red Wings have made an 1 yr (rotoworld says it is likely in the $1.5-$2 million range) offer to Stevie Y, haven't heard anything about whether he is going to accept it or not.


Devils have made QOs to Patrick Elias ($4.18 million), Scott Gomez ($2.2 million) and Jeff Friesen ($2.28 million).

Lightning re-sign Tim Taylor to a multiyear deal.

[Draft Dodger]

Goodenow steps down.

http://nhlpa.com/Content/Feature.asp?contentId=3479

well, really when you think of it, how would he ever manage to top this amazing career peak he just hit...

:rolleyes:

[TazFTW]

The Avs QO'd 14 players; Hejduk, Tanguay, goalies Peter Budaj, Tom Lawson and Phil Sauve; defensemen Brett Clark (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1654), Jeff Finger, John-Michael Liles (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3417), Kurt Sauer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2678) and Karlis Skrastins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1859); and forwards Riku Hahl (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=2987), Dan Hinote (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=1950) and Marek Svatos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=3161).

Blues pick up the option for Patrick Lalime.

Saw the following on Eklund's site

WASH: the Capitals' plan for next season came into focus during a news conference at the organization's downtown headquarters. That plan can be summed up in two words: young and inexpensive. Majority owner Ted Leonsis said the Capitals' 2005-06 payroll will fall somewhere between the salary cap minimum of $21.5 million and $25 million.
So the team that gave Jagr, $11 mill a year is going to have a cap a little bit higher than double that.

[Draft Dodger]

I want to have Marek Svatos's baby

[Draft Dodger]

oh, and buh-bye Chris Gratton.

amazing how relaxing it is to know that he is prevented by the CBA from tainting the Avs for at least one full season!

[TazFTW]

Apparently the Rangers will not buyout Holik and Kasparaitis.

[Johnny93g]

Apparently the Rangers will not buyout Holik and Kasparaitis.

dumbest team in hockey....going on 8 years

[Hurst2112]

The wings let Barry Smith and Kocur go. I understand that with a new coaching regime, the old guys tend to get replaced, but I always liked Barry Smith. I am sure he will find work elsewhere. Though, was his success as an assistant a product of Bowman's greatness? That was obvious with Lewis. ;)
=====================================

Holland has several players he wants to re-sign, but seems to be having trouble in talks with Pavel Datsyuk.

"I've talked to his agent and we're still a long, long way apart," Holland said. "He has a chance to play in Russia, but I can't overpay him no matter how good he is. I want to get it done with him, but it doesn't make sense to throw your cap out of whack to do it."
===================================

If ken holland ends up creating a team that fits under the cap, and goes at least 3 rounds in the playoffs, he will get my nod as the best GM to come out of this lockout. I honestly don't think he can do it all in one year, but, as a Wings fan, I trust his decision making. It will be interesting to see how he handles things without the deep pockets of illitch.

I am pretty confident that Yzerman will make 1 more year happen.

[TazFTW]

dumbest team in hockey....going on 8 years
Well, their thinking is why pay someone $9 million (Holik) and not have him play for you when you can pay $6 mil and have some sort of production from him.

[Johnny93g]

Well, their thinking is why pay someone $9 million (Holik) and not have him play for you when you can pay $6 mil and have some sort of production from him.

Financially, it makes sense....but competitivly, they obviously arent serious.....if they keep those contracts, they dont care about winning

[General Mike]

Well, their thinking is why pay someone $9 million (Holik) and not have him play for you when you can pay $6 mil and have some sort of production from him.

Doens't he have more money left on his contract than that?

[TazFTW]

Financially, it makes sense....but competitivly, they obviously arent serious.....if they keep those contracts, they dont care about winning
True. For a team that was breaking the bank before the cap, they now decide that they can't afford $16 million in dead money?


The Ducks re-sign Sandish Ozolinsh to a 2 yr deal.

Thrashers decline the option on Shawn McEachern.

[Booj]

Rumours have it that Holik is about to be bought out by the Rangers...

Got that from Eklund so take for what it's worth.

[TazFTW]

Doens't he have more money left on his contract than that?
I believe he has 2 years left on his deal, he signed for 5 years, played 2 seasons, and the 3rd was the lockout. I'm guessing that players with multiple years left on their deals can be bought out for their current salary plus some % of the rest.

[TazFTW]

Rumours have it that Holik is about to be bought out by the Rangers...

Got that from Eklund so take for what it's worth.
I hope Eklund is right on that.

[Johnny93g]

I believe he has 2 years left on his deal, he signed for 5 years, played 2 seasons, and the 3rd was the lockout. I'm guessing that players with multiple years left on their deals can be bought out for their current salary plus some % of the rest.

I believe its 2/3's of the total amount left on the contract

[TazFTW]

I believe its 2/3's of the total amount left on the contract
Yeah, that sounds right. Holik was originally making $8.85 million a year(TSN), minus the 24% is 6.726. Multiply that by 2 years and take 2/3s off of that would give you around $9 million.

[Johnny93g]

the latest on Owen Nolan is the Leafs now believe his salary is void, because he does not have the right to his player option, because the injury to his knee, which he just had surgery on, is not hockey related....

what this means is the Leafs are planning on not buying him out at all, sense he doesnt have a contract....Nolan will file a grievance with the players association, and the leafs have filed paperwork to buy out Nolan if they lose the grievance....

Either way, nolans 5+ mil salary will not count against the cap, and Toronto has 19 million buck to play with right now

Foote for 3
O'neal for 1
Allison for 1
Roberts for 1.5
Niewy for 1.5
Domi for .75

All probable in my opinion.....and hopefully, that Forsberg rumour is true.....

[Honolulu_Blue]

the latest on Owen Nolan is the Leafs now believe his salary is void, because he does not have the right to his player option, because the injury to his knee, which he just had surgery on, is not hockey related....

what this means is the Leafs are planning on not buying him out at all, sense he doesnt have a contract....Nolan will file a grievance with the players association, and the leafs have filed paperwork to buy out Nolan if they lose the grievance....

Either way, nolans 5+ mil salary will not count against the cap, and Toronto has 19 million buck to play with right now

Foote for 3
O'neal for 1
Allison for 1
Roberts for 1.5
Niewy for 1.5
Domi for .75

All probable in my opinion.....and hopefully, that Forsberg rumour is true.....
O'Neal? As in Jeff O'Neill? You think he'll sign for 1 and Gary Roberts and Niewy will sign for 1.5? That seems a bit backwards to me. I know O'Neill struggled last time out (trust me, I had him on my fantasy the useless piece of...), but he's got to command more than those two old timers.

[Johnny93g]

O'Neal? As in Jeff O'Neill? You think he'll sign for 1 and Gary Roberts and Niewy will sign for 1.5? That seems a bit backwards to me. I know O'Neill struggled last time out (trust me, I had him on my fantasy the useless piece of...), but he's got to command more than those two old timers.

I dont know, what leverage does he have....14 goals his last season, has stated he wants to play for Toronto....I figure in the new NHL, thats what he's worth, and in the new NHL, you will only get what your worth....its obviously a hometown paycut too.....

[TazFTW]

YES!!!

Holik out!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=131832

[sachmo71]

everyone wants to play for toronto, eh?

[bbor]

the latest on Owen Nolan is the Leafs now believe his salary is void, because he does not have the right to his player option, because the injury to his knee, which he just had surgery on, is not hockey related....

what this means is the Leafs are planning on not buying him out at all, sense he doesnt have a contract....Nolan will file a grievance with the players association, and the leafs have filed paperwork to buy out Nolan if they lose the grievance....

Either way, nolans 5+ mil salary will not count against the cap, and Toronto has 19 million buck to play with right now

Foote for 3
O'neal for 1
Allison for 1
Roberts for 1.5
Niewy for 1.5
Domi for .75

All probable in my opinion.....and hopefully, that Forsberg rumour is true.....

You've been listening to the Toronto media too much.

[Karim]

Mike Commodore to Carolina for a 3rd Round Pick
Anaheim's 2nd Round Pick to Philadelphia for Todd Fedoruk

And a whole raft of minor signings as we head down to draft day...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Mike Commodore to Carolina for a 3rd Round Pick
Anaheim's 2nd Round Pick to Philadelphia for Todd Fedoruk

And a whole raft of minor signings as we head down to draft day...

I guess a third for Commodore makes sense, but a 2nd for Fedoruk? That's seems to be a very odd trade for a third/fourth line tough guy.

[TazFTW]

Heh. ESPN's NHL transactions log

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR class=oddrow><TD>Philadelphia Flyers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=phi)</TD><TD>Traded right wing Todd Fedoruk to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a 2005 second-round draft pick.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[klayman]

I hope he can pitch.

[Maple Leafs]

You've been listening to the Toronto media too much.
You're my boy, bbor, but I have to ask...

Where did this "Toronto media" thing come from? Seems like everyone loves to to play the "Toronto media thinks the Leafs are the greatest" deal, and I just don't see it.

Now if you're counting Stormin' Norman as "media", fine. But the real media -- Strachan, Cox, Berger, McCown, etc. -- spend all their time crapping all over the Leafs for everything they do. Compared to a town like Ottawa, where the media practically wave pom-poms in the press box, the Toronto pundits never think the team will do anything right.

Or am I out of the loop, not living in T.O. anymore?

[RPI-Fan]

You're my boy, bbor, but I have to ask...

Where did this "Toronto media" thing come from? Seems like everyone loves to to play the "Toronto media thinks the Leafs are the greatest" deal, and I just don't see it.

Now if you're counting Stormin' Norman as "media", fine. But the real media -- Strachan, Cox, Berger, McCown, etc. -- spend all their time crapping all over the Leafs for everything they do. Compared to a town like Ottawa, where the media practically wave pom-poms in the press box, the Toronto pundits never think the team will do anything right.

Or am I out of the loop, not living in T.O. anymore?

I know that for me, personally, I had bbor's impression of the Toronto media. I think more than anything it's because of these message boards I've been reading where everyone seems to think the Leafs will get everyone in the league to play for them at terribly low prices. But I know for me that is definitely the vibe I get from T.O.

[Maple Leafs]

I know that for me, personally, I had bbor's impression of the Toronto media. I think more than anything it's because of these message boards I've been reading where everyone seems to think the Leafs will get everyone in the league to play for them at terribly low prices. But I know for me that is definitely the vibe I get from T.O.
But is that the media, or the fans on the message boards? Every team has fans who wear rose-colored glasses. The Leafs have more of those fans than anyone else because they have more fans, period, than anyone else.

Of course, a wise man once said that the media is the message board.

(Dead silence.)

Right. Carry on.

[Simms]

As ML says, it's not the media, it's the fan base in general. There are some occasional rational, right-thinking Leaf fans, but as one myself (I like to think), I get downright embarrassed reading most of the Leaf-centric message boards.

[Johnny93g]

I agree, as ive read leaf message boards where people expect us to somehow offer the max to every legitimate star out there......I think the Toronto media is overlly critical of the leafs, ecspecially Howard Berger, who basically slams everything they do.....the players I mentioned are guys ive either seen say something, or read in the media, that want to play in Toronto, and I believe they are realistic targets. I very easily could be wrong, and we could get none of them, but as a fan, Id like to think its possible...

[Honolulu_Blue]

But is that the media, or the fans on the message boards? Every team has fans who wear rose-colored glasses. The Leafs have more of those fans than anyone else because they have more desperate, dellusional, and rabid fans, period, than anyone else.

Of course, a wise man once said that the media is the message board.

(Dead silence.)

Right. Carry on.
Fixed.

You can't blame 'em. Being the #1 franchise in the NHL and not winning a Cup for like a gajillion years.

[ice4277]

Being the #1 franchise in the NHL and not winning a Cup for like a gajillion years.
Can you really be the former without having any of the latter?

[klayman]

Can you really be the former without having any of the latter?
In their minds, yes.

[bbor]

You're my boy, bbor, but I have to ask...

Where did this "Toronto media" thing come from? Seems like everyone loves to to play the "Toronto media thinks the Leafs are the greatest" deal, and I just don't see it.

Now if you're counting Stormin' Norman as "media", fine. But the real media -- Strachan, Cox, Berger, McCown, etc. -- spend all their time crapping all over the Leafs for everything they do. Compared to a town like Ottawa, where the media practically wave pom-poms in the press box, the Toronto pundits never think the team will do anything right.

Or am I out of the loop, not living in T.O. anymore?

Cox is an Ass-clown...right up there with Fraser in my books.
Strachan...well....i don't read him....nuff said.
Berger is o.k....but he is real critical.....not Cox critical but close.
McCown knows nothing...i don't think he's been to a live sporting event since UNLV won the NCAA's.

If you listen to sports updates here every update they mention another player "coming" to Toronto....and they always add "and he's from Ontario so maybe he'll take less to come here"

Drives me fuckin nuts.

[TazFTW]

Free agency has been pushed back








12 hours. Instead of starting at midnight it will start at noon. The agents complained about being put into the position of having to call their clients during the wee morning.

[Chubby]

Sabres not qualfying Satan is pissing me off. They should have tendered him an offer then traded him for ANYTHING since that's better than the nothing we'll get for him now.

[RPI-Fan]

Sabres not qualfying Satan is pissing me off. They should have tendered him an offer then traded him for ANYTHING since that's better than the nothing we'll get for him now.

Yea', but if he turns around and accepts the offer, and nobody wants him for that price, you're stuck with him. I suspect the Sabres had an idea that nobody would have traded for him at his QO level.

[Karim]

My absolute biggest beef with the Bettman regime was removing the traditional conference and divisional names/alignment in favour of geographical alignment to satisfy newcomers to the game who 'didn't understand the funny names'. It was unique to hockey and part of its history.

This article (use http://www.bugmenot.com to by-pass registration):
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/cs-0507280302jul28,1,4682853.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true&coll=cs-hockey-print

suggests that a change back is being considered as early as next season. It would feature a return to the traditional 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3, divisional rivalries of the past.

The 'new' league structure could return as early as next season and would look like this:

CLARENCE CAMPBELL CONFERENCE

NORRIS DIVISION
Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues

SMYTHE DIVISION
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks

PRINCE OF WALES CONFERENCE

PATRICK DIVISION
Florida Panthers
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
New Jersey Devils
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals

ADAMS DIVISION
Atlanta Thrashers
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Carolina Hurricanes
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs

This would be f***ing awesome!!! What a way to repay long-time loyal fans!

[bbor]

Leafs need to be back in the (Chuck) Norris division for things to be proper.

[TazFTW]

Interesting comment on Eklund's blog

While I wrote this article another player, arguably one of the best at his position, instant messaged me claiming he has yet to talk to anyone from the team he played for. He said he gets the impression that the team "doesn't have a clue which way is up."
If Eklund is not bs'ing I wonder who could that be. First thought was Modano because I also follow the Stars and the only thing I've heard on the Modano front was him saying his agent will meet with Doug Armstrong during the week but apparently that did not happen because Modano then said his agent will meet with Armstrong at the draft. The problem with Modano is that I don't think people would currently consider him as one of the best at his position.

Who else? Iginla? I haven't heard anything concerning him and the Flames. Lecavalier? St. Louis? Kovalchuk?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Leafs need to be back in the (Chuck) Norris division for things to be proper.
Can I get a HELL YEAH!!

[Karim]

Who else? Iginla? I haven't heard anything concerning him and the Flames.
Sutter met with Meehan in Ottawa. 'Initial talks' are underway but I think the deal could take too long and hamper Sutter's ability to sign any free agents. The RFAs really need to be in place BEFORE you go shopping.

[Maple Leafs]

Leafs need to be back in the (Chuck) Norris division for things to be proper.
Damn right. And we also need to battle with Minnesota for the last playoff spot every year, with it coming down to the last night of the season with both teams tied with 52 points.

[TazFTW]

Interesting snippet from a TSN article.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=132066&hubName=nhl

Niedermayer and Forsberg are probably the only two free agents who have any chance of touching $7.8 million, but one team executive who requested anonymity believes the unofficial cap on stars will be $5 million a year. That's because while the salary cap this season is set at $39 million per team based on expected league-wide revenues of $1.7 billion, several GMs believe the damage done to the business from a year without hockey will bring revenues and therefore the cap down for the 2006-07 season - perhaps as low as $35 million.Can't wait to see how FA shapes up.

[Draft Dodger]

Interesting snippet from a TSN article.

Can't wait to see how FA shapes up.

I would say Thornton too will be up there, possibly more than Niedermeyer.

[Draft Dodger]

just saw that the Avs drafted Paul Stastny (Peter's son). very cool.

[TazFTW]

I would say Thornton too will be up there, possibly more than Niedermeyer.
I don't know if he would get that this year. The Bruins don't seem to want to pay him that much and because he is an RFA, I don't see another team paying the max and giving up multiple first rounders.

[RPI-Fan]

just saw that the Avs drafted Paul Stastny (Peter's son). very cool.

He's a good hockey player, saw him a few times on TV for DU.

[Wolfpack]

Leafs need to be back in the (Chuck) Norris division for things to be proper.

Trade Toronto and Nashville and it'd work. Also, you can up the bloodsport quotient by moving Colorado into the Norris, especially if the new NHL is going to place emphasis on division rivalries.

So, it'd be a Norris Division of Detroit, Toronto, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota and St. Louis. Feel the love.

[Draft Dodger]

So, it'd be a Norris Division of Detroit, Toronto, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota and St. Louis. Feel the love.

*salivates*

[TazFTW]

Stars re-sign Sergei Zubov to a 3 year deal worth $12 million.

[Maple Leafs]

Stars re-sign Sergei Zubov to a 3 year deal worth $12 million.
Interesting... helps set the benchmark in the "new" NHL. That seems higher than what I thought he'd be worth.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Interesting... helps set the benchmark in the "new" NHL. That seems higher than what I thought he'd be worth.
I was thinking the exact same thing. So a 35 year old mobile, puck moving defenseman is worth $4 million a year? So when he's a 38 year old mobile, puck moving defenseman he will be counting $4 million against the cap? Huh.

[Maple Leafs]

Wait, Zubov is 35?

Jesus, I must be 100 years old now...

[bbor]

Jesus, I must be 100 years old now...

That must make Muckler 175 years old then.:)

[sachmo71]

I was thinking the exact same thing. So a 35 year old mobile, puck moving defenseman is worth $4 million a year? So when he's a 38 year old mobile, puck moving defenseman he will be counting $4 million against the cap? Huh.

This is the guy who paid Pierre Turgeon $7 million per year.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have been checking out this Eklund guy's site. Since I have been following it he's batting .000. That said, it's still a fund place to check out rumors even if they're as about as accurate as me taking a dart with a free agent's name on it and throwing it at board with all 30 teams. It's about that random.

Still, I love the idea of Thornton being traded to Detroit even if it did cost us Datsyuk.

[Maple Leafs]

Leafs qualify Belak and Perrot, which would seem to be a bad sign for Domi sticking around.

They also wisely held onto Pilar... I really think this kid is going to be a good defenceman.

[TazFTW]

And the free agency period begins!

[HomerJSimpson]

And the free agency period begins!


Since I've recently gotten into EHM, it was fun to look at the Thrashers tendered/non-tendered group and feel like I knew who they were. :)

[Maple Leafs]

No announcements yet.

Maybe Naslund, Forsberg and Neidermayer's chartered plane was delayed on the way into Toronto?

[Honolulu_Blue]

No announcements yet.

Maybe Naslund, Forsberg and Neidermayer's chartered plane was delayed on the way into Toronto?
The only likely explanation.

So, the Bruins get Isbister from the Oil for a 4th rounder. I hope that wasn't the "HUGE" deal O'Connell was refering to.

It's odd. The Leafs get O'Neill for a conditional 4th rounder. Isbister goes to Boston for a 4th rounder. But Philly gets a 2nd round pick from the Ducks for Todd Fedoruk? Huh?

[Johnny93g]

Roberts and Niewy to FLorida (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050801_134911_5260)

Roberts and Nieuwendyk look like they signed with the Panthers. Both 2 year deals for 2.25 million a season.....thats a little rich, and a longer contract then i would have given them....Both still good players, but in this system, i say both are overpaid

[Honolulu_Blue]

Roberts and Niewy to FLorida (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050801_134911_5260)

Roberts and Nieuwendyk look like they signed with the Panthers. Both 2 year deals for 2.25 million a season.....thats a little rich, and a longer contract then i would have given them....Both still good players, but in this system, i say both are overpaid
Wow. I agree. Jeff O'Neill gets $1.5 and Nieuwendyk and Roberts $2.25 each? Sacre bleu! I don't know what's going on. It's all so confusing.

Well, the Panthers get a lot older and the Leafs get younger. Keenan is a mad man.

I see this as a couple of old buddies deciding to kick it Florida-style in the twlight of their careers. Some sun. Some beach. Some fishing. It's all good...

[Maple Leafs]

I guess JFJ and Quinn had made up their minds that they weren't interested in keeping Roberts and Niewendyk. Good signing by FLA... can't believe the Sens didn't make a run at those two.

[Maple Leafs]

Eklund says Iginla signs a 3x$6.5M deal, effectively setting the bar.

[TazFTW]

Oilers trade Brad Ibister to the Bruins for a 2006 4th rounder.

[sachmo71]

Oilers trade Brad Ibister to the Bruins for a 2006 4th rounder.



Yup.

[TazFTW]

Eklund says Iginla signs a 3x$6.5M deal, effectively setting the bar.
If that's true and it is the bar. The Stars better bring back Modano, the cheap bastards.


Eklund added that Iginla said he would sign for less if they went hard for Niedermeyer.

[Wolfpack]

It'll be an interesting time. I think the GMs are going to be struggling a little bit with their spending, particularly the ones that used to have a blank check. It took NFL GMs a while to get used to the cap there, but it's become such a science now. Wonder how long it'll take the NHL GMs to get used to the system and thinking in terms of both present and future cap numbers?

[TazFTW]

I've heard that some of the teams hired ex-NFL and/or ex-NBA guys to help navigate the cap.

[Karim]

Ville Niemenen was the only 'name' player not qualified by Sutter.

No doubt Sutter is working on the Iginla deal as I type because he stated unequivocally several times that no one else can be signed until Iggy is inked. It shapes the entire payroll/roster.

[Honolulu_Blue]

TSN is reporting that the Wild have signed Andrei Nazarov (no terms available) and the Blues signed Aaron Downey (no terms available).

I guess it starts not with a bang, but with a whimper...

What's with all these teams gathering tough guys? Fedoruk getting trader. Perrot/Belak signed. And now Nazarov and Downey... I love the tough guys, but I thought this was supposed to be the "kinder/gentler" NHL where speed, grace, and skill were valued over this type of brutishness.

[Maple Leafs]

I thought this was supposed to be the "kinder/gentler" NHL where speed, grace, and skill were valued ...And who better to make sure the speedy, graceful skilled guys are allowed to do their thing?

(Yes, I'm a caveman.)

[General Mike]

what are the Devils doing?

[Draft Dodger]

I've heard that some of the teams hired ex-NFL and/or ex-NBA guys to help navigate the cap.

well, the ex-NBA guy thing hasn't worked out for them so far... :rolleyes:

[sachmo71]

Downey one punched that guy from Carolina a few years ago...thing of beauty.

[bbor]

Hrm.....Newy and Roberts are gone.

Who fills the holes?

[TazFTW]

What's with all these teams gathering tough guys? Fedoruk getting trader. Perrot/Belak signed. And now Nazarov and Downey... I love the tough guys, but I thought this was supposed to be the "kinder/gentler" NHL where speed, grace, and skill were valued over this type of brutishness.

Fans love hockey fights?



Also I think they want to draw in more fans by getting them nostagic for their first glimpse of hockey.




http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5857/icehockey5pv.jpg

Go fat guys!