The OFFICIAL 2007 NHL Offseason Thread

[Draft Dodger]

The Wings got Zach Torquato in the 6th round. I actually have heard of this guy, which means he most likely has some upside to him. A decent pick that late in the draft.

fuckingZetterbergDatsyuklateroundpicks

anyway, the Avs also went with an offensive guy at D (5'11 Kevin Shatterkirk) with Petrecki on the board. seems like Petrecki is a guy a lot of fans would have liked to see taken

[Maple Leafs]

How much of Esposito's fall was scouts having 2+ years to search and find something to not like about him?

I'm seeing all sorts of things about him getting lazy, attitude issues, etc.
That's pretty much it. Apparently his attitude was quite poor this year, which worries a lot of people. If you can'tbe bothered to give a full effort when you have a chance to be the #1 overall pick, when will you give it.

The other knock on him was that despite his talent, he doesn't seem to make the players around him any better. Of course, that may not be much of an issue in Pittsburgh...

[TurnerONU22]

I might be a little biased, but I think Columbus did an excellent job of hosting the draft. My wife and I got downtown at about 4 pm, wandered around outside, then made our way in at about 4:30. We took a look around the concourse, seeing the different trophies, including the Stanley Cup (which I didn't go near). We ended up in line at the section we wanted to set in at about 5, so we waited about 30 minutes and then got some pretty good seats.

I wasn't able to sit close to the draft tables (those sections were reserved for the draftees and their parents), but we were able to sit right beside where the 'suits' were coming in an out (there is a nice lounge underneath where they were chatting, getting drinks, ect..). There were tons of people on the floor, moreso than I had expected. When I finish uploading the pictures, you'll be able to point out some of the people (probably better than I am) that we were able to notice.

The arena was completely full, and were very much into it. Bettman got his usual boos, but we were wise enough to give Gretzky a nice rousing cheer. We got to see the new jerseys of the Blue Jackets modeled by Fritsche and Shelley (very nice!). And the draft seemed to work out nicely for the Jackets, with Voracek falling right into their lap due to the selection of Hickey by LA. I still wanted Alzner, but since he was gone, Voracek was perfect.

We stayed for the first ten picks, then we had to leave, as my wife had to get up early for work the next day. I guess they gave Yzerman plenty of boos, which offended some (read: the same DET fans who boo Fedorov) , but he's associated with that state up north, so that was expected. The Jackets seemed to get a steal in the 4th round, trading up to get Mayorov, and then ended the draft in a classy fashion, by selecting the first ever Columbus born and raised prospect, Trent Vogelhuber.

All in all, it was a very cool experience, and I hope that the NHL enjoyed it enough that we can get an All-Star game in 2012 or 2013.

BTW, a link to the pictures should be up shortly!

[Suburban Rhythm]

The other knock on him was that despite his talent, he doesn't seem to make the players around him any better. Of course, that may not be much of an issue in Pittsburgh...

Right on. He can always play Rob Brown to Sid's Mario.

I was sort of torn watching Friday night with both Espo and Petrecki available at Pittsburgh pick. Even if Petrecki won't be in the NHL for 3 years, he's exactly what Pittsburgh is currently missing (outside of maybe Orpik). But when you have arguably the best talent in the draft fall to you at 20, you take him.

With Espo chosen and Recchi and Roberts back for another year, I don't see them bringing in a wing now, unless it's a mid or lower tier guy at one or two years (think Kyle Calder). And with the 4 young guns, plus guys like Armstong and Talbot filling bottom 6 roles, not really a need to sign a premier forward long term.

I'd love to see them go all out and nab Scott Hannan. Play him big minutes with Gonchar, and that allows Eaton to slide to the 3rd pair with Kris 'drink of the French astronaut' Letang or another low tier guy they bring in.

[TurnerONU22]

Here it is:

http://s197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/TurnerCU22/

NOTE: There are two pages, and those who don't have a title are the ones that I am unsure of who the person is

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Seeing over at HF, Coyotes are shopping Nick Boynton. Not in the Hannan class, but by far an upgrade over what he had last year in Scuderi and Melichar. Pens probably have the young forwards Phoenix may want.

[RPI-Fan]

I've played with Petrecki. He's not particularly great with the puck, and when I played there was no checking, etc. He did seem to read things quite well in the defensive zone. Didn't seem as big as he's made out to be.

[Coder]

I was really happy with the later rounds. A couple of mock drafts I saw had the Wings taking Joakim Andersson in the first round and the Wings got him in the 3rd. Seems like a good value. As a Wings' fan you can't help but be excited by the guy. First, he's Swedish. The land of Swede has been good, very good to the Wings. His favorite team is the Red Wings and his favorite player is Zetterberg. All good things. Hopefully he'll refine his offensive game and turn into Zetterberg 2.0.

The knock on Andersson is his skating. I've only seen him once, so I won't comment from personal experience, but just about every scout-report I've read says he's not a good skater. Now.. skating can be taught, so we'll see where he goes from here.

For next season, he's got a junior-pro contract with the big team (Frölunda) and will be practicing with the pro team but officially is still a junior player. He will, however, get a chance to be on the bench for a few pro-games and should get a few shifts during the regular season. If his development curve looks good, I think he'll be sent down to Boras of the second-tier league in Sweden to get some real ice time playing versus men rather than juniors.

Frolunda did that with both Joel and Henrik Lundqvist for one season and they progressed well there rather than playing only with the junior team and getting very little ice time in the Swedish Elite League.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just saw that Bill Simmons (ESPN 2) did a running diary for part of the NHL Draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070625&campaign=rsssrch&source=bill_simmons

[Maple Leafs]

Just saw that Bill Simmons (ESPN 2) did a running diary for part of the NHL Draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070625&campaign=rsssrch&source=bill_simmons
Cool. I'll have to check it out to see how many ways he can rephrease the "I've never heard of this guy due to the NHL's lack of popularity" joke.

[Draft Dodger]

the Simmons reference reminds me of a recent minor controversy. Adrian Dater - sportswriter for the Denver Post (and they guy who wrote "Blood Feud") the other day went OFF on ESPN because their on-air personalities steal scoops from print journalists. He takes a dig at Simmons as well.

not really hockey-related, but still an enjoyable rant.

The Denver Post took it down rather quickly. He did a follow up semi-apology, and that got nuked as well. the original post was saved by an Avs blogger.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/580283872_d82eae5d79_o.jpg

[Travis]

Here it is:

http://s197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/TurnerCU22/

NOTE: There are two pages, and those who don't have a title are the ones that I am unsure of who the person is

Thanks, good stuff!

[MikeVic]

I enjoyed that Simmons article. It was pretty funny. Although I don't think I have a Canadian accent. :mad:

[Maple Leafs]

The Denver Post took it down rather quickly. He did a follow up semi-apology, and that got nuked as well. the original post was saved by an Avs blogger.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/580283872_d82eae5d79_o.jpg
What a strang article. It reads like the sort of "real journalism vs info-tainment" rant you'd hear from some embedded reporter in Iraq or a bureau cheif in Korea... except it's from a guy who's noble call in life is to collect post-game cliches from Jorge Posada.

[Simms]

Although I don't think I have a Canadian accent. :mad:

Trust me, you do. :)

I used to think the whole concept of a Canadian accent was ridiculous....then I moved to the States. After a year of eliciting guffaws every time I said "sorry" or "about", I finally conceded that there might be a few dialectic differences.

[Fidatelo]

I don't get it, when I say "about", it sounds like "a-bowt", not "a-boot". Who are these Canadians that keep saying "a-boot"? Are they all french-canadians?

[sterlingice]

the Simmons reference reminds me of a recent minor controversy. Adrian Dater - sportswriter for the Denver Post (and they guy who wrote "Blood Feud") the other day went OFF on ESPN because their on-air personalities steal scoops from print journalists. He takes a dig at Simmons as well.

not really hockey-related, but still an enjoyable rant.

The Denver Post took it down rather quickly. He did a follow up semi-apology, and that got nuked as well. the original post was saved by an Avs blogger.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1393/580283872_d82eae5d79_o.jpg

I liked the article. Kindof silly that it got taken down tho it was more blog rant than deep article.

SI

[Travis]

I don't get it, when I say "about", it sounds like "a-bowt", not "a-boot". Who are these Canadians that keep saying "a-boot"? Are they all french-canadians?

My thoughts exactly.

[MikeVic]

I don't get it, when I say "about", it sounds like "a-bowt", not "a-boot". Who are these Canadians that keep saying "a-boot"? Are they all french-canadians?

Yeah, I don't get that one either. The other pronounciations I can't say yes or no... but I'm 99% sure I don't say a-boot. It's like you said: more like a-bowt.

[Draft Dodger]

I don't get it, when I say "about", it sounds like "a-bowt", not "a-boot". Who are these Canadians that keep saying "a-boot"? Are they all french-canadians?

there's a ton in the Ottawa valley, eh?

[Maple Leafs]

Canadians: "ah-bowt"
Americans: "ah-booowwwwwhhhhtttt"

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of Candian accents, one of the most bizzare sporting-related television events I can ever re-call watching was some snowboarding, half-pike Olympic event back in 1998.

I was watching CBC's coverage and they had some guy doing the commentary. He had this incredibly thick Canadian accent, but kept using all of the snowboarding lingo. It was very, very odd...

[Suburban Rhythm]

I made it this far...

Kudos to Canada and the NHL draft
By Bill Simmons


...then couldn't read anymore.

He is a shining example of everything that sucks about ESPN--too heavy on the 'E' (or at least attempting to be) and way short on the 'SP'.

I bet he was really pissed when the Sox won in '04 (I think that's when it was...maybe I should write a 50,000 word column sort of about MLB, which I admittedly don't follow, nor care about, and makes overused jokes about not caring about it).

In actual hockey news, Pittsburgh does not offer a qualifying deal to Michel Ouellett. He is a favorite whipping boy of Pens "fans". While I will admit he's not great, or really even good, he's a try hard type who can score some garbage goals. Poor skater, adequate defensively. He scored 19 times last year in about 70 games, getting only about 13 mins a game. Think poor man's Rob Brown (outside the 49 goal year).

Some team desperate for wings will pick him up.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Other names NOT getting QO's

Alex Auld, Alexei Semenov and Juraj Kolnik in FLA

Kris Beech and Jiri Novotny in WAS

Adam Hall in MIN

[Dr. Sak]

Instead of not giving an offer to Michel Ouellett they should get rid of Ryan Malone. He only shows up about 5 times a year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Instead of not giving an offer to Michel Ouellett they should get rid of Ryan Malone. He only shows up about 5 times a year.

Agree, but he's got a year left...something like $1.25M.
Hopefully someone will take him. The most important thing he brings to the team is he's from Pittsburgh, and Pittsburghers love other Pittsburghers.

Oh, and he had 2 HTs against the Isles, and played well at times on the PK. But mainly, he's from Pittsburgh.

[Pyser]

what the shit kind of collusion is this?!


The St. Louis Blues acquired the rights to centre Keith Tkachuk from the Atlanta Thrashers along with a conditional fourth round draft pick in 2008, which could become a third round choice in 2009, in exchange for a conditional first round draft choice in 2008 on Tuesday. This past February, the Blues shipped Tkachuk to Atlanta in exchange for a first round draft choice in 2007, a third round draft choice in 2007, a second round draft choice in 2008 and forward Glen Metropolit.

[Pyser]

dola

this is nice for devils fans, i guess. at least it should keep his price down:

In five days, Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski will be free to field offers from other teams as an unrestricted free agent. Although that possibility looms, Rafalski's agent, Bill Zito, reiterated Monday that his client wants to remain a Devil and has instructed him to make sure that happens. - bergen record

[bhlloy]

OK - so pick four guys from the following list to go into the hall of fame.

Messier
R. Francis
S. Stevens
MacInnis
Oates
Larionov
C. Lemieux
Damphousse

My initial thought is that Messier will get 100%, and Stevens is a no brainer. Lemieux is too hated to make it on such a tough list and doesn't have the numbers or the rep of the others. Damphousse isn't at the same level either IMO. So pick two of Francis, Oates, Larionov and MacInnis.

I'm amazed at how many points Ron Francis ended up with, and that coupled with his defensive play and 2 Stanley Cups means he makes it for sure. It's tough to leave Larionov off if you include all of his time in Russia, but I didn't see any of that and Oates stands out as one of the best playmakers I have ever seen. So I'll go with Oates for the last spot, with Larionov and MacInnis making it in easily next time.

A full list of first-year eligibles, along with notable guys who arent in yet is at
hxxp://www.legendsofhockey.net/html/ind07prolog.htm

[Honolulu_Blue]

OK - so pick four guys from the following list to go into the hall of fame.

Messier
R. Francis
S. Stevens
MacInnis
Oates
Larionov
C. Lemieux
Damphousse


Messier, Stevens, Larionov, and MacInnis. I am torn on Francis vs. MacInnis really...

[Pyser]

messier, francis, stevens, lemiuex

its all about multiple cups.

[General Mike]

I agree. Messier, Stevens, Francis and Oates get the Hall of Fame nod from me.

[st.cronin]

Messier, Stevens, Francis, Larionov.

[JonInMiddleGA]

what the shit kind of collusion is this?!


http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/thrashers/stories/2007/06/26/0626thrashers.html
In one small trade, the Thrashers increased their chances of signing Keith Tkachuk and at the same time aided the team widely considered the favorite to sign the veteran forward.

On Tuesday, the Thrashers traded the exclusive rights to negotiate with Tkachuk until July 1 to St. Louis. In return, the Thrashers no longer have to surrender a 2008 first-round draft pick to the Blues if they sign Tkachuk, which was a condition of the original trade with St. Louis in February.

If the Thrashers sign Tkachuk after free agency starts at noon on July 1, they now only have to give St. Louis a conditional fourth round selection in the 2008 draft that could become a third-round pick in the 2009 draft.

Confusing? A little, but as it stood before the trade the Thrashers weren't going to sign Tkachuk if they had to give up a first-round pick in a deep draft. That's no longer the case.

"[Signing Tkachuk] is a lot better possibility now that it was before, that's for sure," said general manager Don Waddell.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Messier, Stevens, Larionov, and MacInnis. I am torn on Francis vs. MacInnis really...


Probably biased as a Pens fan, but I think Francis is a lock. The 3 locks are Messier, Stevens and Francis. Everyone else is fighting for the 4th spot.

[MikeVic]

I'd also say Messier, Stevens, and Francis have to make it. Didn't realize how many points Francis ended up with either!

The last spot is hard, but I personally like MacInnis or Lemieux out of the rest. I view MacInnis as an upper-class defenceman, and Lemieux as the ultimate playoff performer.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd also say Messier, Stevens, and Francis have to make it. Didn't realize how many points Francis ended up with either!

The last spot is hard, but I personally like MacInnis or Lemieux out of the rest. I view MacInnis as an upper-class defenceman, and Lemieux as the ultimate playoff performer.

I think Lemieux's (deserved) reputation as a dirty player keeps him out this time around.

[bbor]

I think Lemieux's (deserved) reputation as a dirty player keeps him out this time around.

Spoken like a true Wings fan:D

Out with Claude in with Petr!

[Fidatelo]

Mess, Stevens, Francis, and Larionov.

[Dr. Sak]

I always found Stevens dirty but it seemed he always got a free pass.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Spoken like a true Wings fan:D

Out with Claude in with Petr!

Amen, brother! :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

I found this on Kukla's. These guys have been put on waivers. It's translated from French I believe. I love internet translations:

At least three players were placed at the ballot in the national League Wednesday. Thus, in Vancouver, Canucks made available to the other teams, the attacker Marc Chouinard.

In Phoneix, the Coyotes made the same thing with the center Kevyn Adams and the defender Nick Boynton.

In 42 parts the year spent, Chouinard marked two goals and obtained as many master keys.

For its part, Adams marked three goals and nine master keys in 33 meetings. As for Boynton, it registered two goals and nine master keys in 59 matches.

It should be provided that the contracts of all these players are repurchased by their team respective if they are not claimed.

At the Canadian, Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen were not claimed with the ballot.

[MikeVic]

I found this on Kukla's. These guys have been put on waivers. It's translated from French I believe. I love internet translations:

At least three players were placed at the ballot in the national League Wednesday. Thus, in Vancouver, Canucks made available to the other teams, the attacker Marc Chouinard.

In Phoneix, the Coyotes made the same thing with the center Kevyn Adams and the defender Nick Boynton.

In 42 parts the year spent, Chouinard marked two goals and obtained as many master keys.

For its part, Adams marked three goals and nine master keys in 33 meetings. As for Boynton, it registered two goals and nine master keys in 59 matches.

It should be provided that the contracts of all these players are repurchased by their team respective if they are not claimed.

At the Canadian, Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen were not claimed with the ballot.

I am SO confused!

[Fidatelo]

I'm saddened to see that Chouinard had only 2 master keys all year. :(

[Suburban Rhythm]

I found this on Kukla's. These guys have been put on waivers. It's translated from French I believe. I love internet translations:

At least three players were placed at the ballot in the national League Wednesday. Thus, in Vancouver, Canucks made available to the other teams, the attacker Marc Chouinard.

In Phoneix, the Coyotes made the same thing with the center Kevyn Adams and the defender Nick Boynton.

In 42 parts the year spent, Chouinard marked two goals and obtained as many master keys.

For its part, Adams marked three goals and nine master keys in 33 meetings. As for Boynton, it registered two goals and nine master keys in 59 matches.

It should be provided that the contracts of all these players are repurchased by their team respective if they are not claimed.

At the Canadian, Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen were not claimed with the ballot.


Boynton was waived??:eek: :confused:
They couldn't get SOMETHING for him?

[Draft Dodger]

that was my thought as well

[Pyser]

alright, lets dance. predict the team they'll end up with, and the terms of the contract (ie souray - toronto, 5 yr, 40m).

i went through the list fast, if there's someone you are really interested in, i can add them or you can add them yourself.

Scott Gomez
Chris Drury
Daniel Briere
Ryan Smyth
Sheldon Souray
Peter Forsberg
Brian Rafalski
Michael Nylander
Alexei Yashin
Jason Blake
Tom Preissing
Mike Comrie
Michael Peca
Todd Bertuzzi
Robert Lang
Mathieu Schneider
Paul Kariya
Teemu Selanne
Bill Guerin
Eric Lindros
Keith Tkachuk

[bbor]

that was my thought as well

Ditto

[Maple Leafs]

I found this on Kukla's. These guys have been put on waivers. It's translated from French I believe. I love internet translations:

At least three players were placed at the ballot in the national League Wednesday. Thus, in Vancouver, Canucks made available to the other teams, the attacker Marc Chouinard.

In Phoneix, the Coyotes made the same thing with the center Kevyn Adams and the defender Nick Boynton.

In 42 parts the year spent, Chouinard marked two goals and obtained as many master keys.

For its part, Adams marked three goals and nine master keys in 33 meetings. As for Boynton, it registered two goals and nine master keys in 59 matches.

It should be provided that the contracts of all these players are repurchased by their team respective if they are not claimed.

At the Canadian, Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen were not claimed with the ballot.
This reads like a Breaking News report from OOTP 6.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ditto

Yes, me too.

[Johnny93g]

alright, lets dance. predict the team they'll end up with, and the terms of the contract (ie souray - toronto, 5 yr, 40m).

i went through the list fast, if there's someone you are really interested in, i can add them or you can add them yourself.

Scott Gomez -Toronto
Chris Drury -Toronto
Daniel Briere -Toronto
Ryan Smyth -Toronto
Sheldon Souray -Toronto
Peter Forsberg -Toronto
Brian Rafalski -Toronto
Michael Nylander -Toronto
Alexei Yashin -Toronto
Jason Blake -Toronto
Tom Preissing -Toronto
Mike Comrie -Toronto
Michael Peca -Toronto
Todd Bertuzzi -Toronto
Robert Lang -Toronto
Mathieu Schneider -Toronto
Paul Kariya -Toronto
Teemu Selanne -Toronto
Bill Guerin -Toronto
Eric Lindros -Toronto
Keith Tkachuk -Toronto

Amazingly, they all sign for the minimum

[Suburban Rhythm]

Scott Gomez- PHI
Chris Drury- BUF
Daniel Briere - NYR
Ryan Smyth - NYI
Sheldon Souray - CLB
Peter Forsberg - Meadowcrest Retirement Community Traveling Team
Brian Rafalski- NJ
Michael Nylander- ATL
Alexei Yashin - MTL
Jason Blake - DAL
Tom Preissing - EDM
Mike Comrie - OTT
Michael Peca - LA
Todd Bertuzzi - TB
Robert Lang - CLB
Mathieu Schneider - SJ
Paul Kariya - NAS
Teemu Selanne -ANA
Bill Guerin - STL
Eric Lindros - PHO (or, Flyers if they can't land another C... ;) )
Keith Tkachuk - ATL



Adding:

Scott Hannan - PIT
Corey Sarich - PIT
...cause we need D goddamnit!

[Pyser]

ive given it little to no thought, but im bored, so here goes.

Scott Gomez - NJ - 6 yr, 40m
Chris Drury - BUF - 5 year, 34m
Daniel Briere - NYI - 7 yr, 51m
Ryan Smyth - DET - 4 yr, 25m
Sheldon Souray - EDM - 5 yr, 35m
Peter Forsberg - COL - 1 yr, $5m
Brian Rafalski - NJ - 4 yr, 20m
Michael Nylander - NYR - 3 yr, 16m
Alexei Yashin - WSH - 3 yr, 12m
Jason Blake - NSH - 4 yr, 21m
Tom Preissing - OTT - 5 yr, 18m
Mike Comrie - TOR - 3 yr, 11m
Michael Peca - BOS - 2 yr, $6m
Todd Bertuzzi - DAL - 1 yr, $3m
Robert Lang - ATL - 2 yr, $5m
Mathieu Schneider - DET - 3 yr, $13m
Paul Kariya - BUF - 1 yr, $4m
Teemu Selanne - ANA - 1 yr, $4.5m
Bill Guerin - STL - 2 yr, $6m
Eric Lindros - PHI, 1 yr, $3m
Keith Tkachuk - PHI - 1 yr, $3m

[Pyser]

dola

the devils didnt tender oduya.

i guess they like the kids in the minors, but with rafalski and lukowich about to hit the open market, its a curious decision giving up on a speedy 26 year old defender...

[Suburban Rhythm]

dola

the devils didnt tender oduya.

i guess they like the kids in the minors, but with rafalski and lukowich about to hit the open market, its a curious decision giving up on a speedy 26 year old defender...

That is weird. In all the Pens-Devs games, he played a fair amount, and played solidly. Why not keep a guy who can do that and is cheap?

[Dr. Sak]

Eric Lindros - PHI, 1 yr, $3m


I think hell would freeze over before the Flyers brought back Lindros.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I can't believe this is true, but...

Seeing that Philly is potentially moving Joni Pitkanen to Carolina for Niclas Wallin, or Wallin +________.

The kicker is Wallin has a NTC...how in the world, I don't know.

If that +___________ is not someone named Erik Cole or Andew Ladd, Philly is insane to make that deal. The only thing they get out of it is potential cap space to sign Gomez or Briere.

[Dr. Sak]

I was in that thread reading it when you were. If it were Clarke as the GM, I could see him doing Pitkanen for Wallin. But I dont think Holmegren will do it. I'm not saying Pitkanen won't go, but it will take more than Wallin.

[Pumpy Tudors]

dola

the devils didnt tender oduya.

i guess they like the kids in the minors, but with rafalski and lukowich about to hit the open market, its a curious decision giving up on a speedy 26 year old defender...
What is Lou up to now? I wasn't happy when David Hale got traded away, but the Oduya/Greene combo at defense was serviceable enough through the regular season. Now Oduya's gone. Is it just me, or do the Devils always seem to scraping to find a defenseman during the regular season? Maybe they wouldn't have to do things like play a 30-year-old Alex Brooks if they would stick with some of the young defensemen they already have.

So, now that we know Oduya isn't coming back, who wants to guess that Tommy Albelin is sitting at home waiting for the yearly desperation call from Lou?

[MikeVic]

What is Lou up to now? I wasn't happy when David Hale got traded away, but the Oduya/Greene combo at defense was serviceable enough through the regular season. Now Oduya's gone. Is it just me, or do the Devils always seem to scraping to find a defenseman during the regular season? Maybe they wouldn't have to do things like play a 30-year-old Alex Brooks if they would stick with some of the young defensemen they already have.

So, now that we know Oduya isn't coming back, who wants to guess that Tommy Albelin is sitting at home waiting for the yearly desperation call from Lou?

I heard Ken Danyko is patiently waiting as well.

[MikeVic]

Looks like it's Messier, Francis, Stevens, and MacInnis in the Hall:

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=323260&page=NewsPage&service=page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Messier, Francis, MacInnis, Stevens earn spots in Hockey Hall of Fame
Associated Press Jun 28, 2007, 3:58 PM EDT
TORONTO (AP) - Mark Messier, the NHL's second-leading career scorer, highlights the newest class of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Also elected Thursday were players Ron Francis, Al MacInnis and Scott Stevens. NHL executive Jim Gregory was voted in as a builder.

Messier trails only longtime teammate Wayne Gretzky on the NHL's points list.

All four players were on the ballot for the first time. Other eligible players who didn't make it in included Adam Oates, Igor Larionov and Claude Lemieux.

The induction ceremony for the Hall, which allows a maximum of four players in each year, will be held Nov. 12.

[Maple Leafs]

OK, I have to ask -- why does Claude Lemieux keep getting brought up? Didn't he have like 800 career points? Did he ever even top 40 goals? I know he won a few Cups, but beyond that what makes him worth listing with all these other legends? Even Adam Oates is a borderline hall of famer and he has like twice the career points as Lemieux.

Is this some sort of big joke I'm not in on?

[Pyser]

4 cups and a conn smythe.

but then again, as a devils fan, im clearly biased.

[bbor]

OK, I have to ask -- why does Claude Lemieux keep getting brought up? Didn't he have like 800 career points? Did he ever even top 40 goals? I know he won a few Cups, but beyond that what makes him worth listing with all these other legends? Even Adam Oates is a borderline hall of famer and he has like twice the career points as Lemieux.

Is this some sort of big joke I'm not in on?


We just like watching HB get in a snit :p

[Honolulu_Blue]

OK, I have to ask -- why does Claude Lemieux keep getting brought up? Didn't he have like 800 career points? Did he ever even top 40 goals? I know he won a few Cups, but beyond that what makes him worth listing with all these other legends? Even Adam Oates is a borderline hall of famer and he has like twice the career points as Lemieux.

Is this some sort of big joke I'm not in on?

Here here!

[Karim]

Is anyone in Kansas City excited about the prospects of the Predators moving in?

It sucks to be from Hamilton though, especially after selling 17,000+ tickets in 10 days.

I don't think any of the media really knows what's going on but if Bettman quickly green lights the relocation to KC, then it's clear he didn't want the team moving to Canada. Either that, or Balsillie is a major league asshole that no one can stand and the Board of Governors couldn't envision him as a legtimate long-term partner.

I can't imagine being a fan of a team that gets moved...

My prediction: Predators move to KC and the NHL announces expansion to Vegas and Hamilton making a nice 32 team league enabling Detroit to move to the Eastern Conference.

[Honolulu_Blue]

We just like watching HB get in a snit :p

This for you bbor. Bask in the greatness...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

[Travis]

This for you bbor. Bask in the greatness...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

Bookmarked...

:D

[bbor]

Who was that in net for the Bruins?Ranford?or Moog?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Who was that in net for the Bruins?Ranford?or Moog?

I think it was Moog. If I recall correctly, Ranford was actually in goal for the Oilers.

[Pyser]

What is Lou up to now? I wasn't happy when David Hale got traded away, but the Oduya/Greene combo at defense was serviceable enough through the regular season. Now Oduya's gone. Is it just me, or do the Devils always seem to scraping to find a defenseman during the regular season? Maybe they wouldn't have to do things like play a 30-year-old Alex Brooks if they would stick with some of the young defensemen they already have.

So, now that we know Oduya isn't coming back, who wants to guess that Tommy Albelin is sitting at home waiting for the yearly desperation call from Lou?

it gets weirder:

"Oduya was not qualified," general manager Lou Lamoriello confirmed. "There was no reason for the decision, but we will do everything we can on (Sunday) to sign him. We want to keep him."

maybe they want to sign him for cheaper than the qualifying offer? i dont get it.

the devs also re-signed rupp. 2 years, $1-mil total. and cam jannsen was qualified, which i like, but doesnt make a whole lot of sense either. guess we'll still be fighting next year, which is good.

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07180/798021-61.stm

The success and popularity of the Penguins' young team has taken the organization to new heights in ticket sales.

Because of demand that is about to reach the equivalent of a club-record 13,500 full-season ticket packages, the Penguins have stopped taking deposits for full- and half-season plans and have begun a wait list for those plans.

The previous team record was 12,250 full-season ticket equivalents in 1992-93, the season after the Penguins won their second consecutive -- and most recent -- Stanley Cup.

[Dr. Sak]

For my American friends who cannot pickup a TSN feed, the NHL.com website is suppose to set up a link directly to the TSN feed for their Free Agency show on Sunday. Keep an eye out for it. I watched the Trading Deadline show on TSN and it was really good.

[sterlingice]

Is anyone in Kansas City excited about the prospects of the Predators moving in?

It sucks to be from Hamilton though, especially after selling 17,000+ tickets in 10 days.

I don't think any of the media really knows what's going on but if Bettman quickly green lights the relocation to KC, then it's clear he didn't want the team moving to Canada. Either that, or Balsillie is a major league asshole that no one can stand and the Board of Governors couldn't envision him as a legtimate long-term partner.

I can't imagine being a fan of a team that gets moved...

My prediction: Predators move to KC and the NHL announces expansion to Vegas and Hamilton making a nice 32 team league enabling Detroit to move to the Eastern Conference.

The NHL needs to be the first into Vegas.

SI

[MikeVic]

This for you bbor. Bask in the greatness...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk1Y0qB22F0

Nice!

Didn't Ranford win the Conn Smythe this year?

[Pumpy Tudors]

it gets weirder:

"Oduya was not qualified," general manager Lou Lamoriello confirmed. "There was no reason for the decision, but we will do everything we can on (Sunday) to sign him. We want to keep him."

maybe they want to sign him for cheaper than the qualifying offer? i dont get it.

the devs also re-signed rupp. 2 years, $1-mil total. and cam jannsen was qualified, which i like, but doesnt make a whole lot of sense either. guess we'll still be fighting next year, which is good.
"There was no reason for the decision"? What the hell does that even mean? You don't fail to give a qualifying offer, then claim you want to re-sign the guy for "no reason." Lou is out of his tree.

I guess I don't mind having Rupp back. Obviously, his biggest moment was his Cup-winning goal in 2003, but he really didn't contribute as much as I'd expected last season. I don't know if it was Julien's system or what, but Rupp didn't seem to get near the net as much as he did in his first stint with the Devils. For $500k a year, though, it's probably good to have somebody who at least has some experience with the team.

As far as Janssen goes, I don't get it at all. I know tons of people think that he's a dirty player now, but the Kaberle incident aside, he seems to be an OK kid on the ice. I just don't see any potential in him. I don't recall the Devils ever really sticking with a guy whose sole purpose was to throw punches. How long did Reid Simpson or Krzysztof Oliwa last with New Jersey? How valuable were they? I like Cam Janssen, but I just hope that he can add to his role with the team. He doesn't have to score, but he's got to learn how to harass opponents without always taking a penalty to do it.

[Dr. Sak]

2007-08 season, the salary cap will rise to a maximum of $50.3-million. That's a $6-million increase from the past season when the cap was set at $44-million.

[Honolulu_Blue]

2007-08 season, the salary cap will rise to a maximum of $50.3-million. That's a $6-million increase from the past season when the cap was set at $44-million.

Huh. I guess that's what people were thinking.

I would to see a comparison of average team salaries and average player salaries as the start of the 07-08 season compared to the 03-04 season.

In any event, the madness begins on Sunday. Messrs. Gomez, Briere, Drury, Smyth and some others are going to be very rich men.

[Dr. Sak]

Source USA Today
Total Payroll 2003-04

Detroit Red Wings $ 77,856,109
New York Rangers $ 76,488,716
Dallas Stars $ 68,578,885
Philadelphia Flyers $ 68,175,247
Colorado Avalanche $ 63,382,458
Toronto Maple Leafs $ 62,458,140
St. Louis Blues $ 61,675,000
Los Angeles Kings $ 53,833,800
Anaheim Ducks $ 53,296,750
Washington Capitals $ 50,895,750
New Jersey Devils $ 48,931,658
Boston Bruins $ 46,569,000
Vancouver Canucks $ 42,074,500
New York Islanders $ 40,865,500
Ottawa Senators $ 39,590,000
Phoenix Coyotes $ 39,249,750
Montreal Canadiens $ 38,857,000
Calgary Flames $ 36,402,575
Carolina Hurricanes $ 35,908,738
San Jose Sharks $ 34,455,000
Tampa Bay Lightning $ 34,065,379
Columbus Blue Jackets $ 34,000,000
Edmonton Oilers $ 33,375,000
Buffalo Sabres $ 32,954,250
Chicago Blackhawks $ 30,867,502
Atlanta Thrashers $ 28,547,500
Minnesota Wild $ 27,200,500
Florida Panthers $ 26,127,500
Pittsburgh Penguins $ 23,400,000
Nashville Predators $ 21,932,500

[Dr. Sak]

2003-04 Median Salaries

Year / Median Salary
2003-04
Team Median Salary
New York Rangers $ 2,800,000
Dallas Stars $ 2,600,000
Philadelphia Flyers $ 2,425,000
Detroit Red Wings $ 1,500,000
Toronto Maple Leafs $ 1,500,000
New Jersey Devils $ 1,425,000
Montreal Canadiens $ 1,350,000
Boston Bruins $ 1,300,000
Anaheim Ducks $ 1,267,500
San Jose Sharks $ 1,200,000
Tampa Bay Lightning $ 1,115,000
Vancouver Canucks $ 1,113,750
Edmonton Oilers $ 1,075,000
Ottawa Senators $ 1,075,000
Phoenix Coyotes $ 1,075,000
Columbus Blue Jackets $ 1,050,000
Buffalo Sabres $ 1,000,000
Calgary Flames $ 950,000
Los Angeles Kings $ 950,000
Washington Capitals $ 917,500
Florida Panthers $ 902,500
New York Islanders $ 900,000
Minnesota Wild $ 850,000
St. Louis Blues $ 837,500
Atlanta Thrashers $ 787,500
Carolina Hurricanes $ 750,000
Colorado Avalanche $ 750,000
Chicago Blackhawks $ 701,251
Nashville Predators $ 700,000
Pittsburgh Penguins $ 625,000

[Draft Dodger]

so, 20 of the 30 teams had payrolls below the current cap. Nice job, NHL

[Travis]

Team Salary Range 03/04: $21,932,500 - $77,856,109
Team Salary Range 07/08: $34,300,000 - $50,300,000

Though I still think the biggest help for the Canadian markets is the value of the dollar right now as compared to pre strike levels.

[Pyser]

the blues signed tkachuk - 2 years, 8 mil.

so i ask again:

what the shit kind of collusion is this?!


The St. Louis Blues acquired the rights to centre Keith Tkachuk from the Atlanta Thrashers along with a conditional fourth round draft pick in 2008, which could become a third round choice in 2009, in exchange for a conditional first round draft choice in 2008 on Tuesday. This past February, the Blues shipped Tkachuk to Atlanta in exchange for a first round draft choice in 2007, a third round draft choice in 2007, a second round draft choice in 2008 and forward Glen Metropolit.

[General Mike]

Rangers won't get anyone :(

[Draft Dodger]

Bruins have traded for Manny Fernandez.

[sterlingice]

Bruins have traded for Manny Fernandez.

Former Houston Aero (tho from what I understand, a jerk) :)

SI

[RPI-Fan]

Bruins have traded for Manny Fernandez.

From what I read, people are killing the Bruins on the trade. Apparantly Kalus is a stud, and looked very good in his stint last year.

[Dr. Sak]

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a two-year deal paying him $5.5 million and $5.75 million.

[Draft Dodger]

From what I read, people are killing the Bruins on the trade. Apparantly Kalus is a stud, and looked very good in his stint last year.

wouldn't shock me - the Bruins have been making awful trades for years now.

[bronconick]

San Jose extends Thornton for 3 years at 7.2 million per.(with one year left on the current deal at 6.67)

That's a steal considering what Briere, Drury and Gomez will be signing for.

Rumors also have it that Iginla is considering a 4 year, 7 million per extension in Calgary.

Liking where you play apparently means something once you get over say, 5 million a year, i'd say.

[DeToxRox]

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a two-year deal paying him $5.5 million and $5.75 million.

Thank God. As a Wings fan, I am glad he is gone as I don't see a 4th forward being worth that kind of cash. His defense just isn't his main concern and I'd rather let Kindl take his spot, though it'd still require another loss of a defensemen.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=txthrasherswhite&prov=st&type=lgns

ATLANTA (TICKER) -- Todd White is on the move again.

White on Sunday became the first free agent to switch teams this summer by agreeing to terms on a multi-year contract with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada is reporting the deal is worth $9.5 million over four years.

Since making his NHL debut with Chicago in 1997-98, White also has played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild.

"Todd is a high-character individual and a talented all-around center who will flourish in our system," Atlanta general manager Don Waddell said. "He is highly competitive and plays at a level that will complement and improve our existing group of forwards."

A product of Clarkson University, White signed as an undrafted free agent with Chicago in August 1997. He appeared in seven games with the Blackhawks the following season, recording a goal and two penalty minutes, and went on to notch five tallies and eight assists in 35 contests in 1998-99.

After stints with the Flyers and Senators, the 32-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Wild. In 2006-07, White registered 13 goals and 31 assists in 77 contests.

A native of Ontario, White has collected 97 tallies and 243 points in 414 career games. He enjoyed his best season in 2002-03 with Ottawa, recording career highs of 25 goals and 60 points in 80 games.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Briere to Philly. 8 years, $52 million ($6.5 million a year).

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212425&hubname=nhl

[Honolulu_Blue]

Some smaller signings...

Tom Poti goes to Washington, 4 years at $3.5 million a year.

The Panthers signed forwards Richard Zednik (2 years, around $1.7 million a year) and Brett McLean (3 years, $1.7 million a year).

Cory Sarich goes to Calgary, 5 year deal, $3.6 million a year. I would imagine that signals the end for Brad Stuart and Roman Hamrlik in Calgary.

Saw a rumor that Gomez was headed to the Rangers...

[DeToxRox]

Briere to Philly. 8 years, $52 million ($6.5 million a year).

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212425&hubname=nhl

10 million this year for Bre, outrageous.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh my...

Brian Rafalski is a Wing.

(Maybe).

No. He is. 5 years, $30 million.

I need to think about this.

[DeToxRox]

Oh my...

Brian Rafalski is a Wing.

(Maybe).

No. He is. 5 years, $30 million.

I need to think about this.

Source?

I trust you HB,only ask tho because the HF die hards haven't posted it yet.

[Pyser]

wow thats steep for rafalski.

this better free up enough money for gomez now for the devils.

and they better sign martin to a long term deal, cuz we have no one left on defense...

[Dr. Sak]

Source?

I trust you HB,only ask tho because the HF die hards haven't posted it yet.

TSN has it up.

[Draft Dodger]

I'm not the biggest Rafalski fan in the world, but, from Detroit's standpoint, it sure looks good to upgrade from Schneider to Rafalski.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Source?

I trust you HB,only ask tho because the HF die hards haven't posted it yet.

No problem at all. I didn't have time to post all the info, wife just go back from a trip while I was posting it.

That is a lot for Rafalski. Long term too. I know he's good with puck and a local guy, but I haven't watched enough Devils' games to know just how good he is and if he's worth that kind of long term money.

Psyer? Pumpy? Others?

[RPI-Fan]

No problem at all. I didn't have time to post all the info, wife just go back from a trip while I was posting it.

That is a lot for Rafalski. Long term too. I know he's good with puck and a local guy, but I haven't watched enough Devils' games to know just how good he is and if he's worth that kind of long term money.

Psyer? Pumpy? Others?

He's small, but other than that is pretty great at everything. I'm surprised it wasn't a bigger deal when it became clear that he wouldn't re-sign with the Devils. For equal money, I'd take Rafa over Schneider without a doubt. He doesn't get hurt and never squawks.

[Draft Dodger]

so far, the 9 UFA's we know salary for have averaged a 46% raise ($1,212,500) ranging from Zednik's 14% pay cut to McLean's 133% raise


http://inthecheapseats.com/avs07/fa.htm

[Chubby]

Gee, the lockout did wonders to keeping salaries down.

I love Briere but I wouldn't have wanted the Sabres to pay $10 mil for him this season.

[Draft Dodger]

what exactly is a no movement clause?

[RPI-Fan]

Gee, the lockout did wonders to keeping salaries down.

I love Briere but I wouldn't have wanted the Sabres to pay $10 mil for him this season.

The lockout wasn't intended to keep salaries down, per se. It was intended to ensure that they don't grow more than revenues. So the lockout is working exactly like it was supposed to.

[RPI-Fan]

what exactly is a no movement clause?

This comes from the forum on hockeybuzz.com, but seems plausible enough...

No, a no movement clause means McCabe can't be traded or demoted or moved to any other team without McCabe's permission. He cannot be put on waivers because no one would be allowed to claim him, thus causing him to move.

The only thing the Leafs can do without McCabe's permission is buy him out.

[Dr. Sak]

what exactly is a no movement clause?

I'm guessing a no trade with a clause that says he cant be sent down either.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins re-sign Ryan Whitney to a 6 year, $24M extension.

Seems a little high now, but they have cap space. And in years 5 and 6 of that deal, $4M will be a steal.

[Dr. Sak]

I think that was a smart move by the Pens.

[Draft Dodger]

THORNTON TO THE BRUINS!!!!!



...oh, Shawn Thornton

[Pyser]

No problem at all. I didn't have time to post all the info, wife just go back from a trip while I was posting it.

That is a lot for Rafalski. Long term too. I know he's good with puck and a local guy, but I haven't watched enough Devils' games to know just how good he is and if he's worth that kind of long term money.

Psyer? Pumpy? Others?

well, he's healthy, for one. he plays 82 games a year. and for his size, he's quite a good defender. he can handle most forwards who outweigh him by a lot. he is a fairly good skater. and his shot, mostly on the pp, is very deflectable, which is where he gets a good amount of his points from. and he can kill penalties.

his downside, though, is his turnovers. he doesnt have a great breakout pass (many go for icing), or are just intercepted up the middle. he handled the puck pretty horribly against the sens in the playoffs.

all in all, it's probably a nice upgrade for detroit, and rafalski should be very excited to be playing at home. but $6m when he's 38 could be a problem...

[bhlloy]

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a two-year deal paying him $5.5 million and $5.75 million.

Just got back and saw this. I guess we needed an offensive defenseman, but there has got to be cheaper out there. Now if Selanne retires, we really could have used the space under the cap for a scorer.

[Simms]

Semi-speculative stuff ...

Oilers have apparently traded Jason Smith to the Flyers. One rumor had Smith and Lupul for Pitkanen and Geoff Sanderson. No confirmation other than the fact that Smith has been traded.

[Simms]

Just got back and saw this. I guess we needed an offensive defenseman, but there has got to be cheaper out there. Now if Selanne retires, we really could have used the space under the cap for a scorer.

From a Ducks press release earlier ... take it for what it's worth.

“Scott Niedermayer has informed me that he is leaning toward retirement,” said Burke. “Typical of his character and leadership, he made the call this morning in order to allow us to make alternative plans in the event he does not return. Although he has not retired and would be welcomed back, we felt adding another top NHL defenseman was critical to defending our championship. Mathieu Schneider fits into that category and will be a great addition to our team.”

[Simms]

Other substantive (ie, non-Eklund) rumors ... Blake to Toronto, Ryan Smyth to the Avs. Supposedly both are very close.

[Logan]

Gomez to the Rangers. 7 years, $49 million.

[Draft Dodger]

raises are at 51% right now
http://inthecheapseats.com/avs07/fa.htm

[Draft Dodger]

dola...what a wild day

[Simms]

Oilers have apparently traded Jason Smith to the Flyers. One rumor had Smith and Lupul for Pitkanen and Geoff Sanderson. No confirmation other than the fact that Smith has been traded.

This is now confirmed as written, with the addition of the Flyers' 3rd going to Edmonton.

[Simms]

Dater (the Denver Post writer who ripped ESPN -- see a couple pages back) has backed off the Smyth rumor.

[Simms]

Jason Blake to the Leafs ... 5 years, $20m.

[Simms]

Sportsnet reporting that the Rangers have also signed Drury.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070701_162329_4180

[Milton]

Gomez leaves behind a half empty arena, the prospect of playing his whole career in near anonymity and a team on the downswing (aging Brodeur) for a resurgent Ranger team that people actually give a shit about. Win-Win.

[DeToxRox]

NHL free agency has Maximum Football coding.

[Draft Dodger]

Drury, Gomez and Jagr? geez.

[Logan]

Gomez leaves behind a half empty arena, the prospect of playing his whole career in near anonymity and a team on the downswing (aging Brodeur) for a resurgent Ranger team that people actually give a shit about. Win-Win.

Everything's true except the first part.

[Dr. Sak]

I hope Joni Pitkanen works out for the Oilers. I always liked him but he never really had any fire under his ass. Hopefully a change of scenery helps it.

[Chief Rum]

Just got back and saw this. I guess we needed an offensive defenseman, but there has got to be cheaper out there. Now if Selanne retires, we really could have used the space under the cap for a scorer.

If Teemu retires, let's bring back Paul.

[Draft Dodger]

for his 51 point season, Viktor Kozlov triples his salary - from $865,000 to $2,500,000

[Draft Dodger]

16 players, $23 million in salary increases.

[RPI-Fan]

for his 51 point season, Viktor Kozlov triples his salary - from $865,000 to $2,500,000

To be fair, that could be one sick line/PP with Ovechkin-Kozlov-Semin.

[Milton]

Everything's true except the first part.


'tis all true.

[RPI-Fan]

'tis all true.

I think the idea was that he's moving from one half-empty arena to another...

[Draft Dodger]

Hannan to the Avs.
I'm probably one of the few Avs fan not to be all that hot for Hannan; I'm just not sure he's the best fit for the existing squad. Still, $4.5 million seems lower than he could have gotten.

AND the better news is that it doesn't leave any room for Sheldon Souray...heavily rumored to be coming here.

[Dr. Sak]

Anaheim Ducks's defenceman Scott Niedermayer Is about to announce he is retiring from the NHL.

[Karim]

I'm a fan of Hannan and hate seeing him go to the Avs. I think he's a bargain at $4.5 million. Now I just hope the rumours of Smyth to the Avs don't come true.

[RPI-Fan]

The Islanders board is in full meltdown right now.

[Chief Rum]

Anaheim Ducks's defenceman Scott Niedermayer Is about to announce he is retiring from the NHL.

Yup, saw that running across TSN's web site. I'm sad to see him go, but I can't really fault him for the decision.

[DeToxRox]

The Islanders board is in full meltdown right now.

Which one? HF? If so, check out the Sabres, it is great reading.

[Draft Dodger]

The Islanders board is in full meltdown right now.

wait until they see their disgusting new jerseys

[Draft Dodger]

I'm a fan of Hannan and hate seeing him go to the Avs. I think he's a bargain at $4.5 million. Now I just hope the rumours of Smyth to the Avs don't come true.

I had him pegged around 5.5 million - compared to the Rafalski and especially the Schneider contract, 4.5 seems pretty nice.

Smyth has been rumored to be coming to Colorado since well before the trade deadline. Wherever he's going, I wish he'd hurry up and get there.

[RPI-Fan]

wait until they see their disgusting new jerseys

Do you have a link? Or have they not been released yet? Where have you seen them?

[Draft Dodger]

Do you have a link? Or have they not been released yet? Where have you seen them?

http://www.scottcoates.com/NYI2008.jpg

it's been floating around for about 2 weeks now. the pic is supposedly legit, in that it was taken somewhere inside the Wang Center in mid-May (obviously, before they decided to axe Mr Yashin). Whether it depicts the new jersey, a rejected prototype, or something else, no one really knows. it's not like the Islanders aren't known for putting gaudy jerseys on the ice.

Too bad...the early 80s jerseys were gorgeous.

[Suburban Rhythm]

How did nobody post Michel Ouellett to Tampa yet? :confused:
$1.2M a year for 2 years. Can't believe the Pens couldn't have at least gotten a conditional pick for him.

[TazFTW]

Sportsnet reporting that the Rangers have also signed Drury.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070701_162329_4180

Awesome. :cool:

[Dr. Sak]

So in total, how much is tied up in Drury, Jagr, and Gomez?

[johnnyshaka]

Boy, sure is tough to be an Oilers' fan on a day like today...we've got all this cap space and lots of young talent and the best we can do is trade for a young defenseman who hasn't fulfilled his potential and who's going to be entering his RFA years and a 35-year old winger. With most of the big names in the FA market off the board, I'm afraid the Oilers are no better, if not worse, than last season and that is pretty hard to swallow after the way Lowe let the team fall apart following the Stanley Cup run.

[RPI-Fan]

So in total, how much is tied up in Drury, Jagr, and Gomez?

$23M per year +/-

[SteelerFan448]

How did nobody post Michel Ouellett to Tampa yet? :confused:
$1.2M a year for 2 years. Can't believe the Pens couldn't have at least gotten a conditional pick for him.

I can't say I'm sorry to see him go.

[General Mike]

$23M per year +/-

19.4M Washington is still paying alot of Jagr;s contract.

[Milton]

I think the idea was that he's moving from one half-empty arena to another...


you must have misunderstood the news about drury. signed with the rangers, not the isles. rangers play to full house. isles play in front of a few scattered cretins and half wits.

[Draft Dodger]

we done for the night?

[bbor]

I like the Rafalski signing....he fits great in the new NHL IMHO.

I like the Blake move for the Leafs......Sundin now has a shooter on his line....5 years though?

Oiler/Philly deal?...I don;t get it.

Rangers are BIG BIG BIG winners today.

[RPI-Fan]

you must have misunderstood the news about drury. signed with the rangers, not the isles. rangers play to full house. isles play in front of a few scattered cretins and half wits.

Hey, I wasn't the one who made the post. Logan himself is a Rangers fan. Maybe I mis-interpreted. And the post was about Gomez, not Drury.

[RPI-Fan]

I like the Rafalski signing....he fits great in the new NHL IMHO.

I like the Blake move for the Leafs......Sundin now has a shooter on his line....5 years though?

Oiler/Philly deal?...I don;t get it.

Rangers are BIG BIG BIG winners today.

Blake can be an awful big puck-hog. He loves to skate in circles with the puck. Doesn't seem like something Sundin will appreciate. On the surface seems like a great signing (for the first two years of the deal), but with the Toronto fans and media, I could see a meltdown happening rather quickly.

[Simms]

Smyth to the Avs per TSN. 5 years, 31.25 mil.

[Draft Dodger]

ok. that works.

[Draft Dodger]

JF Giguere has signed two impact players tonight. Both seem to be a tad under market value, and, unlike some of the deals, will be up before the players are joining the AARP (Smyth will have just turned 36 at the completion).

Both Smyth and Hannan were heavily coveted by Avalanche fans - probably our first two choices, with Forsberg a close third. Smyth, I think, is going to look very very good in an Avalanche uniform.

[RPI-Fan]

That is a RIDICULOUS discount for Smyth.

Congrats.

Sulking Isles fan = me. :cry:

[Simms]

we done for the night?

Nope.

Kariya to the Blues. 3 years. No $$ announced yet.

[Logan]

Hey, I wasn't the one who made the post. Logan himself is a Rangers fan. Maybe I mis-interpreted. And the post was about Gomez, not Drury.

My original post was to imply that the Devils' OLD arena was half empty...The Rock will be a near sell-out, at worst, for the coming season.

[Pyser]

to the rangers? fuck. absolute worst case scenario.

holy hell did the devils lose a lot of ground to division rivals today.

parise better step up, he's our new first line center.

[bbor]

No moves by the Sabres?

How they filling those holes?

[Pyser]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGoK-4ZYqgg

devils fan burning his gomez jersey

and the devs re-signed oduya

[TazFTW]

Nylander to the Oilers. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212502&hubname=nhl

Sykora and Sydor to the Pens.

[miked]

I hate the Devils sometimes. I hope Scott Gomez breaks his leg on the way to the Garden. May he find as much Rangers success as the turncoat Holik.

[Dr. Sak]

Oiler/Philly deal?...I don;t get it.

The Flyers have been real frustrated with the play of Pitkanen. I wouldn't call him a bust because he has had over115 pts in the 3 season he played. But what hurt his game is his mental play. He would have some great moments and then just go on total mental lapses for games on end. He is a total offensive minded player. The Flyers have tried numerous times with different coaches to try to get through to Joni but he just doesn't seem to have the drive. I also think he needs to get a little physically stronger.I hope a change of location helps him.

Since the Flyers got Timonen, they really did not need Joni as much, but did need a shutdown defenseman and I think that is where Jason Smith comes in. Joffrey Lupul is a big winger who I think will end up playing with Mike Richards and Sami Kappen on the checking line.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Devils fan chiming in...

I'm upset about Rafalski leaving for Detroit, but that's because he had grown into being one of my favorite players, and I personally can't stand the Red Wings. Even so, I wish him much success, and I think Wings fans are going to enjoy his play as much as I do.

As for Scott Gomez, screw him. I remember the rumors flying around last year about him going to the Rangers, but I never thought that he'd actually ever do it. I know money talks and all that, but it still makes me angry. I don't know what else to think right now. I guess the Rangers fans are going to be happy with him, but I can't say that I wish him any success. I hope it's a very, very long seven years for him.

Now that that's out of the way, I wonder who's going to replace Rafalski in New Jersey. The Devils really don't have another defenseman quite like him. I don't know who they've got stashed in Lowell, but I hope that they at least try to find a free agent before dipping into the minors.

[Young Drachma]

I hate the Devils sometimes. I hope Scott Gomez breaks his leg on the way to the Garden. May he find as much Rangers success as the turncoat Holik.

Glad you said it. I was thinking the same f-ing thing.

[Young Drachma]

My original post was to imply that the Devils' OLD arena was half empty...The Rock will be a near sell-out, at worst, for the coming season.

I can't wait to see a game there. And yes, it's 2k miles away now. But I'll be sure to make my way up there sometime in November. Even if they're not good. The Rock...is gonna be awesome.

[Young Drachma]

The pulse I read from most message boards from Ranger fans is "Devils fans don't care. Their arena is half-empty. No one cares about the Devils, not even Jersey fans."

Figures.

[miked]

The pulse I read from most message boards from Ranger fans is "Devils fans don't care. Their arena is half-empty. No one cares about the Devils, not even Jersey fans."

Figures.

Well, that's not true. Gomez was a great player...for the Devils. Will his scoring justify the 55+ over 7 years, probably not. I'm glad the Devils didn't pony up that much for him, but I can't stand seeing him on the Rangers. It's kind of silly to think how much the Rangers have spent over the past 5 or 6 years with such little success.

[NoSkillz]

No moves by the Sabres?

How they filling those holes?

Regier must have been on the golf course yesterday. It was a sad day for Sabres fans.

My guess is that Buffalo will go after a third-line center type and have Tim Connolly and Derek Roy be the number one and two centers. Paul Gaustad is still the fourth line center.

That means the Sabres (unbelievably) could go after former captain Michael Peca for the third line slot. I also guess they'll overbid on Dainius Zubrus too.

[Young Drachma]

Well, that's not true. Gomez was a great player...for the Devils. Will his scoring justify the 55+ over 7 years, probably not. I'm glad the Devils didn't pony up that much for him, but I can't stand seeing him on the Rangers. It's kind of silly to think how much the Rangers have spent over the past 5 or 6 years with such little success.

You know I know it's not true. It's just the Ranger fans talking. They're desperate that team is, that they have to overpay our guys. Just to create a buzz. It's fine with me. 3 Cups in 8 years or 1 Cup in a generation. I like our odds long term.

[Honolulu_Blue]

There are a few teams right now with some money to burn and big holes up front. Between buying out Yashin and losing both Blake and Smyth in free agency, the Islanders need to get some more forwards. Same with Buffalo losing both Briere and Drury.

This could really hurt the Wings' chances of getting Bertuzzi back. Either team could offer Bertuzzi more than the Wings if they wanted. They'd be over paying on a risky investment, but they may feel they need to do something to generate interest. And Bertuzzi might be that something.

With Kariya in St. Louis ($10 in total to Kariya and Tkahuck), the purge in Nashville continues.

After the Gomez, Briere, and Drury deals, the Datsyuk deal doesn't seem all that bad...

[Dr. Sak]

It's great that the Rangers signed these guys and have all this offensive power, but who besides Michael Roszival is going to play defense for them. I hope Lundquist has a nice rest this offseason because he could be facing a lot of shots come this winter.

[Pyser]

from the nj papers:

"I don't look at it as a damaging day," Lamoriello claimed. "This is not the first time this has happened. Bobby Holik played there, Johnny MacLean and Bruce Driver played there. I look at it as an opportunity for our other players. It's happened in the past. We can't look at it any other way.

"The figures (offered to Gomez) were not something we could afford. You can't just give money away. The well is not unlimited. The Devils did not feel we could put this kind of money into Scott. Not that we didn't respect him. The number of years is too long."

The Devils never did exchange figures yesterday with Gomez or his representatives, dad Carlos Gomez and agent Ian Pulver. The Rangers will pay the playmaking center $10 million next season; $8 million in 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11; $7.5 million in 2011-12; $5.5 million in 2012-2013 and $4.5 million in 2013-14.

Gomez also had lucrative offers from Philadelphia, Montreal and Los Angeles.

"What a day. It was exciting, but I'm glad it's over," Gomez said. "It's definitely a new chapter in my life. We didn't even talk to the Devils (yesterday). It's time to move on. My time there was wonderful with all the Stanley Cups. But it's a business.

"In (one day) I became the villain (to Devils fans). I'm sure I'll be getting booed a lot when I go back."

[Pyser]

dola

Rafalski, who earned $4.2 million last season, will get $6 million in each of the next five seasons from the Red Wings. He turned down considerably more from another club he refused to reveal.

"He left well over $10 million in other offers from other places to go to Detroit," Zito revealed.

Lamoriello admitted it was a significant loss.

"We really wanted him to stay," the GM said. "It just comes down to the fiscal aspect of decisions and what you can afford in putting a team together while respecting the other players. We just couldn't compete with some of the numbers out there. No animosity. This is the unfortunate part of the game. Money has a way of making decisions.

"We have tremendous confidence in Andy Greene, Johnny Oduya and Paul Martin."

[Pyser]

double dola

a 34 year old defensemen got a $40 million offer?!?!

im more angry today about the lockout than i was that entire year there was no hockey.

[Draft Dodger]

so, what's with all the front-loaded contracts?
it doesn't seem to mean anything cap wise to the team. is it just a little extra buyout protection for the player?

[Dr. Sak]

All New Jersey needs now is for Marty Brodeur to announce his retirement :)

[Dr. Sak]

Hey Suburban, the Pens resigned Scuderi.

[Pumpy Tudors]

"We have tremendous confidence in Andy Greene, Johnny Oduya and Paul Martin."
Well, Lou, that makes one of us.

[Milton]

Like Mark Messier, I issue the following:

First guarantee: After opening night, the Devils new arena in Newark will be half filled the rest of the season. That includes playoffs, if, somehow, given these tremendous losses and their elderly goaltender, they make it.

Second guarantee: Should their be a sellout post-opener, it will be when the Rangers come to town, and Ranger fans will outnumber Devil fans. Gomez will score the game winner, and the place will sound like the Garden.

[Pyser]

i dont know who you are, milton, but i dont like you.

[Draft Dodger]

Like Mark Messier, I issue the following:

First guarantee: After opening night, the Devils new arena in Newark will be half filled the rest of the season. That includes playoffs, if, somehow, given these tremendous losses and their elderly goaltender, they make it.

Second guarantee: Should their be a sellout post-opener, it will be when the Rangers come to town, and Ranger fans will outnumber Devil fans. Gomez will score the game winner, and the place will sound like the Garden.

they are awarding Stanley Cups based on attendance?

[miked]

The Rangers are lucky the NHL instituted a salary cap...they had a chance to be the first team to spend 100M and not make the playoffs. I just googled Rangers payroll and the 3rd or 4th link was from Forbes:


The skinny
The New York Rangers are the most mismanaged team in the history of the NHL. Last season the Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, a franchise record, despite having the highest payroll in the history of hockey. The waiting list for season ticket holders has dwindled and fans are no longer flocking to Madison Square Garden. This year should bring more of the same as the team is now laced with a roster of underachievers and has-beens. The richest cable deal in hockey keeps the team's value atop the league.

Apparently, the Devils should just stick a rink on the top of a major rail/bus/etc hub and just hope people wander in like in MSG.

[Milton]

i dont know who you are, milton, but i dont like you.


I am Milton, purveyor of truth. And I like you. Call me, we'll get coffee.

[TazFTW]

Nylander to the Oilers. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212502&hubname=nhl

Sykora and Sydor to the Pens.

I take that back. The Capitals have signed Nylander, 4 years $19.5 million.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212549&hubname=nhl

[TazFTW]

There are a few teams right now with some money to burn and big holes up front. Between buying out Yashin and losing both Blake and Smyth in free agency, the Islanders need to get some more forwards. Same with Buffalo losing both Briere and Drury.

This could really hurt the Wings' chances of getting Bertuzzi back. Either team could offer Bertuzzi more than the Wings if they wanted. They'd be over paying on a risky investment, but they may feel they need to do something to generate interest. And Bertuzzi might be that something.

With Kariya in St. Louis ($10 in total to Kariya and Tkahuck), the purge in Nashville continues.

After the Gomez, Briere, and Drury deals, the Datsyuk deal doesn't seem all that bad...

Bertuzzi to the Ducks according to TSN. 2 years with no amount given.

[bbor]

Someone wake up Darcy Regher.

[Pyser]

ill stick by lou forever, but if i ever had to acknowledge another excellent gm, it's burke

he does things completely different from the devils way, but i like his moves a lot.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hey Suburban, the Pens resigned Scuderi.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I was OK with the Sykora and Sydor deals. Sydor, not the ideal guy I wanted, was hoping for someone more of a top 4 type, and let Eaton play alongside Kris 'The drink of the French Astronaut' Letang. Now it looks like it's Sydor's job.

For the 7th D (6th if Letang flops in camp) I was holding out hope for Ossi Vaannanen. Instead, we bring back Rob Scuderi. He is beyond atrocious with the puck. One of the games I was at this past season, he was skating up the boards, and fanned 3 times on the same clearing attempt!

I was about to say at least a Sydor/Letang pairing will be better than Scuderi/Melichar...but looks like I was only half right, if Scuderi is playing often.

I like the Sykora signing. He's better than Recchi at this point, and he played with Malkin in the RSL during the lockout year.

So looking like this--

??????- Crosby - Staal
Roberts - Malkin - Sykora
Recchi - Talbot - Armstrong
Ruutu - Malone/Christensen - Laraque

Eaton - Gonchar
Orpik - Whitney
Sydorm - Letang

That ???? is probably either Malone or Erik Christensen at this point, and the other centering the 4th line. EC is money in the shootout. Malone was OK on the OK last year. If EC can successfully shift to wing, he's a 30+ goal guy with Sid.

By why I fucking why, Rob Scuderi!

[Suburban Rhythm]

It's great that the Rangers signed these guys and have all this offensive power, but who besides Michael Roszival is going to play defense for them. I hope Lundquist has a nice rest this offseason because he could be facing a lot of shots come this winter.

Well, if Marc Staal has half the year his younger brother had, they've got one other.

[RPI-Fan]

I can't believe more people aren't talking about the Avs signings. Smyth is a ridiculous fucking bargain.

[DeToxRox]

I can't believe more people aren't talking about the Avs signings. Smyth is a ridiculous fucking bargain.

While I am sure I may get some criticism for this, I still don't think Smyth is worth all the hype. Yes, he is a character guy, a real warrior and a true leader, I acknowledge that, but he's never even scored 80 points in a season. He's a complimentary player, not a superstar, but you wouldn't know that by the knob job is consistently gets.

[RPI-Fan]

While I am sure I may get some criticism for this, I still don't think Smyth is worth all the hype. Yes, he is a character guy, a real warrior and a true leader, I acknowledge that, but he's never even scored 80 points in a season. He's a complimentary player, not a superstar, but you wouldn't know that by the knob job is consistently gets.

Gomez has (barely) broken 80 once; Drury has never broke 70.

[Dr. Sak]

DeToxRox I totally agree with you. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one that thought it wasn't that great of a signing.

[DeToxRox]

Gomez has (barely) broken 80 once; Drury has never broke 70.

I was going to post that what is said above goes for Gomez and Drury as well. The only signing I think was impressive was Joe Thornton extending his deal for so cheap. That was the move of the off-season thus far.

[DeToxRox]

The Montreal Canadiens have signed unrestricted free-agent defenceman Roman Hamrlik to a four-year contract worth $22 million.

[DeToxRox]

Todd Bertuzzi is re-uniting with Anaheim Ducks general manager Brian Burke, signing a two-year, $8-million deal with the Ducks.

[DeToxRox]

The LA Kings have now signed: Tom Preissing, Ladislav Nagy, Michael Handzus and Kyle Calder

[DeToxRox]

Also, anyone know of anything to the rumors that Edmonton is going to sign Parise to an offer sheet?

[Suburban Rhythm]

The LA Kings have now signed: Tom Preissing, Ladislav Nagy, Michael Handzus and Kyle Calder

...and still have Dan Cloutier.

I don't get LA signing all these guys, they'll have Jack Johnson, bring back Blake, Visnovsky, Kopitar, Cammaleri, Frolov...and will still give up 4+ a game.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Also, anyone know of anything to the rumors that Edmonton is going to sign Parise to an offer sheet?


Hadn't heard that yet...but NJ has tons of room now to match it.

Flames sign Owen Nolan, 1 yr $2M
And the Flames pull close with SJ and the Joe Thornton extension.

Robyn Regher signs 5 year/ $20M extension. Regher at $4M is a bargain now, and even more in 5 years.

[Pyser]

Also, anyone know of anything to the rumors that Edmonton is going to sign Parise to an offer sheet?

go ahead. we're 20m under the cap. itd be nice to finally lock up a young devil to a longterm deal, maybe itll just take another gm negotiating it for us

[DeToxRox]

go ahead. we're 20m under the cap. itd be nice to finally lock up a young devil to a longterm deal, maybe itll just take another gm negotiating it for us

That's what I am thinking. Looking at how close to the vest Lou is playing it, having someone else do his dirty work for him may be a welcome departure.

[bbor]

Owen Nolan is still playing?

[Suburban Rhythm]

More nuggets

Radek Bonk, Jed Ortmeyer and Greg deVries to Nashville

Bryan Smolinski to Montreal

Robert Lang to Chicago

Ken Klee to Atlanta

[Draft Dodger]

While I am sure I may get some criticism for this, I still don't think Smyth is worth all the hype. Yes, he is a character guy, a real warrior and a true leader, I acknowledge that, but he's never even scored 80 points in a season. He's a complimentary player, not a superstar, but you wouldn't know that by the knob job is consistently gets.

and that's really why he looks to be a perfect fit for the Avs. This team scored 272 goals last year (tied for Nashville for tops in the West) and is essentially just losing Brett McLean's 35 points. They had a great season from Paul Stastny last year, and a decent one from Wojtek Wolski - adding Smyth takes a bit of pressure off them to have the same production, while giving them another good locker room mentor. He won't have to be a superstar, and, honestly, I think if he'd gone somewhere where he'd be expected to carry the load, it wouldn't have worked out.

Colorado generally plays a behind the net, cycling game, and Smyth seems like he'll fit in perfectly in that system. And the grit he (and Hannan) brings is a huge plus to a team not known for that. Yes, it's a lot of money, but the Avs have the room (they are still a good $7 million under...talk is they are saving money to bring in Forsberg or perhaps a goalie later in the season) and the deep pockets. Compared to some of the other deals, he seems undervalued to me (supposedly, he turned down more money from a couple other clubs, and I'm assuming the Avs wouldn't offer him more than Sakic's 6.75). He could potentially be the captain if Sakic ever retires, will have just turned 36 when his contract runs out, and we'll get to take him to Edmonton at least 20 times before the end of the contract. I'll take that. :D

On paper, Colorado is looking pretty good so far - they had a lot of dead weight clearing out this year (Brisebois, Turgeon, dead cap room from old bonuses to Blake and Sakic) and have brought back almost everyone while adding an impact forward and a solid defenseman (two if you count Jordan Leopold). Defense is still a bit unsettled (not really sure where everyone is going to play) and goaltending is going to be an adventure.

But, after two consecutive summers of watching other teams get better, this has been fun.

crap, that was long.

[RPI-Fan]

Lang to Chicago

I'm not sure I can imagine a worse signing.

[DeToxRox]

and that's really why he looks to be a perfect fit for the Avs. This team scored 272 goals last year (tied for Nashville for tops in the West) and is essentially just losing Brett McLean's 35 points. They had a great season from Paul Stastny last year, and a decent one from Wojtek Wolski - adding Smyth takes a bit of pressure off them to have the same production, while giving them another good locker room mentor. He won't have to be a superstar, and, honestly, I think if he'd gone somewhere where he'd be expected to carry the load, it wouldn't have worked out.

Colorado generally plays a behind the net, cycling game, and Smyth seems like he'll fit in perfectly in that system. And the grit he (and Hannan) brings is a huge plus to a team not known for that. Yes, it's a lot of money, but the Avs have the room (they are still a good $7 million under...talk is they are saving money to bring in Forsberg or perhaps a goalie later in the season) and the deep pockets. Compared to some of the other deals, he seems undervalued to me (supposedly, he turned down more money from a couple other clubs, and I'm assuming the Avs wouldn't offer him more than Sakic's 6.75). He could potentially be the captain if Sakic ever retires, will have just turned 36 when his contract runs out, and we'll get to take him to Edmonton at least 20 times before the end of the contract. I'll take that. :D

On paper, Colorado is looking pretty good so far - they had a lot of dead weight clearing out this year (Brisebois, Turgeon, dead cap room from old bonuses to Blake and Sakic) and have brought back almost everyone while adding an impact forward and a solid defenseman (two if you count Jordan Leopold). Defense is still a bit unsettled (not really sure where everyone is going to play) and goaltending is going to be an adventure.

But, after two consecutive summers of watching other teams get better, this has been fun.

crap, that was long.

I can whole heartedly agree with what you said, and from that perspective it's a great signing. In general I just mean Smyth as only the player is not worth the hype he is getting though I fully expect him to get his first 80 point year this season assuming the team stays healthy.

[DeToxRox]

Wings RFA Jiri Hudler is being rumored about going back to his Russian club for 1-2 million. A lot of Wings fans love the kid, I am not a big fan. I think losing him is no big loss with Kopecky and Grigorenko around, but this is how the FA in the NHL these days works. They'll take the money wherever its offered, even across the pond.

[Draft Dodger]

I can whole heartedly agree with what you said, and from that perspective it's a great signing. In general I just mean Smyth as only the player is not worth the hype he is getting though I fully expect him to get his first 80 point year this season assuming the team stays healthy.

if Andrew Brunette can get 83 playing with Sakic...

actually, in all seriousness, I think the important stat for Smyth is goals, not points. If he can pop in 30 goals, it's a good deal, and 40 should be in his radar.
assuming the 2nd most important stat for Smyth is good...games played.

[Karim]

In Sutter We Trust.

Getting Regehr to sign a $20 million/5 year extension means he's locked up for the next 6 years at $22 million.

Iginla re-signs a 5 year deal worth $35 million.

Now Kipper and Phaneuf and the core is locked up. Getting all this done is far better than signing UFAs.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm not sure I can imagine a worse signing.

At $4 million a year to boot.

[sterlingice]

I'm not sure I can imagine a worse signing.

:(

Which is really depressing considering Bertuzzi was had for that exact same price and looks like a bargain.

SI

[bbor]

I'm not sure I can imagine a worse signing.

Think Bryan Mccabe.

[Chief Rum]

I realize Bertuzzi is much hated and coming off a massive injury year, and Schneider is a shell of what Niedermayer is. So all in all Selanne-Nieds much better than Bertuzzi-Schneider.

But all that said, I am surprised there isn't more venom being directed at the champs for essentially sneaking in and taking one of the top available vet defenders and a former star winger in the first two days (and after inking the top projected free agent goalie to an extension just before free agency).

The Ducks, who still likely have Bobby Ryan coming in next year, too, are looking primed for a very competitive defense of their title.

[bhlloy]

Ryan could definitely be the key - assuming Selanne isn't coming back there is a big void for a fast, skillful, pure offense guy. Bertuzzi obviously isn't the same kind of player - I think a combination of Perry and Ryan playing with McDonald on the top line, with Bertuzzi slotting into Perry's position on a huge second line with Getlaf and Penner could work really nicely. Alternatively, keep the second line the same and put Bertuzzi on the top line - I'm worried that is going to slow the McDonald line down quite a bit though.

[Chief Rum]

Ryan could definitely be the key - assuming Selanne isn't coming back there is a big void for a fast, skillful, pure offense guy. Bertuzzi obviously isn't the same kind of player - I think a combination of Perry and Ryan playing with McDonald on the top line, with Bertuzzi slotting into Perry's position on a huge second line with Getlaf and Penner could work really nicely. Alternatively, keep the second line the same and put Bertuzzi on the top line - I'm worried that is going to slow the McDonald line down quite a bit though.

I actually think they might move Marchant to the top line, and slide McDonald back to wing, with Kunitz on the other side. It's too small, though, but it would be very fast. That would allow them to keep the PPG line together, and to keep Ryan on a pressure-free fourth line spot. I can see Bertuzzi pairing with Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer to be a nice offensive checking line. Moen is still around, too.

I'm not too worried that the staff will find a good way to mix and match the talent.

Now if Teemu comes back... :)

[bhlloy]

I thought Moen was one of our top 3 forwards in the playoffs. I would hate to see that line broken up. Bertuzzi has to go somewhere though - and on paper Moen seems to be the weak link. I also think Ryan has way too much talent to not be on the top 2 lines by mid-season.

If Selanne comes back, I think Kunitz could wind up on the trade block - as good as he is. His value is sky-high and somebody has to be the odd man out.

[Chief Rum]

I thought Moen was one of our top 3 forwards in the playoffs. I would hate to see that line broken up. Bertuzzi has to go somewhere though - and on paper Moen seems to be the weak link. I also think Ryan has way too much talent to not be on the top 2 lines by mid-season.

If Selanne comes back, I think Kunitz could wind up on the trade block - as good as he is. His value is sky-high and somebody has to be the odd man out.

We'll see. I tend to think the PPG line and Kunitz are likely locks to stay because of their relative youth. Plus, you have to remember not all rookies are like Malkin and Crosby and Ovechkin (not that I think you really forgot). Ryan might get thrust into a top six spot on some other teams, with his talent, but on this team, no way he breaks into Top Six. We're too strong up front. I don't see Ryan in our top six forwards for his first two years of NHL hockey.

Let's say Teemu is gone, and assume PPG won't get blown up. My guess is the lines will look like this:

McDonald (sliding to wing)--Niedermayer--Kunitz

Niedermayer is fast enough to stay with McD and Kunitz, and could enjoy a rejuvenation of his offensive abilities with linemates like them.

Penner--Getzlaf--Perry

My guess is Getzlaf will be the second best forward on the team, and only on line two because of his chemistry with Penner and Perry.

Bertuzzi--Pahlsson--Moen

Teams will be a little afraid to play this line, which is big, a little mean and much stronger offensively than most checking lines.

Thug (May/Parros)--Marchant--Ryan

Marchant will be the steadying center influence on Ryan, and the enforcer will make sure no one screws with the kid.

On the backline, of course...

Pronger--Beauchemin
Schneider--O'Donnell
Huskins and who knows...(hopefully we bring back DiPenta or Jakman or give a good kid a shot here).

I think Bryz will be dealt for cap room, and Heller will be our backup goalie, or one of our kids in the minors.

If Teemu does come back, Neidermayer goes back to a third line wing spot, with McD back at center. Moen probably drops to Marchant--Ryan line.

All guesses, of course.

[bhlloy]

Who knows? Some good thoughts in there. Moen won't be the toughest player on the ice unless Brian Burke has changed his whole philosophy. I very much doubt May will be either unless we are playing Detroit or Bertuzzi or Pronger are going to drop the gloves a lot more. Another reason I don't like the O'Brien trade - he was a legit fighter against all but the Boogards and the Laraques and could actually take a regular shift as well.

Aaron Rome might get a shot at the 6th/7th defenseman spot although I wasn't impressed with his limited time at the end of this season. I wouldn't be too disappointed to see Jackman back in that spot for the right price.

I do have very high expectations for Ryan. Physically he's well developed, he hasn't been rushed through juniors, and looked really impressive in the AHL for 10 games last year. If he gets the ice time, I think he's going to do very well.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Huskins and who knows...(hopefully we bring back DiPenta or Jakman or give a good kid a shot here).


Never thought I'd see someone who wanted Ric Jackman back :eek:

[Honolulu_Blue]

The beat goes on...

Both Calder and Lang were gone the moment the season ended. As baffling as it all was, Calder was a healthy scratch by the Western Conference finals. It's unclear what happened, but it was clear he was not producing. The Wings decided to go with a rookie (Kopecky) who hadn't played since mid-December instead of dressing Calder. I am pretty surprised he was able to turn such a poor year into a 2 year, $5 million deal. The owners rock!

Lang wont be missed. At all. He's a great guy but all accounts, but frustrating to watch play. He can produce, but never seems to be giving any effort and makes a ton of bad plays.

I can't blame Holland for not signing Bertuzzi to a 2 year, $8 million deal. He had some flashes of his former self, but just flashes. That's a lot of cash for a gamble and if he's still fragile, 2 years is a while.

Losing those three guys means Detroit is very small up front, even more so than usual. While Lang wasn't physical at all, he was a big fella. Bertuzzi is huge and Calder (apparently) had grit. The Wings are sorely lacking in size up front. They will need to address this, but I have no idea how. Guerin? Zubrus?

All is well since we have Dan Cleary. He's pretty much unstoppable and, after losing those guys, he's pretty much our most physical forward. Dan Cleary for MVP!

I too am surprised Owen Nolan is still in the league.

Hamrlik for $5.5 a season for 4 seasons??? Sweet jeebus. That's ridiculous. If you are a living, breathing defensemen in this league you can make $2 million, easy. $5.5? He was not that good in the series in Detroit. A panic move by Montreal there.

Nylander for $5 million a year is too much. He's a good player, but his numbers were inflated a bit playing with Jagr. He may be a good fit for Ovechkin.

Based on what we've seen to date, the smart strategy really seems to be: sign your own guys before they become free agents. Looking at the Hemsky, Datsyuk, Thornton, Regehr, Iginal, and other deals, you tend to get much, much better value than trying to sign players from other teams. Buffalo could have and should have done this with Drury and Briere. They screwed up on that one.

[Draft Dodger]

5.5 for Hamrlik? that's crazy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Was Owen Nolan still in Phoenix last year? Phoenix is the black hole of the NHL. The Coyotes could dress Jari Kurri every night and nobody would even notice. I've liked Owen Nolan for a long time. I'm glad that he's finally out of the black hole and onto a real hockey team again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Was Owen Nolan still in Phoenix last year? Phoenix is the black hole of the NHL. The Coyotes could dress Jari Kurri every night and nobody would even notice. I've liked Owen Nolan for a long time. I'm glad that he's finally out of the black hole and onto a real hockey team again.

Yeah, it definitely is a black hole. I remember going to Capitols/Coyotes game a few years back. We had great seats, about 4 rows up from the visitors bench. I felt a disturbance in the Force, a dark chill run through my body. I didn't know why until I looked down the bench and saw Claude Lemieux there. I had no idea he was in Phoenix. It was very unsettling.

Back to Nolan, the Wings tried to make a deal for him at the deadline, but he refused, saying he liked it in Phoenix. I guess he changed his mind.

With Bertuzzi gone...

Here is a list of UFA Forwards still available:
Danius Zubrus / 6-4 / 225
Eric Lindros / 6-4 / 240
Jason Allison / 6-3 / 215
Brendan Shanahan / 6-3 / 218
Alexi Yashin / 6-3 / 225
Ruslan Fedotenko / 6-2 / 195
Bill Guerin / 6-2 / 210
Anson Carter / 6-1 / 210
Jeff O’Neill / 6-1 / 195
Peter Forsberg / 6-0 / 205
Mike Peca / 5-11 / 190
Slava Kozlov / 5-10 / 190
Mike Comrie / 5-10 / 185

None of those goes really does much for me (other than Shanny who is definitely not coming back) and the "bigger" guys don't necessarily have too much of the ole grit/toughness factor anymore. At the right price, maybe, but those are really some slim pickins.

Lindros, Allison, and Forsberg are all massive injury risks.

Yashin is, well, Yashin.

I've never been a big Fedotenko fan for no reason other than I am not. There are just a few guys out there who, for some reason, I never really feel all that confident in. I group them all together. It's guys like Vaclav Prospal, Fedotenko, Zednik, and some others.

Peca is coming off a serious injury and is a risk.

O'Neill fell off the face of the planet, as did Anson Carter.

Zubrus and Guerin will almost certainly command more than what the Wings would be willing to offer. Same with Kozlov and Comrie most likely.

Well, I wonder if there is some veteran forward in Sweden Holland et al can unearth. Let's hope so.

[Dr. Sak]

I wouldn't wish the signing of Eric Lindros to any team...ok that's a lie...I think the Devils should sign him :)

[Draft Dodger]

wonder what Sheldon Souray is up to...

for whatever reason, I could totally see Yashin ending up in Detroit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

for whatever reason, I could totally see Yashin ending up in Detroit.

Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta. Nomegusta.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The beat goes on...

Both Calder and Lang were gone the moment the season ended. As baffling as it all was, Calder was a healthy scratch by the Western Conference finals. It's unclear what happened, but it was clear he was not producing. The Wings decided to go with a rookie (Kopecky) who hadn't played since mid-December instead of dressing Calder. I am pretty surprised he was able to turn such a poor year into a 2 year, $5 million deal. The owners rock!

Lang wont be missed. At all. He's a great guy but all accounts, but frustrating to watch play. He can produce, but never seems to be giving any effort and makes a ton of bad plays.

I can't blame Holland for not signing Bertuzzi to a 2 year, $8 million deal. He had some flashes of his former self, but just flashes. That's a lot of cash for a gamble and if he's still fragile, 2 years is a while.

Losing those three guys means Detroit is very small up front, even more so than usual. While Lang wasn't physical at all, he was a big fella. Bertuzzi is huge and Calder (apparently) had grit. The Wings are sorely lacking in size up front. They will need to address this, but I have no idea how. Guerin? Zubrus?

All is well since we have Dan Cleary. He's pretty much unstoppable and, after losing those guys, he's pretty much our most physical forward. Dan Cleary for MVP!

I too am surprised Owen Nolan is still in the league.

Hamrlik for $5.5 a season for 4 seasons??? Sweet jeebus. That's ridiculous. If you are a living, breathing defensemen in this league you can make $2 million, easy. $5.5? He was not that good in the series in Detroit. A panic move by Montreal there.

Nylander for $5 million a year is too much. He's a good player, but his numbers were inflated a bit playing with Jagr. He may be a good fit for Ovechkin.

Based on what we've seen to date, the smart strategy really seems to be: sign your own guys before they become free agents. Looking at the Hemsky, Datsyuk, Thornton, Regehr, Iginal, and other deals, you tend to get much, much better value than trying to sign players from other teams. Buffalo could have and should have done this with Drury and Briere. They screwed up on that one.

The Pens will send you Ryan Malone...what can we get back?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I wouldn't wish the signing of Eric Lindros to any team...ok that's a lie...I think the Devils should sign him :)
Ouch.

wonder what Sheldon Souray is up to...
Hmmm... the Devils need a defenseman... and Sheldon Souray did play for the Devils once upon a time...

[Draft Dodger]

Ouch.


Hmmm... the Devils need a defenseman... and Sheldon Souray did play for the Devils once upon a time...

not a Devils-type player. (his salary requirements are above $1 million)

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Pens will send you Ryan Malone...what can we get back?

Unless the Islanders are moved to the Central Division (they would fit right in with the rest of the talent-barren teams), I don't think the Wings would be all that interested.

So, I dunno, maybe Dimitri Bykov? I think the Wings still have his rights, though he's pretty much determined to stay in Russia.

[Dr. Sak]

Nylander is front loaded as well, so he's moveable in the last season or two if necessary.

The cap number is the average of the entire deal not what the player makes per year. So if he gets 10 mil for the first and 2 mil for the second, his cap number is &6 mil even if he is traded.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'll take Nylander, Ovechkin, Kozlov on the first line with Backstrom, Semin, Clark on line two very much thank you. Adding Poti to the D also helps, and with about 15 young D to trade for a legit #1 or #2 D, the Caps may be relevant again this year. Nylander is front loaded as well, so he's moveable in the last season or two if necessary.

Don't get me wrong, both Nylander and Kozlov are upgrades over whomever they are replacing in the Caps' line-up. The Caps are one talent-deprived team and they desperately need some skill players to go along with Ovechkin and Semin upfront. Nylander is a very good player (I am not sold on Kozlov), but I think the Caps over paid for both of them. Poti too. Then again, you can pretty much say that about almost any free agent who has been signed to date.

[Logan]

Poti is a god awful defenseman. He shouldn't have a job.

[Pyser]

devs signed zubrus to a 6 year deal. cripes man. i hope not for more than $20m total!

[Pyser]

dola, rumors also say the devs signed rachunek on d, 1 yr, 1.5m

[RPI-Fan]

Poti is a god awful defenseman. He shouldn't have a job.

Poti was pretty damn good last year. I know he was bad for the Rags, but he stepped it up for us.

[Draft Dodger]

I wouldn't mind having Poti on my team

[Draft Dodger]

Zubrus to the Devils, btw

[Pyser]

6 yr, $20.4m for zubrus. i guess i can live with that. now the question is he our first line center, or 2nd line winger?

[Logan]

dola, rumors also say the devs signed rachunek on d, 1 yr, 1.5m

As in Karl? What the hell is going on here with the Devils signing Rangers castoffs?

[Honolulu_Blue]

6 yr, $20.4m for zubrus. i guess i can live with that. now the question is he our first line center, or 2nd line winger?

That's not too bad. Zubrus belongs in the same category as Prospal, Fedotenko, and those guys. They just don't seem all that dependable. He's got some decent size and skill and should be good for around 20-25 goals.

[JSap]

Honolulu Blue - by the 'same category', do you mean guys the Flyers dumped and wished they had back, or was that just a coincidence?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Honolulu Blue - by the 'same category', do you mean guys the Flyers dumped and wished they had back, or was that just a coincidence?

I agree it's odd that for the most part most of these guys did, at one point, play for the Flyers. I am not sure why that is, but it is.