The OFFICIAL 2007 NHL Offseason Thread

[Dr. Sak]

Lots of good FA's out there.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Lots of good FA's out there.

And Alexei Yashin too.

[sachmo71]

i don't care anymore

[Draft Dodger]

It'll be an interesting offseason in Colorado.

The big question is will they or wont they buy out Theodore's final year. It would save them 4 million this year and cost them 2 million next year to do so. The issue is twofold. one, the FA crop for goalies is very weak - not too many quality backups available. two, the Avs have a ton of cap room, so don't really need the savings. they can sign a few players and still be in good shape. barring a trade (Fernandez?), the sentiment is that Theo will be back next year as an expensive backup to Budaj.

The Avs have a lot of their nucleus from last season under contract. And with crappy contracts like 1.5M for Turgeon and 3M for Brisebois coming off the books, the Avs have some nice cap room. They need to add a defensemen, but I personally think most of the available D on the market will be severely overpriced. I don't want to see them pay $5 mill for a Scott Hannan just because they can. As much as they need a #1 or #2 guy, I think they add more of a depth type player here.

Up front, there's a ton of talk about Ryan Smyth who would look really really nice in a Colorado uniform. Forsberg, of course, comes up a lot, as does Drury (although I think he's staying put). Whoever it is, I think there's going to be a pretty big addition to an offense that was (iirc) #4 last year.

There's a couple guys who might be on the block. Marek Svatos struggled a lot in his 2nd year. He really needs good linemates to make his game better, and it doesn't look like he's going to crack the top 2 lines next fall. That leads a lot of us to think he might get moved. On D, there's 6 guys under contract now with the thought that at least one more guy will be brought in through free agency. It wouldn't shock me to see them move a player. I'd love for it to be Karlis Skrastins, who has watched too many of his highlight reels and has become a liability back there. The Avs brass seem to like him though, so that's probably out. A more tradeable commodity is John-Michael Liles. He fell out of favor a bit last year, has a ton of offensive ability, he's unsigned (and due a raise) after this year, and, most importantly, we have what seems to be a similar player in Kyle Cumiskey waiting in the wings. Not a sure thing, but it wouldn't shock me.

I'm very excited, overall. The Avs have a great young nuclues, a lot of draft picks, a lot of good, young prospects (almost all at forward, however), and cap room to work with. If Giguere makes the right moves - and he's generally been solid so far - next year could be an enjoyable one for all you Avs fans out there!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

As for the Wings...

Some interesting subplots to the off-season as always. Hasek is the biggest question mark. I don't think there's a better option out there, but it'd be a huge gamble to keep him. He was amazing this year, probably the best free agent signing in the league, but he's a year older, still flighty, and still has a wonky groin. Hitching the Wings' wagon to his star for another year is risky proposition. Still, if the option is Hasek and Osgood (with Howard in the wings) or just Osgood and Howard, the former is better than the latter.

Robert Lang is gone. I think the Wings will count on Filppula take over his role. Filppula really impressed. He will be asked to play many more minutes next year.

Kyle Calder was a mystery. Came on like gangbusters when he first got here, played fewer and fewer minutes in the playoffs until he was a healthy (presumably) scratch. I don't see them bringing him back.

I think the Wings would like to re-sign Schneider and Markov, but I am not sure both are an option. The Wings are really pushing to re-sign Schneider, which means Markov is likely gone. The Wings have some decent blueline depth in the organization, with guys like Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech, and Jonathan Ericsson possibly ready to play in the NHL. I assume if the Wings re-sign both Schneider and Chelios, they wont likely seek another UFA defensemen of note. At best they'd look for a cheap veteran guy.

I don't know about Bertuzzi. He had flashes of old Bertuzzi, but at other times he looked timid and broken-down. I think the only way the Wings keep him is if he signs a Lindrosesque deal at a low price and full of incentives. That may happen, since Bertuzzi seemed to be happy here. I'd be happy enough with it.

The Wings will give prospect Irgor Grigorenko a chance to play this year. He was a pretty highly touted draft pick out of Russia. A few years back he got into a horrible car accident that sidelined him for a while. He's been back playing for a couple of years and looks ready to come over. He's a winger with some size, but I would imagine his role, if any, next year would be similar to Filppula's and Hulder's this year. Some 3rd/4th line duty and not getting a ton of minutes.

Based on this, the Wings current lines look something like:

Zetterberg - Holmstrom - Datsyuk
Cleary - Draper - Maltby
Frazen - Filppula - Samuelsson
Hulder/Kopecky

Defense:

Lidstrom - Lilja
Kronwall - ?
Chelios - Lebda
(Quincey)

Goalies:
Hasek (presumably)
Osgood

The Wings need some size, speed, and scoring up front. Their first line is set as is their checking line, but at the moment they really don't have a second line. I think Filppula could be ready to be a second line center. If the Wings re-sign Bertuzzi then he could be a winger on that line. The Wings should try to get another winger with some scoring touch as well. I'd like to see a little more speed up front too.

There have been murmurings of Slava Kozlov coming back. He lacks size and any type of physical presence, and is not terribly fast, but he might not be a bad addition, especially if he developed some chemistry with Datsyuk.

If Hasek and Chelios come cheap and if the Wings can sign Bertuzzi to a reasonable incentive-laden deal, they may have some cap space to get a decent forward. Still, ever since the cap was instituted Holland has been very reluctant to sign free agents to large contracts. So far, I think he's done a great job. I don't really think the Wings will be in play for any of the big names out there again this year. Datsyuk and Lidstrom both have very large contracts. Zetterberg will command a significant deal in a few years and Schneider wont come cheap.

[Draft Dodger]

I assume Detroit won't have the money for a Giguere?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I assume Detroit won't have the money for a Giguere?

Very unlikely. I can't see the Wings having the cap space for such a move given their current salary structure and the other holes that need be filled.

If Hasek decides not to come back, the Wings will be in a pinch. They may feel comfortable enough going with Osgood/Howard, or maybe another reasonably priced veteran and Osgood, letting Howard to continue to get more seasoning in the AHL. Granted, neither of those options really instills much confidence for any post-season success.

If the Wings did make a move for Giguere, he would come at a very high price and drastically change the make-up of the team.

[Draft Dodger]

well good! :)

[Draft Dodger]

Backstrom re-ups with the Wild

[Honolulu_Blue]

Backstrom re-ups with the Wild

You have to imagine that means Manny Fernandez will be on the block.

[nilodor]

I wonder if Ryan Smyth will come back to Edmonton, or if the Islanders might have a chance at retaining him.

[Travis]

Only way Smyth comes back to Edmonton is for money a whole lot closer to what Lowe was offering back at the deadline than what he was asking. I don't see it happening, but if he truly wants to play here, it's at least possible.

As far as the moves I'm expecting to be made, I figure we'll see some prospects/picks moved by the draft to acquire a top pairing defenseman or a true first line forward. Then they'll try and add whichever one of those they don't pick up that day through free agency, and failing that, a second trade.

Personally, I'd love to see them trade Horcoff, Pisani and Roloson, but highly unlikely in all cases. If I could choose one, it'd be Horcoff.

It's *very* hard to speculate too much on how the roster will look as I fully expect Lowe to move current prospects (as we have a lot of young guys ready to make the jump to the NHL or are very close) to acquire the pieces he wants as I don't think we're an attractive enough market to attract UFA's. Given that, he can use our 3 first rounders this year to reload the farm system to *hopefully* give us another wave of NHL ready players in 2 to 3 years. If for some reason he decides to move picks instead, then a lot of the current roster guys may be fodder as their replacements are already here and he'll have the ability to 2 and 3 for 1 trade to his hearts content.

On the free agent note, I'd like to see Sykora resign for less than he made last year, give that a coin flip's chance of happening. If we ink Peterson to even a min contract I'll be enraged. Biggest question (and one of the reasons I can't see Horcoff being moved) is whether or not Stoll will be able to come back as the player he was when he was injured. He was well on his way to being the #1 center on our roster (and probably the equivalent of a top 2nd line center on any team in the league) prior to that concussion, but until he gets playing again it'll be hard to gauge.

The organization has said that they want to be around $44 million next season and with guys like Schremp, O'Marra, Nilsson, Pouliot, Jacques, Mikhnov (?), Cogliano, Gilbert, Grebeshkov, Syvret and our two young goalies all either ready to make the jump or at least worth a look plus our multitude of picks over the next 2-3 years, it'll be a busy offseason.

[Maple Leafs]

As far as the moves I'm expecting to be made, I figure we'll see some prospects/picks moved by the draft to acquire a top pairing defenseman or a true first line forward.
Enjoy Wade Redden.

[bbor]

Everyone dive into the Drury pool....how much does he get....8mil?

[Travis]

Enjoy Wade Redden.

I don't doubt it in the least. Redden would be a step up on anybody we currently have here (at their current playing levels) and could provide at least some leadership through his play to guys like Gilbert and Syvret for a year or two.

Honestly, at this point, I just want a season where MacTavish doesn't have a crutch. The year we made the Cup run he lamented all season that he didn't have a #1 goalie (and we won't even go into how he mismanaged that situation both before and after Roloson was acquired), and last year it was our lack of a puck moving defenseman.

And while I can understand that, it's the job of the coach to take the pieces he has and figure out how to be as effective as possible with them, not whine to the media after every other loss and insinuate that it's just impossible to do much given the current roster. We may not have had a true #1 line last year but we could roll 4 lines with any team in the league and rather than exploit that (and have the wingers get deeper in our own end to help with breakouts) they put even more pressure on the D to make that first pass a long pinpoint one no matter how much pressure they were under (and regularily shortened his bench to two lines for prolonged periods).

So this year I sincerely hope he can open the season without any roster complaints, and if we don't make it past the first round that Lowe has the cojones to give MacT the option of resigning or being fired. As sad as it is, that run to the Cup was perhaps the worst thing that could have happened to this franchise as there seems to be no end in sight to the old boys club behind the bench so long as Lowe is GM (and while I like the job he does there, if it means getting rid of MacT/Simpson/Huddy, it might be worth the sacrifice).

[NoSkillz]

Everyone dive into the Drury pool....how much does he get....8mil?

I'm thinking $18-20 million over 3 years might get him for Buffalo - other teams will need to offer more than $7 million per year though. Anyone who throws more money than that at him will ultimately end up disappointed, as he just isn't a point-a-game player. He's a glue guy (a great one) who can score 30 goals and maybe 70 points in the right situation.

Just as interesting will be how many teams will throw an offer sheet at Thomas Vanek, who scored 43 goals in his 2nd NHL season. Teams know the budget-conscious Sabres won't be anxious to match a $4 million+ offer for Vanek and might take the risk.

However, I won't be surprised to see Buffalo sign Vanek before the free agency period starts to avoid that scenario.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If a guy like Drury is making $6-$7 million a year and Pavel Kubina is making $5 million a year, what exactly did that whole lockout thing accomplish again?

I wonder how individual salaries and overall team salaries today compare to those in the 2003-04 season.

[duff88]

I can't wait for the Draft. Pretty much my favourite hockey day of the year. For those who want infos:

2007 NHL Draft (http://membres.lycos.fr/nhldraft2007/)

[Honolulu_Blue]

I can't wait for the Draft. Pretty much my favourite hockey day of the year. For those who want infos:

2007 NHL Draft (http://membres.lycos.fr/nhldraft2007/)

Good stuff!

Thanks for the link.

Tell Cup, that the Wings did not make it to the Finals and, therefore, will have a first round pick this year. No 2nd or 4th round picks, however.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I always find the NHL draft a little disappointing, because there is absolutely zero information on at least half the prospects the Wings inevitably draft.

[DeToxRox]

Will Webber at 71 is awesome. Saw the kid play a few games this year, would be a big coup for Michigan High School Hockey to see him go in the first three rounds. He's heading to the USHL next year I assume, as he was the #1 pick in the USHL Entry Draft to Chicago.

[duff88]

Will Webber at 71 is awesome. Saw the kid play a few games this year, would be a big coup for Michigan High School Hockey to see him go in the first three rounds. He's heading to the USHL next year I assume, as he was the #1 pick in the USHL Entry Draft to Chicago.

Yet he's, for a reason I can't understand, unranked by CSS.

Honolulu_Blue, you might be right, but Hakan Andersson really has proven he has the talent to draft unknown players who will turn out very well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yet he's, for a reason I can't understand, unranked by CSS.

Honolulu_Blue, you might be right, but Hakan Andersson really has proven he has the talent to draft unknown players who will turn out very well.

Oh, I totally agree. I have full faith in the Wings' drafting and scouting departments, it's just that the day of the draft itself is always a bit anticlimactic because not only do you have no idea who these guys are. no one else seems to either. It usually takes about a day or two before some information begins to trickle in.

[Travis]

I always find the NHL draft a little disappointing, because there is absolutely zero information on at least half the prospects the Wings inevitably draft.

Sounds like a lot of the players the Oilers favor in the first round of drafts.

Of course, 3-5 years later there is still no information on them and for good reason.

But hey, their names sounded cool...

[Maple Leafs]

I always find the NHL draft a little disappointing, because there is absolutely zero information on at least half the prospects the Wings inevitably draft until a few years later when they're playing on the first line.
Fixed.

[Draft Dodger]

I always find the NHL draft a little disappointing, because there is absolutely zero information on at least half the prospects the Wings inevitably draft until a few years later when they're playing on the first line for a few years before "coming home" to play for the Leafs

even more fixed

[TurnerONU22]

Well, as a Jackets fan, the thing I am looking forward to is attending my first ever NHL Draft on June 22nd, the wife and I will probably go Friday night, and I might sneak back over on Saturday to catch some more of the draft action. I think the league will see how great of a city Columbus is and how passionate the fans are, even if the hockey team really, really sucks.

Speaking of that, would it be too much to ask to have a GM by draft time? After they canned MacLean (thank goodness), they bring in a new president, who seems to be holed up in the Bat Cave since we have heard nothing from him since he's been in charge of finding a new GM. On top of that, our number one choice, Bob Murray, turned us down to stay as an assistant! That's gotta say something about the front office, I would think. The top person on the list is Howson, the asst. GM from Edmonton (Oil fans, any opinions on Howson? I admittedly know nothing about him). I think we finally have a real coach in Hitchcock, he'll get more out of the team with a real training camp and have a team that should be in shape.

Time for the roster.....I really have no idea what the Jackets are going to do in FA this year. It has been repeated that we are not going to go after any of the big names, though we have clear needs of a top line centerman and a top-4 defenseman. Hitchcock mentioned the need for a couple of "glue guys" during some town meetings the Jackets had for season ticket holders. On top of this, I think the GM's first move will be to move Nikolai Zherdev, or I hope it will be.

Here's my projection of the roster for next year:

Nash-UFA/Platt/Brule-Vyborny
Modin-Fedorov-Zherdev
Chimera-Svitov-Fritsche
Shelley-Brule/Platt-UFA
In the mix: Brassard?, Malhotra, Picard

Foote-Klesla
UFA-Tollefson
Hainsey-Westcott
In the mix: Russell?, Johnson

Norrena
Leclaire

I think the Jackets will bring in a defensman that can move the puck, but I don't see them getting the top center they need, so that job will fall to whoever can win it in camp. Fedorov will be moved back to center. Brassard and Russell have a shot to make the big club, especially Russell, as he seems to excel in parts of the games (transition, moving the puck) that other Jackets D-Men suck at. I see Hitch getting a lot out of this team, with the upside being in the playoffs at 7 or 8 seed, and the lowside with the team at the same point they are now.

[gstelmack]

The Hurricanes will attempt to make a splash with a big-name Free Agent, they'll lose out to some other team, settle for a few role players, and go with roughly the same roster, hoping they'll play hard like they did 2 seasons ago and not walk through the season like they do almost every other time.

[Draft Dodger]

Well, as a Jackets fan, the thing I am looking forward to is attending my first ever NHL Draft on June 22nd, the wife and I will probably go Friday night, and I might sneak back over on Saturday to catch some more of the draft action. I think the league will see how great of a city Columbus is and how passionate the fans are, even if the hockey team really, really sucks.


there's a few new jerseys supposedly getting introduced at the draft. Washington is one. I thought I read the Jackets would unveil their new ones too. If you have a camera, I'd love to see pics of any/all new jerseys.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Michel Therrien said after Jordan Staal was picked #2 last year "We will not be drafting here (top 3) for a long time after this." And so far he's right.

The Pens have made undisclosed offers to both Mark Recchi, reportedly a 1 year for less than his $2.28 last year (God it better be!), and Gary Roberts, who wants 2 years, at the age of 41. Roberts was one of the best forwards in the series against Ottawa, but would not be shocked to see him in Toronto next year. Recchi is no longer a top line player, and maybe not even a 2nd line guy on a team with hopes of a deep playoff run. As well as he played in the first few months of the year, he was that bad at the end. But, he lives in Pittsburgh in the offseason, and is married to a Pittsburgh girl, so I have a feeling he'll be back.

Ideally, the Pens need a wing to play with Crosby and/or Malkin who is a premier player. But those guys cost money. It's not so much that the Pens are close to the cap, it's they need to leave cash and cap space to sign their own guys--Crosby in the final year of his entry deal, Fleury in the final of a 2-year deal, Ryan Whitney an RFA this offseason, and Staal and Malkin both end their entry level deals after the 08-09 season. Tying up big money in other players now may not leave room for the young guys when the time comes.

One name that gets alot of mention is Scott Hartnell from Nashville. First their is the Ray Shero connection. Second, he's still only 25, and should hit his prime in the next season or 2, much like the rest of the roster. Third, he shouldn't break the bank as he's never posted huge numbers. As mentioned above, at least one top 6 wing needs to come in. Mgmt would prefer they find a guy who is a 25+ goal scorer, and see him turn into a 35-40 goal guy playing along Crosby. Possibly a chance taken on a mid-age guy who still may have some upside like Kyle Calder, or an older skill guy like Slava Kozlov, depending which vets return.

Some talk of whether Jordan Staal moves back to center, and drops to the third line. I don't see that happening unless the team can get 2-3 top 6 wings. Otherwise, he takes his place at LW on one of the top two lines.
Possibly, Malkin moves to wing to allow Staal to center the 2nd line?
Other players like Max Talbot and Colby Armstrong on the 3rd line have roles secured. Also, a "fan favorite", Michel Ouellett seems to have won himself a job, most likely at RW on the 2nd line. He is maligned by fans as too slow, too soft, and whatever else they can think of, but finished with 20 goals, played the body, and generally just made plays.

An intriguing name is Erik Christensen. He won the WHL scoring title in his last year of junior eligibility in 2003. Unforunately for him, he plays center on a team with players named Crosby, Malkin and Staal. Much of the season he centered the 4th line and still scored 19 goals, mostly with a WICKED wrist shot. Also, he went something like 8 for 13 in the shootout. Talk of moving him to wing, but he got a shot there at times last year without much success.

Jarkko Ruutu and Georges Laraque will be back on the 4th line. Hometown boy Ryan Malone goes through stretches of TERRIBLE play, but is one of the few big forwards with some scoring touch on the roster.

Ryan Stone and Jonathan Filewich are two players in the minors with an outside shot of making the club out of camp.

The Nils Ekman experiment is over.

Defense was a problem going into this season, and while it performed above what was expected, it was still average at best. Sergei Gonchar had a super year offensively and was as steady as he can be in his own end. Ryan Whitney also had a great season offensively, but is still only 24 and not a star in his own end either.

Brooks Orpik is the lone hitter on the blueline, a very good skater for his size, and finally quit taking all the hooking calls he did in the 05-06 season.

Mark Eaton was great in his first 15 games as a Penguin. He then took a terrible hit from behind from Jonathan Cheechoo and missed 2+ months. He came back only to get hurt again, and never regained the form he had early in the year.

Alain Nasreddine, Josef Melichar and Rob Scuderi would all make servicable #7 D for an NHL team...unfortunately, 2 of those 3 were playing every game. Melichar showed promise early in his career, but had two seasons ended with shoulder injuries and has never panned out. Nasreddine was the captain in Wilkes-Barre of the AHL, and has played something like 700 AHL games, but coming into the year about 10 NHL games. Rob Scuderi is the steadiest in his own end and good on the PK, please just ask him to ever handle the puck.

Kris "the drink of the French Astronaut" Letang has a spot waiting for him next season. He had a 7 game debut last season before being returned to the Q (where he won pretty much all the defensive awards), and scored twice. Not big (5-11, 180), but built for the "new NHL" and a RH shot, which the Pens missed last season.

Ideally, the Pens would add 2 NHL ready D alongside Whitney, Gonchar, Orpik and Eaton. Let Letang win a job, rather than hand him one. And make Nasreddine/Scuderi/Melichar a #8 if one must be back.

Same as mentioned earlier, long term, big money contracts do not make sense, so doubtful that Scott Hannan or Brad Stuart make it to Pittsburgh. Mid-level guys like Cory Sarich, Vitali Vishnevski, Tom Preissing and Ossi Vaannanen make more sense. While none are stars, they are head and shoulders above the threesome from last year.

MA Fleury is the man in goal. Jocelyn Thibault is an UFA. He may return, or Nolan Schaeffer, picked up from SJ at the deadline, becomes the backup.

Assuming Recchi returns, Roberts doesn't, and they don't break the bank on an big name FAs-

Christensen - Crosby - Hartnell
Staal - Malkin - Ouellett
Recchi - Talbot - Armstrong
Ruutu - Malone - Laraque


Sarich - Gonchar
Orpik - Whitney
Letang - Eaton
Vishnevski

Fleury
Schaeffer

[Suburban Rhythm]

dola

by far my longest FOF post ever.

[Draft Dodger]

which reminds me - how good would the freaking Ducks be if they hadn't finished 2nd in the Crosby sweepstakes...

[TurnerONU22]

there's a few new jerseys supposedly getting introduced at the draft. Washington is one. I thought I read the Jackets would unveil their new ones too. If you have a camera, I'd love to see pics of any/all new jerseys.

Columbus is doing their unveiling on the main stage before the draft, that has been announced for sure. I will definitely take my camera with me to the draft, but we're in the upper bowl, so I don't know how good they will turn out.

[Draft Dodger]

Columbus is doing their unveiling on the main stage before the draft, that has been announced for sure. I will definitely take my camera with me to the draft, but we're in the upper bowl, so I don't know how good they will turn out.

well, I'm sure the awesome NHL marketing team will have tons of publicity photos ready to unleash on the media anyway.

but just in case they don't...

[Wolfpack]

The Hurricanes will attempt to make a splash with a big-name Free Agent, they'll lose out to some other team, settle for a few role players, and go with roughly the same roster, hoping they'll play hard like they did 2 seasons ago and not walk through the season like they do almost every other time.

Yeah, that sounds about right. It's already begun, anyway, with the re-signing of Wesley for another year and locking up Cam Ward for a few more. Still, it does seem that Karmanos, et al, are at least committed to spending to stay in the mix now, which is much better than knowing they'd never lay out for anyone as was their usual SOP before the Cup run (though ironically they won the Cup on the cheap, essentially, with only Recchi and Weight's rental time really drastically increasing the salary base over the back half of last year).

[Maple Leafs]

Yeah, that sounds about right. It's already begun, anyway, with the re-signing of Wesley for another year
Glen Wesley is a charter member of the "Semi-Famnous Guys Who Played for the Leafs Who I Have No Recollection of At All" Club, along with Dave Gagner, Tom Barrasso and Phil Housley.

Jeff Brown is the president.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Glen Wesley is a charter member of the "Semi-Famnous Guys Who Played for the Leafs Who I Have No Recollection of At All" Club, along with Dave Gagner, Tom Barrasso and Phil Housley.

Jeff Brown is the president.

Dave Gagne and Phil Housley played for the Leafs? Huh.

[Fidatelo]

Ah PJ Philthy Phil. His passes to Teemu were magical; his position as "4th forward" admirable. I miss the Jets.

[bbor]

Glen Wesley is a charter member of the "Semi-Famnous Guys Who Played for the Leafs Who I Have No Recollection of At All" Club, along with Dave Gagner, Tom Barrasso and Phil Housley.

Jeff Brown is the president.

Add Brian Leetch....but i guess he is a bit more famous.

[bbor]

Dave Gagne and Phil Housley played for the Leafs? Huh.


yes and yes.

[General Mike]

You people forgot the biggest offseason?

Who will sign Jeremy Roenick?!?!?

[Johnny93g]

Glen Wesley is a charter member of the "Semi-Famnous Guys Who Played for the Leafs Who I Have No Recollection of At All" Club, along with Dave Gagner, Tom Barrasso and Phil Housley.

Jeff Brown is the president.

You have blocked Dmitri Khristich from your memory, haven't you?

[Suburban Rhythm]

You people forgot the biggest offseason?

Who will sign Jeremy Roenick?!?!?


TSN or Versus?

[bronconick]

In San Jose.....

Ron Wilson will remain as coach, apparently due to lack of better options available. I'm not overly thrilled by this, as the Sharks have collapsed in the same fashion for three playoffs running now.

Guerin is almost definitely gone. Hannan and Rivet will both test free agency. Hannan's probably going to be offered 4 to 4.5 million by someone and the Sharks will likely let him walk for anything over 4 million. He's a great shutdown defensemen with almost no offensive skills of any kind. Rivet may be resigned, though he'll burn out again if he has to play as many minutes as he did in the playoffs. Mark Smith is also a UFA and probably won't be back.

Devin Setoguchi will be coming up from Juniors and probably pushing hard for a spot on the big club. He was almost on the team last year. I don't know of any other minor leaguers likely to move up.

Trade possibilities include Toskala being moved somewhere. Officially it's "one of the two goalies" but Nabokov redeemded himself last season and with his higher salary (5.25 per vs. 1.25) and NTC, that leaves Toskala as the likely one to be moved. A package including him to either Florida or Tampa Bay keeps cropping up for either VanRyn or Kuba. Marleau was actually mentioned by some fans to move after his disappearing act in this year's playoffs. That's unlikely unless the Sharks break the bank on Drury, who according to some Buffalo radio station, has a wife who wants to go west. Marleau and Thornton are also both UFA's next year, which is why some want Marleau to be moved now as well. He may also be moved to wing, since he doesn't play defense well or win faceoffs consistently. They'd love to move Bell as well, but a forward who gets paid $250,000 per goal isn't a hot commodity.

Otherwise, Doug Wilson is negotiating with Thornton on a long term extension.

Guessing lines at this point is impossible to make for myself. Michalek-Thornton-Cheechoo will be the first line, and Vlasic will continue to see top 2 minutes on defense. Frankly, he was one of the best 3 rookies last year, but in a year with Malkin, a 19 year old defensemen who plays like a 28 year old isn't going to get much notice.

[sachmo71]

Dave Gagne and Phil Housley played for the Leafs? Huh.

Dave Gagner and Stars 6th Round pick to Toronto for Benoit Hogue and Randy Wood.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dave Gagner and Stars 6th Round pick to Toronto for Benoit Hogue and Randy Wood.

Wow. How could I ever forget such a blockbuster...

Randy Wood. Heh!

[Maple Leafs]

You have blocked Dmitri Khristich from your memory, haven't you?
No, I remember him. There's plenty of guys who played for the Leafs briefly who I do remember -- Sergio Momesso, Mike Ridley, Derek King, even Calle Johansson.

Then you have the guys who you see mentioned somewhere as ex-Leafs and I just have no recollection at all. Sylvain Cote is another one.

[Maple Leafs]

Cote, Housley, Johannsen, Khristich, Ridley etc. It's like Toronto was a retirement home for mediocre former Caps.:eek:
It was payback for you guys taking Rob Pearson off our hands.

P.S. Don't forget Bob Rouse and Peter Zezel, acquired for Al Iafrate. Man, I loved all three of those guys.

[Draft Dodger]

no mention of Ken Klee? or is too soon?

[Honolulu_Blue]

It was payback for you guys taking Rob Pearson off our hands.

P.S. Don't forget Bob Rouse and Peter Zezel, acquired for Al Iafrate. Man, I loved all three of those guys.

How many games do you think Peter Zezel played in his career where his excellent ability to play the puck with his feet thanks to his soccer skills was not mentioned?

I would have to say less than 5%.

Bob Rouse was one of the legion of "tough" defensemen that the Wings brought in during their seemingly eternal (and still on-going) search for some toughness on the blueline. Other similar legends included Bob McGill, Terry Carkner, and Dennis Vial.

[Pumpy Tudors]

no mention of Ken Klee? or is too soon?
Please don't mention Ken Klee. I'd kinda like to forget those 10 minutes he spent with the Devils in 2006.

[Draft Dodger]

Please don't mention Ken Klee. I'd kinda like to forget those 10 minutes he spent with the Devils in 2006.

you know, Ken Klee was surprisingly good with the Avs this year. I was not expecting that at all.

we're not going to take Colin White, though, so don't even ask.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Glen Wesley is a charter member of the "Semi-Famnous Guys Who Played for the Leafs Who I Have No Recollection of At All" Club, along with Dave Gagner, Tom Barrasso and Phil Housley.

Jeff Brown is the president.
After reading this, I looked up the names of Devils players to see if anyone would fall into a similar category for me. Well, I found the president of the club: Jason Smith. The guy plays about 70+ games every year for Edmonton, but I don't remember him at all in New Jersey. He played in 130 games for the Devils, and I never would have known it.

I don't remember Steve Sullivan or Peter Zezel playing for the Devils either, but they spent a little time in New Jersey, too. Weird.

[Pumpy Tudors]

you know, Ken Klee was surprisingly good with the Avs this year. I was not expecting that at all.

we're not going to take Colin White, though, so don't even ask.
Ken Klee actually played this year? They still make Ken Klee?

And please take Colin White. Please. He'd save the team a fortune on a dental plan, considering that I think he's only got about three teeth left. C'mon, this can work. We'll trade him over there for Joe Sakic. Lou will work Sakic under the salary cap. Pleeeeease...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Y'know, it's almost disturbing to me how many of these short-stint players I actually do remember with their various teams.

Played way too much NHL 0X' on Sega Genesis I guess.

[Simms]

How many games do you think Peter Zezel played in his career where his excellent ability to play the puck with his feet thanks to his soccer skills was not mentioned?


It's a shame they never talked as glowingly about his appearance in Youngblood.

[Maple Leafs]

After reading this, I looked up the names of Devils players to see if anyone would fall into a similar category for me. Well, I found the president of the club: Jason Smith. The guy plays about 70+ games every year for Edmonton, but I don't remember him at all in New Jersey. He played in 130 games for the Devils, and I never would have known it.

I don't remember Steve Sullivan or Peter Zezel playing for the Devils either, but they spent a little time in New Jersey, too. Weird.
Sullivan and Jason Smith both started in New Jersey and were sent to Toronto in the Gilmour trade, along with Alyn McCauley. The Leafs did well in the trade, but blew it years later by trading Smith to the Oilers for two draft picks, letting Sullivan go on waivers, and trading McCauley in the Owen Nolan deal.

The Devils also got Dave Ellett in that trade, and later picked up ex-Leaf Dave Andreychuk. Andreychuk and Gilmour were actually linemates on three different teams, they played together in Buffalo as well. Gilmour and Andreychuk are actually great "we had him?" guys late in their careers -- for example, did you know Andreychuk played for the Bruins and Avalanche, and Gilmour was captain of the Blackhawks, played for Montreal and finished his career playing half a game for the Leafs?

Speaking of ex-Leafs, most of the Leafs defence corps from the 1993 playoff run went on to play for the Red Wings in the late 90s: Rouse, Macoun, Gill, and Mirinov. Only Ellett and Sylvain Lefvebre managed to avoid Detroit. The Wings also had ex-Leafs Larry Murphy and Wendel Clark, not to mention Clark's cousin Joey Kocur. Clark and Kocur are both from Kelvington, Saskatchewan which is also the home of former NHL tough guy Kelly Chase.

I wrote the last three paragraphs without having to look anything up. Should I kill myself?

[Maple Leafs]

Whoa, Larry "Whoop Whoop" Murphy, the guy who got an assist on the greatest goal in Caps history, was a Leaf as well?

It's starting to look like Toronto and Washington have been the charter members of the limited players vortex of suck.
We had Mike Gartner too.

But you guys got to experience John Kordic, so that evened out.

[bbor]

Don't forget about the greatest Leaf goalie ever...Mike palmateer...he played for the Caps also.

[boberot]

Wow. Phil Housley, Dave Andreychuk, Doug Gilmour [even Calle Johannson and Randy Wood] -- as a lifelong Sabres fan, it's a little stroll down memory lane.

Not to speak for a whole community of sports fans, but:

Danny Briere -- the feeling is that he's as good as gone already, and that nobody will beat their breast too vigorously about his departure.

Thomas Vanek -- a restricted free agent. It would be extremely hard to fathom that the Sabres wouldn't do everything possible to retain him.

Drury -- obviously beloved in Buffalo. There have been lots of whispers about him going to California [LA in particular] for personal / family reasons as much as anything else. In fact, Drury is unwinding from the season in Cali as I type.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of ex-Leafs, most of the Leafs defence corps from the 1993 playoff run went on to play for the Red Wings in the late 90s: Rouse*, Macoun*, Gill, and Mirinov*. Only Ellett and Sylvain Lefvebre managed to avoid Detroit. The Wings also had ex-Leafs Larry Murphy* and Wendel Clark, not to mention Clark's cousin Joey Kocur. Clark and Kocur are both from Kelvington, Saskatchewan which is also the home of former NHL tough guy Kelly Chase.

Players' names in bold indicate ex-Leaf defensemen who won a Stanley Cup with the Wings.

Larry Murphy works out at the gym I used to belong to. I saw him there a couple of times and thought it'd be funny to do the "Whoop Whoop" thing while he was running on the treadmill, but didn't. He was great during his time here in Detroit.

[bbor]

If you take Drury and Briere out of Buffalo what are you left with,,,,Connelly as a number 1?

Buffallo needs to resign at least 2 of those 3 guys or else they will be taking a major step backwards IMHO.

I can see the Flyers making a huge bid for Vanek and or Drury.

[DeToxRox]

I think Briere is going to Philly.

[boberot]

If you take Drury and Briere out of Buffalo what are you left with,,,,Connelly as a number 1?

Buffallo needs to resign at least 2 of those 3 guys or else they will be taking a major step backwards IMHO.

I can see the Flyers making a huge bid for Vanek and or Drury.

I feel ya -- I think Vanek will be back and I hope like hell Drury will.
But there's a lot more there than just Connolly beyond that.
Jason Pominville had 34 goals, Derek Roy had 21 [63pts], Maxim Afinogenov had 23 goals despite missing time with injury, hopefully Zubrus [24 goals] comes back and then there are the kids down on the farm:
Drew Stafford played 40+ games and looked good netting 13-14-27; and a few others that saw limited time with the big club but did not look out of place at all.

Still, there is frustration that Buffalo doesn't like to renegotiate during the season, so we're left with this mess.

[Johnny93g]

I'm Surprised the Ron Francis hasn't been brought up in this discussion yet

[DeToxRox]

More Wings for the hardly any recollection at all nomination..

Bill Ranford and Tim taylor

[Honolulu_Blue]

More Wings for the hardly any recollection at all nomination..

Bill Ranford and Tim taylor

I remember Ranford really well. He came over during that crazy deadline day in 1999 along with Chelios, Wendel Clark, and Ulf Samuelsson.

Osgood got hurt and Ranford filled in for him during the Colorado series. Ranford was simply stellar in the first two games. Really, really good. He let in one horrible goal in the third game and simply crumbled. He was awful after that. So bad that the Wings had to rush an injured Chris Osgood back into the net. It did not end well.

[Chief Rum]

Guessing lines at this point is impossible to make for myself. Michalek-Thornton-Cheechoo will be the first line, and Vlasic will continue to see top 2 minutes on defense. Frankly, he was one of the best 3 rookies last year, but in a year with Malkin, a 19 year old defensemen who plays like a 28 year old isn't going to get much notice.

No offense meant, as I think Vlasic could be a good one, but isn't this stretching things a bit? I can think of three rookies from the Pacific Division alone that had better years than Vlasic (Kopitar, Penner, Mike Smith). I'm not even sure he was the Sharks' best rookie.

[Chief Rum]

Heh...looking up players you forgot were a part of your team is fun. Some guys I forgot about from the Ducks of old (noting old is relative, since they have only been around 14 years)...

D J.J. Daigneault, D Kevin Haller, D Sean Hill, D Bill Houlder, the infamous former Leaf D Tom Kurvers, F Sergei Krivakrosov, F Sean Pronger, F Anatoli Semenov, G Mikhail Shtalenkov, G Ron Tugnutt, D Dave Karpa and F Jason York.

[bhlloy]

Some good memories there. Dave Karpa was crap but he was a good instigator who wasn't too scared to drop the gloves... one of my favorite players back in the day. Between Shtalenkov & Bryzgalov the Ducks must have had Russian backups with not enough vowels in their name for most of their existence. Bill Houlder was a great old school defenseman as well.

I don't remember Kurvers or Krivokrasov in a Ducks uniform at all though.

What really makes me nostalgic is looking at the old school fighters the Ducks managed to dress over the years. You could dress an entire team of crappy Ducks tough guys... Lambert, Sawyer, Cummins, Antoski, Rychel, Leboutillier, Jeremy Stevenson, Baumgartner, Ewen and Mike Brown. In fact I think the only guys the Ducks have ever had that weren't speedbags were Grimson, Fedoruk when he had a face left and Parros this year. Maybe Ewen wasn't too bad thinking about it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Heh...looking up players you forgot were a part of your team is fun. Some guys I forgot about from the Ducks of old (noting old is relative, since they have only been around 14 years)...

D J.J. Daigneault,

JJ Daigneault also spent some time in Pittsburgh. Isn't he right behind Mike Sillinger as far as teams played for, something like 8?

Pens had some lean years on D in the late 90's-- Daignealt, Viktor Ignatjiev, Jeff Serowik, Brad Werenka, Jiri Slegr, Bobby Dollas (twice, came back with Johan Hedberg in 2001). That is probably made Kevin Hatcher actually look good at that point.

[DeToxRox]

Whatever happened in Brian Bradley? God's gift to NHL 94.

[Maple Leafs]

Brian Bradley, oddly enough, was once traded straightup by the Canucks to the Leafs for Tom Kurvers.

It all comes back to Kurvers.

[DeToxRox]

Brian Bradley, oddly enough, was once traded straightup by the Canucks to the Leafs for Tom Kurvers.

It all comes back to Kurvers.

6 Degrees of Tom Kurvers

[Maple Leafs]

6 Degrees of Tom Kurvers
Speaking of six degrees, what very specific thing do the following players (among others) have in common: Eric Lindros, Mats Sundin, Ron Hextall, Mike Ridley, Wendel Clark, Mike Ricci, Peter Forsberg?

The answer is, sadly, not Kurvers related.

[Karim]

Speaking of six degrees, what very specific thing do the following players (among others) have in common: Eric Lindros, Mats Sundin, Ron Hextall, Mike Ridley, Wendel Clark, Mike Ricci, Peter Forsberg?

The answer is, sadly, not Kurvers related.

They all were part of the Nordiques organization?

[Maple Leafs]

They all were part of the Nordiques organization?
Nope. Ridley never played in Quebec, and of course Lindros was never under contract to them either.

[bhlloy]

All were involved in the Lindros trade, either directly or indirectly? I know Sundin and Forsberg were selected with the picks that the Nords got, and I'm sure Hextall, Clark & Ricci all went to Quebec as well. Did Ridley go the other way to Philly or was he picked by Philly with a pick they got from Quebec in the deal?

EDIT - this is clearly wrong because Sundin was drafted the year before the Lindros deal. Too many guys involved in the Lindros deal here to be just coincidence though surely?

[Maple Leafs]

All were involved in the Lindros trade, either directly or indirectly? I know Sundin and Forsberg were selected with the picks that the Nords got, and I'm sure Hextall, Clark & Ricci all went to Quebec as well. Did Ridley go the other way to Philly or was he picked by Philly with a pick they got from Quebec in the deal?
Nope... several of those players had nothing to do with the Lindros/Forsberg deal, including a few that you say you're sure of.

[bhlloy]

OK... so:

Lindros traded for Forsberg, Hextall, Ricci
Sundin traded for Clark & 1st round pick in the Lindros deal

Mike Ridley traded to Toronto for Rob Pearson & traded away for Sergio Momesso????

I'm guessing I'm completely on the wrong track with the trade angle, because I can't for the life of me connect Ridley to the other guys

EDIT - Actually I'm wrong again. The 1994 first rounder in the Lindros deal was included in the Pearson - Ridley trade. So they were all connected to the Lindros trade in some way - unless Maple Leafs is thinking of something else.

[sterlingice]

I didn't realize this was "The OFFICIAL Mid 90's NHL Offseason Thread" ;)

SI

[DeToxRox]

I demand answers, ML.

[Draft Dodger]

Speaking of six degrees, what very specific thing do the following players (among others) have in common: Eric Lindros, Mats Sundin, Ron Hextall, Mike Ridley, Wendel Clark, Mike Ricci, Peter Forsberg?

The answer is, sadly, not Kurvers related.

they were all offered huge contracts to play for the Leafs?

[Dr. Sak]

Speaking of six degrees, what very specific thing do the following players (among others) have in common: Eric Lindros, Mats Sundin, Ron Hextall, Mike Ridley, Wendel Clark, Mike Ricci, Peter Forsberg?

None of them have ever been in my kitchen.

[Maple Leafs]

Sorry, bhlloy basically got it but I missed his edit.

The answer is that all those guys were are some point in their careers traded for or with the 10th overall pick in the 1994 entry draft. The pick was used in each of the Lindros, Sundin and Ridley deals. The Caps eventually wound up with it and took Nolan Baumgartner.

(Other guys who could appear in the question include Garth Butcher, Steve Duschene, Sylvain Lefvebre and Chris Simon.)

[Maple Leafs]

Here's another good trivia question. It's reasonably easy to google so it's not a great online question, but keep it in your back pocket for the next time you're having a few beers with some hockey fans.

Name all the NHL players who, at some point in their careers, won an MVP award and also played with Paul Coffey. (Not necessarily in the same year.)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Here's another good trivia question. It's reasonably easy to google so it's not a great online question, but keep it in your back pocket for the next time you're having a few beers with some hockey fans.

Name all the NHL players who, at some point in their careers, won an MVP award and also played with Paul Coffey. (Not necessarily in the same year.)

Off the top of my head the obvious ones would be: Jagr, Lemieux, Gretzky, Messier, and Fedorov.

I sort of lost track of Paul Coffey after he left the Wings. He bounced around a lot after that.

[Johnny93g]

Off the top of my head the obvious ones would be: Jagr, Lemieux, Gretzky, Messier, and Fedorov.

I sort of lost track of Paul Coffey after he left the Wings. He bounced around a lot after that.

Lindros too, im pretty sure he and Coffey were on the Flyers at the same time

[Draft Dodger]

Joe Thornton as well

[Draft Dodger]

and Trottier

[bronconick]

No offense meant, as I think Vlasic could be a good one, but isn't this stretching things a bit? I can think of three rookies from the Pacific Division alone that had better years than Vlasic (Kopitar, Penner, Mike Smith). I'm not even sure he was the Sharks' best rookie.


Yeah, probably. I'm probably forced to do so when he was the only defensemen besides Hannan who actually knew how to play defense this season. They basically told him to not worry about offense and just not make mistakes on defense, and for the most part, that's exactly what he did.
2nd behind Hannan in icetime. Easily the Sharks best rookie, though.

1. Vlasic
2. Clowe
3. Pavelski
4. Carle (technically considered a rookie)

[Maple Leafs]

Joe Thornton as well
Wow, I've had this question for a few years and it never even occured to me that Thornton would also need to be added to the list. That makes for a total of eight (along with Gretzky, Lemieux, Lindros, Messier, Federov, Jagr and Trottier). Pretty amazing when you consider that during Coffey's prime the same few guys won the Hart every year.

[GMO]

Muckler, the 73-year old GM of the Senators should go, but he has one year left in his cobtract.

[Chief Rum]

Here's another good trivia question. It's reasonably easy to google so it's not a great online question, but keep it in your back pocket for the next time you're having a few beers with some hockey fans.

Name all the NHL players who, at some point in their careers, won an MVP award and also played with Paul Coffey. (Not necessarily in the same year.)

Would that be everyone who won the MVP from 1980-2005?

[Draft Dodger]

Would that be everyone who won the MVP from 1980-2005?

off the top of my head, Hull and Hasek were in there somewhere

[Draft Dodger]

no surprise here: Pierre Turgeon retired today. It's only the official move that went into effect midway through last season, when a "calf injury" put Turgeon on the shelf and saved him from being a healthy scratch the rest of the way.

http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_6117474

[Honolulu_Blue]

off the top of my head, Hull and Hasek were in there somewhere

Didn't Pronger win one too?

[Honolulu_Blue]

no surprise here: Pierre Turgeon retired today. It's only the official move that went into effect midway through last season, when a "calf injury" put Turgeon on the shelf and saved him from being a healthy scratch the rest of the way.

http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_6117474

Ah, The Tin Man. The League wont be the same without him. He turned that playoff run the Blues had in 00-01 into one hell of a deal. He really made a ton of money off those 15 games. He'd always been a productive player offensively, but the knock on him was that he was soft and had no heart (hence the Tin Man reference). He played lights' out hockey in 00-01, really stepping to the forefront for the Blues. He parlayed that into a huge contract from the Stars and never got anywhere near that form again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

TSN is reporting that Sundin re-signed with the Leafs. A 1 year, $5.5 million deal. That sounds about right.

[Draft Dodger]

yes it does.
Chelios is also reportedly close to re-signing with the Wings. Not sure if he's giving them an AARP discount or not

[Maple Leafs]

On the one hand, one year is a good deal, protects us a bit from his hip situation, and makes him a possible candidate to be this year's Ray Bourque candidate at the trade deadline.

On the other hand, I bet the league screws the Leafs by charging them for the cap value of his option instead of the extension.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/06/inaugural-japers-rink-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus
Ryan Smyth

[Maple Leafs]

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up
Toronto... they all take a hometown discount to sign there.

HAHA! Get it? Toronto fans always think every free agent is going to sign there! They're stupid!

</impression of every hockey forum on the web>

[bbor]

ML......Mats has a no trade in his agreement....i doubt he is going anywhere.....ever.

[bbor]

Dola...i think Kariya might be a good fit in Buffalo.

[Maple Leafs]

ML......Mats has a no trade in his agreement....i doubt he is going anywhere.....ever.
Bourque had one too, so did Forsberg, so have a lot of guys... if this is his last year and if somehow the Leafs aren't contending, you don't think he'd waive it?

[Draft Dodger]

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/06/inaugural-japers-rink-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus


how did you drop Ryan Smyth from the list?

[bbor]

Bourque had one too, so did Forsberg, so have a lot of guys... if this is his last year and if somehow the Leafs aren't contending, you don't think he'd waive it?

True he prolly would waive it if there was a $$$$ incentive......from the way this guy played the last half of the seaon i would say he is close to being done.5 mil for the name Sundin sounds good,but i don't think you will get 5 mil worth of productivity out of him any more.Which of course is perfect modus operendi for the Leafs :D

[Suburban Rhythm]

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/06/inaugural-japers-rink-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus

Just a guess:
Columbus is desperate for a #1 C...and after missing out on Briere and Gomez will sign Yashin.

Also, Philly will sign like 2-3 of those guys.

[Honolulu_Blue]

how did you drop Ryan Smyth from the list?

Cutting and pasting error, I reckon. Will revise.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Holland announced that Hasek will return next season. He hopes to have a contract done by the NHL draft.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Florida trades Chris Gratton to Tampa Bay (the team that drafted him) for a second round pick in this year or next year's draft, Florida's option. Gratton seemed to find some comfort level in his role in Florida. I always liked Gratton, but found his career a bit odd.

TSN is reporting that the Flames are going to hire Mike Keenan as their head coach. Wow. Just, uh, wow. The league is always a little more interesting with Iron Mike in it, but I can't see this being a good move for the Flames. Playfair, despite being hand-picked by Sutter, was not a great head coach, but Mike Keenan?

[bbor]

Florida trades Chris Gratton to Tampa Bay (the team that drafted him) for a second round pick in this year or next year's draft, Florida's option. Gratton seemed to find some comfort level in his role in Florida. I always liked Gratton, but found his career a bit odd.

TSN is reporting that the Flames are going to hire Mike Keenan as their head coach. Wow. Just, uh, wow. The league is always a little more interesting with Iron Mike in it, but I can't see this being a good move for the Flames. Playfair, despite being hand-picked by Sutter, was not a great head coach, but Mike Keenan?

Playfair was fired?

[Karim]

Keenan will be announced as coach tomorrow. Playfair is to be retained in some capacity, likely as an assistant coach. Nothing like hours of hockey talk on the radio in the middle of summer. Only in Canada...

I absolutely love this move. I've always been a Keenan fan as a coach. If you can't have a Sutter kicking the team's ass, Keenan would be a good second choice.

[bbor]

How long till Keenan is GM too?I see major fireworks here.2 guys butting heads at every corner is a real possibility.

[Chief Rum]

I think it's just BS after winning the Cup, but take it for what it's worth: the Orange County Register reported the other day that Scotty Niedermayer is considering retiring while he's on top. Selanne is sorta saying the same thing. The article suggests they will make their decisions before free agency hits.

Ducks also signed playoff hero Travis "Pisani" Moen and George "Pornstache" Parros to extensions today. Opposing soft players shuddered everywhere. :)

Oh yeah, and we re-upped Carlyle for one more year, meaning he has two years now on his contract. Apparently winning the Cup isn't enough in the NHL anymore to get a longterm deal as a head coach.

[Draft Dodger]

Holland announced that Hasek will return next season. He hopes to have a contract done by the NHL draft.

I'd love to poke fun at this, but the truth is that Hasek seems to behave in Detroit. I keep waiting for his patented season-ending pout, but it doesn't seem to happen with the Wings.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd love to poke fun at this, but the truth is that Hasek seems to behave in Detroit. I keep waiting for his patented season-ending pout, but it doesn't seem to happen with the Wings.

Because we're cool... :cool:

In all honesty, I'm fine with the move, but it's a huge gamble. Huge. It was a big gamble last year and paid off, but I fear trying to go to that well one time too many. Between his groin, his age, and his all around flakiness having back-to-back "problem" free seasons is just too much to ask.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Keenan will be announced as coach tomorrow...

I absolutely love this move.

Thousands of Oilers fans across the world agree with you. :D

[Travis]

Thousands of Oilers fans across the world agree with you. :D

QFT

[TurnerONU22]

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

[DeToxRox]

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

Sadly, what has Edmonton done save last season?

[Travis]

Sadly, what has Edmonton done save last season?

In fairness, the market that we're dealing with here has changed drastically in the last few years. Not just the implementation of the cap but also the recent rise of the Canadian dollar enabling the team to move from small market to really a no excuse area.

Given the market place that existed prior to the strike, being a relatively consistent 8th place finisher was pretty good bang for the buck.

Cup appearance was due to a lot of luck mixed in with the skill, but that same luck more than bit back last year with all the injuries. Only fair to really evaluate the team based on the performance put in over the next 2-3 seasons.

[DeToxRox]

In fairness, the market that we're dealing with here has changed drastically in the last few years. Not just the implementation of the cap but also the recent rise of the Canadian dollar enabling the team to move from small market to really a no excuse area.

Given the market place that existed prior to the strike, being a relatively consistent 8th place finisher was pretty good bang for the buck.

Cup appearance was due to a lot of luck mixed in with the skill, but that same luck more than bit back last year with all the injuries. Only fair to really evaluate the team based on the performance put in over the next 2-3 seasons.

While I agree, Edmonton has not kept their better players (in fairness, some unforseen circumstances) and their drafting of players has been suspect. I know he's only been Lowes assistant, but I find it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt at this time. We'll see though, as I'd like to see Columbus do well so Detroit plays 8 games more a year that mean something.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

Was he involved in the Pisani or Horcoff deals?

[Honolulu_Blue]

While I agree, Edmonton has not kept their better players (in fairness, some unforseen circumstances) and their drafting of players has been suspect. I know he's only been Lowes assistant, but I find it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt at this time. We'll see though, as I'd like to see Columbus do well so Detroit plays 8 games more a year that mean something.

I agree. The Oilers have drafted very poorly of late. They have a ton of first round picks in the next couple of years. Law of averages says they get at least one quality player, but given the assets they've traded for these picks, you'd really hope they can use these next two drafts to build a solid core/foundation for the future of the club.

One of Columbus, St. Louis, or Chicago have to get better at some point. As a Wings' fan, the league is always better when St. Louis and Chicago are good.

[DeToxRox]

With his fifth Norris win, can we start saying Nick Lidstrom is the best European player in NHL history? His resume is just absurd and I think its time he gets his due

[bhlloy]

Very disappointed that Sami Pahlsson didn't get the Selke. Obviously I haven't seen Brind'Amour all that much, but even he sounded real surprised to get it. I absolutely cannot believe there was a better defensive forward that Pahlsson this season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Very disappointed that Sami Pahlsson didn't get the Selke. Obviously I haven't seen Brind'Amour all that much, but even he sounded real surprised to get it. I absolutely cannot believe there was a better defensive forward that Pahlsson this season.


Agree both Pahlsson and Jay Pandolfo were more deserving than Rod. Not sure of the season ending numbers (maybe Pumpy can help us out?), but at one point in March or so, Pandolfo had 8 pim! That is ridiculous for a guy matching up against the opposition's top line every night.

Unfortunately, I think too many voters looked at offensive numbers too on this award.

[Draft Dodger]

With his fifth Norris win, can we start saying Nick Lidstrom is the best European player in NHL history? His resume is just absurd and I think its time he gets his due

give him his due how? by giving him a Norris trophy or something? oh wait.
I don't get the sense that Lidstrom is underappreciated at all.

[DeToxRox]

give him his due how? by giving him a Norris trophy or something? oh wait.
I don't get the sense that Lidstrom is underappreciated at all.

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

[MikeVic]

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

Hmm, I don't think I'm qualified to mention better defensemen... but 2nd best ever? He's good, but there has to be more than one person (I'm assuming you mean Orr) better than him?

[Fidatelo]

Hmm, I don't think I'm qualified to mention better defensemen... but 2nd best ever? He's good, but there has to be more than one person (I'm assuming you mean Orr) better than him?

Honestly I think he's a little overrated. I'd rather have Pronger than Lidstrom any day. I'd also put Bourque above Lidstrom in the all-time category for sure, and based on what I hear, Doug Harvey was no slouch back in his time either.

I'm also certain I'm missing some more guys.

[nilodor]

Playfair was fired?

Nope, he's been demoted to assisstant head coach, I actually think he was never hired as the head coach, just iterim head coach, with the knowledge that if he did well, he would get hired on full status.

On the Keenan signing, I'd be happy if this was pre lockout when his style dominated the NHL. I hope he is smart enough (and I think he is) to bring a more progressive style of hockey to Calgary.

[Johnny93g]

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

I dont think anyone looks past Lidstrom, he is the best defenseman in the game today, and has been for the last decade. Im sure most would agree with that. 2nd best ever though, that's absurd. No way.

Off the top of my head, i would take Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, Paul Coffey, Tim Horton, Ray Bourque.

I would put Lidstrom in the same category as Dennis Potvin, or Al MacInnis. Great player, but in the 2nd tier of all-time defensemen

[Draft Dodger]

just got a stupid Eklund alert that the Bruins have fired the coach that looks like Hitler

[duff88]

I have posted a two round mock draft on the site I talked about earlier in the thread that included my 2007 NHL Draft Top 100 as well as Cup's excellent NHL Draft guide. If you want to look at it:

NHL Mock Draft (http://membres.lycos.fr/nhldraft2007)

[Maple Leafs]

Very cool duff, nice work.

Is there any chance at all that Esposito somehow drops to the Leafs? If so do you think they take a shot with him?

[DeToxRox]

Very cool duff, nice work.

Is there any chance at all that Esposito somehow drops to the Leafs? If so do you think they take a shot with him?

Not that I am Duff but from all I have read it seems like its possible with the red flags going off around the kid. I kind of have him pegged as a more talented Robbie Schremp, not whether that means much, we'll see, but same type of deal, highly talened offensive player with awful attitude.

[Dr. Sak]

Any chance Chicago doesn't take Kane?

[duff88]

Any chance Chicago doesn't take Kane?

It looks like it's going to go down between Kyle Turris and Patrick Kane, with JVR having a small chance or maybe a trade possibility.

As for Esposito, hopefully he doesn't fall to the Leafs because I don't want to have the stress of seeing the Habs possibly picking him. I think we can pick two better players at 12 and 22, but in the end I obviously value Timmins' opinion more than mine. I think Esposito's attitude is overblown, his unimpressive development and questionable hockey sense are more worrying.

[Fidatelo]

Pronger isn't even on the same planet as Lidstrom. You've got a guy who plays every facet of defense well, has done so for 15+ years, and who doesn't take penalties. Just a great defenseman with very few equals. Maybe not 2nd best ever, but definitely the best of this era.

Any d-man that wins a hart trophy is at least "on the same planet" as Lidstrom. I think Pronger will pick up a couple more Norris trophies in the next 3-4 years and you'll see the awards come closer to evening out.

[bbor]

If Chicago does'nt take Kane there should be an inquest.He defiantly is the best player available IMHO.

[duff88]

Sergei Samsonov traded to Chicago for Jassen Cullimore (who will be bought-out by Montreal) and Tony Salmalainen.

:cool:

[Karim]

How long till Keenan is GM too?I see major fireworks here.2 guys butting heads at every corner is a real possibility.

Sutter is just as strong a personality as Keenan so there is zero chance of Mike pushing Darryl around. Plus, they had a good working relationship when Darryl was Mike's associate coach in Chicago. They both have a similar vision of how a team/hockey should be played so I think that's something Mike will appreciate. In his press conference, he explicitly stated that the main reason (if not the only) reason he accepted the job was because Darryl was the GM.

[Maple Leafs]

just got a stupid Eklund alert that the Bruins have fired the coach that looks like Hitler
If I was an NHL GM, I wouldn't hire Lewis just because of the moustache. I mean, think about it. If you had a moustache, how many people would have to point out that it made you look like Hitler before you shaved it? One? Maybe two? And yet here's a guy who everyone agrees has a Hitler moustache, and he's sticking with it. He must know what people say about it, but at some point he just said "No, I'm making a stand on this one, the moustache stays".

How could you trust his judgement on anything else? How?

[bbor]

Mukler gets fired?

What are they doing in Ottawa?

[Maple Leafs]

Mukler gets fired?

What are they doing in Ottawa?
The right thing, apparently.

Only took them three more years than it should have.

[bbor]

The right thing, apparently.

Only took them three more years than it should have.

Sounds like Murray is gonna be the GM......Wil he coach too?

Odd to fire Mukler after he brought them to a Stanley cup final...no?

[Chief Rum]

Sounds like Murray is gonna be the GM......Wil he coach too?

Odd to fire Mukler after he brought them to a Stanley cup final...no?

Hey, if this follows Mirray's past pattern, Ottawa should be perfectly happy. He moved from coach to GM in Anaheim, and the very next year we started our three conference finals in four seasons (and we all know what happened this year).

[Maple Leafs]

Odd to fire Mukler after he brought them to a Stanley cup final...no?
He didn't bring them anywhere. Other than Heatley, this team was built by others. Muckler sat around and refused to improve them, always missing out on every big name. The Sens were arguably one player away from at least giving the Ducks a real series. Gary Roberts could have been that guy, or Bill Guerin, or Tkachuk, or whoever. Instead they got Oleg Saprykin. Heck, Marty Havlat could have been that player if Muckler hadn't dealt him away for a #6 defenceman just to prove a point.

I'm willing to bet that we'll find out there was a power struggle between Murray and Muckler, and Melnyk chose Murray. Definitely the right call.

Hm... how would Pat Quinn look in Ottawa?

[bbor]

Hm... how would Pat Quinn look in Ottawa?

There would be riots in Toronto.

You think Murray won't coach anymore?

[Chief Rum]

There would be riots in Toronto.

You think Murray won't coach anymore?

I think it depends on if Murray got his fill here in Ottawa. He left Anaheim for the chance to coach again. Ironically, Burke came on and lowballed Babcock, who left for Detroit. So we would have had an opening at head coach anyway.

Not that I mind that we ended up with Carlyle. ;)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Agree both Pahlsson and Jay Pandolfo were more deserving than Rod. Not sure of the season ending numbers (maybe Pumpy can help us out?), but at one point in March or so, Pandolfo had 8 pim! That is ridiculous for a guy matching up against the opposition's top line every night.

Unfortunately, I think too many voters looked at offensive numbers too on this award.
Whoops, I was out of town all last week, so I didn't check the board. Jay Pandolfo virtually never takes penalties. It's really amazing that the guy gets matched up on one of his opponent's top players every night, and he does a hell of a job without going to the penalty box. In each of the past three seasons, he's played all 82 games. He's taken 38 penalty minutes... total. He'll only get you 20 or 25 points on the offensive side, but any points are a bonus. He still helps the Devils win games. I think John Madden may be learning something from him, too. Madden only took 14 PIM this year.

Oh, one last thing. As you said, Pandolfo was at 8 PIM at some point in March. He didn't take another penalty all season until Game 6 of the playoff series against Tampa. He took a penalty on February 14 against Montreal, and that was his last until April 22 at Tampa in the playoffs.

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers make a trade with Nashville

The Philadelphia Flyers have dipped into the free agent market a little early, thanks to the Nashville Predators.

Because of Nashville's uncertain ownership future and an expected tight budget in the coming year, sources tell TSN the Predators arranged with the Flyers to give them exclusive negotiating rights to two coveted free agents - defenceman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell.

Sources tell TSN the Flyers have now signed both Hartnell and Timonen to long-term contracts.

Hartnell, who was scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, signed with Flyers on a 6-year, $25.2 million deal for a cap hit of $4.2 million per year.

The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million.

In exchange for giving up the rights to the two free agents the Predators knew they would not be able to sign, Nashville received back its own first round pick that it gave to the Flyers as part of the Peter Forsberg trade.

[Draft Dodger]

that's a big trade, all right.

so, if I understand correctly, technically the Flyers aren't allowed to talk to Hartnell and Timonen until July 1st unless their rights are traded. Obviously, they had to have been having some talks with the pair, as the trade and signings are being annouced at the same time.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Flyers make a trade with Nashville

Huh. A very interesting deal. I can't say I've seen anything like it. A great deal for the Flyers. Hartnell and Timonen are good, young players. Hartnell should fit in well in Philadelphia. That said, both contracts seem a bit steeper than I would be comfortable. $4.2 million for Hartnell is about $1 million - $700K above where I would have been happy with and pretty much the same would go for Timonen's deal, I'd like to see it about $1 million below that.

It's interesting... I am in the middle of a Strat-O-Matic Hockey league and where I'm the coach/GM of Nashville and I just traded Hartnell and Timonen last week to Carolina for Erik Cole and Aaron Ward. It was destined to be.

[Honolulu_Blue]

For perspective, Pronger counts $6.25 million a year against the cap. While he's really one of the top bargains in the NHL (after Zetterberg perhaps), Timonen is not worth that kind of money.

[Draft Dodger]

For perspective, Pronger counts $6.25 million a year against the cap. While he's really one of the top bargains in the NHL (after Zetterberg perhaps), Timonen is not worth that kind of money.

but I don't think that there is much doubt that either guy would be getting paid this offseason. there's a lot of money to be had out there. I would have taken Hartnell in the $3 m range. Timonen I knew would be above 6 (and therefore too overpaid). somewhere, Tom Poti's agent is looking at new yachts.

here's my thing: you're Hartnell and Timonen. you've gotten a big offer from the Flyers. yay. In 2 more weeks, you are going to have offers from other teams. Maybe even get teams involved in a bidding war. It's not like no one else is going to have interest. I assume the Timonen on the Flyers is related to Kimmo, so maybe that's where he wants to go anyway...but geez, guys, why not just wait until July 1st and see what your options are. I would think the chance of you NOT getting at least what the Flyers offers to be slim.

[Pyser]

Hartnell, who was scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, signed with Flyers on a 6-year, $25.2 million deal for a cap hit of $4.2 million per year.

The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million.

holy expensive!

whats their cap situation? does this take them out of the running for one of the top 3 centers?

[Travis]

All depends on what the cap is raised to as well as to what they can still go out and do. That said, Philly just resigned Niittymaki, but don't they also still have Biron and Pitkanen to try and reup as well?

[Dr. Sak]

Before this deal they had 19 million to spend.

[Dr. Sak]

All depends on what the cap is raised to as well as to what they can still go out and do. That said, Philly just resigned Niittymaki, but don't they also still have Biron and Pitkanen to try and reup as well?

They already signed Biron but not Pitkanen.

[Draft Dodger]

if nhlnumbers is correct, this will put them around $42 million.

[Maple Leafs]

The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million.
We're only about seven or eight similar signings away from the Bryan McCabe deal seeming reasonable.

[Draft Dodger]

We're only about seven or eight similar signings away from the Bryan McCabe deal seeming reasonable.

with Scott Hannan and Sheldon Souray still on the board, even

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, based on the TSN article and this trade, it looks like Nasvhille is switching gears and is going into "cost saving" mode.

They don't have Forsberg or any of the assets (other than their first round pick this year) that they traded for him, Hartnell and Timonen are gone, Kariya is an UFA and after these moves it's likely he wont be back or Nashville wont be willing or able to match his offers, which means that Nashville takes a step back.

That makes an already weak division all the weaker. It could also mean that there will be just one more crap ass team Wings' fans get the pleasure of watching 8 times a year.

[Simms]

I saw one writer over the weekend refer to it as "scorched earth" ... a la the '98 Marlins or the Indians from Major League.

Certainly, saving money while the ownership question is in limbo is a part of it, but it seems that that it also has the (intentional) side benefit of diluting the product, dropping ticket sales, and therefore making it easier to get out of their lease with the city in a year or two.

[General Mike]

So, based on the TSN article and this trade, it looks like Nasvhille is switching gears and is going into "cost saving" mode.

They don't have Forsberg or any of the assets (other than their first round pick this year) that they traded for him, Hartnell and Timonen are gone, Kariya is an UFA and after these moves it's likely he wont be back or Nashville wont be willing or able to match his offers, which means that Nashville takes a step back.

That makes an already weak division all the weaker. It could also mean that there will be just one more crap ass team Wings' fans get the pleasure of watching 8 times a year.

It also means the Predators will be in Hamilton in 08-09.

[GMO]

Muckler, the 73-year old GM of the Senators should go, but he has one year left in his contract.

And he's gone.

[Maple Leafs]

There are strange rumors going around Ottawa today that Muckler is actually much older than 73. Not sure what to make of that.

Also, there's a strong rumor that one of the Sens star players (not Redden) has a serious cocaine habit. The word is that the local police have bent over backwards for the guy, but it's got to the point where the next time he steps out of line they may need to nail him. Roy Mlakar has been calling in favors for the guy, the story goes, but he may be out of chances.

[DeToxRox]

Geez, an NHL player with a coke habit?

Who woulda thunkit.

[RPI-Fan]

There are strange rumors going around Ottawa today that Muckler is actually much older than 73. Not sure what to make of that.

Also, there's a strong rumor that one of the Sens star players (not Redden) has a serious cocaine habit. The word is that the local police have bent over backwards for the guy, but it's got to the point where the next time he steps out of line they may need to nail him. Roy Mlakar has been calling in favors for the guy, the story goes, but he may be out of chances.

Heatley? Comrie? Vermette?

[chrisj]

Also, there's a strong rumor that one of the Sens star players (not Redden) has a serious cocaine habit. The word is that the local police have bent over backwards for the guy, but it's got to the point where the next time he steps out of line they may need to nail him.

There are a lot of players in the NHL with serious cocaine habits. :)

[bbor]

It's too bad that you have to dismantle a hockey team in order to relocate it.

[Fidatelo]

It's too bad that you have to dismantle a hockey team in order to relocate it.

Unless you're the Nordiques...

[Johnny93g]

Comrie? Vermette?

He said star players!!!:p

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just saw that Brett Hull is not coming back to NBC. He's going to take a more active front office role with the Dallas Stars.

Good and good.

[MikeVic]

Unless you're the Nordiques...

Yeah, and then you hand over an almost Stanley Cup team. :(

[Dr. Sak]

I just saw that Brett Hull is not coming back to NBC. He's going to take a more active front office role with the Dallas Stars.

Good and good.

That's the best news I've heard all day. Now we can go a broadcast without him trying to say his toe wasn't in the crease.

[Pyser]

wow. jiggy back to the ducks, 4 yr, 24 m.

i dont know why, but i never saw it coming.

[Honolulu_Blue]

wow. jiggy back to the ducks, 4 yr, 24 m.

i dont know why, but i never saw it coming.

A good deal for Jiggy and the Ducks. Given his performance over the last few years, in particular, in the playoffs, he earned that kind of money. I would have to imagine they'd want to trade Bryzgalov now/he'd want to be traded.

The Ducks are really in a good place right not capwise. They have a few cap friendly deals and the core of their team is a bunch of a younger guys, many who are still in their first, very cheap, contracts. It's scary to think about, but this team is likely only to get better.

[Travis]

A good deal for Jiggy and the Ducks. Given his performance over the last few years, in particular, in the playoffs, he earned that kind of money. I would have to imagine they'd want to trade Bryzgalov now/he'd want to be traded.

The Ducks are really in a good place right not capwise. They have a few cap friendly deals and the core of their team is a bunch of a younger guys, many who are still in their first, very cheap, contracts. It's scary to think about, but this team is likely only to get better.

Just wait until Ryan is suiting up for them next year, talk about a nice situation for him to be walking into.

[bhlloy]

Great news for the Ducks. He was making all the right noises about coming back, but you still never know.

The big news right now is that Scott Niedermayer has told Brian Burke that he is considering retiring. That would be a complete disaster for our chances of repeating.

[Maple Leafs]

The big news right now is that Scott Niedermayer has told Brian Burke that he is considering retiring. That would be a complete disaster for our chances of repeating.
Eklund reported several days ago that Niedermayer retiring was a done deal.

So, that's good news for Ducks fans, at least.

[st.cronin]

Question: Is there any reason for optimism in Boston? I'm pretty close to giving up.

[scooter]

Question: Is there any reason for optimism in Boston? I'm pretty close to giving up.

Only that you are not a Blackhawks fan. Ugh!

[TurnerONU22]

Just talked to my season ticket rep and she's getting us lower bowl seats for tonight, so I'll have a much closer view to the stage and floor and I will be able to take pictures. Anybody have any certain team/prospect they would like me to take pictures for when they come up (or any other type of pictures)?

[Travis]

Just talked to my season ticket rep and she's getting us lower bowl seats for tonight, so I'll have a much closer view to the stage and floor and I will be able to take pictures. Anybody have any certain team/prospect they would like me to take pictures for when they come up (or any other type of pictures)?

If the Oilers keep any of their picks, and shots would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Draft Dodger]

happy to see any Avalanche picks.

[Travis]

Any predictions on draft day deals? I'm still quite optimistic that the Oilers get something done for Pitkanen or Redden (preferably the former) and curious to see if the rumors about them making a deal to get Gomez's rights so they can try and sign him before he hits free agency come to pass. Now if they make a run at Richards, well, it'd be great so long as they cap number does in fact go up...

[Draft Dodger]

Question: Is there any reason for optimism in Boston? I'm pretty close to giving up.

there's always the Monkeys With Typewriters principle. Someday, they'll get it right by accident.

[bbor]

Toskula to the leafs for 3 draft picks.

Bye bye Razor.....

[Draft Dodger]

Toskula to the leafs for 3 draft picks.

Bye bye Razor.....

I assume you are kidding (half-kidding, because this is the Leafs). I wonder if a few goalies will find new homes this weekend. Toskala, Bryzgalov, Fernandez...all guys that are supposed to be on the trade market right now. With Giguere coming off the market - basically leaving Mathieu Garon as the big "get" on the FA market - it would seem to be time for all the other dominoes to start falling.

[bbor]

I assume you are kidding (half-kidding, because this is the Leafs). I wonder if a few goalies will find new homes this weekend. Toskala, Bryzgalov, Fernandez...all guys that are supposed to be on the trade market right now. With Giguere coming off the market - basically leaving Mathieu Garon as the big "get" on the FA market - it would seem to be time for all the other dominoes to start falling.


I'm not kidding DD.....it's gonna be announced soon.

[Maple Leafs]

Toskala and Bell for the Leafs first, second and fourth, according to TSN.

[Draft Dodger]

not sure I get that one.

[Maple Leafs]

Well, trading all those picks sure freed up my weekend.

[bbor]

Fergy trying to save his job....he won't be around when any 1st or 2nd rounder develops enough to help the team...he is managing for his contract.

[bbor]

Well, trading all those picks sure freed up my weekend.


Me too....wanna go golfing?:)

[Travis]

What are your thoughts ML? I've always liked Bell's play on the ice. Never seen enough of Toskala to get a good feel for where he's at/what he could become.

[Maple Leafs]

Not really sure how I feel about this one. I don't know much about Toskala, although I liek what I hear. It will be interesting to see what they do with Raycroft now.

Bell took a big step back last year in San Jose and is rumored to have off-ice issues, so Toronto may not be a great spot for him. He's not exactly a kid any more so it's unlikely he takes a big step forward any time soon.

[Draft Dodger]

Bell took a big step back last year in San Jose and is rumored to have off-ice issues, so Toronto may not be a great spot for him. He's not exactly a kid any more so it's unlikely he takes a big step forward any time soon.

plus, he makes $2 million a year. eek.

[Maple Leafs]

plus, he makes $2 million a year. eek.
Yeah. It's quite possible that he was included in the deal as a benefit to the Sharks, not the Leafs.

[Travis]

Well, if it helps at all, the blog I'm watching today (Spector) pretty much figures the Leafs made out quite well in this one both for how much they gave up and the flexibility this gives them between the pipes, never mind the chance for the 26 year old Bell to get back to his norm after a bad year in SJ.

[bbor]

I still don't see a winger for Sundin.

[Draft Dodger]

Yeah. It's quite possible that he was included in the deal as a benefit to the Sharks, not the Leafs.

that's how I see it. San Jose made out very well here. By trading their backup goalie, they get 3 picks and shave $2 million in dead weight.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not really sure how I feel about this one. I don't know much about Toskala, although I liek what I hear. It will be interesting to see what they do with Raycroft now.

Bell took a big step back last year in San Jose and is rumored to have off-ice issues, so Toronto may not be a great spot for him. He's not exactly a kid any more so it's unlikely he takes a big step forward any time soon.

I agree. If Bell hasn't figured things out, Toronto could be a nightmare location for him. I don't even recall him playing in the Detroit/San Jose series. I know he was scratched a game or two, but even when dressed he made absolutely no impact.

Both he and Calder seemed like really good, young semi-power forwards. Ever since leaving the Blackhawks, however, both have really struggled. Sort of odd.

[bbor]

Sounds like the Leafs are shopping a d-man around to recoup a few picks.....

[Pyser]

recchi and roberts re-sign with pitt.

[Draft Dodger]

http://cdn.nhl.com/capitals/images/upload/2007/06/062207_newSweaterCover.jpg

[bbor]

http://cdn.nhl.com/capitals/images/upload/2007/06/062207_newSweaterCover.jpg

They forgot the R.:D

[Draft Dodger]

white ones here.
http://www.onfrozenblog.com/

[Maple Leafs]

Apparently the first round pick from the Toskala deal can be either this year's pick or the 2008 pick, at San Jose's option. They can make their decision any time before the 13th pick tonight, so they can basically wait and see if a guy they want is there. However, if they choose to pass on this year's pick, next year's pick is top ten protected for the Leafs.

[Vince]

So what happens if the Sharks decide to wait until next year and it's a top ten pick? They get the following year's first unprotected?

[Draft Dodger]

Colorado re-signs Tyler Arnason. I didn't expect that one at all. I figured he was gone for sure.

[Maple Leafs]

So what happens if the Sharks decide to wait until next year and it's a top ten pick? They get the following year's first unprotected?
Sounds like it.

Which if fine with Ferguson, because it the Leafs are that bad two full years from now he'll not only have been fired, but probably also killed and eaten.

[Maple Leafs]

I e-mailed a buddy who's a Sharks fan. Here's his take on Toskala:

I predict he'll be the starter by Christmas. He was on par with Nabokov, and way cheaper. Super cool cucumber for a young guy -- nothing affects him. He looked way better than Kiprusoff ever did as a backup to Nabby.

I predict Bell with be in jail by Christmas.

[Vince]

Sounds about right. I've always liked Toskala, but having both him and Nabby just wasn't intelligent (at least in my mind). I look at players on the team with an economics bent, I guess. The opportunity cost of keeping Toskala on the bench instead of trading him away for value was way too high.

Bell was useless, though I (like others) had high hopes for him.

It seems like this might be one of those 'everybody wins' trades. I guess it'll hinge upon whether or not Toronto can sign Toskala long term.

[Pyser]

I predict he'll be the starter by Christmas. He was on par with Nabokov, and way cheaper. Super cool cucumber for a young guy -- nothing affects him. He looked way better than Kiprusoff ever did as a backup to Nabby.

hes 30...not too young, but not that old i guess, either...

[Draft Dodger]

Colorado re-signs Tyler Arnason. I didn't expect that one at all. I figured he was gone for sure.

to expand on this, the two big acquisitions most people think the Avs are in the running for are Peter Forsberg and Ryan Smyth. With Arnason coming back, all 4 centers are returning (Sakic, Stastny, Arnason and the surprising Ben Guite). To my mind, that seems to put the kibosh on Forsberg (or Drury, but I don't think that's ever been a viable option) and moves us more towards Smyth. who knows if I'm right, of course.

[bbor]

hes 30...not too young, but not that old i guess, either...


30 is the new 20 in Toronto....players get old very fast here.

[Maple Leafs]

Well, all joking aside, 30 is relatively young for a goalie. Cliff Fletcher always had a two-year rule for goalies -- they take two more years of development to get to the NHL, they hit their prime two years later than other players, and they get an extra two years of productivity at the end. Basically everything shifts out by two years. And in most cases, that holds true. It's why there are so many more great young skaters than great young goalies, and so many goalies are effective at 38+ when most skaters are done.

[Suburban Rhythm]

recchi and roberts re-sign with pitt.

Roberts 1 year at $2.5M. Which is a little shocking...not the dollar amount, but his agent kept saying he wanted a two year deal. He signs a 1 year deal before free agency even begins, without talking to Ottawa and Toronto.

Recchi 1 year at $2M. Which is probably a little high. It's actually $1M base salary, plus incentives, but the total amount counts against the cap which is fine, as the Pens have room now.

Even at 40, Roberts was one of the Pens best forwards in the opening round loss to Ottawa.

Recchi, ideally, would be on the third line now. OK on the 2nd line in a pinch, but teams with him on the 2nd line aren't Cup contenders.

Still no wing to play with Crosby or Malkin--although Roberts will play with one. Potentially, Malkin plays on Crosby's wing and Jordan Staal centers the 2nd line with Roberts.

And, truly, scoring goals wasn't really a problem for them. Preventing them was. Use the cash in UFA for at least 1 D, preferably 2.

ETA-- Jordan Staal still has somewhere to sleep now too. Staal lived with Recchi last season (same as Sid with Mario and Malkin with Gonchar).

[bbor]

Aucoin to Calgary for Zyuzin.....i like this deal for Calgary.....nice pp point men with Phanuf and Aucoin,and with Iginla standing in front of the goalie....very nice.

[Travis]

Vokoun to the Panthers for a first and two seconds.

[Pyser]

this is better than the trade deadline!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Vokoun to the Panthers for a first and two seconds.

Huh. This could mean that the Wings will clench the Central Division by December 17.

[Travis]

According to the local radio station, the Oilers don't like the price tag involved to move from #6 into the top 2, but are still heavily in play for Pitkanen and/or the rights to Gomez.

[Draft Dodger]

Roberts 1 year at $2.5M. Which is a little shocking...not the dollar amount, but his agent kept saying he wanted a two year deal. He signs a 1 year deal before free agency even begins, without talking to Ottawa and Toronto.


yeah, I really don't get why these guys don't just wait and see what happens.

[Travis]

Huh, now the reporting is that Phoenix has acquired the first pick and that Chicago will still get Kane at #3.

[bronconick]

Sounds like it.

Which if fine with Ferguson, because it the Leafs are that bad two full years from now he'll not only have been fired, but probably also killed and eaten.

If he wouldn't be by finishing that badly, he would be if the Leafs somehow got the #1 in 2009 and got to watch San Jose draft that "next" phenom Tavares from Ontario.

Of course, at that point, Toronto becomes the NHL's version of the Red Sox and a curse appears.

[JonInMiddleGA]

In less earth-shaking trade news
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=txthrashersthorburn&prov=st&type=lgns
PITTSBURGH (TICKER) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired an extra pick in this weekend's draft Friday, acquiring a third-round selection from the Atlanta Thrashers for center Chris Thorburn.

The deal gives the Penguins two picks (78th and 80th overall) in the third round, which will take place Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The festivities begin Friday with the first-round selections.

A second-round pick of Buffalo in 2001, Thorburn appeared in 39 games with Pittsburgh this past season, recording three goals and two assists. The 24-year-old made his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2005-06, notching an assist in two contests.

[Suburban Rhythm]

In less earth-shaking trade news
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=txthrashersthorburn&prov=st&type=lgns
PITTSBURGH (TICKER) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired an extra pick in this weekend's draft Friday, acquiring a third-round selection from the Atlanta Thrashers for center Chris Thorburn.

The deal gives the Penguins two picks (78th and 80th overall) in the third round, which will take place Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The festivities begin Friday with the first-round selections.

A second-round pick of Buffalo in 2001, Thorburn appeared in 39 games with Pittsburgh this past season, recording three goals and two assists. The 24-year-old made his NHL debut with the Sabres in 2005-06, notching an assist in two contests.

Heard this on the radio just earlier.

He'll crash and bang for the Thrashers. You can probably do worse than him as a 4th line C.

He actually fills the 4th line center role better than the guy who will probably end up playing there, Erik Christensen. But Christensen is money in the shootout.

But, seems like a steep price for a guy who the Pens grab off waivers last season.

[Joe Canadian]

Any thoughts on the Preds owner pulling the team off the market?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins end up getting Angelo Esposito at #20. This time last year, most considered him the top talent in the draft. Anyone ranked that high obviously has talent.

And we didn't even need to tank this season like we did for Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury...

[Chief Rum]

Wake me up when we get to the third round.

The Pronger deal makes this draft very boring for me as a Ducks fan. Not that I mind. ;)

[bhlloy]

Uhh.. you know we traded the 16th for the 19th and the 42nd right CR? So we actually end up with a pick in every round.

Shame we missed out on Gillies, I think he's going to be a very useful power forward. We also missed out on Ian Cole who is really good on EHM :)

MacMillan has pretty good pedigree though, that's an OK pick as well IMO. And we won the cup without O'Brien, although I still think he's way better than Huskins.

[sterlingice]

Only that you are not a Blackhawks fan. Ugh!

:(

SI

[Chief Rum]

Uhh.. you know we traded the 16th for the 19th and the 42nd right CR? So we actually end up with a pick in every round.

Shame we missed out on Gillies, I think he's going to be a very useful power forward. We also missed out on Ian Cole who is really good on EHM :)

MacMillan has pretty good pedigree though, that's an OK pick as well IMO. And we won the cup without O'Brien, although I still think he's way better than Huskins.

Actually, I had forgotten about the O'Brien deal, and I never even knew about dealing the pick for more picks. I'll have to check out the guys we got.

[Maple Leafs]

Penguins end up getting Angelo Esposito at #20. This time last year, most considered him the top talent in the draft. Anyone ranked that high obviously has talent.
Holy crap do I ever hate the Penguins.

[Maple Leafs]

Hmm... this may be a bad omen.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2007/06/23/4284597-sun.html

Scroll down the part where it says Toskala likes rock music and Will Ferrell. Then read the next two lines.

[Chief Rum]

Hmm... this may be a bad omen.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2007/06/23/4284597-sun.html

Scroll down the part where it says Toskala likes rock music and Will Ferrell. Then read the next two lines.

That's pretty funny. They forgot to put some sort of separator there.

[RPI-Fan]

Hmm... this may be a bad omen.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2007/06/23/4284597-sun.html

Scroll down the part where it says Toskala likes rock music and Will Ferrell. Then read the next two lines.

If only he included "cell phones" in his dislikes, he'd become an FOFC member emeritus.

[bbor]

Interesting little tid-bit.....Rep hockey here in Toronto is played in what is called the GTHL(greater Toronto hockey league)7 draft picks in the 1st 3 rounds all played thier minor hockey there...on the same team!

That is pretty amazing.

[bbor]

These are the guys in case you are interested.

Sam Gagner
John Travares
Bryan Cameron
Akim Aliu
Brendan Smith
Justin Vaive
Wilson Ngai

Pretty sure Justin Vaive is former Leaf captain and 50 goal scorer Rick Vaives' kid.

[Travis]

Early opinion on the Oilers draft.

The guys we took at 15 and 21 (after using our second rounder to trade up) could have been had at 30 and in the second round had we not traded up.

Which means we could have kept our current draft class and added Esposito at 15 (or Petrecki if they wanted another defenseman).

Way to go Lowe, two big reaches including an unnecessary trade up while avoiding a good value pick on a kid with top 5 talent.

[Maple Leafs]

The Edmonthon Sun was saying that Lowe could have had Gagner, Esposito and Backlund. I guess will time will tell if he made the right calls.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Holy crap do I ever hate the Penguins.

ML you probably get much better coverage than I do here...

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. What 17-18 year old kid doesn't have that (except, you know, Sid...and Staal ;) )

Also, I think it will he'll never have to the THE man here.

And, it's just good drafting by Ray Shero. If everyone pans out as expected, no way both Crosby and Malkin can be kept long term. But you can do worse than shifting one of Staal or Espo back to C.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Well, I have never heard of Brendan Smith before Friday, but time will tell whether the Wings picked the right guy.

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 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.

Back to the first round choice. I took a look at TSN's "draft tracker" for the first round.

Here's what they say about Brendan Smith:

The St. Michael's Buzzer defenceman will get discounted a little because of the level of competition in the Ontario Provincial Jr. A League, but there are few defenceman at any level that can skate the puck up the ice like Brendan Smith. He has a tendency to try to do too much with the puck but scouts like the raw potential.

Here's what they say about Nick Petrecki, the very next player taken after Smith by San Jose (also a defensemen):

Scouts agree on so little in general, but this is pretty much unanimous: Nick Petrecki is the most physical defenceman available in the draft. If there were an award for best bodychecker and most aggressive play, Petrecki would likely win it.

That will make a great many Wings' fans cry out in anguish and curse Holland all the more...